EDGE PROTECTORS FOR SOLID-BOARD BATTERIES
Edge protectors made from rigid, temperature-resistant materials address the structural issues caused by volume reduction in solid-state battery cells during degassing, ensuring the integrity and performance of the battery.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-21
AI Technical Summary
The abrupt reduction in volume during the degassing process of solid-state battery cells can cause adverse structural contact, particularly around the edges of the cell stack, leading to potential performance issues.
The implementation of edge protectors made from rigid, temperature-resistant, and electronically insulating materials that cover the edges of the cell stack to prevent damage during the degassing process, ensuring the integrity and performance of the electrodes.
The edge protectors effectively protect the edges of solid-state battery cells from irregular shrinkage, maintaining the structural integrity and performance of the battery during manufacturing.
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Abstract
Description
AREA OF TECHNOLOGY
[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a battery edge protection system and an associated assembly method for solid-state batteries used in electrified vehicles. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART
[0002] Electrified vehicles differ from conventional motor vehicles in that they incorporate a powertrain that includes one or more electric motors. A battery pack can supply power to these electric motors. The battery pack may contain banks of solid-state battery cells. SUMMARY
[0003] In some aspects, the techniques described here relate to a battery manufacturing process that includes: stacking a plurality of unit battery cells, each unit battery cell containing an electrolyte, to provide a cell stack having a plurality of edges; installing at least one edge protector to cover at least one edge of the plurality of edges; enclosing the cell stack and the at least one edge protector within a casing; and shrinking the casing around the cell stack and the at least one edge protector.
[0004] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any method, the electrolyte comprises a solid electrolyte, and wherein each unit battery cell comprises an anode, a solid electrolyte and a cathode.
[0005] In another non-restrictive embodiment of any method, shrinking the shell involves degassing the shell with a vacuum pump.
[0006] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any method, the method includes forming at least one edge protection from a rigid material.
[0007] In another non-restrictive embodiment of any method, both the shell and the cell stack are flexible before shrinking.
[0008] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any method, the plurality of edges comprises a first side edge, a second side edge, a third side edge extending between the first side edge and the second side edge, and a fourth side edge opposite the third side edge and extending between the first side edge and the second side edge, wherein the method includes covering the first side edge and at least sections of the third side edge and the fourth side edge with the at least one edge protector.
[0009] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any method, the at least one edge protector comprises at least a first edge protector and a second edge protector and includes the method of: covering the first side edge and at least sections of the third side edge and the fourth side edge with the first edge protector; and covering the second side edge and at least sections of the third side edge and the fourth side edge with the second edge protector.
[0010] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any method, the plurality of edges further comprises an upper edge and a lower edge opposite the upper edge, wherein the upper edge and the lower edge extend around a circumference of the cell stack, and includes the method of covering at least one of the upper edge and the lower edge with a respective upper lip or lower lip extending outwards from the at least one edge protector.
[0011] In another non-restrictive embodiment of any method, the method includes covering the upper edge with the upper lip and covering the lower edge with the lower lip.
[0012] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any method, the at least one edge guard comprises at least a first edge guard and a second edge guard and includes the method of: using the first edge guard to cover the first side edge, at least sections of the third side edge and the fourth side edge, and at least one of the top edge and the bottom edge with a respective top lip or bottom lip extending outwards from the first edge guard; and using the second edge guard to cover the second side edge, at least sections of the third side edge and the fourth side edge, and at least one of the top edge and the bottom edge with a respective top lip or bottom lip extending outwards from the second edge guard.
[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described here relate to a battery manufacturing system comprising: a plurality of unit battery cells, each containing an electrolyte, wherein the plurality of battery numbers are stacked on top of each other to provide a cell stack having a plurality of edges; wherein at least one edge protector covers at least one edge of the plurality of edges; a casing enclosing the cell stack and at least one edge protector; and a degassing system that shrinks the casing around the cell stack and the at least one edge protector.
[0014] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any system, the electrolyte comprises a solid electrolyte, and each unit battery cell comprises an anode, a solid electrolyte and a cathode.
[0015] In another non-restrictive embodiment of any system, the degassing system includes a vacuum pump.
[0016] In another non-restrictive embodiment of any system, the at least one edge protection is made of a rigid material.
[0017] In another non-restrictive embodiment of any system, both the shell and the cell stack are flexible before shrinking.
[0018] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any system, the plurality of edges comprises a first side edge, a second side edge, a third side edge extending between the first side edge and the second side edge, and a fourth side edge opposite the third side edge and extending between the first side edge and the second side edge, wherein the at least one edge guard covers the first side edge and at least sections of the third side edge and the fourth side edge.
[0019] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any system, the at least one edge guard comprises at least a first edge guard and a second edge guard, wherein: the first edge guard covers the first side edge and at least sections of the third side edge and the fourth side edge; and the second edge guard covers the second side edge and at least sections of the third side edge and the fourth side edge.
[0020] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any system, the plurality of edges further comprises an upper edge and a lower edge opposite the upper edge, wherein the upper edge and the lower edge extend around a circumference of the cell stack; and wherein the at least one edge guard covers at least one of the upper edge and the lower edge with a respective upper lip or lower lip extending outwards from the at least one edge guard.
[0021] In another non-restrictive embodiment of any system, the upper edge is covered by the upper lip and the lower edge is covered by the lower lip.
[0022] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any system, the at least one edge guard comprises at least a first edge guard and a second edge guard, wherein: the first edge guard covers the first side edge, at least sections of the third side edge and the fourth side edge, and at least one of the upper edge and the lower edge with a respective upper lip or lower lip extending outwards from the first edge guard; and the second edge guard covers the second side edge, at least sections of the third side edge and the fourth side edge, and at least one of the upper edge and the lower edge with a respective upper lip or lower lip extending outwards from the second edge guard.
[0023] The embodiments, examples, and alternatives described in the preceding paragraphs, the claims, or the following description and drawings, which may include any of their various aspects or individual features, can be considered independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, provided such features are not incompatible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0024] The various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will be apparent to the person skilled in the art from the detailed description. The figures accompanying the detailed description can be briefly described as follows: Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an electrified vehicle that has a traction battery pack. Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the traction battery pack from the electrified vehicle. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a perspective sketch of the stack of FKB cells from the traction battery pack. Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a perspective sketch of the stack of FKB cells. Fig. 3 with an example of an edge protector. Fig. Figure 5 illustrates a perspective sketch of the stack of FKB cells. Fig. 3 with another example of edge protection. Fig. Figure 6 illustrates a perspective sketch of the stack of FKB cells. Fig. 3 with another example of edge protection. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] This disclosure describes a battery edge protection system for solid-state batteries used in electrified vehicles. This disclosure also describes an associated assembly method for the solid-state batteries and the edge protection system.
[0026] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 includes an electrified vehicle 10, a battery pack 12, an electric motor 14, and wheels 16. The battery pack 12 supplies power to an electric motor 14, which can convert electrical power into mechanical power to drive the wheels 16. The battery pack 12 can be a battery with a relatively high voltage.
[0027] In the exemplary embodiment, the battery pack 12 is secured to an underbody 18 of the electrified vehicle 10. In other examples, the battery pack 12 could be located elsewhere on the electrified vehicle 10.
[0028] The electrified vehicle 10 is a fully electric vehicle. In other examples, the electrified vehicle 10 is a hybrid electric vehicle that selectively drives wheels using torque provided by an internal combustion engine instead of, or in addition to, an electric motor. Generally, the electrified vehicle 10 could be any type of vehicle that incorporates a traction battery pack.
[0029] With reference to Fig. In the exemplary embodiment, the battery pack 12 comprises a plurality of battery banks 20, which are held within a housing assembly 22. The housing assembly 22 includes a housing cover 24 and a housing shell 26. The housing cover 24 is attached to the housing shell 26 to provide an interior space 28 in which the plurality of battery banks 20 are accommodated.
[0030] The battery banks 20 each contain a group of battery cells 30, which are stacked next to each other in a relative position. These groups of battery cells 30 supply electrical power to various components of the electrified vehicle 10. In this application, the battery cells 30 are solid-state battery (SSB) cells, which, instead of the liquid or polymer gel electrolytes found in lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, contain solid electrodes and a solid electrolyte.
[0031] The groups of battery cells 30 are arranged side by side to provide the battery banks 20. Although in Fig. Since Figure 2 illustrates a specific number of cells 30 and banks 20, the battery pack 12 could include any number of banks 20, each containing any number of cells 30. In other words, this disclosure is not limited to the specific configuration of cells 30 and banks 20 shown in Figure 2. Fig. 2 is shown.
[0032] Regarding Fig. 3 is a plurality of individual / unit FKB battery cells 32 stacked one above the other in a z-direction to form a group stack 34. Each unit FKB cell 32 includes an anode 36, a solid electrolyte 38, and a cathode 40. At the level of the individual FKB cells, the anode 36, the solid electrolyte 38, and the cathode 40 are stacked one above the other in the z-direction, with the solid electrolyte being placed between the anode 36 and the cathode 40.
[0033] In conversions, the FKB cell 32 further includes an anode current collector 42 and a cathode current collector 44. In conversions, the anode current collector 42 is arranged on the surface of the anode 36 opposite the surface of the anode facing the solid electrolyte 38. Likewise, the cathode current collector 44 is arranged on the surface of the cathode 40 opposite the surface of the cathode facing the solid electrolyte 38.
[0034] In this configuration, a section of the anode current collector 42 extends from a body of the FKB cell 32 in the form of a tab. Similarly, a section of the cathode current collector 44 extends from a body of the FKB cell 32 in the form of a tab. In this example, the anode current collector tab and the cathode current collector tab extend from a body of the FKB cell 32 past edges of the group stack 34. The tabs are accessible to be connected to the tabs of the current collectors of other FKB cells 32 in the group stack 34, so that the FKB cells 32 are connected in series or parallel. It is understood that this is only one example of FKB cells 32 in a group stack 34 and that other configurations of the cells 32 and the stack 34 could be used.
[0035] Fig. Figure 4 presents an example of a battery edge protection system 50 used to protect the FKB cells 32 during pack formation. During pack formation, the FKB cells 32 are enclosed within a shell 52, and a subsequent degassing process takes place, causing the shell 52 to shrink around the stack 34. In some implementations, this vacuum process could occur after formation or possibly only during assembly if formation is not required for certain types of FKBs. During this process, the FKB cells 32 can present unique challenges due to their solid material composition. For example, the flexible shell 52 around the cell stack 34 experiences an abrupt reduction in volume during the degassing process, which can cause adverse structural contact, particularly around the edges of the stack 34.
[0036] The present disclosure provides the battery edge protection system 50 to protect the edges during the degassing process. These edge protectors can be provided in various shaped designs and configurations to protect cell edges from any problems caused by irregular shell shrinkage, thereby ensuring the integrity and performance of FKB electrodes during manufacturing. Fig. Figures 4-6 represent different examples of edge protection configurations.
[0037] Regarding Fig. 4 The battery edge protection system 50 comprises a plurality of individual FKB battery cells 32, each having an electrolyte section 38, and the cells 32 are stacked on top of each other to provide the cell stack 34, which has a plurality of edges. In conversions, the electrolyte sections 38 comprise solid electrolytes. In conversions, at least one edge protector 54 covers at least one edge of the plurality of edges. The casing 52 encloses the cell stack 34 and the edge protector 54, and a degassing system 56 shrinks the casing 52 around the cell stack 34 and the edge protector 54.
[0038] In these applications, the edge protector 54 is made of a rigid material. Furthermore, in these applications, the edge protectors are electronically insulating, resistant to the battery's operating temperature, chemically stable, and have a low density to ensure that they do not interfere with battery performance or affect energy density.
[0039] In one example, the edge protector 54 can be a thin component, e.g., approximately 1 mm, to provide sufficient edge protection. Possible materials for implementation include: polyimide; polyetheretherketone; or polyetherimide. Polyimide has a temperature resistance of up to 300 °C, a dielectric constant of 3.4, and a density (g / cm³). 3 ) of 1.42. Polyetheretherketone exhibits a temperature resistance of up to 250 °C, has a dielectric constant of 3.2, and has a density (g / cm³).3 ) of 1.3. Polyetherimide exhibits a temperature resistance of up to 200 °C, has a dielectric constant of 3.15 and a density (g / cm³). 3 ) from 1.27. It is understood that these are merely examples of suitable materials and that other suitable materials can also be used.
[0040] In the conversion process, the degassing system 56 includes a vacuum pump 58 and a control unit 60, which controls the pump 58. During manufacturing, the stack 34 is placed inside the shell 52, and the shell 52 is degassed using the vacuum pump 58. This causes the shell 52 to shrink around the stack 34.
[0041] In some implementations, the casing 52 can be made from a thin film of polymer and metal. In one example, the thin film can be approximately four mm thick.
[0042] During the vacuum sealing process, the vacuum causes both the shell 52 and the cell stack 34 to compress around the edges, as they are flexible before shrinking. This can have a detrimental effect on the edges. For example, the sudden reduction in volume inside the shell 52 can lead to irregular creases, causing problems in the edge region of the cell stack and negatively impacting cell performance.
[0043] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the plurality of edges comprises a first side edge 62, a second side edge 64, a third side edge 66 extending between the first side edge 62 and the second side edge 64, and a fourth side edge 68 opposite the third side edge 66 and extending between the first side edge 62 and the second side edge 64. In implementations, an edge guard 54 covers the first side edge 62 and at least sections of the third side edge 66 and the fourth side edge 68, as shown in Fig. 4 shown.
[0044] In one example, the edge protector 54 covers the entirety of the first side edge 62 and only small sections of the third side edge 66 and the fourth side edge 68. A central section of edges 66 and 68 remains uncovered to accommodate the respective take-off tabs.
[0045] In implementations, one edge protector 54 covers the first side edge 62 and sections of the third side edge 66 and the fourth side edge 68, and another edge protector 54 covers the second side edge 64 and sections of the third side edge 66 and the fourth side edge 68 ( Fig. 4).
[0046] During implementation, the following can be considered: Fig. The edge protectors 54 shown in Figure 4 comprise a U-shaped configuration. The U-shaped configuration includes a generally flat, planar plate 46 that covers an entirety of the first side 62 of the stack 34, and a pair of flat, planar side plates 48 that extend transversely to the flat main plate 46 to cover sections of the third 66 and fourth 68 side edges.
[0047] Furthermore, as in Fig. Figure 3 shows the multitude of edges also having an upper edge 70 and a lower edge 72 opposite the upper edge, with the upper edge 70 and the lower edge 72 extending around a circumference of the cell stack 34.
[0048] At the in Fig. In the example shown, a battery edge protection system 50' includes an edge protector 54' that covers the first side edge 62 and sections of the third side edge 66 and the fourth side edge 68, as shown in Fig. Figure 4 shows, and furthermore covers at least one of the upper edge 70 and the lower edge 72 with a respective upper lip or lower lip extending outwards from the edge protector 54'. In the illustrated example, the edge protector 54' includes an upper lip 74 extending inwards over a top face of the stack 34 to cover a section of the upper edge 70. In other implementations, a lower lip may extend over the bottom face of the stack.
[0049] In implementations, one edge protector 54' covers the first side edge 62 and sections of the third side edge 66 and the fourth side edge 68, another edge protector 54' covers the second side edge 64 and sections of the third side edge 66 and the fourth side edge 68, and the upper lip 74 of each edge protector 54' covers a section of the upper edge 70 ( Fig. 5).
[0050] During implementation, the following can be considered: Fig. The edge protectors 54' shown in Figure 5 comprise a U-shaped configuration, with an L-shaped section covering the upper edge 70. The U-shaped configuration includes the flat main plate 46 and the side plates 48, as shown in Figure 5. Fig. Figure 4 shows the L-shaped section comprising the upper lip 74. In one example, the upper lip 74 includes a flat main plate section 76 and a pair of flat extension plates 78 extending inwards from opposite ends of the main plate section 76. In another example, the main plate section 76 is elongated and narrow, while the pair of flat extension plates 78 is significantly shorter.
[0051] At the in Fig. In the example shown, a battery edge protection system 50'' includes an edge protector 54'' that covers the first side edge 62 and sections of the third side edge 66 and the fourth side edge 68, as shown in Fig. 4 shown, and furthermore covers the upper edge 70 with an upper lip 74, as in Fig. 5 shown, and covers the lower edge 72 with a lower lip 80 that extends outwards from a lower edge of the edge protector 54''. In the illustrated example, the edge protector 54'' includes the upper lip 74, which extends inwards over the top surface of the stack 34 to cover a section of the upper edge 70, and also includes the lower lip 80, which extends inwards over the bottom surface of the stack 34 to cover a section of the lower edge 72.
[0052] In implementations, one edge protector 54'' covers the first side edge 62 and sections of the third side edge 66 and the fourth side edge 68, another edge protector 54'' covers the second side edge 64 and sections of the third side edge 66 and the fourth side edge 68, the upper lip 74 of each edge protector 54'' covers a section of the upper edge 70, and the lower lip 80 of each edge protector 54'' covers a section of the lower edge 72 ( Fig. 6).
[0053] During implementation, the following can be considered: Fig. The 6 edge protectors shown (54'') have a U-shaped configuration like the one in Fig. The 4 shown comprise an additional U-shaped section covering the upper edge 70 and the lower edge 72. The U-shaped configuration includes the flat main plate 46 and the side plates 48, as shown in Fig. Figure 4 shows the additional U-shaped section comprising the upper lip 74 and the lower lip 80. In one example, the upper lip 74 is configured as shown in Fig. Figure 5 shows the lower lip 80, which includes a flat main plate section 82 and a pair of flat extension plates 84 extending inwards towards each other from opposite ends of the main plate section 82. In one example, the main plate section 82 is elongated and narrow, while the pair of flat extension plates 84 is significantly shorter.
[0054] A method for assembling a battery is also disclosed. In implementations, the method includes stacking a plurality of unit battery cells, each containing an electrolyte, to provide a cell stack having a plurality of edges; installing at least one edge protector to cover at least one edge of the plurality of edges; enclosing the cell stack and the at least one edge protector within a casing; and shrinking the casing around the cell stack and the at least one edge protector.
[0055] The procedure can also include any of the following steps, either alone or in any combination thereof.
[0056] In some conversions, the process may involve the electrolyte section comprising a solid electrolyte.
[0057] In implementations, the process may involve shrinking the shell and degassing the shell with a vacuum pump.
[0058] In implementations, the process may include forming at least one edge protector from a rigid material.
[0059] In implementations, the process can involve ensuring that both the shell and the cell stack are flexible before shrinking.
[0060] In implementations, the method may include a plurality of edges comprising a first side edge, a second side edge, a third side edge extending between the first side edge and the second side edge, and a fourth side edge opposite the third side edge and extending between the first side edge and the second side edge, and the method includes covering the first side edge and at least sections of the third side edge and the fourth side edge with the at least one edge protector.
[0061] In implementations, the procedure may include that the at least one edge protector comprises at least a first edge protector and a second edge protector, and the procedure includes: covering the first side edge and at least sections of the third side edge and the fourth side edge with the first edge protector; and covering the second side edge and at least sections of the third side edge and the fourth side edge with the second edge protector.
[0062] In implementations, the method may include the plurality of edges further comprising an upper edge and a lower edge opposite the upper edge, the upper edge and the lower edge extending around a circumference of the cell stack; and the method includes covering at least one of the upper edge and the lower edge with a respective upper lip or lower lip extending outwards from the at least one edge protector.
[0063] In implementations, the process may involve covering the upper edge with the upper lip and covering the lower edge with the lower lip.
[0064] In implementations, the method may include that the at least one edge protector comprises at least a first edge protector and a second edge protector, and the method includes: using the first edge protector to cover the first side edge, at least sections of the third and fourth side edges, and at least one of the top and bottom edges with a respective top lip or bottom lip extending outwards from the first edge protector; and using the second edge protector to cover the second side edge, at least sections of the third and fourth side edges, and at least one of the top and bottom edges with a respective top lip or bottom lip extending outwards from the second edge protector.
[0065] Thus, the present disclosure provides an edge protection arrangement designed to physically cover the edges of cell stacks to help resist contact during the cell degassing process. These edge protectors can protect electrode edges from any problems caused by the abrupt and irregular shrinkage of the flexible sheath. In various implementations, the edge protectors can be made of a thin plastic material that is electronically insulating and temperature-resistant. The edge protectors are installed after the electrode cell foils have been stacked and before degassing.
[0066] The preceding description is exemplary and not limiting. Variations and modifications of the disclosed examples may be apparent to a person skilled in the art, which do not necessarily deviate from the core of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection granted by this disclosure can only be determined by reading the following patent claims.
Claims
[1] Battery manufacturing processes, comprising: Stacking a multitude of unit battery cells, each unit battery cell containing an electrolyte to provide a cell stack having a multitude of edges; Install at least one edge protector to cover at least one edge of the multitude of edges; Enclosing the cell stack and the at least one edge protector within a shell; and Shrinking of the shell around the cell stack and at least one edge protector. [2] Battery manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the electrolyte comprises a solid electrolyte and wherein each unit battery cell comprises an anode, a solid electrolyte and a cathode. [3] Battery manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein shrinking the casing includes degassing the casing with a vacuum pump. [4] Battery manufacturing method according to claim 1, comprising forming the at least one edge protector from a rigid material. [5] Battery manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein both the casing and the cell stack are flexible prior to shrinking. [6] Battery manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of edges comprises a first side edge, a second side edge, a third side edge extending between the first side edge and the second side edge, and a fourth side edge opposite the third side edge and extending between the first side edge and the second side edge, and comprising the following Covering the first side edge and at least sections of the third and fourth side edges with at least one edge protector. [7] Battery manufacturing method according to claim 6, wherein the at least one edge guard comprises at least a first edge guard and a second edge guard, and includes the following: Covering the first side edge and at least sections of the third side edge and the fourth side edge with the first edge protection; and Covering the second side edge and at least sections of the third side edge and the fourth side edge with the second edge protection. [8] Battery manufacturing method according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of edges further comprises an upper edge and a lower edge opposite the upper edge, wherein the upper edge and the lower edge extend around a circumference of the cell stack, and comprising the following Covering at least one of the upper and lower edges with a respective upper lip or lower lip extending outwards from the at least one edge protector. [9] Battery manufacturing method according to claim 8, comprising covering the upper edge with the upper lip and covering the lower edge with the lower lip. [10] Battery manufacturing method according to claim 8, wherein the at least one edge guard comprises at least a first edge guard and a second edge guard, and includes the following: Using the first edge protector to protect the first side edge, at least sections of the third and fourth side edges, and at least one of the top edges and to cover the lower edge with a respective upper lip or lower lip extending outwards from the first edge protector; and Using the second edge protector to protect the second side edge, at least sections of the third and fourth side edges, and at least one of the top edges and to cover the lower edge with a respective upper lip or lower lip extending outwards from the second edge protector. [11] Battery manufacturing system, comprising: a plurality of unit battery cells, each having an electrolyte, wherein the plurality of unit battery cells are stacked on top of each other to provide a cell stack having a plurality of edges; at least one edge protector that covers at least one edge of the multitude of edges; a shell that encloses the cell stack and at least one edge protector; and a degassing system that shrinks the shell around the cell stack and at least one edge protector. [12] Battery manufacturing system according to claim 11, wherein the electrolyte comprises a solid electrolyte and wherein each unit battery cell comprises an anode, a solid electrolyte and a cathode and wherein the at least one edge protection is optionally formed from a rigid material and both the casing and the cell stack are flexible prior to shrinkage. [13] Battery manufacturing system according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of edges comprises a first side edge, a second side edge, a third side edge extending between the first side edge and the second side edge, and a fourth side edge opposite the third side edge and extending between the first side edge and the second side edge, and wherein which at least one edge protector covers the first side edge and at least sections of the third and fourth side edges. [14] Battery manufacturing system according to claim 13, wherein: which includes at least one edge protector, at least one first edge protector and one second edge protector, and wherein: the first edge protector covers the first side edge and at least sections of the third and fourth side edges; and the second edge protector covers the second side edge and at least sections of the third and fourth side edges; or the plurality of edges further comprises an upper edge and a lower edge opposite the upper edge, wherein the upper edge and the lower edge extend around a circumference of the cell stack, and wherein the at least one edge protector covers at least one of the upper edge and the lower edge with a respective upper lip or lower lip extending outwards from the at least one edge protector and wherein, if necessary, the upper edge is covered with the upper lip and the lower edge is covered with the lower lip. [15] Battery manufacturing system according to claim 14, wherein the at least one edge guard comprises at least a first edge guard and a second edge guard, and wherein: the first edge protection, the first side edge, at least sections of the third side edge and the fourth side edge and at least one of the upper and lower edges with a respective upper lip or lower lip extending outwards from the first edge protector; and the second edge protector covers the second side edge, at least sections of the third side edge and the fourth side edge, and at least one of the upper edge and the lower edge with a respective upper lip or lower lip extending outwards from the second edge protector.