SPECIAL BATTERY BUSBARS

Abstract

Interconnection structure (2A) for connecting cells (C1, C2) of a battery, said interconnection structure comprising: a receiving receptacle (10) for a set of conductive elements (21), said receptacle having at least one wall (11, 111) extending opposite a first contact zone (Z11), connected to a negative or positive terminal of at least one first cell (C1), and a first contact zone (Z12), connected to a negative or positive terminal of at least one second cell (C2) of a group of cells (C1, C2), said receiving receptacle containing an array of conductive elements (21) in contact with each other, and suitable for being arranged between said wall (11, 111) and said first contact zones (Z11, Z12) of said first cell (C1) and second cell (C2), said receptacle comprising at least an opening (31,41) to allow the said conductive elements (21) to be introduced into said receptacle and / or the said conductive elements (21) to be removed from said receptacle. Figure for the abbreviation: 3C.,

Description

Title of the invention: PARTICULAR BATTERY BUSBARS

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD AND STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

[0002] The present application relates to the field of electric batteries, and more particularly aims at a particular interconnection structure for battery cells.

[0003] An electric battery conventionally comprises a plurality of elementary rechargeable electrical energy storage cells connected in series and / or in parallel between a positive terminal and a negative terminal for supplying voltage to the battery. The cells are generally arranged in a protective casing leaving the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery accessible.

[0004] Elementary cells are typically electrochemical batteries or accumulators. In a battery, the cells are generally electrically connected to each other by means of metallic current collector structures also called "busbars". In the majority of cases, these collectors are rigid and flat parts, assembled by welding to the cells. The assembly is therefore generally carried out irreversibly. Typically, the electrical connection between cells can only be removed by altering or unsoldering the collector, which risks also altering the cells.

[0005] Thus, if for example for safety or transport reasons, it is desired to eliminate the electrical connection between certain cells, it would be desirable to improve this aspect at least in part. Statement of the invention

[0006] According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to an interconnection structure for connecting together cells of a battery, said interconnection structure comprising:

[0007] a receiving receptacle for a set of conductive elements, the receptacle being provided with at least one first wall, advantageously insulating, extending opposite a first contact zone, connected to a negative or positive terminal of at least one first cell and a first contact zone, connected to a negative or positive terminal of at least one second cell of a group of cells,

[0008] the receiving receptacle containing a cluster of conductive elements in contact with each other, and capable of being arranged between the first wall and the first contact zones of the first cell and the second cell,

[0009] the receptacle comprising at least one opening to allow introduction of the conductive elements into the receptacle and / or evacuation of the conductive elements from the receptacle.

[0010] Rapid connection of cells can be achieved using such a structure.

[0011] The electrical connection established by the cluster of conductive elements with certain cells can also be removed when the conductive elements are removed from the receptacle.

[0012] Such a structure also offers facilities for disassembly and recycling of an assembly of cells.

[0013] A rapid connection and / or disconnection of cells at low cost can be implemented with such a structure.

[0014] Such an interconnection structure is particularly suitable for securing batteries during assembly, disassembly, transport or dreaded events.

[0015] Conductive elements, also called "conductive particles", are solid parts of micrometric and / or millimetric dimensions having at least one conductive coating.

[0016] The conductive elements can be in the form of conductive balls or conductive particles, or conductive cylinders such as conductive pucks or conductive rollers or conductive discs.

[0017] The cluster of conductive elements thus has a fluid-like behavior which allows rapid connection and / or disconnection without, however, posing any leak-tightness control problem.

[0018] The porous nature of the conductive cluster can also advantageously allow the passage of a cooling fluid which enables cooling to be achieved at the heart of the interconnection structure.

[0019] Such an interconnection structure is easily removable and can be implemented without having to perform welding.

[0020] According to one possible embodiment of the interconnection structure, the receptacle comprises, typically in an upper region, a receiving opening, to allow the introduction of the conductive elements into the receptacle.

[0021] This reception opening may possibly form an evacuation outlet for the conductive elements.

[0022] Preferably, the receptacle comprises an outlet opening forming an outlet for discharging the conductive elements.

[0023] In this case, the interconnection structure typically comprises a movable closure element, between at least a first position in which the closure element closes the outlet opening and at least a second position in which the outlet opening is clear so as to allow the conductive elements to be evacuated from the receptacle.

[0024] According to a particular embodiment, the receptacle comprises in a region su upper, a receiving opening, the outlet opening being separate from the receiving opening and arranged downstream of the receiving opening so as to allow the conductive elements to be evacuated from the receptacle by the action of the force of gravity on the conductive elements. Optionally, a structure for closing the receiving opening may also be provided. Advantageously, this closing structure may be conductive and act as an electrical contact.

[0025] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the closure element is conductive and configured to, in the first position, convey an electrical potential to the cluster of conductive elements. In this case, the closure element may be, in its first position, connected to ground or to a given polarization potential. This closure element may also form an electrical contact.

[0026] Advantageously, the receptacle further comprises a bottom wall formed from a conductive zone advantageously capable of being connected to ground or to a power supply or of connecting another cluster of conductive elements.

[0027] According to a particular embodiment, this bottom wall is at least partly formed from the shutter element.

[0028] According to a particular embodiment, the receptacle may be provided with a second wall, advantageously insulating, opposite said first wall, the second wall comprising holes for receiving the first cell and the second cell, the receiving holes extending between a first main face and a second main face of the second wall, the receiving holes being configured to reveal respectively the first contact zone of the first cell and the first contact zone of the second cell.

[0029] According to one possible embodiment, the receptacle further comprises a plate, of given thickness, arranged between the first wall and the second wall, the plate being provided with slots for receiving the conductive elements, the receiving slots passing through the given thickness of the plate so as to open onto said first wall.

[0030] According to one possible implementation of the interconnection structure, said reception receptacle may be insulating and / or the first wall may be insulating and / or the second wall may be insulating, and / or said plate may be insulating.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment, the receptacle comprises a structure for compressing the conductive elements in the receiving slots. It is thus possible to improve the quality of the electrical contact between, on the one hand, the cluster of conductive elements and, on the other hand, the first cell and the second cell.

[0032] According to a particular embodiment, the conductive elements are arranged in a staggered pattern alternately on at least a first vertical row of conductive elements and on at least a second vertical row of conductive elements in contact with the first row. Such an arrangement facilitates the compression of the cluster and the achievement of homogeneous electrical contact.

[0033] According to another aspect, the present application aims to protect an assembly of an electric battery device comprising:

[0034] - an interconnection structure as defined above,

[0035] - an assembly of cells, preferably in a matrix arrangement, the cell assembly comprising the first cell and the second cell.

[0036] The first cell and the second cell may be stacked in the assembly.

[0037] The cell assembly may be provided with at least one third cell juxtaposed with the first cell.

[0038] Advantageously, in the battery device, the interconnection structure is connected to a first end of the first cell and the second cell and the device further comprises a second interconnection structure as defined previously, this second interconnection structure being arranged so that the assembly of cells is arranged between the interconnection structure and the second interconnection structure, the second interconnection structure being connected to the second first end of the first cell and the second cell opposite respectively the first end of the first cell and the first end of the second cell.

[0039] The second interconnect structure may be connected to at least one other cell of another group of cells, the second interconnect structure being disposed between the cell assembly and the other group of cells. Brief description of the drawings

[0040] The present invention will be better understood on reading the description of exemplary embodiments given, for purely indicative and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0041] [Fig. 1] serves to illustrate a first embodiment of an interconnection structure for battery cells formed of a receptacle and millimetric or micrometric conductive elements in this receptacle;

[0042] [Fig.2A][Fig.2B] serves to illustrate different forms of conductive elements that the interconnection structure is likely to contain;

[0043] [Fig.3A][Fig.3B][Fig.3C] serves to illustrate different configurations of the interconnection structure allowing alternately the filling of the receptacle with its conductive elements and the emptying of the receptacle with its conductive elements;

[0044] [Fig.4] serves to illustrate a particular arrangement of receptacle and millimetric or micrometric conductive element in this receptacle;

[0045] [Fig.5] serves to illustrate a particular staggered arrangement of the elements conductors within the receptacle;

[0046] [Fig.6] serves to illustrate a particular configuration for which insulating elements are interposed within the receptacle between two stages of conductive elements in order to electrically dissociate these two stages;

[0047] [Fig.7A][Fig.7B] serves to illustrate a particular arrangement of receptacle for millimeter or micrometer conductive elements in order to produce an interconnection structure;

[0048] Furthermore, in the following description, terms which depend on the orientation of the device such as for example "vertical", "horizontal", apply considering that the device is oriented in the manner illustrated in the figures.

[0049] Identical, similar or equivalent parts of the different figures bear the same numerical references so as to facilitate the transition from one figure to another.

[0050] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

[0051] We now refer to [Fig.l] giving an example of embodiment of a 2A interconnection structure for a battery.

[0052] The battery, for example of the lithium-ion type, is formed from a set of batteries or accumulators also called cells Ci, C2, C3, C4, and electrically connected together so as to create an electrical generator of the desired voltage and capacity.

[0053] The interconnection structure 2A has a receiving receptacle 10 near the cells formed in this example of at least one envelope or wall forming here an enclosure around regions, in particular end regions of several cells C i, C2. The receptacle 10 is advantageously provided here with at least one wall 11 of insulating material, for example a thermostable plastic material such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone), a thermoplastic polymer such as polypropylene (PP), or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), a polyamide (PA), a polycarbonate (PC).

[0054] This receiving receptacle 10 contains a group, typically in the form of a cluster or stack of conductive elements 21 also called “particles”, in solid form and in contact with each other. The conductive elements 21 can take different shapes. For example, in [Fig.2A], the conductive elements 21 have the shape of a ball, while in [Fig.2B], the conductive elements 21 have the shape of a flat cylinder, in particular a pebble or puck or disc. Other shapes, for example grain shapes, can be provided. It is possible to favor a unity of shape and dimension of the conductive elements 21 between them. It is also possible in certain cases to provide a filling with conductive elements of different sizes in order, if necessary, to reduce as much as possible the empty spaces within the cluster of conductive elements and thus optimize its electrical conductivity.

[0055] The choice of material of the conductive elements 21 is preferably provided so as to give them the following properties: high electrical conductivity, low electrical contact resistance, resistance to corrosion and oxidation. For example, the conductive elements 21 may be made of copper or brass. The conductive elements 21 may also be provided on the surface with a particular coating, for example based on one or more of the following metallic materials: nickel, silver, or gold. A particular embodiment provides conductive elements in the form of brass discs with a nickel / gold plating.

[0056] The conductive elements 21 are typically micrometric or millimetric and have a size A which is preferably provided as a function of that D (D being here a dimension measured parallel to the z-axis of an orthogonal frame [O; x; y; z] on the [Fig.1]) of the contact areas of the cells on which they are intended to establish electrical contact.

[0057] The size A of the conductive elements 21 is advantageously between several tens of micrometers and several centimeters, in particular between several hundreds of micrometers and several millimeters. For example, conductive elements 21 of size A between 500 μm and 5 mm are provided, in particular when D is between 2 mm and 10 mm.

[0058] In the enclosure formed in particular by the wall 11, contact zones Zn, Zn respectively of at least one first cell Ci and of at least one second cell C2 of the battery are revealed. To allow an electrical connection between this first cell Ci and this second cell C2, the cluster or stack of conductive elements 21 is arranged opposite and in contact with a contact zone Zn of the first cell Ci and with a contact zone Zi2 of the second cell C2 revealed and opposite which the insulating wall 11 does not extend.

[0059] Thus, using such a structure, one or more inter-cell electrical connections are produced (in the example of [Fig.l] between superimposed or stacked cells) by means of an electrically conductive medium with semi-fluid behavior.

[0060] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.l], the receptacle 10 comprises an opening 31 located in an upper region 10A of the latter. The opening 31 is here a receiving opening to allow the introduction of the conductive elements 21.

[0061] The receptacle 10 can, if necessary, allow the transport and storage of batteries without the conductive elements 21 being present, the different cells of the battery then being isolated from each other and the battery then being inactive, which provides a safety gain.

[0062] The addition of the conductive elements 21 can then be carried out only when it is desired to make the battery operational and usable, as shown on the right of [Fig.l].

[0063] Once the battery is activated by inserting the conductive elements 21, one can also In some cases, for example for transporting the cell assembly and / or for safety reasons, it may be necessary to break the electrical connection between at least several cells in the assembly. To do this, the receptacle 10 can be emptied of its conductive elements 21.

[0064] The receptacle 10 can thus be provided with at least one evacuation outlet allowing the evacuation of the conductive elements 21 from said receptacle 10.

[0065] In the particular embodiment illustrated in [Fig.l], it is the receiving opening 31 which forms said evacuation outlet of said conductive elements 21.

[0066] An improved embodiment provides an evacuation outlet through a separate outlet 41 from the one through which the conductive elements 21 are introduced. Such an embodiment meets the need for rapid disconnection by allowing the conductive elements 21 to be quickly evacuated from the receptacle 10.

[0067] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3A-3C, showing respectively the empty receptacle 10, the same receptacle 10 filled with conductive elements 21 and in a first configuration, this same receptacle 10 filled with conductive elements 21 in a second configuration called "emptying" through the outlet opening 41.

[0068] The outlet opening 41 is located in a lower region 10B of the receptacle 10 and can be closed by means of a closing element 50 movable between several positions, and in particular at least a first position called "closed" (FIGS. 3A and 3B) in which the closing element 50 closes said outlet opening 41 and at least a second position called "open" ([Fig. 3C]) in which the outlet opening 41 is clear, in order to allow an exit of the conductive elements 21 through this outlet opening 41.

[0069] The shutter element 50 can, for example, be in the form of a hatch, in particular a pivoting hatch as in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3A-3C, or, for example, a sliding hatch, i.e., one that can be moved in translation. The shutter element 50 can be actuation mechanically or electromechanically.

[0070] Optionally, the drain control can be triggered by the battery management system (BMS for "Battery Management System").

[0071] Thus, using a structure with reduced size and cost, the receptacle of these conductive elements 21 can be filled or emptied as needed, in order to establish or break the electrical connections between cells Ci, C2.

[0072] In the closed position of the shutter element, the mass of conductive elements is designed to guarantee electrical continuity. The mass of conductor has a behavior similar to a fluid. Thus, the structure of these particles can be "filled" or "emptied" as needed, in order to ensure or break the electrical connections between cells, and this, for a lower cost and space requirement compared to existing solutions. However, using conductive elements or conductive particles in solid form rather than a conductive liquid makes maintaining a watertight seal easier and without the constraints related to the toxicity of certain conductive liquids such as mercury.

[0073] Furthermore, the set of conductive particles or elements forms a porous medium which is likely to allow, depending on the arrangement of the receptacle 10, a circulation of fluid, in particular of air inside the receptacle 10 in order to possibly achieve a possible cooling.

[0074] It is possible to plan to use the conductive elements as a thermal management vector as close as possible to the cells.

[0075] The fluid put into circulation can itself, by measuring its temperature after being put into circulation through the cluster of conductive elements, be used to identify any heating within the assembly and in particular at the level of the interconnection structure.

[0076] It is also possible to provide for the conductive elements to be circulated towards a cold / hot source, then brought back into contact with the interconnection cells.

[0077] Filling and emptying can be carried out quickly. For example, following the detection of an electrical fault within the cell assembly, the conductive elements of the interconnecting structure are emptied. The sealing element 50 is then moved into the second position, in which the discharge outlet is open. The receptacle 10 can also be emptied for the purpose of transporting the cell assembly, for example, for safety reasons or to prevent accidental cell discharge.

[0078] An assembly of cells Ci, C2, C3, C4 can be provided with a plurality of connection structures 2B, 2C as described above. Thus, in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1, 3A-3C, a first interconnection structure 2A is arranged at one end of a group of cells Ci, C2 stacked here, while at another end opposite the first, a second interconnection structure 2B is arranged and connected to the same group of cells Ci, C2. Different possibilities for connecting cells in series or in parallel can be implemented.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the first connection structure 2A makes it possible to connect the negative terminals of different cells to each other, while the second connection structure 2B makes it possible to connect their positive terminals to each other, but other types of connection are possible depending on the positioning of the respective negative and positive terminals of each cell in the assembly.

[0080] The same connection structure can be connected to several distinct groups of cells. Thus, in the example illustrated in Figures 1, 3A-3B, the second structure Connection structure 2B is connected to a first stack of cells Ci, C2 and to a second stack of cells C3, C4. In this particular example, this structure 2B allows a cell Ci, C2 from the first stack to be connected in series with a cell C3, C4 from the second stack. A third connection structure 2C is connected to the other end of the stack of cells C3, C4, opposite to the end on which the second connection structure 2B is arranged.

[0081] In addition to connecting stacked cells, i.e., cells located in the same vertical plane (plane parallel to the [O;°x;°z] plane in Figures 1 and 3A-3C), a connection structure 2A, 2B as described above can also connect juxtaposed cells, i.e., cells located in the same horizontal plane (plane parallel to the [O;x;y] plane in [Fig. 1]). The first connection structure 2A typically allows the parallel connection of the different cells (not visible in the figures) of the same horizontal row as cell Cp.

[0082] To enable the polarization or electrical supply of the cells, a conductive zone 61 A, 61B, 61C may be associated with or integrated into each interconnection structure 2A, 2B, 2C and placed in contact with a portion of the cluster of conductive elements 21 located in the receptacle 10. This conductive zone 61A, 61B, 61C, for example in the form of a track or a metal strip, may advantageously form a portion of the receptacle 10. Thus, in the particular embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3A-3C, each conductive zone 61 A, 61B, 61C forms a wall of the receptacle 10, in particular a bottom wall of the receptacle 10.

[0083] The cluster of conductive elements 21 of the first structure 2A is thus in contact with a conductive zone 61A set to a first given potential, for example corresponding to the ground potential or 0 volts. The cluster of conductive elements 21 of the second structure 2B is in turn put into contact with a second conductive zone 61B set to a second potential, distinct from the given potential, for example 4 volts.

[0084] The connection of the cells to each other and to their respective power supplies is done here without having to carry out any welding.

[0085] The disconnection of the cells from each other and from their respective power supplies is done here without having to disassemble or unsolder or even destroy interconnection tracks or the poles of the cells.

[0086] Optionally, the emptying of the respective receptacles 10 of the interconnection structures 2A, 2B, 2C can be carried out simultaneously and their respective sealing elements 50 are in this case acted concurrently.

[0087] The receptacle 10 containing the conductive elements 21 can take a different form from that previously described.

[0088] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 4], the receptacle 10 is equipped with a plate 102, typically made of insulating material which can be chosen for example from the following: PP, ABS, PA, PC, PEEK with slots 105, 106 in which the conductive elements 21 are stacked. The slots extend from one main face to the other of the plate 102, in other words here through its entire thickness e (dimension measured parallel to the x-axis of the orthogonal coordinate system [O; x; y; z] given in [Fig. 4].

[0089] The thickness e of the plate 102 corresponding to the height of the slots 105, 106 may be for example several millimeters, for example 5 mm, while their width d may be smaller, for example of the order of 1.6 mm. The slots 105, 106 may be designed to accommodate at least one column of conductive disks. These disks are for example 4 mm in diameter and 1.4 mm thick so as to easily slide in the slots 105, 106.

[0090] Walls 111, 112 are arranged on either side against the main faces of the plate 102. These walls 111, 112 are advantageously insulating. The walls 111, 112 are each provided with holes 115 passing through and opening onto portions of the slots 105, 106 and of the plate 102. The holes 115 are provided to accommodate the accumulator cells. Each hole 115 of a wall 111 is typically arranged opposite another hole 115 of the opposite wall 111. Thus, a connection, for example a series connection, of different columns or vertical rows of cells arranged opposite one another can be implemented.

[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, the holes 115 have a matrix arrangement, to accommodate a matrix of cells arranged in horizontal rows (or lines) and in vertical rows of cells. The different columns or horizontal rows of cells may be separated by a space d2 typically of several millimeters, for example 5 mm for cells themselves having a diameter of the order of 18 to 26 mm. The different rows of cells may also be separated by a space di of several millimeters, for example 2 mm in particular for cells having the aforementioned diameter. The cells (not shown in this figure) are thus connected to each other only by means of conductive elements 21 located in the slots.

[0092] Fastening means are provided to hold the walls 111, 112 and the intermediate plate 102 located between these walls 111, 112 together. A particular embodiment provides fastening means 133 with screws or bolts passing through an insulating wall 112, the plate 102, and another insulating wall 111.

[0093] A particular example of the arrangement of the conductive elements 21 in the receptacle 10 is given in [Fig. 5]. The conductive elements 21, here in the form of conductive discs 122, have a so-called "staggered" arrangement, i.e., in staggered rows of conductive elements in contact with each other in the groove 105 or receiving slot of the plate 102. Such a configuration makes it possible to maintain a Good quality electrical contact and good uniformity of contact resistance from one end to the other of the interconnect structure are essential. However, a single column of conductive discs can also achieve good electrical contact.

[0094] According to one variant of the configuration, in the receptacle 10 of conductive elements 21, and in particular when these conductive elements 21 are arranged in vertical rows of stacked conductive elements 21, it is possible to introduce insulating elements 161 in order not to connect certain superimposed cells together.

[0095] Thus, in the particular embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 6], insulating elements 141, for example in the form of insulating discs 142, are arranged in clusters between two groups of conductive discs 122 in order to establish an electrical discontinuity, these two groups of conductive discs and the accumulator cells which are in contact with them not being connected to each other.

[0096] By introducing electrically insulating particles into a slot 105, 106, it is advantageous to impose different electrical potentials on different cells of the same column.

[0097] In an arrangement of stacked conductive elements 21 as illustrated in [Fig.5], the electrical resistance can be advantageously reduced by applying pressure to the top of the column of conductive elements 21. Thus, a structure for compressing the cluster of conductive elements 21 arranged in the receptacle 10 of the interconnection structure can be provided.

[0098] In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7A, 7B, a structure 160 for compressing the conductive elements is thus provided. This structure 160 comprises one or more flexible end pieces 162 configured to penetrate into the slots 105 and apply pressure to the clusters of conductive elements 21, for example in the form of a disc. The flexible end pieces 162 may be made, for example, of elastomeric material. The end pieces 162 are here arranged on a rigid support, for example in the form of a bar 165. The compression structure 160 is, in the example illustrated, provided with fixing elements, for example in the form of screws 167 making it possible to hold the bar against the plate 102. The bar 165 also forms a closing element for the receptacle 10 in which the conductive elements are arranged.

[0099] The compression structure 160 in the upper part of the columns makes it possible to exert a vertical force on the columns of conductive elements, for example conductive discs. The flexible tip makes it possible to homogenize the pressure and maintain it in the event of shocks or vibrations.

[0100] Here again, to allow the connection between cells to be removed and possibly the electrical power supply to the cells to be removed, a shutter element 50 in the form hatch is moved to allow the release of the conductive elements or discs from the slots.

[0101] In the particular embodiment of Figures 7A-7B, respectively illustrating the closed position of the receptacle 10 and an open position of the receptacle 10, collection containers 171 may be provided downstream of the evacuation outlet 41 in order to recover the conductive elements 21.

[0102] In this example and as for the embodiment examples presented previously, having an outlet in the lower part, it is gravity, possibly aided by a compression force which can help the emptying or even ensure the emptying of the conductive elements (not shown in this figure) by a form of flow.

[0103] When the slots (not visible in the figures) of the receptacle 10 are filled with conductive elements (not visible in the figures), an electrical connection is created between the faces of the cells Cn, C2b, and C3i in the same column, as well as with the faces of the cells Ci2, C22, and C32 in an adjacent column. In this example, this results in the parallel connection of the cells Cn, C2i, and C3i in the same column, and the series connection of the cells Cn and Ci2 (respectively C2i and C22, C3i and C32) in two consecutive columns.

[0104] In a lower region of the cell columns, the shutter element 150 is here in the form of a hatch composed of at least one conductive part. The shutter element 150 can thus serve here both as a bottom wall for the receptacle 10 and to make an electrical connection. For example, this conductive part is provided to electrically connect neighboring rows of conductive clusters or even conductive clusters connected to neighboring and juxtaposed distinct cell columns.

[0105] The shutter element 150 can be put in the open position for example by rotating the hatch around a hinge, in order to release the evacuation outlet 51 and to be able to release the conductive discs of the column ([Fig.7B]).

[0106] Some electrochemical cells have their negative and positive poles on the same face. In this case, care is typically taken to add an insulating part, for example an insulating film or an insulating layer, so as not to short-circuit the two terminals of the same cell with the same mass of conductive elements.

Claims

Claims

1. Interconnection structure (2A) for connecting together cells (Ci, C2) of a battery, said interconnection structure comprising: a receiving receptacle (10) for a set of conductive elements (21), said receptacle being provided with at least one first wall (11, 111), advantageously insulating, extending opposite a first contact zone (Zn), connected to a negative or positive terminal of at least one first cell (Ci) and a first contact zone (Zi2), connected to a negative or positive terminal of at least one second cell (C2) of a group of cells (Cb C2), said receiving receptacle being configured to contain a cluster of conductive elements (21) in contact with each other, and capable of being arranged between said first wall (11, 111) and said first contact zones (ZnZi2) of said first cell (Ci) and the second cell (C2), said receptacle comprising at least one opening (31,41) to allow said receptacle to be filled with said conductive elements and / or said conductive elements (21) to be removed from said receptacle, said receptacle (10) comprising a second wall (112) opposite said first wall (11), said second wall comprising holes (115) for receiving the first cell (Cl) and the second cell (2), said holes (115) extending between a first main face and a second main face of the second wall (112), said receiving holes (115) being configured to reveal respectively the first contact zone (Zn) of the first cell (Ci) and the first contact zone (Zi2) of the second cell (C2).,

2. An interconnection structure according to claim 1, wherein said receptacle (10) comprises an outlet opening (41) forming an outlet for discharging said conductive elements (21), said structure (2A) further comprising a closure element (50, 150) movable between at least a first position in which the closure element (50, 150) closes said outlet opening (41) and at least a second position in which the outlet opening (41) is clear so as to allow the conductive elements (21) to be discharged from said receptacle.

3. An interconnection structure according to claim 2, wherein said receptacle (10) comprises, in an upper region (10A), a receiving opening (31), and wherein said outlet opening (41) is separate from the receiving opening (31) and arranged downstream of said receiving opening so as to allow the evacuation of the conductive elements (21) from said receptacle (10) by the action of the force of gravity on the conductive elements (21).

4. An interconnection structure according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the receptacle (10) is provided with a bottom wall at least partly formed from the shutter element (50, 150).

5. Interconnection structure according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said receptacle (10) further comprises a bottom wall (61 A) formed of a conductive zone (112, 150) advantageously capable of being connected to ground or to a power supply or of connecting another cluster of conductive elements.

6. Interconnection structure according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said receptacle (10) further comprises a plate (102) of given thickness, said plate (102) being arranged between the first wall (111) and the second wall (112), said plate (102) being provided with slots (105, 106) for receiving said conductive elements (21), said receiving slots passing through the given thickness of said plate so as to open onto said first wall (111).

7. An interconnection structure according to claim 6, wherein said receiving receptacle is insulating and / or wherein the first wall (111) is insulating and / or wherein the second wall (112) is insulating, and / or wherein said plate (102) is insulating.

8. Interconnection structure according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein said receptacle comprises a structure (160) for compressing the conductive elements (21) in said receiving slots (105, 106).

9. An interconnection structure according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the conductive elements (21) are in the form of conductive balls or conductive particles, or conductive cylinders such as conductive pucks or conductive rollers or conductive discs.

10. Interconnection structure according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which the conductive elements are arranged in a staggered pattern alternately on at least a first vertical row of conductive elements and on at least a second vertical row of conductive elements in contact with the first row.

11. Electric battery device comprising: - an interconnection structure according to one of claims 1 to 10, - an assembly of cells, preferably in a matrix arrangement, said assembly of cells comprising said first cell and said second cell.

12. 2A device according to claim 11, wherein the first cell and the second cell are stacked in said assembly, said assembly being provided with at least one third cell juxtaposed to the first cell.

13. 3Device according to one of claims 11 or 12 wherein said interconnection structure (2A) is connected to a first end of said first cell and said second cell, the device further comprising a second interconnection structure according to one of claims 1 to 10, said second interconnection structure being arranged so that the assembly of cells is arranged between said interconnection structure and said second interconnection structure, said second interconnection structure being connected to the second end of said first cell and said second cell opposite the first end.

14. 4A device according to claim 13, wherein the second interconnection structure is connected to at least one other cell of another group of cells, said second interconnection structure being arranged between said assembly of cells and said other group of cells.

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