EP3238289A1

EP3238289A1 - A layered thin-film battery, a system comprising a layered thin-film battery connected to an electronic device, and methods for manufacturing such batteries and systems

Info

Publication number: EP3238289A1
Application number: EP15820201.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Eero Suomalainen
Original assignee: Enfucell Oy
Current assignee: Enfucell Oy
Priority date: 2014-12-22
Filing date: 2015-12-21
Publication date: 2017-11-01
Also published as: FI20146140A; WO2016102770A1; FI127295B

Abstract

The layered thin-film battery of the invention is connectable to an external circuit and comprises a cover and an assembly of two or more cells. Each cell has an anode electrode, a cathode electrode with a cathode collector and a cathode collector extension, a separator keeping the electrodes apart, electrolyte and a first substrate. The battery is mainly characterized in that the cells are interconnected through electrical contacts on a second substrate extending over all the cells of the assembly. The electrical contacts are provided by areas of electrically conductive material that is in contact with the electrodes and that is provided by the substrate. The invention is also concerned with a system of the invention comprises such a battery connected to an electronic functional device. Still further, the invention is concerned with methods for manufacturing one or more of such batteries and systems. FIG. 2

Description

A LAYERED THIN-FILM BATTERY, A SYSTEM COMPRISING A LAYERED THIN-FILM BATTERY CONNECTED TO AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE, AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH BATTERIES AND SYSTEMS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention is concerned with a layered thin-film battery comprising a cover and a cell assembly of two or more cells, each cell comprising an anode, a cathode with a cathode collector and a cathode collector extension, a separator, and electrolyte. The invention is also concerned with a system comprising a layered thin-film battery connected to an electronic device. Still further, the invention is concerned with methods for manufacturing such batteries and systems.

BACKGROUND

An electric battery is a device consisting of one or more electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. Each cell contains a negative electrode, which is called anode and a positive electrode, which is called a cathode. The battery has a positive cathode and a negative terminal connected to the anode. The basic components of a battery are the electrodes with terminals to connect to an external circuit, a separator to keep the electrodes apart and prevent them from shorting, an electrolyte which carries the charged ions resulting from the chemical reactions taking place at the electrodes and a cover to contain the active chemicals and hold the electrodes in place. Electrolytes allow ions to move between the electrodes and terminals, which allows current to flow out of the battery to perform work.

All batteries utilize similar procedures to create electricity; however, variations in materials and construction have produced different types of batteries.

One battery type consists of a layered structure, i.e. those called thin film batteries or just thin batteries. The thin film batteries, which term in this text is to be understood as "layered- structured" batteries can be deposited directly onto chips or packages or vice versa. In thin batteries, the cathode typically consists of manganese dioxide and the anode of zinc and the electrolyte of e.g. ammonium chloride and/or zinc chloride dissolved in water but are not restricted to those.

The electrodes in thin film batteries, especially the cathode, are usually connected to a collector material that receives electrons from the external circuit typically so that anode collector tabs are associated with the anode and cathode collector tabs are associated with the cathode and the whole product is covered in an envelope cover material. These collector tabs are generally designed to extend outwardly from the battery cell.

The collector material is formed to have terminals outside the layers to be connected to an external circuit. The collector material can be conductive carbon ink, carbon film or other material, which is chemically inert but conductive enough for the purpose.

It is possible to vary total voltage and current in batteries by connecting them in different ways in a circuit, the two simplest ways of these being called series and parallel connection. Components connected in series are connected along a single path, so the same current flows through all of the components. Components connected in parallel are connected so the same voltage is applied to each component.

In this connection it is important to connect the batteries with their terminals in the correct order. Batteries in series need to be connected with the positive end of one battery to the negative end of the next battery. If they are incorrectly connected, the batteries will cancel out each other's energy and quickly flatten each other. Batteries correctly placed in series, positive to negative, will add their output voltages, producing a greater voltage.

Batteries in parallel need to have a connection between the positive ends of both batteries and another connection between the negative ends of both batteries. When connecting in parallel, the capacity (amp hours) of the battery is doubled while maintaining the voltage of the individual batteries.

Several methods have been used for connecting the terminals of adjacent cells in a series connection. The terminals maybe soldered together and especially cells of flat type, such as thin film batteries, maybe connected together merely by physical contact between the surfaces of the opposite electrodes of adjacent cells. Nowadays, non-solder conductive solutions are frequently used especially in serial connection of cells and a battery pack for e.g. electronic devices can have an anisotropic conductive film that is formed between the battery cells and a connecting bar.

Electrically conductive adhesives, also called electrically conductive tapes, play an increasingly prominent role in the design and production of electronic packages and assemblies. Continuing improvements in adhesive technology have enabled adhesives to replace solder in some specialized electronic assembly applications

Two types of electrically conductive adhesives provide specific benefits where an electrical interconnect is desired. Isotropic conductive materials conduct electricity in all directions equally, and can be used to replace solder on thermally sensitive components. Isotropic materials is used on devices that require a ground path. Anisotropic conductive materials allow electrical current to flow only along a single axis (typically the Z-axis), and provide electrical connectivity and strain relief. All electrically conductive adhesives provide a chemical bond between two surfaces, and they conduct electricity.

Typical electrically conductive adhesive formulations are made up of an isolating polymer resin that is filled with conductive particles. The resin provides a mechanical bond between two substrates, while the conductive filler particles provide the desired electrical interconnection.

Prior methods exist to use pieces of electrically conductive adhesive tape, such as Anisotropic Conductive Film (AFC), to replace soldering and mechanical fasteners between serially connected cells of a battery to reduce assembly time and enable thin device designs. The material is also available in a paste form referred to as anisotropic conductive paste (ACP), and both are grouped together as anisotropic conductive adhesives (ACAs).

The conductive adhesive coating of the tape may intimately engage the surfaces of the cell electrodes, to secure contact between the tape segments, which are adhesively and electrically connected with the opposite electrodes of adjacent cells.

An example of such a prior art solution of a dry battery with conductive tape inter-cell connections is known from US patent 2,658,098.

Another solution of a battery pack having a coupling between a battery cell and a connecting bar of a connecting structure is known from US patent 8,609,275, wherein a welding region is formed at a connecting area of the battery cell and the connecting bar has an anisotropic conductive film formed at the outer periphery of the welding region and connecting the battery cell and the connecting bar to each other.

A further prior art solution is presented in WO publication 2006/012575. This battery packaging construction eliminates the need for soldering by providing current collector tabs coated by electrically conducting adhesive tape, such as anisotropic z-axis conductive tape or isotropic conductive tape. A piece of electrically conductive isotropic adhesive tape is placed on each current collector tab or a strip of z-axis anisotropic electrically conductive adhesive tape is placed over and bridging both collector tabs within one cell. The object of this invention is an improved solution for connection of adjacent cells in batteries.

In the following, the invention is described by means of some advantageous embodiments by referring to figures. The invention is not restricted to the details of these embodiments, which are presented as examples only.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, a layered thin- film battery of the invention is connectable to an external circuit and comprises a cover and an assembly of two or more cells. Each cell has an anode electrode, a cathode electrode with a cathode collector and a cathode collector extension, a separator keeping the electrodes apart, electrolyte and a first substrate. The battery is mainly characterized in that the cells are interconnected through electrical contacts on a second substrate extending over all the cells of the assembly. The electrical contacts are provided by areas of electrically conductive material that is in contact with the electrodes and that is provided by the substrate.

In accordance with the second aspect of the invention, a system of the invention comprises such a battery connected to an electronic functional device.

In accordance with the third aspect of the invention the method of the invention for manufacturing one or more layered thin-film batteries comprising an assembly of two or more cells and are connectable to an external circuit comprises preparing anode units by printing anode material on separator followed by drying, preparing cathode units by printing cathode collector and cathode collector extension material on a first substrate followed by drying and thereafter printing cathode material on the dried cathode units, and combining the cathode and anode units to form cells. The method is mainly characterized by interconnecting the cells by applying a second substrate to extend over all the cells of the assembly. The second substrate provides electrical contacts with areas of electrically conductive material that is in contact with the electrodes. In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing one or more systems comprising a layered thin-film battery comprising an assembly of two or more cells that is connected to an external circuit involves such a method as well as connecting the assembly to an electronic device by applying the electronic device on the same first substrate.

The preferable embodiments of the invention are presented in the sub claims.

In one such preferable embodiment of the system of the invention, the battery and the functional device are positioned on the same first substrate.

The content of the main claims and sub claims are incorporated herein by reference.

The invention is in first hand intended for serially connected cells but can be used for cells connected in parallel, too. Several embodiments full-filling the inventive idea and covered by the main claims are presented in the following. The common inventive concept is that cells of a battery are connected via a continuous second substrate that can be ribbon-like or a material sheet. The breadth of the second substrate is that it covers the electronic contact areas between the cells. It has to be noted that the electrical contacts provided by areas of electrically conductive material can be provided by the second substrate in different ways. The second substrate can itself consist of the electrically conductive material, in which case it preferably is a ribbon or sheet of anisotropic tape in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention.

In another alternative, the second substrate is a support for anisotropic tape applied on it over its whole length. In that case there are transversal areas of conductive material between the tape and the substrate in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention.

In a further alternative, there are transversal slices of isotropic tape on the second substrate in accordance with the third embodiment of the invention.

In a still further alternative, there are pieces of isotropic tape along the second substrate in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the invention.

The different embodiments will be described in detail in the detailed description part.

The use of a continuous ribbon or sheet has several advantages enabling e.g serial production of cell assemblies, batteries and systems comprising a battery and an electronic device. The basic components of the battery of the invention are the electrodes that are directly or indirectly via other means connected to an external circuit. In most embodiments, these means consist of terminals, the battery having a positive terminal connected to the cathode and a negative terminal connected to the anode. In some embodiments, the connection to the external circuit is direct and the connection of conducts between the battery of the invention and the external circuit is integral and done in one piece.

As was explained in the background section, each cell of a battery generally contains an anode and a cathode. In the inventive methods of manufacturing the batteries of the invention, the anode and cathode assemblies of the interconnected cells are made separately to a given stage. Therefore, in this text the anode and cathode parts of each cell are called "anode units" and "cathode units", respectively, throughout the process of their manufacturing. In the following, the invention is described by means of several different embodiments mentioned above by means of figures. The invention is not restricted to the details of these embodiments.

FIGURES

Figures 1 a - 1 b illustrate batteries of prior art with serially interconnected cells

Figures 2a - 2b illustrate a first embodiment of a battery of the invention with serially interconnected cells

Figures 3a - 3b illustrate a second embodiment of a battery of the invention with serially interconnected cells

Figures 4a - 4b illustrates a third embodiment of a battery of the invention with serially interconnected cells

Figures 5a - 5i illustrates a method of manufacturing the first embodiment of a battery of the invention Figures 6a - 6e illustrates a method of manufacturing the second embodiment of a battery of the invention

Figures 7a - 7h illustrates a method of manufacturing the third embodiment of a battery of the invention

Figures 8a - 8g illustrates a method of manufacturing a fourth embodiment of a battery of the invention

Figures 9a - 9j illustrates a method of manufacturing an embodiment of a system of the invention comprising the first embodiment of a battery of the invention connected to an electronic device

Figures 1 0a - 1 0j illustrates a method of manufacturing an embodiment of a system of the invention comprising the second embodiment of a battery of the invention connected to an electronic device Figures 1 1 a - 1 1 c illustrates a further embodiment of a system of the invention Figure 12 illustrates a still further embodiment of a system of the invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1 a illustrates a cross-section of a thin battery 1 p of prior art, in which the inside of the battery is presented in a plane. The battery 1 a comprises an assembly of five cells 2, each built up as a layered structure. Each cell 2 has two electrodes, i.e. a negative anode 3, a positive cathode 4 with a cathode collector 4' and a cathode collector extension 5 of e.g. carbon C, Silver Ag, Copper Cu or other suitable conductive material. The cathode collector 4' is integrally layered on the cathode 4 and facing the cathode 4. A separator 6, such as a paper separator, keeps the electrodes 3, 4 apart and an electrolyte (not shown) carries the charged ions resulting from the chemical reactions taking place at the electrodes 3, 4. Of illustrative reasons all reference numbers are not marked on each cell being similar. There is a substrate 7 that extends over the whole assembly and on which the cells 2 are positioned. The substrate typically consists of Poly-Ethylene-Terephtalate (PET). In addition, the assembly is surrounded by an outer cover, which is not shown as the battery is for illustrative purpose presented in cross-section. The cells 2 are interconnected through pieces of isotropic conductive tape 8 to provide electrical contact areas between the electrodes 3, 4. One piece of conductive tape 8 contacts the cathode collector extension 5 of one cell 2 over an end area of the piece of the tape 8 and contacts the anode of an adjacent cell 2 over an end area in the other end of the piece of the tape 8. The electrical contact areas 9 and 10 of the tape are shown in figure 1 a as shadowed areas, reference number 9 showing the contact area between two cells (i.e. the contact area between the cathode collector extension and one end area of the tape 8) and reference number 10 showing the electrical contact area between the anode 3 and the other end of the piece of tape 8. The battery 1 a can be connected to an external circuit through terminals 23 and 24, the positive terminal 23 connecting to the anode 3 and the negative terminal 24 connecting to the cathode 4. Some pieces 8 of isotropic tape is shown separately below the assembly to illustrate that the pieces 8 of tape in the battery of prior art consists of separate pieces.

Figure 1 b illustrates a cross-section of another thin battery 1 of prior art also showing the inside of the battery in a plane and comprising an assembly of five cells 2, each built up as a layered structure. The reference numbers represent the same things as in figure 1 a, the battery being designed a little differently. This battery 1 b of prior art has an anode extension 14 to which the piece of tape 8 is connected. Thus, the electrical contact areas 9 and 10 shown in figure 1 b as shadowed areas are designed so that reference number 9 shows the contact area between two cells (i.e. the contact area between the cathode collector extension and one end area of the tape 8) and reference number 10 showing the electrical contact area between the anode extension 14 and the other end of the piece of tape 8.

Figures 2a - 2b illustrate a first embodiment of a battery 1 b of the invention in cross-section with an assembly of five serially interconnected cells in a state of manufacture and a part of another battery 1 a.

As in figure 1 , there is an assembly of five cells 2 of a layered structure with terminals 23, 24 through which the battery 1 can be connected to an external circuit. Each cell 2 has a negative anode 3, a positive cathode 4 with a cathode collector 4' and a cathode collector extension 5 of e.g. carbon C, Silver Ag, Copper Cu or other suitable conductive material, a separator 6 (such as paper), electrolyte (not shown) and a substrate 7 that extends over the whole assembly and on which the cells 2 are positioned.

In the embodiment of figures 2a - 2b there is also an additional substrate 1 1 in the form of a ribbon and it is preferably of the same material as the other substrate 7, such as Polyethylenterephtalate (PET).

Anisotropic conducting tape 12 is layered inside the substrate 1 1 , the anisotropic tape 12 consequently also extending over all the cells 2 of the assembly. In the battery 1 a of the first embodiment of the invention according to figures 2a - 2b, the electrical contacts are provided by areas of isotropic conductive material 13 printed between the anisotropic tape 12 and the substrate 1 1 , the conductive material often being called conductive ink in the branch. These areas 13 can e.g. be rectangular areas of conductive ink of e.g. carbon C, silver Ag, copper Cu or other suitable conductive material printed transversally to the length of the substrate 1 1 and the anisotropic tape 12 on that. The areas 13 are positioned and distributed over the substrate 1 1 and tape 12 to connect to the cathode collector extension 5 of one cell and the anode 3 of an adjacent cell. One end 9 of the area 13 of the conductive material contacts the cathode collector extension 5 of one cell and the other end 10 of the area 13 of the conductive material contacts the anode of an adjacent cell. The electrical contact areas of the whole area of conductive material are shown in figure 2a as a shadowed area in one of the cells 2, reference number 9 showing the contact area between two cells and reference number 10 showing the contact area between the anode 3 and the conductive material 13. The other cells 2 have similar contact areas.

The additional ribbon-like substrate 1 1 together with the anisotropic tape 12 and the areas of conductive material 13 together forms a ribbon 19 fastened on the assembly and it extends over all the cells 2 of the assembly in a way that the interconnecting parts of the cells 2 and the electrical contacts and contact areas are covered by the substrate 1 1 in a way shown in figure 2a.

The anisotropic tape 12 conducts electricity in z-axis direction, thus making an electrical contact between anode 3 and isotropic conductive material 13 in contact area 10, likewise between cathode collector extension 5 and conductive material 13 in contact area 9, thus creating a serial connection from one battery cell to another. Additionally, there is a similar structure connecting the anode of the last / utmost cell to the negative terminal 24.

For illustrative purposes, the substrate 1 1 is separately shown in figure 2b to show how the transversal areas 13 of isotropic conductive material are distributed over the anisotropic tape 12.

One advantage of the battery 1 a of figure 2a is that it is very suitable for being manufactured by serial production. The ribbon 19 with the longitudinal substrate 1 1 and the anisotropic tape 12 and the areas 13 of conductive material on it can be applied over many batteries at the same time, which is indicated in figure 2a, wherein the extension over two batteries of serially connected cells is indicated. For forming the final batteries the ribbon will be cut between the batteries.

Figures 3a - 3b illustrate a second embodiment of a battery of the invention in a manufacturing stage in which the cathodes and the anodes are not yet combined to build up a battery. Figure 3a presents an anode assembly with five anode units on a substrate 7' that extends over the whole assembly. Each anode unit (package) comprises an anode 3, an anode collector 3' with an anode collector extension 14 and a separator 6. The anode collector extension 14 is of suitable conductive material that can be the same or different than the anode and/or anode collector.

The anisotropic tape 12 alone constitutes a ribbon 19 fastened on the assembly. It extends over all the anode units of the assembly in a way that the electrical contact areas 10 (of anode collector extensions 14) are covered by the ribbon 19 in a way shown in figure 3a. Figure 3b shows a cathode assembly with five cathode units on a substrate 7 that extends over the whole assembly. Each cathode unit comprises a cathode integrally layered on a cathode collector 4' and a cathode collector extension 5 of e.g. carbon C, Silver Ag, Copper Cu or other suitable conductive material. The battery 1 b of the second embodiment of the invention is built up by combining the cathodes of figure 3b with the anodes on figure 3a by placing them against eachother. The battery can be connected to an external circuit via the terminals 23 and 24 shown in figure 3b. The electrical contacts in the battery 1 b constituted of figures 3a - 3b when combined consist of the contacts between the anode and cathode collector extensions 14, 5 (and between utmost anode collector extension 14 and negative terminal 24). Thus, an anode collector extension area 10 of one cell and a cathode collector extension area 9 of an adjacent cell are directly interconnected and therefore no areas of additional conductive material are needed as in the embodiment of figure 2a. The electrical contact areas 10, 9 formed by the contacts between the anode and cathode collector extensions 14, 5 are shadowed in only one anode unit and only one cathode unit in figures 3a and 3b but there are corresponding contact areas in each unit (when the units are combined).

The anisotropic tape conducts electricity in z-axis direction. The electrical connection is therefore established only via contact areas 9, 10 of substrate 7, T. It acts as an insulator between anode and cathode of the same cell. The anode units are separated from each other by holes 17 in the substrate to isolate the cells from eachother in the battery to be built.

Figures 4a - 4b illustrate a third embodiment of a battery of the invention with an assembly of serially interconnected cells in a state of manufacture. As in figure 1 , there is an assembly of five cells 2 of a layered structure with terminals 23, 24 through which the battery 1 c can be connected to an external circuit. Each cell 2 has a negative anode 3, a positive cathode with a cathode collector 4 and a cathode collector extension 5 of e.g. carbon C, silver Ag, copper Cu or other suitable conductive material, a separator 6 and electrolyte (not shown). A substrate 7 extends over the whole assembly of cells 2.

In the embodiment of figures 4a - 4b, there is also an additional ribbon-like substrate 21 applied, the additional substrate 21 being positioned to extend over all the cells 2 of the assembly in a way that the interconnecting parts of the cells 2 are covered by the substrate 21 in a way shown in figure 4a.

For illustrative purposes, the substrate 21 is separately shown in figure 4b to show in which extent rectangular pieces or slices of isotropic conducting tape 18 is fastened transversally inside the substrate 21 to face the electrodes. The substrate 21 covers those parts of the cells that have the electrical contacts.

Rectangular areas of isotropic adhesive material 18 have been printed, laid or placed transversally to the length of the substrate 9 distributed in order to connect the cathode collector extension 5 of one cell and the anode 3 of an adjacent cell. The additional substrate 21 together with the isotropic adhesive material 18 forms a ribbon 19 fastened on the assembly and it extends over all the cells of the assembly in a way that the interconnecting parts of the anode units and the cathode units are covered in a way shown in figure 4a. The ribbon substrate 21 needs to contain non-conductive adhesive that seals the gap between adjacent cells under the ribbon.

The electrical contacts in the battery constituted of figures 4a - 4b consist of the contacts between the anode 3 and the cathode collector extension. Thus, an anode contact area 10 of one cell (or an anode extension) and a cathode collector extension contact area 9 of an adjacent cell are directly interconnected via the isotropic adhesive material 18. The isotropic adhesive material 18 conducts electricity through the thickness (the Z-axis) and the plane of the adhesive (X, Y planes), i.e. thereby providing isotropic XYZ-axis electrical connectivity. The electrical contact areas 10, 9 formed in the end areas of the isotropic tape 18 between the anode and cathode collector extension are shadowed in only one anode unit and only one cathode unit in figures 3a and 3b but there are corresponding contact areas in each unit as well as in the negative terminal.

One advantage of the battery of figure 4a is that it is very suitable for serial production. The ribbon 19 with the longitudinal substrate 21 and the isotropic tape 18 can be placed over many batteries at the same time, which is indicated in figure 4a, wherein the extension over two batteries is indicated. For making the final batteries the ribbon will be cut between the batteries.

Figures 5a - 5i illustrates an example of a method of manufacturing the first embodiment of a battery of the invention. Anode units 3 printed on separator paper 6 as presented in figure 5a are prepared by applying anode material by printing or coating in a certain pattern of anode units as a thin film of paste on the separator paper 6 that may or may not be wetted with electrolyte. The active anode material can be e.g. zinc and the anode material in the whole can contain additional substances, such as conductive carbon, binders and solvents. The printing can be performed by rotary printing on paper coming from an unwinding roll and can if desired be performed as a continuous process. Another way is to print the anodes by screen printing through a patterned screen so that the anode material is printed through areas having the desired anode form.

If desired, the anode units can be printed in groups of e.g. five units when the intention is to prepare batteries containing an assembly of five serially connected cells so that the distance between the fifth anode unit to the following anode unit is longer than the mutual distance between the other anode units. Such a distance is not necessary but might facilitate cutting in a later stage.

The anode assembly is then dried and the anode units are cut apart as shown in figure 5b.

A cathode assembly of cathode units as presented in figure 5c is prepared by first applying cathode collector material 4' by screen printing or coating as a thin film of paste on a Poly- Ethylene-Terephtalate (PET) substrate 7. The printing can be performed by screen printing on the substrate from an unwinding roll and can be performed as a continuous process.

If desired, the cathode units can be printed in groups of e.g. five units when the intention is to prepare batteries containing an assembly of five serially connected cells so that the distance between the fifth cathode unit to the following anode unit is longer than the mutual distance between the other cathode units. Such a distance is not necessary but might facilitate cutting in a later stage.

The cathode units to be formed are also foreseen with cathode collector extensions 5, which can be printed on the substrate 7 at the same time as the cathode collector 4' if being of the same material as the cathode collector. Otherwise they are printed separately. Likewise, terminals 23, 24 are formed to the substrate by printing as well and can also be printed at the same time on the substrate if they are of the same material as the cathode collector 4'. The cathode units to be formed are then dried.

Thereafter cathode material, e.g. manganese dioxide MnO2, is screen printed on the cathode collector as a patterned wet paste as shown in figure 5d.

The anode and cathode assemblies are then combined as indicted by figure 5e by placing them against each other when the cathode material is still wet so that the separator paper layer is between the anode and cathode. A ribbon 19 as illustrated in figure 5f is then pre-fabricated by providing another PET substrate 1 1 . Areas of suitable isotropic conductive material 13 (such as ink) are then printed transversally to the length of another PET substrate 1 1 . Anisotropic conductive adhesive 12 is then printed/placed over the length of the substrate 1 1 . The PET substrate 1 1 provides a platform for the conductive material 13 and a support for the conductive adhesive 12. The anisotropic conductive adhesive 12 provides electrical connection from the cathode collector extension 5 to the conductive material layer 13 and from the layer 13 to the anode 3.

The ribbon 19 is then placed on top of the anodes and cathodes as presented in figure 5g and it can extend over all the cells not only over those intended to form a single battery. In this way serially connected batteries can be serially produced without the need to build up the serial connection individually for each cell and not even individually for a given battery.

Ionic separation between adjacent cells is realised by the isolating properties of isotropic conductive adhesive material 12 in x-y direction. Outside the area of ribbon 19 and tape 12 the separation is realised by sealing material 20. The electrical contacts are provided by the areas of conductive material 13 co-working with the anisotropic tape 12. These areas 13 can e.g. be rectangular areas of conductive ink, e.g. carbon C, silver Ag, copper Cu or other suitable conductive material printed transversally to the length of the substrate 1 1 between the substrate 1 1 and the anisotropic tape 12 on that. The areas 13 are positioned and distributed over the substrate 1 1 on positions at the cathode collector extension 5 of one cell and the anode 3 of an adjacent cell. One end 9 of the area 13 of the conductive material contacts the cathode collector extension 5 of one cell and the other end 10 of the area 13 of the conductive material contacts the anode of an adjacent cell. The other cells 2 have similar contact areas.

A PET sticker to form a cover 20 for the battery is then placed on the assembly of figure 5f as indicated in figure 5h.

Figure 5i illustrates two final batteries 1 , one of which can be seen only partly, wherein the batteries, each containing five cells 2 have been separated from eachother by cutting the substrate 7 and the ribbon 19 between the cells of adjacent batteries.

There are different possibilities to add the electrolyte to the battery. The cathode material can e.g. contain enough electrolyte and/or, additionally, the separator paper can be wetted with electrolyte after having applied the anode material on it. Even additional separator papers wetted or not wetted with electrolyte can be added to the battery. As an example, the electrolyte can be zinc chloride ZnCl2.

Figures 6a - 6e illustrates an example of a method of manufacturing the second embodiment of a battery of the invention.

An anode assembly of anode units as presented in figure 6a is prepared by first applying an anode collector material 3' by screen printing or coating as a thin film of paste on a Poly- Ethylene-Terephtalate (PET) substrate 7' in a pattern in order to form separate anodes, followed by drying. The printing can be performed on the substrate from an unwinding roll and can be performed as a continuous process.

Next, anode material 3 is printed or coated on the anode collector areas 3' as a thin film of paste. The active anode material can be e.g. zinc and the anode material in the whole can contain additional substances, such as conductive carbon, binders and solvents. The anode units to be formed are also foreseen with anode collector extensions 14, which can be printed on the substrate 7' at the same time as the anode collector 3' if being of the same material as the anode collector 3' otherwise it is printed separately.

As in the method described in connection with figures 5a - 5i, the anode units can, if desired, be printed in groups of e.g. five units when the intention is to prepare batteries containing an assembly of five serially connected cells. A separator paper 6 without electrolyte is placed on top of the anode assembly of figure 6a it and the anode assembly is then dried.

A ribbon of suitable anisotropic conductive material (tape) 12is then placed on top of the anode and cathode contacts over the whole assembly, and it can be extended on consequent assemblies when serial production is performed. In this way serially connected batteries can be serially produced without the need to build up the serial connection individually for each cell and not even individually for a given battery. In this example of figure 5, the serial connection is built over several batteries of five batteries at the same time. A cathode assembly of cathode units as presented in figure 6b is prepared by first applying cathode collector material 4' by screen printing or coating as a thin film of paste on a Poly- Ethylene- Terephtalate (PET) substrate 7, followed by drying. The printing can be performed on the substrate from an unwinding roll and can be performed as a continuous process. As in the method described in connection with figures 5a - 5i, the cathode units can be printed in groups of e.g. five units when the intention is to prepare batteries containing an assembly of five serially connected cells.

The cathode units to be formed are also foreseen with cathode collector extensions 5, which can be printed on the substrate 7 at the same time as the cathode collector 4' if being of the same material as the cathode collector. Otherwise they are printed separately. Likewise, terminals 23, 24 are formed to the substrate 7 by printing as well and can also be printed at the same time on the substrate 7 if they are of the same material as the cathode collector.

Thereafter cathode material 4, e.g. manganese dioxide MnO2, is screen printed on the cathode collector 4'. The anode and cathode assemblies are then combined as indicted by figure 6c by placing them against each other so that the anode and cathode collector extensions 14, 5 meet when the cathode material is still wet so that the anode and cathode materials have the separator paper between them.

The electrical contacts in the battery to be prepared as described in connection with these figures 6a - 6e thus consist of the contacts between the anode and cathode collector extensions 14, 5 as illustrated by the shadowed contact areas 9, 10. Thus, an anode collector extension area 10 of one cell and a cathode collector extension area 9 of an adjacent cell are directly interconnected and therefore no additional areas of conductive material are needed as in the embodiment of figure 2a. The electrical contact areas 10, 9 formed by the contacts between the anode and cathode collector extensions 14, 5 are shadowed in only one anode unit in figure 6a and only in one cathode unit in figure 6b and in only one cell 2 in figure 6c but there are corresponding contact areas in each unit.

The anisotropic tape 12 conducts electricity in z-axis direction, thus making an electrical contact between anode extension 14 and cathode collector extension 5 in contact areas 9, 10, thus creating an electrical connection from one battery cell to another. Additionally, there is a similar structure connecting the anode extension of the last / utmost cell to the negative terminal 24.

A PET sticker to form a cover 20 for the battery is then placed on the assembly of figure 6c as indicated in figure 6d. The cover is not necessary transparent in real but is drawn so of illustrative purposes. The cells are now inside the cover and the reference numbers being the same as in figure 6c are not marked in figures 6d and 6e.

The assemblies are then separated from eachother by cutting to form the final battery 1 containing five cells 2 as illustrated by figure 6e. As in the first embodiment, there are different possibilities to add the electrolyte to the battery and the way of introducing the electrolyte is not relevant for the invention.

Figures 7a - 7h illustrates a method of manufacturing the third embodiment of a battery of the invention Anode units 3 as presented in figure 7a are prepared by applying an anode material by printing or coating in a certain pattern of anode units as a thin film of paste on a separator paper 6. The anode material can be printed by screen printing in which case it can be printed continuously. The active anode material can be e.g. zinc and the anode material in the whole can contain additional substances, such as conductive carbon, binders and solvents. If desired, the anode units can as in figure 7a be printed in groups of e.g. five units when the intention is to prepare batteries containing an assembly of five serially connected cells so that the distance between the fifth anode unit to the following anode unit is longer than the mutual distance between the other anode units.

The anode assembly is then dried and the anode units are cut apart. A cathode assembly of cathode units 4 as presented in figure 7b is prepared by first applying cathode collector material 4' by screen printing or coating as a thin film of paste on a Poly- Ethylene- Terephtalate (PET) substrate 7. The printing can be performed on the substrate from an unwinding roll and can be performed as a continuous process. If desired, the cathode units can be printed in groups of e.g. five units when the intention is to prepare batteries containing an assembly of five serially connected cells so that the distance between the fifth cathode unit to the following anode unit is longer than the mutual distance between the other cathode units. The cathode units to be formed are also provided with cathode collector extensions 5, which can be printed on the substrate 7 at the same time as the cathode collector 4' if being of the same material as the cathode collector 4'. Otherwise they are printed separately. Likewise, terminals 23, 24 are formed to the substrate 7 by printing as well and can also be printed at the same time on the substrate if they are of the same material as the cathode collector. The cathode units to be formed are then dried.

Thereafter cathode material, e.g. manganese dioxide MnO2, is screen printed on the cathode collector 4' as a patterned wet paste.

The anode and cathode assemblies are then combined as indicted by figure 7c by placing them against each other when the cathode material is still wet so that the anode and cathode materials are on opposite/different sides of separator paper layer.

A ribbon 19 as illustrated in figure 7d - 7e is then pre-fabricated by adding areas of isotropic conductive adhesive material (such as tape) transversally to the length of another PET sticker substrate 21 . The PET sticker substrate 21 provides a support for the conductive adhesive material 18 and ionic separation between neighboring cells. The ribbon 19 is then cut in suitable dimensions as illustrated by figure 7e, and each piece of ribbon is placed on top of the anodes and cathodes as presented in figure 7f. The ribbon 19 can extend over all the cells and not only over those intended to form a single battery but also over several cells to form several batteries. In this way serially connected batteries can be serially produced without the need to build up the serial connection individually for each cell and not even individually for a given battery.

The isotropic conductive adhesive 18 provides electrical connection from the cathode collector extension 5 to the anode 3 of an adjacent cell.

Thus, an anode contact area 10 of one cell and a cathode collector extension contact area 9 of an adjacent cell are interconnected via areas of conductive material 18. The electrical contact areas 10, 9 formed by the contacts between the anode 3 and conductive adhesive material 18, likewise between cathode collector extension 5 and conductive adhesive material 18 are indicated in only one anode unit and only one cathode unit but there are corresponding contact areas in each unit (when the units are combined). A PET sticker 20 to form a cover for the battery is then placed on the assembly of figure 7f as indicated in figure 7g.

Figure 7h illustrates the final battery 1 , wherein the batteries, each containing five cells 2 have been separated from eachother by cutting.

As in the first and second embodiments, there are different possibilities to add the electrolyte to the battery and the way of introducing the electrolyte is not relevant for the invention. Also the one or more separators can be other than paper in all the embodiments.

Figures 8a - 8g illustrates a method of manufacturing a fourth embodiment of the battery of the invention. Anode units 3 as presented in figure 8a are prepared by applying an anode material 3 by printing or coating in a certain pattern of anode units as a thin film of paste on a separator paper 6. The active anode material can be e.g. zinc and the anode material in the whole can contain additional substances, such as conductive carbon, binders and solvents. The printing can be performed on the substrate from an unwinding roll and can be performed as a continuous process or then the printing s performed by screen printing.

The anode units to be formed are also provided with anode extensions 14, which can be printed on the separator 6 at the same time as the anode material if being of the same material otherwise it is printed separately.

If desired, the anode units can be printed in groups of e.g. five units when the intention is to prepare batteries containing an assembly of five serially connected cells so that the distance between the fifth anode unit to the following anode unit is longer than the mutual distance between the other anode units.

The anode assembly is then dried and the anode units are cut apart. A cathode assembly of cathode units as presented in figure 8b is prepared by first applying cathode collector material 4' by screen printing or coating as a thin film of paste on a Poly- Ethylene- Terephtalate (PET) substrate 7. The printing can be performed on the substrate from an unwinding roll and it can be performed as a continuous process. If desired, the cathode units can be printed in groups of e.g. five units when the intention is to prepare batteries containing an assembly of five serially connected cells so that the distance between the fifth cathode unit to the following anode unit is longer than the mutual distance between the other cathode units.

The cathode units to be formed 4 are also provided with cathode collector extensions 5, which can be printed on the substrate 7 at the same time as the cathode collector 4' if being of the same material as the cathode collector 4'. Otherwise they are printed separately. Likewise, terminals 23, 24 are formed to the substrate by printing as well and can also be printed at the same time on the substrate if they are of the same material as the cathode collector. The cathode unit is then dried. Thereafter cathode material, e.g. manganese dioxide MnO2, is screen printed on the cathode collector 4' as a patterned wet paste.

The anode and cathode assemblies are then combined as indicated by figure 8c by placing them against each other when the cathode material is still wet so that the anode and cathode materials have separator paper layer between them. A ribbon 19 as illustrated in figure 8d is then pre-fabricated by placing isotropic conductive adhesive 18 (such as ink) over the length of another PET sticker substrate 21 , the adhesive part being narrower than the ribbon. Holes 22 through the ribbon and the conductive adhesive, wider than the conductive adhesive region but narrower than the ribbon are processed. The substrate 21 provides a platform for the conductive adhesive material 18. The isotropic conductive material 18 provides electrical connection from the cathode collector extension 5 of one cell to the anode extension 14 of an adjacent cell. The holes 22 in the ribbon 19 and in the isotropic tape 18 provide electrical isolation between electrodes of the same cell and between adjacent batteries.

The electrical contacts when the anode and cathode assemblies are combined consist of the contacts between the anode extension 14 and cathode collector extensions 5. Thus, an anode extension of one cell and a cathode collector extension of an adjacent cell are interconnected via a piece of conductive adhesive material 18. The electrical contact areas 10, 9 formed by the contacts between the extensions 14, 5 and conductive tape 18 are indicated in only one anode unit and only one cathode unit but there are corresponding contact areas in each unit .

The ribbon 19 is then placed on top of the anode and cathode extensions 14, 5 as presented in figure 8e with the adhesive side facing the electrodes. The ribbon 19 can extend over all the cells not only over those intended to form a single battery. In this way serially connected batteries can be serially produced without the need to build up the serial connection individually for each cell and not even individually for a given battery.

A PET sticker 20 to form a cover for the battery is then placed on the assembly of figure 8e as indicated in figure 8f. Ionic separation between adjacent cells is realised by the isolating properties of PET sticker substrate 21 of ribbon 19. Outside the area of ribbon 19 and within the holes 22 the separation is realised by sealing material 20. Figure 8g illustrates the final battery 1 , wherein the batteries, each containing five cells 2 have been separated from eachother by cutting.

Figures 9a - 9j illustrates a method of manufacturing an embodiment of a system of the invention comprising the first embodiment of a battery of the invention connected to an electronic device.

Anode units 3 printed on separator paper 6 as presented in figure 9a are prepared by applying anode material by printing or coating in a certain pattern of anode units as a thin film of paste on the separator paper 6 that will be wetted with electrolyte in a later stage. The active anode material can be e.g. zinc and the anode material in the whole can contain additional substances, such as conductive carbon, binders and solvents. The printing can be performed by rotary printing on paper coming from an unwinding roll and can if desired be performed as a continuous process. Another way is to print the anodes by screen printing through a patterned screen so that the anode material is printed through areas having the desired anode form. If desired, the anode units can be printed like in figure 9a in groups of e.g. five units when the intention is to prepare batteries containing an assembly of five serially connected cells so that the distance between the fifth anode unit to the following anode unit is longer than the mutual distance between the other anode units. Such a distance is not necessary but might facilitate cutting in a later stage. The anode assembly is then dried and the anode units are cut apart as shown in figure 9b.

A cathode assembly of cathode units as presented in figure 9c is prepared by

First: applying wiring of the intended electronic circuit material by screen printing or coating as a thin film of paste on a Poly-Ethylene-Terephtalate (PET) substrate 7, including drying. The printing can be performed on the substrate from an unwinding roll and can be performed as a continuous process.

Second: cathode collector extensions 5 are printed on the substrate 7 at the same time as the electronics wiring if being of the same material as that wiring. Otherwise they are printed separately.

Third: cathode collector material is applied by screen printing and dried. If desired, the cathode units can be printed in groups of e.g. five units when the intention is to prepare batteries containing an assembly of five serially connected cells so that the distance between the fifth cathode unit to the following anode unit is longer than the mutual distance between the other cathode units. Such a distance is not necessary but might facilitate cutting in a later stage. One or more electronic components 27 are then printed or assembled on the same substrate 7. The connection between the terminals 23, 24 and the conductors 25, 26, can be integral, in which case there are no separate terminals 23, 24. The electronic components 27 can suitably be e.g. a microcontroller, Light-Emitting-Diode (LED) light source, or a temperature meter.

The cathode units to be formed are then dried.

Thereafter cathode material, e.g. manganese dioxide Mn02, is screen printed on the cathode collector as a patterned wet paste as shown in figure 9d.

The anode and cathode assemblies are then combined as indicted by figure 9e by placing them against each other when the cathode material is still wet so that separator material 6 is between the anode and cathode materials. The anode and cathode materials are outmost, respectively. A ribbon 19 as illustrated in figure 9f is then pre-fabricated as in figure 5f by printing areas of suitable isotropic conductive material 13 (such as ink) transversally to the length of another PET substrate 1 1 . Anisotropic tape 12 is then applied over the length of another PET substrate 1 1 on which tape there are the areas of conductive material 13. The ribbon 19 is then placed on top of the anodes and cathode collector extensions as presented in figure 9g and it can extend over all the cells not only over those intended to form a single battery. In this way systems of serially connected batteries connected to an electronic device can be serially produced. The contacts between the cells are built up the same way as in FIG 2. The contact between the utmost cell and the electronic device is similar, being between the utmost cell and the terminal 24 that can be integral with the conductor 26. Additionally, there is a similar structure connecting the anode of the last / utmost cell to the negative terminal 24.

A PET sticker to form a cover 20 for the battery is then placed on the assembly of figure 9g as indicated in figure 9h.

Figures 9i -9j illustrates two final systems of the invention, one of which can be seen only partly. The systems, each containing five cells 2 and an electronic device 27 have been separated from eachother by cutting into shape the substrate 7, the cover 20, and the ribbon 19. Figures 10a - 10j illustrates a method of manufacturing an embodiment of a system of the invention comprising the second embodiment of a battery of the invention connected to an electronic device.

Figure 10 a illustrates a first phase of the method in which wiring for electronic devices or electronic components is performed by printing conductors 25, 26 and other associated conductors on a substrate 7'. Battery terminals 23, 24 do not exist as separate elements, however they have been depicted for comparison with the other embodiments.

Anode collector extensions 14 and anode collectors 3^' are printed on the substrate 7 as well. In figure 10b, an anode assembly of anode units is then prepared by applying anode material 3 by screen printing or coating as a thin film of paste on anode collectors 3'. Next, a separator layer 6 is placed on the anode and drying of the assembly is then performed. The separator will be wetted with electrolyte in a later stage. The active anode material can be e.g. zinc and the anode material in the whole can contain additional substances, such as conductive carbon, binders and solvents.

In figure 10c, electronic components 27 are printed or assembled on the same substrate 7 to be connected to the wiring performed in figure 1 0 a.

In figure 10d, cathode collector material 4' and cathode collector extensions 5 are screen printed on an other polyterephtalate (PET) substrate 7, followed by drying. An assembly of cathode collectors 4' is then cut off from the substrate 7 in a way that the individual cathode collectors 4' are separated from eachother as indicated in figure 10e.

In figure 10f, conductive material is applied on the cathode extensions 5. For this step, there are three alternatives:

In the first alternative, which is described in figure 10f, the conductive material is applied in the form of a ribbon of anisotropic conductive tape to extend over the whole assembly. In this, alternative, the battery in the final system corresponds to the second embodiment.

In the second alternative, pieces of isotropic tape are applied between the cells between the cathode collector extension 5 of one cell and the anode extension of an adjacent cell. In this, alternative, the battery in the final system corresponds to the prior art battery of figure 1 . This method to prepare the prior art battery of figure 1 and the method described by figures 10a - 1 0j, in which the second alternative is used, are inventive methods and a part of the invention. In the third alternative, conductive material pads of anisotropic or isotropic conductive material is applied in the form of paste, followed by paste drying process.

The ribbon of anisotropic conductive adhesive tape 12 of suitable conductive material can be extended on consequent assemblies when serial production of the systems is performed.

In figure 10g, cathode material 4 is printed over the separator layer 6 of the anode assembly with the electronic device 27.

In figure 1 0h, the cathode collector sheet of figure 10f is placed over the anode assembly sheet so that the electrical contact areas between the battery cells and the electronics are established via the conductive tape. The electrical contacts for the different alternatives are described in e.g. figures 1 - 3. A PET sticker to form a cover 20 for the battery is then placed on the battery of figure 10h as indicated in figure 1 0i. The cells are now inside the cover and the reference numbers being the same as in the foregoing figures are not marked.

As in all the described embodiments, there are different possibilities to add the electrolyte to the battery and the way of introducing the electrolyte is not relevant for the invention.

Figures 1 1 a - 1 1 c illustrates a further embodiment of a system of the invention.

It presents another design in that there are two units in each system, one of them being a battery and the other one being an electronic device instead of a second battery.

Figure 1 1 a, presents two systems of the invention in a state of manufacture. Each system comprises a battery with an anode and a cathode, which is connected in series to an electronic device in a way of the invention on the same substrate 7 with the other systems. Several systems can be manufactured on the same substrate but figures 1 1 a - 1 1 c show only two of illustrative reasons.

The connection between the battery and the electronic device can be realized as in figure 1 or in accordance with the other embodiments of the invention and consists of one integral connection to the conductors of the battery and one connection performed e.g. through a pieces of isotropic conductive tape 8 to provide electrical contact areas between the electrode of the battery and the electronic device. One piece of conductive tape 8 contacts the anode of the battery over an end area of the piece of the tape 8 and contacts the electronic device over an end area in the other end of the piece of the tape 8. The electrical contact areas 9 and 10 of the tape are shown in figure 1 1 b as shadowed areas, reference number 10 showing the contact area of an anode (i.e. the contact area between the anode and one end area of the tape 8) and reference number 9 showing the electrical contact area between the electronic device and the other end of the piece of tape 8.

The ribbon 19 is on top of both the battery and the electronic device extending over these. The ribbon 19 has areas of suitable isotropic conductive adhesive material 8 applied transversally to the length of a PET sticker substrate 21 .

In figure 1 1 b, A PET sticker to form a cover 20 for the battery has been placed on the assembly of figure 1 1 a.

Figure 1 1 c illustrates the final systems of the invention. The systems, each containing two units, one battery and one electronic device have been separated from eachother by cutting into shape the substrate 7, the cover 20, and the ribbon 19.

Figure 12 shows a still further embodiment of a system of the invention in a state of manufacture. In this embodiment, a desired number of systems comprising an electronic device and two batteries of the invention (connected to each other like in figure 1 but could be realized in accordance with the other embodiments of the batteries of the invention) are serially produced. The following reference numbers have been used in the figure pages

Claims

1. A layered thin-film battery connectable to an external circuit, the battery comprising a cover and an assembly of two or more cells, each cell having

an anode electrode;

a cathode electrode with a cathode collector and a cathode collector extension;

a separator keeping the electrodes apart,

electrolyte, and

a first substrate,

characterized in that the cells are interconnected through electrical contacts on a second substrate extending over all the cells of the assembly, the electrical contacts being provided by areas of electrically conductive material that is in contact with the electrodes.

2. A battery of claim ^characterized in that each cell further comprising an anode collector and an anode collector extension in connection to the anode.

3. A battery of claim ^characterized in that each cell further comprising an anode extension.

4. A battery of claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the electrically conductive material consists of electrically conductive adhesive disposed on the second substrate.

5. A battery of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electrically conductive material is provided by anisotropic conductive adhesive, which is used as the substrate.

6. A battery of claim 1 or 2, characteri zed in that electrically conductive material is a ribbon or sheet disposed to extend over the cells over a breadth that enables connecting the electrical contacts areas.

7. A battery of claim 1 , 2, 4, 5, or 6, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the electrically conductive material is a z-axis anisotropic adhesive/tape, conductive in the direction of its thickness.

8. A battery of claim ^characterized by the electrical contacts consisting of areas of conductive material printed transversal to the length of the conductive tape and distributed to contact the anode, the anode collector extension or anode extension of one cell and the cathode collector extension of an adjacent cell.

9. A battery of claim 2, 5, 6, or 7, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by the electrical contacts consisting of areas of conductive anisotropic tape extending as a ribbon or sheet over the cells, which areas contact the anode collector extension of one cell with the cathode collector extension of an adjacent cell.

10. A battery of claim 1 or 4, characterized in that the electrical contacts are provided by transversal areas of isotropic tape distributed over the length of the substrate by contacting in one end of the area the anode or anode collector extension or anode extension of one cell and in the other end of the area the cathode collector extension of an adjacent cell.

11. A battery of claim 1 , 3, or 4, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the electrical contacts are provided by longitudinal areas of isotropic tape distributed over the length of the substrate by contacting in one end of the area the anode or anode collector extension or anode extension of one cell and in the other end of the area the cathode collector extension of an adjacent cell.

12. A battery of claim 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the individual cells are connected in series.

13. A battery of any of claims 1 - 12, c h a r ac t e r i z e d in that the substrate is of Polethyleneterephtalate, PET or polyimide.

14. System, characterized in that it comprises a layered thin- film battery connectable to an external circuit, the battery comprising a cover and an assembly of one or more cells, each cell having

an anode electrode;

a cathode electrode with a cathode collector and a cathode collector extension; a separator keeping the electrodes apart,

electrolyte; and a first substrate, and an electronic functional device connected to the battery. interconnected through electrical contacts on a second substrate extending over the system, the electrical contacts being provided by areas of electrically conductive adhesive material that is in contact with the battery and the electronic device.

15. System of claim 14, characterized in that the battery and the functional device are positioned on the same first substrate.

16. System of claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the functional device is connected to terminals (23, 24) in the battery through its conductors (25, 26).

17. System of claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the battery is integrally connected to the conductors (25, 26) of the functional device.

18. System of claim 14, 15, 16, or 17, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the battery has the characteristics of any of claims 1 -13.

19. Method of manufacturing a serially connected system consisting of units on the same first substrate, a unit being a battery cell or an electronic device, the system comprising at least two battery cells or at least one battery cell and an electronic device, the method comprising

providing a first substrate as a platform for electrodes,

providing a separator to be placed between anode and cathode electrodes,

preparing anode electrodes,

preparing cathode electrodes,

combining the cathode and anode electrodes to form cells,

characterized by

interconnecting the units by applying a second substrate to extend over all the units of the assembly, the second substrate providing electrical contacts with areas of electrically conductive adhesive material that is in contact with the battery cell(s) and/or the electronic device.

20. Method of claim 19, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by disposing electrically conductive adhesive/tape to work as electrically conductive material on the second substrate (11).

21. Method of claim 19, further characterized by printing an anode collector and/or an anode collector extension in connection to the anode.

22. Method of claim 19 or 20, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by pre-fabricating a ribbon (19) or sheet by applying an anisotropic conductive adhesive/tape (12) over the length of the second substrate (11) and printing areas of conductive material transversal to the second substrate (11) the areas being dimensioned and distributed to face the electrical contact areas of adjacent cells, followed by placing the ribbon or sheet on top of a cell assembly in a way that printed areas and the electrical contact areas of the anode, the anode collector extension or anode extension of one cell and the cathode collector extension of an adjacent cell meet.

23. Method of claim 21, characterized by placing the areas of conductive material being transversal to the length of the conductive tape to form electrical contact areas distributed to contact the anode, the anode collector extension or anode extension of one cell and the cathode collector extension of an adjacent cell.

24. Method of claim 19 or 21, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by using anisotropic conductive adhesive/tape as the second substrate to be the electrically conductive material.

25. Method of claim 19, 21 , or 24, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by using anisotropic conductive adhesive/tape in the form of a ribbon or sheet and disposing it to extend over the cells thereby connecting the electrical contacts areas, followed by placing the ribbon or sheet on top of the anode assembly comprising anode units isolated from eachother and combining the anode assembly with a cathode assembly in a way that the electrical contact areas between the cathodes and anodes meet.

26. Method of claim 19 or 20, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by pre-fabricating a ribbon (19) or sheet by applying areas of isotropic adhesive material/tape transversal to the second substrate (11 ), the areas being dimensioned and distributed to face the electrical contact areas of adjacent cells, followed by placing the ribbon or sheet on top of a cell assembly comprising anode and cathode units in a way that said areas and electrical contact areas of the anode, the anode collector extension or anode extension of one cell and the cathode collector extension of an adjacent cell meet.

Method of claim 19 or 20, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by pre-fabricating a ribbon (19) or sheet by applying longitudinal areas of isotropic conductive adhesive/tape (12) over the length of the second substrate (1 1 ) being distributed so that the electrical contact areas within one cell are isolated from eachother, followed by placing the ribbon or sheet on top of a cell assembly in a way that said areas and the contact areas of adjacent cells meet.

Method of claim 19 or 20, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by pre-fabricating a ribbon (19) or sheet by applying a continuous isotropic conductive adhesive/tape (12) over the length of the second substrate (1 1 ) and making holes in the substrate and the tape, the holes being distributed so that the electrical contact areas within one cell are isolated from each other, followed by placing the ribbon or sheet on top of a cell assembly (comprising anode and cathode units) in a way that the contact areas of adjacent cells are interconnected by the remaining conductive adhesive.

Method of claim 28, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by applying the longitudinal areas of isotropic conductive adhesive/tape distributed over the length of the substrate to form the electrical contacts by contacting in one end of the area the anode extension or anode collector extension or anode of one cell and in the other end of the area the cathode collector extension of an adjacent cell.

Method of any of claims 19 - 29, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by producing the final battery by applying a cover over the cell assembly after the steps of combining the cathode and anode units and after placing the second substrate over the cells.

Method of any of claims 19 - 29 c h a r a c t e r i z e d by serially producing two or more batteries by preparing a number of anode units for the number of intended batteries to be prepared by printing anode material for all these anode units on a common separator followed by drying, preparing a corresponding number of cathode units by printing cathode collector on a common first substrate followed by drying and thereafter printing cathode material and cathode extension material on the dried cathode units,

combining the cathode and anode units to form cells,

interconnecting the cells by applying a second substrate to extend over all the cells of the number of batteries intended to be produced, the second substrate providing electrical contacts with areas of electrically conductive material that is in contact with the electrodes,

producing the final batteries by applying a cover around all the cathode and anode units, cutting apart groups of cells into assemblies intended to be comprised in individual batteries in order to produce the final batteries.

32. Method of any of claim 31, characterized by defining the number of anodes and cathodes to be comprised in each battery and printing the anode material and cathode material in groups of the defined number.

33. Method of claim 19, characterized by assembling the optional electronic device on the first substrate before combining the anode and cathode electrodes.

34. Method of claim 31 characterized by printing the conductors of the electronic device of the first substrate together with the cathode or cathode collector extensions integrally connecting the device with the battery.

35. Method of claim 31 , further characterized in that in an embodiment in which the anode units are prepared on the first substrate, the electronic device is assembled on the first substrate.

36. Method of claim 31 , further characterized in that in an embodiment in which the cathode units are prepared on the first substrate, the electronic device is assembled on the first substrate.