Battery, wireless tag and manufacturing method

Abstract

A battery (100) suitable for powering a wireless tag (119) includes a first sub-cell and a second sub-cell (114, 115) formed as a layer stack, each sub-cell having a negative electrode (107b, 107c) and a positive electrode (108b, 108c), a separator (117b, 117c) arranged between the positive and negative electrodes, and a plurality of separate electrical conductors (101, 102, 103), including a first conductor (101) in electrical contact with one of the electrodes (107b) of the first sub-cell (114); The device includes a second conductor (102) that electrically connects the electrode (108b) of the first unit cell (114) that is not in contact with the first conductor (101) to the electrode (107c) of the second unit cell (115) having the opposite polarity to form a series connection, a third conductor (103) that is in electrical contact with the electrode (108c) of the second unit cell (115) that is not in contact with the second conductor (102), and a first substrate (109a, 109b) between which the unit cells (114, 115) and the conductors (101, 102, 103) are arranged. The first conductor and the third conductor (101, 103) are arranged at a distance from each other on the first substrate (109a), while the second conductor (102) is arranged on the second substrate (109b). The electrically connected electrodes (108b, 107a) of the first and second sub-cells (114, 115) are arranged side by side in the form of layers on the second substrate (109b), each covering a partial area of ​​the second conductor (102) and separated from each other by a gap (110). The electrodes (107b, 108a) that are not connected to each other via the second conductor (102) are arranged in the form of layers on the first substrate (109a), such that the electrode (107b) in electrical contact with the first conductor (101) covers at least a portion of the first conductor (101) and the electrode (108c) in electrical contact with the third conductor (103) covers at least a portion of the third conductor (103). The separators (117b, 117c) of the single cells (114, 115), also in the form of layers, each have one surface contact with one of the electrically connected electrodes (108b, 107c) and their other surface contact with one of the non-electrically connected electrodes (107b, 108c).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Field of application and prior art The invention described below relates to a battery and a radio tag to which current is supplied from the battery, and further relates to a method for manufacturing the battery. [Background technology]

[0002] Radio frequency tags can be used to track all kinds of products, such as pharmaceuticals and crop protection products. Such radio frequency tags are described, for example, in WO 2019 / 145224 A1. They typically include a power supply unit, at least one sensor, a control unit, a data memory in which a unique product identifier is stored, and a transmitter and / or receiver unit. The sensor can be used to determine status information about the product, such as information about the opening status of its packaging. The control unit can then cause the transmitter and / or receiver unit to transmit the status information and product identifier to a data receiver. Ideally, the power supply unit should be able to provide the necessary power for several months and be capable of transmitting at least 50 received and transmitted data over this period.

[0003] The transmitter and / or receiver units can essentially be any data transmission device, for example capable of transmitting data in accordance with the Wi-Fi standard (IEEE 802.11) and the Bluetooth standard (IEEE 802.15.1), however, to ensure worldwide tracking of the product, it is appropriate to use cellular networks or other existing wireless networks for data transmission.

[0004] Today, cellular networks cover large parts of the inhabited world and are therefore particularly well suited to tracking products worldwide. However, mobile communication chips still place high demands on energy consumption. This also applies to new generations of mobile communication chips that transmit in accordance with the LTE standard (LTE = Long Term Evolution). Depending on the selected wireless protocol, a peak current of up to 400 mA must be available for at least a short time window.

[0005] For universal use, radio tags, and therefore also their power supply units, must be as space-saving and inexpensive to manufacture as possible. In addition, environmental compatibility and safety are important parameters for all products with large volumes of use. For these reasons, among others, printed batteries are considered as energy supply units in WO 2019 / 145224 A1.

[0006] However, previously known printed batteries do not meet the requirements outlined above, or at best only partially do so: for example, the battery described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 081049 A1 cannot deliver the peak currents described because its impedance is too high. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The invention is based on the object of providing a power supply unit that is optimized in particular for supplying current to the transmitter and / or receiver units of radio tags, in particular also for transmitter and / or receiver units operating in accordance with the LTE standard. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve this problem, the present invention proposes a battery having the features set forth in claim 1. A radio tag having the features set forth in claim 14 and a method according to claim 15 are also subject matter of the present invention. Further embodiments of the invention are subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0009] The term "battery" originally meant a number of electrochemical cells connected in series, and is still used in this context in the present application. A battery according to the present invention always contains at least two electrochemical cells (single cells), which are electrically connected in series so that their voltages are additive.

[0010] Objectives and Solutions In accordance with the problem underlying the invention, the battery according to the invention is preferably useful for supplying a transmitter and / or receiver unit with a peak current of more than 400 mA, and can therefore supply electrical energy to, among other things, mobile communication chips operating in accordance with the LTE standard. However, in principle, the battery according to the invention is also suitable for other applications.

[0011] The battery always has the following characteristics a. through g., as listed immediately below: a. The battery includes a first sub-cell and a second sub-cell formed as a layer stack, each of which comprises: a negative electrode; a positive electrode; a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; b. A battery contains a number of separate electrical conductors, among which: the first conductor is in electrical contact with one of the electrodes of the first sub-cell; - the second conductor electrically connects an electrode of the first unit cell that is not contacted by the first conductor to an electrode of the second unit cell having the opposite polarity, thereby establishing a series connection; the third conductor is in electrical contact with an electrode of the second single cell that is not contacted by the second conductor; c. The battery includes a first substrate and a second substrate between which the unit cell and the electrical conductor are disposed.

[0012] Along with d. the first conductor and the third conductor are arranged at a distance from each other on a surface of the first substrate facing the second substrate, and the second conductor is arranged on a surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate; e. the electrically connected electrodes of the first and second sub-cells are arranged side by side in the form of layers on the surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate, each covering a partial area of ​​the second conductor and separated from each other by a gap; f. the electrodes that are not connected to each other via the second conductor are arranged in the form of a layer on the surface of the first substrate facing the second substrate, the electrodes in electrical contact with the first conductors covering at least a partial area of ​​the first conductors, and the electrodes in electrical contact with the third conductors covering at least a partial area of ​​the third conductors; g. The separators of the single cell, also in the form of a layer, each have one surface in surface contact with one of the electrically connected electrodes and their other surface in surface contact with one of the non-electrically connected electrodes.

[0013] Thus, the battery includes at least two unit cells connected in series, i.e., a first unit cell and a second unit cell. In some preferred embodiments, the battery includes exactly two unit cells connected in series, thereby allowing connection to an electrical load via the first conductor and the third conductor. In this manner, the battery preferably has a nominal voltage obtained by adding the voltages of the first unit cell and the second unit cell. The areas of the first electrical conductor and the third electrical conductor that are not coated with electrode material can serve as poles of a battery with two unit cells connected in series.

[0014] In a first, particularly preferred embodiment, the battery according to the invention is characterized by the combination of the following additional features a. to d., which are described immediately below: a. In addition to the first and second unit cells, the battery includes an additional third unit cell having a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and a separator arranged between the negative electrode and the positive electrode; b. Three cells are connected in series so that the voltages of the cells are added. c. a third electrical conductor is in electrical contact with an electrode of the third sub-cell, the electrodes electrically connected by this conductor having opposite polarities; d. The battery includes a fourth electrical conductor in electrical contact with an electrode of the third sub-cell that is not contacted by the third electrical conductor.

[0015] In this embodiment, the battery thus includes at least three cells, namely, a first cell, a second cell, and a third cell. In some preferred embodiments, the battery preferably includes exactly three cells connected in series, and the battery can be connected to an electrical load via the first conductor and the fourth conductor. As such, the battery preferably has a nominal voltage obtained by adding the voltages of the first cell, the second cell, and the third cell. Areas of the first electrical conductor and the fourth electrical conductor that are not coated with electrode material can serve as poles for a battery of three cells connected in series.

[0016] In a further development of the first, particularly preferred embodiment, the battery according to the invention is characterized by at least one of the following additional features a. to d., which are listed immediately below: a. A fourth electrical conductor is arranged on the surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate and spaced apart from the second conductor. b. An electrode of a third single cell, which is in contact with a third electrical conductor, is arranged in the form of a layer on the first substrate, covering a partial area of ​​the third conductor and separated from a further electrode arranged on the conductor by a gap. c. An electrode of a third single cell that is not in electrical contact with the third electrical conductor is arranged in the form of a layer on the surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate and covers at least a partial region of the fourth electrical conductor. d. The separator of the third unit cell, also in the form of a layer, has one surface in surface contact with the electrode of the third unit cell disposed on the fourth electrical conductor and the other surface in surface contact with the electrode of the third unit cell disposed on the third electrical conductor. It is particularly preferred that the immediately preceding features a. to d. are realized in combination with one another.

[0017] In a second, particularly preferred embodiment, the battery according to the invention is characterized by the combination of the following additional features a. to d., which are listed immediately below: a. In addition to the first unit cell, the second unit cell, and the third unit cell, the battery includes an additional fourth unit cell having a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and a separator arranged between the negative electrode and the positive electrode. b. Four single cells are connected in series so that the voltages of the cells are added. c. A third electrical conductor is in electrical contact with an electrode of the third sub-cell, the electrodes electrically connected by this conductor having opposite polarities, and the first electrical conductor is in electrical contact with an electrode of the fourth sub-cell, the electrodes electrically connected by this conductor also having opposite polarities. d. The battery includes a fifth electrical conductor in electrical contact with the remaining electrode of the fourth sub-cell.

[0018] In this embodiment, the battery thus includes at least four cells, namely, a first cell, a second cell, a third cell, and a fourth cell. In some preferred embodiments, the battery preferably includes exactly four cells connected in series, and the battery can be connected to an electrical load via the fourth and fifth conductors. As such, the battery preferably has a nominal voltage obtained by adding the voltages of the first, second, third, and fourth cells. The areas of the fourth and fifth electrical conductors that are not coated with electrode material can serve as poles for a battery of four cells connected in series.

[0019] In a further development of the second, particularly preferred embodiment, the battery according to the invention is characterized by at least one of the following additional features a. to g., which are listed immediately below: a. The fifth electrical conductor is arranged in the form of a layer and is arranged spaced apart from the second electrical conductor and the fourth electrical conductor on the surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate. b. An electrode of a third single cell in contact with the third electrical conductor is arranged in the form of a layer on the first substrate, covering a partial area of ​​the third conductor and separated by a gap from a further electrode arranged on the third electrical conductor. c. The electrode of the third single cell, in contact with the fourth electrical conductor, is arranged in the form of a layer on the surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate and covers at least a partial region of the fourth electrical conductor. d. An electrode of a fourth single cell in contact with the first electrical conductor is arranged in the form of a layer on the first substrate, covering a partial area of ​​the first conductor and separated from a further electrode arranged on the first electrical conductor by a gap. e. A fourth single cell electrode, not in electrical contact with the first electrical conductor, is arranged in the form of a layer on the surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate and covers at least a partial region of the fifth electrical conductor. f. The separator of the third unit cell, also in the form of a layer, has one surface in surface contact with the electrode of the third unit cell disposed on the fourth electrical conductor and the other surface in surface contact with the electrode of the third unit cell disposed on the third electrical conductor. g. The separator of the fourth unit cell, also in the form of a layer, has one surface in surface contact with the electrode of the fourth unit cell disposed on the first electrical conductor and the other surface in surface contact with the electrode of the fourth unit cell disposed on the fifth electrical conductor. It is particularly preferred that the immediately preceding features a. to g. are implemented in combination with one another.

[0020] In a third, particularly preferred embodiment, the battery includes n further unit cells connected in series with the first to fourth unit cells, where n is preferably an integer in the range of 1 to 100. The battery thus preferably has a nominal voltage obtained by adding the voltages of the first to fourth unit cells and the voltages of the n further unit cells.

[0021] The n additional unit cells are preferably designed similarly to the first to fourth unit cells, each having a layered electrode and a layered separator, one side of the separator being in surface contact with one of the electrodes of the respective n-th unit cell, and the other side being in surface contact with the other electrode.

[0022] For each additional sub-cell, the battery preferably includes another electrical conductor in contact with one of the electrodes of the additional sub-cell. Preferably, each of the sub-cells of the battery formed as a layer stack has the same nominal voltage and the same nominal capacity.

[0023] From the above, each single cell of the battery according to the present invention comprises a stack of layered electrodes and layered separators. One side of the separator has a first contact surface for the positive electrode of each single cell, and the other parallel side has a second contact surface for the negative electrode. The contact surfaces preferably overlap each other in a direction perpendicular to the separators, in an overlap area A where a line perpendicular to the separators intersects both contact surfaces.

[0024] If the area dimensions of the electrodes of opposite polarity are the same and the positive and negative electrodes in the stack are non-staggered, then the size of the overlapping area A preferably closely matches the size of the electrodes.

[0025] A stacked arrangement of electrodes and separators has been found to be superior to a coplanar arrangement, such as the case of the electrodes in the cell described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010 / 081049 A1. Because ions traveling between the electrodes during the charge and discharge process must cover a significantly shorter distance on average, the current-carrying capacity of a cell with stacked electrodes is significantly higher. In the overlap region A, the shortest distance between the electrodes often corresponds approximately to the thickness of the separator disposed between the positive and negative electrodes.

[0026] It is particularly preferred that the electrodes that are electrically connected via the second conductor, and in the case of the second or third particularly preferred embodiment also via a further conductor arranged on the second substrate, have their faces facing the second substrate in contact with the respective conductor over the entire surface thereof. Preferably, the faces of the electrodes facing the second substrate have no areas that are not in direct contact with the conductor arranged on the second substrate, since they are electrically connected via this conductor.

[0027] In the case of the second or third particularly preferred embodiment, the same also applies to the conductors arranged via the first conductor arranged on the first substrate and / or the third conductor and / or other conductors via which the electrode is electrically connected. Preferably, the surface of the electrode facing the first substrate has no area that is not in direct contact with the conductor arranged on the first substrate, since this conductor is electrically connected via this conductor.

[0028] In one variant, which is preferred in all embodiments, the cell stack of the battery according to the invention comprises two electrodes, a positive electrode and a negative electrode, which are not electrically connected to the electrodes of the adjacent sub-cells via an electrical conductor, and through which the total voltage of the battery can be tapped. In the case of a second, particularly preferred embodiment, this is, for example, one of the electrodes of the third sub-cell and one of the electrodes of the fourth sub-cell, which are in electrical contact with the fourth and fifth conductors.

[0029] It is particularly preferred that such electrodes that are in electrical contact with a conductor on the first or second substrate but that are not in electrical contact with an electrode of opposite polarity via this conductor are in contact with this conductor over their entire surface, and thus the faces of these electrodes facing the respective substrates preferably have no areas that are not in direct contact with this conductor.

[0030] However, in principle, it is possible to contact an electrode that is not electrically connected to other electrodes via multiple electrical conductors. For example, in the case of the second, particularly preferred embodiment, the fifth electrical conductor can be divided into two or more separate subregions arranged next to each other on the respective substrates. In this case, it would be preferable if each electrode were contacted over as large an area as possible by two or more separate subregions to come as close as possible to the goal of full-area contact. The currents tapped through the subregions can be recombined by corresponding electrical connections between the subregions.

[0031] It is also particularly preferred that the electrodes that are in electrical contact with the conductor on the first or second substrate, but not in electrical contact with the electrode of the opposite polarity via this conductor, are in contact with the separator of each single cell over their entire surface on the faces facing away from their respective substrates, and therefore preferably have no areas on the faces of the electrodes facing away from their respective substrates that are not in direct contact with their respective separators.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the battery according to the invention is characterized by at least one of the following features a. to d., which are listed immediately below: a. The electrical conductor electrically connecting the two electrodes forms a conductive area on the surface of each substrate that is larger than the area occupied on the surface by the electrically connected electrodes. b. This conductive region and the electrode electrically connected thereto overlap in a viewing direction perpendicular to the electrode and conductor in an overlap region B, which is preferably at least 80% of the area of ​​the electrically connected electrode, and more preferably at least 90%, and especially 100%. c. The conductive regions on each substrate include at least one region not included in overlap region B, which has no overlap with a connected electrode. d. The area not included in the overlap region spans the gap separating the connected electrodes. It is preferable that the immediately preceding features a and b, as well as features c and d, are realized in combination with one another. It is particularly preferable that features a to d are realized in combination with one another.

[0033] For example, in the second, particularly preferred embodiment, the conductors according to features a.-d. immediately above are the first conductor, the second conductor, and the third conductor.

[0034] The overlap region B here refers to the region where a line perpendicular to the electrode intersects with both the electrode and the electrically connecting conductor. It is particularly preferred that the electrode electrically connected via a conductor be in contact with this conductor over the entire surface in this manner.

[0035] The edges of two electrically connected electrodes define the area that the electrodes occupy on the respective substrates. For each pair of electrically connected electrodes, at least a partial section of each edge faces the corresponding electrode of the opposite polarity. In this context, the section of an electrode's edge "facing the electrode of the opposite polarity" is to be understood as the section of the electrode's edge that can be connected to the edge of the electrode of the opposite polarity by a straight line without crossing the edge of the electrode. Preferably, these portions of the edge also define the gap between the electrodes. More precisely, the gap separating the two electrodes is preferably defined as the maximum possible area that can be enclosed by a straight line between the edges connecting the edges of the two electrodes without crossing any of the edges on the respective substrates not covered with electrode material.

[0036] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the battery according to the invention is characterized by at least one of the following features a. and b., as described immediately below: a. The electrical conductor is in electrical contact with only one of the electrodes and does not connect it to the electrode of opposite polarity, forming a conductive area on the surface of each substrate that is larger than the area occupied on the surface by the electrode with which it is in electrical contact. b. The conductors and the contacted electrodes each overlap in an overlap area C in the direction of view perpendicular to the electrodes and conductors, the overlap area C being preferably at least 80% of the area of ​​the electrodes, more preferably at least 90%, and especially preferably 100%. It is particularly preferred that the immediately preceding features a. and b. are realized in combination with one another.

[0037] For example, in the case of the second, particularly preferred embodiment, these conductors are the fourth and fifth conductors. If there are only two single cells, only the second conductor can be designed in this way.

[0038] The overlap region C here refers to the region where a line perpendicular to the electrode intersects both the electrode and the electrically connecting conductor. It is particularly preferred that an electrode electrically connected via a conductor be in contact with this conductor over the entire surface in this manner.

[0039] For example, as discussed above, if one or more conductors are divided into two or more separate sub-regions, it may be possible that the overlap between the electrodes and the conductors is not 100%.

[0040] In a particularly preferred further development of the invention, the battery according to the invention is characterized by the following feature a, which is described immediately below: a. The electrical conductors electrically connecting the two electrodes to each other are formed as continuous conductive layers over at least a portion of the area, and preferably over the entire area, that they occupy on their respective substrates.

[0041] This preferably applies to both the area of ​​the electrical conductor that overlaps with the electrode electrically connected via the electrical conductor in the overlapping area B, and the gap between the connected electrodes.

[0042] With respect to the second, particularly preferred embodiment, this means that the first, second, and third electrical conductors are each preferably formed as a continuous conductive layer. The electrodes thus preferably do not contact any part of the substrate on which they are disposed. Instead, the electrodes are preferably placed directly on the respective electrical conductors.

[0043] In a further, particularly preferred further development of the invention, the battery according to the invention is characterized by the following feature a, which is described immediately below: a. The electrical conductors electrically connecting the two electrodes to each other are formed from lines and / or tracks in at least part of the area they occupy on the respective substrate, preferably over the entire area, in which case the lines and / or tracks preferably cover at least 10% and preferably at most 90%, more preferably at most 75%, even more preferably at most 50%, and particularly preferably at most 25% of the area of ​​the respective substrate occupied by each electrical conductor.

[0044] Again, this preferably applies both to the area of ​​the electrical conductor overlapping with the electrodes electrically connected via the electrical conductor, and to the gaps between the connected electrodes, in overlap area B. The lines and / or tracks are preferably aligned in a parallel and / or crossed arrangement.

[0045] Between the electrically connected electrodes, each substrate on which a conductor is arranged is preferably covered over its entire surface by the respective electrical conductor, which helps to ensure that the cross-sectional area of ​​the electrical conductor in the gap is as large as possible, which in turn has a positive effect on the impedance of the battery according to the invention.

[0046] Naturally, an embodiment of the battery according to the invention can also be realized if one of the electrical conductors electrically connecting the two electrodes to one another is formed as a continuous conductive layer in at least part of the area it occupies on the respective substrate, preferably over the entire area, while the other electrical conductor electrically connecting the two electrodes to one another is formed in at least part of the area it occupies on the respective substrate, preferably over the entire area, and preferably over the entire area it occupies on the respective substrate, from lines and / or tracks which can be aligned in the described parallel and / or intersecting arrangement, and preferably at least 10% and preferably at most 90%, even more preferably at most 75%, even more preferably at most 50% and particularly preferably at most 25% of the area of ​​the respective substrate occupied by the respective electrical conductor is covered by the conductor.

[0047] It is particularly preferred that the battery according to the invention is characterized by at least one of the following additional features a. to i., which are listed immediately below: The electrodes are rectangular or in the form of strips. b. The gap between the electrically connected electrodes has a substantially constant width. c. Electrodes of opposite polarity in a single cell occupy the same area on the substrate. d. The electrically connected and non-electrically connected electrodes are aligned parallel to one another. e. Electrodes of equal polarity in a single cell have essentially identical dimensions. f. Electrodes - a length ranging from 1 cm to 25, preferably from 5 cm to 20 cm, and It has a width ranging from 0.5 cm to 10 cm, preferably from 1 cm to 5 cm. g.Gap is - a length ranging from 1 cm to 25, preferably from 5 cm to 20 cm, and It has a width ranging from 0.1 cm to 2 cm, preferably from 0.2 cm to 1 cm. h. The electrical conductor has a thickness in the range of 2 μm to 250 μm, preferably 2 μm to 100 μm, particularly preferably 2 μm to 25 μm, and more preferably 5 μm to 10 μm. i. The electrode has a thickness in the range of 10 μm to 350 μm. The immediately preceding features a. to i. are preferably realized in combination with one another.

[0048] The positive and negative electrodes each have a particularly preferred thickness in the range of 10 μm to 250 μm. The positive electrode is often slightly thicker than the negative electrode, since the negative electrode often has a higher energy density. Therefore, in some applications, it may be preferred to form the negative electrode as a layer having a thickness of 30 μm to 150 μm and the positive electrode as a layer having a thickness of 180 μm to 350 μm. By adjusting the thickness, the capacitances of the positive and negative electrodes can be balanced. In this regard, it is preferred that the positive electrode be larger in size than the negative electrode.

[0049] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred that the battery according to the invention is characterized by at least one of the following additional features a. and b., which are described immediately below: a. A battery according to the present invention includes a housing that surrounds a single cell, the housing including a first housing inner surface and a second housing inner surface, the first substrate and the second substrate being part of the housing, the first housing inner surface being the surface of the first substrate, and the second housing inner surface being the surface of the second substrate. b. The first substrate and the second substrate are films or components of a film. Here too, the immediately preceding features a. and b. are preferably realized in combination with each other.

[0050] The battery according to the invention, including the housing, preferably has a maximum thickness in the range of a few millimeters, particularly preferably in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, and more preferably in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm. Other dimensions depend on the number of electrically connected unit cells and their dimensions. For example, a battery having four series-connected unit cells can have a length of 5 cm to 20 cm and a width of 4 cm to 18 cm.

[0051] In some particularly preferred embodiments, the battery according to the invention is a printed battery. In this context, a printed battery is to be understood as a battery in which at least the electrodes, optionally also the electrical conductors, in some preferred embodiments also the separator, and optionally further functional components are formed by printing a printing paste onto a carrier, in particular using a screen printing process. Preferably, the electrodes and the electrical conductors, in particular the first and second electrical conductors, are printed.

[0052] Accordingly, the battery according to the present invention is preferably characterized by at least one of the following features a. to c.: a. The electrodes of the single cell are formed by a printing process. b. The electrical conductors are formed by a printing process. c. The separator of the single cell is formed by a printing process. It is particularly preferred that the immediately preceding features a. to c. are realized in combination with one another.

[0053] From an electrochemical point of view, the invention is not limited: the single cell can be a cell with an organic electrolyte, for example a lithium-ion cell, or a cell with an aqueous electrolyte.

[0054] It is particularly preferred that a single cell of a battery according to the invention is characterized by at least one of the following characteristics a. and b.: a. The negative electrode of the single cell comprises granular metallic zinc or granular metallic zinc alloy as the active material of the electrode. b. The positive electrode of the single cell comprises a particulate metal oxide, particularly particulate manganese oxide, as the active material of the electrode.

[0055] Therefore, the single cells of the battery according to the present invention are preferably zinc manganese oxide cells.

[0056] In an alternative preferred embodiment, the single cells of the battery according to the invention are zinc-silver oxide cells, the negative electrodes of which comprise granular metallic zinc or a granular metallic zinc alloy as the active electrode material, while the positive electrodes of which comprise granular silver oxide as the active electrode material.

[0057] In all cases, the granular metallic zinc or granular metallic zinc alloy present in the negative electrode of the single cell preferably accounts for a proportion ranging from 40% to 99% by weight, in particular from 40% to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the solid components of the negative electrode.

[0058] The choice of electrochemical systems with zinc-based negative electrodes is primarily driven by safety requirements: systems with zinc-based negative electrodes require aqueous electrolytes and are therefore non-flammable. In addition, zinc is environmentally friendly and inexpensive.

[0059] To provide a battery according to the present invention having a single cell with a zinc-containing negative electrode having the required current-carrying capacity, it is advantageous to implement at least one of the following features a. to d., which are described immediately below: a. The positive electrode of a single cell comprises, in addition to the active material of the electrode, preferably in a homogeneous mixture, at least one conductive additive to optimize the conductivity of the positive electrode, and / or an elastic binder or binder mixture. b. The particulate metal oxide is preferably present in the positive electrode in a proportion of 10% to 90% by weight based on the total weight of the solid components of the positive electrode. c. The positive electrode of the single cell contains an elastic binder or binder mixture in a proportion of 1% to 25% by weight based on the total weight of the solid components of the positive electrode. d. The positive electrode of the single cell contains at least one conductive additive in an amount of 1% to 85% by weight based on the total weight of the solid components of the positive electrode. It is particularly preferred that the immediately preceding features a. to d. are realized in combination with one another.

[0060] The proportion of the elastic binder or binder mixture in the positive electrode is naturally preferably at least 1% by weight, since it is intended to fix the contained metal oxide particles relative to one another while at the same time giving the positive electrode a certain flexibility. However, this proportion should not exceed the above-mentioned maximum proportion, since otherwise there is a risk that the metal oxide particles will at least partially lose contact with one another. Within the above-mentioned range, a proportion of 1% to 15% by weight, particularly preferably in the range of 5% to 15% by weight, is even more preferred.

[0061] Within the above ranges for the particulate metal oxide, a proportion in the range of 50% to 90% by weight is even more preferred. Within the above ranges for the at least one conductive additive, a proportion in the range of 2.5% to 35% by weight is even more preferred.

[0062] A higher percentage of metal oxide in the positive electrode increases the capacity of the battery, however, the percentage of at least one conductive additive is more important than the total percentage of metal oxide for current carrying capacity.

[0063] In principle, all weight percentages of components in electrodes in this application refer to the total weight of the solid components of the respective electrode. The weight fractions of the relevant components add up to a total of 100% by weight. Before determining them, any moisture contained in the electrode must be removed.

[0064] In the case of batteries having individual cells with a negative electrode containing zinc, it is further preferred that the negative electrode of the individual cell also contains, in addition to the granular metallic zinc or granular metallic zinc alloy, an elastic binder or a mixture of binders, preferably in a homogeneous mixture. With regard to the selection of a suitable conductive additive, two particularly preferred variants are available within the scope of the present invention.

[0065] In a first particularly preferred variant, the battery is characterized by at least one of the following additional features a. and b., which are described immediately below: a. The positive electrode contains at least one carbon-based material, specifically selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, activated carbon fiber, carbide-derived carbon, carbon aerogel, graphite, graphene, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), as a conductive additive. b. The positive electrode contains at least one carbon-based material (see above) in an amount ranging from 25% to 35% by weight. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the battery, the immediately preceding features a. and b. are realized in combination with each other.

[0066] This variant takes advantage of the fact that certain conductive additives not only increase the conductivity of the positive electrode, but can also provide double-layer capacitance to the positive electrode in addition to faradaic capacitance, meaning that very large currents can be made available for short periods of time.

[0067] Surprisingly, it has been found that a similar positive effect can be achieved by adding a conductive salt to the positive electrode during its manufacture via an electrode paste that is capable of crystallizing as the electrode dries. When the electrode is subsequently impregnated with electrolyte, the crystalline conductive salt can be wetted very quickly, leading to improved penetration of the ionically conductive liquid into the electrode.

[0068] Accordingly, in a second particularly preferred embodiment, the battery is characterized by at least one of the following additional features a. and b., described immediately below: a. The positive electrode contains at least one water-soluble salt as a conductive additive. b. The positive electrode contains at least one water-soluble salt in an amount ranging from 1% to 25% by weight. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the battery, the immediately preceding features a. and b. are realized in combination with each other.

[0069] As water-soluble salts, in particular halides, preferably chlorides, especially zinc chloride and / or ammonium chloride, can be added to the positive electrode in order to improve the electrical conductivity.

[0070] In some preferred embodiments, the listed variations may also be combined, in which case the battery is characterized by a combination of the following features a. and b., as described immediately below: a. The positive electrode comprises at least one carbon-based material specifically selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, activated carbon fiber, carbide-derived carbon, carbon aerogel, graphite, graphene, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a first conductive additive. b. The positive electrode contains at least one water-soluble salt as a second conductive additive.

[0071] If necessary, the negative electrode of the single cell can also contain a certain proportion of conductive additive. However, this is not absolutely necessary, since the active material of the negative electrode is already conductive in itself. Regarding the selection of a suitable binder or binder mixture, several variations are also particularly suitable within the scope of the present invention.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the battery is characterized by at least one of the following additional features a. and b., described immediately below: a. The negative electrode of the single cell contains at least one component selected from the group consisting of cellulose and its derivatives, in particular carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polyacrylate (PA), polyacrylic acid (PAA), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), polyhexafluoropropylene (PHFP), polyimide (PI), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polytrifluoroethylene (PTrFE), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and mixtures of the above materials, as an elastic binder or a mixture of binders. b. The positive electrode of the single cell contains at least one component selected from the group comprising cellulose and its derivatives, in particular carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), polyacrylate (PA), polyacrylic acid (PAA), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), polyhexafluoropropylene (PHFP), polyimide (PI), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polytrifluoroethylene (PTrFE), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and mixtures of the above materials, as an elastic binder or a mixture of binders. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the battery, the immediately preceding features a. and b. are realized in combination with each other.

[0073] It is particularly preferred that both the positive and negative electrodes contain a polysaccharide suitable as an electrode binder, particularly a combination of a cellulose derivative and SBR, as a binder or binder mixture. For example, the positive and negative electrodes may contain 0.5% to 2.5% by weight of carboxymethylcellulose and / or chitosan and 5% to 10% by weight of SBR. In this case, the cellulose derivative and / or chitosan also serve as an emulsifier, helping to disperse the elastic binder (SBR) in the paste.

[0074] The positive and negative electrodes of a single cell of the battery according to the present invention preferably contain an elastic binder or binder mixture in a proportion of 1% to 25% by weight, based on the total weight of their solid components.

[0075] A single cell of a battery according to the invention preferably comprises a liquid electrolyte impregnating the separator and electrodes. In the case of a single cell having zinc or zinc alloy particles in the negative electrode, this is an aqueous electrolyte.

[0076] In many embodiments, alkaline electrolytes, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide solutions, are well suited, however aqueous electrolytes with a neutral pH range have the advantage of being less hazardous if mechanical damage occurs to the battery.

[0077] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the single cell of the battery according to the invention is preferably characterized by at least one of the following additional features a. and b., which are described immediately below: a. They contain an aqueous electrolyte containing a chloride-based conductive salt; b. A separator placed between the positive and negative electrodes is impregnated with an electrolyte. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the battery, the immediately preceding features a. and b. are realized in combination with each other.

[0078] Zinc chloride and ammonium chloride are particularly suitable chloride-based conductive salts. The pH of the aqueous electrolyte is preferably in the neutral range or slightly acidic range.

[0079] It has already been mentioned that in some preferred embodiments, the separators of the individual cells of the battery according to the invention can be printed: pastes suitable for this purpose can be found, for example, in EP 2561564 B1.

[0080] However, in further embodiments, the separator can also be a porous sheet material, such as a porous film or nonwoven fabric, which is placed between the electrodes. Suitable sheet materials and corresponding procedures are described in EP 3477727 A1.

[0081] A nonwoven fabric or microporous plastic film having a thickness in the range of 60 to 120 μm and a porosity (ratio of void volume to total volume) in the range of 35 to 60% is particularly suitable as the porous sheet. The nonwoven fabric or film is preferably made of polyolefin, such as polyethylene.

[0082] In particular, when porous sheet structures such as the aforementioned films and nonwoven fabrics are used as separators, it may be preferable for the individual cells of a battery according to the present invention to have a common separator. For example, in a second, particularly preferred embodiment of a battery according to the present invention, the porous film may have four regions separated from one another, through which electrodes of the four layer stacks having opposite polarities are connected. In an embodiment having two individual cells, the porous film may have two regions separated from one another, through which electrodes of the four layer stacks having opposite polarities are in communication. This can significantly simplify the production of a battery according to the present invention.

[0083] Instead of the combination of separator and liquid electrolyte as described above, in principle a solid electrolyte can also be arranged between the electrodes, as described, for example, in one preferred embodiment in EP 2960967 B1, although in many cases the variant in which a liquid electrolyte is used is preferred.

[0084] In some particularly preferred embodiments, the aqueous electrolyte comprises viscosity-increasing additives (actuators) and / or inorganic filler particles, particularly in amounts such that the electrolyte has a paste-like consistency, such electrolytes being hereinafter also referred to as electrolyte pastes.

[0085] Silicon dioxide is particularly suitable as a working agent, however, binders such as carboxymethylcellulose can also be used to increase viscosity.

[0086] Suitable inorganic filler particles include ceramic solids, salts that are nearly or completely insoluble in water, glass and basalt, and carbon. The term "ceramic solids" is intended to encompass all solids that can be used to manufacture ceramic products, including silicate materials such as aluminum silicate, glass and clay minerals, oxide raw materials such as silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, and aluminum oxide, and non-oxide materials such as silicon carbide or silicon nitride. Preferably, the inorganic filler particles exhibit electrical insulating properties.

[0087] In the context of the present application, the term "substantially insoluble or completely insoluble" means that the solubility in water at room temperature is at most low, and preferably not at all. To this end, the solubility of the inorganic filler particles, particularly the solubility of the above-mentioned salts that are substantially insoluble or completely insoluble in water, should ideally not exceed the solubility of calcium carbonate in water at room temperature. Calcium carbonate is a particularly suitable example of an inorganic solid that can be included as a particulate filler component in the electrolyte paste.

[0088] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the electrolyte paste has the following composition: -Chloride-based conductive salt 30-40% by weight - Floating agent (e.g., SiOx powder) 2-4 wt.% - Inorganic particles (e.g., CaCO3) 10-20% by weight - 40 to 55% by weight of a solvent (preferably water) Zinc chloride and / or ammonium chloride are also preferably used herein as chloride-based conductive salts.

[0089] In some particularly preferred embodiments, it has been found to be advantageous, with regard to the impedance characteristics of the battery according to the invention, to place a layer of such an electrolyte having a paste-like consistency between the separator and at least one of the electrodes of the sub-cell, preferably between both sides of the separator and the electrodes of the sub-cell. When such an electrolyte layer is placed on one or both sides of the separator, water and components of the electrolyte dissolved in the water permeate the separator, while the suspending agent and / or inorganic filler particles remain as a layer on one or both sides of the separator. The same applies when an electrolyte having a paste-like consistency is placed on an electrode.

[0090] Because the electrolyte layers contain inorganic filler particles and thus serve to electrically insulate the positive and negative electrodes from one another, they can be considered optional components of the separator. In preferred embodiments, the separator of such a single cell also includes one or two such electrolyte layers.

[0091] The electrical conductors of the battery according to the invention can be metallic structures formed, for example, by deposition from a solution, by deposition from the gas phase (for example by a PVD process such as sputtering), or by a printing process. It is also possible to form the conductors from a closed metal layer by an etching process in which the metal layer is removed in the unmasked areas.

[0092] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the battery is characterized by the following additional feature a. a. The battery contains, as electrical conductors, conductors made of metal particles, in particular silver particles or particles made of a silver alloy.

[0093] Such conductive tracks can be easily produced using printing processes: printable conductive pastes using silver particles to produce electrical conductors are state of the art and freely available on the market.

[0094] In particularly preferred embodiments, the battery according to the invention is characterized by the following features, which are listed immediately below: a. The electrical conductor comprises a conductive metal layer. b. The electrical conductor comprises, in at least some areas, a layer of conductive carbon that is disposed between the metal layer and the electrode and that makes it difficult or even impossible for the metal layer to come into direct contact with the liquid electrolyte.

[0095] The conductive carbon layer helps protect the electrical conductor, especially if it contains silver particles, which could dissolve in the electrolyte and weaken or even destroy the conductive path. The carbon layer protects the silver conductor from direct contact with the electrolyte.

[0096] The conductive carbon layer preferably has a thickness in the range of 5 μm to 30 μm, particularly in the range of 10 μm to 20 μm.

[0097] In some preferred embodiments, the carbon layer is heat treated after it is applied, thereby increasing its impermeability.

[0098] The method for manufacturing a battery as described above is preferably characterized by the steps a. to e. described immediately below. a. providing a first electrical conductor and a third electrical conductor on a first non-conductive substrate and a second electrical conductor on a second non-conductive substrate; b. providing a layered first negative electrode directly on the first electrical conductor and a layered first positive electrode directly on the third electrical conductor; c. providing a layered second negative electrode and a layered second positive electrode directly on the second electrical conductor such that the second electrodes are separated from each other by a gap. d. providing a layered separator on the first negative electrode or the second positive electrode, and providing a layered separator on the second negative electrode or the first positive electrode. e. The following sequence: a first negative electrode / separator / second positive electrode; and - Second negative electrode / separator / first positive electrode forming a two layer stack having:

[0099] Possible conductor and electrode designs have already been discussed in connection with the battery according to the invention, and reference is made here to the corresponding description.

[0100] The application of the conductors and electrodes is preferably carried out using a printing process, in particular by screen printing. As mentioned above, the separator can also be applied by a printing process. However, it is preferred that a nonwoven or film separator is arranged between the electrodes of the layer stack.

[0101] To convert the layer stack into an operational electrochemical cell, it is usually necessary to impregnate the electrodes and separator with the liquid electrolyte described above. This can be done before and / or after providing the separator.

[0102] In a further development, it is preferred that a layer of the above-mentioned electrolyte having a paste-like consistency is arranged between the separator and the electrodes, for example, the electrolyte can be printed onto the electrodes before the layer stack is formed.

[0103] In a first alternative, particularly preferred embodiment, the method is characterized by the following steps a. to d., which are described immediately below: a. Prior to providing a separator on either the first negative electrode or the second positive electrode, a layer of a first electrolyte paste is printed onto the selected electrode, specifically at a thickness of 30-70 μm. b. Prior to providing a separator to either the second negative electrode or the first positive electrode, a layer of second electrolyte paste is printed onto the selected electrode, specifically to a thickness of 30-70 μm. c. A separator is applied to the first layer of electrolyte paste and the second layer of electrolyte paste. d. After the separators are applied, a layer of second electrolyte paste is printed onto each separator, typically with a thickness of 30-70 μm.

[0104] In a second alternative, particularly preferred embodiment, the method is characterized by the following features: a. Before providing a separator on either the first negative electrode or the second positive electrode, a layer of a first electrolyte paste is printed onto each electrode, typically with a thickness of 30-70 μm. b. Before providing a separator on either the second negative electrode or the first positive electrode, a layer of second electrolyte paste is printed onto each electrode, typically with a thickness of 30-70 μm. c. A separator is applied to either the first electrolyte paste layer or the second electrolyte paste layer. d. A layer stack is formed with a layer of a first electrolyte on one side of the separator and a layer of a second electrolyte on the other side of the separator.

[0105] In the layer stack thus produced, one of the layers of electrolyte paste is always located between an electrode and a separator, i.e., in other words, the separators of the layer stack thus produced each contain a layer of electrolyte paste on both sides.

[0106] As already explained in connection with the battery according to the invention, it may be suitable for two or more single cells of the battery according to the invention to have a common separator. In the context of the process described, the separator optionally provided on the first negative electrode or the second positive electrode, or the second negative electrode or the first positive electrode, is in such a case a mutually separated region of a porous sheet structure as described above, for example a mutually separated region of a microporous polyolefin film.

[0107] As a result, in such cases, the electrolyte paste of the first alternative, particularly preferred embodiment is provided in separate areas of the same sheet rather than in multiple separate separators.

[0108] Preferably, before the impregnation with the liquid electrolyte and / or before the application of the electrolyte having a pasty consistency to the first and second substrates, sealing frames are formed or arranged to surround the electrodes. These sealing frames ensure that the liquid applied to the electrodes cannot flow over the substrates. Possible embodiments of the sealing frames and variants of their formation are known from EP 3 477 727 A1.

[0109] The sealing frame is preferably made of an adhesive material that can be applied by a printing process. In principle, any adhesive can be used that is resistant to the electrolyte used and can form a sufficient bond to the substrate. In particular, the sealing frame can also be made from a molten polymer composition, and the solvent contained in the polymer composition must be removed in order to solidify the polymer composition.

[0110] It is also possible to form the sealing frame from a heat-activatable film, in particular a fusible film, or an adhesive film.

[0111] In addition to the respective solid components, the printing pastes that can be used to produce electrodes and conductors also preferably contain a volatile solvent or suspending agent. Ideally, this is water. To avoid problems during printing, the printing paste preferably contains all particulate components with a particle size of 50 μm or less.

[0112] As mentioned above, the electrical conductors are preferably coated with a layer of conductive carbon before the electrodes are applied to protect the conductors from direct contact with the electrolyte. The carbon layer can also be printed on.

[0113] Particularly advantageous combination of features To transmit an LTE message, a scan is first performed. During this process, the tag searches for available frequencies for data transmission. This process takes an average of 2 seconds and requires 50 mA. Once a frequency is found, a so-called TX pulse is sent. Such a pulse lasts for approximately 150 milliseconds and requires a current pulse of approximately 200 mA. A pulse length of 150 milliseconds roughly corresponds to a frequency of 4 Hz. Accordingly, the impedance of the battery according to the present invention at 4 Hz is important for transmitting such pulses.

[0114] In the case of printed single cells of a battery according to the invention, particularly good results can be achieved in this context if the composition of the electrodes as well as that of the electrolyte are well matched. It is particularly preferred to use the following paste compositions in combination to produce the electrode and electrolyte layers of a battery according to the invention: Paste for negative electrode: - Zinc powder (mercury-free): 65-79% by weight - emulsifier (e.g., CMC) 1 to 5% by weight - Binder, elastic (e.g. SBR) 5-10% by weight - 15 to 20% by weight of solvent (e.g., water) Paste for positive electrode: -Manganese dioxide 50-70% by weight Conductive materials (e.g., graphite, carbon black) 5 to 8% by weight - emulsifier (e.g., CMC) 2 to 8% by weight Binder, elastic (e.g., SBR) 8-15% by weight - 20 to 30% by weight of solvent (e.g., water) Electrolyte Paste -Conductive salt: Zinc chloride 30-40% by weight - Floating agent (e.g., silicon oxide powder) 2-4 wt.% - Inorganic particles (e.g., CaCO3) 10-20% by weight - 40 to 55% by weight of solvent (e.g., water)

[0115] The percentages of the individual components in the paste preferably add up to 100% by weight. The percentages of non-volatile components in the electrode can be calculated from the corresponding percentages of the paste. For example, the percentages of zinc and elastic binder in a negative electrode prepared from the above paste range from 81.25% to 92.94% by weight (zinc) and 5.62% to 13.16% by weight (elastic binder). The percentages of manganese dioxide and elastic binder in a positive electrode prepared from the above paste range from 61.72% to 82.35% by weight (manganese dioxide) and 8.51% to 20.83% by weight (elastic binder).

[0116] The electrolyte paste is preferably used in combination with a microporous polyolefin film (e.g., PE) having a thickness in the range of 60 to 120 μm and a porosity of 35 to 60%. According to the above-mentioned first or second alternative, particularly preferred embodiment, a layer of the electrolyte paste is preferably formed on the electrode and / or separator, particularly in the thickness range specified, particularly preferably about 50 μm each. The anode is preferably printed as a layer having a thickness of 30 μm to 150 μm, particularly 70 μm. The positive electrode is preferably printed as a layer having a thickness of 180 to 350 μm, particularly 280 μm.

[0117] In a further preferred embodiment of the method, the method is characterized by at least one of the following additional features and / or steps a. and b., which are described immediately below. a. The first substrate and the second substrate are different regions of the same substrate. b. To form the layer stack, the carrier is folded over so that the first negative electrode overlies the first separator and the second positive electrode, and the second negative electrode overlies the second separator and the first positive electrode, and after folding, is welded and / or bonded to form a sealed container into which the layer stack is placed. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method, the immediately preceding features a. and b. are realized in combination with each other.

[0118] As already mentioned, in the process according to the present invention, the layer stack is formed in the order negative electrode / separator / positive electrode. This can be preferably achieved by printing the electrodes of adjacent cells, i.e., in a coplanar arrangement, on a carrier and then folding or bending the carrier so that the electrodes and associated separators of each single cell are superimposed. After folding, the carrier surrounds the resulting layer stack on at least three sides. A sealed container can be formed by welding and / or bonding the remaining sides. Bonding is also particularly suitable when the anode and cathode are previously surrounded by the aforementioned adhesive frame. In this case, the sealing frame can provide bonding.

[0119] The process described herein leads directly to a battery according to the invention having two individual cells electrically connected in series. Producing a battery having three or more individual cells electrically connected in series requires providing additional electrodes, separators, and conductors, but in these cases, no additional steps are required in the process. For example, all electrical conductors, regardless of their number, can be printed in one process step. The same applies to the electrodes and electrolyte layers.

[0120] As with the above-described embodiment, a second, particularly preferred embodiment having four sub-cells would generally require additional fourth and fifth electrical conductors and two additional positive and negative electrodes on the second substrate to form two additional sub-cells.

[0121] A wireless tag according to the present invention includes a transmitter and / or receiver unit for transmitting and / or receiving radio signals, and a battery for supplying current to the transmitter and / or receiver unit, the battery being formed according to the above-described embodiment. The transmitter and / or receiver unit and the battery are preferably disposed on a carrier. The battery is preferably designed to supply a peak current of 400 mA or more to the transmitter and / or receiver unit.

[0122] It is particularly preferred that the battery associated with the radio tag is designed according to the second particularly preferred embodiment described above, i.e. the battery comprises four individual cells connected in series, which are preferably zinc manganese oxide cells.

[0123] To measure the peak current deliverable by a battery, the battery impedance is preferably derived from an electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS). In this measurement method, the impedance Z is determined as a function of the measurement frequency f, where Z = Z(f). The impedance value Z (0.5 Hz) best corresponds to the load induced by a 1-second pulse current. This is calculated using the voltage difference between the open-circuit and closed-circuit voltages of the applied current, according to Ohm's law. Peak current i = voltage difference △U / Z (0.5Hz)

[0124] In a preferred embodiment, the individual cells of the battery can be formed directly on the substrate. As explained above, the first and second substrates can be areas on one and the same carrier, which then allows the electrical conductors and electrodes of the battery according to the invention to be provided on the carrier in a coplanar arrangement, with the negative and positive electrodes of the cells superimposed, respectively, with separators, to form the individual cells of the battery according to the invention formed as a layer stack. After inversion, the carrier surrounds the resulting layer stack on at least three sides. A sealed container can be formed by welding and / or bonding the remaining sides.

[0125] However, it may also be suitable to manufacture the battery separately and fasten it to the carrier, for example by means of an adhesive.

[0126] With regard to possible preferred embodiments of the radio tag, reference is made here to WO 2019 / 145224 A1, which describes in detail, for example, a sensor system that may be part of the radio tag and that can be used to determine status information about the product to which the radio tag is attached.

[0127] Of particular importance in the context of the invention described herein are the carrier and the transmitter and / or receiver unit, the latter preferably being a mobile communication chip as mentioned at the outset, in particular a chip capable of data transmission according to the LTE standard.

[0128] The carrier can be of almost any design. Ideally, the surface should have no conductive properties, which would eliminate short circuits or leakage currents if the conductors of the battery according to the invention were printed directly onto the carrier. For example, the carrier could be a plastic label. For example, a film made of polyolefin or polyethylene terephthalate with an adhesive surface on one side that can be attached to a product would be suitable. The electrical conductors of the battery and other functional components of the battery can be provided on the other side.

[0129] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the radio tag can be configured to obtain electrical energy from the environment surrounding the radio tag. To this end, the radio tag can be equipped with an energy converter capable of converting energy from the environment into electrical energy. For example, the piezoelectric effect, thermoelectric effect, or photoelectric effect can be used for the conversion. Energy from the environment can be provided, for example, in the form of light, electric field, magnetic field, electromagnetic field, motion, pressure, and / or heat, and / or other forms of energy, and can be used or "harvested" using the energy converter.

[0130] In a preferred embodiment, the energy converter is coupled to the battery according to the invention so that the energy converter can be charged. It is true that zinc-manganese oxide or zinc-silver oxide cells belong to the so-called primary batteries, which are essentially not intended for recharging. However, to a limited extent, recharging also works for such cells.

[0131] Further features of the present invention and advantages obtained therefrom will become apparent from the following embodiments and drawings, which will be used to explain the present invention. The embodiments described below merely serve to explain and facilitate a better understanding of the present invention and should not be understood as limiting in any way. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0132] In the drawings the following figures are shown schematically: [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram of a preferred embodiment of a process for manufacturing a battery according to the present invention; [Figure 2] A cross-sectional view of a battery formed according to the process illustrated in Figure 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a battery formed according to the process illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] A wireless tag with a battery as shown in FIG. 2 (top view) [Figure 5] Two examples of layer stacks of a battery according to the invention with overlapping areas of different sizes (vertical top view from above) [Figure 6] Pulse test results using a battery according to the present invention DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0133] The manufacture and construction of a preferred embodiment of a battery 100 according to the present invention, in which four unit cells are electrically connected in series, can be described with reference to Figure 1. The manufacturing method includes the following steps.

[0134] (1) A current conductor structure is printed by screen printing on a 200 μm-thick PET film 106, which serves as a substrate. The PET film 106 is divided into two regions 109a and 109b by a line 109, of which region 109a serves as a first substrate and region 109b serves as a second substrate. The current conductor structure includes a first electrical conductor 101, a second electrical conductor 102, a third electrical conductor 103, a fourth electrical conductor 104, and a fifth electrical conductor 105. In this case, the first conductor 101 and the third conductor 103 are printed on the first substrate 109a. The conductors 102, 104, and 105 are printed on the second substrate 109b. The printing paste used here is a commercially available silver conductive paste. In the area of ​​the electrical conductors 105-101, the PET film 106 is coated with paste over its entire surface, resulting in each conductor forming a continuous conductive surface. All electrical conductors are preferably formed as layers with thicknesses ranging from 10 μm to 100 μm. The result of this step is shown in FIG. 1A. Note that all layers shown in the drawing are oriented parallel to the plane of the drawing. This also applies to the carbon, electrode, and electrolyte layers deposited on the conductors.

[0135] (2) In a further step, the current conductor structure is covered with a thin layer of carbon particles. The layer of carbon particles is preferably formed to a thickness of 12 μm. The printing paste used here is a typical carbon paste of the type used to form conductive layers and connections in electronic devices. The result of this step is shown in FIG. 1B. In order to optimize the coverage of the current conductor structure with the layer of carbon particles, it may be preferable to subject the formed layer to a heat treatment. The temperature that can be applied is mainly determined by the thermal stability of the PET film and must be selected accordingly.

[0136] (3) Next, negative electrodes 107a, 107b, 107c, and 107d and positive electrodes 108a, 108b, 108c, and 108d are printed on the current conductor structure. To this end, the first electrical conductor 101 is overprinted in some areas with zinc paste to form the negative electrode 107b and in some areas with manganese oxide paste to form the positive electrode 108a. The second electrical conductor 102 is overprinted in some areas with zinc paste while forming the negative electrode 107c and in some areas with manganese oxide paste while forming the positive electrode 108b. The third electrical conductor 103 is overprinted in some areas with zinc paste to form the negative electrode 107d and in some areas with manganese oxide paste to form the positive electrode 108c. The fourth electrical conductor 104 is overprinted in some areas with manganese oxide paste to form the positive electrode 108d. The fifth electrical conductor 105 is locally overprinted with zinc paste to form the negative electrode 107a. The paste has the following composition: Zinc paste: -Zinc particles 70% by weight -CMC 2% by weight -SBR 6% by weight -Solvent (water) 22% by weight Manganese oxide paste: -Manganese oxide 60% by weight -Graphite 6% by weight -Zinc chloride 2% by weight -CMC 2% by weight -SBR 5% by weight -Solvent (water) 25% by weight The result of this step is shown in Figure 1C. The negative electrodes 107a-107d and positive electrodes 108a-108d are each formed as a rectangular strip 11 cm long and 2 cm wide. The negative electrodes 107a-107d are preferably formed as a 70 μm thick layer here. The positive electrodes 108a-108d are preferably formed as a 280 μm thick layer. Multiple printing processes may be required to form the positive electrodes 108a-108d.

[0137] Two electrodes are electrically connected to each other via first conductor 101, second conductor 102, and third conductor 103. Conductor 101 connects positive electrode 108a to negative electrode 107b, conductor 102 connects positive electrode 108b to negative electrode 107c, and conductor 103 connects positive electrode 108c to negative electrode 107d. These electrical connections are the basis for the desired series connection of four single cells. Conductors 101, 102, and 103, each electrically connecting two electrodes to each other, form conductive regions on the surfaces of respective substrates 109a and 109b that are larger than the areas occupied by the electrically connected electrodes 108a and 107b, 108b and 107c, and 108c and 107d on the surfaces. In one embodiment, each conductive region includes the area covered by the electrode. Next, a gap 110 is formed between each of the electrically connected electrodes to separate them from each other. The conductive surface also extends across this gap 110, so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the conductor does not decrease in the gap between the electrodes. All of this has a positive effect on the impedance value of the battery 100 according to the present invention. The large contact area between the electrodes, and especially the connection area through the gap 110, ensures optimal electrical connection of the electrodes and minimizes electrical resistance. Similarly, while the fourth conductor 104 and the fifth conductor 105 are in electrical contact only with electrodes 107a and 108d, they form conductive areas on the surface of their respective substrates that are larger than the surface area occupied by their respective electrically contacted electrodes. In one embodiment, each conductive area includes an area covered by an electrode. Alternatively, each conductive surface includes an area not covered by electrode material. These areas may serve as poles of the battery 100, tapping the summed voltage of the battery's four series-connected individual cells.

[0138] (5) In a further subsequent step, the negative electrodes 107a-107d and the positive electrodes 108a-108d are printed with zinc chloride paste. Electrolyte layers 111a-111h are formed, each having a thickness of, for example, approximately 50 μm. The result of this step is shown in FIG. 1D. In this step, it is preferable to use an electrolyte paste having the following composition: -Zinc chloride 35% by weight - Floating agent (silicon dioxide) 3% by weight -Inorganic, water-insoluble particles 15% by weight -Solvent (water) 47% by weight The actuator and the water-insoluble particles have an electrical insulating effect. It is particularly advantageous if a sealing frame 112 is formed, for example, by an adhesive compound, surrounding the electrodes before the paste is printed around the individual electrodes. Commercially available solder resist can serve as a starting material for forming the sealing frame 112, for example. Two sealing frames 112 surrounding the electrodes 107a and 108a are shown as an example. If the process is performed properly, it is advantageous to surround all the electrodes with a sealing frame.

[0139] (6) The electrolyte layers 111a-111h are then covered with one or more separators, preferably immediately after printing the electrolyte layers, to prevent the electrolyte layers from drying out. Next, the PET film 106 is folded along the line 109. the negative electrode 107a forms a first layer stack with the separator or one of the separators and the positive electrode 108a; the negative electrode 107b forms a second layer stack with the separator or one of the separators and the positive electrode 108b; the negative electrode 107c forms a third layer stack with the separator or one of the separators and the positive electrode 108c; and • The negative electrode 107d is folded over to form a fourth layer stack with the separator or one of the separators and the positive electrode 108d. By wrapping and final welding and / or bonding, a closed housing can be formed with the layer stack disposed therein. The results of this step are shown in Figures 2 and 3. For example, commercially available nonwoven separators or microporous polyolefin films can be used as the separator or separators. It is preferable to use microporous polyolefin films with a thickness in the range of 60 to 120 μm and a porosity (ratio of void volume to total volume) of 35 to 60%.

[0140] Battery 100, shown in cross section in Figure 2, includes four sub-cells 113, 114, 115, and 116 formed as a layer stack. The battery shown can be manufactured according to the procedure illustrated in Figure 1, whereby a total of four separators 117a-117d formed as layers are used to form the sub-cells. In addition to separators 117a-117d, layer stacks 113-116 each include one of negative electrodes 107a-107d and one of positive electrodes 108a-108d. In particular,

[0141] Layer stack 113 includes electrical conductors 101 and 105, which include layers of carbon particles 101a and 105a that protect the conductors from contact with the electrolyte. Positive electrode 108a is deposited directly on layer 101a, and negative electrode 107a is deposited directly on layer 105a. Between electrodes 107a and 108a is separator 117a, which is framed by electrolyte layers 111a and 111b. Because electrolyte layers 111a and 111b contain non-conductive components and thus help to electrically insulate positive electrode 108a and negative electrode 107a from each other, they can be considered components of separator 117a.

[0142] Layer stack 114 includes electrical conductors 101 and 102, which include layers of carbon particles 101a and 102a that protect the conductors from contact with the electrolyte. Positive electrode 108b is deposited directly on layer 102a, and negative electrode 107b is deposited directly on layer 101a. Between electrodes 107b and 108b is separator 117b, which is surrounded by electrolyte layers 111c and 111d. Because electrolyte layers 111c and 111d serve to electrically insulate positive electrode 108b and negative electrode 107b from each other due to their proportion of non-conductive components, they can be considered components of separator 117b.

[0143] Layer stack 115 includes electrical conductors 102 and 103, which include layers of carbon particles 102a and 103a that protect the conductors from contact with the electrolyte. Positive electrode 108c is deposited directly on layer 103a, and negative electrode 107c is deposited directly on layer 102a. Between electrodes 107c and 108c is separator 117c, which is framed by electrolyte layers 111e and 111f. Because electrolyte layers 111e and 111f contain non-conductive components and thus help to electrically insulate positive electrode 108c and negative electrode 107c from each other, they can be considered components of separator 117c.

[0144] Layer stack 116 includes electrical conductors 103 and 104, which include layers 103a and 104a of carbon particles that protect the conductors from contact with the electrolyte. Positive electrode 108d is deposited directly on layer 104a, and negative electrode 107d is deposited directly on layer 103a. Between electrodes 107d and 108d is separator 117d, which is surrounded by electrolyte layers 111g and 111h. Because electrolyte layers 111g and 111h contain non-conductive components and thus help to electrically insulate positive electrode 108d and negative electrode 107d from each other, they can be considered components of separator 117d.

[0145] The first conductor 101 and the third conductor 103 are arranged objectionably spaced apart from each other on the surface of the first substrate 109a facing the second substrate 109b, while the second conductor 102, the fourth conductor 104 and the fifth conductor 105 are arranged objectionably spaced apart from each other on the surface of the second substrate 109b facing the first substrate 109a.

[0146] The four cells 113, 114, 115, and 116 are electrically connected in series so that their voltages are added. To this end, oppositely polarized electrodes of the cells are electrically connected to one another via a first conductor 101, a second conductor 102, and a third conductor 103. The conductor electrodes have opposite polarities, and the first conductor is in electrical contact with an electrode of a fourth cell, the electrode electrically connected by this conductor also having an opposite polarity. As mentioned above, the areas of conductors 104 and 105 that are not covered by the electrode material can serve as terminals of the battery 100, tapping the added voltages of the four cells 113-116 connected in series.

[0147] Because the individual cells 113-116 described herein are based on zinc manganese dioxide as the electrochemical system, each cell provides a nominal voltage of approximately 1.5 volts, and thus the battery 100 can provide a nominal voltage of approximately 6 volts.

[0148] As a result of the aforementioned wrapping and final welding and / or bonding along lines 117, battery 110 according to the present invention has a closed housing 118 in which layer stack 113-116 is disposed. Areas of conductors 104 and 105 not covered by electrode material can have leads brought out of the housing so that the voltage of battery 100 can be tapped externally.

[0149] For the impedance characteristics of the battery 100 according to the invention, it is essential that the layered components of the individual cells 113-116 are in direct contact within the layer stack, but that these components are in contact with each other over as large an area as possible. This will be explained with reference to the individual cell 113.

[0150] First, to optimize impedance, it is necessary to provide contact between the electrodes 107a and 108a and the electrical conductors 101 and 105 over as wide an area as possible. As explained above, the conductors 101 and 105 form continuous conductive surfaces on the substrates 109a and 109b, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The conductive surfaces formed by the conductor 101 and the electrode 108a deposited thereon substantially overlap in the direction of view perpendicular to the electrode 108a and the conductor 101 in the overlapping region where a line perpendicular to the electrode 108a intersects both the electrode and the conductor 101. In certain cases, this overlapping region is exactly the area of ​​the electrode 108a. Thus, the electrode 108a is in full contact with the electrical conductor 101. The same is similarly true for the contact between the electrode 107a and the conductor 105. Here, too, full contact is achieved.

[0151] Also important is the connection of electrodes 107a and 108a to separator 117a. As explained above, separator 117a contacts electrodes 107a and 108a via electrolyte layers 111a and 111b, and thus, in this example, electrolyte layers 111a and 111b are considered part of separator 117a. One side of the separator has a first contact surface to positive electrode 108a, and the other parallel side has a second contact surface to negative electrode 107a. The contact surfaces preferably overlap each other in a viewing direction perpendicular to the separator in an overlap region defined by a line perpendicular to the separator that intersects both contact surfaces.

[0152] Since the electrodes 107a and 108a have the same surface dimensions and are not offset from one another in the stack, the size of this overlapping area closely corresponds to the size of the electrodes 107a and 108a, which are thus in full contact not only with the conductors 101 and 105 but also with the separators or the separator electrolyte layers 111a and 111b.

[0153] The battery 100 shown in Figure 3 differs from the battery 100 shown in Figure 2 only in that the single cells 113 to 116 of the battery according to the present invention have a porous sheet 117 as a common separator instead of multiple separators.

[0154] The porous sheet 117 has four separated regions through which the electrodes of opposite polarity made up of the four-layer stack are contacted. The first of these regions is defined by the contact surfaces to electrodes 107a and 108a, the second by the contact surfaces to electrodes 107b and 108b, the third by the contact surfaces to electrodes 107c and 108c, and the fourth by the contact surfaces to electrodes 107d and 108d. The use of a common separator 117 significantly simplifies the production of the battery 100 according to the present invention.

[0155] In addition to the battery 100, the wireless tag 119 shown in Figure 4 includes a transmitter and / or receiver unit 120 for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals, a sensor system 121, and an antenna 122 coupled to the transmitter and / or receiver unit 120. The components of the wireless tag are connected via a conductor structure. An adhesive layer (not shown) may be disposed on the underside of the tag 119 to secure the wireless tag 119 to a product.

[0156] The concept of overlapping area used in this application will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 shows an example of a layer stack in which a separator 117 formed as a layer is arranged between a negative electrode 107 formed as a layer and a positive electrode 108 formed as a layer. The negative electrode 107 and the positive electrode 108 are each formed as a rectangle and each cover the same area on the separator 117. In the drawing, all layers are arranged parallel to the plane of the drawing. The area of ​​the separator 117 covered by the negative electrode 107 is defined as the first contact area in the above description. The area of ​​the separator 117 covered by the positive electrode 108 is defined as the second contact area in the above description.

[0157] 5(1), the negative electrode 107 and the positive electrode 108 are offset from one another so that the first and second contact areas only partially overlap one another in a viewing direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and therefore perpendicular to the separator 117. The overlap area A is therefore smaller than the area on the separator 117 covered by the negative electrode 107 and the positive electrode 108.

[0158] 5(2), however, the negative electrode 107 and the positive electrode 108 completely overlap each other. Therefore, the size of the overlapping area A exactly matches the area of ​​the negative electrode 107 and the positive electrode 108.

[0159] The pulse test results shown in Figure 6 were conducted using a battery containing four single cells electrically connected in series and designed as shown in Figure 2. The electrodes of each of the four cells were approximately 22 cm on their respective substrates. 2The cells were electrically connected in series and provided a nominal voltage of 6 V. The actual open-circuit voltage was approximately 6.4 V, and the end-of-discharge voltage was approximately 3.1 V. Prior to the measurements, the battery was stored at 45° for one month to artificially simulate aging. Nevertheless, the battery delivered a total of 118 TX pulses. A new battery delivered over 400 Tx pulses during the load test, making it ideally suited for powering an LTE chip.

Claims

1. A battery (100) having the following characteristics: a. a first sub-cell and a second sub-cell (114, 115) formed as a layer stack, each comprising: negative electrodes (107b, 107c); Positive electrodes (108b, 108c), a separator (117; 117a, 117b) arranged between said positive electrode (108b, 108c) and said negative electrode (107b, 107c); a first unit cell and a second unit cell (114, 115) having the following characteristics: b. A plurality of separate electrical conductors (101, 102, 103), including: a first conductor (101) in electrical contact with one of the electrodes (107b) of the first sub-cell (114); a second conductor (102) electrically connects the electrode (108b) of the first sub-cell (114) that is not contacted by the first conductor (101) to the electrode (107c) of the second sub-cell (115) of opposite polarity, in order to form a series connection; a third conductor (103) electrically contacts the electrode (108c) of the second sub-cell (115) that is not contacted by the second conductor (102); and c. comprising a first substrate and a second substrate (109a, 109b) between which the single cells (114, 115) and the electrical conductors (101, 102, 103) are disposed; d. the first conductors and the third conductors (101, 103) are arranged at a distance from each other on a surface of the first substrate (109a) facing the second substrate (109b), and the second conductors (102) are arranged on a surface of the second substrate (109b) facing the first substrate (109a); e. The electrically connected electrodes (108b, 107c) of the first and second sub-cells (114, 115) are arranged side by side in the form of layers on the surface of the second substrate (109b) facing the first substrate (109a), each covering a partial area of ​​the second conductor (102) and separated from each other by a gap (110); f. the electrodes (107b, 108c) that are not connected to each other via the second conductor (102) are arranged in the form of a layer on the surface of the first substrate (109a) facing the second substrate (109b), the electrode (107b) that is in electrical contact with the first conductor (101) covering at least a partial area of ​​the first conductor (101), and the electrode (108c) that is in electrical contact with the third conductor (103) covering at least a partial area of ​​the third conductor (103); g. The separators (117; 117b, 117c) of the single cells (114, 115), also in the form of layers, are each in surface contact with one of the electrically connected electrodes (108b, 107c) and in surface contact with one of the non-electrically connected electrodes (107b, 108c) on one side thereof, and A battery (100) in which a layer formed by printing an electrolyte paste containing an electrolyte, a suspending agent, and inorganic filler particles is disposed between at least one of the negative electrode (107b, 107c) and the positive electrode (108b, 108c) and at least one of the separators (117; 117a, 117b).

2. A battery (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that it has the following additional features: a. In addition to the first and second sub-cells (114, 115), the battery includes an additional third sub-cell (116) having a negative electrode (107d), a positive electrode (108d), and a separator (117; 117d) arranged between the negative electrode (107d) and the positive electrode (108d). b. The three single cells (114, 115, 116) are connected in series so that their voltages are added together. c. for this purpose, said third conductor (103) is in electrical contact with the electrode (107d) of said third sub-cell (116), said electrodes (108c, 107d) electrically connected by said conductor (103) having opposite polarities; d. A fourth electrical conductor (104) electrically contacting the electrode (108d) of the third sub-cell (116) with which the third conductor (103) is not in contact. A battery (100) having:

3. A battery (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that it has the following additional features: a. The fourth conductor (104) is arranged at a distance from the second conductor (102) on the surface of the second substrate (109b) facing the first substrate (109a). b) the electrode (107d) of the third sub-cell (116), which is in electrical contact with the third conductor (103), is arranged in the form of a layer on the first substrate (109a), covering a partial area of ​​the third conductor (103) and separated by a gap (110) from the further electrode (108c) arranged on the conductor (103); c) The electrode (108d) of the third sub-cell (116) that is not in electrical contact with the third conductor (103) is arranged in the form of a layer on the surface of the second substrate (109b) facing the first substrate (109a) and covers at least a partial area of ​​the fourth conductor (104). d. The separator (117; 117d) of the third unit cell (116), also in the form of a layer, has one surface in surface contact with the electrode (108d) of the third unit cell (116) disposed on the fourth conductor (104), and the other surface in surface contact with the electrode (107d) of the third unit cell (116) disposed on the third conductor (103). A battery (100) having at least one of:

4. A battery (100) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it has the following additional features: a. In addition to the first, second and third unit cells (114, 115, 116), the battery includes an additional fourth unit cell (113) having a negative electrode (107a), a positive electrode (108a), and the separator (117; 117a) arranged between the negative electrode (107a) and the positive electrode (108a). b. The four single cells (113, 114, 115, 116) are connected in series so that their voltages are added together. c) the third conductor (103) is in electrical contact with the electrode (107d) of the third sub-cell (116), and the electrodes (108c, 107d) electrically connected by this conductor (103) have opposite polarities; and the first conductor (101) is in electrical contact with the electrode (108a) of the fourth sub-cell (113), and the electrodes (108a, 107b) electrically connected by this conductor (101) also have opposite polarities. d. A fifth electrical conductor (105) in electrical contact with the remaining electrode (107a) of the fourth sub-cell (113). A battery (100) having:

5. A battery (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that it has the following additional features: a. The fifth conductor (105) is arranged in the form of a layer and is spaced apart from the second conductor (102) and the fourth conductor (104) on the surface of the second substrate (109b) facing the first substrate (109a). b) the electrode (107d) of the third sub-cell (116) in contact with the third conductor (103) is arranged in the form of a layer on the first substrate (109a), covering a partial area of ​​the third conductor (103) and separated by a gap (110) from the further electrode (108c) arranged on the third conductor (103); c) the electrode (108d) of the third sub-cell (116) in contact with the fourth conductor (104) is arranged in the form of a layer on the surface of the second substrate (109b) facing the first substrate (109a) and covers at least a partial region of the fourth conductor (104). d. The electrode (108a) of the fourth sub-cell (113) in contact with the first conductor (101) is arranged in the form of a layer on the first substrate (109a), covering a partial area of ​​the first conductor (101) and separated by a gap (110) from the further electrode (107b) arranged on the first conductor (101). e. The electrode (107a) of the fourth sub-cell (113), which is not in electrical contact with the first conductor (101), is arranged in the form of a layer on the surface of the second substrate (109b) facing the first substrate (109a), and covers at least a partial area of ​​the fifth conductor (105). f. The separator (117; 117d) of the third unit cell (116), also in the form of a layer, has one surface in surface contact with the electrode (108d) of the third unit cell (116) disposed on the fourth conductor (104), and the other surface in surface contact with the electrode (107d) of the third unit cell (116) disposed on the third conductor (103). g. The separator (117; 117a) of the fourth unit cell (113), also formed as a layer, has one surface in surface contact with the electrode (108a) of the fourth unit cell (113) arranged on the first conductor (101), and the other surface in surface contact with the electrode (107a) of the fourth unit cell (113) arranged on the fifth conductor (105). A battery (100) having at least one of:

6. A battery (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it has the following additional features: a. The electrical conductors (101, 102, 103) electrically connecting two electrodes (108a and 107b, 108b and 107c, 108c and 107d) form a conductive area on the surface of each of the substrates (109a, 109b) that is larger than the area occupied by the electrically connected electrodes (108a and 107b, 108b and 107c, 108c and 107d) on the surface. b. The conductive region and the electrically connected electrodes (108a and 107b, 108b and 107c, 108c and 107d) thereover overlap in an overlap region B in a viewing direction perpendicular to the electrodes and the conductors, and the overlap region B is at least 80% of the area of ​​the electrically connected electrodes (108a and 107b, 108b and 107c, 108c and 107d). c. The conductive region on each of the substrates (109a, 109b) includes at least one region that is not included in the overlap region B and does not overlap with the connected electrodes (108a and 107b, 108b and 107c, 108c and 107d). d. The area not included in the overlapping area spans the gap (110) separating the connected electrodes (108a and 107b, 108b and 107c, 108c and 107d). A battery (100) having at least one of:

7. A battery (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it has the following additional features: a. The electrical conductors (104, 105) that are in electrical contact with only one of the electrodes (108d, 107a) and that do not connect it to an electrode of opposite polarity form a conductive area on the surface of the respective substrate (109b) that is larger than the area occupied on the surface by the electrically contacted electrode (108d, 107a). b. These conductors (104, 105) and the contacted electrodes (108d, 107a), respectively, overlap in an overlapping area C in the direction of the line of sight perpendicular to the electrodes and the conductors, the overlapping area C being at least 80% of the area of ​​the electrodes (108d, 107a). A battery (100) having at least one of:

8. A battery (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it has the following additional features: a. The electrical conductors (101, 102, 103) electrically connecting two electrodes (108a and 107b, 108b and 107c, 108c and 107d) are formed as continuous conductive layers in at least a portion of the area that they occupy on the respective substrates (109a, 109b). A battery (100) having:

9. A battery (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it has the following additional features: a. The electrical conductors (101, 102, 103) electrically connecting two electrodes (108a and 107b, 108b and 107c, 108c and 107d) to each other are formed from lines and / or tracks that can be aligned in a parallel and / or crossed arrangement in at least a portion of the area that they occupy on the respective substrates (109a, 109b), and at least 10% of the area of ​​the respective substrates occupied by the respective electrical conductors is covered by the lines and / or tracks. A battery (100) having:

10. A battery (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it has the following additional features: a. The electrodes (107a, 108a, 107b, 108b, 107c, 108c, 107d and 108d) are rectangular or in the form of strips. b. The gap (110) between the electrically connected electrodes (108a and 107b, 108b and 107c, 108c and 107d) has a substantially constant width. c) the electrodes of the single cells (113, 114, 115, 116) having opposite polarities occupy the same area on the substrates (109a, 109b), respectively; d. The electrically connected electrodes (108a and 107b, 108b and 107c, 108c and 107d) and / or the non-electrically connected electrodes (107a, 108d) are aligned parallel to each other, respectively. e. The electrodes (107a-d and 108a-d) of the same polarity of the single cells (113, 114, 115, 116) have essentially the same dimensions. f. the electrodes (107a-d and 108a-d) a length ranging from -1 cm to 25 cm, and - Characterized by a width ranging from 0.5 cm to 10 cm g. The gap (110) is a length ranging from -1 cm to 25 cm, and - characterized by a width ranging from 0.1 cm to 2 cm h. The electrical conductor has a thickness in the range of 5 μm to 250 μm. i. The electrodes (107a-d and 108a-d) have a thickness in the range of 10 μm to 350 μm. A battery (100) having at least one of:

11. A battery (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it has the following additional features: a. A housing (118) surrounding the unit cells (113, 114, 115, 116), the housing (118) including a first housing inner surface and a second housing inner surface, the first substrate (109a) and the second substrate (109b) being part of the housing (118), the first housing inner surface being a surface of the first substrate (109a), and the second housing inner surface being a surface of the second substrate (109b). b. The first substrate (109a) and the second substrate (109b) are films or components of a film. A battery (100) having at least one of:

12. A battery (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it has the following additional features: a. The electrodes (107a-d and 108a-d) are formed by a printing process. b. The electrical conductors (101, 102, 103, 104, 105) are formed by a printing process. c. The separators (117, 117a, 117b, 117c, 117d) are formed by a printing process. A battery (100) having at least one of:

13. A battery (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it has the following additional features: a. The negative electrodes (107a, 107b, 107c, 107d) of the single cells (113, 114, 115, 116) contain granular metallic zinc or granular metallic zinc alloy as the active material of the electrodes. b. The positive electrodes (108a, 108b, 108c, 108d) of the single cells (113, 114, 115, 116) contain a particulate metal oxide as an active material of the electrode. A battery (100) having at least one of:

14. A radio tag (119) comprising a transmitter and / or receiver unit (120) for transmitting and / or receiving radio signals, and a battery (100) for supplying current to the transmitter and / or receiver unit (120), wherein the battery (100) is a battery according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A method for manufacturing a battery (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the following steps a. to e., as set forth immediately below: a. providing a first electrical conductor (101) and a third electrical conductor (103) on a first non-conductive substrate (109a) and a second electrical conductor (102) on a second non-conductive substrate (109b); b. providing a layered first negative electrode (107b) directly on the first electrical conductor (101) and a layered first positive electrode (108c) directly on the third electrical conductor (103); c. providing a layered second negative electrode (107c) and a layered second positive electrode (108b) directly on the second electrical conductor (102) such that the second electrodes (107c, 108b) are separated from each other by a gap (110); d. providing a layered separator (117; 117b) on the first negative electrode (107b) or the second positive electrode (108b) and a layered separator (117; 117c) on the second negative electrode (107c) or the first positive electrode (108c); e. The two layer stacks are arranged in the following order: - first negative electrode (107b) / separator (117; 117b) / second positive electrode (108b), and - forming in this order a second negative electrode (107c) / a separator (117; 117c) / a first positive electrode (108c); and disposing a layer comprising an electrolyte, a suspending agent, and inorganic filler particles between at least one of the negative electrode (107b, 107c) and the positive electrode (108b, 108c) and at least one of the separators (117; 117a, 117b) by printing an electrolyte paste comprising the electrolyte, the suspending agent, and the inorganic filler particles.

Images