Battery module, in particular for electric vehicle, and battery comprising such module or plurality of such modules

Abstract

The invention relates to a module, in particular for an electric vehicle, comprising: a holder (1), preferably in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, having two substantially planar opposite sides (1a, 1b), one of which, referred to as the fastening side (1a), forms the fastening side; a plurality of electrochemical cells (2) each extending between a first end (2a) and a second end (2b) and each fastened by its first end (2a) to a fastening side (1a) of the holder (1), characterized in that the fastening side comprises a tapped cavity (10a) and the first end of each cell comprises an external thread (20a), the external thread (20a) being provided with an external thread (20b), and the external thread (20b) being provided with an external thread (20b). The threaded first end of each battery cell is screwed into one of the tapping cavities so that each battery cell is fastened in the fastening side by screwing the threaded first end of the battery cell into one of the tapping cavities. The invention also relates to a battery comprising such a module or a plurality of such modules.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of batteries, in particular to the field of batteries for battery electric vehicles, and one subject of the present invention is a battery module, in particular for an electric vehicle. Another subject of the present invention is a battery comprising such a module or a plurality of such modules. Background Art

[0002] There are at least two categories of electric vehicles (vehicles using batteries): battery electric vehicles (BEV) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). These battery electric vehicles use only electric motors for propulsion. These hybrid electric vehicles differ from BEVs in that they include a combustion engine coupled to at least one electric motor powered by a battery, and the battery is kept charged by the engine.

[0003] The batteries used in these vehicles generally include one or more electrochemical cell - module units. Each cell in the one or more electrochemical cell - module units forms a single energy storage device and includes a sheath surrounding and protecting its functional part, as well as a positive terminal (or electrode) and a negative terminal (or electrode). These cells are electrically connected to each other in series and / or in parallel in the module. In addition, when the battery includes a plurality of modules, these modules are electrically connected to each other in series and / or in parallel. The cells or modules are connected to each other by means of low - impedance conductors called busbars, which generally take the form of bars or plates.

[0004] The battery includes a housing, which is attached to or integrated into the vehicle, and the modules are generally arranged in multiple rows in the housing.

[0005] The cells can be of various shapes, but are generally prismatic or cylindrical.

[0006] In the case of cylindrical cells, the positive terminal and the negative terminal are located at the two ends of the cell respectively. Cylindrical cells can deliver more power than prismatic cells due to their faster discharge of energy, but can store less energy than prismatic cells. In addition, cylindrical cells are assembled and connected in series and / or shunted in the module by welding or adhesive bonding, which is generally difficult to achieve due to the difference between the material of the cell sheath and the material of the busbar or other elements that connect, join or hold the cells. In addition, adhesive bonding or welding does not allow for the replacement of a single cell, and the entire module usually needs to be replaced, which results in cumbersome and expensive repairs. In addition, repairs aimed at replacing cells often result in the destruction of the cells, which is a problem because it prevents the module from being recycled.

[0007] Other problems have arisen with cylindrical cells (especially those using lithium-ion technology) used in hybrid or battery electric vehicles. Specifically, the temperature of the cells typically needs to be raised to optimize their operating performance, which requires cooling the cells to avoid any risk of fire or damage to their functional parts or accelerated aging of the cells. Summary of the Invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to mitigate at least one of these drawbacks.

[0009] To this end, a battery module according to the present invention, especially for an electric vehicle, comprises: a holder, preferably in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, having two opposite substantially planar sides, one of which, called the fastening side, forms the fastening side; a plurality of electrochemical cells, each of which extends between a first end and a second end, each cell being fastened at its first end to the fastening side of the holder and extending substantially perpendicular to the fastening side, characterized in that the fastening side comprises tapped cavities, and the first end of each cell comprises an external thread, such that each cell is fastened in the fastening side by screwing its threaded first end into one of these tapped cavities.

[0010] Preferably, a first conductive means electrically connects the first terminals to each other, and a second conductive means electrically connects the second terminals to each other. In addition, the first end of each cell may be provided with a first terminal of a first polarity, more particularly a negative polarity, and the second end may be provided with a second terminal of a second polarity, more particularly a negative polarity.

[0011] According to a preferred feature, the holder may advantageously form a low-impedance electrical conductor at least in the part comprising these tapped cavities, and preferably form a copper or aluminum conductor. The first conductive means may then be formed by said conductor and thus integrated into the holder.

[0012] According to another preferred feature, the first terminal of each cell may be formed by a thread or a threaded area. Thus, when the tapped cavity in question forms at least part of a conductor intended to connect the first terminals together with other tapped cavities, the thread or the threaded area may be in electrical contact with the tapped cavity in question.

[0013] According to a further additional feature, the holder comprises at least one cooling chamber extending between these tapped cavities and the side of the holder opposite the fastening side, said cooling chamber allowing a cooling fluid, preferably a dielectric fluid, to pass therethrough to ensure cooling of these cells.

[0014] Another subject of the present invention is a battery, which includes one or more battery modules electrically connected in series and / or in parallel with each other, a first main terminal of a first polarity and a second main terminal of a second polarity, and a housing that accommodates and holds the one or more modules side by side, the housing including two holes that respectively make these main terminals accessible, characterized in that the module or each module is composed of a battery module according to the present invention, and the first main terminal is connected to a first conductive device of one of these modules, and the second main terminal is connected to a second conductive device of the module or one of these modules. Description of the Drawings

[0015] The present invention will be better understood through the following description related to a preferred embodiment, which is given by way of non-limiting example and is explained with reference to the attached schematic diagrams. In the drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a module according to the present invention, which includes a cooling chamber in the embodiment, where the battery cell and the fluid connector are respectively screwed into one of the tapped cavities.

[0017] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the holder shown in

[0018] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the battery cell and the fluid connector shown in

[0019] Figure 4 partially shows the module shown in Figure 1

[0020] Figure 5 shows the module shown in Figure 1 , which has six battery cells and two fluid inlet and outlet connectors and two disassembled frame-shaped insulating elements.

[0021] Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of a battery according to the present invention, showing a set of three modules as shown in Figure 5 , which are connected in series with each other and are fluidly coupled to each other (i.e., coupled in a fluid manner).

[0022] Figure 7 is a partial perspective view of a battery according to the present invention, showing a set of two modules as shown in Figure 5 , which are connected in parallel with each other and are fluidly coupled to each other, and two of the battery cells are not shown to allow the fluid connection between the two modules to be seen or observed. ​​​​​​​

[0023] Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of a battery according to the present invention, showing a set of six modules as Figure 5 , these modules being connected in parallel with each other and fluidly coupled to each other,

[0024] Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of a battery according to the present invention, the battery including a housing in an open state and accommodating Figure 8 the set of modules shown,

[0025] Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of a battery according to the present invention, showing a set of six modules as Figure 5 , these modules being connected in series with each other and fluidly coupled to each other,

[0026] Figure 11 is a partial view of a battery according to the present invention, the battery including a housing in an open state and accommodating Figure 10 the set of modules shown,

[0027] Figure 12 shows the battery as Figure 11 , where the housing is in its closed state and has its own cooling system. Detailed Description

[0028] The drawings, and in particular Figures 1 to 11 at least partially show at least one battery module M according to the present invention, in particular a battery module for an electric vehicle, said module M including a holder 1 (or base) preferably in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, the holder having two substantially planar opposite sides 1a, 1b, one of which, called the fastening side 1a, forms the fastening side; and a plurality of electrochemical cells 2, these electrochemical cells preferably being cylindrical in shape. Each cell 2 extends between a first end 2a and a second end 2b. Each cell 1 is fastened to the fastening side 1a of the holder 1 by its first end 2a and extends substantially perpendicular to the holder.

[0029] The electrochemical cell 2 refers to a cell 2 that forms a single energy storage device. Such a cell can be, for example, a lithium-ion cell 2.

[0030] The first end 2a of each cell 2 is provided with a first terminal 20a of a first polarity (e.g., positive polarity), and the second end 2b is provided with a second terminal 20b of a second polarity (e.g., negative polarity).

[0031] Preferably, first conductive means 1, 10a electrically connect the first terminals 20a to each other, and second conductive means 3 electrically connect the second terminals 20b to each other. Thus, the cells 2 can be electrically connected in parallel with each other in the module M.​​​​​

[0032] According to the present invention, the fastening side 1a includes a tapped cavity (or recess) 10a. In addition, the first end 2a of each cell 2 has an external thread 20a (see in particular Figure 3 and Figure 4 ), and each cell 2 is fastened in the fastening side 2a by screwing its threaded first end 2a into one of the tapped cavities 10a (see in particular Figure 1 , Figures 4 to 8 and Figure 10 ).

[0033] Thus, since the cells 2 of this battery module M are fastened by directly screwing them into the holder 1, these cells can be easily fastened, which reduces the maintenance cost and can be removed and replaced individually without the need to replace the entire module M, which makes the maintenance burden smaller and reduces its cost. In addition, since the module M is not damaged during these repairs, the module M can be recycled.

[0034] Preferably, the holder 1 can advantageously form a low-impedance electrical conductor at least in the part including the tapped cavity 10a, and preferably form a copper conductor or an aluminum conductor. Then, in this case, the first conductive means 1, 10a can be formed by said conductor and thus integrated into the holder 1. Such a conductor can be connected to the main terminal B1 of the battery or to a conductor of another module M according to the present invention formed by the first conductive means 1, 10a or the second conductive means 3. On the other hand, the first terminal of each cell 2 can be formed by the thread 20a or the region of the thread so as to be in contact with the tapped cavity 10a in question. Thus, the cells 2 can be screwed in simultaneously and brought into electrical contact with the conductor intended to electrically connect their first terminals to each other, which makes the connection of the cells 2 easier and achieves a corresponding reduction in the cost price of the module.

[0035] More particularly with reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , it can be seen that the cylindrical cell or each cylindrical cell 2 includes a cylindrical sheath, and the external thread 20a is produced in the outer surface of the sheath at the first end 2a.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, as can be seen in particular in Figure 4As can be seen, the holder 1 can include at least one cooling chamber 1c that extends between the tapping cavity 10a and the side 1b of the holder 1 opposite the fastening side 1a. The at least one cooling chamber 1c allows a cooling fluid (such as a dielectric fluid) to pass through the cooling chamber in order to ensure the cooling of the battery cell 2. Such a cooling chamber 1c enables the cooling of one or more battery cells 2 and modules, and thus the cooling of a battery including the module M or a plurality of modules M connected to each other. Therefore, the cooling fluid cools at least a portion of the holder 1, that is, at least the region containing the tapping cavity 10a, which in turn cools the battery cell 2 by heat conduction between the contacting surfaces of the battery cells.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the holder 1 that includes the cooling chamber 1c and allows at least a portion of the first end 2a of the battery cell 2 to be immersed or in contact, as can be seen in particular in Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 the bottom of the tapping cavity 10a can include an orifice 100a, which is referred to as a fluid communication orifice 100a, leading into the cooling chamber 1c in order to place the cooling chamber in fluid communication with the tapping cavity 10a. In addition, the module M can include sealing means 4a that prevent the cooling fluid from leaving the tapping cavity 10a while allowing at least a portion of the first end 2a to be immersed in the cooling fluid or in contact with the cooling fluid. In the case where the conductor intended to electrically connect the first terminal 20a is at least partially formed by the tapping cavity 10a, this embodiment also enables the cooling of the conductor that is thus in contact with the cooling fluid. Therefore, this feature enables the direct (or individual) cooling of the battery cell or each battery cell 2 that is (directly) in contact with or immersed in the cooling fluid via at least a portion of its first end 2a, which optimizes or significantly improves the cooling of each battery cell and / or its connecting elements / contacts.

[0038] More particularly with reference to Figure 4 it can be seen that the bottom of the tapping cavity 10a can include an annular edge 101a surrounding the fluid communication orifice 100a. The sealing means 4a can consist of annular seals that can each be inserted (at least one) between the annular edge 101a and the end edge of the first end 2a of the (corresponding battery cell 2) screwed into the corresponding tapping cavity 10a.

[0039] Due to the presence of such a cooling chamber 1c in the holder 1 and, where appropriate, the extension of this cooling chamber into the tapping cavity 10a, each cell 2 can be individually cooled by immersing its first end 2a in the cooling fluid or bringing its first end into direct contact with the cooling fluid. This cooling-related feature enables the use of cells 2, such as cells employing lithium-ion technology, which require excellent cooling, especially when the cells need to experience a significant temperature increase for optimal operation. This is particularly the case for cells 2 used in the batteries of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) or battery electric vehicles (BEV). Thus, such a cooling system according to the present invention enables the avoidance of any risk of fire or damage to the functional parts of the cells 2 or accelerated aging of the cells.

[0040] In the case where the conductor intended to electrically connect the first terminal 20a is at least partially formed by the area of the tapping cavity 10a and is thus integrated into the holder 1 and each cell 2 is immersed in the cooling fluid or in direct contact with the cooling fluid, the cooling fluid is more particularly a dielectric fluid / liquid due to its properties specific to this application of immersing conductive elements in the fluid.

[0041] In order to be able to ensure the supply / entry of the fluid or the exit of the fluid from the cooling chamber 1c (see in particular Figure 1 , Figures 3 to 8 and Figure 10 ), the present invention may provide that the module M further comprises at least two preferably identical fluid connectors 5, namely an inlet fluid connector 5 allowing the fluid to enter the chamber 1b and an outlet fluid connector 5 allowing the fluid to leave the chamber 2. Furthermore, each connector 5 may comprise an external thread 50a and a fluid passage 50b, the external thread allowing the connector to be fastened in one of the tapping cavities 10a, and the fluid passage preferably passing axially through the connector and leading to the space in the tapping cavity 10a that communicates with the chamber 2. This latter feature enables the production of a single type of tapping cavity 10a that is suitable for screwing both the cell 2 and the fluid connector 5 into it, thus avoiding the need for specific positions for placing the cell 2 and the connector 5 on the holder 1 and reducing the cost price of the holder 1.

[0042] The module M may further comprise sealing means 4b that prevent the cooling fluid from leaving the tapping cavity 10a that houses the fluid connector 5 ( Figure 4 ). This feature is most particularly advantageous when the cooling fluid takes the form of a liquid. Specifically, if the fluid takes the gaseous form, for example if the fluid consists of air, the only advantage of the sealing means 4b (such as an annular seal) is to limit losses and maintain the head of the pump 9c of the supply units 9a, 9b, 9c of the cooling circuit, which will be described below.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, each fluid connector 5 may include a fastening base 5a, which includes an external thread 50a and a connection end fitting 5b, and a fluid passage 50b can axially pass through the connection end fitting. The connection end fitting 5b can and is intended to be connected to a complementary coupling 6 fastened to the end of the pipe 7 for delivering or removing fluid (see in particular Figure 1 , Figure 3 and [[ID=4 ).

[0044] As shown (illustrated) in particular in ​ , ​ and ​ , the connection end fitting 5b can and is intended to be connected to the coupling 6 by preferably reversible snap fastening, as shown in the attached drawings. This connection allows for quick assembly, especially by clip fastening. For this purpose, the connection end fitting 5b may have a convex shape that can be snap-fastened into a concave joint 6, which is fastened to the end of the pipe 7. To achieve snap fastening, the connection end fitting may include at least one external rib 51b that interacts with the ribs of the coupling 6. Other fastening means not involving elastic deformation (not shown in the drawings), such as means based on threaded connections, may be employed in the present invention.

[0045] Referring to at least one of ​ , it can be seen that the module M may include a carrier 8 that bears a conductive plate forming the second conductive device 3. The carrier 8 may contain holes 8a, each of which is arranged on the axis of a tapped cavity 10a and each houses a second end 2b of one of the battery cells 2, so that the second terminals 20b of each battery cell 2 are in electrical contact with a contact point 3a of the conductive plate 3, thereby electrically connecting the second terminals 20b of the battery cells 2 to each other. The conductive plate 3 may be connected to or integrated with the main terminal B2 of a battery including one or more modules M according to the present invention.

[0046] The present invention may provide insulating elements I1, I2, such as frame-shaped insulating elements, i.e., an insulating element I1 that surrounds the periphery of the holder 1 and an insulating element I2 that surrounds the periphery of the conductive plate 3 and optionally surrounds the carrier 8 (see in particular ​ ). It may also be proposed that insulating elements in the shape of a ring or a cylinder, for example, surround the second end 2b around the second terminal 20b.

[0047] ​ At least partially shown is also a battery according to the present invention, which includes:

[0048] - a battery module or a plurality (at least two) of battery modules M electrically connected in series and / or in parallel with each other,

[0049] - a first main terminal B1 of a first polarity and a second main terminal B2 of a second polarity,

[0050] - a housing C that accommodates and holds the one or more modules M side by side, the housing C including two holes C3, C4 that respectively make the main terminals B1, B2 accessible.

[0051] The housing C can be an element belonging to the battery and, in this case, can be assembled with the battery into a vehicle, or can form an integral part of the vehicle, for example, due to the housing being integrated into the vehicle's chassis.

[0052] According to the present invention, the module or each of the modules M1, M2 is composed of a battery module according to the present invention.

[0053] The first main terminal B1 is connected to a first conductive device 1, 10a of one of the module or the modules M, and the second main terminal B2 is connected to a second conductive device 3 of one of the modules M.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the battery, when the one or more modules M include cooling chambers, the one or more modules M can be fluidly interconnected with each other such that the chamber 1c of the upstream module M is in fluid communication with the chamber 1c of the downstream module M. The outlet fluid connector 5 of the upstream module M is connected to the inlet fluid connector 5 of the downstream module M via fluid connection parts 6, 7 such as a pipe 7 equipped with a connector 6.

[0055] Reference ​ and ​ , it can be seen that the present invention can propose that the main terminal B1 is mounted on a conductive plate B10, which is applied and fastened to the lower side 1b of the holder 1, for example, by means of screws, and the lower side itself is conductive and thus forms part of the conductor connecting the first terminal 20a of the battery cell 2.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, as can be seen in ​ , ​ and ​ , the housing C can include a casing C1 provided with a cover C2. The housing C can include two orifices C5, C6, which are formed, for example, in one side of the can C1 so as to respectively make accessible the inlet fluid connector 5, called the main inlet fluid connector 5, of one of the module or the modules M and the outlet fluid connector 5, called the main outlet fluid connector 5, of one of the module or the modules M in order to fluidly connect them.

[0057] The housing C can further include:

[0058] - A cooling system 9, which includes supply units 9a, 9b, 9c for supplying a cooling fluid, preferably a dielectric fluid, an outlet pipe 9d for the departure of the cooling fluid, and an inlet pipe 9e for the entry of the cooling fluid,

[0059] - Connecting means 6, 7, 6' for connecting the main inlet fluid connector 5 to the outlet pipe 9d so as to supply the cooling fluid to the cooling chamber 1c of the one or more modules M,

[0060] - And connecting means 6, 7, 6' for connecting the main outlet fluid connector 5 to the inlet pipe 9e so as to allow the cooling fluid to return to the supply units 9a, 9b, 9c.

[0061] The supply units 9a, 9b, 9c may include tanks 9a for containing the cooling fluid (preferably a dielectric fluid), heat exchangers 9b, and pumps 9c ( ​ ).

[0062] More particularly with reference to ​ , it can be seen that the connecting means 6, 7, 6' for connecting the main inlet fluid connector 5 to the outlet pipe 9d may include a pipe 7 which is equipped at one of its ends with a connector 6 (for example a female connector which can be assembled, for example by snap-fastening, with the male connection end fitting 5b of the inlet fluid connector 5) and at its other end with a connecting connector or sleeve 6' connected to the outlet pipe 9d. The connecting means 6, 7, 6' for connecting the main outlet fluid connector 5 to the inlet pipe 9e may also include a pipe 7 which is equipped at one of its ends with a connector 6 (for example a female connector which can be assembled, for example by snap-fastening, with the male connection end fitting 5b of the main outlet fluid connector 5) and at its other end with a connecting connector or sleeve 6' connected to the inlet pipe 9e.

[0063] The cooling system 9 may belong to the battery or a part thereof (for example the supply units 9a, 9b, 9c) may be formed by an external cooling system of a vehicle on which the battery is installed, for example.

[0064] Thus, by means of such a module or such a battery according to the present invention, the battery cells 2 can be quickly connected in the module and individually replaced without the need to replace the entire module and without damaging the module. In addition, since the connection is achieved by a threaded connection, thereby potentially simultaneously achieving the electrical connection of the first terminals of the battery cells, the need for welding can be avoided at least on one side of the polarity of the battery cell or the module (especially the negative polarity). Finally, such a module or such a battery is recyclable and highly modular.

[0065] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated in the drawings. Modifications can still be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, particularly in terms of the constitution of various elements or by substitution with technical equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery module, in particular a battery module for an electric vehicle, the module comprising: A holder (1) having a preferably rectangular parallelepiped shape, the holder having two substantially planar opposite sides (1a, 1b), one of which, called the fastening side (1a), forms the fastening side; a plurality of electrochemical cells (2), each of the plurality of electrochemical cells extending between a first end (2a) and a second end (2b), each cell (1) being fastened at its first end (2a) to the fastening side (1a) of the holder (1) and extending substantially perpendicular to the holder, characterized in that the fastening side (1a) comprises tapped cavities (10a), and the first end (2a) of each cell (2) comprises an external thread (20a), such that each cell (2) is fastened in the fastening side (2a) by screwing its threaded first end (2a) into one of these tapped cavities (10a).

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The holder (1) comprises at least one cooling chamber (1c), the at least one cooling chamber extending between these tapped cavities (10a) and the side (1b) of the holder (1) opposite the fastening side (1a), said cooling chamber (1c) allowing a cooling fluid, preferably a dielectric fluid, to pass through it in order to ensure the cooling of these cells (2).

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein The bottom of these tapped cavities (10a) comprises an orifice (100a), called a fluid communication orifice (100a), leading into the cooling chamber (1c) in order to place the cooling chamber in fluid communication with the tapped cavities (10a), and the battery module comprises sealing means (4a), these sealing means preventing the cooling fluid from leaving these tapped cavities (10a), while allowing at least a portion of the first end (2a) to be immersed in or in contact with the coolant.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein, The bottom of these tapped cavities (10a) comprises an annular edge (101a) surrounding the fluid communication orifice (100a), and these sealing means (4a) consist of annular seals, each of these annular seals being inserted between the annular edge (101a) and the end edge of the first end screwed into the corresponding tapped cavity (10a).

5. The battery module according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, On the one hand, the battery module further comprises at least two preferably identical fluid connectors (5), namely an inlet fluid connector (5) allowing fluid to enter the chamber (1b) and an outlet fluid connector (5) allowing fluid to leave the chamber (2), each connector (5) comprising an external thread (50a) and a fluid passage (50b), the external thread allowing the connector to be fastened in one of these tapped cavities (10a), the fluid passage axially passing through the connector and leading into the space in the tapped cavity (10a) communicating with the chamber (2).

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein Each fluid connector (5) comprises a fastening base (5a), the fastening base comprising an external thread (50a) and a connecting end fitting (5b), the fluid passage (50b) axially passing through the connecting end fitting, said connecting end fitting (5b) being capable of and intended to be connected to a coupling (6) fastened to the end of a pipe or tube (7) for the delivery or removal of fluid.

7. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first end (2a) of each cell (2) is provided with a first terminal (20a) of a first polarity, and the second end (2b) is provided with a second terminal (20b) of a second polarity. The battery module includes first conductive means (1, 10a) for electrically connecting these first terminals (20a) to each other and second conductive means (3) for electrically connecting these second terminals (20b) to each other. The battery module includes a carrier sheet (8) carrying a conductive plate forming these second conductive means (3). The carrier sheet (8) contains holes (8a), each of which is arranged on the axis of a tapping cavity (10a) and each of which receives the second end (2b) of one of these cells (2) so that the second terminal (20b) of each cell (2) is in electrical contact with a contact point (3a) of the conductive plate (3), thereby electrically connecting the second terminals (20b) of these cells (2) to each other.

8. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the battery comprising: One or more battery modules (M) electrically connected in series and / or in parallel with each other, a first main terminal (B1) of a first polarity and a second main terminal (B2) of a second polarity, and a housing (C) for receiving and holding these modules (M) side by side. The housing (C) includes two holes (C3, C4) respectively making these main terminals (B1, B2) accessible. It is characterized in that the module or each module (M1, M2) is composed of a battery module as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, and the first main terminal (B1) is connected to the first conductive means (1, 10a) of one of the module or these modules (M), and the second main terminal (B2) is connected to the second conductive means (3) of one of the module or these modules (M).

9. The battery according to claim 8 in combination with any one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that, These modules (M) are fluidly interconnected with each other such that the chamber (1c) of an upstream module (M) is in fluid communication with the chamber (1c) of a downstream module (M). The outlet fluid connector (5) of the upstream module (M) is connected to the inlet fluid connector (5) of the downstream module (M) via fluid connection parts (6, 7) such as a pipe (7) equipped with a connector (6).

10. The battery according to claim 9, characterized in that, The housing (C) includes two orifices (C5, C6) that render accessible an inlet fluid connector (5), called the main inlet fluid connector, of one of the modules or the modules (M) and an outlet fluid connector (5), called the main outlet fluid connector, of one of the modules or the modules (M) so as to fluidically connect the two orifices, and, on the one hand, the housing further includes a cooling system (9) that includes supply units (9a, 9b, 9c) for supplying a cooling fluid, preferably a dielectric fluid, an outlet duct (9d) for the departure of the cooling fluid, and an inlet duct (9e) for the entry of the cooling fluid, and, on the other hand, the housing includes connection means (6, 7, 6') that connect the main inlet fluid connector (5) to the outlet duct (9d) so as to supply a cooling fluid to a cooling chamber (1c) of the one or more modules (M), and connection means (6, 7, 6') that connect the main outlet fluid connector (5) to the inlet duct (9e) so as to allow the cooling fluid to return to the supply units (9a, 9b, 9c).

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