Inter-battery spacer and thermal regulation system for a set of batteries

Abstract

The invention relates to an inter-battery spacer (10) intended to space two contiguous battery cells (1) in a battery cell (1) housing of a vehicle, the spacer (10) consisting of a one-piece element which is positioned in contact around the first battery cell (1), the spacer (10) comprising a base on which at least part of the lower face of the first battery cell (1) rests, and a plurality of longitudinal segments extending from the base in the direction of the upper face of the first battery cell (1), at least one of the longitudinal segments extending along the large side face contiguous to the second battery cell (1) such that the segment is configured to come into contact with the contiguous second battery cell (1).

Description

Description Title: INTER-BATTERY SPACER AND THERMAL REGULATION SYSTEM FOR A SET OF BATTERIES. Technical field.

[0001] The present invention relates to an inter-battery spacer and a thermal regulation system for a set of batteries. [2] The invention relates to the technical field of electrical energy storage elements, in particular batteries, used for vehicles, and more particularly to the devices, systems and methods used to manage the negative consequences of heating of said electrical energy storage elements. [3] In the following, for the sake of simplicity, the term "battery" is used to refer to a battery cell. State of the art. [4] Thus, the invention finds an advantageous application in the field of thermal regulation devices of an electrical energy storage device, such as a set of batteries or battery pack for an electric and / or hybrid motor vehicle. [5] The electrical energy of electric and / or hybrid vehicles is supplied by one or more batteries. During operation, electrical energy storage elements such as batteries heat up and are therefore at risk of damage. In particular, one charging technique, known as fast charging, involves charging the energy storage elements at high voltage and high amperage in a short period of time, typically a maximum of about twenty minutes. This fast charging results in significant heating of the electrical energy storage elements, which must be treated. [6] A number of documents are known in the state of the art. [7] Document FR 3060863 describes an inter-battery spacer intended to be placed between two contiguous batteries, the spacer extending over the entire surface of the large contiguous faces of the two batteries. [8] We also know of document WO 21072726 which describes an inter-battery spacer formed of a solid frame of L-section having protruding grooves so as to house each of the batteries between said grooves. [9] We also know of US documents 2013004822 and US 2021057794 which describe inter-battery spacers formed of a panel or wall placed between the two contiguous batteries, thus allowing to contain the mechanical stresses (swelling) during heating of the batteries but prohibiting any flow of fluid intended to cool the batteries.

[0010] Conversely, we know from document CN 105261720 which describes an inter-battery spacer inserted between two contiguous batteries, at the level of their upper parts, facilitating the flow of a dielectric fluid between the batteries but offering no protection against the swelling of a battery.

[0011] Existing state-of-the-art solutions are not entirely satisfactory because they fail to efficiently address the multitude of functions required by such an inter-battery spacer. Indeed, each state-of-the-art solution addresses only one function of an inter-battery spacer, at the expense, to a greater or lesser extent, of one or more of the other objectives of such a component.

[0012] The invention aims to remedy this state of affairs.

[0013] In particular, one objective of the invention is to simplify the design of inter-battery spacers in order to reduce costs.

[0014] Another objective of the invention is to maintain the distance between the batteries, or a minimum distance between the batteries, including when one or both of the batteries are inflated.

[0015] An additional objective of the invention is to ensure a sufficient compression ratio so as to constrain the battery and prevent its swelling.

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

[0017] Another objective of the present invention is to allow maximum cooling of the battery busbars.

[0018] Another objective of the invention is to offer a reliable inter-battery spacer with regard to its technical objectives while being as economical as possible, both in terms of its composition, its manufacture and its duration of use. Presentation of the invention.

[0019] It was thus observed by the applicant, after various experiments and manipulations, that it is particularly advantageous to produce an inter-battery spacer with a simple and streamlined shape capable of ensuring the functions of support and spacing of each battery.

[0020] To achieve this, the inter-battery spacer according to the invention simply presents a base for the battery support function and a plurality of longitudinal segments extending from this base both for the spacing function between contiguous batteries and for the mechanical holding function intended to limit any swelling of the battery.

[0021] While performing these two essential functions, the shape of this inter-battery spacer also allows for optimum battery cooling, thanks to the dielectric fluid, due to a minimal battery coverage area.

[0022] Thus, the solution proposed by the invention relates to an inter-battery spacer intended to space two contiguous battery cells in a battery cell case of a vehicle, the first and second battery cells, for example substantially identical, each being in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped having two large lateral faces, two small lateral faces, a lower face and an upper face, the first and second battery cells being configured to be aligned and contiguous respectively at one of their large lateral faces.

[0023] The inter-battery spacer is remarkable in that it consists of a single-piece element positioned in contact around the first battery cell, said spacer comprising: - a base on which the lower face of the first battery cell rests, at least in part, and - a plurality of longitudinal segments extending from said base towards said upper face of said first battery cell, at least one of said longitudinal segments extending along the large lateral face contiguous to the second battery cell so that said segment is configured to come into contact with the contiguous second battery cell.

[0024] Thanks to the simple design / manufacturable and mechanically resistant structure of the inter-battery spacer according to the invention, all the aforementioned objectives for an inter-battery spacer are met.

[0025] A particularly interesting aspect of the invention lies in the fact that the battery is held along all axes, with studs or lugs possibly being used to axially lock the battery on the base of the spacer using the base and / or the longitudinal segments to position these studs or lugs.

[0026] A particularly interesting aspect of the invention lies in the vertical extension (along the z-axis in Figures 1 to 3) of the longitudinal segments, which corresponds to a direction tangential to the flow of a dielectric fluid dispersed at the upper level of the batteries, on the upper faces, in particular on the busbars, and / or on the small lateral faces.

[0027] The expression "substantially identical" with respect to the (first and second) batteries means that the two batteries may have different dimensions, in height and / or length, but the smaller of the two contiguous batteries has a large lateral face at least equal to 50%, in surface area, of the large lateral face of the larger battery.

[0028] The term "aligned and contiguous" with respect to the (first and second) batteries means that their large, contiguous lateral faces are directly opposite each other. In one scenario, this term includes the case of an offset between these two large, contiguous lateral faces, but at least 50% of the surface area of ​​each of the two large lateral faces of each contiguous battery must be directly opposite each other.

[0029] Other advantageous features of the apparatus of the invention are listed below. Each of these features may be considered alone or in combination with the notable features defined above. Each of these features contributes, where applicable, to solving specific technical problems defined later in the description and in which the notable features defined above do not necessarily participate. The latter may, where applicable, be the subject of one or more divisional patent applications.

[0030] According to a particularly interesting aspect of the invention, said base has a foot designed to raise the battery cell relative to the bottom of the case.

[0031] Also, according to another very interesting aspect of the invention, the base of the inter-battery spacer is perforated.

[0032] The term "perforated" refers to the fact that the base has multiple cutouts between the cross members or similar elements that form its structure. This allows the dielectric fluid to circulate around each battery, including underneath it, thus significantly improving thermal cooling efficiency.

[0033] According to an advantageous method of execution, the base support consists of a plurality of vertical studs having a height between 1 mm and 6 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 5 mm.

[0034] Preferably, the longitudinal segments comprise at least one so-called extremal longitudinal segment, advantageously two, located in the immediate vicinity of one of the aforementioned small lateral faces, advantageously respectively of the two small lateral faces.

[0035] The expression "immediate proximity" in relation to the so-called extremal segment means that this or these segments are located, against the large lateral face, at the angle or edge of this face with the small lateral face or at a maximum distance of 5 mm (millimeters), advantageously a maximum distance of 2 mm, from this angle / edge.

[0036] Advantageously, the extremal longitudinal segment(s) comprise(s) at least one lateral segment extending transversely.

[0037] The term "transversely" in relation to the lateral plot means that this or these plots extend along the x-axis in figures 1 to 3, i.e., at an angle perpendicular to the vertical (along z) and to the length (along y).

[0038] Preferably, the inter-battery spacer has a plurality of such transverse studs, as many as are necessary to wedge or block the battery transversely on the inter-battery spacer.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the lateral stud has a length between 1 mm and 6 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 5 mm.

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, all longitudinal segments extend along the large lateral face of the first battery cell contiguous to the second battery cell.

[0041] Advantageously, at least two longitudinal segments, preferably at least half of the longitudinal segments, extend into a central portion of the large lateral face of the first battery cell contiguous to the second battery cell, said central portion representing at most 50% of said large face.

[0042] According to a particularly interesting aspect of the invention, the longitudinal segments occupy at most 10%, advantageously at most 5%, of the surface of the large lateral face of the first battery cell contiguous to the second battery cell.

[0043] Preferably, at least one of said longitudinal segments, advantageously all longitudinal segments, extends lengthwise over the entire lateral face of the first battery cell.

[0044] Advantageously, said base has a length at most equal to that of the underside of the first battery cell.

[0045] Advantageously, said longitudinal segments have a thickness between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 4 mm.

[0046] The term "thickness" in relation to longitudinal segments means that this thickness is considered as a distance along the y-axis (see figures 1 to 3).

[0047] Advantageously, said longitudinal segments have a width between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 4 mm.

[0048] The term "thickness" in relation to longitudinal segments means that this thickness is considered as a distance along the x-axis (see figures 1 to 3).

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, said base is fixed, preferably by gluing, to the bottom of the case.

[0050] The term "bonding" refers to the fact that the battery spacer can adhere itself to the case base by fixing it, for example, if the base is made of a vinyl polymer, cyanoacrylate, or polyurethane. This attachment can also be ensured by an additional layer deposited or applied between the base and the case base.

[0051] Advantageously, said spacer is made of a material having a thermal conductivity of at most 0.4 Wm-1 .K-1, preferably a thermal conductivity of at most 0.2 Wm-1 .K-1.

[0052] In some alternative embodiments, the material is made of plastic.

[0053] Advantageously, said spacer is made of a polymer material or a polymer-based composite material.

[0054] According to one possibility offered by the invention, said spacer comprises a material from the silicate family, preferably calcium silicate reinforced with fibers.

[0055] Advantageously, the inter-battery spacer exhibits, at least at the level of its longitudinal segments, a high rigidity, namely a Young's modulus of at least 5 GPa (GigaPascal) and an elastic limit of at least 60 GPa.

[0056] The present invention also relates to a thermal regulation system for a set of battery cells in a motor vehicle casing, said system comprising: - a set of battery cells comprising at least a first and a second battery cells, the first and second battery cells being in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped having two large lateral faces, two small lateral faces, a lower face and a upper face, the first and second battery cells being aligned contiguously at one of their large lateral faces, - a casing housing the battery cells, said casing having a base,

[0057] The thermal regulation system is remarkable in that it includes at least one inter-battery spacer as described above, disposed in the case, preferably on the bottom of the case, the battery cells being separated by and resting on at least the inter-battery spacer.

[0058] Advantageously, the thermal regulation system further comprises at least one dielectric fluid spray nozzle, connected to a supply circuit for the transport of said fluid, said nozzle being configured to spray said at least two battery cells, preferably at their upper and / or lateral faces, so that the dielectric fluid flows by gravity from said upper / lateral face to the lower face of each battery cell.

[0059] According to one aspect of the invention, the base of the spacer has a width less than the width of the lower face of the battery cell.

[0060] Advantageously, the battery cell assembly comprises n batteries, n being an integer greater than or equal to 3, and at least (n-1) inter-battery spacers, advantageously n inter-battery spacers. Brief description of the figures.

[0061] Other advantages and features of the invention will become clearer upon reading the description of a preferred embodiment which follows, with reference to the attached drawings, which are provided as illustrative and non-limiting examples and on which: [Fig. 1] is a schematic view of a battery. [Fig. 2] is a view of an embodiment of an inter-battery spacer according to the invention. [Fig. 3] is a schematic view of the inter-battery spacer of Figure 2 mounted around the battery shown in Figure 1. [Fig. 4] is a schematic view illustrating two contiguous batteries each resting on an inter-battery spacer according to the invention. [Fig. 5] is a side view of an inter-battery battery-spacer assembly, according to figure 3 or 4. [Fig. 6] is a top view of the assembly visible in figure 4. [Fig. 7] is a schematic view of a housing intended to house batteries with a cooling system by spraying these batteries. [Fig. 8] is a schematic view of the housing shown in figure 7 in which batteries have been arranged, each battery resting on an inter-battery spacer. Description of the implementation methods.

[0062] With reference to the orientations and directions of extension of the batteries 1 and the inter-battery spacers 10, the longitudinal direction is represented by the longitudinal axis X, while the vertical axis Z and the transverse axis Y represent the vertical and transverse directions, respectively. These axes together define a trihedron XYZ shown in Figures 1 to 3. In this coordinate system, the terms "up" or "upper" are represented by the positive direction of the vertical axis Z, and the terms "down" or "lower" are represented by the negative direction of the same vertical axis Z.

[0063] The thermal regulation system that is the subject of the invention aims to regulate the temperature of a battery pack 1, in particular a battery pack of a vehicle electric and / or hybrid vehicles. However, it can also be used in other types of vehicles or to regulate the temperature of other electrical and / or electronic components such as power electronics elements, for example, but not limited to, semiconductors such as diodes or transistors. It could also be used in computer server components. In a preferred embodiment, thermal regulation consists of cooling the cells of the battery pack 1.

[0064] Thus, if we consider battery 1 and inter-battery spacer 10 represented respectively in figures 1 and 2, their height is considered along the Z axis, their length along the X axis and their width along the Y axis.

[0065] Battery 1 can be schematically represented as a general rectangular parallelepiped. This parallelepiped shape has a length, a width, and a height. Each battery 1 has an opposing upper face 2 and lower face 3 connected by two of the large lateral faces 4, 5 and two small lateral faces 6, 7.

[0066] When these batteries 1 are placed in a case 20 as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the upper face 2 of said batteries 1 is oriented opposite the lid of the case 20, while the lower face 3 of said batteries 1 is oriented opposite the bottom 21 of the case 20. The opposing upper face 2 and lower face 3 extend lengthwise and widthwise along one or more batteries 1. The two large lateral faces 4, 5 extend heightwise (Z) and lengthwise (X) along the battery 1. The two small lateral faces 6, 7 extend widthwise (Y) and heightwise (Z). Of course, all other shapes for the batteries 1 are possible.

[0067] The large lateral faces 4, 5 each have a central portion defined as representing 50% of the surface of said large lateral faces, at the level of the central part of each of said faces.

[0068] As can be seen in Figure 8, the batteries 1 are arranged in a row or in several rows within the internal volume of the casing 20. If there are several rows of batteries 1, they are advantageously arranged parallel to each other. Indeed, the casing 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.

[0069] The housing 20 may have different dimensions and shape than those illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, provided that this housing 20 fulfills its function of housing the batteries 1, the latter 1 advantageously resting on a base 21 in a manner aligned with each other. Advantageously, the case 20 housing the batteries 1 is sealed against external fluids so as not to corrupt the integrity of the batteries 1.

[0070] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of an inter-battery spacer 10 according to the invention.

[0071] In this embodiment, the base 11 of the inter-battery spacer 10 is rectangular and perforated, comprising three rectangular recesses 12. These recesses 12 are advantageously located between the longitudinal segments 18 so that the perforated base 11 has four sections 14 extending widthwise, connecting two large sections 15 extending lengthwise. Of course, the perforated base 11 can have different shapes and dimensions, provided that it fulfills its function of supporting a battery 1 by its lower face 3 and that it allows the dielectric fluid to come into contact with this lower face 3 through recesses 12. These recesses 12 can be of various shapes and sizes without compromising the mechanical strength of the base 11.

[0072] It can be noted however that the base 1 1 is open at least 50% - the cutouts 12 made in the base represent a surface of at least 50% of said base 1 1 - advantageously at least 70%, or even at least 80%.

[0073] The inter-battery spacer 10 also includes four longitudinal segments 18 extending vertically. These segments 18 all extend from the perforated base 11 along a single vertical side of this base 11. Two segments 18' are located at the two opposite ends of the perforated base 11, while two segments 18" are located in a so-called central portion, referring to the central portions 8 of the large lateral faces of the batteries 1. These four segments 18 here have the same height but we can of course consider that each segment 18 has a different height from the other segments 18 or that a first group of segments, for example the segments 18', have a first height while a second group of segments, for example the segments 18”, have a second height, different from the first height.

[0074] According to one possibility offered by the invention, the extreme longitudinal segments 18', i.e., those intended to be located near the small lateral faces 6, 7, comprise at least one lateral stud, not shown in the accompanying figures, extending transversely (along the Y-axis). Such lateral studs serve to secure the battery 1 in the housing 20 by bearing against or making contact with the lateral walls 22 of the housing 20. It is also possible to envisage that the longitudinal segments 18" located in or at the level of the central portion 8 are provided with one or more such lateral studs.

[0075] Of course, the number and dimensions of the longitudinal segments 18 may be different as long as they fulfill their main functions of constraining the battery 1, in particular at the central portion 8 of its large lateral faces 4, 5, when heating the latter 1 as well as spacing with a contiguous battery 1.

[0076] As previously mentioned, in addition to these primary functions, there is a secondary function concerning the facilitation of the flow of the dielectric fluid, particularly along its large lateral faces 4, 5. To achieve this, these longitudinal segments 18 extend vertically – the dielectric fluid flow occurring essentially vertically from the upper face of the batteries due to gravity – and cover a small area of ​​the large lateral face 4 or 5 against which they rest or are in contact. Thus, as previously discussed, the surface area of ​​a large lateral face 4, 5 is occupied by the longitudinal segments 18 to a maximum of 10%, advantageously to a maximum of 5%. It can also be noted that the longitudinal segments 18 are not necessarily in contact with the battery 1 and may have a minimal distance from it, on the order of 0.5 mm or less.

[0077] Finally, the base 16 consists of vertical supports. These vertical supports 16 extend, on the one hand, along the longitudinal segments 18, from one of the large sections 15 of the base 11, and on the other hand, along the intersections of the other large section 15 of the base 11 with each of the transverse sections 14. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, eight vertical supports 16 form the base of the openwork base 11. Of course, the number and dimensions of these supports 16 may differ from this embodiment, provided 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.

[0078] When a battery 1 is mounted on an inter-battery spacer 10, it can be seen in the embodiment of Figure 3 that the longitudinal segments 18 do not extend vertically to the upper surface 3 of the battery 1. However, these longitudinal segments 18 can have at most a height identical to that of the battery 1.

[0079] Figures 4 to 6 illustrate two batteries 1, each with an inter-battery spacer 10. The batteries 1 are identical in size and shape, but again, it is possible for the batteries 1 to have a different size and / or shape, provided that they 1 have a face 4 or 5 facing each other and a lower face 3 intended to rest on the base 1, which is perforated by an inter-battery spacer 10. The distance between two contiguous batteries 1 is approximately equal to the width (along the Y axis) of a longitudinal segment 18, so that the latter 18 is advantageously in contact, or at a very small distance (less than 0.5 mm) from the two large lateral faces 4, 5 of each of the two contiguous batteries 1.

[0080] The side view, figure 5, shows that the longitudinal segments 18 can have a variable length (along the X axis), the two end segments 18' having a length approximately 150% greater than that of the segments 18” intended to cover or contact the central portion 8. The end segments 18' extend in the immediate vicinity of the small lateral faces 6, 7 of a battery 1 while the longitudinal segments 18” of the central portion 8 extend at the level of said portion 8 representing centrally 50% of the surface of a large lateral face 4, 5.

[0081] In this example, the inter-battery spacer 10 comprises two end segments 18' and two so-called central segments 18" (located in or at the level of the central portion 8), but of course the number of longitudinal segments 18 can vary. Nevertheless, there will always be at least one longitudinal segment 18" in or at the level of the central portion 8 of a large lateral face 4, 5, whereas the end segments 18' may not exist for a spacer 10. Furthermore, according to an advantageous embodiment, the number of longitudinal segments 18" located in the central portion 8 is at least equal to the number of end longitudinal segments 18', the latter 18' being at most two in number.

[0082] In the context of this invention, a "dielectric fluid" is defined as a medium that does not contain any electrical charges capable of macroscopic movement. Such a medium is therefore not a conductor of electric current and can be defined as an electrical insulator. Currently, mineral oils hold nearly 95% of this market, given their use here as a battery cooling fluid.

[0083] The dielectric fluid intended to circulate in the cooling circuit of the batteries 1, not shown in the accompanying figures, is chosen based on its phase change temperatures. More specifically, the dielectric fluid must be characterized by at least one phase change temperature such that, when sprayed towards the batteries in a liquid state, it is capable of partially vaporizing upon contact with said batteries 1. This is referred to as a two-phase dielectric fluid, as it exhibits two different phases during its circulation in the thermal regulation system. For example, the dielectric fluid must have an evaporation temperature at atmospheric pressure above approximately 32-34°C and a condensation temperature below approximately 29-31°C.

[0084] The dielectric fluid circuit is not visible in the accompanying figures, but it typically includes a device for circulating the dielectric fluid, such as a pump. The flow of the dielectric fluid within the circuit can be controlled via this device and a fluid storage reservoir. Dielectric fluid can also be provided. Once sprayed, particularly in liquid phase, the dielectric fluid can be re-aspirated by another pump. The re-aspirated dielectric fluid can optionally be conveyed to a heat exchanger for cooling before being reintroduced into the dielectric fluid circuit for thermal regulation of batteries 1.

[0085] The dielectric fluid circuit may include one or more pipes for supplying the spray nozzle(s) 23. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, only one spray nozzle 23 is shown, the latter 23 being connected to a deflector 24 for vaporizing and dispersing the dielectric fluid over a large number of batteries 1 adjacent to the spray nozzle 23.

[0086] As mentioned previously, the spray zone and the dielectric fluid recovery zone are advantageously located on either side of the thermally regulated batteries 1. The spray zone is situated in the upper part of the housing 20, while the recovery zone is located in the lower part of the housing 20.

[0087] Although the invention has been described in connection with several particular embodiments, it is clearly evident that it is by no means limited to them and that it includes all technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention.

[0088] The arrangement of the various elements and / or means and / or steps of the invention, in the embodiments described above, should not be understood as requiring such an arrangement in all implementations. In any event, it will be understood that various modifications may be made to these elements and / or means and / or steps without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular: - there may be longitudinal segments 18 covering and / or in contact with the other faces of battery 1, either the other large lateral face 4 or 5 as well as one or both small lateral faces 6, 7; - the batteries 1 can be replaced by any type of component or module to be thermally regulated using a dielectric fluid; - the dielectric fluid circuit can be different, both in terms of structure and in terms of function, as long as it supplies the batteries 1 essentially on the upper faces 2 of the latter 1, or even on the small lateral faces 6, 7; - the housing 20 which houses the batteries 1 may be different, both in dimensions and in shape, provided that it fulfills its function of housing said batteries 1; - the dielectric fluid and the means used for its action of cooling the batteries 1 may be different.

[0089] The use of the verb "comporter", "comprendre" or "include" and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those stated in a claim.

[0090] In claims, any reference sign in parentheses shall not be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.

Claims

Demands

1. Inter-battery spacer (10) for spacing two adjacent battery cells (1) in a battery cell housing (20) (I) of a vehicle, the first and second battery cells (1), for example substantially identical, each in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped having two large lateral faces (4, 5), two small lateral faces (6, 7), a lower face (3) and an upper face (2), the first and second battery cells (1) being configured to be aligned and contiguous respectively at one of their large lateral faces (4, 5), characterized in that the spacer (10) consists of a single-piece element positioned in contact around the first battery cell (1), said spacer (10) comprising: - a base (1 1 ) on which is intended to rest at least in part said lower face (3) of the first battery cell (1 ), and - a plurality of longitudinal segments (18) extending from said base (II) towards said upper face (2) of said first battery cell (1), at least one of said longitudinal segments (18) extending along the large lateral face (4 or 5) contiguous to the second battery cell (1) so that said segment (18) is configured to come into contact with the contiguous second battery cell (1).

2. Inter-battery spacer (10) according to claim 1, wherein said base (11) has a foot (16) intended to raise the battery cell relative to a bottom (21) of the housing (20).

3. Inter-battery spacer (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base (11) is perforated.

4. An inter-battery spacer (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal segments (18) comprise at least one extremal longitudinal segment (18'), advantageously two, configured to be located in the immediate vicinity of a of the aforementioned small lateral faces (6 or 7), advantageously respectively of the two small lateral faces (6, 7). [Claims] Inter-battery spacer (10) according to claim 4, wherein said extremal longitudinal segment(s) (18') comprises at least one lateral stud extending transversely.

6. Thermal regulation system for a set of battery cells (1) in a motor vehicle casing (20), said system comprising: - a set of battery cells (1) comprising at least a first and a second battery cell (1), the first and second battery cells (1) being in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped having two large lateral faces (4, 5), two small lateral faces (6, 7), a lower face (3) and an upper face (2), the first and second battery cells (1) being aligned contiguous at one of their large lateral faces (4, 5), - a housing (20) accommodating the battery cell assembly (1), said housing (20) having a base (21), characterized in that said thermal regulation system comprises at least one inter-battery spacer (10) according to any one of the preceding claims disposed in the housing (20), preferably on the base (21) of the housing (20), the battery cells (1) being separated by and resting on at least the inter-battery spacer (10).

7. Thermal regulation system according to the preceding claim, wherein all the longitudinal segments (18) of the spacer extend along the large lateral face (4 or 5) of the first battery cell (1) contiguous to the second battery cell (1).

8. Thermal regulation system according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein at least two longitudinal segments (18”), preferably at least half of the longitudinal segments (18), extend into a central portion (8) of the large lateral face (4, 5) of the first battery cell (1) contiguous to the second battery cell (1), said central portion (8) representing at most 50% of said large face (4, 5).

9. Thermal regulation system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the longitudinal segments (18) occupy at most 10%, advantageously at most 5%, of the surface of the large lateral face (4, 5) of the first battery cell (1) contiguous to the second battery cell (1).

10. Thermal regulation system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein at least one of said longitudinal segments (18), advantageously all of the longitudinal segments, extends lengthwise over the entire lateral face (4, 5) of the first battery cell (1)-

11. Thermal regulation system according to claim 6 to 10, further comprising at least one spray nozzle (23) of a dielectric fluid, connected to a supply circuit for the transport of said fluid, said nozzle (23) being configured to spray said at least two battery cells (1), preferably at the level of their upper (2) and / or lateral (6, 7) faces, so that the dielectric fluid flows by gravity from said upper (2) / lateral (6, 7) face to the lower (3) face of each battery cell (1).

12. Thermal regulation system according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the base (11) of the spacer (10) has a width less than the width of the lower face (3) of the battery cell (1)-

13. Thermal regulation system according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the battery cell assembly (1) comprises n batteries, n being an integer greater than 3, and at least (n-1) inter-battery spacers (10), advantageously n inter-battery spacers (10).

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