Electrode assembly sealing device and sealing method

Abstract

The electrode assembly sealing device according to an embodiment may include a pressure unit that applies pressure to a plurality of separators by including a pressure surface parallel to the corners where the electrode plates are cut, and a moving unit that moves the pressure unit toward the electrode assembly. With this configuration and structure, the electrode assembly sealing device according to an embodiment may minimize bending and cracking of electrodes that occur during a sealing process, and may perform a sealing process more precisely to improve process accuracy.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0027739 filed on March 3, 2022 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0028024 filed on March 2, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrode assembly sealing device and method, and more particularly to a sealing device and method for sealing a plurality of separators included in an electrode assembly to each other. [Background technology]

[0003] Generally, types of secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion polymer batteries, etc. These secondary batteries are used not only in small products such as digital cameras, P-DVDs, MP3Ps, mobile phones, PDAs (registered trademark), portable game devices, power tools, and E-bikes, but also in large products that require 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 and new renewable energy.

[0004] To manufacture such a secondary battery, first, an electrode active material slurry is applied to a positive electrode collector and a negative electrode collector to manufacture a positive electrode and a negative electrode, which are then laminated on both sides of a separator to form an electrode assembly of a predetermined shape, and the electrode assembly is then housed in a battery case, an electrolyte is injected, and the battery case is sealed.

[0005] Secondary batteries are divided into pouch type and can type depending on the material of the case that houses the electrode assembly. The pouch type houses the electrode assembly in a pouch made of a flexible polymer material, while the can type houses the electrode assembly in a case made of metal or plastic.

[0006] After the electrodes and separators are stacked, a sealing device that generates high temperature and pressure is used in the process of sealing the electrodes inside the separator. The sealing device applies pressure and heat to the separator to seal the electrodes inside the separator. In particular, when the sealing device seals each corner of the separator, precise work is required to prevent damage to the electrode assembly. Specifically, during the corner sealing operation of the sealing device, process problems may occur, such as bending and cracking of the electrodes due to contact between the sealing device and the electrodes, or the separator may lift due to the sealing device.

[0007] In order to prevent this, there is a need for a sealing device and a sealing method that can seal the separator more precisely to prevent the problem of electrode damage and improve process efficiency. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an electrode assembly sealing device and method capable of precisely sealing a separator of an electrode assembly, thereby preventing electrode damage and improving process efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electrode assembly sealing device may seal a plurality of separators to each other in an electrode assembly in which a plurality of electrode plates and a plurality of separators are alternately stacked. The electrode assembly sealing device may include a pressure unit that applies pressure to the plurality of separators and a moving unit that moves the pressure unit toward the electrode assembly, and the pressure unit may include a pressure surface that is parallel to a cut corner of the electrode plate.

[0010] The pressure surface of the pressure unit may be at an angle of 25 degrees to 35 degrees with respect to the overall length of the electrode assembly.

[0011] The pressing surface of the pressing unit may form an angle of 25 degrees to 35 degrees with respect to the overall width direction of the electrode assembly.

[0012] The pressure unit may be provided in a plurality of units disposed at a plurality of corners of the electrode assembly.

[0013] The moving unit may move the pressure unit in a first direction parallel to the overall length of the electrode assembly and in a second direction parallel to the overall width of the electrode assembly so that the pressure unit presses the plurality of separators.

[0014] The moving portion can move the pressure member in the first direction and the second direction in sequence.

[0015] A sealing method for an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a step of sealing a plurality of separators to each other in an electrode assembly in which a plurality of electrode plates and a plurality of separators are alternately stacked, the sealing method for an electrode assembly may include a moving step of a pressing unit moving toward the electrode assembly, and a sealing step of the pressing unit pressing and heating the plurality of separators while in contact with the electrode assembly to seal the plurality of separators, the pressing unit including a pressing surface parallel to a cut corner of the electrode plate.

[0016] The pressure surface of the pressure unit may form an angle of 25 degrees to 35 degrees with respect to the overall length and width directions of the electrode assembly.

[0017] The pressure unit may be provided in a plurality of units disposed at a plurality of corners of the electrode assembly.

[0018] During the moving step and / or the sealing step, the pressure unit may move in a first direction parallel to a length direction of the electrode assembly and a second direction parallel to a width direction of the electrode assembly. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pressing surface of the pressing unit for the electrode assembly is designed to be parallel to the cut corners of the electrode plate, thereby minimizing bending and cracking of the electrode during the sealing process.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealing process is performed by two-dimensionally moving the pressing unit, which presses the electrode assembly using the moving unit, thereby enabling the sealing process to be performed more precisely and with improved process accuracy.

[0021] In addition, the present invention can include other effects that can be easily predicted by a person skilled in the art from the configuration according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] The following drawings attached to this specification are illustrative of preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical concept of the present invention. The present invention should not be interpreted as being limited solely to the matters depicted in such drawings.

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an electrode assembly sealing device according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is an enlarged view of a corner and its surroundings of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a top view of an electrode assembly and a pressure applying portion according to one embodiment. [Diagram 5] 11A-11C are schematic diagrams illustrating the movement of a pressure member according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] 11A-11C are schematic diagrams illustrating the movement of a pressure member according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] 11 is a flowchart of a method for sealing an electrode assembly according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in order to enable those skilled in the art to easily carry out the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the following embodiments.

[0025] In order to clearly explain the present invention, detailed descriptions of parts that are not relevant to the description or related known technologies that may obscure the gist of the present invention will be omitted, and when referring to components in each drawing in this specification, the same or similar reference symbols will be used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms and words used in this specification and the claims should not be interpreted in a limited manner to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with the technical ideas of the present invention, based on the principle that inventors can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their invention.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an electrode assembly sealing device 1 according to one embodiment.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, an electrode assembly sealing device 1 (hereinafter, "sealing device") can be positioned outside an electrode assembly A to seal the electrode assembly A. For example, the sealing device 1 can be positioned at each corner of the electrode assembly A and seal each corner of the electrode assembly A by applying pressure and heat to the electrode assembly A. Specifically, the sealing device 1 can seal the separator S in a state where the electrode plate E is positioned inside the separator S for the electrode assembly A, thereby isolating the electrode plate E from the external environment. After corner sealing, in which each corner of the electrode assembly A, i.e., each corner of the separator S, is sealed, a main sealing, in which each corner of the separator S is sealed, can be performed.

[0029] Since main sealing is performed in sequence after corner sealing, it may be important to prevent the electrode plate E from being damaged or the separator S from floating during the corner sealing process. The sealing device 1 can seal the corners of the electrode assembly A to prevent such problems and move to the main sealing more smoothly.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an electrode assembly A according to one embodiment.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 2, the electrode assembly A may include a plurality of electrode plates E stacked alternately and a plurality of separators S. The plurality of electrode plates E may include a form in which positive and negative plates are alternately arranged. In this case, the separator S may be inserted between the positive and negative plates. The electrode assembly A may be impregnated with an electrolyte. Ion movement between the positive and negative plates may be actively performed through the electrolyte, and the contact between the positive and negative plates may be blocked through the separator S, thereby ensuring the stability of the electrode assembly A. The separator S includes a synthetic resin material such as polyethylene or polypropylene, and is not chemically reactive with ions and can ensure physical rigidity.

[0032] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a corner and its surroundings of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment.

[0033] 3, the corners of the electrode plate E may include cut portions. Specifically, a portion of each corner of the electrode plate E may be cut at a predetermined angle based on the direction in which the electrode plate E and the separator S are stacked, i.e., when viewed from the upper side where the sealing device 1 and the electrode assembly A are visible. With this structure, damage to the electrode plate E caused by the penetration of the sealing device 1 into the inside of the separator S during the process of sealing the corners of the separator S may be further reduced.

[0034] In FIG. 3, each corner of the electrode plate E may be cut at a predetermined angle a. For example, each corner of the electrode plate E may be cut at a predetermined angle a with respect to the entire direction or the entire width direction of the electrode plate E. The predetermined angle a may be within a range of 25 degrees to 35 degrees. That is, the corner may be formed so that an inclined surface is formed at an angle of 25 degrees to 35 degrees with respect to the front or rear surface of the electrode plate E. Or, the corner may be formed so that an inclined surface is formed at an angle of 25 degrees to 35 degrees with respect to the side surface of the electrode plate E.

[0035] The sealing device 1 can include a pressure applying part 11 and a moving part 12 .

[0036] The pressurizing unit 11 can apply pressure to a plurality of separators S. For example, a plurality of pressurizing units 11 are positioned at each corner of the separator S and can apply pressure to the plurality of separators S by contacting each corner of the separator S. By high heat from a heating unit (not shown) described below and high pressure from the pressurizing unit 11, each corner of the separator S that was stacked with the electrode plate E can be sealed, and the electrode plate E can be isolated from the outside by the separator S.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a top view of the electrode assembly A and the pressure applying portion 11 according to one embodiment.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 4, the pressing unit 11 may include a pressing surface 11a parallel to the cut corner of the electrode plate E. In other words, in the process in which the pressing unit 11 contacts the separator S and applies pressure, the pressing surface 11a to which the pressing unit 11 applies pressure and the surface of the cut corner of the electrode plate E facing the pressing surface 11a may be parallel to each other. Specifically, based on the direction in which the electrode plate E and the separator S are stacked, that is, as viewed from the upper side direction in which the sealing device 1 and the electrode assembly A are visible, the pressing surface 11a and the cut part of the corner of the electrode plate E face each other, and in this case, the pressing surface 11a and the cut part of the corner of the electrode plate E may be parallel to each other. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the pressing surface 11a of the pressing unit 11 may have a form including an inclined surface at a predetermined angle b. The predetermined angle b of the inclined surface may be an angle with respect to the full length direction or the full width direction of the pressing surface 11a.

[0039] For example, the pressing surface 11a of the pressing unit 11 can form an angle of 25 degrees to 35 degrees with respect to the overall length direction of the electrode assembly A. In other words, the inclination angle of the pressing surface 11a of the pressing unit 11 with respect to both side surfaces of the electrode assembly can be 25 degrees to 35 degrees.

[0040] Alternatively, the pressing surface 11a of the pressing unit 11 may form an angle of 25 degrees to 35 degrees with respect to the overall width direction of the electrode assembly A. In other words, the inclination angle of the pressing surface 11a of the pressing unit 11 with respect to the front or rear surface of the electrode assembly A may be 25 degrees to 35 degrees.

[0041] In other words, the angle of the pressure surface can be designed to vary depending on the cutting angle of the cut surface of the corner of the electrode plate E. That is, if the corner of the electrode plate E includes a cut surface at an angle of 30 degrees with respect to the overall width direction, the pressure surface can also include an inclined surface at an angle of 30 degrees with respect to the overall width direction of the pressure part 11.

[0042] Specifically, if the pressing surface 11a of the pressing unit 11 forms an angle of less than 25 degrees with respect to the overall width direction of the electrode assembly A, the pressing surface 11a may contact each corner of the electrode assembly A almost parallel to the front or rear surface of the electrode assembly A, which may cause a problem of reduced sealing strength at each corner of the electrode assembly A. In addition, since the pressing surface 11a is formed so as not to correspond to the inclined surface of the corner of the electrode plate E, a problem of the electrode plate E being worn or cracked during the corner sealing of the electrode assembly A may occur.

[0043] In addition, if the pressing surface 11a of the pressing unit 11 forms an angle of more than 35 degrees with respect to the overall width direction of the electrode assembly A, that is, if the pressing surface 11a forms an angle of 35 degrees to 45 degrees with respect to the overall width direction of the electrode assembly A, the pressing surface 11a is arranged to be excessively inclined with respect to the front or rear surface of the electrode assembly A, and the pressing surface 11a is formed so as not to correspond to the inclined surface of the corner of the electrode plate E, which may cause a problem that the electrode plate E is worn or cracked during the corner sealing process of the electrode assembly A.

[0044] Similarly, if the pressing surface 11a of the pressing unit 11 forms an angle of less than 25 degrees with respect to the overall length direction of the electrode assembly A, the pressing surface 11a may contact each corner of the electrode assembly A almost parallel to the side surface of the electrode assembly A, which may cause a problem of reducing the sealing strength of each corner of the electrode assembly A. In addition, since the pressing surface 11a is formed so as not to correspond to the inclined surface of the corner of the electrode plate E, a problem of the electrode plate E being worn or cracked during the corner sealing of the electrode assembly A may occur.

[0045] In addition, if the pressure surface 11a of the pressure unit 11 forms an angle of more than 35 degrees with respect to the overall length of the electrode assembly A, that is, if the pressure surface 11a forms an angle of 35 degrees to 45 degrees with respect to the overall length of the electrode assembly A, the pressure surface 11a is positioned so as to be excessively inclined with respect to the side of the electrode assembly A, and the pressure surface 11a is formed so as not to correspond to the inclined surface of the corner of the electrode plate E, which may cause a problem that the electrode plate E is worn or cracked during the corner sealing process of the electrode assembly A.

[0046] In the process in which the pressurizing unit 11 pressurizes the separator S, the pressurizing unit 11 also applies pressure to the electrode plate E inside the separator S, and this structure can further reduce the pressure transmitted to the electrode plate E by the pressurizing unit 11. In other words, since the pressurizing surface of the pressurizing unit 11 and the cut surface of the corner of the electrode plate E are parallel to each other, the corner of the electrode plate E receives pressure from the pressurizing surface over a wider area, and this structure can minimize the pressure of the pressurizing unit 11 on the electrode plate E.

[0047] As a result, the pressure applied to the electrode plate E is minimized due to the structure of the pressure unit 11, which reduces damage and wear of the electrode plate E during the sealing process, and allows for the production of better quality products. Specifically, bending and cracking of the electrode plate E due to contact between the pressure unit 11 and the electrode plate E is more effectively prevented, allowing for a higher yield of finished products.

[0048] The moving unit 12 can move the pressure unit 11 toward the electrode assembly A. For example, the moving unit 12 can be connected to the pressure unit 11 and move the pressure unit 11 to various angles and positions using a transportation means such as a motor.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the movement of the pressure member 11 according to one embodiment.

[0050] 5, the moving unit 12 can move the pressing unit 11 in a first direction parallel to the overall length of the electrode assembly A so that the pressing unit 11 presses the multiple separators S. In other words, the moving unit 12 can move the pressing unit 11 toward the electrode assembly A in the same direction as the length direction of the electrode assembly A. That is, with reference to FIG. 5, the moving unit 12 can move the pressing units 11 located above and below the electrode assembly A in downward and upward directions, respectively.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the movement of the pressure member 11 according to one embodiment.

[0052] 6, the moving unit 12 can move the pressure unit 11 in a second direction parallel to the overall width direction of the electrode assembly A. In other words, the moving unit 12 can move the pressure unit 11 toward the electrode assembly A in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the electrode assembly A. That is, with reference to FIG 6, the moving unit 12 can move each of the pressure units 11 located on both sides of the electrode assembly A toward the electrode assembly A.

[0053] In the order in which the moving unit 12 moves the pressure unit 11, the moving unit 12 can move the pressure unit 11 in the first direction and the second direction in that order. That is, the moving unit 12 can first move the pressure unit 11 in the first direction, and then move it in the second direction in that order. However, the order in which the moving unit 12 moves is not limited to the above order, and the moving unit 12 can move the pressure unit 11 in the second direction, and then move the pressure unit 11 in the first direction. Alternatively, the moving unit 12 can move the pressure unit 11 in the first direction and the second direction at the same time, and can move and contact the pressure unit 11 more freely and effectively.

[0054] According to this operating principle, the conventional sealing device operates only in a first direction, which is the length direction of the electrode assembly, and applies pressure by moving the pressure unit to the electrode assembly, whereas the electrode assembly sealing device 1 according to an embodiment can perform a more precise sealing process by using the moving unit 12. Specifically, the conventional sealing device operates the pressure unit only in one direction, which is the length direction of the electrode assembly, causing a problem that the separators of the electrode assembly are separated and gaps are generated. Meanwhile, the electrode assembly sealing device 1 according to an embodiment can perform a more fluid and accurate sealing process by moving the pressure unit 11 according to the situation by moving the pressure unit 11 in the first direction and then in the second direction, or by moving the pressure unit 11 in the second direction and then in the first direction. Therefore, the electrode assembly sealing device 1 can prevent problems such as lifting and cracking of the separator S that occur during the sealing process in advance.

[0055] As a result, by the electrode assembly sealing device 1 moving the pressure unit 11 in the first and second directions, the electrode assembly sealing device 1 can increase the efficiency of the corner sealing process and improve the quality of the manufactured products.

[0056] The sealing apparatus 1 may further include a heating unit (not shown). The heating unit (not shown) is connected to the pressure unit 11 to apply heat to the electrode assembly A. For example, the heating unit (not shown) may include a heating means to generate heat, and may transfer the generated heat to the electrode assembly A via the pressure unit 11, which is physically connected to the heating unit. The electrode assembly A that has received high-temperature heat from the heating unit (not shown) may be sealed by a heat fusion process.

[0057] The following describes a sealing method 2 for an electrode assembly. Explanation of concepts that overlap with the above-mentioned configuration will be omitted.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method for sealing an electrode assembly according to another embodiment.

[0059] Hereinafter, a sealing method for an electrode assembly will be described as another embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] 7, the electrode assembly sealing method may seal an electrode assembly A including an electrode plate E and a separator S. Specifically, the electrode assembly sealing method may seal the separator S with the electrode plate E positioned inside the separator S. In other words, each corner of the electrode assembly A, i.e., each corner of the separator S, may be sealed by the electrode assembly sealing method 2, and the electrode assembly A with each corner sealed may be completely sealed by being subjected to a main sealing process.

[0061] The sealing method of the electrode assembly may include a moving step 21 (S21) and a sealing step 22 (S22).

[0062] In the moving step (S21), the pressing unit 11 can move toward the electrode assembly A. For example, a sealing device 1 for sealing a corner of a separator S includes a moving unit 12 and a pressing unit 11, and the pressing unit 11 can move by the moving unit 12 and come into contact with the electrode assembly A.

[0063] In the sealing step (S22), the pressure unit 11 may apply pressure and heat to the separators S while in contact with the electrode assembly A, thereby sealing the separators S. In this case, the pressure unit 11 may include a pressure surface parallel to the cut corners of the electrode plate E. Specifically, the pressure surface to which the pressure unit 11 applies pressure and the cut surfaces of the corners of the electrode plate E facing the pressure surface may be parallel to each other. More specifically, the pressure surface of the pressure unit 11 may form an angle of 25 degrees to 35 degrees with respect to the overall length and width directions of the electrode assembly A. Similarly, the cut angles of the cut surfaces of the corners of the electrode plate E may form an angle of 25 degrees to 35 degrees with respect to the overall length and width directions of the electrode assembly A. That is, the angle of the pressure surface 11a may be designed to be different depending on the cut angles of the cut surfaces of the corners of the electrode plate E, and the respective surfaces may be parallel to each other.

[0064] According to this structure, the pressure of the pressurizing part 11 that the electrode plate E receives during the sealing process is reduced, and bending and cracking of the electrode plate E can be more effectively prevented.

[0065] In the moving step (S21) and / or the sealing step (S22), the pressurizing unit 11 can move in a first direction parallel to the length direction of the electrode assembly A and in a second direction parallel to the width direction of the electrode assembly A.

[0066] According to this operating principle, while conventional sealing apparatus 1 operates pressure unit 11 only in the longitudinal direction of electrode assembly A, in a sealing method of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment, moving unit 12 moves pressure unit 11 in the longitudinal direction of electrode assembly A and in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, thereby preventing the separator S of electrode assembly A from becoming separated or causing gaps.

[0067] The above description is merely an illustrative example of the technical concept of the present invention, and various modifications and variations are possible by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains, without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

[0068] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to explain and not to limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by such embodiments.

[0069] The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1. Electrode assembly sealing device 11 Pressurizing section 12 Mobile section 2. Sealing method for electrode assembly 21 Movement Steps 22 Sealing Step A Electrode assembly E Electrode plate S Separator

Claims

1. 1. An electrode assembly sealing device for sealing a plurality of separators to each other in an electrode assembly in which a plurality of electrode plates and a plurality of separators are alternately stacked, comprising: a pressure applying unit that applies pressure to the plurality of separators; a moving unit that moves the pressure unit toward the electrode assembly, The pressure applying unit is An electrode assembly sealing device including a pressure surface parallel to the cut corner of said electrode plate.

2. The electrode assembly sealing device according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure surface is formed with an inclination to correspond to an inclined shape of the cut corner of the electrode plate.

3. The electrode assembly sealing device of claim 2 , wherein the pressure surface of the pressure unit forms an angle of 25 degrees to 35 degrees with respect to a total length direction of the electrode assembly.

4. The electrode assembly sealing device of claim 2 , wherein the pressure surface of the pressure unit forms an angle of 25° to 35° with respect to an overall width direction of the electrode assembly.

5. The electrode assembly sealing device of claim 1 , wherein the pressure members are provided in a plurality of positions at respective corners of the electrode assembly.

6. The moving unit is 6. The electrode assembly sealing device of claim 5, wherein the pressure unit is moved in a first direction parallel to a full length direction of the electrode assembly and in a second direction parallel to a full width direction of the electrode assembly so as to pressurize the plurality of separators.

7. The moving unit is The electrode assembly sealing device according to claim 6 , wherein the pressure unit is moved in the first direction and the second direction in sequence.

8. A sealing method for an electrode assembly in which a plurality of electrode plates and a plurality of separators are alternately stacked, the method comprising sealing the plurality of separators to each other, a moving step of moving a pressure unit toward the electrode assembly; a sealing step of the pressurizing unit pressing and heating the separators while in contact with the electrode assembly to seal the separators; The pressure applying portion includes a pressure applying surface parallel to the cut corner of the electrode plate.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the pressure surface is formed with an inclination to correspond to an inclined shape of the cut corner of the electrode plate.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the pressure surface of the pressure unit forms an angle of 25 degrees to 35 degrees with respect to a full length or width direction of the electrode assembly.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the pressure unit is provided in a plurality of positions at a plurality of corners of the electrode assembly.

12. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein during the moving step and / or the sealing step, the pressure unit moves in a first direction parallel to a length direction of the electrode assembly and a second direction parallel to a width direction of the electrode assembly.

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