Battery including a bipolar battery cell having a battery cell edge seal

Abstract

A battery includes a stacked arrangement of electrochemical cells. Each electrochemical cell is free of a cell housing and includes a bipolar plate having a substrate, a first active material layer formed on a first surface of the substrate, and a second active material layer formed on a second surface of the substrate. Each cell includes a solid electrolyte layer encapsulating at least one of the active material layers, and an edge insulation device disposed between the peripheral edges of the substrates of each pair of adjacent cells. Within each cell, an elastomeric seal is disposed between the edge insulation device and the first surface of one cell or the solid electrolyte layer of an adjacent cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery including a bipolar battery cell having a battery cell edge seal. Background Art

[0002] Batteries provide power for a variety of technologies ranging from portable electronic devices to renewable energy systems and environmentally friendly vehicles. For example, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) use batteries and electric motors in combination with combustion engines to improve fuel efficiency. Electric vehicles (EVs) are powered entirely by electric motors, which in turn are powered by one or more batteries. A battery may include a number of electrochemical cells arranged in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional array and electrically connected in series or in parallel. In a series connection, the positive and negative electrodes of each of two or more battery cells are electrically connected to each other, and the voltages of the battery cells are added to give the battery with the battery cells a greater voltage. For example, if n battery cells are electrically connected in series, the battery voltage is the voltage of a single battery cell multiplied by n, where n is a positive integer.

[0003] Typically, individual battery cells are typically enclosed in an airtight housing. Often, the housing may be electrically connected to one pole of the battery cell. In applications where the battery cells are electrically connected in series with each other (e.g., by providing a connection between the positive pole of one battery cell and the negative pole of an adjacent battery cell), the battery cell voltages are additive, and the housings must be insulated from each other to prevent short circuits. Therefore, within the battery, the space used to accommodate the battery cell housing and the corresponding insulating structure, as well as the materials used by the battery cell housing and the corresponding insulating structure, reduce battery efficiency and increase manufacturing complexity and cost. Summary of the invention

[0004] In some aspects, a battery includes a stacked arrangement of electrochemical cells. Each electrochemical cell includes a bipolar plate, a solid electrolyte layer, an edge insulation device, and an elastic seal. The bipolar plate includes a substrate, a first active material layer disposed on a first surface of the substrate, and a second active material layer disposed on a second surface of the substrate. The second surface is opposite to the first surface. The first active material layer has a first active material layer peripheral edge, the first active material layer peripheral edge is spaced from the substrate peripheral edge and is disposed closer to the center of the substrate than the substrate peripheral edge. The second active material layer is a material different from the material of the first active material layer, and the second active material layer has a second active material layer peripheral edge, the second active material layer peripheral edge is spaced from the substrate peripheral edge. The solid electrolyte layer is disposed on the second surface so as to encapsulate the second active material layer including the second active material layer peripheral edge. The edge insulation device includes a sheet of electrically insulating material and has an outer peripheral edge and an inner peripheral edge. The edge insulation device is disposed between the peripheral edges of the substrate of a given battery cell and an adjacent battery cell, such that the outer peripheral edge is disposed farther from the center of the substrate than the substrate peripheral edge, and the edge insulation device physically contacts and is directly secured to the first surface of the given battery cell or the solid electrolyte layer of the adjacent battery cell. When the edge insulation device physically contacts and is directly secured to the first surface of the given battery cell, the elastic seal is disposed between the edge insulation device and the solid electrolyte layer of the adjacent battery cell. In addition, when the edge insulation device physically contacts and is directly secured to the solid electrolyte layer of the adjacent battery cell, the elastic seal is disposed between the edge insulation device and the first surface of the given battery cell.

[0005] In some embodiments, the edge insulation device is directly secured to the first surface of a given battery cell, and the seal is disposed between and in direct physical contact with the solid electrolyte layer and the edge insulation device of an adjacent battery cell so as to provide a barrier to prevent moisture from contacting the solid electrolyte layer of the adjacent battery cell.

[0006] In some embodiments, the edge insulation device is directly fixed to the solid electrolyte layer of the adjacent battery cell, and the seal includes a first seal and a second seal. The first seal is disposed between and directly physically contacts the solid electrolyte layer of the adjacent battery cell and one side of the edge insulation device to provide a barrier to prevent moisture from contacting the solid electrolyte layer of the adjacent battery cell. In addition, the second seal is disposed between and directly physically contacts the other side of the bipolar plate of a given battery cell and the edge insulation device.

[0007] In some embodiments, the seal is configured to provide a barrier that prevents moisture from contacting the solid electrolyte layer of an adjacent battery cell.

[0008] In some embodiments, the seal contacts the perimeter of the solid electrolyte layer of adjacent battery cells.

[0009] In some embodiments, the seal has a frame shape when viewed in a direction parallel to the stacking direction of the battery cells.

[0010] In some embodiments, a battery includes a battery housing enclosing a stacked arrangement of battery cells, the battery housing being configured to prevent moisture from entering an interior space of the battery housing.

[0011] In some embodiments, the battery casing is a flexible laminate comprising a metal foil sandwiched between polymer layers.

[0012] In some embodiments, the seal is a closed cell foam rubber.

[0013] In some embodiments, the seal is an open cell foam rubber.

[0014] In some embodiments, the seal is moisture impermeable.

[0015] In some aspects, the electrochemical cell is configured to be included in a stacked arrangement of electrochemical cells that provide a battery together. The electrochemical cell includes a bipolar plate, a solid electrolyte layer, an edge insulation device, and an elastic seal. The bipolar plate includes a substrate, a first active material layer disposed on a first surface of the substrate, and a second active material layer disposed on a second surface of the substrate. The second surface is opposite to the first surface. The first active material layer has a first active material layer peripheral edge, which is spaced from the substrate peripheral edge and is disposed closer to the center of the substrate than the substrate peripheral edge. The second active material layer is a material different from the material of the first active material layer. The second active material layer has a second active material layer peripheral edge, which is spaced from the substrate peripheral edge. The solid electrolyte layer is disposed on the second surface so as to encapsulate the second active material layer including the second active material layer peripheral edge. The edge insulation device includes a sheet of electrically insulating material. The edge insulation device includes an outer peripheral edge and an inner peripheral edge. The edge insulation device is disposed adjacent to the first surface, wherein the outer peripheral edge is disposed farther from the center of the substrate than the substrate peripheral edge, and the inner peripheral edge is disposed closer to the center of the substrate than the second active material layer peripheral edge. An elastomeric seal is disposed on a surface of the edge insulation device facing away from the first surface. The seal is configured to prevent moisture from passing between the edge insulation device and an adjacent battery cell.

[0016] In some aspects, the arrangement (where each battery cell is enclosed in an airtight housing) is replaced by a number of single electrochemical battery cells without a housing, which are stacked so that each battery cell forms a direct series connection with an adjacent battery cell of the battery cell stack. Each battery cell has a planar shape and includes a planar anode and a planar cathode of approximately equal size separated by a diaphragm (e.g., the anode and cathode are not wound into a roll or folded into a z-folded configuration). In addition, each battery cell has a bipolar plate between the cathode of one battery cell and the connected anode of an adjacent battery cell. In the battery cell stack, each cathode in the series arrangement is directly electrically connected to the next anode without an intervening housing. The bipolar plate replaces the cathode and anode current collectors and also prevents chemical reactions from occurring between the cathode active material and the anode active material. In the case of a lithium-ion battery cell, the bipolar plate may, for example, include a copper foil providing an anode on one side thereof and an aluminum foil providing a cathode on the opposite side thereof. These foils may be adjacent, or the outermost layer of an intervening conductive substrate may be provided.

[0017] In some embodiments, each electrochemical cell may have a capacity of approximately 3 mAh / cm 2 As the battery cell is charged, the lithium metal anode expands in a direction perpendicular to the layer, for example, by about 13-15 micrometers (μm), by forming a deposited lithium metal layer on the anode. Thus, the battery cell "breathes" (e.g., expands and contracts) by about 13-15 μm between charge and discharge.

[0018] When connected in series, the battery cells are arranged so that their electrode layers together with the bipolar plates are fairly close together. For example, the spacing of the layers may correspond only to the size of the battery cell thickness, which may be only between 40 μm and 120 μm. The bipolar plates of one battery cell and an adjacent battery cell in a battery cell stack are also similarly spaced. In order to avoid short circuits between adjacent battery cells in a battery cell stack, the bipolar plates of one battery cell are prevented from being connected to the bipolar plates of an adjacent battery cell by including edge insulation between adjacent battery cells. More specifically, the edge insulation is placed between the peripheral edges of the bipolar plates of adjacent battery cells. The edge insulation is formed of an electrically insulating material and serves to electrically insulate each battery cell from adjacent battery cells while still allowing the battery cell to expand or contract during cycling without damage to the edge insulation or the battery cell itself.

[0019] In some aspects, the edge region of the edge insulating device may be fixed to one of the anode side and the cathode side of the bipolar plate. The insulating function of the edge insulating device is directly given by mechanically inserting the device between the elements to be isolated. The edge insulating device prevents any external part from mechanically and electrically contacting the bipolar plate, the electrode and the electrolyte. The edge insulating device is fixed only to one of the anode side and the cathode side of the bipolar plate, and is disengaged from the other of the anode side and the cathode side of the bipolar plate. For example, in some embodiments, the edge insulating device is fixed to the cathode side (e.g., the same side of the bipolar plate as the cathode active material layer) and is not fixed to any component of the adjacent battery cell. In other embodiments, the edge insulating device is fixed to the peripheral portion of the solid electrolyte covering the anode active material layer, and is therefore not directly fixed to the bipolar plate between which it resides.

[0020] In some aspects, the edge insulation device has a frame shape including an outer peripheral edge and an inner peripheral edge. The edge insulation device covers the periphery of the battery cell so that the outer peripheral edge is disposed farther from the center of the bipolar plate than the bipolar plate peripheral edge. The elastic seal is disposed between the edge insulation device and the first surface of one battery cell or the solid electrolyte layer of an adjacent battery cell. The elastic seal has sufficient elasticity to accommodate battery cell expansion and contraction associated with battery cell charge cycling and prevent air and moisture from entering the battery cell.

[0021] The details of one or more features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following drawings, detailed description, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery including a battery housing and a battery cell stack disposed in the battery housing.

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a peripheral portion of a battery cell stack.

[0024] Figure 2 a is an enlarged view of a portion of a battery cell. Figure 2 Marked by a dotted line.

[0025] Figure 3 Is like along Figure 2 As seen on line 3-3 Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of a battery cell stack.

[0026] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of a battery cell stack that is Figure 3 Marked by a dotted line.

[0027] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a peripheral portion of an alternative embodiment battery cell stack.

[0028] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a peripheral portion of a battery cell stack according to another alternative embodiment.

[0029] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a peripheral portion of a battery cell stack according to another alternative embodiment.

[0030] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a peripheral portion of a battery cell stack according to another alternative embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a peripheral portion of a battery cell stack according to another alternative embodiment.

[0032] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of an enlarged portion of a battery cell stack illustrating an embodiment of substrate surface features.

[0033] Fig.11 yes Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of an enlarged portion of a battery cell stack illustrating another embodiment of a substrate surface feature.

[0034] Fig.12 yes Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of an enlarged portion of a battery cell stack illustrating another embodiment of a substrate surface feature.

[0035] Fig.13 yes Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of an enlarged portion of a battery cell stack illustrating another embodiment of a substrate surface feature.

[0036] Fig.14 Is like along Fig. 9 Line 14-14 seen Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a battery cell stack.

[0037] Fig.15 is a cross-sectional view of a peripheral portion of a battery cell stack according to another alternative embodiment.

[0038] Fig.16 Is like along Fig.15 Line 16-16 seen Fig.15 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a battery cell stack.

[0039] Fig.17 yes Fig.15 A cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a portion of a battery cell stack.

[0040] Fig.18 yes Fig.15 A cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of a portion of a battery cell stack.

[0041] Fig.19 yes Fig.15 A cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of a portion of a battery cell stack.

[0042] Fig. 20 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a peripheral portion of a battery cell stack illustrating a support frame.

[0043] Fig.21 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a peripheral portion of an alternative embodiment battery cell stack, illustrating Fig. 20 support frame.

[0044] Fig. 22 yes Fig. 20 Schematic diagram of a cross-section of a support frame housed within a rigid outer frame member.

[0045] Fig.23 yes Fig. 20 A schematic cross-sectional view of a support frame disposed within an expandable outer frame member.

[0046] Fig.24 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment battery including a battery housing and a battery cell stack disposed in the battery housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] refer to Figure 1 , the battery 1 is a power generation and storage device that includes a battery housing 2 that encloses a stacked arrangement of electrochemical cells 3. The battery housing 2 is configured so that air, moisture, and / or other contaminants are prevented from entering the interior space containing the cells 3. For example, in some embodiments, the battery housing 2 is formed of a flexible laminate material that includes a metal foil sandwiched between polymer layers and is provided in the form of a sealed bag.

[0048] The battery cell 3 can be a lithium ion secondary battery cell, but is not limited to lithium ion battery cell chemistry. The battery cell 3 has no battery cell housing, has a generally planar low profile shape, and is stacked along a stacking axis 5 so that each battery cell 3a forms a direct series connection with an adjacent battery cell 3b of the battery cell stack 4. Each battery cell 3 includes: a bipolar plate 12 having active material layers 30, 40 disposed on opposing surfaces thereof; a solid electrolyte layer 50 that allows ion exchange between adjacent battery cells 3a, 3b while preventing electrical contact between the active material layers 30, 40 of adjacent battery cells 3a, 3b; and an edge insulation device 60. In Figure 1 In FIG. 1 and other drawings, due to the thinness of the material layers constituting the battery cell 3 , the components of the battery cell 3 are schematically shown and are not drawn to scale.

[0049] The edge insulation device 60 is disposed between the peripheral edges 15 of the bipolar plates 12 of adjacent battery cells 3a, 3b, and serves to electrically insulate the bipolar plate 15a of one battery cell 3a from the bipolar plate 15b of the adjacent battery cell 3b, while still allowing the battery cell 3 to expand or contract during cycling without damage to the edge insulation device 60 or the battery cell 3 itself. The edge insulation device 60 can be maintained in a desired position relative to the bipolar plate peripheral edge 15 by cooperation between surface features provided on the bipolar plate and the edge insulation device, as discussed in further detail below. Each battery cell may further include an elastic sealing device 80, which is configured to seal the gap g1 between the edge insulation device 60 and the adjacent battery cell 3b, thereby further preventing air and moisture from entering the battery cell 3, as discussed further below. In addition, in some embodiments, the battery 1 may include an edge support frame 90, which receives and supports the outer peripheral edge 63 of each edge insulation device, as discussed further below.

[0050] refer to Figure 2 , showing a portion of the perimeter of a battery cell stack 4. In this and other figures, only four complete battery cells 3 of a battery cell stack 4 are shown, and ovals above and / or below the illustrated battery cells 3 are used to indicate that additional battery cells reside on one or both sides of the illustrated battery cells. Figure 2 As seen in FIG. 1 , the bipolar plate 12 includes a plate-shaped substrate 20 , a first active material layer 30 formed on a first surface 21 of the substrate 20 and providing a cathode, and a second active material layer 40 formed on a second opposing surface 22 of the substrate 20 and providing an anode.

[0051] The substrate 20 is an electrical conductor and an ionic insulator, and may be a clad plate having a first metal foil providing a first surface 21 on one side thereof, and a second metal foil providing a second surface 22 on an opposite side thereof. When the battery cell 3 employs a lithium-ion battery cell chemistry, the substrate 20 may, for example, include an aluminum foil providing a cathode substrate on one side, and a copper foil providing an anode substrate on an opposite side. In some embodiments, these foils may be adjacent. For example, the substrate 20 may be realized by providing a copper foil and evaporating or plating aluminum on one side, or alternatively by providing an aluminum foil and evaporating or plating copper on one side. In other embodiments, the substrate 20 may be a clad plate formed by other pairs of conductive materials and / or formed via other suitable techniques.

[0052] In still other embodiments, substrate 20 may include metal foils that form opposing outermost layers of an intervening conductive substrate.

[0053] In still other embodiments, substrate 20 may be a solid (eg, non-clad and formed of a single material) plate formed of a conductive material. For example, in some embodiments, substrate 20 may be a solid nickel foil or a solid stainless steel foil.

[0054] The first active material layer 30 is formed on the first surface 21 of the substrate. The first active material layer 30 is formed of an active material. As used herein, the term "active material" refers to an electrochemically active material within a battery cell that participates in an electrochemical reaction of charging or discharging. The first active material layer 30 has a first active material layer peripheral edge 31 that is spaced apart from the peripheral edge 23 of the substrate 20 and is positioned closer to the center 24 of the substrate 20 than the peripheral edge 23 of the substrate 20. In an embodiment in which the first surface 21 is formed of aluminum, the first active material layer 30 may be formed of, for example, a lithiated metal oxide, wherein the metal portion of the lithiated metal oxide can be cobalt, manganese, nickel, or a composite of the three.

[0055] The second active material layer 40 is formed on the substrate second surface 22. The second active material layer 40 is formed of an active material different from the active material used to form the first active material layer 30. The second active material layer 40 has a second active material layer peripheral edge 41, which is spaced apart from the substrate peripheral edge 23. Specifically, the second active material layer peripheral edge 41 is not aligned with the first active material layer peripheral edge 31 along an axis parallel to the stacking axis 5, so as to avoid edge effects and current concentration at the edge of the anode. To this end, the second active material layer peripheral edge 41 is arranged closer to the center 24 of the substrate 20 than the substrate peripheral edge 23, and is arranged between the substrate peripheral edge 23 and the first active material layer peripheral edge 31. In an embodiment in which the second surface 22 is formed of copper, the second active material layer 40 may be formed of, for example, lithium metal.

[0056] The solid electrolyte layer 50 is formed of a solid electrolyte (e.g., a solid material that is ion-conductive and electrically insulating) and may be provided as a membrane. The solid electrolyte layer 50 is disposed on the second surface 22 so as to encapsulate the second active material layer 40, which includes a second active material layer peripheral edge 41. As a result, the solid electrolyte layer 50 is configured to prevent the second active material layer 40 from contacting with air and moisture, and to prevent contact with the cathode material. In addition, the solid electrolyte layer 50 acts as an ion conductor between the first active material layer 30 of one battery cell 3a and the second active material layer 40 of the adjacent battery cell 3b. In some embodiments, the solid electrolyte layer 50 may be formed of, for example, a solid polymer electrolyte including a polymer similar to the polymer used to form the active material layers 30, 40, a salt the same as the salt used to form the active material layers 30, 40, and an additive (such as, by Seeo, of Hayward, California, under the name DryLyte TM In other embodiments, the solid polymer electrolyte layer 50 may be formed of other materials, including ceramics or mixtures of ceramics and polymer materials.

[0057] Reference again Figure 1 The battery 1 includes a negative terminal 100 disposed at one end (e.g., the first end 6) of the battery cell stack 4, and the negative terminal 100 is electrically connected to the outermost battery cell 3 at the first end 6 of the battery cell stack 4. In addition, the battery 1 includes a positive terminal 110 disposed at the opposite end (e.g., the second end 8) of the battery cell stack 4. The positive terminal 110 is electrically connected to the outermost battery cell 3 at the second end 8 of the battery cell stack 4.

[0058] The negative terminal end terminal 100 includes: a conductive sheet (e.g., a copper sheet) that serves as a negative current collector 102; and a negative current collector active material layer 104 formed on the surface of the negative current collector 102 that faces the battery cell stack. The negative current collector active material layer 104 uses the same active material layer used to form the anode of the battery cell 3. In the illustrated embodiment involving lithium-ion battery cell chemistry, the negative current collector active material layer 104 can be, for example, lithium metal encapsulated in a solid electrolyte material. In use, the negative terminal end terminal 100 is stacked onto the first end 8 of the battery cell stack 4, so that the negative current collector active material layer 104 is in direct contact with and electrically connected to the first active material layer 30 of the outermost battery cell at the first end 6 of the battery cell stack 4.

[0059] The positive terminal 110 includes: a conductive sheet (e.g., an aluminum sheet) that serves as a positive current collector 112; and a positive current collector active material layer 114 formed on the surface of the positive current collector 112 facing the battery cell stack. The positive current collector active material layer 114 uses the same active material layer used to form the cathode of the battery cell 3. In the illustrated embodiment involving lithium-ion battery cell chemistry, the positive current collector active material layer 114 can be, for example, a lithiated metal oxide. In use, the positive terminal 110 is stacked onto the second end 8 of the battery cell stack 4 so that the positive current collector active material layer 114 is in direct contact with the solid electrolyte layer 50 of the outermost battery cell 3 at the second end of the battery cell stack 4. The positive current collector active material layer 114 is electrically connected to the second active material layer 40 (e.g., a lithium metal anode) of the outermost battery cell 3 at the second end of the battery cell stack 4 via the solid electrolyte layer 50.

[0060] refer to Figure 2-5 , the edge insulating device 60 is formed by a sheet of electrically insulating material and includes an outer peripheral edge 63 and an inner peripheral edge 64, which is surrounded by and spaced apart from the outer peripheral edge 63. As a result, when viewed in a direction parallel to the stacking direction of the battery cells 3, the edge insulating device 60 has a frame shape.

[0061] The edge sealing device 60 is provided for each battery cell 3 and is disposed between the peripheral edges 23a, 23b of the bipolar plate substrate 20 of adjacent battery cells 3a, 3b. In each battery cell 3, the outer peripheral edge 63 is spaced apart from the substrate peripheral edge 23 and is disposed farther from the center 24 of the substrate 20 than the substrate peripheral edge 23. The inner peripheral edge 64 is spaced apart from the substrate peripheral edge 23 and the second active material layer peripheral edge 41 and is disposed closer to the center 24 of the substrate 20 than the substrate peripheral edge 23 and the second active material layer peripheral edge 41. In addition, the inner peripheral edge 64 is disposed farther from the center 24 of the substrate 20 than the first active material layer peripheral edge 31, whereby the inner peripheral edge 64 is spaced apart from the first active material layer peripheral edge 31 and faces the first active material layer peripheral edge 31.

[0062] Although disposed between the substrates 20a, 20b of each pair of adjacent battery cells 3a, 3b, the edge insulation device 60 physically contacts and is directly secured to either the first surface 21a of one battery cell (e.g., battery cell 3a) or the solid electrolyte layer 50b of an adjacent battery cell (e.g., battery cell 3b) while being able to move freely relative to the other of the first surface 21a of the battery cell 3a and the solid electrolyte layer 50b of the adjacent battery cell 3b.

[0063] For example, in some embodiments, the edge insulation device 60 is physically in contact with and directly fixed to the first surface 21a of one battery cell 3a, while being able to move freely relative to the adjacent battery cell 3b, and more specifically, being able to move freely relative to the solid electrolyte layer 50b of the adjacent battery cell 3b ( Figure 2 ). The edge insulation 60 is secured to the first surface 21a of the battery cell 3a using any suitable method, such as by providing an adhesive layer between these elements.

[0064] In other embodiments, the edge insulation device 60 is physically in contact with and directly fixed to the solid electrolyte layer 50b of the adjacent battery cell 3b, while being able to move freely relative to the first surface 21a of the battery cell 3a. Figure 5 ). The edge insulation device 60 may be fixed to the solid electrolyte layer 50b of the adjacent battery cell 3b via the mechanical properties of the outer surface of the solid electrolyte layer 50b (e.g., adhesion or gluing), or may be fixed to the solid electrolyte layer 50b of the adjacent battery cell 3b via other methods (such as, by providing an adhesive layer between these elements).

[0065] Because the edge insulation device 60 (in this case 60a) is fixed to one battery cell and can move relative to another battery cell, the battery cells 3a, 3b are permitted to expand and contract freely in a direction parallel to the stacking axis 5 (for example, due to charge cycling), and despite the relative movement of one battery cell relative to another battery cell and the relative movement of the edge insulation device relative to adjacent battery cells 3a, 3b, the edge insulation device 60 and the battery cells 3a, 3b remain intact.

[0066] The edge insulation device 60 overlaps the peripheral edge 23 of the substrate 20 of the bipolar plate 12, wherein the outer peripheral edge 63 is arranged outside the battery cell 3. The distance between the outer peripheral edge 63 and the substrate peripheral edge 23 is large enough so that even under some deformation forces, the bipolar plates of different battery cells can never touch each other and form a short circuit, thereby avoiding the large current and heat generation associated with the short circuit. In some embodiments, the distance between the outer peripheral edge 63 and the substrate peripheral edge 23 can be 3 to 20 times or more of the thickness of the battery cell. As used herein, the term "thickness" corresponds to the dimension along a direction parallel to the stacking direction of the battery cell.

[0067] The edge insulation device 60 overlaps the peripheral edge 23 of the substrate 20 of the bipolar plate 12, wherein the inner peripheral edge 66 is disposed inside the battery cell 3. The distance between the inner peripheral edge 63 and the substrate peripheral edge 23 is sufficient to place the inner peripheral edge 63 as close as possible to the first active material layer peripheral edge 31 while preventing contact between the edge insulation device 60 and the first active material layer peripheral edge 31. The spacing or gap g2 between the inner peripheral edge 66 of the edge insulation device 60 and the first active material layer peripheral edge 31 depends on the edge tolerance resulting from the method of forming the first active material layer 30 on the first side 21 of the substrate, which method may be, for example, a patch process. In some embodiments, the distance (gap g2) of the inner peripheral edge 64 from the first active material layer peripheral edge 31 is set to about twice the edge tolerance. For example, if the tolerance of the patch process is about 0.15 mm, the distance of the inner peripheral edge 63 from the first active material layer peripheral edge 31 is set to about 0.3 mm.

[0068] In general, the thickness of the edge insulating device 60 is less than the thickness of the battery cell 3, regardless of the charge state of the battery cell. In some embodiments, the thickness of the edge insulating device 60 is less than the sum of the thicknesses of the first active material layer 30, the solid electrolyte layer 50, and the second active material layer 40, regardless of the charge state of the battery cell 3. This is the case for embodiments in which the edge insulating device 60 is fixed to the first surface 21 of the bipolar plate 12, and for embodiments in which the edge insulating device 60 is fixed to the solid electrolyte layer 50. For example, if the charged battery cell has a thickness of 80 μm without a bipolar plate, and the discharged battery cell has a thickness of 65 μm, the edge insulating device 60 should have a thickness of 3-10 μm less than the thinnest thickness (here 65 μm). Therefore, in this example, the edge insulating device 60 should have a thickness of less than 62 μm, especially less than 55 μm. It should be understood that the thickness of the edge sealing device includes the glue layer or any other fixing components required.

[0069] In some embodiments, the edge insulation device 60 is provided as a band or strip. The band can be applied first along two parallel edges of the battery cell and then along the transverse parallel edges. This application method causes the thickness of the band to double at each corner of the battery cell. In other embodiments, and when the outline of the battery cell is rectangular, the edge insulation device is only folded 90° to accommodate the rectangular circumferential edge. This also causes the thickness of the edge sealing device to double at the corners of the battery cell. When determining the thickness requirement of the edge insulation device 60, the thickness dimension at the corners of the battery cell is considered, because at any state of charge, the twice thick portion of the edge insulation device 60 should also be thinner than the battery cell.

[0070] During the manufacture of the battery cell stack 4, if the battery cells are laminated, it may be difficult to insert the edge insulation device 60 into the gaps between the battery cells 3. For this reason, in some embodiments, the edge insulation device 60 is previously glued to the bipolar plate or otherwise assembled with the bipolar plate before the battery cells 3 are stacked.

[0071] The edge insulating device 60 serves to electrically insulate the peripheral edges of the battery cells from each other. To this end, the material used to form the edge insulating device 60 can be an insulating polymer film that does not swell. Such a material may include, for example, a polyalkylene film or any other known highly insulating and non-hygroscopic sealing material. Other exemplary materials include fluoroalkylene type polymers, polystyrene type polymers, polyphenylene sulfide, polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polytetrafluoroethylene, silicone, or a combination thereof.

[0072] refer to Figure 6-8 As previously discussed, the edge insulating device 60 is physically in contact with and directly fixed to either the first surface 21a of one battery cell (e.g., battery cell 3a) or the solid electrolyte layer 50b of an adjacent battery cell (e.g., battery cell 3b), while being able to move freely relative to the other of the first surface 21a of the battery cell 3a and the solid electrolyte layer 50b of the adjacent battery cell 3b. In some embodiments, a gap g1 is provided between the edge insulating device 60 and the structure with which it moves freely relative thereto. For example, when the edge insulating device 60 is physically in contact with and directly fixed to the first surface 21a of one battery cell 3a while being able to move freely relative to the solid electrolyte layer 50b of the adjacent battery cell 3b, the gap g1 may be provided between the edge insulating device 60 and the solid electrolyte layer 50b.

[0073] In some embodiments, each battery cell includes an elastic sealing device 80 in addition to the edge insulation device 60. The sealing device 80 provides a moisture-tight seal around the perimeter of the battery cell 3. In embodiments where the edge insulation device 60 physically contacts and is directly fixed to the first surface 21a of one battery cell 3a while being able to move freely relative to the solid electrolyte layer 50b of the adjacent battery cell 3b, the sealing device 80 is disposed in the gap g1 between the edge insulation device 60 and the solid electrolyte layer 50b of the adjacent battery cell 3b ( Figure 6). More specifically, the sealing device 80 is disposed between the edge insulating device 60 and the solid electrolyte layer 50b, and directly physically contacts the edge insulating device 60 and the solid electrolyte layer 50b. In this configuration, the sealing device 80 may cover a portion of the solid electrolyte layer 50b (e.g., its peripheral edge 51) and the edge insulating device 60, and form a seal with each of the solid electrolyte layer 50b and the edge insulating device 60. As a result, the sealing device 80 provides a barrier to prevent moisture and other contaminants from contacting the solid electrolyte layer 50b and the electrochemically active material. In addition, due to the elasticity of the sealing device 80 and because the sealing device 80 is adjacent to the solid electrolyte layer peripheral edge 51, the sealing device 80 can apply an outward force that compresses the peripheral edge 51 and is used to prevent the electrolyte layer 50b from peeling off from its substrate 20b.

[0074] In an embodiment where the edge insulating device 60 is physically in contact with and directly fixed to the solid electrolyte layer 50b of the adjacent battery cell 3b while being able to move freely relative to the first surface 21a of the battery cell 3a, the sealing device 80 is disposed in the gap g1(a) between the edge insulating device 60 and the first surface 21a of the battery cell 3a ( Figure 7 ). More specifically, the sealing device 80 forms a seal with each of the edge insulating device 60 and the first surface 21a of the battery cell 3a. In some embodiments, the second sealing device 82 may be disposed in the gap g1(b) between the edge insulating device 60 and the second surface 22b of the adjacent battery cell 3b ( Figure 8 ). The second seal 82 directly physically contacts both the opposite side of the edge insulation device 60 and the second surface 22b of the base 20b of the adjacent battery cell 3b, and forms a seal with both the opposite side of the edge insulation device 60 and the second surface 22b of the base 20b of the adjacent battery cell 3b. This configuration can advantageously effectively bond the adjacent battery cells 3a, 3b together via the two seals 80, 82.

[0075] The sealing means 80, 82 provide impermeability by closing the gap g1 between the edge insulating means 60 and the bipolar plate 12b of the adjacent battery cell 3b. The sealing means 80 may be provided, for example, in the form of a strip of elastic material, or in the form of a closed-cell elastic foam or polymer printed or glued on the edge insulating means. The sealing means 80, 82 may extend around the perimeter of the battery cell 3, whereby the sealing means 80, 82 may have the shape of a frame when viewed in a direction parallel to the stacking direction of the battery cells 3.

[0076] The seals 80, 82 have elastic properties that allow them to compensate for cell dimensional variations in a direction parallel to the stacking axis 5, including expansion and contraction associated with charge cycling. Since the amount of expansion or contraction can correspond to up to 10% or more of the cell thickness, the seals 80, 82 must be sufficiently elastic to maintain the seal regardless of cell dimensional variations.

[0077] In addition to being sufficiently elastic to accommodate the expansion and contraction of the battery cell due to charge cycling, the material used to form the seals 80, 82 must also be impermeable to moisture. In some embodiments, the seals 80, 82 may be closed-cell elastic foam rubber, wherein the pore fraction of the closed-cell elastic foam is sufficient to compensate for the expansion and contraction of the battery cell 3 up to 10% or more of the battery cell thickness. In other embodiments, the seals 80, 82 may be formed of other materials that address the requirements of a particular application, including but not limited to open-cell foam rubber.

[0078] In battery cell stacks with liquid electrolytes or gel-type electrolytes, the use of sealing devices 80, 82 is also advantageous. In some embodiments, it is sufficient to provide the edge insulation device with an additional seal in the form of an elastic or closed-cell elastic foam or rubber-type polymer film on its top side.

[0079] refer to Figure 9-13 As previously discussed, the edge insulation device inner peripheral edge 64 is spaced apart from the first active material layer peripheral edge 31 in a direction transverse to the stacking axis 5 so as to avoid any collision between these components, as such collision could potentially damage the first active material layer 30. In some embodiments, the substrate 20 of the bipolar plate 12 may include surface features that engage the edge insulation device 60 so as to position the edge insulation device 60 relative to the substrate 20, thereby ensuring that a spacing is maintained between the edge insulation device inner peripheral edge 64 and the first active material layer peripheral edge 31.

[0080] For example, the first surface 21 of the substrate 20 may include a protrusion 25 that protrudes outward from the first surface 21 in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 21 ( Fig. 9 ). When viewed in a direction parallel to the stacking axis 5, the protrusion 25 may have a circular or elliptical profile. In addition, the protrusion 25 may include an end face 26 and a side wall 27 extending between the end face 26 and the substrate first surface 21. The protrusion 25 is positioned along the first surface 21 at a position between the substrate peripheral edge 23 and the inner peripheral edge 64 of the edge insulation device 60. The edge insulation device 60 may include corresponding features of a shape and size suitable for receiving the protrusion 25, such as a through hole 66 ( Fig.10 and Fig.11) or recess 68 ( Fig.12 and Fig.13 ). The through hole 66 extends between the opposing wide surfaces of the edge insulating device 60 and is disposed at a position spaced apart from the outer peripheral edge 63 and the inner peripheral edge 64. When the protrusion 25 and the through hole 66 are engaged, the edge insulating device 60 is positioned and held relative to the substrate 20 so that a spacing is maintained between the edge insulating device inner peripheral edge 64 and the first active material layer peripheral edge 31. In the case where the recess 68 replaces the through hole 66, it should be understood that the recess 68 is similar in form and function to the through hole 66, but only extends partially through the thickness of the edge insulating device 60.

[0081] In some embodiments, the protrusion 25 can be received in the through hole 66 or the recess 68 with a tolerance fit. Alternatively, the protrusion 25 can be received in the through hole 66 or the recess 68 with a press fit. In these embodiments, the protrusion sidewall 27 is linear and perpendicular to the substrate first surface 21. The edge insulation device through hole 66 or the recess 68 includes an inner surface 67, which can be linear and perpendicular to the opposite wide surface ( Fig.10 ), or alternatively may include surface features 66a ( Fig.11 ).

[0082] In some embodiments, the shape and / or size of the protrusion 25 and / or the through hole 66 or the recess 68 are suitable for providing a "snap-in" or "click-in" mechanical connection therebetween. In these embodiments, the protrusion sidewall 27 may have a non-linear profile, the recess 68 or the inner surface 67 of the through hole 66 may have a non-linear profile complementary to the non-linear profile of the protrusion sidewall 27, and the protrusion 25 is engaged with the through hole 66 via a snap-fit ​​engagement between the protrusion sidewall 27 and the through hole inner surface 67. Fig.12 In the example illustrated in , the protrusion sidewall 27 and the recess inner surface 67 have complementary shapes and sizes, each of which is angled relative to the base first surface 21. In addition, the size of the recess opening is smaller than the widest dimension of the protrusion 25, whereby the protrusion 25 is snapped or clicked into engagement with the recess inner surface 67. Fig.13 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the protrusion side wall 27 and the recess inner surface 67 are arranged in a manner similar to Fig.12 The protrusion 25 has a complementary shape in a similar manner, but is sized to allow some movement of the protrusion 25 within the cavity 68 while still serving to retain the protrusion 25 within the cavity 68.

[0083] refer to Fig.14 The base 20 of each battery cell 3 may include a plurality of protrusions 25 spaced apart along a line extending parallel to the base peripheral edge 23 to surround the perimeter of the base 20 .

[0084] refer to Fig.15 and Fig.16 , in some embodiments, the edge insulation device 60 is free of the through-holes 66 and / or the recesses 68. In these embodiments, the substrate 20 of the bipolar plate 12 may include surface features (e.g., protrusions 125) that engage the edge insulation device inner peripheral edge 64 to position the edge insulation device 60 relative to the substrate 20. Like the previous embodiments, a plurality of protrusions 125 are arranged to be spaced apart along a line extending parallel to the substrate peripheral edge 23 so as to surround the perimeter of the substrate 20. The protrusions 125 are positioned between the edge insulation device inner peripheral edge 64 and the first active material layer peripheral edge 31 to prevent contact between the edge insulation device 60 and the first active material layer 30, and specifically, to position the edge insulation device 60 and maintain the spacing between the inner peripheral edge 64 of the edge insulation device 60 and the first active material layer peripheral edge 31, as discussed above.

[0085] refer to Fig.17 In some embodiments, the edge insulation device inner peripheral edge 64 cooperates with an alternative embodiment surface feature 225 formed on the substrate first surface 21. For example, the alternative embodiment surface feature 225 can be a frame-shaped edge that protrudes from the substrate first surface 21 and is positioned to maintain the spacing between the inner peripheral edge 66 of the edge insulation device 60 and the first active material layer peripheral edge 31, as discussed above. The edge 225 can extend continuously (shown) or discontinuously (not shown) along the perimeter of the edge insulation device 60.

[0086] refer to Fig.18 If desired for a particular application, substrate 20 may include both locating surface features 25 that engage corresponding surface features 66 of edge insulation device 60 and locating surface features 125 that engage inner peripheral edge 64 of edge insulation device 60 .

[0087] Although the positioning surface features 25, 125 have been described herein as being disposed on the first surface 21 (i.e., first surface 21a) of the battery cell 3 (battery cell 3a) with which the edge insulation device 60 is associated, it should be understood that the positioning surface features 25, 125 may alternatively be formed on the substrate 20b (i.e., second surface 22b) of the adjacent battery cell 3b.

[0088] The protrusions 25, 125 may be an integral part of the substrate surface, or may be formed thereon. For example, in some embodiments, the protrusions 25, 125 may be formed on the substrate surface during a screen printing process.

[0089] refer to Fig.19In some embodiments, the positioning features 25, 66 may be combined with an elastic additional pad 86, which may be formed of a closed-cell foam rubber or an elastic circumferential strip (not shown). The pad 86 serves to elastically fix and seal the edge insulation device 60 in conjunction with the base 20a of the battery cell 3a and / or the base 20b of the adjacent battery cell 3b, and thus elastically fix and seal the edge of the battery cell 3.

[0090] refer to Fig. 20 In some embodiments, a support frame 90 is provided to receive and support the outer peripheral edge 63 of each edge insulation device 60, maintain each outer peripheral edge 63 in a spaced relationship relative to the edge insulation device outer peripheral edge 63 of the adjacent battery cell in a direction parallel to the stacking axis 5, and provide a seal at the periphery of the edge sealing device 60. The support frame 90 is disposed inside the battery housing 2 and surrounds the battery cell stack 4 so that a gap g3 exists between the support frame 90 and the base peripheral edge 23.

[0091] The support frame 90 may be implemented as an edge sealing strip (not shown) or a thick foam member 91 ( Fig. 20 The foam member 91 is impermeable to air and moisture and extends around the perimeter of the battery cell stack 4 and may also enclose both ends of the battery cell stack 4, whereby the battery cells 3 are sealed from the environment of the battery 1.

[0092] The support frame 90 receives and supports the outer peripheral edge 63 of each edge insulation device 60 of the battery cell stack 4. In some embodiments, the foam member 91 is elastic. Specifically, the foam member 91 has sufficient elasticity to compensate for the expansion and contraction of the battery cell stack 4 in a direction parallel to the stacking axis 5 (e.g., due to charge cycling). The support frame 90 is configured to maintain a spaced-apart relationship between the corresponding outer peripheral edges 63 of the edge insulation devices 60 of adjacent battery cells 3 while keeping a portion 69 of the edge insulation device 60 unconstrained. The unconstrained portion 69 of the edge insulation device 60 is a portion that resides outside the battery cell 3, for example, beyond the peripheral edge 23 of the substrate 20 and inward relative to the support frame 90.

[0093] refer to Fig.21In embodiments where the edge insulation device 63 extends outwardly beyond the base peripheral edge 23 by a distance of about 100 times to 1000 times or more the thickness of the battery cell, the foam member 91 may be formed of a less elastic or inelastic material and can include an insulating material consisting of a glue, polymer or ceramic polymer hybrid sealing mass. In addition, when the battery 1 is viewed in a cross-section parallel to the stacking axis 5, the unconstrained portion 69 of the edge insulation device 60 can be curved. Thus, the edge insulation device 60 can have a folding wave. The excess material used to form the bend or fold is used to compensate for the expansion and contraction of the battery cell 3 relative to the support frame 90 in a direction parallel to the stacking axis 5, thereby avoiding the generation of tension that would be generated if the foam member 91 was inelastic and prevent the edge insulation device outer peripheral edge 63 from moving in a direction parallel to the stacking axis 5.

[0094] In other embodiments, the unconstrained portion 69 of the edge insulation device 60 of one battery cell 3 of the battery cell stack 4 may have a different length than the length of the unconstrained portion 69 of the edge insulation device 60 of another battery cell 3 of the battery cell stack 4. As used herein, the length of the unconstrained portion 69 is the distance between the inner surface of the support frame 90 and the peripheral edge 23 of the corresponding substrate 20. For example, the unconstrained portion 69 of the battery cell 3 disposed at the center of the battery cell stack 4 (e.g., midway between the first end 6 and the second end 8 of the battery cell stack) may have a shorter length than the unconstrained portion 69 of the battery cell 3 disposed at either the first end 6 or the second end 8 of the battery cell stack 4. By providing the edge insulation device 60 with different lengths of the unconstrained portion 69, the battery cell stack 4 (which experiences greater displacement at the ends 6, 8 of the battery cell stack 4 than at the center of the battery cell stack 4) can easily accommodate the expansion and contraction of the battery cell stack in a direction parallel to the stack axis 5 due to battery cell charge cycling.

[0095] In some embodiments, the outer peripheral edge 63 of the edge insulation device 60 of each battery cell 3 is fixed to the support frame 90. In addition, the length of the edge insulation device 60 (e.g., the distance between the outer peripheral edge 63 and the inner peripheral edge 64) is set so that the support frame 90 and the edge insulation device 60 cooperate to maintain the desired spacing between the inner peripheral edge 64 of the edge insulation device and the first active material layer peripheral edge 31. Since the edge insulation device 60 is fixed to the support frame 90, the edge insulation device 60 is prevented from colliding with the first active material layer 30. Therefore, it is optional to not have the above description of the edge insulation device 60. Fig. 9 and Fig.15The battery 1 is formed using the support frame 90 with the described locating features 25 , 125 .

[0096] refer to Fig. 22 and Fig.23 , the support frame 90 may optionally include an outer frame member 92 that is rigid and encloses the foam member 91. The outer frame member 92 serves to prevent the foam member 91 from being compressed by the battery housing 2. In some embodiments, such as those in which the foam member 91 is formed of an elastic material, the outer frame member 92 may have features that allow the outer frame member 92 to expand in a direction parallel to the stacking axis 5. Such features may include providing the outer frame member 92 as an assembly of two rigid, overlapping outer frame halves 93, 94 ( Fig.23 In other embodiments, such as those in which the foam member 91 is formed of an inelastic material, the outer frame member 92 may be a unitary structure that is rigid and cannot expand in a direction parallel to the stacking axis 5 ( Fig. 22 ).

[0097] refer to Fig.24 , alternative embodiment battery 200 and above with respect to Figure 1 The battery 100 described is similar, and common reference numerals are used to refer to common elements. The battery 200 encloses a stacked arrangement of electrochemical cells 203. The battery cell 203 is the same as the battery cell 3 described above, except that the battery cell 203 does not include edge insulation 60. Instead, an insulating tape 260 is applied to the peripheral edge 23 of each substrate 20 and each current collector 102, 112, and extends along the entire perimeter of these structures.

[0098] For example, in some embodiments, tape 260 is a thin and flexible electrical insulator and has an adhesive supplied on one surface of the tape. For example, tape 260 may be an adhesive-backed polyamide tape such as Kapton. TM Belt. Kapton TM is a registered trademark of EI du Pont de Nemours and Company. An adhesive surface is used to secure the tape 260 to an electrical conductor (e.g., substrate 20 and current collectors 102, 112). Although the tape 260 can be applied to only one surface of the electrical conductor, it is more effective when the tape 260 is wrapped around the edge of the electrical conductor so that it covers the periphery of the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 and the cut or edge surface of the electrical conductor, as shown. In addition, although the tape 260 is illustrated as covering only the electrical conductor and not the solid electrolyte layer 50 or the active material layers 30, 40, it is contemplated that the solid electrolyte layer 50 or the active material layers 30, 40 can also be partially covered by the tape 260 if desired.

[0099] Although the edge insulation device 60 has been described herein as part of a battery cell having a solid electrolyte 50, the edge insulation device 60 is not limited to this type of battery cell. For example, the edge insulation device 60 can be advantageously used in a semi-solid battery cell, such as a battery cell having a gel electrolyte with higher viscosity and lower flow properties. The edge insulation device 60 can also be used in a battery cell having a liquid electrolyte together with an additional liquid sealing elastic film on the top side of the edge sealing device. As elastic liquid electrolyte sealing layers, silicone gels and polymers are suitable.

[0100] In the embodiments described herein, the solid electrolyte layer 50 is disposed on the second surface 22 so as to encapsulate the second active material layer 40, which is accordingly described as providing the anode of the electrochemical cell 3. However, in other embodiments, the solid electrolyte layer 50 can be configured to encapsulate the first active material layer 30, which provides the cathode of the electrochemical cell 3.

[0101] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment illustrated in , the solid electrolyte 50 is coated on the anode active material layer 40, and the edge insulating device 60 is directly fixed to the peripheral portion of the solid electrolyte 50. However, the battery cell 3 is not limited to this configuration. For example, in other embodiments, the solid electrolyte 50 may be coated on the cathode active material layer 30, and the edge insulating device 60 may be directly fixed to the peripheral portion of the solid electrolyte 50. In any case, the cathode active material layer 30 does not touch the edge insulating device 60, so as to prevent force from acting on the active material layer 30 and thus prevent damage (e.g., by separating it from the corresponding substrate).

[0102] The embodiments described above have been shown by way of example, and it should be understood that these embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms. It should be further understood that the claims are not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed, but to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery comprising a stacked arrangement of electrochemical cells, each electrochemical cell comprising: A bipolar plate comprising a substrate, a first active material layer disposed on a first surface of the substrate, and a second active material layer disposed on a second surface of the substrate, the second surface being opposite to the first surface, the first active material layer having a first active material layer peripheral edge, the first active material layer peripheral edge being spaced apart from a substrate peripheral edge and disposed closer to a center of the substrate than the substrate peripheral edge, the second active material layer being a material different from that of the first active material layer, the second active material layer having a second active material layer peripheral edge, the second active material layer peripheral edge being spaced apart from the substrate peripheral edge; a solid electrolyte layer disposed on the second surface so as to encapsulate the second active material layer including a peripheral edge of the second active material layer, an edge insulation device comprising a sheet of electrically insulating material, the edge insulation device comprising an outer peripheral edge and an inner peripheral edge, the edge insulation device being disposed between the peripheral edges of the substrate of a given battery cell and an adjacent battery cell such that the outer peripheral edge is disposed farther from the center of the substrate than the substrate peripheral edge, and the edge insulation device physically contacts and is directly secured to the first surface of the substrate of the given battery cell or the solid electrolyte layer of the adjacent battery cell, and Elastomeric seals, in When the edge insulating device is physically contacted and directly secured to the first surface of the substrate of the given battery cell, the elastic seal is positioned between the edge insulating device and the solid electrolyte layer of the adjacent battery cell, and when the edge insulating device is physically contacted and directly secured to the solid electrolyte layer of the adjacent battery cell, the elastic seal is positioned between the edge insulating device and the first surface of the substrate of the given battery cell.

2. The battery according to claim 1, wherein The edge insulation device is directly secured to the first surface of the substrate of the given battery cell, and the seal is disposed between and in direct physical contact with the edge insulation device and the solid electrolyte layer of the adjacent battery cell so as to provide a barrier to prevent moisture from contacting the solid electrolyte layer of the adjacent battery cell.

3. The battery according to claim 1, wherein The edge insulation is directly fixed to the solid electrolyte layer of the adjacent battery cell, and the seal includes a first seal and a second seal, The first seal is disposed between and in direct physical contact with one side of the edge insulation and the solid electrolyte layer of the adjacent battery cell so as to provide a barrier to prevent moisture from contacting the solid electrolyte layer of the adjacent battery cell, and The second seal is disposed between and in direct physical contact with the other side of the edge insulation and the bipolar plate of the given battery cell.

4. The battery according to claim 1, wherein The seal is configured to provide a barrier that prevents moisture from contacting the solid electrolyte layer of the adjacent battery cell.

5. The battery according to claim 4, wherein The seal contacts the periphery of the solid electrolyte layer of the adjacent battery cell.

6. The battery according to claim 1, wherein The sealing member has a frame shape when viewed in a direction parallel to a stacking direction of the battery cells. 7 . The battery of claim 1 , comprising a battery housing enclosing the stacked arrangement of battery cells, the battery housing being configured to prevent moisture from entering an interior space of the battery housing.

8. The battery according to claim 7, wherein The battery casing is a flexible laminate comprising a metal foil sandwiched between polymer layers.

9. The battery according to claim 1, wherein The seal is a closed cell foam rubber.

10. The battery according to claim 1, wherein The seal is open-cell foam rubber.

11. The battery according to claim 1, wherein The seal is moisture-tight.

12. An electrochemical cell configured to be included in a stacked arrangement of electrochemical cells that together provide a battery, the electrochemical cell comprising: A bipolar plate comprising a substrate, a first active material layer disposed on a first surface of the substrate, and a second active material layer disposed on a second surface of the substrate, the second surface being opposite to the first surface, the first active material layer having a first active material layer peripheral edge, the first active material layer peripheral edge being spaced apart from a substrate peripheral edge and disposed closer to a center of the substrate than the substrate peripheral edge, the second active material layer being a material different from that of the first active material layer, the second active material layer having a second active material layer peripheral edge, the second active material layer peripheral edge being spaced apart from the substrate peripheral edge, a solid electrolyte layer disposed on the second surface so as to encapsulate the second active material layer including a peripheral edge of the second active material layer, an edge insulating device comprising a sheet of electrically insulating material, the edge insulating device comprising an outer peripheral edge and an inner peripheral edge, the edge insulating device being disposed adjacent to the first surface, wherein the outer peripheral edge is disposed farther from a center of the substrate than the substrate peripheral edge and the inner peripheral edge is disposed closer to a center of the substrate than the second active material layer peripheral edge, and An elastomeric seal is disposed on a surface of the edge insulation facing away from the first surface, the seal being configured to prevent moisture from passing between the edge insulation and an adjacent battery cell.

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