Bipolar battery and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

A bipolar battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a frame extending in a first direction and a second direction and divided into a plurality of regions; and unit cells disposed in the plurality of regions, respectively, and each including a first electrode, a solid electrolyte, and a second electrode stacked in a third direction, the unit cells adjacent in the first direction may each be provided with a first electrode and a second electrode alternately located at both ends in the third direction, and the unit cells adjacent in the first direction may be electrically connected in series with each other. The first electrodes of the unit cells located at one end in the first direction may be electrically connected in the second direction, the second electrodes of the unit cells located at the other end in the first direction may be electrically connected in the second direction, and the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction may be orthogonal to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a bipolar battery and a method for manufacturing the same. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid proliferation of information-related and communication devices such as personal computers, cameras, and mobile phones in recent years, the development of batteries to power these devices has become crucial. Furthermore, in the automotive industry, the development of high-power, high-capacity batteries for electric or hybrid vehicles is underway. Currently, among various battery types, lithium-ion batteries are attracting significant attention from the perspective of high energy density.

[0003] Currently available lithium-ion batteries use electrolytes containing flammable organic solvents, thus requiring safety devices to suppress temperature rise during short circuits, or improvements in the structure and materials used to prevent short circuits. In contrast, lithium-ion batteries, which achieve a fully solid-state design by changing the electrolyte to a solid electrolyte layer, do not use flammable organic solvents, allowing for simplified safety devices and are considered to have superior manufacturing cost and productivity.

[0004] Currently available lithium-ion batteries use electrolytes containing flammable organic solvents, thus requiring safety devices to suppress temperature rise during short circuits, or improvements in the structure and materials used to prevent short circuits. In contrast, lithium-ion batteries, which achieve a fully solid-state design by changing the electrolyte to a solid electrolyte layer, do not use flammable organic solvents, allowing for simplified safety devices and are considered to have superior manufacturing cost and productivity. Summary of the Invention

[0005] (a) Technical problems to be solved Embodiments of this disclosure provide a bipolar battery with freely adjustable power voltage and energy density, and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0006] The bipolar battery according to one embodiment of this disclosure can be widely used in green technology fields such as electric vehicles, battery charging stations, and other battery-powered solar power generation and wind power generation.

[0007] (II) Technical Solution A bipolar battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a frame extending along a first direction and a second direction and dividing a plurality of regions; and unit cells disposed in the plurality of regions, wherein each unit cell includes a first electrode, a solid electrolyte, and a second electrode stacked along a third direction, wherein adjacent unit cells in the first direction may be configured such that the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately located at opposite ends of the third direction, adjacent unit cells in the first direction may be electrically connected in series with each other, the first electrode of a unit cell located at one end of the first direction may be electrically connected along the second direction, and the second electrode of a unit cell located at the other end of the first direction may be electrically connected along the second direction, wherein the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction may be orthogonal to each other.

[0008] In one embodiment, the bipolar battery may further include: a first electrode tab that electrically connects the first electrodes of a unit cell located at one end in the first direction to each other; and a second electrode tab that electrically connects the second electrodes of a unit cell located at the other end in the first direction to each other.

[0009] In one embodiment, the length of the solid electrolyte in the first direction may be greater than the lengths of the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0010] In one embodiment, the height of the frame in the third direction may be less than or equal to the height of the unit cell in the third direction.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first and second electrodes at the upper ends of adjacent unit cells in the first direction can be electrically connected to each other, or the first and second electrodes at the lower ends of adjacent unit cells in the first direction can be electrically connected to each other.

[0012] In one embodiment, the bipolar battery may further include an upper cover disposed at one third-direction end of the unit cell and the frame, and comprising an insulating material.

[0013] In one embodiment, the frame may include: a lower plate on which the unit cell is disposed on a third-direction surface; and a first partition portion extending from the lower plate in a third direction to divide the plurality of regions and to insulate the unit cells from each other in the first direction and the second direction.

[0014] In one embodiment, the upper cover may include: an upper plate disposed at one end of the unit cell in a third direction; and a second partition portion extending from the upper plate in a third direction and connected to the first partition portion.

[0015] In one embodiment, within the unit cell, the first electrode and the second electrode are located at two ends facing upwards, respectively, and the solid electrolyte is located between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0016] In one embodiment, the unit cell may include one or more bipolar electrodes between the first electrode and the second electrode. The bipolar electrode includes a bipolar current collector, a first active material layer formed on one side of the bipolar current collector, and a second active material layer formed on the other side of the bipolar current collector.

[0017] In one embodiment, the frame may contain insulating material.

[0018] In one embodiment, the frame may contain a resilient material.

[0019] In one embodiment, the frame may comprise one or more materials selected from polyurethane, natural rubber, spandex, butyl rubber (Isobutylene Isoprene Rubber, IIR), fluoroelastomers, elastomers, ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), chloroprene, elastomeric protein, epichlorohydrin rubber, nylon, terpene, isoprene rubber, polybutadiene, nitrile rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, silicone rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), halogenated butyl rubber, chloroprene rubber, and copolymers thereof.

[0020] In one embodiment, the bipolar battery may further include a fixing part that secures the frame and the upper cover together.

[0021] In one embodiment, the frame and the upper cover can open and close relative to each other with the fixing part as the axis.

[0022] A method for manufacturing a bipolar battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps: arranging unit cells in a plurality of regions divided by a frame extending along a first direction and a second direction; connecting adjacent unit cells in the first direction in series; and electrically connecting the first electrodes of unit cells located at one end in the first direction to each other along the second direction, and electrically connecting the second electrodes of unit cells located at the other end in the first direction to each other along the second direction. The unit cell may include a first electrode, a solid electrolyte, and a second electrode stacked along a third direction. Adjacent unit cells in the first direction may each be configured such that the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately located at the two ends of the third direction. The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction may be orthogonal to each other.

[0023] In one embodiment, the step of connecting adjacent unit cells in series in the first direction may include the following steps: electrically connecting the first electrode and the second electrode at the upper end of the adjacent unit cells in the first direction to each other; or electrically connecting the first electrode and the second electrode at the lower end of the adjacent unit cells in the first direction to each other.

[0024] In one embodiment, the method of manufacturing the bipolar battery may further include the step of: attaching an upper cover containing insulating material to a third-direction end of the unit cell and the frame.

[0025] In one embodiment, the step of setting the unit cell may include the following steps: setting a conductor on the frame; and setting the unit cell in the plurality of regions such that the third-direction-facing end of the unit cell contacts the conductor.

[0026] In one embodiment, the step of setting the unit cell may further include the following step: insulating the portion of the conductor that is not in contact with the unit cell.

[0027] (III) Beneficial Effects According to embodiments of this disclosure, a bipolar battery with freely adjustable power voltage and energy density, and a method for manufacturing the same, can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a unit cell included in a bipolar battery according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a unit cell included in a bipolar battery according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 3This is a perspective view illustrating the frame included in a bipolar battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 4 Observing from direction A Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the frame.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the series connection of unit cells included in a bipolar battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a bipolar battery in which unit cells connected in series with each other are arranged within a frame, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the parallel connection of unit cells included in a bipolar battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a plan view of a bipolar battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the upper cover of a bipolar battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 10 Observing from direction B Figure 9 A three-dimensional view of the upper cover.

[0038] Figure 11 This is a plan view of a bipolar battery with a top cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above.

[0039] Figure 12 This is a perspective view illustrating a bipolar battery according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a bipolar battery according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments disclosed in this specification or application are merely illustrative for the purpose of explaining embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention may be implemented in various forms other than those disclosed in this specification or application, and the technical concept of the present invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described in this specification or application.

[0042] Hereinafter, unless otherwise specifically defined in this specification, when a part such as a layer, film, thin film, region, plate, etc. is described as being "above" or "over" another part, this includes not only the case where this part is "directly above" another part, but also the case where there are other parts in between.

[0043] Figure 1 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of a unit cell included in a bipolar battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Referring to Figure 1 , the unit cell 100 of the bipolar battery may include a first electrode 10, a second electrode 20, a bipolar electrode 30, and a solid electrolyte layer 40.

[0045] The first electrode ۱۰ may include a first current collector ۱۱ and a first active material layer ۱۲.

[0046] As long as it is a material having conductivity and capable of forming the first active material layer ۱۲ on one surface, there is no particular limitation, and it can be used as the first current collector ۱۱. For example, the first current collector ۱۱ may include one or more selected from stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and nickel. In addition, the first current collector ۱۱ may be in a form in which carbon is coated on the surface of the above-mentioned stainless steel, aluminum, copper, nickel, etc.

[0047] The thickness of the first current collector ۱۱ can be appropriately selected according to the use of the bipolar battery, etc., but generally it can be in the range of ۱ μm to ۱۰۰ μm, and specifically it can be in the range of ۵ μm to ۵۰ μm. When the thickness of the first current collector ۱۱ is thin, short circuit due to breakage can be further prevented. In addition, the shape of the first current collector ۱۱ can be appropriately selected according to the use of the bipolar battery, etc. In one embodiment, the first current collector ۱۱ may be a positive current collector.

[0048] The first active material layer ۱۲ may be formed on one surface of the first current collector ۱۱. In one embodiment, the first active material layer ۱۲ may be a positive electrode active material layer. At this time, the first active material layer ۱۲ may contain a positive electrode active material. In the case of a bipolar lithium battery, the positive electrode active material may be a lithium oxide. For example, it may be LiNi x Co y Mn z O2, LiNi x Co y Al z O2 (0 < x < 1, 0 < y < 1, 0 < z < 1, x + y + z = 1), etc. In one embodiment, the lithium oxide may be LiCoO2, LiMnO2, Li2NiMn3O8, LiVO2, LiCrO2, LiFePO4, LiCoPO4, LiNiO2, LiNi 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn1 / 3 O2, etc., but not limited to these. In addition, the positive electrode active material can be in single crystalline or polycrystalline form.

[0049] Furthermore, the first active material layer 12 may, as needed, further comprise one or more materials selected from conductive materials, solid electrolytes, and adhesives. The conductive material is used to improve conductivity, and may be, for example, acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon fiber, graphene, carbon nanotubes, etc. The solid electrolyte is used to improve the ionic conductivity of the positive electrode active material layer, and may be the same material described later in the section on solid electrolyte layer 40. Additionally, the adhesive can mediate the bonding between the positive electrode current collector and the positive electrode active material layer, improving mechanical stability; for example, the adhesive may be a fluorinated adhesive such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), or a rubber-based adhesive such as nitrile rubber (NBR) or styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR).

[0050] Regarding the method for forming the first active material layer 12, there are no particular limitations as long as the method can form the first active material layer 12 with a desired thickness on a desired area of ​​the surface of the first current collector 11. For example, methods such as forming the first active material layer 12 by pressing and calendering the material of the first active material layer 12, or forming the first active material layer 12 by preparing a slurry containing the material of the first active material layer 12 and a solvent and coating the slurry onto the surface of the first current collector 11 are also possible. Alternatively, in another embodiment, a method can be considered in which the first active material layer 12 is first formed on the solid electrolyte layer 40 located below the first active material layer 12 within the unit cell 100, and then the first current collector 11 is disposed on the first active material layer 12.

[0051] The second electrode 20 may include a second current collector 21 and a second active material layer 22.

[0052] There are no particular limitations on any material that is conductive and can form a second active material layer 22 on one side, and it can be used as the second current collector 21. For example, the second current collector 21 may contain one or more materials selected from stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and nickel. In addition, the second current collector 21 may be in the form of carbon coated on the surface of the aforementioned stainless steel, aluminum, copper, nickel, etc.

[0053] The thickness of the second current collector 21 can be appropriately selected according to the application of the bipolar battery, but it is typically in the range of 1 μm to 100 μm, specifically in the range of 5 μm to 50 μm. A thinner second current collector 21 can further prevent short circuits due to breakage. Furthermore, the shape of the second current collector 21 can be appropriately selected according to the application of the bipolar battery. In one embodiment, the second current collector 21 can be a negative electrode current collector.

[0054] The second active material layer 22 can be formed on one side of the second current collector 21. In one embodiment, the second active material layer 22 can be a negative electrode active material layer. In this case, the second active material layer 22 can contain a negative electrode active material. The negative electrode active material can be, for example, a metallic active material and a carbon active material, but is not limited thereto. The metal of the negative electrode active material can be, for example, In, Al, Si, and Sn, etc., and the carbon active material can be, for example, mesophase carbon microspheres (MCMB), highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), hard carbon, soft carbon, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0055] Furthermore, similar to the first active material layer 12, the second active material layer 22 may further comprise one or more materials selected from conductive materials, solid electrolytes, and binders, as needed. Moreover, the second active material layer 22 may be manufactured in the same manner as described for the first active material layer 12.

[0056] In this embodiment, the polarities of the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 may be opposite. In one embodiment, as shown in the example above, when the first electrode 10 is positive, the second electrode 20 may be negative. In another embodiment, when the first electrode 10 is negative, the second electrode 20 may be positive.

[0057] The bipolar electrode 30 may include a bipolar current collector 31, a first active material layer 12, and a second active material layer 22.

[0058] There are no particular limitations on any material that is conductive and can form a first active material layer 12 on one side and a second active material layer 22 on the other side, and it can be used as the bipolar current collector 31. For example, the bipolar current collector 31 may contain one or more materials selected from stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and nickel. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the bipolar current collector 31 may also be a combination of two or more materials selected from stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and nickel. The description of the first current collector 11 and the second current collector 21 is applicable to both bipolar current collectors 31, and therefore will not be repeated.

[0059] A first active material layer 12 can be formed on one side of the bipolar current collector 31, and a second active material layer 22 can be formed on the other side. This has already been explained in the description of the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20, so it will not be repeated here.

[0060] In one embodiment, the first active material layer 12 of the first electrode 10 and the first active material layer 12 of the bipolar electrode 30 may contain the same material. In another embodiment, the first active material layer 12 of the first electrode 10 and the first active material layer 12 of the bipolar electrode 30 may contain different materials.

[0061] In one embodiment, the second active material layer 22 of the second electrode 20 and the second active material layer 22 of the bipolar electrode 30 may contain the same material. In another embodiment, the second active material layer 22 of the second electrode 20 and the second active material layer 22 of the bipolar electrode 30 may contain different materials.

[0062] The solid electrolyte layer 40 may contain a solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte layer 40 may be located between the first electrode 10 and the bipolar electrode 30, and between the second electrode 20 and the bipolar electrode 30. In one embodiment, when multiple bipolar electrodes 30 are present, the solid electrolyte layer 40 may be located between each of the bipolar electrodes 30. More specifically, the solid electrolyte layer 40 may be located between the first active material layer 12 and the second active material layer 22.

[0063] In this embodiment, the length of the solid electrolyte layer 40 in the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the unit cells 100 can be greater than the lengths of the first electrode 10, the second electrode 20, and the bipolar electrode 30. Therefore, as described below, when the unit cells 100 are arranged within the frame, short circuits between the unit cells 100 can be prevented.

[0064] The solid electrolyte layer 40 may contain a solid electrolyte constituting it. There are no particular limitations on the solid electrolyte as long as it possesses ionic conductivity. For example, in the case of a bipolar lithium battery, amorphous solid electrolyte materials such as oxides (Li₂O-B₂O₃-P₂O₅, Li₂O-SiO₂, Li₂O-B₂O₃, Li₂O-B₂O₃-ZnO), Li₂S-SiS₂, LiI-Li₂S-SiS₂, LiI-Li₂S-P₂S₅, LiI-Li₂S-B₂S₃, and Li₃PO₄- can be used. Sulfide amorphous solid electrolyte materials such as Li2S-Si2S, Li3PO4-Li2S-SiS2, Li3PO4-Li2S-SiS, LiI-Li2S-P2O5, LiI-Li3PO4-P2S5, and Li2S-P2S5; LPSCI-based and LGPS-based sulfide crystal structure solid electrolyte materials such as Li3PS5Cl; LiI, LiI-Al2O3, Li3N, Li3N-LiI-LiOH, and Li 1＋ x Al x Ti 2-x (PO4)3 (0≤x≤2), Li 1＋x＋y A x Ti 2-x Si y P 3-y O 12 (A=Al or Ga, 0≤x≤0.4, 0 <y≤0.6)、[(A 1 / 2Li1 / 2 ) 1-x B x ]TiO3 (A=La, Pr, Nd, Sm, B=Sr or Ba, 0≤x≤0.5), Li5La3Ta2O 12 Li7La3Zr2O 12 Li6BaLa2Ta2O 12 Li3PO (4-3 / 2x) N x (x<1), Li 3.6 Si 0.6 P 0.4 O4 and other crystalline oxides / oxynitrides, Li3YCl6, Li6PS5C l0.5 Br 0.5 Halogenated solid electrolyte materials are used as solid electrolytes.

[0065] In another embodiment, the solid electrolyte can be a polymeric electrolyte, specifically a polymeric gel electrolyte. Depending on the manufacturing method, the polymeric gel electrolyte can be in the form of a physical gel (where the electrolyte swells after the preparation of a polymer matrix) or in the form of a chemical gel (where a composition is prepared by curing a mixture of an electrolyte and monomers). The polymeric gel electrolyte comprises an organic electrolyte containing a lithium salt and a polymeric resin, wherein the content of the organic electrolyte can be 60-1000 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the polymeric resin. The polymer used in the polymeric gel electrolyte is not limited to specific components and may include, for example, polyether-based, PVC-based, PMMA-based, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF), polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene (PVdF-HFP), polyacrylate, polyethylene oxide, or mixtures thereof.

[0066] The lithium salt contained in the polymer gel electrolyte is an ionizable lithium salt, which can be represented as Li. + X - The anion of this lithium salt can be, for example, F. - Cl - ,Br - I - NO3 - N(CN)2 - BF4 - ClO4 - PF6- (CF3)2PF4 - (CF3)3PF 3- (CF3)4PF 2- (CF3)5PF - (CF3)6P - CF3SO 3- CF3CF2SO 3- (CF3SO2)2N - (FSO2)2N - CF3CF2(CF3)2CO - (CF3SO2)2CH - (SF5)3C - (CF3SO2)3C - CF3(CF2)7SO 3- CF3CO 2- CH3CO 2- SCN - (CF3CF2SO2)2N – And so on, but not limited to these.

[0067] In addition to the solid electrolyte, the solid electrolyte layer 40 may further include an adhesive. This adhesive may be the same as that included in the first active material layer 12 described above.

[0068] In one embodiment, the thickness of the solid electrolyte layer 40 can be in the range of 0.1 μm to 1000 μm, specifically in the range of 0.1 μm to 300 μm, and more specifically in the range of 0.1 μm to 200 μm.

[0069] There are no particular limitations on the method for forming the solid electrolyte layer 40. For example, methods such as forming it by pressing and calendering the material of the solid electrolyte layer 40, preparing a slurry containing the material of the solid electrolyte layer 40 and a solvent and coating the slurry onto a current collector on which the electrode active material layer is formed, or coating the slurry onto the current collector and drying it to form a self-standing membrane can be described. In one embodiment, if the slurry coating method is used, it is easier to form the solid electrolyte layer 40 covering the electrode active material layer. Here, the electrode active material layer can be a first active material layer 12 or a second active material layer 22, and the current collector can be a first current collector 11, a second current collector 21, or a bipolar current collector 31.

[0070] like Figure 1As shown, in a unit cell 100, a bipolar electrode 30 and a solid electrolyte layer 40 can be disposed between a first electrode 10 and a second electrode 20. In one embodiment, more than one bipolar electrode 30 can be disposed between the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20, and multiple solid electrolyte layers 40 can be disposed.

[0071] In this embodiment, the unit cell 100 may be a stack of a first electrode 10, a second electrode 20, one or more bipolar electrodes 30, and multiple solid electrolyte layers 40. The first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 may be located at opposite ends of the stacking direction of the unit cell 100. More specifically, the first current collector 11 and the second current collector 21 may be located at opposite ends of the stacking direction of the unit cell 100.

[0072] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a unit cell included in a bipolar battery according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0073] Reference Figure 2 A single cell 100 of a bipolar battery may include multiple bipolar electrodes 30. A solid electrolyte layer 40 may be located between the multiple bipolar electrodes 30.

[0074] In one embodiment, the first active material layer 12 of each of the plurality of bipolar electrodes 30 may contain the same material as each other. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the first active material layer 12 of the plurality of bipolar electrodes 30 may contain different materials as each other.

[0075] In one embodiment, the second active material layer 22 of each of the plurality of bipolar electrodes 30 may contain the same material as each other. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the second active material layer 22 of the plurality of bipolar electrodes 30 may contain different materials as each other.

[0076] By repeatedly setting the bipolar electrode 30 in the form of a stacked first active material layer 12, bipolar current collector 31, and second active material layer 22, a unit cell 100 can be a configuration in which multiple bipolar cells are connected in series.

[0077] like Figure 2 As shown, by including multiple bipolar electrodes 30, the overall power voltage of the bipolar battery can be improved.

[0078] Figure 3 This is a perspective view illustrating the frame included in a bipolar battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] Figure 4 Observing from direction A Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the frame.

[0080] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The frame 200 can extend along the x-axis and y-axis directions and divide into multiple regions 230. In an embodiment, the frame 200 may include a lower plate 220 at one end in the z-axis direction, and the lower plate 220 may include a first partition portion 210 extending along the x-axis and y-axis directions.

[0081] In this embodiment, a unit cell 100, consisting of a first electrode 10, a second electrode 20, and a solid electrolyte stacked along the z-axis, can be disposed on a lower plate 220. More specifically, the unit cell 100 can be disposed in multiple regions 230 divided by a first partition portion 210 extending along the x-axis and y-axis directions. In this specification, the x-axis direction can be defined as a first direction, the y-axis direction as a second direction, and the z-axis direction as a third direction. Thus, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction can be orthogonal to each other.

[0082] In an embodiment, the frame 200 may include an insulating material. Thus, the frame 200 can electrically isolate the unit cells 100. In an embodiment, the frame 200 can insulate adjacent unit cells 100 in the x-axis and y-axis directions from each other.

[0083] The frame 200 may contain an elastic material. In one embodiment, the bipolar battery may be subjected to external pressure during operation. The frame 200 containing the elastic material can be appropriately compressed by the external pressure and will not be damaged even under external pressure, allowing the multiple unit cells 100 to be separated normally.

[0084] Frame 200 may, for example, comprise one or more materials selected from polyurethane, natural rubber, spandex, butyl rubber (Isobutylene Isoprene Rubber, IIR), fluoroelastomers, elastomers, ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), chloroprene, elastomeric protein, epichlorohydrin rubber, nylon, terpenes, isoprene rubber, polybutadiene, nitrile rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, silicone rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), halogenated butyl rubber, chloroprene rubber, and copolymers thereof, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, in another embodiment, frame 200 may be a nonwoven fabric or porous material, for example, a nonwoven fabric or sheet comprising one or more materials selected from olefin-based porous materials, glass fiber, and polyethylene.

[0085] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the series connection of unit cells included in a bipolar battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] Reference Figure 5In this embodiment, adjacent unit cells 100 in the x-axis direction can be configured such that a first electrode 10 and a second electrode 20 are alternately located at opposite ends in the z-axis direction. Adjacent unit cells 100 in the x-axis direction can be connected in series. Thus, the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 of adjacent unit cells 100 in the x-axis direction can be electrically connected to each other. The first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 of adjacent unit cells 100 in the x-axis direction can also be electrically connected to each other via a wire 300.

[0087] In one embodiment, the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 at the upper ends of adjacent unit cells 100 in the x-axis direction can be electrically connected to each other, or the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 at the lower ends of adjacent unit cells 100 in the x-axis direction can be electrically connected to each other. The upper and lower ends of the unit cell 100 can be the two ends of the unit cell 100 in the z-axis direction.

[0088] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a bipolar battery in which unit cells connected in series with each other are arranged within a frame, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] Reference Figure 6 The unit cell 100 can be disposed in multiple regions divided by the frame 200. In an embodiment, adjacent unit cells 100 in the x-axis direction can be configured such that the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 are alternately located at their ends in the z-axis direction.

[0090] In one embodiment, the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 at the lower ends of adjacent unit cells 100 in the x-axis direction can be electrically connected to each other via a first conductor 300a. In another embodiment, the first conductor 300a can be pre-installed on the frame 200 before the unit cells 100 are installed. In yet another embodiment, the first conductor 300a can be configured to pass through multiple regions divided by the frame 200. Subsequently, the unit cells 100 can be configured to contact the lower end of the unit cells 100 with the first conductor 300a. In one embodiment, the first conductor 300a can be insulated before the unit cells 100 are installed. For example, by applying insulating tape to at least a portion of the portion of the first conductor 300a that does not contact the unit cells 100, accidental short circuits can be prevented.

[0091] In one embodiment, the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 at the upper ends of adjacent unit cells 100 in the x-axis direction can be electrically connected to each other via a second wire 300b. In this embodiment, the second wire 300b can be formed to contact the upper end of the unit cell 100 after the unit cell 100 is installed.

[0092] In one embodiment, the height of the frame 200 in the z-axis direction can be less than or equal to the height of the unit cell 100 in the z-axis direction. More specifically, the height of the frame 200 in the z-axis direction can be the same as the height of the unit cell 100 in the z-axis direction. Therefore, the unit cell 100 can be more stably positioned within the area defined by the frame 200.

[0093] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the parallel connection of unit cells included in a bipolar battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 Within the bipolar battery 1000, the first electrodes 10 of the unit cells located at one end in the x-axis direction can be electrically connected to each other along the second direction. In an embodiment, the first electrodes 10 of the unit cells located at one end in the x-axis direction can be electrically connected to each other via first electrode tabs 400a.

[0095] The second electrodes 20 of the unit cells located at the other end in the x-axis direction can be electrically connected to each other along the second direction. In an embodiment, the second electrodes 20 of the unit cells located at the other end in the x-axis direction can be electrically connected to each other via second electrode tabs 400b.

[0096] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the first electrode 10 of the unit cell located at one end in the x-axis direction and the second electrode 20 of the unit cell located at the other end in the x-axis direction can be connected to the first electrode tab 400a and the second electrode tab 400b respectively via the second wire 300b.

[0097] In another embodiment, at least one of the first electrode 10 of the unit cell located at one end in the x-axis direction and the second electrode 20 of the unit cell located at the other end in the x-axis direction can be connected to the first electrode tab 400a and the second electrode tab 400b via the first wire 300a.

[0098] Therefore, a unit cell group consisting of unit cells 100 arranged along the x-axis can be connected in parallel with each other along the y-axis.

[0099] Figure 8 This is a plan view of a bipolar battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above.

[0100] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 Within the bipolar battery 1000, two unit cells 100 can be arranged adjacent to each other along the x-axis and along the y-axis. However, this is not the only possibility; for example... Figure 7As shown, the ratio can be set along the x-axis and y-axis directions. Figure 8 The number of unit cells 100 is shown in the diagram.

[0101] Adjacent unit cells 100 in the x-axis direction can be electrically connected to each other via the first conductor 300a. However, when the number of unit cells 100 arranged in the x-axis direction increases, the first conductor 300a and the second conductor 300b can be used simultaneously to connect adjacent unit cells 100 in the x-axis direction in series.

[0102] The first electrode 10 of the unit cell 100 located at one end in the x-axis direction can be electrically connected to each other in the y-axis direction via the first electrode tab 400a. The second electrode 20 of the unit cell located at the other end in the x-axis direction can be electrically connected to each other in the y-axis direction via the second electrode tab 400b.

[0103] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the upper cover of a bipolar battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] Figure 10 Observing from direction B Figure 9 A three-dimensional view of the upper cover.

[0105] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 The upper cover 500 can be combined with the frame 200 on which the unit cell 100 is provided. The upper cover 500 can be provided at one end of the unit cell 100 and the frame 200 in the z-axis direction, i.e., the upper end.

[0106] Viewed from direction B, the upper cover 500 may include an upper plate 520 and a second partition portion 510 inside. The upper plate 520 may be disposed at one end of the unit cell 100 in the z-axis direction. In one embodiment, the upper plate 520 may contact the upper end of the unit cell 100, but is not limited thereto; a gap may exist between the upper plate 520 and the upper end of the unit cell 100.

[0107] The second partition portion 510 can extend from the upper plate 520 in the z-axis direction, and more specifically, it can extend downward from the upper plate 520. The second partition portion 510 can be connected to the first partition portion 210 included in the frame.

[0108] The upper cover 500 may contain insulating material. Thus, the upper cover 500 can electrically isolate the unit cells 100. In an embodiment, the upper cover 500 can insulate adjacent unit cells 100 in the x-axis and y-axis directions from each other. For example, when the height of a unit cell 100 in the z-axis direction is greater than the height of the frame 200 in the z-axis direction, the portion of the unit cell 100 exceeding the height of the frame 200 can be insulated by the upper cover 500.

[0109] The upper cover 500 may contain an elastic material. In one embodiment, the bipolar battery may be subjected to external pressure during operation, and the upper cover 500 containing the elastic material can be appropriately compressed by the external pressure without being damaged, and can normally separate multiple unit cells 100.

[0110] The upper cover 500 may, for example, comprise one or more materials selected from polyurethane, natural rubber, spandex, butyl rubber (Isobutylene Isoprene Rubber, IIR), fluoroelastomers, elastomers, ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), chloroprene, elastomeric protein, epichlorohydrin rubber, nylon, terpenes, isoprene rubber, polybutadiene, nitrile rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, silicone rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), halogenated butyl rubber, chloroprene rubber, and copolymers thereof, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the upper cover 500 may be a nonwoven fabric or porous material, for example, a nonwoven fabric or sheet comprising one or more materials selected from olefin-based porous materials, glass fiber, and polyethylene.

[0111] Figure 11 This is a plan view of a bipolar battery with a top cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above.

[0112] Reference Figures 6 to 11 The bipolar battery 1000 may include multiple unit cells 100, and the unit cells 100 may be disposed in the space formed by the frame 200 and the upper cover 500 combined with each other.

[0113] In an embodiment, the first electrode 10 of a unit cell 100 located at one end in the x-axis direction can be electrically connected to each other in the y-axis direction via the first electrode tab 400a, and the second electrode 20 of a unit cell 100 located at the other end in the x-axis direction can be electrically connected to each other in the second direction via the second electrode tab 400b.

[0114] Figure 12 This is a perspective view illustrating a bipolar battery according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] Reference Figure 12 The frame 200 and upper cover 500 of the bipolar battery 1000 can be combined in a clamshell shape. That is, Figure 9 The image shows the separate frame 200 and the upper cover 500 joined together, but... Figure 12The frame 200 and the upper cover 500 of the bipolar battery 1000 may include a fixing part that is fixed to each other at least a portion thereof, and the frame 200 and the upper cover 500 may be opened and closed about the fixing part.

[0116] The unit cell 100 can be set with the frame 200 and the upper cover 500 open. After the unit cell 100 is set, the unit cell 100 can be sealed by closing the frame 200 and the upper cover 500.

[0117] like Figure 12 As shown, using a frame 200 and an upper cover 500 formed in the shape of a clam shell can reduce the sealing process, improve process efficiency, and increase the energy efficiency of the bipolar battery 1000.

[0118] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a bipolar battery according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0119] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 13 In operation S100, unit cells 100 can be set in multiple regions divided by the frame 200. The frame 200 can be divided into multiple regions by extending along the x-axis and y-axis directions, and unit cells including a first electrode, a solid electrolyte, and a second electrode stacked along the z-axis can be set in multiple regions.

[0120] In one embodiment, before setting the unit cell 100, a first conductor 300a can be first set on the frame 200. The unit cell 100 can be set in multiple areas such that the lower end of the unit cell 100 contacts the first conductor 300a. Before setting the unit cell 100, the portion of the first conductor 300a that does not contact the unit cell 100 can be insulated. For example, insulating tape can be pasted around the portion of the first conductor 300a that does not contact the unit cell 100.

[0121] In operation S200, adjacent unit cells 100 in the x-axis direction can be connected in series. Specifically, the first and second electrodes at the upper ends of adjacent unit cells 100 in the x-axis direction can be electrically connected to each other, or the first and second electrodes at the lower ends of adjacent unit cells 100 in the x-axis direction can be electrically connected to each other.

[0122] In one embodiment, the first and second electrodes at the upper ends of adjacent unit cells 100 in the x-axis direction can be electrically connected to each other by providing a second wire 300b at the upper end of the unit cell 100. In another embodiment, the first and second electrodes at the lower ends of adjacent unit cells 100 in the x-axis direction can be electrically connected to each other by a first wire 300a pre-installed on the frame 200.

[0123] In operation S300, the first electrodes of the unit cells 100 located at one end in the x-axis direction can be electrically connected to each other along the y-axis direction, and the second electrodes of the unit cells 100 located at the other end in the x-axis direction can be electrically connected to each other along the y-axis direction. The first electrodes of the unit cells 100 located at one end in the x-axis direction can be connected to each other via first electrode tabs 400a, and the first electrodes of the unit cells 100 located at the other end in the x-axis direction can be connected to each other via second electrode tabs 400b. Through operation S300, a group of unit cells including unit cells 100 arranged along the x-axis direction can be connected in parallel with each other.

[0124] Furthermore, an upper cover 500 can be attached to the upper end of the unit cell 100 and the frame 200. The upper cover 500 can seal the internally disposed unit cell 100 by attaching it to the frame 200.

[0125] Industrial applicability This disclosure provides an electrode that prevents wrinkling and swelling, and has excellent capacity retention and energy density. Furthermore, this disclosure provides a cell, battery module, and battery pack including the electrode, and an electrical device including at least one of the cell, battery module, and battery pack.

Claims

1. A bipolar battery comprising: a frame extending in a first direction and a second direction, and dividing a plurality of regions; and unit cells respectively provided in the plurality of regions, and each including a first electrode, a solid electrolyte, and a second electrode stacked in a third direction, each of the unit cells adjacent in the first direction is provided with the first electrode and the second electrode alternately positioned at both end portions in the third direction, the unit cells adjacent in the first direction are electrically connected in series to each other, the first electrodes of the unit cells positioned at one end portion in the first direction are electrically connected in the second direction, the second electrodes of the unit cells positioned at the other end portion in the first direction are electrically connected in the second direction, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are orthogonal to each other.

2. The bipolar battery according to claim 1, wherein the bipolar battery further comprises: first electrode tabs electrically connecting the first electrodes of the unit cells positioned at one end portion in the first direction to each other; and second electrode tabs electrically connecting the second electrodes of the unit cells positioned at the other end portion in the first direction to each other.

3. The bipolar battery according to claim 1, wherein a length of the solid electrolyte in the first direction is greater than lengths of the first electrode and the second electrode.

4. The bipolar battery according to claim 1, wherein a height of the frame in the third direction is less than or equal to a height of the unit cells in the third direction.

5. The bipolar battery according to claim 1, wherein the first electrodes and the second electrodes of the upper end portions of the unit cells adjacent in the first direction are electrically connected to each other, or the first electrodes and the second electrodes of the lower end portions of the unit cells adjacent in the first direction are electrically connected to each other.

6. The bipolar battery according to claim 1, wherein the bipolar battery further comprises an upper cover provided at one end portion in the third direction of the unit cells and the frame, and containing an insulating material.

7. The bipolar battery according to claim 6, wherein the frame comprises: a lower plate on which the unit cells are provided on one face in the third direction of the lower plate; and a first partition portion extending from the lower plate in the third direction, dividing the plurality of regions, and insulating the unit cells from each other in the first direction and the second direction.

8. The bipolar battery according to claim 7, wherein the upper cover comprises: an upper plate provided at one end portion in the third direction of the unit cells; and a second partition portion extending from the upper plate in the third direction, and connected to the first partition portion.

9. The bipolar battery according to claim 1, wherein in the unit cells, the first electrode and the second electrode are respectively positioned at both end portions in the third direction, and the solid electrolyte is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode.

10. The bipolar battery according to claim 9, wherein ​ The unit cell includes one or more bipolar electrodes between the first electrode and the second electrode, the bipolar electrode including a bipolar current collector, a first active material layer formed on one side of the bipolar current collector, and a second active material layer formed on the other side of the bipolar current collector. 11.The bipolar battery according to claim 1, wherein The frame includes an insulating material. 12.The bipolar battery according to claim 11, wherein The frame includes an elastic material. 13.The bipolar battery according to claim 12, wherein The frame includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, natural rubber, spandex, butyl rubber, fluoroelastomer, elastomer, ethylene-propylene rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, chloroprene, elastin, epichlorohydrin rubber, nylon, terpene, isoprene rubber, polybutadiene, nitrile rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, silicone rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate, halogenated butyl rubber, chloroprene rubber, and copolymers thereof. 14.The bipolar battery according to claim 6, wherein The bipolar battery further includes a fixing portion in which the frame and the upper cover are fixedly combined. 15.The bipolar battery according to claim 14, wherein The frame and the upper cover are opened and closed with respect to each other with the fixing portion as an axis. 16.A method of manufacturing a bipolar battery, comprising the steps of: arranging unit cells in a plurality of regions divided by a frame extending in a first direction and a second direction, respectively; connecting the unit cells adjacent to each other in the first direction in series; and electrically connecting the first electrodes of the unit cells located at one end portion in the first direction to each other in the second direction and electrically connecting the second electrodes of the unit cells located at the other end portion in the first direction to each other in the second direction, the unit cell includes a first electrode, a solid electrolyte, and a second electrode stacked in a third direction, the unit cells adjacent to each other in the first direction are each arranged such that the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately located at both end portions in the third direction, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are orthogonal to each other. 17.The method of manufacturing a bipolar battery according to claim 16, wherein the step of connecting the unit cells adjacent to each other in the first direction in series includes the steps of: electrically connecting the first electrode and the second electrode of the upper end portion of the unit cells adjacent to each other in the first direction to each other; or electrically connecting the first electrode and the second electrode of the lower end portion of the unit cells adjacent to each other in the first direction to each other. 18.The method of manufacturing a bipolar battery according to claim 16, further comprising the step of: combining an upper cover including an insulating material to one end portion in the third direction of the unit cells and the frame. 19.The method of manufacturing a bipolar battery according to claim 16, wherein the step of arranging the unit cells includes the steps of: arranging a wire on the frame; and arranging the unit cells in the plurality of regions such that one end portion in the third direction of the unit cells is in contact with the wire.

20. The method of manufacturing a bipolar battery according to claim 19, wherein, the step of arranging the unit cells further comprises the steps of: insulating a portion of the wire that does not contact the unit cells.

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