Simple and modular assembly of battery cells using printed circuit boards

Abstract

The invention relates to a rechargeable battery pack (10) comprising: a plurality of battery cells (1); mechanical support structures (3A, 3B) for the battery cells (1); at least one printed circuit board (2) for electrical interconnection of the battery cells (1) arranged on the upper surface or the lower surface or both; device (4, 4 ', 5) for electrical interconnection between a battery cell (1) and a printed circuit board (2) by contact and without soldering, characterized in that the mechanical structure comprises a lower plate (3A) and an upper plate (3B), both provided with correspondingly aligned housings (20), the battery pack (10) is characterized in that the battery pack (10) comprises a plurality of housings (2) which are intended to accommodate and position the first ends of the battery cells (1) and the second ends of the battery cells (1), respectively, without gluing, and in that the printed circuit board (2) is standardized such that the number of battery cells (1) and the printed circuit board (2) can be quickly adapted so that the capacity and the total voltage of the battery pack (10) can be adjusted or expanded.

Description

[0001] Objectives of the invention

[0002] The present invention falls within the field of electrical energy storage in batteries. More specifically, it relates to the design of battery packs comprising a relatively large number of small-sized battery cells. Batteries according to the present invention should not have extremely fast charging constraints and, therefore, should not have high thermal constraints.

[0003] Technical background and prior art

[0004] Currently, the unit cells that make up the basic elements of batteries are typically welded together or connected by screwed metal plates. Welding means that cells, especially defective cells, cannot be easily removed individually from the battery pack for maintenance or recycling. To prevent cells from being held together solely by welding, it is also very common to use glue to stabilize the cells and protect them from vibration.

[0005] The protection and low-level integrity of the battery (and therefore not related to the BMS – Battery Management System) is usually achieved by soldering a small wire between the header of each cell and the busbar, which acts as a fuse in the event of a failure of the relevant cell. The fuse must be specifically sized to match the electrical characteristics of the cell, and if mechanically identical but electrically different standard cells are used, the entire assembly will be affected.

[0006] In the case of wire fuses, there is the disadvantage that if the fuse burns out or breaks, it can cause a short circuit in one of the cells of the battery pack or release metal particles into the battery pack. In contrast, when the fuse is integrated into the printed circuit board (see below), the fuse maintains its physical integrity in the event of damage.

[0007] According to the known prior art, in summary, battery packs are mainly presented in the form of assemblies via spot welding directly on the cells or via welding of sheets and / or fuse wires (if fuses are provided). In order to ensure the mechanical integrity of the battery pack, different glues are usually used to bond the cells together.

[0008] The main drawback presented by current methods is that they offer only insufficient possibilities in terms of maintenance, recycling and flexibility, since desoldering and removing the glue without damaging the battery pack is extremely difficult (almost impossible).

[0009] With current technology, due to the lack of flexibility, a completely new design must be made every time a new battery pack is created, maintenance is almost impossible, and recycling is difficult.

[0010] Document US11302981 B2 discloses a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells, each battery cell having a positive electrode and a negative electrode on an upper surface of the battery cell, the battery cells being arranged along a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction; a circuit protection module comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) arranged on the battery cells, and a plurality of conductive tabs on the printed circuit board, the plurality of conductive tabs allowing electrical connection of the battery cells; and a housing accommodating the battery cells and the circuit protection module; wherein each conductive tab comprises a substrate connector connected to the printed circuit board, a cell connector electrically connected to the battery cell, and a fuse link extending from the substrate connector and having a width less than the width of the substrate connector.

[0011] US Pat. No. 10720616 B2 discloses a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a printed circuit board (PCB) substrate electrically connected to the battery cells and comprising first and second opposite surfaces; and first and second electrode tabs electrically connecting each of the battery cells to the PCB substrate and respectively connected to conductive pads of different polarity located on the first surface of the PCB substrate. The battery pack has an improved structure, facilitating electrical connection of the battery cells.

[0012] Document US20160329606 A1 discloses a battery pack having a housing including a housing area for battery cells located between printed circuit boards (PCBs). Each PCB has an opening corresponding to the corresponding housing area. The battery pack also has tabs connected to the battery cells through the openings in the PCBs. A battery management system (BMS) is located on the side surface of the housing, wherein the PCBs include pattern portions, and wherein: a first end of the pattern portion of the first PCB is connected to corresponding tabs corresponding to the first PCB, and a second end of the pattern portion of the first PCB is located at a first pattern collecting portion on the side surface of the housing, and a first end of the pattern portion of the second PCB is connected to corresponding tabs corresponding to the second PCB, and a second end of the pattern portion of the second PCB is located at a second pattern collecting portion on the side surface of the housing.

[0013] Document US10559804 B2 discloses a battery pack comprising: a first group of cells and a second group of cells, each comprising one or more cells; a printed circuit board electrically connected to the first and second groups of cells; and a connector disposed in the printed circuit board and comprising a plurality of connection terminals. The connection terminals include a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal electrically connected to a first electrode and a second electrode of the first group of cells, respectively. The connection terminals include a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal electrically connected to a first electrode and a second electrode of the second group of cells, respectively. The first connection terminal and the third connection terminal are removably in contact with each other, and the second connection terminal and the fourth connection terminal are removably in contact with each other. According to some embodiments, the parallel connection of multiple cells or groups of cells can be simply physically released.

[0014] US 2010 / 062329 A1 discloses a battery assembly for a vehicle, comprising a plurality of battery cells. Each battery cell includes an enclosed housing and at least one terminal extending from the housing. Conductive strips mounted on dedicated terminals electrically connect the battery cells. At least one printed circuit board includes electronic circuitry configured to monitor and control at least the battery cells. The terminals are equipped with conductive interconnection washers mounted thereon. The interconnection washers extend to dedicated printed circuit boards and connect to the electronic circuitry on the corresponding printed circuit boards.

[0015] Document GB 2522443 A discloses a battery pack that uses a printed circuit board as an electrical connector to connect battery cells, the battery pack comprising a printed circuit board, several conductive parts, a protective component, a battery cell, and a conductive circuit. The printed circuit board comprises several openings. Each of the conductive parts comprises a first conductive section electrically connected to the upper surface of the printed circuit board, an intermediate section resting against the inner surface of the opening, and a second conductive section inserted through the opening toward the lower surface. The protective component is fixed on the upper surface of the printed circuit board. Each battery cell has two conductive terminals aligned with the openings and electrically connected to the second conductive section. The conductive circuit is electrically connected between the battery cell, the conductive part, and between the conductive base of the protective component, and each battery cell is electrically connected to one of the corresponding protective components. Preferably, the conductive part is connected to the battery terminal by welding.

[0016] Document EP 3 660 952 A1 discloses a battery module, which includes: a battery cell including a negative electrode and a positive electrode on the same side; a first conductive plate, which is arranged at an end portion of the battery cell and adjacent to the negative electrode and the positive electrode, the first conductive plate including a first through-hole and a first stepped portion, the negative electrode and the positive electrode being exposed through the first through-holes, respectively, the first stepped portions being adjacent to the first through-holes and recessed toward the battery cell; an insulating plate, which is arranged on the first conductive plate and includes a second through-hole at least partially overlapping with the first through-hole; a second conductive plate, which is arranged on the insulating plate, the second conductive plate including a third through-hole at least partially overlapping with the second through-hole and a second stepped portion adjacent to the third through-hole and recessed toward the insulating plate; first connecting tabs, which electrically connect the positive electrode or the negative electrode to the first stepped portion; and second connecting tabs, which electrically connect the other positive electrode and negative electrode to the second stepped portion.

[0017] Several issues associated with this technology arise and need to be addressed, in particular:

[0018] -The connection mode between each unit and PCB;

[0019] -The mechanical attachment of the cell is compatible with the removal of the battery pack and has good vibration resistance;

[0020] -Easy connection of battery pack to battery management system (BMS);

[0021] - Ability to diagnose the status of cells in maintenance state (related to BMS);

[0022] - The necessary size of the connection between the cell and the PCB of the battery pack is reduced;

[0023] - Reduce the space required to attach the battery pack to the PCB.

[0024] definition

[0025] The capacity of a battery is the amount of current it can continuously supply. It is expressed in ampere-hours (Ah). If a battery's capacity is multiplied by its (nominal) voltage in volts (V), the battery's energy (in Watt-hours, Wh) is obtained. Therefore, to characterize a battery, both the capacity and the voltage must be known.

[0026] The Battery Management System (BMS) is an intelligent electronic safety system specifically designed to manage battery packs consisting of cells connected in series and parallel, ensuring protection primarily against overvoltage, undervoltage, and overcurrent. In addition to its basic functions, the BMS can also provide additional control and management functions such as cell balancing, personalization, and connectivity via smartphones and Bluetooth.

[0027] Purpose of the Invention

[0028] The present invention aims to provide a solution that does not require welding on the unit cells or the use of glue to bond the cells together, which allows easy design and implementation of new batteries with different and variable capacities and / or voltages, ultimately improving the maintenance of battery packs and their recycling.

[0029] This type of battery should be usable in / as any type of battery that integrates smaller cells.

[0030] Main characteristic elements of the present invention

[0031] The present invention relates to a rechargeable battery pack, comprising:

[0032] a plurality of battery cells, each battery cell having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, an upper surface, and a lower surface, the positive terminal and the negative terminal being arranged on the same side, i.e., on the upper surface or the lower surface, or alternately on the upper surface and the lower surface, the plurality of battery cells being arranged along a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction;

[0033] - Mechanical support structures for battery cells;

[0034] - at least two printed circuit boards for electrical interconnection of battery cells arranged on the upper surface or the lower surface, or both;

[0035] - means of making electrical interconnections between the battery cells and the printed circuit board by means of contacts and without soldering, thereby allowing the battery cells to be connected in series and / or in parallel;

[0036] - means for mechanically attaching the printed circuit board to the mechanical support structure;

[0037] the mechanical structure comprises a lower plate and an upper plate, each provided with corresponding aligned housings intended to house and position, without gluing, a first end of a battery cell and a second end of a battery cell, respectively, the printed circuit boards being identical or having a limited number of dimensions depending on the number of cell connections they possess;

[0038] The printed circuit board has through holes for attaching the printed circuit board to the lower and upper plates of the mechanical structure by means of screws or rivets via aligned holes corresponding to the through holes of the printed circuit board, wherein the corresponding holes are located between the housings in the lower and upper plates;

[0039] The mechanical attachment means cooperates with the printed circuit board and the mechanical structure to enable rapid modification of the number of battery cells, and therefore the overall capacity and voltage of the battery pack;

[0040] It is characterized by:

[0041] - the printed circuit boards have a profile or lateral nonlinear undulating sides, so that two adjacent printed circuit boards have offset undulating profiles, so that in the final assembly of the battery pack, two adjacent holes on a straight line along the joining portion of the two printed circuit boards are positioned alternately on one board and the other board; and

[0042] The fastening of the printed circuit board to the lower and upper plates of the mechanical structure, respectively, is located outside the single body.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rechargeable battery pack further includes at least one of the following features or a suitable combination of several of the features:

[0044] - Printed circuit boards have the same size or variable sizes, depending on the number of single-cell connections they have;

[0045] - the housings in the lower and upper plates are substantially cylindrical in shape and have a low edge and a high edge, respectively, to allow positioning and blocking of a corresponding battery cell at each of their end portions;

[0046] - The support structure is made of insulating material (such as plastic) or conductive material (such as metal);

[0047] In the case where at least one of the supporting structures is made of an electrically conductive material, the battery cells (except for their connections) are completely or partially wrapped in an insulating film which, if necessary, stops before one end of the cell in order to allow the cell to be connected over its periphery;

[0048] - the supporting structure is provided with fins on its edges to allow better transfer of heat to the outside;

[0049] - Means for electrical interconnection by contact and without soldering include connectors or spring contacts;

[0050] -The printed circuit board is a bus bar;

[0051] - the rechargeable battery pack includes an integrated battery management system located on one of the printed circuit boards, the integrated battery management system serving as a bus bar or connected to all printed circuit boards via edge connectors;

[0052] - the integrated battery management system is configured to be aware of the status of the cell subgroup;

[0053] - The integrated battery management system includes dedicated circuitry for identifying defective cells;

[0054] - the integrated battery management system is configured to adapt the charging parameters of the battery pack or each subgroup of cells if one or more defective cells are detected;

[0055] A fuse of standardized characteristics is associated with each cell, or is in the form of a strip incorporated into the substrate of the printed circuit board or soldered thereto, in the latter case replacing the fuse requires replacing the entire board.

[0056] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] Figure 1 An embodiment of the connection between a cell and a PCB in a battery pack according to the invention is shown according to a perspective view (left) and two elevation views at 90° to each other (right), wherein the electrical connector is positioned only on one side of the unit cell, at the PCB located on the same side.

[0058] Figure 2 Another embodiment of the connection between a cell and a PCB in a battery pack according to the present invention is shown according to a perspective view (left) and an elevation view (right), wherein electrical connectors are positioned on both sides of the unit cell, at two PCBs located on each side of the unit cell.

[0059] Figure 3 The spatial gain achieved by the specific profile of the PCBs allowing them to interlock in a configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown according to a plan view.

[0060] Figure 4 Another embodiment of a complete battery pack is shown with the total capacity defined by 6 cells and the total voltage defined by 13 cells, and its mechanical structure and use of PCBs on both sides of the pack.

[0061] 5A to 5D A bottom-up approach is used to show that Figure 4 Different assembly steps of a battery pack of an embodiment.

[0062] Figure 6 An embodiment of a simple PCB according to the invention is shown, which integrates standard size fuses for each cell and a standard connector intended for connection to a battery control system BMS.

[0063] DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0064] The present invention proposes an innovative assembly solution for cells and small-sized battery cells.

[0065] The innovation of this solution lies in its flexibility and speed, which allows batteries of different capacities and voltages to be implemented starting from the same standard unit cell while complying with high safety standards. This solution also offers significant advantages in terms of cell recycling and battery maintenance, allowing the life of the battery pack to be extended.

[0066] By means of the assembly solution according to the invention, the units will no longer be soldered or glued and the possible individual fuses will be fuses of standard size and characteristics, preferably removable cartridge fuses fixed to the PCB on a fuse holder, which can be replaced if necessary by another fuse of the same size but with characteristics corresponding to the unit unit used.

[0067] According to the present invention, fuses with standardized characteristics can be used, mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). These fuses are available in a complete range of specifications for different current levels, allowing the fuse to be perfectly matched to the unit cell being used. Alternatively, the fuse can be in the form of a strip that is incorporated into or soldered onto the PCB substrate, but in this case, replacing the fuse would require replacing the entire PCB.

[0068] Figure 1 A specific connection of a single unit 1 to a single PCB 2 is shown, with connectors 4 , 4 ′ of different polarities located on the same side of the single unit 1 . Figure 2 A specific connection of a cell 1 to two PCBs 2 is shown, one of these boards 2 being positioned on each side of the cell 1. In this case, connectors 4 and 5 are present on each side of the cell 1, the two connections having opposite polarity. Since soldering the connections to the poles of the individual cells is not a problem within the framework of the present invention, any type of quick-contact connector known to those skilled in the art, such as spring contacts, will advantageously be used. The contacts will be made when the PCBs are fixed to the mechanical structure of the battery pack (see below).

[0069] like Figure 3 As shown, the characteristic feature of the present invention is to propose a PCB 2 having a very specific wavy and nonlinear lateral profile 6, which is particularly useful when several identical boards 2 are adjacent in an assembly according to this lateral side 6, which offers the advantage of reducing the volume or surface required for the battery pack. The PCB 2 is provided with through holes 7 to enable these boards to be screwed to the mechanical structures 3A, 3B ( Figure 4 Since these attachments must be located outside the monomers, and in order not to increase the distance between the two rows of monomers at the location where the two PCBs are joined (either adjacent or offset), the wavy profile allows two adjacent holes 71, 72 in the final assembly to be located on two different boards 2 ( Figure 5D ).

[0070] Figure 4A fully assembled battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0071] like 5A to 5D As shown, the assembly is advantageously done according to a bottom-up approach. Each battery cell 1 is first fixed, without glue, to a first mechanical support structure 3A. This structure 3A has the shape of a plate and comprises a plurality of spaced-apart rows of housings 20, which are generally cylindrical in shape (to accommodate "pencil" batteries). The cells are arranged in these housings 20 at one end and are blocked at the same end by an edge 21 ( Figure 5A ; details). At the other end of the cell, a second support structure 3B is arranged on the cell, thereby also providing an edge (not shown) for the same housing 20 to block the cell at the other end of the cell. The two support structures 3A, 3B are provided with equidistant through holes 7, which are located between the cell housings and correspond to the two plates, so as to be able to form a battery pack on one or both sides (such as Figure 4 The various PCBs 2 that will enclose the battery pack are attached (preferably screwed together) (as shown). For this purpose, through-holes 7 made in the PCBs 2 allow these boards to be precisely positioned relative to the support structures 3A, 3B. Only after the rechargeable battery pack 10 is assembled do the connectors of the PCBs 2 effectively ensure that the battery elements are electrically connected to one another (either in parallel or in series).

[0072] The mechanical support structures 3A, 3B can be made of insulating materials (e.g. plastic) or conductive materials (such as metal, which provides better cooling). However, in the latter case, there is a constraint of perfect isolation of the battery cells relative to the mechanical support (using cells "wrapped" in an insulating film). To dissipate heat, the support structure can also be provided with fins or grooves 22 that allow air circulation.

[0073] PCBs advantageously have the functionality of integrating basic protection for the cell (such as fuses) and other potential functions (such as a battery management system). They also facilitate battery disassembly by using non-soldering connectors. Of course, this configuration allows for using the PCB on only one side of the cell for positive and negative electrical connections, or using the PCB on both sides for unique (and opposite) polarity connections on each side of the cell.

[0074] Figure 6 An example of a PCB 2 is shown with four pairs of connectors corresponding respectively to four cells 1 , the board 2 exhibiting an incorporated fuse 23 for each cell, and an edge connector 24 for the BMS.

[0075] The specific advantages associated with the present invention are as follows:

[0076] - the absence of welds facilitates recycling and allows maintenance in the event that one or more units are defective;

[0077] - Attaching the monolith with purely mechanical supports without glue also makes maintenance possible;

[0078] - Using PCBs for cell connections instead of soldered sheets allows design flexibility and makes it possible to integrate a BMS directly into the battery or integrate other electronic circuits into the battery (e.g., for maintenance or detection of dead cells);

[0079] By using the PCB, battery control can be performed down to the "cluster" or subset level (e.g. a level with 6 cells), and the status of each "cluster" can be determined;

[0080] - The state of each "set" is known, and the battery management system (BMS) can be designed to intelligently adapt the charging parameters to avoid damaging the cells;

[0081] - the possibility of integrating the BMS onto one of the busbar plates in the battery pack or onto the side of the battery pack via an edge connector, which is known per se to the skilled person;

[0082] - Use of standard fuses, which provides flexibility in the choice of monomers and makes the production line independent with respect to the specific monomers selected in each case;

[0083] When the fuse is integrated into the PCB, it maintains its physical integrity even after being electrically disconnected (burned, broken), unlike simple wires that may leave residue in the battery pack;

[0084] The use of PCBs for the connections between the battery cells reduces the risk of short circuits during assembly, as the conductive elements are isolated from the outer surface of the PCB and all connections are then established simultaneously. On the other hand, with busbars, short circuits are much easier to establish during assembly than with PCB systems.

[0085] - Battery output connectors and connectors for BMS that are not integrated into the PCB can be directly part of the PCB;

[0086] Since the final assembly does not include a welding step but only a mechanical assembly step, there is no need to have specially qualified personnel for welding the cells or to have dedicated machines. This avoids the risk of damaging the cells during assembly by welding.

[0087] The disadvantages of the invention are only related to certain higher costs (but these are largely offset by the technical and operational advantages):

[0088] - Using PCBs instead of solder sheets results in higher costs compared to direct soldering of large battery packs (typically with more than 100 cells per pack);

[0089] - When production volumes are high, the use of standard fuses results in higher costs compared to simple wires (or simple tabs) that are welded.

[0090] The battery pack according to the invention is particularly suitable for military vehicle applications or industrial applications, where, unlike in civilian vehicles, charging speed constraints and therefore corresponding thermal constraints may not be very important.

[0091] Energy storage applications such as home batteries (power walls) with larger cells and forming a mix of adjustable and expandable submodules according to the invention and welded submodules are also conceivable, provided that the overall degree of maintainability is deemed sufficient.

[0092] List of Reference Numerals

[0093] 1 battery cell

[0094] 2. Printed Circuit Board

[0095] 3A, 3B Mechanical support structure

[0096] 4, 4' connector

[0097] 5 Connectors

[0098] 6. Wavy outline of printed circuit boards

[0099] 7, 7' through hole (corresponding to: non-through hole)

[0100] 10 Rechargeable battery packs

[0101] 20 Housing in mechanical support plate

[0102] 21 Shell edge

[0103] 22 grooves

[0104] 23 Fuse

[0105] 24 edge connectors

[0106] 71, 72 Adjacent holes in the final assembly

Claims

1. A rechargeable battery pack (10), comprising: - a plurality of battery cells (1), each battery cell (1) having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, an upper surface, and a lower surface, the positive terminal and the negative terminal being arranged on the same side, i.e., the upper surface or the lower surface, or alternately arranged on the upper surface and the lower surface, the plurality of battery cells (1) being arranged along a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; - a mechanical support structure (3A, 3B) for the battery cell (1); - at least two printed circuit boards (2) for electrically interconnecting the battery cells (1) arranged on the upper surface or the lower surface, or both; - means (4, 4', 5) for electrical interconnection between the battery cells (1) and the printed circuit board (2) by contact and without soldering, thereby allowing the battery cells (1) to be connected in series and / or in parallel; - means for mechanically attaching said printed circuit board (2) to the mechanical support structure (3A, 3B); The mechanical support structure comprises a lower plate (3A) and an upper plate (3B), each provided with a correspondingly aligned housing (20) intended to receive and position, without gluing, the first end of the battery cell (1) and the second end of the battery cell (1), respectively. The printed circuit boards (2) are identical or have a limited number of sizes depending on the number of individual connections they possess; The printed circuit board (2) has through holes (7) for attaching the printed circuit board (2) to the lower plate (3A) and the upper plate (3B) of the mechanical structure by screws or rivets via alignment holes (7') corresponding to the through holes (7) of the printed circuit board (2), wherein the alignment holes (7') are located between the housings (20) in the lower plate (3A) and the upper plate (3B); The mechanical attachment means cooperate with the printed circuit board (2) and the mechanical structure (3A, 3B) to enable rapid modification of the number of battery cells (1) and, therefore, the total capacity and voltage of the battery pack (10); It is characterized by: - the printed circuit boards (2) have a non-linear wavy profile or side surface (6), so that two adjacent printed circuit boards (2) have offset wavy profiles (6), so that in the final assembly of the battery pack (10), two adjacent holes (71, 72) on a straight line along the connection of the two printed circuit boards (2) are alternately positioned on one printed circuit board (2) and the other printed circuit board; as well as - The respective attachments of the printed circuit board (2) to the lower plate (3A) and the upper plate (3B) of the mechanical support structure are located outside the single body (1).

2. The rechargeable battery pack (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The printed circuit boards (2) have the same size or variable sizes, depending on the number of cell (1) connections they have.

3. The rechargeable battery pack (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The housing (20) in the lower plate (3A) and the upper plate (3B) is generally cylindrical in shape and has lower and upper housing edges (21) respectively to allow positioning and blocking of a corresponding battery cell (1) at each of its end portions.

4. The rechargeable battery pack (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The mechanical support structure (3A, 3B) is made of an insulating material, such as plastic, or a conductive material, such as metal.

5. The rechargeable battery pack (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that In the case where at least one of the support structures (3A, 3B) is made of a conductive material, the battery cell, apart from its connectors, is entirely or partially wrapped in an insulating film which, if necessary, stops before one end of the cell to allow the cell to be connected over its periphery.

6. The rechargeable battery pack (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The support structures (3A, 3B) are provided with fins on their edges to allow better heat transfer to the outside.

7. The rechargeable battery pack (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The means for electrical interconnection by contact and without soldering include connectors (4, 4', 5) or spring contacts.

8. The rechargeable battery pack (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The printed circuit board (2) is a bus bar.

9. The rechargeable battery pack (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that The rechargeable battery pack includes an integrated battery management system on one of the printed circuit boards (2), the integrated battery management system serving as a bus bar or connected to all of the printed circuit boards (2) via edge connectors (24).

10. The rechargeable battery pack (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that The integrated battery management system is configured to know the status of a subgroup of battery cells (1).

11. The rechargeable battery pack (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that The integrated battery management system comprises a dedicated circuit for identifying defective battery cells (1).

12. The rechargeable battery pack (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that The integrated battery management system is configured to adapt the charging parameters of the rechargeable battery pack (10) or each subgroup of battery cells (1) if one or more defective cells (1) are detected.

13. The rechargeable battery pack (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that A standardized characteristic fuse (23) is associated with each cell (1), either in the form of a strip incorporated into the substrate of the printed circuit board (2) or soldered thereto, in which case replacement of the fuse (23) requires replacement of the complete printed circuit board (2).

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