Device and method for sealing pouch-like battery case

Abstract

Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for sealing a pouch-shaped battery case, and more particularly, an apparatus and a method for sealing a pouch-shaped battery case including a first case and a second case in which an electrode assembly is housed, the apparatus including a non-contact heating member positioned above or below a sealing portion, the first housing and the second housing overlap each other at the sealing portion, and the non-contact heating member is configured to heat the sealing portion to a predetermined temperature such that the sealing portion can be heat-fused.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 2023-0085018, filed on June 30, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 2024-0050041, filed on April 15, 2024, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for sealing a pouch-shaped battery case. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for sealing a pouch-shaped battery case, the apparatus including a support mold and a non-contact heating member configured to heat a sealing portion of the pouch-shaped battery case. Background Art

[0003] As measures against environmental pollution become urgent, the industry is increasingly interested in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, as an alternative to fossil fuels, extensive research is being conducted on lithium secondary batteries, which are an environmentally friendly energy source.

[0004] Based on the type of external material, lithium secondary batteries are classified into pouch-shaped secondary batteries made of laminated sheets, cylindrical secondary batteries made of metal materials, and prismatic secondary batteries made of metal materials. Pouch-shaped secondary batteries have the advantages of being easily deformable, easy to manufacture, and having reduced manufacturing costs.

[0005] A pouch-shaped secondary battery has an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and the electrode assembly is accommodated in a pouch-shaped battery case made of a laminated sheet. A positive electrode tab constituting the positive electrode and a negative electrode tab constituting the negative electrode are respectively connected to a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead, and the positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead extend to be exposed outside the pouch-shaped battery case.

[0006] Meanwhile, the pouch-shaped battery case includes a first case and a second case configured to accommodate the electrode assembly, wherein each of the first case and the second case has a laminated structure including an outer resin layer configured to protect the electrode assembly from external influences, a metal layer configured to block air and moisture, and an inner resin layer configured to be heat-fused for sealing.

[0007] The first case and the second case are arranged such that the inner resin layers face each other, the positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead extend through the outer peripheries of the first case and the second case, and the outer peripheries are heat-fused to form a sealing portion.

[0008] To increase the sealing force between the positive electrode lead and the pouch-shaped battery case and between the negative electrode lead and the pouch-shaped battery case, a lead film may be attached to the upper and lower surfaces of each of the positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead.

[0009] Figure 1is a front view showing a conventional process of sealing a bag-shaped battery case.

[0010] Reference Figure 1 , the bag-shaped battery cell has an electrode assembly 20 accommodated in a battery case 10, where the battery case 10 includes a first case 11 configured to accommodate the electrode assembly 20 and a second case 12 disposed on the upper surface of the first case 11 to be heat-sealed to the first case 11.

[0011] In this case, each of the first case 11 and the second case 12 is made of a laminated sheet including an outer resin layer configured to protect the electrode assembly 20 from external influences, a metal layer configured to block air and moisture, and an inner resin layer configured to be heat-sealed for sealing.

[0012] A positive lead 21 connected to the positive tab of the electrode assembly 20 extends through the outer periphery of the battery case 10 so as to protrude outward in a state where a lead film 23 is attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the positive lead.

[0013] To form a sealed portion of the battery case 10, the outer periphery of the battery case 10 is disposed between a pair of sealing tools 30 including a first sealing tool 31 and a second sealing tool 32. Subsequently, when the outer periphery of the battery case 10 is pressed by the first sealing tool 31 and the second sealing tool 32 heated to a predetermined temperature, the inner resin layers of the first case 11 and the second case 12 melt and are heat-sealed to each other to form a sealed portion.

[0014] At this time, in order to prevent a decrease in the sealing force of the outer periphery of the battery case 10 due to the thickness difference between the positive lead 21 and the lead film 23, a first recessed portion 31a may be formed in the first sealing tool 31, and a second recessed portion 32a may be formed in the second sealing tool 32 to correspond to the thickness of the positive lead 21 and the lead film 23.

[0015] However, if the steps of the first recessed portion 31a and the steps of the second recessed portion 32a do not accurately match the thickness of the positive lead 21 and the lead film 23, the first case 11 and the second case 12 may not be in close contact with each other, whereby a gap may be formed therebetween, and the electrolyte may leak through the gap.

[0016] In addition, if foreign matter adheres to the sealing tool 30, the battery case may be damaged by the foreign matter during the pressing process, and a sealing temperature deviation may occur at the portion of the pressing surface of the sealing tool 30 where the foreign matter adheres.

[0017] In order to prevent the problems caused when using a contact sealing tool configured to directly press the battery case as described above, Patent Document 1 discloses a process of forming a sealed portion by irradiating infrared light onto a portion to be sealed, which is the outer peripheral surface of the electrode assembly accommodating portion.

[0018] Patent Document 1 can heat the portion to be sealed in a non-contact manner to prevent sealing defects caused by the thickness difference between the step of the sealing tool and the electrode lead, but the area to be heated is not easily adjustable, and thus heat may be applied to areas other than the portion to be sealed.

[0019] (Prior Art Documents)

[0020] (Patent Document 1) Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1216423 Summary of the Invention

[0021] Technical Problem

[0022] In view of the above problems, the present invention has been made, and an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for sealing a bag-shaped battery case, which can seal the sealed portion of the bag-shaped battery case in a non-contact state by selectively heating the sealed portion.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for sealing a bag-shaped battery case, which can easily adjust the heating position and heating area to correspond to the width change of the sealed portion of the bag-shaped battery case.

[0024] Technical Solution

[0025] An apparatus for sealing a bag-shaped battery case for achieving the above object according to the present invention is an apparatus for sealing a battery case (10) including a first case (11) and a second case (12) that accommodate an electrode assembly (20) therein, the apparatus including a non-contact heating member (200) located above or below a sealed portion (S), the first case (11) and the second case (12) overlapping each other at the sealed portion (S), the non-contact heating member being configured to heat the sealed portion (S) to a predetermined temperature such that the sealed portion (S) can be heat-sealed.

[0026] The heating member (200) may include a heater (210) having a predetermined length and a cover (220) configured to cover the heater (210). The cover (220) may include a first cover (221) and a second cover (222). The first cover (221) is configured to cover the side surface of the heater (210) in the length direction, the side surface of the heater in the width direction, and the side surface of the heater in a direction opposite to the direction in which the sealing portion (S) is provided. The second cover (222) extends downward from the side surface of the first cover (221) in the length direction by a predetermined length.

[0027] The heating member (200) may be located above and below the sealing portion (S).

[0028] The second cover (222) may be made of a material that is deformable inwardly or outwardly.

[0029] Each of the first cover (221) and the second cover (222) may be made of a material selected from vitreous insulating materials, mineral insulating materials, metal insulating materials, and carbonaceous insulating materials.

[0030] Each of the first cover (221) and the second cover (222) may be provided with a heat-reflective coating on its inner surface.

[0031] The first cover (221) and the second cover (222) may be connected to each other via a rotating member (223).

[0032] The rotating member may be a hinge shaft.

[0033] The second cover (222) may be separated from the first cover (221) and may move in the width direction of the first cover (221).

[0034] At the edge of the first cover (221) in the length direction, a first flange (221a) extending in the width direction of the first cover (221) may be provided.

[0035] At the upper edge of the second cover (222) in the length direction, a second flange (222a) extending in the width direction of the first cover (221) may be provided.

[0036] The device may further include a temperature sensor (300) configured to measure the temperature of the sealing portion (S), wherein the temperature sensor (300) may be located inside the cover (220) and is arranged to face the sealing portion (S).

[0037] The method for sealing a bag-shaped battery case according to the present invention is a method for sealing a battery case (10) including a first case (11) and a second case (12) that accommodate an electrode assembly (20) therein. The method includes a first step of determining the position of a sealing portion (S) where the first case (11) and the second case (12) overlap each other, a second step of adjusting the output of a non-contact heating member (200) so that heat can reach at least one of a first surface and a second surface of the sealing portion (S), and a third step of measuring whether the temperature of the sealing portion (S) has reached a set temperature.

[0038] The method may further include determining the set temperature of the third step before the first step.

[0039] The second step may include adjusting the output of the non-contact heating member (200) so that the heat can reach the first surface and the second surface of the sealing portion (S).

[0040] The second step may further include adjusting the area of the first surface or the second surface of the sealing portion where the heat reaches.

[0041] The temperature measured in the third step may be the temperature of the first surface or the second surface of the sealing portion directly reached by the heat of the heating member.

[0042] In addition, the present invention may provide various combinations of the above technical features.

[0043] Advantageous Effects

[0044] It is obvious from the above description that in the apparatus and method for sealing a bag-shaped battery case according to the present invention, the sealing portion of the bag-shaped battery case is heated in a non-contact state, and at the same time, the heat is concentrated and transferred to a predetermined area. Thus, product defects that may be caused by poor sealing of the sealing portion or sealing of portions other than the sealing portion can be minimized.

[0045] In addition, in the apparatus and method for sealing a bag-shaped battery case according to the present invention, the cover constituting the heating member can be deformed. Thus, various battery cases with different positions and areas of the sealing portion can be used. Description of the Drawings

[0046] Figure 1 is a front view showing a conventional process of sealing a bag-shaped battery case.

[0047] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an apparatus for sealing a bag-shaped battery case according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 3 is showingFigure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a part.

[0049] Figure 4 Is a perspective view of a device for a sealed bag-shaped battery case according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 5 Is to show Figure 4 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a part.

[0051] Figure 6 Is a perspective view (a) and a front view (b) of a device for a sealed bag-shaped battery case according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 7 Is a perspective view of a device for a sealed bag-shaped battery case according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 8 Is to show Figure 7 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a part. Detailed description of the specific embodiments

[0054] Now, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement the preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, when describing the operating principles of the preferred embodiments of the present invention in detail, the detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when it may obscure the subject matter of the present invention.

[0055] The same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to components that perform similar functions or operations. In the case where a component is referred to as being connected to another component throughout the specification, not only can one component be directly connected to another component, but one component can also be indirectly connected to another component via other components. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, including a certain element does not mean excluding other elements, but means that such elements can be further included.

[0056] Unless otherwise restricted, the description of an element by limitation or addition can be applied to all inventions and does not limit a specific invention.

[0057] In the description of the present invention and the claims of this application, unless otherwise stated, the singular form is intended to include the plural form.

[0058] In the description of the present invention and the claims of this application, "or" includes "and" unless otherwise stated. Therefore, "including A or B" means three cases, namely, the case of including A, the case of including B, and the case of including both A and B.

[0059] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] Figure 2 A perspective view of an apparatus for sealing a bag-shaped battery case according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 shows Figure 2 an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of

[0061] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the apparatus for sealing a bag-shaped battery case according to the first embodiment includes a support mold 100, a heating member 200, and a temperature sensor 300.

[0062] First, the support mold 100 is configured to support a battery cell having an electrode assembly 20 accommodated in a battery case 10 including a first case 11 and a second case 12, where the electrode assembly 20 is a bi-directional electrode assembly having a positive electrode lead 21 and a negative electrode lead 22 protruding in opposite directions. Alternatively, the electrode assembly 20 may be a uni-directional electrode assembly having a positive electrode lead 21 and a negative electrode lead 22 protruding in the same direction.

[0063] The bag-shaped battery case 10 is made of a laminated sheet including an outer resin layer configured to protect the battery cell from external influences, a metal layer configured to block air and moisture, and an inner resin layer configured to be heat-sealed for sealing.

[0064] Here, the outer resin layer is required to have a high tensile strength-to-thickness ratio and weather resistance, and the outer resin layer may include at least one selected from, for example, oriented nylon, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). The metal layer may be made of various metal materials that can be used to prevent air, moisture, etc. from being introduced into the battery, preferably aluminum or an aluminum alloy. In addition, in a state where the electrode assembly is accommodated, the inner resin layer is heat-sealed by the applied heat and pressure to provide a seal, and preferably includes at least one selected from polyolefin-based resins and cast polypropylene (CPP).

[0065] A lead film 23 is located on the upper surface, lower surface, and side surface of each of the positive electrode lead 21 and the negative electrode lead 22, and the positive electrode lead 21 and the negative electrode lead 22 each attached with a lead film 23 are disposed between the first case 11 and the second case 12. A sealing portion S is formed on at least a part of the outer periphery where the first case 11 and the second case 12 overlap each other, and the battery case 10 having the sealing portion S where the first case 11 and the second case 12 overlap each other is placed on the support mold 100.

[0066] The heating member 200 is located above or below the sealing portion S to heat the sealing portion S to a predetermined temperature, whereby the inner resin layers of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are melted and heat-sealed. Here, the heating member 200 is preferably a non-contact heating member 200 that does not directly contact the sealing portion S.

[0067] As shown in the figure, the heating member 200 can be located above and below the sealing portion S, but this is only an example. The heating member 200 can be located above or below the sealing portion S to transfer heat to the top or bottom of the sealing portion S, thereby sealing the sealing portion S.

[0068] More specifically, the heating member 200 includes a heater 210 having a predetermined length and a cover 220 configured to cover the heater 210.

[0069] Here, the heater 210 can be a strip-shaped infrared heater that heats the metal barrier layer, and the heat conducted from the metal barrier layer melts the inner resin layer to form a heat-sealed sealing portion. Of course, the heater is not limited to an infrared heater, and a halogen lamp can also be used.

[0070] The cover 220 can include a first cover 221 and a pair of second covers 222. The first cover 221 is configured to cover the side surface of the heater 210 in the length direction (z), the side surface of the heater in the width direction (x), and the side surface of the heater in the direction opposite to the direction in which the sealing portion S is provided. The second cover 222 extends downward (y) a predetermined length from the side surface of the first cover 221 in the length direction (z).

[0071] Here, the side surface of the heater in the direction opposite to the direction in which the sealing portion S is provided can be the upper surface when the heating member 200 is located above the sealing portion S, or the lower surface when the heating member 200 is located below the sealing portion S.

[0072] The first cover 221 and the second cover 222 can prevent the heat transferred from the heater 210 from being dispersed to unnecessary parts. In particular, the second cover 222 can be extended as close as possible to the sealing portion S to prevent heat from being discharged outside the space defined between the pair of second covers 222.

[0073] The second cover 222 extends from the first cover 221, and the first cover 221 and the second cover 222 can be made of the same material or different materials.

[0074] For example, each of the first cover 221 and the second cover 222 can be made of a material selected from vitreous insulating materials, mineral insulating materials, metal insulating materials, and carbonaceous insulating materials.

[0075] Vitreous insulating materials may include glass wool, which is mainly composed of glass-based minerals such as silica, limestone, feldspar or soda ash. Mineral insulating materials may include asbestos, rock wool or perlite. In addition, metallic insulating materials may include silica, alumina and magnesia, and carbonaceous insulating materials may be manufactured by molding carbon fibers, carbon powder, etc.

[0076] Meanwhile, the size of the battery cell can be changed according to the needs of the customer, whereby the length of the sealing portion S in the width direction (x) may vary.

[0077] In this case, the second cover 222 is preferably made of a material that can be deformed in the inward direction in which the pair of second covers 222 move closer to each other or in the outward direction in which the pair of second covers 222 move away from each other, so as to correspond to the length of the sealing portion S in the width direction (x).

[0078] Since the first cover 221 and the second cover 222 perform the function of collecting the heat generated by the heater 210 for supply to the sealing portion S, it is preferably that each of the first cover 221 and the second cover 222 is further provided with a heat-reflective coating on its inner surface, and the heat-reflective coating may be made of a material such as aluminum, silver, copper or quartz; however, the material of the heat-reflective coating is not particularly limited as long as the same function can be performed.

[0079] In addition, it is preferable that the heater 210 radiates uniform heat to the entire sealing portion S so that the entire sealing portion S can be uniformly sealed, and the length of the heater 210 is preferably equal to or greater than the length of the sealing portion S.

[0080] The temperature sensor 300 is configured to measure the temperature of the sealing portion S.

[0081] Although the sealing operation can be performed with the optimal power of the heater 210, the optimal distance between the heater 210 and the sealing portion S, and the optimal heating time by considering the heating conditions of the heating member 200 (e.g., the width of the sealing portion S, which may vary according to the standard of the battery cell), it is preferably to measure the temperature of the sealing portion S because the heater 210 may not work properly.

[0082] Specifically, the temperature sensor 300 configured to measure whether the temperature of the sealing portion S has reached the temperature required for heat fusion is located inside the cover 220 of the heating member 200 and is arranged to face the sealing portion S to measure the temperature of the sealing portion S. For example, the temperature sensor 300 may be installed inside the first cover 221, and a temperature measuring portion (not shown) may be provided to face the sealing portion S to measure the temperature of the sealing portion S. Here, the temperature sensor 300 may be a non-contact thermometer, such as a non-contact infrared thermometer.

[0083] Although a single temperature sensor 300 is shown in the drawings, this is merely an example, and multiple temperature sensors may also be provided to simultaneously measure the temperatures of the relative edges and the middle of the sealing portion S.

[0084] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a device for a sealed bag-shaped battery case according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 is showing Figure 4 an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of Figure 6 is a perspective view (a) and a front view (b) of a device for a sealed bag-shaped battery case according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Referring to Figures 4 to 6 , except that the first lid 221 and the second lid 222 are connected to each other via a rotating member 223, the device for a sealed bag-shaped battery case according to the second embodiment is the same as the device for a sealed bag-shaped battery case according to the first embodiment.

[0086] Therefore, only the configurations different from those of the device for a sealed bag-shaped battery case according to the first embodiment will be described below.

[0087] The first lid 221 and the second lid 222 are connected to each other by the rotating member 223, whereby the pair of second lids 222 can be deformed so as to incline towards each other in the inward direction or away from each other in the outward direction. Of course, it is obvious that once the second lid 222 is deformed, it must remain deformed without external force.

[0088] Here, the rotating member 223 may be a hinge shaft, but is not limited thereto, as long as the first lid 221 and the second lid 222 can rotate relative to each other.

[0089] When the first lid 221 and the second lid 222 are connected to each other by the rotating member 223 as described above, it is easier to adjust the supply direction and supply position of the heat generated by the heater 210. In addition, the distance between the heater 210 and the sealing portion S can be adjusted by replacing the second lid 222 with a second lid having a different height.

[0090] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a device for a sealed bag-shaped battery case according to a third embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 is showing Figure 7 an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of

[0091] Referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , except for the configuration of the lid 220, the device for a sealed bag-shaped battery case according to the third embodiment is the same as the device for a sealed bag-shaped battery case according to the first embodiment.

[0092] Therefore, the following will only describe configurations different from those of the device for the sealed bag-shaped battery case according to the first embodiment.

[0093] When the heating member 200 is located above the sealing portion S, the second lid 222 is located below the first lid 221, and in this case, the first lid 221 and the second lid 222 are preferably separated from each other such that the second lid 222 can move in the width direction of the first lid 221. When the heating member 200 is located below the sealing portion S, the second lid 222 is located above the first lid 221, and it can be configured similarly.

[0094] Hereinafter, the case where the heating member 200 is located above the sealing portion S will be described, and the description of the case where the heating member 200 is located below the sealing portion S will be omitted.

[0095] Specifically, the second lid 222 is formed in the shape of a substantially quadrilateral plate vertically extending downward from each opposite edge of the first lid 221 in the length direction, and a transfer member 224 (such as a servo motor) configured to move the second lid 222 is connected to the side surface of the second lid.

[0096] Therefore, the distance between a pair of second lids 222 can be increased or decreased by operating the transfer member 224 according to a control signal.

[0097] In particular, when the first lid 221 is provided with a first flange 221a extending in the width direction of the first lid 221 at one or both of the opposite edges in the length direction, when the second lid 222 is provided with a second flange 222a extending in the width direction of the first lid 221 at one or both of the opposite upper edges in the length direction, or when both the first flange 221a and the second flange 222a are provided, heat emission to the outside can be prevented by the first flange 221a and the second flange 222a.

[0098] Here, the first lid 221 can be made of a material selected from glassy insulating materials, mineral insulating materials, metal insulating materials, and carbonaceous insulating materials as described above.

[0099] According to the third embodiment of the present invention having the above configuration, the position of the second lid 222 can be adjusted using the transfer member 224, whereby more precise positioning can be achieved, and thus only a predetermined area of the sealing portion can be heated.

[0100] The present invention provides a method for sealing a bag-shaped battery case, the bag-shaped battery case including a first case 11 and a second case 12 that accommodate an electrode assembly 20 therein, wherein the method may include a first step of determining the position of a sealing portion S where the first case 11 and the second case 12 overlap each other, a second step of adjusting the output of a non-contact heating member 200 such that heat can reach at least one of a first surface and a second surface of the sealing portion S, and a third step of measuring whether the temperature of the sealing portion S has reached a set temperature.

[0101] Specifically, the first step is a step of arranging the first case 11 and the second case 12 such that the outer peripheries of the first case 11 and the second case 12 face each other and determining the position and width of the sealing portion S to be formed between the first case 11 and the second case 12.

[0102] In the second step, the output of the non-contact heating member 200 may be adjusted such that heat can reach the first surface and / or the second surface of the sealing portion S.

[0103] In addition, in the second step, a step of adjusting the area of the first surface and / or the second surface of the sealing portion S where heat reaches is preferably performed. For example, a pair of second covers 222 or a single second cover 222 constituting the heating member 200 may be deformed or rotated to prevent unnecessary parts from being heated.

[0104] In the third step, the temperature of the first surface and / or the second surface of the sealing portion directly reached by the heat of the heating member 200 is measured.

[0105] That is, a temperature sensor 300 is provided inside a cover 220 of the heating member 200 disposed above and / or below the sealing portion S, and the temperature of the sealing portion S measured in the third step is the temperature of the first surface and / or the second surface of the sealing portion reached by the heat of the heating member 200 where the temperature sensor 300 is provided.

[0106] Meanwhile, preferably, before the first step, hot melt bonding conditions of the sealing portion S, such as the output of a heater 210 constituting the heating member 200, the heating time, and the temperature of the first surface and / or the second surface of the sealing portion S, are determined.

[0107] Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that, based on the above description, various applications and modifications can be made within the category of the present invention.

[0108] (Description of reference signs)

[0109] 10: Battery case

[0110] 11: First case 12: Second case

[0111] 20: Electrode assembly

[0112] 21: Positive lead 22: Negative lead

[0113] 23: Lead film

[0114] 30: Sealing tool

[0115] 31: First sealing tool 31a: First recessed part

[0116] 32: Second sealing tool 32a: Second recessed part

[0117] 100: Support die

[0118] 110: Through hole

[0119] 200: Heating member

[0120] 210: Heater

[0121] 220: Cover

[0122] 221: First cover 221a: First flange

[0123] 222: Second cover 222a: Second flange

[0124] 223: Rotating member 224: Transfer member

[0125] 300: Temperature sensor

[0126] S: Sealing part

Claims

1. An apparatus for sealing a bag-shaped battery case, the bag-shaped battery case including a first case and a second case that accommodate an electrode assembly therein, the apparatus including a non-contact heating member located above or below a sealing portion, the first case and the second case overlapping each other at the sealing portion, the non-contact heating member being configured to heat the sealing portion to a predetermined temperature such that the sealing portion can be heat-sealed.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heating member includes a heater having a predetermined length and a cover configured to cover the heater, the cover includes a first cover and a second cover, the first cover being configured to cover side surfaces of the heater in a length direction, side surfaces of the heater in a width direction, and side surfaces of the heater in a direction opposite to a direction in which the sealing portion is provided, the second cover extending downward from a side surface of the first cover in the length direction by a predetermined length.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the heating member is located above and below the sealing portion.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second cover is made of a material deformable inwardly or outwardly.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of the first cover and the second cover is made of a material selected from vitreous insulating materials, mineral insulating materials, metal insulating materials, and carbonaceous insulating materials.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each of the first cover and the second cover is provided with a heat-reflective coating on an inner surface thereof.

7. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first cover and the second cover are connected to each other via a rotating member.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the rotating member is a hinge shaft.

9. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second cover is separated from the first cover and is capable of moving in a width direction of the first cover.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a first flange extending in the width direction of the first cover is provided at an edge of the first cover in the length direction.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a second flange extending in the width direction of the first cover is provided at an upper edge of the second cover in the length direction.

12. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the sealing portion, wherein the temperature sensor is located inside the cover and is arranged to face the sealing portion.

13. A method for sealing a bag-shaped battery case, the bag-shaped battery case including a first case and a second case that accommodate an electrode assembly therein, the method including: a first step of determining a position of a sealing portion where the first case and the second case overlap each other; a second step of adjusting an output of a non-contact heating member such that heat can reach at least one of a first surface and a second surface of the sealing portion; and a third step of measuring whether the temperature of the sealing portion has reached a set temperature.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising determining the set temperature of the third step before the first step.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the second step comprises adjusting the output of the non-contact heating member such that the heat can reach the first surface and the second surface of the sealing portion.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the second step further comprises adjusting the area of the first surface or the second surface of the sealing portion to which the heat reaches.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the temperature measured in the third step is the temperature of the first surface or the second surface of the sealing portion directly reached by the heat of the heating member.

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