Intercell spacer and thermal conditioning system for group of cells

Abstract

The invention relates to an inter-battery spacer (10) intended to space two adjoining battery cells (1) in a housing of battery cells (1) for a vehicle, the spacer (10) consisting of a one-piece element positioned so as to surround a first battery cell (1) in a contact manner, the spacer (10) comprising: a base, the lower surface of the first battery cell (1) at least partially rests on the base; and a plurality of longitudinal sections extending from the base in a direction of an upper surface of the first battery cell (1), at least one of the longitudinal sections extending along a large side surface adjoining a second battery cell (1) such that the section is configured to contact the adjoining second battery cell (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject of the invention is an inter-cell spacer and a thermal regulation system for a group of cells.

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of electrical energy storage elements, in particular batteries, for vehicles and more particularly to devices, systems and methods for managing the negative consequences of heating of said electrical energy storage elements.

[0003] Hereinafter, for simplicity, the term "battery" is used to refer to a battery cell. Background Art

[0004] The invention is therefore also advantageously applicable in the field of devices for thermally regulating electrical energy storage devices, such as a group of batteries or batteries for electric and / or hybrid motor vehicles.

[0005] The electrical energy for electric vehicles and / or hybrid vehicles is provided by one or more batteries. During operation of an electrical energy storage element, such as a battery, the electrical energy storage element heats up and there is therefore a risk that the electrical energy storage element is damaged. In particular, a charging technique known as rapid charging involves charging the energy storage element at a high voltage and a high current intensity within a short period of time, in particular within a maximum of about twenty minutes. This rapid charging requires a considerable heating of the electrical energy storage element, which must be dealt with.

[0006] A certain number of documents are known from the prior art.

[0007] Document FR 3 060 863 describes an inter-cell spacer intended to be placed between two adjacent cells, this spacer extending over the entire surface of the large abutment faces of the two cells.

[0008] Also known is document WO 21072726, which describes an inter-cell spacer formed by a solid frame of L-shaped section having projecting recesses in order to house each cell between said recesses.

[0009] Also known are documents US2013004822 and US2021057794 which describe an inter-battery spacer formed by a panel or wall placed between two adjacent batteries, making it possible to control the mechanical loads (expansion) during heating of the batteries but preventing any flow of fluid intended to cool the batteries.

[0010] In contrast, from document CN 105261720 an inter-cell spacer is known which is inserted between two adjacent cells at their upper parts, thereby facilitating the flow of dielectric fluid between these cells, but does not provide protection against cell swelling.

[0011] The solutions of the prior art are not completely satisfactory because they cannot effectively solve the multiple functions dedicated to such inter-cell spacers. Specifically, each solution of the prior art solves one of the functions of the inter-cell spacer, thereby more or less compromising one or more other purposes of such elements.

[0012] The present invention is intended to remedy this situation.

[0013] In particular, it is an object of the invention to simplify the design of inter-cell spacers in order to reduce costs.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to maintain the distance between the cells or the minimum distance between the cells including during swelling of one or both cells.

[0015] An additional object of the invention is to ensure sufficient compression to constrain the battery and prevent its expansion.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to improve the heat exchange between the dielectric fluid and the battery, in other words to optimize the flow of the dielectric fluid all the way around the battery.

[0017] Furthermore, an object of the invention is to allow maximum cooling of the busbars of the battery.

[0018] Yet another object of the invention is to propose an inter-cell spacer which is reliable for its technical purpose while nevertheless being as economical as possible with regard to its composition, its manufacture and its service life. Summary of the invention

[0019] The Applicant has therefore discovered, after various experiments and trials, that it is particularly advantageous to realize an inter-cell spacer having a simple and refined form capable of ensuring the supporting and spacing functions of each cell.

[0020] To this end, the inter-battery spacer according to the invention simply has: a base, which serves the function of supporting the batteries; and a plurality of longitudinal sections extending from the base, which serve both the function of spacing between adjacent batteries and the function of mechanical strength intended to limit any expansion of the batteries.

[0021] While fulfilling these two essential functions, this form of inter-cell spacer also enables optimal cooling of the cells by means of a dielectric fluid, due to the minimal cell-covered surface.

[0022] The solution proposed by the invention therefore relates to an inter-cell spacer intended to space apart two adjacent battery cells in a housing of battery cells for a vehicle,

[0023] For example, the substantially identical first and second battery cells are each in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped having two large sides, two small sides, a bottom and an upper side,

[0024] The first battery cell and the second battery cell are configured to be aligned and abutted at one of the large side surfaces thereof, respectively.

[0025] Inter-cell spacer It is worth noting that the inter-cell spacer consists of a one-piece element positioned to surround the first battery cell in a contacting manner, said spacer comprising:

[0026] a base on which the lower side of the first battery cell at least partially rests, and

[0027] A plurality of longitudinal sections extend from the base in the direction of the upper face of the first battery cell, at least one of the longitudinal sections extending along a large side adjacent to a second battery cell such that the section is configured to contact the adjacent second battery cell.

[0028] By means of the structure of the inter-cell spacer according to the invention, which is simple in design / manufacturing and mechanically resistant, all the above-mentioned objects of the inter-cell spacer are met.

[0029] A particularly interesting aspect of the invention lies in the fact that the battery is held along all axes, studs or lugs potentially used to fix the battery axially on the base of the spacer by positioning these studs or these lugs using the base and / or the longitudinal sections.

[0030] A particularly interesting aspect of the present invention is the vertical (along the longitudinal section) Figures 1 to 3 The axis z) in FIG. 1 extends in the cell, which corresponds to a direction tangential to the flow of the dielectric fluid dispersed at the upper layer of the cell, on the upper side, in particular on the bus bars and / or on the small side faces.

[0031] The expression "substantially the same" with respect to the (first and second) battery is to be understood as meaning that the two batteries may have different dimensions with respect to height and / or length, but with respect to the surface area of ​​the large side of the larger battery, the large side of the smaller of the two adjacent batteries is at least equal to 50%.

[0032] The expression "aligned and adjacent" with respect to the (first and second) cells is understood to mean that the adjacent large sides of these cells face each other. According to one possibility, this expression includes the case where there is a deviation between the two adjacent large sides, but at least 50% of the surface of each of the two large sides of each adjacent cell must face each other.

[0033] Further advantageous features of the device forming the subject of the invention are listed below. Each of these features can be considered individually or in combination with the distinctive features defined above. As the case may be, each of these features contributes to solving a specific technical problem defined previously in the description, to which the distinctive features defined above do not necessarily contribute. The latter may form the subject of one or more divisional patent applications, as the case may be:

[0034] According to a particularly interesting aspect of the invention, the base has a chassis intended to raise the battery cells relative to the bottom of the housing.

[0035] According to yet another very interesting aspect of the invention, the base of the inter-cell spacer is perforated.

[0036] The term "perforated" is understood to mean that the base has a plurality of cutouts between the cross members or the like forming the structure of the base. In this way, through the chassis, the dielectric fluid can be in contact around each battery (including underneath the battery), thereby significantly improving the effectiveness of thermal cooling of the battery.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment, the chassis of the base consists of a plurality of vertical posts having a height between 1 mm and 6 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 5 mm.

[0038] Preferably, the longitudinal sections include at least one longitudinal section, advantageously two longitudinal sections, referred to as end longitudinal sections, which are adjacent to one of the above-mentioned small side surfaces, advantageously adjacent to both small side surfaces respectively.

[0039] The expression "immediately adjacent to" in relation to the segment referred to as the end segment is to be understood as meaning that the segment or segments are located against the large side at the corner or edge of this face and the small side, or at a maximum distance of 5 mm (millimeters), advantageously at a maximum distance of 2 mm from this corner / edge.

[0040] Advantageously, the or said end longitudinal section(s) comprises at least one transversely extending lateral upright.

[0041] The term "transversely" in relation to lateral posts is understood to mean that the post or posts are located along Figures 1 to 3The axis x in φ extends, that is to say at an angle perpendicular to the vertical (along z) and the length (along y).

[0042] Preferably, the inter-cell spacer comprises a plurality of such transverse uprights, as many as are required to laterally wedge or secure the cells on the inter-cell spacer.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the length of the lateral uprights is between 1 mm and 6 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 5 mm.

[0044] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, all of these longitudinal sections extend along that large side surface of the first battery cell which adjoins the second battery cell.

[0045] Advantageously, at least two longitudinal sections, preferably at least half of the longitudinal section, extend in a central portion of that large side surface of the first battery cell which adjoins the second battery cell, the central portion accounting for at most 50% of the large surface.

[0046] According to a particularly interesting aspect of the invention, the longitudinal section occupies at most 10%, advantageously at most 5%, of the surface of that large side surface of the first battery cell which adjoins the second battery cell.

[0047] Preferably, at least one of the longitudinal sections, advantageously all of the longitudinal sections, extends in length over the entire side surface of the first battery cell.

[0048] Advantageously, the length of the base is at most equal to the length of the lower side of the first battery cell.

[0049] Advantageously, the thickness of the longitudinal section is between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 4 mm.

[0050] The term "thickness" in relation to a longitudinal segment is understood to mean that the thickness is considered to be the distance along the axis y (see Figures 1 to 3 ).

[0051] Advantageously, the width of the longitudinal section is between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 4 mm.

[0052] The term "thickness" in relation to a longitudinal segment is understood to mean that the thickness is considered to be the distance along the axis x (see Figures 1 to 3 ).

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the chassis is fastened to the bottom of the housing, preferably by bonding.

[0054] The term "bonding" is understood to mean that the inter-cell spacer itself can be adhered by fastening to the bottom of the housing, for example if the housing consists of a vinyl polymer, cyanoacrylate or polyurethane. This fastening can also be ensured by placing or attaching a complementary layer between the chassis and the bottom of the housing.

[0055] Advantageously, the spacer is made of a material having a thermal conductivity of at most 0.4 Wm-1.K-1, preferably at most 0.2 Wm-1.K-1.

[0056] In certain alternative embodiments, the material consists of plastic.

[0057] Advantageously, the spacer is made of a polymer material or a polymer-based composite material.

[0058] According to one possibility provided by the invention, the spacer comprises a material from the silicate family, preferably fiber-reinforced calcium silicate.

[0059] Advantageously, the inter-cell spacer has, at least in its longitudinal section, an increased stiffness, that is to say a Young's modulus of at least 5 GPa (Gigapascals) and an elastic limit of at least 60 GPa.

[0060] The invention also relates to a system for thermal regulation of a group of battery cells for a motor vehicle housing, the system comprising:

[0061] A group of battery cells, the group of battery cells comprising at least a first battery cell and a second battery cell, the first battery cell and the second battery cell being in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped having two large sides, two small sides, a bottom and an upper side, the first battery cell and the second battery cell being aligned and adjacent at one of the large sides thereof,

[0062] A housing accommodates the battery cells and has a bottom.

[0063] Thermal Regulation System Notably, the thermal regulation system comprises at least one inter-cell spacer as described above, which is arranged in the housing, preferably on the bottom of the housing, and the battery cells are at least separated by the inter-cell spacer and rest at least on the inter-cell spacer.

[0064] Advantageously, the thermal regulation system further comprises at least one nozzle for dielectric fluid, the at least one nozzle being connected to a supply circuit for delivering said fluid, the nozzle being configured to spray preferably on the upper side and / or the side of the at least two battery cells, so that the dielectric fluid flows from the upper side / side side to the bottom of each battery cell by gravity.

[0065] According to one aspect of the present invention, the width of the base of the spacer is smaller than the width of the lower side of the battery cell.

[0066] Advantageously, the group of battery cells comprises n batteries and at least (n-1) inter-battery spacers, advantageously n inter-battery spacers, wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to 3. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] Further advantages and characteristics of the invention will become more apparent on reading the following description of preferred embodiments given with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are produced by way of non-limiting indicative examples and in which:

[0068] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a battery.

[0069] Figure 2 is a view of an embodiment of an inter-cell spacer according to the present invention.

[0070] Figure 3 It is around Figure 1 The battery shown is installed Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cell spacer in FIG.

[0071] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing two adjacent batteries each resting on an inter-battery spacer according to the present invention.

[0072] Figure 5 is based on Figure 3 or Figure 4 Side view of a battery / inter-battery spacer assembly.

[0073] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A top view of the components visible in the figure.

[0074] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a casing intended to house batteries, having a system for cooling these batteries by spraying.

[0075] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Schematic diagram of a housing shown with batteries already placed in the housing, with each battery resting on an inter-battery spacer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] With reference to the orientation and extension direction of the battery 1 and the inter-battery spacer 10, the longitudinal direction is represented by the longitudinal axis X, while the vertical axis Z and the transverse axis Y represent the vertical direction and the transverse direction, respectively. These axes together define Figures 1 to 3The trihedron XYZ shown in . In this reference system, the term "top" or "upper" is represented by the positive direction of the vertical axis Z, and the term "bottom" or "lower" is represented by the negative direction of the same vertical axis Z.

[0077] The thermal regulation system forming the subject of the present invention seeks to regulate the temperature of a battery 1 , in particular of an electric vehicle and / or a hybrid motor vehicle. However, the thermal regulation system can be fitted to other types of vehicles or used to regulate the temperature of other electrical and / or electronic components, such as power electronics and, without limitation, semiconductors, such as diodes or transistors. These components can also be components of a computer server. According to a preferred embodiment, the thermal regulation consists in cooling the cells of the battery 1 .

[0078] Therefore, consider Figure 1 and Figure 2 1 and the inter-cell spacer 10 are shown respectively in , considering that the height of the cell and the inter-cell spacer is along the axis Z, their length is along the axis X, and their width is along the axis Y.

[0079] The battery 1 can be schematically shown in the overall form of a rectangular parallelepiped. The parallelepiped form has a length, a width and a height. Each battery 1 has an upper side 2 and a lower side 3, which are opposite to each other and connected by two large side surfaces 4, 5 and two small side surfaces 6, 7.

[0080] When these batteries 1 are placed in Figure 7 and Figure 8 When in the housing 20 shown, the upper side 2 of the battery 1 is arranged to face the cover of the housing 20, while the lower side 3 of the battery 1 is arranged to face the bottom 21 of the housing 20. The opposite upper side 2 and lower side 3 extend in the length direction and width direction of one or more batteries 1. The two large side surfaces 4, 5 extend in the height (Z) and length (X) directions of the battery 1. The two small side surfaces 6, 7 extend in the width (Y) and height (Z) directions. Of course, any other form of the battery 1 can be envisaged.

[0081] The large side faces 4 , 5 each have a central portion at the central part of each of said faces, which central portion is defined as corresponding to 50% of the surface of said large side face.

[0082] As in Figure 8 As can be seen in the figure, the batteries 1 are arranged in one row or several rows within the internal volume of the housing 20. In the case where there are several rows of batteries 1, the several rows of batteries 1 are advantageously arranged parallel to each other. In particular, the housing 20 comprises side walls 22 connected by a bottom wall 21. The walls 22 of the housing 20 define an internal volume in which the batteries 1 are received.

[0083] The size and form of the housing 20 may be Figure 7 and Figure 8 As long as the housing 20 fulfills its function of housing the batteries 1, the batteries 1 are advantageously placed on the bottom 21 so as to be aligned relative to each other. Advantageously, the housing 20 housing the batteries 1 is leakproof relative to external fluids so as not to compromise the integrity of the batteries 1.

[0084] Figure 2 An embodiment of an inter-cell spacer 10 according to the present invention is shown.

[0085] In this exemplary embodiment, the base 11 of the inter-cell spacer 10 is rectangular and perforated, and the base includes three cutouts 12, which are themselves rectangular. These cutouts 12 are advantageously produced between the longitudinal sections 18, so that the perforated base 11 has four sections 14 extending in width, which connect two large sections 15 extending in length. Of course, the perforated base 11 can have different forms and sizes, as long as the base realizes the function of supporting the battery 1 by its bottom 3 and allows the dielectric fluid to contact with the bottom 3 by means of the cutouts 12, and the cutouts 12 can have different forms and sizes without weakening the mechanical strength of the base 11.

[0086] However, it may be noted that the base 11 is perforated to an extent of at least 50% (i.e. the cutouts 12 provided therein correspond to at least 50% of the surface area of ​​said base 11), advantageously to an extent of at least 70%, or even to an extent of at least 80%.

[0087] In this case, the inter-cell spacer 10 also comprises four longitudinal sectors 18 extending in height. These sectors 18 all extend from the perforated base 11 along a single vertical side of the base 11. Two sectors 18' are located at two opposite ends of the perforated base 11, while two sectors 18" are located in a portion called the center relative to the central portion 8 of the large side of the battery 1. In this case, the four sectors 18 have the same height, but it is of course conceivable that the height of each sector 18 is different from the height of the other sectors 18, or that a first group of sectors (for example sectors 18') has a first height and a second group of sectors (for example sectors 18") has a second height different from the first height.

[0088] According to one possibility provided by the invention, the end longitudinal sections 18 ′ (that is to say those intended to be situated near the small sides 6, 7) comprise at least one lateral stud extending transversely (along the axis Y), which is not shown in the attached figures. The function of such a lateral stud is to wedge the battery 1 into the housing 20 by abutting against or contacting the side walls 22 of the housing 20. It is also conceivable that the longitudinal section 18 ″ situated in or at the central part 8 is provided with one or more such lateral studs.

[0089] Of course, the number and size of the longitudinal sections 18 can be different, as long as these longitudinal sections fulfil their main function of restraining the battery 1 during heating of the battery 1 (especially restraining the central part 8 of its large sides 4, 5) and spacing it from adjacent batteries 1.

[0090] As mentioned above, these primary functions are supplemented by secondary functions, which are related to promoting the flow of dielectric fluid, particularly along the large side 4,5 of the battery. For this purpose, these longitudinal sections 18 extend in height (the flow of dielectric fluid is realized substantially vertically from the top of the battery by means of gravity) and cover the small surface area of ​​the large side 4 or 5 against which these longitudinal sections are abutted or contacted. Therefore, as seen above, the surface of the large side 4,5 is occupied by the longitudinal sections 18 to a range of at most 10%, advantageously at most 5%. It can also be noted that the longitudinal sections 18 are not necessarily in contact with the battery 1, and can have a minimum distance of 0.5mm or less magnitude relative to the battery 1.

[0091] Finally, in this case, the base frame 16 of the base is composed of vertical uprights. These vertical uprights 16 extend, on the one hand, in line with the longitudinal section 18 from one of the large sections 15 of the base 11, and, on the other hand, in line with the intersection between the other large section 15 of the base 11 and each transverse section 14. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, eight vertical posts 16 form the chassis of the perforated base 11. Of course, the number and size of these posts 16 can be different from this embodiment, as long as they fulfill their function of raising the base 11 and therefore the battery 1 relative to the bottom 21 of the housing 20 containing them.

[0092] When the battery 1 is mounted on the inter-battery spacer 10, Figure 3 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , it can be seen that the longitudinal sections 18 do not extend in height as far as the upper surface 3 of the battery 1 . However, the height of these longitudinal sections 18 can be at most the same as the height of the battery 1 .

[0093] Figures 4 to 6Two batteries 1 are shown, each with an inter-battery spacer 10. The batteries 1 are identical in terms of size and form, but it is again conceivable that the batteries 1 have different sizes and / or forms, as long as the batteries 1 have a facing face 4 or 5 between them and an underside 3 intended to rest on the perforated seat 11 of the inter-battery spacer 10. The distance between two adjacent batteries 1 is substantially equal to the width (along the axis Y) of the longitudinal section 18, so that the longitudinal section 18 is advantageously in contact with or at a very small distance (less than 0.5 mm) from the two large side faces 4, 5 of each of the two adjacent batteries 1.

[0094] Figure 5 The side view shows that the longitudinal section 18 can have a variable length (along the axis X), the length of the two end sections 18' being approximately 150% greater than the length of the section 18" intended to cover or contact the central part 8. The end sections 18' extend in the vicinity of the small sides 6, 7 of the battery 1, while the longitudinal section 18" of the central part 8 extends at said part 8 so as to correspond in the center to 50% of the surface of the large sides 4, 5.

[0095] In this example, the inter-cell spacer 10 comprises two end segments 18' and two segments, referred to as central segments 18", located in or at the central part 8, but of course the number of longitudinal segments 18 may vary. However, there will always be at least one longitudinal segment 18", in or at the central part 8 of the large side 4, 5, while for the spacer 10 there may be no end segments 18'. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the number of longitudinal segments 18" located in the central part 8 is at least equal to the number of end longitudinal segments 18', the number of end longitudinal segments 18' being at least two.

[0096] In the context of the present invention, "dielectric fluid" is understood to mean a medium that does not contain charges that can be moved macroscopically. Such a medium is therefore not a conductor of electric current and can be defined as an electrical insulator. Currently, mineral oils account for close to 95% of this market, taking into account the fact that they are used as cooling fluids for batteries in this case.

[0097] The dielectric fluid (not shown in the drawings) that can circulate in the cooling circuit of the battery 1 is selected according to its phase transition temperature. More specifically, the dielectric fluid should be characterized at least by the phase transition temperature so that the dielectric fluid sprayed in the liquid state in the direction of the battery can be partially vaporized when in contact with the battery 1. Reference is therefore made to a two-phase dielectric fluid, since it has two different phases during its circulation in the thermal regulation system. For example, the dielectric fluid should have an evaporation temperature at atmospheric pressure that is higher than a temperature of about 32°C to 34°C and a condensation temperature that is lower than a temperature of about 29°C to 31°C.

[0098] The dielectric fluid loop is invisible in the accompanying drawings, but the dielectric fluid loop routinely includes a member (such as a pump) for circulating the dielectric fluid. The flow of the dielectric fluid in the loop for the fluid can be controlled via this member, and a storage tank for the dielectric fluid can also be provided. Once the dielectric fluid has been ejected, especially ejected with the liquid phase, the dielectric fluid can be withdrawn by another pump. The withdrawn dielectric fluid can be potentially transported to a heat exchanger to cool down before being reintroduced into the dielectric fluid loop to carry out the thermal regulation of battery 1.

[0099] The dielectric fluid loop may include one or more lines for supplying one or more nozzles 23. Figure 8 In the embodiment shown, only one nozzle 23 is depicted, which is connected to a deflector 24 to evaporate and diffuse the dielectric fluid over a large number of cells 1 adjacent to the nozzle 23 .

[0100] As described above, the injection zone and the recovery zone for the dielectric fluid are advantageously provided on either side of the cell 1 to be thermally conditioned. The injection zone is located at the upper or top portion of the housing 20, while the recovery zone is located at the lower or bottom portion of the housing 20.

[0101] Although the invention has been described in connection with a few specific embodiments, it is obvious that the invention is by no means restricted thereto and that the invention comprises all technical equivalents of the means described and any combination thereof, if these fall within the scope of the invention.

[0102] In the embodiments described above, the arrangement of various elements and / or devices and / or steps of the present invention should not be interpreted as requiring such arrangement in all embodiments. In any case, it will be understood that various modifications may be made to these elements and / or devices and / or steps without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In particular:

[0103] There may be a longitudinal section 18 covering other faces of the battery 1 and / or in contact with other faces of the battery, that is to say the other large side face 4 or 5 and one of the two small side faces 6, 7;

[0104] The cell 1 can be replaced by any type of component or module that is thermally regulated by means of a dielectric fluid;

[0105] The dielectric fluid circuit can be different in terms of structure and in terms of function, as long as the dielectric fluid circuit sprays the battery 1 substantially on the upper side 2 of the battery 1 or on the small side faces 6, 7;

[0106] The housing 20 for accommodating the battery 1 may be different in terms of size and form, as long as the housing satisfies its function of accommodating the battery 1;

[0107] The dielectric fluid and the means for its cooling effect on the battery 1 may be different.

[0108] Use of the verbs "have", "comprise" or "include" and their conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim.

[0109] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

Claims

1. An inter-battery spacer (10) intended to space apart two adjacent battery cells (1) in a housing (20) of a battery cell (1) for a vehicle, For example, the substantially identical first battery cell and the second battery cell (1) are each in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped having two large side surfaces (4, 5), two small side surfaces (6, 7), a lower surface (3) and an upper surface (2), and the first battery cell and the second battery cell (1) are configured to be aligned and abutted at one of the large side surfaces (4, 5) thereof, respectively. It is characterized in that The spacer (10) is composed of a one-piece element positioned to surround the first battery cell (1) in a contacting manner, and the spacer (10) includes: a base (11) on which the lower side (3) of the first battery cell (1) is at least partially intended to rest, and A plurality of longitudinal sections (18) extending from the base (11) in the direction of the upper side (2) of the first battery cell (1), at least one of the longitudinal sections (18) extending along the large side surface (4 or 5) adjacent to the second battery cell (1), so that the section (18) is configured to contact the adjacent second battery cell (1).

2. The inter-cell spacer (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The base (11) has a chassis (16) intended to raise the battery cells relative to the bottom (21) of the housing (20).

3. The inter-cell spacer (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The base (11) is perforated.

4. An inter-cell spacer (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The longitudinal section (18) comprises at least one longitudinal section (18') referred to as an end longitudinal section, advantageously two longitudinal sections, the two longitudinal sections being configured to be positioned adjacent to one of the above-mentioned small sides (6 or 7), advantageously adjacent to the two small sides (6, 7) respectively.

5. The inter-cell spacer (10) according to claim 4, wherein: The end longitudinal section (18') comprises at least one transversely extending lateral upright.

6. A thermal regulation system for a group of battery cells (1) for a motor vehicle housing (20), the system comprising: A group of battery cells (1), the group of battery cells comprising at least a first battery cell and a second battery cell (1), the first battery cell and the second battery cell (1) being in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped, the rectangular parallelepiped having two large side surfaces (4, 5), two small side surfaces (6, 7), a bottom surface (3) and an upper surface (2), the first battery cell and the second battery cell (1) being aligned and adjacent at one of the large side surfaces (4, 5), A shell (20) accommodating the group of battery cells (1), the shell (20) having a bottom (21), characterized in that the thermal regulation system includes at least one inter-battery spacer (10) as described in any of the preceding claims, the at least one inter-battery spacer is arranged in the shell (20), preferably on the bottom (21) of the shell (20), and the battery cells (1) are at least separated by the inter-battery spacer (10) and at least rest on the inter-battery spacer.

7. A thermal conditioning system according to the preceding claim, wherein: All longitudinal sections (18) of the spacer extend along that large side surface (4 or 5) of the first battery cell (1) which adjoins the second battery cell (1).

8. A heat conditioning system as claimed in any one of claims 6 and 7, wherein: At least two longitudinal sections (18"), preferably at least half of the longitudinal section (18), extend in a central part (8) of the large side surface (4, 5) of the first battery cell (1) adjacent to the second battery cell (1), the central part (8) corresponding to at most 50% of the large surface (4, 5).

9. A heat conditioning system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The longitudinal section (18) occupies at most 10%, advantageously at most 5%, of the surface of that large side surface (4, 5) of the first battery cell (1) which adjoins the second battery cell (1).

10. A heat conditioning system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein: At least one of the longitudinal sections (18), advantageously all of the longitudinal sections (18), extends in length over the entire side surface (4, 5) of the first battery cell (1).

11. The thermal regulation system according to claims 6 to 10, further comprising at least one nozzle (23) for dielectric fluid, the at least one nozzle being connected to a supply circuit for conveying the fluid, the nozzle (23) being configured to spray the at least two battery cells (1) preferably on their upper sides (2) and / or sides (6, 7), so that the dielectric fluid flows from the upper side (2) / side sides (6, 7) of each battery cell (1) towards the lower side (3) by gravity.

12. A heat conditioning system as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein: The width of the base (11) of the spacer (10) is smaller than the width of the bottom (3) of the battery cell (1).

13. A heat conditioning system as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein: The group of battery cells (1) comprises n batteries and at least (n-1) inter-battery spacers (10), advantageously n inter-battery spacers (10), wherein n is an integer greater than 3.

Images