Battery-powered electrochemical device including improved sealing means and method of manufacturing same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery-type electrochemical device comprising a so-called unit stack (2) formed by at least one unit cell, an electrical connection support (5) at least partially made of an electrically conductive material and provided near a first front surface (12) of the unit stack, electrical insulation means (53, 54) capable of insulating two separate regions (56, 57) of the electrical connection support (5) from each other, an anode contact means (30) electrically connectable to the electrical connection support (5) on a first side surface (23) of the unit stack, a cathode contact means (40) electrically connectable to the electrical connection support (5) on a second side surface (24) of the unit stack opposite the first side surface, an encapsulation system (7) covering the other front surface (11) of the unit stack, the anode contact means, the cathode contact means and at least partially covering the side (51) of the electrical connection support (5) facing the unit stack, and a mechanical reinforcement system (8) covering the encapsulation system on the opposite side of the electrical connection support (5).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to battery-powered electrochemical devices. It is particularly applicable to lithium-ion batteries. The present invention relates to novel battery structures that provide the batteries with improved impermeable sealing properties. The present invention also relates to methods for manufacturing these batteries. [Background technology]

[0002] Some types of batteries, especially some thin-film batteries, are susceptible to degradation by oxygen and water (H2O) in the gas phase and require encapsulation to extend their lifespan. Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, are very sensitive to moisture in the gas phase. The market demands product lifespans of 10 years or more, and encapsulation must be provided to guarantee that lifespan.

[0003] Thin-film lithium-ion batteries are multilayer stacks of electrode and electrolyte layers, typically about 1 μm to about 10 μm thick. They may contain stacks of multiple unit cells. Such solid-state thin-film lithium-ion batteries typically use an anode with a lithium metal layer.

[0004] The active materials in lithium-ion batteries are highly sensitive to air, especially water in the gas phase. Mobile lithium ions spontaneously react with traces of water to form LiOH, resulting in battery calendaring. All lithium-ion conducting electrolytes and intercalation materials are unreactive to moisture. For example, Li4Ti5O 12 does not deteriorate even when in contact with the air or small amounts of water. 4+x Ti5O 12 As soon as lithium is inserted in the form of (x>0), the excess lithium (x) is sensitive to the atmosphere and spontaneously reacts with traces of water to form LiOH, which makes the reacted lithium unable to store electricity, resulting in a decrease in the battery capacity.

[0005] To prevent the active materials in lithium-ion batteries from being exposed to air and water and thus from degrading over time, they must be protected by an encapsulation system. Numerous encapsulation systems for thin-film batteries have been described in the literature.

[0006] US Patent Application Publication No. 2002 / 0071989 describes an encapsulation system for a solid-state thin-film battery that includes a laminate of a first layer of a dielectric material selected from alumina (Al2O3), silica (SiO2), silicon nitride (Si3N4), silicon carbide (SiC), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), and amorphous carbon, a second layer of dielectric material, and an impermeable sealing layer disposed on the second layer and covering the entire battery.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 5,561,004 describes several systems for protecting thin-film lithium-ion batteries. The first proposed system involves a parylene layer covered with an aluminum film deposited on the battery's active components. However, this system, which prevents the diffusion of air and water vapor, is only effective for about a month. The second proposed system involves alternating layers of parylene (500 nm thick) and metal (approximately 50 nm thick). The document also states that these batteries are preferably recoated with an ultraviolet-curable (UV-cured) epoxy coating to slow the rate at which the batteries are degraded by atmospheric components.

[0008] Reference is also made to the applicant's French patent application FR 3068830, which describes a typical layout of an electrochemical device. As described therein, such a device comprises a unit stack, each cell of which comprises a current collecting substrate for each anode and cathode, a layer for each anode and cathode, and at least one layer of separator impregnated with an electrolyte material or electrolyte. Anode and cathode contacts are provided on opposite sides of the stack, respectively.

[0009] Finally, WO 2016 / 025067 describes a battery in which a stack rests on a substrate having openings formed therein. These openings can accommodate conductive members connected to the respective anodes and cathodes. A polymer layer and an outer impermeable sealing layer are provided on opposite sides of the substrate. This document does not provide a satisfactory solution, primarily from the perspective of impermeability. More specifically, the outer layer does not adequately fulfill its desired barrier function. Furthermore, because this sealing layer is located on the outside, it is easily broken and deteriorated. Therefore, this document also does not provide a satisfactory teaching from the perspective of mechanical rigidity.

[0010] According to the prior art, most lithium-ion batteries are encapsulated in a metallized polymer foil (called a "pouch") that is wrapped around the battery cell and heat-sealed with connector tabs. These packages are relatively flexible, and the battery's positive and negative connections are therefore embedded in the heat-sealed polymer used to seal the package around the battery. However, the welds between these polymer foils are not completely impervious to atmospheric gases because the polymer used to heat-seal the battery is relatively permeable to atmospheric gases. This permeability is known to increase with increasing temperature, accelerating aging.

[0011] However, the surface area exposed to the atmosphere at these welds remains very small, and the remainder of the package is formed by the aluminum foil sandwiched between these polymer foils. Typically, the two foils are interlocked to minimize the impact of holes that constitute defects in each foil. The chances of two defects in each strip aligning are greatly reduced.

[0012] These packaging technologies allow a 10Ah battery to be packaged in a 10x20cm 2A surface area of ​​1000 volts guarantees a calendar life of approximately 10 to 15 years under normal conditions of use. If the battery is exposed to high temperatures, this life can be reduced to less than 5 years, which is insufficient for many applications. Similar techniques can be applied to other electronic components, such as capacitors and active components.

[0013] As a result, there is a need for systems and methods for encapsulating thin-film batteries and other electronic components that protect the components from the effects of air, moisture, and temperature. In particular, there is a need for encapsulation systems and methods that protect thin-film lithium-ion batteries from air and water in the vapor phase and from degradation when the battery is subjected to charge-discharge cycling. The encapsulation system must be impermeable and hermetically sealed, completely surround and cover the component or battery, be flexible enough to accommodate slight changes in the battery cell's dimensions ("breathing"), and electrically isolate the ends of oppositely polarized electrodes to prevent creep shorts.

[0014] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0015] The present invention aims to at least partially overcome some of the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0016] In particular, the aim is to increase the production of high energy density and high power density secondary batteries and to produce more efficient encapsulation at low cost.

[0017] Furthermore, the aim is to propose a battery-powered electrochemical device that can be easily integrated into energy-consuming devices while offering particularly good protection against gases such as O2 and H2O.

[0018] In particular, the aim is to propose a method for producing batteries with reduced risk of short circuits and low self-discharge rates.

[0019] In particular, the object is to propose a method for manufacturing ultra-long-life batteries simply, reliably, and quickly.

[0020] Furthermore, the aim is to propose a method that uses a cutting process with higher quality than the prior art.

[0021] Furthermore, the aim is to propose methods to strengthen the encapsulation step and the encapsulation itself that occurs during the final battery manufacturing process.

[0022] Another aim is to propose a battery manufacturing method with minimal material loss. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0023] At least one of the above objects is achieved by a battery-powered electrochemical device, a method for producing the same, and an electrical energy consuming device comprising the electrochemical device, as set forth in the appended claims.

[0024] The first object of the present invention is to a so-called unit stack (2) formed by at least one unit cell, each unit cell comprising, in order, at least one anode current collecting substrate, at least one anode layer, at least one layer of a separator impregnated with an electrolyte material or electrolyte, at least one cathode layer and at least one cathode current collecting substrate, and defining six faces, namely two so-called front faces (21, 22) facing each other and generally parallel to the anode, electrolyte material and cathode layer, and four so-called side faces (23-26) facing each other in pairs, in particular parallel to each other in pairs; anode contact means (30); - cathode contact means (40); - impermeable sealing means (7) capable of protecting said unit stack, - an electrical connection support (5) made at least in part of an electrically conductive material and arranged near a first front face (12) of said unit stack; - electrical insulating means (53, 54) capable of insulating the two separate areas (56, 57) of the electrical connection support (5) from each other, the anode contact means (30) allows the first side (23) of the unit stack to be electrically connected to the electrical connection support (5); The cathode contact means (40) allows a second side (24) of the unit stack opposite the first side to be electrically connected to the electrical connection support (5), making this a battery-powered electrochemical device.

[0025] Other features of this device may be obtained alone or in accordance with technically compatible features. - said impermeable sealing means comprises an encapsulation system (7), - the encapsulation system (7) covers the other front surface (11) of the unit stack, the anode contact means, the cathode contact means and at least partly the surface (51) of the electrical connection support (5) facing the unit stack, - said encapsulation system covers the opposite front faces of said unit stacks and the sides of said unit stacks not covered by said anode and cathode contact means; - the encapsulation system optionally further occupies all or part of the electrical insulating means (53, 54) and an intermediate space separating the support from the first front face of the unit stack, said impermeable sealing means comprises said anode contact means and / or said cathode contact means; - said impermeable sealing means comprise, on the one hand, contact means covering two first sides of said unit stack, and, on the other hand, an encapsulation system covering the other two sides of said unit stack and the two front faces of said unit stack; - a mechanical reinforcement system (8) covering the encapsulation system on the side opposite the electrical connection support (5), said electrical connection support is of the single-layer type, in particular a metal grid or a silicon intermediate layer, the electrical insulating means comprise one or more free spaces made in the electrical connection support of single-layer type, the one or more free spaces being able to be empty or filled with an electrically insulating material, and the separate connection areas of the electrical connection support being arranged on both sides of the one or more free spaces; - the electrical connection support comprises a single free space on both sides of which the separate connection areas are provided, the electrical connection support comprises two free spaces between which a central base plate of the electrical connection support is located, said electrical connection support is of the multi-layer type, comprising several layers arranged one above the other, in particular of the printed circuit board type, each layer of said multilayer support comprises at least one conductive zone and at least one insulating zone, said conductive zones of different layers forming electrical connection paths enabling said anode and cathode contact means to be connected, respectively, to the face of said support opposite said stack, and said insulating zones forming said electrical insulating means; said encapsulation system comprising: a dense inorganic film having a total thickness of less than 5 μm, preferably less than 2 μm, deposited by a technique selected from among ALD, PECVD or HDPCVD; a continuous inorganic film having a total thickness of less than 5 μm, preferably less than 2 μm, or selected from continuous organic and inorganic films having a total thickness of less than 20 μm, preferably less than 10 μm, said mechanical reinforcement system comprising: a resin which may consist of a simple polymer or a polymer with a polymer matrix which is preferably an epoxy or acrylate polymer, and a mineral filler which may consist of particles, flakes or glass fibers; a low-melting glass preferably selected from the group formed by SiO2-B2O3 glass, Bi2O3-B2O3 glass, ZnO-Bi2O3-B2O3 glass, TeO2-V2O5 glass and PbO-SiO2 glass; and a film produced by rolling, - further comprising rigid connection means (6) capable of rigidly connecting one of the front faces (21) of said unit stack to said electrical connection support (5), - said rigid connection means comprises a layer of non-conductive adhesive (6), said anode or cathode electrical contact means comprises a conductive adhesive; said anode or cathode electrical contact means comprises a metal foil;

[0026] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the battery-powered electrochemical device described above, the method comprising the steps of: - positioning the electrical connection support (5) near the first front face (12) of the unit stack; - insulating the two separate areas (56, 57) of the electrical connection support (5) from each other; - electrically connecting the first side (23) of the unit stack to the electrical connection support (5); - electrically connecting the second side (24) of the unit stack opposite to the first side to the electrical connection support (5); - coating said impermeable sealing means.

[0027] Other features of this device may be obtained alone or in accordance with technically compatible features. the impermeable sealing means is coated after the electrical connection support has been placed adjacent to the first front face of the unit stack, at least a portion of the impermeable sealing means is coated before the electrical connection support is placed near the first front face of the unit stack; - at least one first layer of the impermeable sealing means is coated before the electrical connection support is placed near the first front face of the unit stack, and at least one second layer of the impermeable sealing means is coated after the electrical connection support is placed near the first front face, -moreover, providing a frame (105) intended to form a plurality of said electrical connection supports (5); placing the frame near the first front surface of a plurality of unit stacks, the plurality of unit stacks being arranged in a plurality of rows and / or a plurality of columns; making at least one cut, in particular a plurality of cuts, in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction of said plurality of unit stacks to form a plurality of electrochemical devices.

[0028] Finally, the present invention relates to an electrical energy consuming device (1000) comprising a body (1002) as described above and an electrochemical device (1) capable of supplying electrical energy to the electrical energy consuming device, the electrical connection support (5) of the electrochemical device being fixed to the body.

[0029] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting example only, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a battery forming an electrochemical device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a top view of a frame used to manufacture the battery according to the present invention shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a first step in a method for manufacturing a battery according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a second step in the method for producing a battery according to the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a third step in the method for producing a battery according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a fourth step in the method for producing a battery according to the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a fifth step in the method for producing a battery according to the present invention. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a sixth step in the method for producing a battery according to the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the different components of the battery as installed at the end of the first step herein. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the different components of the battery as they are installed at the end of the second step herein. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the different components of the battery as they are installed at the end of the third step herein. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the different components of the battery as they are installed at the end of the fourth step herein. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the different components of the battery as installed at the end of the fifth step herein. [Figure 14] 3 is an overhead view similar to FIG. 2 showing a support frame for manufacturing a battery forming an alternative embodiment to the first embodiment of the invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a longitudinal section showing a battery according to the invention that can be obtained from the frame shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] 3 is an overhead view similar to FIG. 2 showing a support frame for manufacturing an electrochemical device according to another alternative embodiment to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a longitudinal section showing an electrochemical device according to the invention, which can be obtained from the frame shown in FIG. 16. [Figure 18] 1 is a perspective view illustrating the integration of an electrochemical device according to the present invention into an energy consuming device. [Figure 19] 11A-11C are longitudinal cross-sectional views illustrating alternative ways of carrying out the method steps described in FIG. [Figure 20] 12A-12C are longitudinal cross-sectional views illustrating alternative ways of carrying out the method steps described in FIG. [Figure 21] 21 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 20, illustrating an additional step in the method for manufacturing an electrochemical device of the present invention. [Figure 22]1, but showing an enlarged front view of an alternative embodiment of an encapsulation system according to the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing stacked layers used in the simultaneous fabrication of multiple electrochemical devices according to the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stacked layers shown in FIG. 23. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the simplest structure of a conductive support according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] 26 is a perspective view showing the different components of a conductive support of an enriched structure belonging to an electrochemical device according to an alternative embodiment to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 25. FIG. [Figure 27] 27 is a cross-sectional view showing an energy consuming device incorporating an electrochemical device having the conductive support shown in FIG. 26. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating another alternative embodiment of the conductive support according to the second embodiment. [Figure 29] 28, showing yet another alternative embodiment of the conductive support according to the second embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] As will be seen from the following description, the electrochemical device according to the invention essentially comprises a unit stack, an electrical connection support, anode and cathode contact means and impermeable sealing means intended in particular to protect said stack. The description refers to two main embodiments of the invention and to different alternative embodiments to these main embodiments with regard to the structure of said supports.

[0032] 1 shows an electrochemical device according to a first alternative embodiment to the first main embodiment of the present invention, which is a battery generally designated by the reference numeral 1. This battery first comprises a stack 2 formed by at least one, and typically a plurality of, unit cells, each of which in turn comprises at least one anode current collecting substrate, at least one anode layer, at least one layer of separator impregnated with an electrolyte material or electrolyte, at least one cathode layer, and at least one cathode current collecting substrate.

[0033] This stack is of a type known per se and therefore will not be described in detail here. Typically, this stack contains 10 to 100 unit cells as described herein. This stack 2 is generally parallelepipedal and has six faces. By convention, the opposing so-called front or end faces, which are substantially parallel to the different layers, are first designated with the reference numerals 21 and 22. The so-called front face is designated with the reference numeral 21, and the so-called rear face, which allows a support to be fixed, as will be seen below, is designated with the reference numeral 22. The stack 2 also defines four side faces 23 to 26, which are parallel and opposite each other in pairs.

[0034] The battery 1 according to the invention further comprises a support generally designated by the reference numeral 5. This support 5 is generally planar and typically has a thickness of less than 300 μm, preferably less than 100 μm. This support is advantageously made of an electrically conductive material, typically a metallic material, in particular aluminum, copper or stainless steel, and may be coated with a thin layer of gold, nickel and tin to improve its weldability. The front face of the support, facing the stack 2, is designated by the reference numeral 51, and the opposite rear face is designated by the reference numeral 52.

[0035] The support is perforated, i.e., it has spaces 53 and 54 separating a central base plate 55 and two opposing lateral strips 56 and 57. The different areas 55, 56 and 57 of the support are therefore electrically insulated from one another. In particular, as will be seen below, the lateral strips 56 and 57 are electrically insulated from one another and form areas that can be connected to contact elements belonging to the battery. In the example shown, electrical insulation is achieved by providing empty spaces 53 and 54 that are filled with a reinforcing material, as will be seen below. Alternatively, these spaces can be filled with a non-conductive material, such as a polymer, ceramic or glass.

[0036] In the example shown, the support and the stack are connected to each other by a layer 6. The latter is usually formed by a non-conductive adhesive, in particular of the epoxy or acrylate type. Alternatively, the support and the stack can be firmly fixed to each other by welding (not shown). The thickness of this layer 6 is usually comprised between 5 and 100 μm, in particular equal to about 50 μm. According to the main plane of the support 5, this layer at least partially covers the aforementioned spaces 53 and 54 and insulates the anode and cathode contact elements from each other, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0037] The support 5 provides an additional electrical connection function in that it is electrically connected to the stack 2 described above. In the example shown, this electrical connection is provided by pads 30 and 40, which form the anode and cathode contact elements, respectively. These pads 30 and 40 are made of a suitable conductive material, in particular a conductive adhesive, such as a graphite adhesive or an adhesive filled with metal nanoparticles (Au, Cu, Al, etc.). The metal filler can be different for the anode and cathode (typically Al for the cathode and Cu for the anode). In such cases, these pads not only provide the initial electrical connection function, but also the additional function of creating a strong mechanical connection between the stack and the support.

[0038] Alternatively, these pads 30 and 40 may be made of a material different from a conductive adhesive, such as a weld. In the example shown, these pads are shown diagrammatically with a triangular shape, the thickness of which increases in the direction of the support. Nevertheless, instead, these pads may have a different shape, in particular a constant thickness.

[0039] The cell according to the invention further comprises an encapsulation system, generally referred to by the reference number 7. This encapsulation system 7 firstly comprises a central zone 70 covering the front face of the stack. This central zone is advantageously extended on both sides by intermediate regions or flanges 71 and 72 covering the electrical connection pads 30 and 40. Finally, these intermediate regions are themselves extended, also advantageously, by ends or lips 73 and 74 covering part of the front face of the support 5.

[0040] 1 shows, as mentioned above, a longitudinal section of the cell. From the cross section not shown, the encapsulation system covers the sides 15 and 16 of the stack that are not provided with the contact members 20, 30. According to this cross section, this encapsulation system also covers at least a part of the front face of the support.

[0041] This encapsulation system 7 can be made of any material that provides an impermeable sealing function. For the purposes of the present invention, this function is preferably -5 g / m 2 provided by any encapsulation system having a water vapor transmission rate ("WVTR") of less than d. For example, the following may be deposited: - ALD, PECVD, HDPCVD dense inorganic films with a thickness of less than 5 μm, preferably less than 2 μm. The inorganic films can be deposited with SiO2, Si3N4, SiC, amorphous Si or Al2O3. - a continuous inorganic film with a total thickness of less than 5 μm, preferably less than 2 μm. The inorganic film can be SiO2, Si3N4, SiC, amorphous Si or Al2O3 deposited by any dry or wet technique (PECVD, PVD, ALD, spray coating + UV conversion, sol-gel, etc.). - A continuous organic and inorganic film with a thickness of less than 20 μm, preferably less than 10 μm. The inorganic film can be SiO2, Si3N4, SiC or amorphous Si deposited by dry or wet techniques (PECVD, PVD, ALD, spray coating + UV conversion, sol-gel, etc.). The organic film can be a polymer (PVDF, parylene, acrylate, etc.).

[0042] Finally, the battery according to the invention further comprises a reinforcing system, generally designated by the reference number 8, which covers the entire encapsulation system 7 on the side opposite the support 5 and also covers at least a part of the support 5, advantageously the entire front side of the support 5, as in the example shown.

[0043] To ensure essential impermeability, it must be ensured that components potentially harmful to the correct operation of the battery cannot access the anode and cathode unit stacks. In other words, according to the present invention, this involves preventing potential "gateways" for the harmful components. To this end, the sealant 7 advantageously also occupies free spaces 53, 54 within the support 5. Note that the reinforcement 8 also advantageously fills these free spaces by being closely connected to the sealant. In FIG. 1, the reference numerals 7, 8 and 53, 54 are located in the same zones corresponding to these free spaces in order to visualize the filling of these various materials.

[0044] The reinforcing system 8 can be made of any material that provides this mechanical reinforcement function. With this in mind, for example, a resin can be selected, which can consist of a simple polymer or a polymer filled with inorganic fillers. The polymer matrix can, for example, consist of epoxy, acrylate, or fluorinated polymers, and the filler can be formed by particles, flakes, or glass fibers. Advantageously, the reinforcing system 8 can provide an additional moisture barrier function. With this in mind, for example, a low-melting-point glass can be selected to ensure mechanical strength and provide an additional moisture barrier. This glass can, for example, consist of the SiO2-B2O3, Bi2O3-B2O3, ZnO-Bi2O3-B2O3, TeO2-V2O5, or PbO-SiO2 group.

[0045] As shown here, the thickness of the encapsulation system 7 is advantageously very thin, in particular less than 20 μm and preferably equal to 10 μm. The reinforcing system 8 is usually much thicker than the encapsulation system 7. With reference to FIG. 1, the minimum thickness of this reinforcing system covering the front face of the stack is indicated with the reference E8. Advantageously, this thickness E8 is comprised between 20 and 250 μm, usually equal to about 100 μm.

[0046] As shown in Figure 1, the battery 1 according to the invention has a generally parallelepiped shape. By analogy with the stack 2, its front and rear faces are designated with the reference numerals 11 and 12, and its different side faces are designated with the reference numerals 13 to 16. By way of non-limiting example, the thickness E1 of the battery is, for example, comprised between 0.5 and 2.5 mm, while its lateral dimensions L1, l1 are, for example, comprised between 1 and 4 mm.

[0047] In operation, electrical energy is conventionally generated by electrochemical conversion in the unit stack. This energy is transferred via contact elements to conductive areas 55 and 56 of support 50. These conductive areas are insulated from each other, so there is no risk of short circuits. This electrical energy is then directed from areas 56 and 57 to any suitable type of energy consuming device. In FIG. 18, this energy consuming device is represented diagrammatically and designated by reference numeral 1000. It comprises a body 1002, on which the underside of the support rests. The mutual fixation between this body 1002 and support 50 is achieved by any suitable means.

[0048] The device 1000 further comprises an energy consuming element 1004 and connecting lines 1006, 1007 electrically connecting the areas 56, 57 of the support 5 to this element 1004. The control may be provided by components of the battery itself according to the embodiments described below with reference to Fig. 16 and / or by components, not shown, belonging to the device 1000. By way of non-limiting examples, such an energy consuming device may be an amplifier type electronic circuit, a clock type electronic circuit (such as a real-time clock (RTC) component), a volatile memory type electronic circuit, a static random access memory (SRAM) type electronic circuit, a microprocessor type electronic circuit, a watchdog timer type electronic circuit, a liquid crystal display type component, an LED (light emitting diode) type component, a voltage regulator type electronic circuit (such as a low dropout regulator circuit (LDO)) or a CPU (central processing unit) type electronic component.

[0049] 2 to 13, the different steps of the method for manufacturing the battery 1 described above in FIG. 6 will now be described. To carry out this method, a support frame 104 is advantageously used, which is intended to form a plurality of supports 4. This frame 104, shown larger in FIG. 2, has a periphery 150 and carries a plurality of preforms 151, each of which allows the manufacture of one respective battery. In the example shown, twelve identical preforms can be seen, divided into three rows and four columns. Alternatively, frames with a different number of such preforms can also be used.

[0050] Each preform comprises a central region 155 intended to form the base plate 55 and two lateral blocks 156 and 157 intended to form the strips 56 and 57, respectively. The regions and blocks are separated from each other by grooves 153 and 154 intended to form the spaces 53 and 54. The different preforms are fixed relative to each other and to their peripheral edges by different horizontal rods 158 and vertical rods 159, respectively.

[0051] In a first step, shown in Figures 3 and 9, a dose 106 of non-conductive adhesive is deposited on each area 155 intended to form layer 6. Next, respective doses 130 and 140 of conductive adhesive intended to form pads 30 and 40 are deposited on each lateral block 156, 157. This second step is shown in Figures 4 and 10. In a third step, shown in Figures 5 and 11, different stacks 2 are placed on the different doses 106, 130 and 140. These stacks are placed in the exact positions they must adopt relative to the base plate 45 and the final strips 46, 47, in relation to the areas 145 and blocks 146, 147.

[0052] In a fourth step, shown in Figures 6 and 12, material 107 is deposited to form the different encapsulation systems 7. Then, in a fifth step, shown in Figures 7 and 13, material 108 is deposited to form the different reinforcement systems 8. Finally, as shown in Figure 8, cuts are made in the frame 140 on which the different components of the cells are arranged. The different cut lines are indicated by dotted lines, on the one hand giving a reference D for cutting in the longitudinal dimension of the cell and on the other hand giving a reference D' for cutting in its transverse dimension. It should be noted that in the two dimensions of the frame, certain zones R and R' are intended to be discarded.

[0053] Figures 14 and 15 show an alternative embodiment to the first embodiment of the invention described above. In Figures 14 and 15, mechanical elements similar to those shown in Figures 1 to 13 have been given the same reference numerals, increased by 200. The battery 201 shown in Figure 15 differs from the battery 1 of the previous figures in particular by the structure of its connection support 205. More precisely, this support 205 does not have a central base plate like 55 in the previous figures. This support therefore comprises two lateral strips 256 and 257, separated by a space 253 that ensures their insulation from each other.

[0054] As a result, this cell 201 also lacks the non-conductive adhesive layer 6. Under these conditions, the encapsulation system 207 advantageously also covers the rear face of the stack 202. Furthermore, the reinforcement system also occupies all or part of this rear face. As mentioned herein, the encapsulant and reinforcement material tend to be partially intimately intermixed in the aforementioned space 253.

[0055] A support frame 305 that allows for the creation of multiple cells similar to that of FIG. 15 can be seen in FIG. 14. This frame 305 differs from frame 105 in that the preform 351 that it contains does not have a central region. The blocks that allow for the final formation of the transverse strips 256 and 257 have been designated with the reference numerals 356 and 357, and the groove that separates these blocks 356 and 357 has been designated with the reference numeral 353. The method for manufacturing cell 201 is broadly similar to the method described herein above with reference to cell 1. The main difference lies in the fact that this method does not include the step of depositing a non-conductive adhesive.

[0056] The presence of an encapsulation system covering the stack, contact members, and portions of the support provides the cell with sufficient impermeability. Furthermore, the presence of an additional reinforcement system provides further benefits. Thus, this reinforcement system provides mechanical and chemical protection, optionally combined with additional gas barrier functionality.

[0057] Figures 16 and 17 show a further alternative embodiment of an electrochemical device according to the first embodiment of the invention. In Figures 16 and 17, mechanical elements similar to those shown in Figures 1 to 13 have been given the same reference numerals increased by 400. The electrochemical device 401 seen in Figure 17 differs from the batteries 1 and 201 herein in particular in that it includes an additional electronic component. The latter, designated by reference numeral 409, is of any suitable type. For example, it may be an LDO ("low dropout regulator") type component. In a manner known per se, the function of this component is to regulate the potential of the battery.

[0058] According to alternative embodiments not shown, the electrochemical device according to the invention may include a number of additional electronic components. Typically, the manufacture of mini-circuits with complex electronic functions can be envisaged. In this respect, an RTC ("real-time clock") module or an energy harvesting module can be used. Electronic components capable of controlling a battery, as shown in FIG. 18 above, and integrating an energy consuming device can also be provided.

[0059] Structurally, stack 402 rests on a lateral strip 456 of support and on a base plate 457 via conductive adhesive layers 430 and 440. This strip is electrically separated from this base plate by a space 453. Furthermore, the LDO components rest on said region 457 on the one hand and on a lateral strip 490 of support on the other hand via additional conductive adhesive layers 492, 493. This region and this strip 490 are insulated from each other by a space 491.

[0060] FIG. 16 shows a support frame 505 that allows for the production of multiple electrochemical devices similar to the electrochemical device 401 of FIG. 17. This frame 505 is broadly similar to the frame 105, in particular in that it has a central base plate 557 and two blocks 556 and 590. The method for producing the electrochemical device 401 is broadly similar to the method described herein above in connection with the production of the battery 1. The main differences lie firstly in the fact that the production of the electrochemical device 400 does not involve the deposition of a dose of non-conductive adhesive. Furthermore, the production of this device 401 involves the deposition of multiple doses of conductive adhesive intended to form the different layers 430, 440, 492, 493.

[0061] According to an alternative embodiment, not shown, a battery according to the invention can be provided without a reinforcement system such as that given the reference 8. This alternative embodiment can be applied in particular in the case of an encapsulation system 7 with high mechanical strength. Such a battery without a reinforcement system can be provided as is to the end user, who can then choose whether to use the battery as is or to cover it with a reinforcement system if desired.

[0062] According to a further alternative embodiment shown in Figure 22, the encapsulation system 7 is provided with smaller dimensions than that shown in Figure 1. In such a case, the flange 71 is in direct contact with the opposite surface of the support 5 to ensure this impermeable sealing function.

[0063] In the above method, an unencapsulated stack 2 is placed on a conductive support 5 and the stack is successively coated with an encapsulation system and then with a reinforcement system. Alternatively, an already encapsulated stack can be placed on the support. It is therefore possible to leave the encapsulated stack as is or to "re-encapsulate" the stack.

[0064] 19, the stack 2 is shown diagrammatically already encapsulated, i.e. covered with an encapsulant 7 consisting of a top layer 70 and a bottom layer 71. This encapsulation further comprises invisible lateral layers located on the front and rear faces of the foil, respectively (for the latter layer see dotted reference number 72). Furthermore, the other two faces of the stack are covered by contact elements 30, 40.

[0065] First, it is assumed that the material constituting the contact members 30, 40 of the encapsulated stack of Figure 19 is capable of providing an impermeable seal in accordance with the above criteria. Such a material may be, for example, a conductive glass, optionally filled with a metal powder, such as a product sold by Koartan under the name 4101 Viafill Gold Conductor Paste.

[0066] In such a case, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, the assembly formed by the stack 2, the encapsulant 7 and the contact elements 30, 40 can be placed on the support 5 without any additional encapsulation. In this respect, it should be noted that this assembly 2, 7, 30, 40 is completely impermeable thanks to the nature of the encapsulation and the contact elements. In this way, the stack 2 is protected from the ingress of potentially harmful gases.

[0067] Figures 19 and 20 show conductive adhesive pads 31, 41 used to secure the contact elements to the support while ensuring electrical continuity. A layer of non-conductive adhesive 6 is also shown, which is sandwiched between said pads 31, 41. It should be noted that Figure 19 shows the same method step as Figures 4 and 10, while Figure 20 shows the same method step as Figures 5 and 11. One possibility not shown provides for the subsequent deposition of a peripheral reinforcement system similar to that shown in Figure 8.

[0068] It is now assumed that the assemblies 2, 7, 30, 40 are not impermeable. This would normally occur if the contact members 30 and 40 were made of a material that is not impermeable, as understood within the scope of the present invention. In such a case, the same steps are repeated as those described above with reference to Figures 19 and 20. Then, as shown in Figure 21, a so-called additional encapsulation layer 7' is deposited.

[0069] As shown in the description of the first embodiment, the present invention ensures complete impermeability. If this impermeability could not be provided by the contact elements 30, 40 of FIG. 21, this layer 7' must occupy all zones that could form gateways for harmful components. For this purpose, this layer is initially placed around the top and sides of the cell. Furthermore, this additional encapsulant also occupies the intermediate space between the encapsulation layer 71 and the support 5, as well as the free spaces 52 and 53.

[0070] This occupancy is indicated several times in Figure 21 using the reference numeral 7'. Once encapsulated, the cell may be covered by a reinforcing system, not shown in Figure 21. In such cases, these reinforcing and sealing materials may be intimately intermixed, as described in particular with reference to Figure 15.

[0071] Advantageously, as is known per se, a plurality of unit stacks as described above can be manufactured simultaneously, which increases the efficiency of the overall method for manufacturing a battery according to the invention, in particular stacks with large dimensions can be manufactured in which cathode and anode layers or foils are applied in succession, alternating with one another.

[0072] The physicochemical structure of each anode or cathode foil is of a type known, for example from the applicant's French patent application No. 3091036, but is not within the scope of the present invention and will therefore only be briefly described. Each anode or cathode foil contains a respective anode active layer or cathode active layer. These active layers may be solid, i.e., dense or porous. Furthermore, to prevent electrical contact between two adjacent foils, an electrolyte layer or a separator impregnated with a liquid electrolyte is placed on at least one of the foils, in contact with the opposite foil. Although not shown in the drawings describing the present invention, the electrolyte layer or separator impregnated with a liquid electrolyte is sandwiched between two foils of opposite polarity, i.e., the anode foil and the cathode foil.

[0073] These layers are recessed to define so-called blank zones that allow a separation between the different final cells. Within the scope of the present invention, these blank zones can be assigned different shapes. As already proposed by the Applicant in patent FR 3 091 036, these blank zones can be H-shaped. The attached FIG. 23 shows a stack 1100 between an anode foil or layer 1101 and a cathode foil or layer 1102. As shown in this figure, cuts are made in these different foils to form the blank zones of the anode 1103 and cathode 1104 in said H-shape.

[0074] Alternatively, these free zones may be I-shaped. Figure 24 attached herewith shows a stack 1200 between an anode foil or layer 1201 and a cathode foil or layer 1202. As shown in Figure 24, these different foils are cut to form the I-shaped anode 1203 and cathode 1204 free zones.

[0075] Preferably, upon completion of the fabrication of the different unit stacks, each anode and each cathode of a given battery comprises a respective primary body separated from a respective secondary body by a space free of any electrode material, electrolyte and / or current-conducting substrate. According to additional alternative embodiments not shown, the blank zones may be provided such that their shape differs from the H- or I-shape, for example, U-shape. Nevertheless, the H- or I-shape is preferred.

[0076] When unit stacks are simultaneously manufactured using layers such as those described herein, each unit stack can optionally be covered with an encapsulation layer, which itself can optionally be covered with a reinforcement layer. When different cuts are made, the encapsulation layer makes it possible to manufacture multiple encapsulation systems, while the reinforcement layer makes it possible to manufacture multiple reinforcement systems. In particular, the presence of the reinforcement layer makes it possible to maintain the integrity of the different elements when cutting with a saw. However, in the case of laser cutting, this reinforcement layer may not be necessary.

[0077] As can be seen from the above description, the first main embodiment of the present invention involves the use of a conductive support that is a single layer support. By way of example, this single layer support may be of the perforated type, such as a metal grid.

[0078] Four alternative embodiments to the second main embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 25 onwards, in which the conductive support is a multi-layer support, which is of the solid type in contrast to the perforated type of the metal grids described in particular herein. In Figure 25 onwards, mechanical elements similar to those in Figures 1 to 13 are assigned the same reference numerals incremented by 600, 700, 800 and 900, respectively.

[0079] 25 first shows a multilayer support 605 in its most basic structure. This support is formed by two separate layers 656 and 658, made for example of a polymer material. The main plane of each of these layers is substantially parallel to the plane of the different layers that form the stack. The structure of this support is therefore similar to that of a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0080] Each layer 656, 658 incorporates at least one metal insert, i.e., the top layer 656 incorporates two separate inserts 657, while the bottom layer 658 integrates two other separate inserts 659. These inserts are arranged in pairs and in contact with each other to form electrical connection paths 653 and 654. As shown diagrammatically in Figure 25, each electrical connection path 653, 654 is for connecting a respective contact member with the bottom surface of a support 605 that is to be placed on an energy consuming device, not shown in Figure 25.

[0081] Figures 26 and 27 show advantageous alternative embodiments that form part of this second main embodiment. First, as shown in Figure 26, the support 705 is formed by a number of layers arranged one above the other, five of which are shown in this exemplary embodiment.

[0082] The figure shows, from top to bottom, the layer 756 on which the battery stack will be deposited. This layer 756 is made mainly of a polymer material, such as epoxy resin, and is provided with two inserts 757. These are made of an electrically conductive material, in particular a metallic material, and are designed to cooperate with the anode and cathode contacts of the batteries, respectively. It should be noted that these inserts 757 are insulated from each other thanks to the epoxy resin of layer 756.

[0083] Directly below layer 756 is layer 758, also made of a polymer material such as epoxy resin. This layer 758 comprises two inserts 759 made of a conductive material, which are in electrical contact with the first insert 757. Like layer 756, these inserts 759 are insulated from each other.

[0084] Then there is a central layer 760, which differs significantly from the layers 756 and 758 described above. More specifically, this layer 760 is made of a barrier material, which may be made of glass or an inorganic layer, and is generally similar to that forming the inserts 757 and 759 described above. This layer comprises two ring-shaped inserts 761 made of an insulating material, in particular an epoxy resin as described above. These inserts 761 receive in their hollow centers disks 762 of conductive material arranged to contact the adjacent conductive inserts 759. It should be noted that these conductive disks 762 are insulated from each other via the rings 761.

[0085] Finally, there are bottom layers 764 and 766 of Figures 26 and 27, which are respectively the same as layers 758 and 756 described above. Layer 764 includes two inserts 765 that contact disc 762, while bottom layer 766 includes two inserts 767 that contact the aforementioned inserts 765.

[0086] As shown more particularly in Figure 27, different conductive inserts 757, 759, 762, 765 and 767 define conductive paths which are given the reference numerals 753, 754. These conductive paths, which are insulated from one another by layers 756, 758, 764 and 766 or disc 761, allow the opposite front faces of support 705 to be electrically connected. Once support 705 is provided, it is placed against the bottom face of unit stack 702 and steps similar to those described above with reference to Figures 2 to 12 are then carried out.

[0087] 27 shows contact pads 730, 740 and an encapsulant 707. In this second embodiment, the reinforcement system may differ from the reinforcement system 8 of the first embodiment. The protective film 708 may in particular be deposited by a lamination process. Such a film with barrier properties is, for example, made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) incorporating an inorganic multilayer; a suitable such product is commercially available from the company 3M under the name Ultra Barrier Film 510 or Ultra Barrier Solar Films 510-F.

[0088] 27 further illustrates the integration of support 705, stack 702, conductive pads 730 and 740, encapsulant 707, and film 708 on energy consuming device 1000. As in the first embodiment, energy generated in stack 702 is transferred to top insert 757 via contact members 730 and 740. This energy is then transferred to energy consuming device 1000 along connection paths 753, 754 as described above.

[0089] Figures 28 and 29 show two other alternatives to this second embodiment. Similar to the alternatives shown in Figures 26 and 27, the alternatives of Figures 28 and 29 also incorporate a central layer 860, 960 made mostly of conductive material. The conductive layer 860 comprises two hollow inserts 861 of rectangular shape, each of which receives a central metal insert 862. In contrast, the conductive layer 960 comprises a single hollow insert 961 which houses two metal inserts 962 insulated from each other by a bridge of material 963 of the insert 961.

[0090] However, the supports 805 and 905 shown in these Figures 28 and 29 differ from the previously described support 705 in that they are formed by three layers rather than five. More specifically, they include only two insulating layers, 856, 956 and 866, 966, disposed on either side of a central layer 860, 960. In these two alternative embodiments, as in the previously described alternative embodiments shown in Figures 25-27, there are conductive paths 853, 953 and 854, 954 connecting the opposing front faces of the supports.

[0091] The second embodiment of the present invention, shown with reference to Figures 25 to 29, has certain advantages. More specifically, the multilayer supports such as 605 to 905 have a very small thickness, advantageously less than 100 μm. Furthermore, such supports have a certain flexibility, which allows them to accommodate slight changes in the dimensions of the battery, referred to at the beginning of this specification as "breathing."

[0092] As with the first embodiment, multiple cells conforming to this second embodiment, particularly the cell 701 of FIGS. 26 and 27, can be manufactured simultaneously. To this end, a large multi-layer frame can be used to form multiple rows and multiple columns of supports 705. Multiple stacks 702 of contact members 730, 740 and encapsulation systems 707 are then applied to this frame. A reinforcing frame is also deposited by rolling to form multiple films 708. Finally, notches are made in both the longitudinal and lateral dimensions of each individual cell, similar to that described with reference to FIG. 14.

[0093] As with the first embodiment, a stack of this second embodiment, such as stack 702, can be placed on its conductive support, such as support 705, according to a different alternative embodiment. As explained above, this uncoated stack can first be placed on the support, after which a sealing film and, optionally, a reinforcing film can be applied. This stack, already coated in an impermeable manner, can be placed on the support without any additional manipulations. This possibility is compared with those disclosed in FIGS. 19 and 20. Finally, the coated stack can be placed on a support and further encapsulated. This possibility is compared with that disclosed in FIG. 21.

[0094] According to an additional, particularly advantageous alternative embodiment, several batteries connected in series or in parallel can be placed on the same support. These batteries are therefore placed under a common encapsulation system. Combining batteries in parallel is already known, but according to the prior art, the total thickness of the batteries is industrially limited by the possibility of cutting. According to the present invention, the capacity of a battery can be increased by cutting two thinner batteries and connecting them together in the same encapsulation system. This is less expensive than producing two separate encapsulation systems.

[0095] Similarly, certain electronic circuits require a higher operating voltage than that supplied by the unit cell. According to the present invention, two or more batteries may be connected in series under the same encapsulation system.

[0096] According to another embodiment, a microbattery and a supercapacitor and / or a capacitor connected in parallel may be combined under the same encapsulation system. Preferably, in such a combination, the operating voltage of the capacitor and / or supercapacitor is higher than the maximum voltage of the battery. Because the two components are mounted in parallel, the microbattery can charge the capacitor, thereby assisting the battery in providing current when current demand is greatest. The microbattery is preferably rechargeable.

[0097] According to another embodiment, the components mounted in parallel can be two microbatteries of different chemical composition and voltage, both of which are rechargeable, but it is also possible to combine primary and secondary batteries, for example a large capacity primary battery with a small, high power secondary battery.

[0098] The battery according to the invention may be a lithium ion microbattery, a lithium ion minibattery or a high power lithium ion battery. -Power of approximately 1mAh or less (commonly called "microbatteries"), - or a power of more than about 1 mAh up to about 1 Ah (commonly called "mini batteries"); - or may be designed and sized to have more than 1 Ah of power (commonly referred to as "high power batteries").

[0099] Microbatteries are typically designed to be compatible with microelectronics manufacturing methods.

[0100] The batteries in each of these three power ranges are: - layers of "solid" type, i.e. not containing an impregnated liquid or pasty phase (said liquid or pasty phase may be a lithium ion conducting medium capable of functioning as an electrolyte); or a layer of mesoporous "solid" type impregnated with a liquid or paste phase, usually a lithium ion conducting medium, which spontaneously penetrates the layer and no longer emerges from it, so that the layer can be considered as quasi-solid, or they can be made of impregnated porous layers (ie layers with a network of open pores that can be impregnated with a liquid or paste phase, giving them wetting properties).

Claims

1. a so-called unit stack (2) formed by at least one unit cell, each unit cell including, in order, at least one anode current collecting substrate, at least one anode layer, at least one layer of a separator impregnated with an electrolyte material or electrolyte, at least one cathode layer and at least one cathode current collecting substrate, and defining six faces, namely two so-called front faces (21, 22) facing each other and generally parallel to the anode, electrolyte material and cathode layer, and four so-called side faces (23-26) facing each other in pairs, in particular parallel to each other in pairs; an anode contact means (30); a cathode contact means (40); and an impermeable sealing means capable of protecting said unit stack, an electrical connection support (5) at least partly made of an electrically conductive material and provided near a first front surface (21) of the unit stack; and electrical insulating means (53, 54) capable of insulating the two separate regions (56, 57) of the electrical connection support (5) from each other, the anode contact means (30) allows the first side (23) of the unit stack to be electrically connected to the electrical connection support (5); the cathode contact means (40) allows a second side (24) of the unit stack opposite the first side (23) to be electrically connected to the electrical connection support (5); said impermeable sealing means comprising an encapsulation system (7); The encapsulation system (7) is 10 －５ g / m ２ A battery-powered electrochemical device characterized by having a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of less than d.

2. 2. The battery-powered electrochemical device of claim 1, wherein the encapsulation system (7) covers the second front surface (22) of the unit stack, the anode contact means, the cathode contact means and at least partially the surface (51) of the electrical connection support (5) facing the unit stack.

3. the encapsulation system covers the front faces of the unit stacks opposite the electrical connection supports (5) and the sides of the unit stacks not covered by the anode and cathode contact means, 3. The battery-powered electrochemical device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the encapsulation system optionally further occupies all or part of the electrical insulation means (53, 54) and an intermediate space separating the electrical connection support (5) from the first front surface of the unit stack.

4. A battery-powered electrochemical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the impermeable sealing means comprises the anode contact means and / or the cathode contact means.

5. 5. The battery-powered electrochemical device of claim 4, wherein the impermeable sealing means includes, on the one hand, contact means covering the two first sides of the unit stack, and, on the other hand, an encapsulation system covering the other two sides of the unit stack and the two front sides of the unit stack.

6. 6. A battery-powered electrochemical device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising a mechanical reinforcement system (8) covering the encapsulation system on the side opposite the electrical connection support (5).

7. 7. A battery-powered electrochemical device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection support is of the single-layer type, in particular a metal grid.

8. the electrical insulating means comprises one or more free spaces formed in the electrical connection support of single-layer type, the one or more free spaces may be empty or filled with an electrically insulating material; 8. The battery-powered electrochemical device of claim 7, wherein the spaced connection regions of the electrical connection support are located on either side of the one or more free spaces.

9. 9. The battery-powered electrochemical device of claim 8, wherein the electrical connection support comprises a single free space flanked by the spaced apart connection areas.

10. 9. The battery-powered electrochemical device of claim 8, wherein the electrical connection support comprises two free spaces between which a central base plate of the electrical connection support is provided.

11. 7. A battery-powered electrochemical device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection support is of the multi-layer type, comprising several layers arranged one above the other, in particular of the printed circuit board type.

12. each layer of the electrical connection support comprises at least one conductive zone and at least one insulating zone; the conductive zones of the different layers form electrical connection paths by which the anode and cathode contact means can be connected to the opposite faces of the electrical connection support to the stack, respectively; 12. The battery-powered electrochemical device of claim 11, wherein said insulating zone forms said electrical insulating means.

13. The encapsulation system comprises: a continuous inorganic film having a total thickness of less than 5 μm, or 13. The battery-powered electrochemical device according to any one of claims 2 to 12, selected from continuous organic and inorganic films having a total thickness of less than 20 μm.

14. The mechanical reinforcement system comprises: Resin and mineral fillers; Low-melting glass, The battery-powered electrochemical device according to any one of claims 7 to 13, when claim 6 is recited, wherein the battery-powered electrochemical device is selected from the group consisting of a film and a metal film.

15. A battery-powered electrochemical device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising rigid connection means (6) capable of rigidly connecting one of the front faces (21) of the unit stack to the electrical connection support (5).

16. 16. A battery-powered electrochemical device according to claim 15, wherein said rigid connection means comprises a layer of non-conductive adhesive (6).

17. A battery-powered electrochemical device according to any preceding claim, wherein the anode or cathode electrical contact means comprises a conductive adhesive.

18. A battery-powered electrochemical device according to any preceding claim, wherein the anode or cathode electrical contact means comprises a metal foil.

19. A method for manufacturing the battery-powered electrochemical device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, comprising the steps of: placing the electrical connection support (5) near the first front surface (12) of the unit stack; insulating the two separate areas (56, 57) of the electrical connection support (5) from each other; electrically connecting the first side (23) of the unit stack to the electrical connection support (5); electrically connecting the second side (24) of the unit stack opposite to the first side to the electrical connection support (5); and coating said impermeable sealing means.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the impermeable sealing means is coated after the electrical connection support is placed adjacent the first front surface of the unit stack.

21. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein at least a portion of the impermeable sealing means is coated before the electrical connection support is placed adjacent the first front surface of the unit stack.

22. at least one first layer of the impermeable sealing means is coated before the electrical connection support is placed near the first front surface of the unit stack; 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one second layer of the impermeable sealing means is coated after the electrical connection support is placed adjacent the first front surface.

23. providing a frame (105) intended to form a plurality of said electrical connection supports (5); placing the frame near the first front surface of a plurality of unit stacks, the plurality of unit stacks being arranged in a plurality of rows and / or a plurality of columns; and making at least one cut in the plurality of unit stacks in a longitudinal direction and / or a lateral direction to form a plurality of electrochemical devices.

24. An electrical energy consuming device (1000) comprising a body (1002) and a battery-powered electrochemical device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, the battery-powered electrochemical device is capable of supplying electrical energy to the electrical energy consuming device; The electrical energy consuming device, wherein the electrical connection support (5) of the battery-powered electrochemical device is fixed to the body.

Images