Battery cell spacer for a battery pack

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery cell spacer for a battery pack, preferably in the form of a parallelepiped plate, having a first large face and a second large parallel face defining a heat transfer fluid flow zone, and wherein: - each large face (30) comprises repetitive chevron-shaped relief patterns (35) extending over its surface, the spaces between said patterns defining fluid circulation channels (36), - the patterns (35) of the first large face are arranged in a reverse arrangement to the patterns (35) of the second large face, so as to define a mesh structure having openings (37) ensuring fluid communication between the channels (36) of said first large face and the channels (36) of said second large face. Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Battery cell spacer for a battery pack technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a spacer for spacing battery cells in a battery pack. The invention also relates to a vehicle battery pack comprising such a spacer and a thermal regulation system for such a battery pack.

[0002] The invention relates in particular to the technical field of thermal regulation of electrical energy storage elements, especially battery elements, which are capable of releasing heat during their operation. The invention applies preferably, but not exclusively, to the automotive field and more particularly to the field of electric and / or hybrid vehicles. Prior art

[0003] The electrical energy of electric and / or hybrid vehicles is supplied by one or more battery packs, each comprising several battery cells. During operation, the cells heat up and swell, which can damage them. In particular, one charging technique, known as fast charging, involves charging the cells at a 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 cells, which requires treatment.

[0004] In the field of motor vehicles, it is known to use a thermal regulation system, particularly for cooling battery packs. Such a thermal regulation system makes it possible to modify the temperature of a battery pack, for example when starting the vehicle in cold weather, by increasing its temperature, or during driving or during a charging operation, by decreasing the temperature of the cells, which tend to heat up during their use.

[0005] French patent document FR3140477A1 proposes a solution consisting of installing a spacer between the cells of a battery pack so as to space them apart. This spacer comprises: a flow zone for a heat transfer fluid located opposite the large adjacent lateral faces of the cells and extending over most of said large faces, and one or more ribs forming at least one forced circulation circuit for the fluid. Turbulators are present in the flow zone, along the forced circulation circuit, so as to create turbulence.

[0006] The solution proposed in this document is, however, relatively complex to implement, particularly regarding the shaping of the turbulators. Furthermore, these turbulators must have a certain height to be effective, meaning the spacer can be relatively thick and therefore bulky, which negatively impacts the size of the battery pack. It was also observed that cell cooling was not optimal and could be improved, particularly to bring the cells to the desired temperature more quickly. Indeed, the turbulators can create areas of dominant flow where the fluid circulates more freely and with less resistance. These preferential flow paths can divert the fluid away from certain areas of the cell surfaces, thus leaving these areas less effectively cooled.

[0007] The invention aims to remedy all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks. In particular, one objective of the invention is to provide a spacer that allows for more homogeneous and efficient cooling of the cells in a battery pack, thereby bringing the cells to the desired temperature more quickly. Another objective of the invention is to provide a spacer with a simple design that is thinner than spacers known in the prior art. Presentation of the invention

[0008] The solution proposed by the invention is a battery cell spacer for a battery pack, preferably in the form of a parallelepiped plate, having a first large face and a second large parallel face defining a heat transfer fluid flow zone, and in which: - Each large face comprises repetitive chevron-shaped relief patterns extending across its surface, the spaces between said patterns defining fluid circulation channels, - the patterns of the first large face are in an inverse arrangement of the patterns of the second large face, so as to define a mesh structure presenting openings ensuring fluidic communication between the channels of said first large face and the channels of said second large face.

[0009] The chevrons have a triple function. First, they direct the heat transfer fluid flow through well-defined channels, limiting the formation of preferential flow paths and thus ensuring a uniform and homogeneous distribution of the fluid over the cell surfaces. Second, it has been observed that these chevrons disrupt the fluid flow, inducing controlled turbulence that maximizes heat exchange. Third, the chevrons play a mechanical role against cell swelling induced by temperature increase. They effectively maintain the cells in uniform compression under the effect of this swelling, thus ensuring maximum cell capacity. This triple function of the chevrons allows for the optimization of the thermal performance of the battery pack.

[0010] In addition, the specific mesh structure of the spacer with openings allowing homogeneous fluidic circulation between the channels of the two large faces, significantly improves the cooling of the cells.

[0011] Finally, the chevron-shaped embossed patterns can be produced simply and quickly within the thickness of the plate. This limits the thickness of the spacers, thereby minimizing their size within the battery pack.

[0012] Other advantageous features 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 appropriate, to the resolution of specific technical problems defined further in the description and in which the other features defined above do not necessarily participate. The following features may thus be the subject, where appropriate, of one or more divisional patent applications:

[0013] According to one embodiment, the chevrons are each formed of two symmetrical segments joining at one end to form a "V", the point of junction of said segments being located on a longitudinal median line of said spacer.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the junction points of the segments of the rafters of the first large face are located opposite the junction points of the segments of the rafters of the second large face.

[0015] According to one embodiment, one or more ribs are arranged in the flow zone so as to form one or more forced fluid circulation circuits.

[0016] According to one embodiment, a rib is arranged along a longitudinal median line of said spacer, so as to form a U-shaped forced fluid circulation circuit.

[0017] According to one embodiment, a first rib is arranged along a transverse median line of said spacer, so as to separate the flow zone into two distinct sub-zones, and a second rib is arranged in each sub-zone along a longitudinal median line of said spacer, so as to form in each said sub-zone, a U-shaped forced fluid circulation circuit.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the patterns are made in a thermally conductive material, preferably made in a metallic material or in a polymer material loaded with metallic powders or glitter.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the patterns are made in a thermal insulating material, preferably made of polymer or of a polymer-based composite material or of a material from the silicate family.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the patterns of the first large face and the patterns of the second large face are mutually connected, in particular on at least one edge of the plate, preferably on a plurality of edges of said plate.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the rafters of the first large face are formed in a first half-plate and the rafters of the second large face are formed in a second half-plate, which half-plates are assembled together.

[0022] Another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle battery block comprising battery cells, spacers being arranged between each adjacent cell so as to be in contact with large adjacent faces of said cells, said spacers conforming to one of the preceding characteristics.

[0023] Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a thermal regulation system for a vehicle battery pack, comprising: - a housing including a heat transfer fluid circulation circuit; - a battery pack housed in the housing, and in which the battery pack conforms to the preceding characteristic, said circulation circuit being defined at least in part by the spacers so that the heat transfer fluid circulates in the channels of each said spacer to thermally regulate the cells. Brief description of the figures

[0024] Other advantages and features of the invention will become clearer upon reading the description of the embodiments that follow, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples and on which:

[0025] [Fig. 1] is an exploded view showing a housing and a battery pack constituting a thermal regulation system according to the invention.

[0026] [Fig.2] is a perspective view showing the battery pack mounted in the housing of the [Fig.l].

[0027] [Fig.3] illustrates the positioning of battery cells and spacers conforming to the invention.

[0028] [Fig.4] is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an assembly of four cells of batteries between which spacers are installed.

[0029] [Fig.5] is a front view of a first large lateral face of a spacer according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0030] [Fig.6] is a front view of a second large lateral face of the spacer of the [Fig.5].

[0031] [Fig.7] illustrates chevrons according to an alternative embodiment.

[0032] [Fig.8] illustrates chevrons according to another embodiment.

[0033] [Fig.9] is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the fluidic communication between the channels of a spacer according to the invention.

[0034] [Fig. 10] is a front view of a spacer according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0035] [Fig. 11] is a front view of a spacer according to a third embodiment of the invention. Description of the implementation methods

[0036] As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the possible use of the ordinal adjectives "first," "second," etc., to describe an object simply indicates that different occurrences of similar objects are mentioned and does not imply that the objects thus described must be in any given sequence, whether in time, space, ranking, or any other way. "X and / or Y" means: X alone or Y alone or X+Y. Generally speaking, it will be appreciated that in the various accompanying drawings, the objects are drawn arbitrarily to facilitate their reading.

[0037] The thermal regulation system of the invention is designed to regulate the temperature of a battery pack, in particular a battery pack of an electric and / or hybrid motor vehicle. 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 for computer server components. In a preferred embodiment, the thermal regulation consists of cooling the cells of the battery pack.

[0038] In [Fig.1], the battery block 1 comprises several battery cells 10, generally between 2 and 25 cells, which block is housed in a casing 2. According to one embodiment, the battery block 1 comprises N adjacent cells 10, with N an integer greater than 2 and preferably greater than 3, including two end cells each arranged at an end wall 201 of the casing 2. The battery block 1 may have one or more rows of cells joined side-by-side.

[0039] In [Fig. 3], the cells 10 are of a type known to those skilled in the art, generally prismatic, that is to say, generally parallelepiped in shape, each having two large lateral faces 11, two small lateral faces 12, a top face 13, and a bottom face 14. These various faces are generally flat, but some may be curved or rounded. The cells 10 are positioned adjacently at their large lateral faces 11. According to an alternative embodiment, the cells have a generally cylindrical shape and each has one large cylindrical face.

[0040] In Figures 1 and 2, the housing 2 is delimited by two side walls 20 extending in a longitudinal direction and two end walls 21 perpendicular to said side walls. This frame-shaped structure is sealed by a cover (not shown) and a bottom wall 22. The housing 2 has an internal space suitable for receiving one or more battery packs 1. Structural beams may be provided to further stiffen the housing 2.

[0041] The housing 2 is generally parallelepiped in shape, but other suitable shapes can be considered, in particular according to the general shape of the cells 10 and / or the battery block 1. The various elements 20, 21, 22 of the housing 2 are advantageously made by molding a plastic material, but other materials suitable to those skilled in the art can be used.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the housing 2 comprises one or more inlets / outlets connected to a heat transfer fluid circulation circuit 23, including, for example, a pumping circuit, and enabling the heat transfer fluid to be circulated within said housing to regulate the temperature of the cells 10 housed therein. The fluid circulation within the housing 2 is described in detail later in the description. The temperature regulation preferably consists of a cooling system set to maintain the cells 10 at a temperature less than or equal to a threshold temperature, for example, between 20°C and 40°C. When the cells 10 exceed this threshold temperature, they are cooled by the heat transfer fluid, the latter then acting as a cooling fluid.

[0043] In certain cases, for example when starting the vehicle, the regulation may also consist of heating the cells 10, particularly when they are at a temperature less than or equal to a threshold temperature, for example below 0°C. Below this threshold temperature, the cells 10 are heated by the heat transfer fluid, which is then a heating fluid.

[0044] The heat transfer fluid used is preferably a dielectric liquid, for example a mineral oil or a fluorinated liquid. However, the heat transfer fluid may be in another form, for example blown air. The fluid may be pre-cooled or pre-heated depending on the intended temperature control.

[0045] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, a spacer 3 is installed in each inter-cell space, which spacer is in contact with the large adjacent faces 11 of two adjacent cells. In other words, a spacer 3 is installed between each cell adjacent to another cell so as to space them apart from each other.

[0046] A spacer 3 is also advantageously installed between each wall of the housing 2 and the end cell 10, a large face 11 of which is adjacent to said wall. According to one embodiment, if the battery block 1 comprises N cells 10, the system comprises at least Nl spacers 3, preferably N+l spacers.

[0047] The spacers 3 can be mounted in a removable manner in the battery block 1. They are shaped to fit the cells 10 tightly between their large lateral faces 11, so that the contacts between said spacers and said cells are fluid-tight. In the case of cylindrical cells, the spacers are press-fitted onto said cells.

[0048] According to another embodiment, the spacers 3 are installed in a non-removable manner on the cells 10, and for example fixed on their large lateral face 11 by gluing or welding.

[0049] The spacer 3 is preferably in the form of a single piece, but may consist of an assembly of several parts distinct from each other.

[0050] On [Fig.3], each spacer 3 is in the form of a parallelepiped plate having a first large lateral face 30 and a second large lateral face 31 parallel forming support areas configured to bear against the large lateral faces 11 of the cells 10. These large lateral faces are bordered by two small lateral faces 32, a top face 33 and a bottom face 34.

[0051] In the case where the cells 10 are cylindrical in shape, each spacer 3 is in the form of a hollow cylinder or tube having a first large external face and a second large external face parallel.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, when the cells 10 and the spacers 3 are installed in their operating configuration in the housing 2, the contacts between the large faces 30, 31 of said spacers and the large faces 11 of said cells are fluid-tight contacts. Alternatively or additionally, one or more sealing gaskets may be provided on the large faces of the spacers 3 and / or on the large faces of the cells 10 so as to create fluid-tight contacts.

[0053] The large faces 30, 31 of the spacers 3 have the same, or substantially the same, dimensions in length and width as the large faces 11 of the cells 10. The large faces 30, 31 define a heat transfer fluid flow zone located opposite the large faces 11 against which the spacer 3 is installed, so that the fluid flowing in said zone is in contact with said large faces. The aforementioned circulation circuit 23 is thus defined at least in part by the spacers 3.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the flow zone extends over at least 50%, advantageously at least 90% and preferably at least 95% of the surface of the large faces 30, 31. The majority of the large faces 11 of the cells 10 can thus be in contact with the heat transfer fluid as explained further in the description.

[0055] With reference to Figures 5 and 6, each large face 30, 31 of the spacer 3 comprises repeating chevron-shaped relief patterns 35 (hereinafter referred to as "chevrons") extending over its surface. Preferably, the chevrons 35 cover at least 50%, advantageously at least 70%, preferably 100% of the surface of each large face 30, 31 delimited by the faces 32, 33 and 34.

[0056] The width and height (or thickness) of the rafters 35 depend on the desired spacing between the cells 10 and / or the desired flow rate of the fluid circulating in the flow zone. The best results, particularly in terms of thermal regulation, are obtained when the rafters 35 have a width between 3 mm and 6 mm and a height between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

[0057] These chevrons 35 make it possible to maintain the cells 10 uniformly in compression despite their swelling caused by their temperature rise, thus guaranteeing their maximum capacity.

[0058] On each large face 30, 31, the chevrons 35 are spaced apart, for example, by a distance of between 3 mm and 6 mm, so that the inter-chevron spaces define circulation channels 36 that allow the fluid to be efficiently directed within the flow zone. These channels 36 prevent, or at least significantly reduce, the formation of preferential paths, so that the fluid flows uniformly and homogeneously within the flow zone and thus over the faces 11 of the cells 10.

[0059] In addition, the channels 36 also having a chevron configuration, they contribute to disturbing the flow of the fluid and inducing turbulence, thus improving the heat exchanges between said fluid and the faces 11 of the cells 10.

[0060] The chevrons 35 of the first large face 30 are arranged in a reverse order to the chevrons 35 of the second large face 31, so as to define a mesh structure having openings 37 ensuring fluidic communication between the channels 36 of said first large face and the channels 36 of said second large face. This fluidic communication is illustrated in [Fig. 9], where the dashed arrows schematically represent the fluid flow.

[0061] On [Fig.9] still, the rafters 35 of the first large face 30 and the rafters 35 of the second large face 31 are not in the same plane, but located on either side of the longitudinal median plane P of the spacer 3. Thus, the rafters 35 of the first large face 30 are on one side of the plane P and the rafters 35 of the second large face 31 are on the other side of said plane, the openings 37 being located at the interface, in said plane.

[0062] The chevrons 35 of the first large face 30 are mutually connected to those of the second large face 31, in particular on at least one edge of the spacer plate 3, advantageously on a plurality of edges of said plate, preferably on its four edges. The rafters 35 can also be mutually connected at the level of their portions which are opposite each other.

[0063] In this configuration, the depth of each channel 26 corresponds to the height of the rafters 35 (and therefore to half the thickness of the plate forming the spacer 3), and their width corresponds to the inter-rafter spacing. Since the rafters 35 and the channels 36 are thus formed within the thickness E of the spacer 3, the latter can be particularly thin and very compact.

[0064] The openings 37 further disrupt the fluid flow to improve heat exchange between the fluid and the faces 11 of the cells 10. Furthermore, as the fluid flows from one face of the spacer 3 to the other, its temperature is uniform across the two adjacent faces 11 of the cells 10. This optimization of the fluid's thermal management allows the cells 10 to reach the desired temperature more quickly.

[0065] To simplify the design of the spacer 3, the chevrons 35 of the two large faces 30, 31 are formed by molding or machining the plate forming said spacer.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the rafters 35 of the first large face 30 are formed in a first half-plate and the rafters 35 of the second large face 31 are formed in a second half-plate, these two half-plates then being joined together, for example by welding or gluing, to form the spacer 3. This embodiment has the advantage of requiring only one simple half-plate model with rafters. During assembly, these two identical half-plates are positioned face to face and oriented so that the rafters of one are in a reversed configuration with respect to those of the other.

[0067] According to one embodiment, all the chevrons 35 are identical and spaced the same distance apart, so that the channels 36 have the same width. Besides simplifying the design of the spacer 3, this configuration allows for continuous and uniform fluid circulation through all the channels 36, with each part of the faces 11 of the cells 10 being exposed to a homogeneous fluid flow, reducing overheating areas or hot spots and improving heat dissipation efficiency.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the rafters 35 are not all identical and / or are not all spaced the same distance apart, so that the channels 36 have different widths. The flow zone thus presents circulation sections of varying widths, so that the fluid flow velocity varies from one section to another. Assuming that the fluid temperature changes between the inlet and outlet of the flow zone due to heat exchange, this variability in fluid velocity makes it possible to obtain a constant heat flux in said zone. Advantageously, these sections have a decreasing width, gradually or in continuous, from the inlet to the outlet of the flow zone, so that the fluid velocity increases from said inlet to said outlet.

[0069] In the accompanying figures, the chevrons 35 are each formed of two symmetrical segments 350 joining at one end to form a "V". The junction point 351 of the segments is located on the longitudinal midline 38 of the plate. Except for the chevrons 35 located near the small lateral faces 32, the other ends of the segments 350 are located at the level of the upper face 33 and lower face 34, so that the chevrons extend across the width of the spacer 3. The angle formed between the segments 350 is preferably between 90° and 140°. The applicant has observed that this specific configuration of the chevrons 35 gives very good results in terms of the homogeneity of the heat flow in the flow zone of the spacer.

[0070] The junction points 351 of the segments 350 of the first large face 30 are advantageously located opposite the junction points of the segments of the second large face 31. This has the effect of forming openings 37 which are wider at the midline 38, these openings ensuring a balanced distribution of the fluid in each portion of the channels 36 and between the two large faces of the spacer, further reducing the risks of preferential paths.

[0071] The chevrons 35 can be formed from straight segments 350 (Figures 5 and 6) to simplify the design of the spacer 3, or from non-straight segments, for example broken segments ([Fig. 7]) and / or curved segments ([Fig. 8]). Non-straight or curved segments allow for greater turbulence in the fluid flow to improve heat exchange.

[0072] The chevrons 35 located near the small lateral faces 32 have the ends of their segments 350 situated at the level of said faces so that the channels 36 that they delimit open at the level of these faces and form the fluid inlets / outlets of the flow zone. The other channels 36 are all closed at the level of the other faces 33, 34 of the spacer 3. Thus, in Figures 5 and 6, the fluid flows in a general longitudinal direction, that is to say between the two small lateral faces 32. For example, in [Fig. 5], the flow, schematically represented by the dashed line, is from the right lateral face (inlet of the flow zone), towards the left lateral face (outlet of the flow zone). The spacers 3 can then be in fluidic communication with an inlet manifold 201 and an outlet manifold 202, to respectively bring and evacuate the heat transfer fluid from the channels 36.These collectors 201, 202 are for example formed and / or delimited by the side walls 20 of the housing 2.

[0073] To actively participate in heat exchange, the rafters 35 can be made of a thermally conductive material and / or one exhibiting conductivity The thermal conductivity must be relatively high, for example, greater than 100 W / m².K*, preferably greater than 200 W / m².K*. The material used is advantageously a metallic material, preferably aluminum or an aluminum alloy, in order to obtain a good compromise between weight, price, and thermal conductivity. Other materials that can be used include copper, copper alloys, zinc, zinc alloys, carbon, polymers filled with metallic powders or flakes, etc.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the rafters 35 act as thermal insulation between the cells 10 and are made of a thermally insulating material and / or one having relatively low thermal conductivity, for example, at most 0.4 Wm⁻¹.K⁻¹, preferably at most 0.2 Wm⁻¹.K⁻¹. The material used may be a polymer or a polymer-based composite material, or a material from the silicate family, preferably fiber-reinforced calcium silicate. An advantage of using a thermally insulating material and / or one having relatively low thermal conductivity is that, in the event of thermal runaway in a cell 10, heat is not—or only minimally—transferred to adjacent cells.

[0075] In [Fig. 10], a rib 40 is arranged in the flow zone to form a forced circulation circuit for the fluid. By "forced circulation," it is understood that the fluid is constrained to follow a specific path imposed by the arrangement of the rib 40. This rib 40 is arranged along the longitudinal centerline 38, within the thickness of the spacer 3, and forms a seal between the adjacent cells 10 against which it is in tight contact. Alternatively or in addition, one or more sealing gaskets are installed on the rib 40.

[0076] The rib 40 extends from one of the small lateral faces 32, without reaching the opposite small lateral face or presenting an opening at that other face, so that the fluid circulation in the flow zone is a U-shaped circulation, schematically represented by the dashed arrows. This circulation helps to uniform the fluid temperature over the entire surface of the cells and to reduce local temperature variations. Furthermore, in this configuration, the fluid inlet / outlet is located on only one lateral face 32, so that the inlet manifolds 201 and outlet manifolds 202 can be located on the same side of the spacer 3, the housing 2 then being more compact than in the configuration of Figures 5 and 6.

[0077] On [Fig. 11], several ribs 40, 41 of the aforementioned type are arranged in the flow zone to form two forced circulation circuits without fluidic communication between them. A first rib 41 is arranged along the transverse midline 39 of the spacer 3 so as to separate the flow zone into two distinct sub-zones, respectively located to the right and left of said rib on [Fig. 11]. In each of these sub-zones, a second rib 40 is arranged along the longitudinal midline 38. Each second rib 40 extends from one of the small lateral faces 32, without reaching the first rib 41 or with an opening at its level, so that the fluid circulation in each sub-zone is U-shaped as schematically represented by the dashed arrows. This design not only optimizes the homogenization of the fluid temperature, but also reduces pressure losses since each forced circulation circuit is shorter than that of [Fig. 10].

[0078] The fluid inlet / outlet of the first flow sub-zone is located at the level of a first small lateral face 32 and the inlet / outlet of the second sub-zone is located at the level of the second small lateral face 32. The inlet manifolds 201 and outlet 202 of each sub-zone are thus located on the same side of the spacer 3.

[0079] The ribs 40, 41 of figures 10 and 11 are preferably straight, but may be curved or have curved and straight portions, be in broken lines, or be of any other shape suitable to the person of the trade.

[0080] The number and / or arrangement of the rib(s) 40, 41 may vary. The number of passes (i.e., changes of direction in a circuit or forced circulation) is adjusted according to the desired heat exchange and / or according to the permissible pressure loss.

[0081] 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.

[0082] Furthermore, one or more features described only in one embodiment can be combined with one or more other features described only in another embodiment. Similarly, one or more features described only in one embodiment can be generalized to other embodiments, even if this or these features are described only in combination with other features.

Claims

Demands

1. Battery cell spacer of a battery block, preferably in the form of a parallelepiped plate, having a first large face (30) and a second large face (31) parallel defining a heat transfer fluid flow zone, characterized in that: • each large face (30, 31) comprises repetitive chevron-shaped relief patterns (35) extending over its surface, the spaces between said patterns defining fluid circulation channels (36), • the patterns (35) of the first large face (30) are in an inverse arrangement of the patterns (35) of the second large face (31), so as to define a mesh structure having openings (37) ensuring fluid communication between the channels (36) of said first large face and the channels (36) of said second large face.

2. Spacer according to claim 1, wherein the chevrons (35) are each formed of two symmetrical segments (350) joining at one end to form a "V", the point of junction (351) of said segments being located on a longitudinal median line (38) of said spacer.

3. Spacer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the junction points (351) of the segments (350) of the chevrons (35) of the first large face (30) are located opposite the junction points of the segments of the chevrons of the second large face (31).

4. Spacer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more ribs (40, 41) are arranged in the flow zone so as to form one or more forced fluid circulation circuits.

5. Spacer according to claim 4, wherein a rib (40) is arranged along a longitudinal median line (38) of said spacer, so as to form a U-shaped forced fluid circulation circuit.

6. Spacer according to claim 4, wherein: • a first rib (41) is arranged along a transverse median line (39) of said spacer, in such a way to separate the flow zone into two distinct sub-zones, • a second rib (40) is arranged in each sub-zone along a longitudinal median line (38) of said spacer, so as to form in each said sub-zone, a forced fluid circulation circuit in a “U”.

7. Spacer according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the patterns (35) are made in a thermally conductive material, preferably made in a metallic material or in a polymer material loaded with metallic powders or flakes.

8. Spacer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the patterns (35) are made in a thermal insulating material, preferably made of polymer or of a polymer-based composite material or of a material from the silicate family.

9. Spacer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the patterns (35) of the first large face and the patterns of the second large face are mutually connected, in particular on at least one edge of the plate, preferably on a plurality of edges of said plate.

10. Spacer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chevrons (35) of the first large face (30) are formed in a first half-plate and the chevrons (35) of the second large face (31) are formed in a second half-plate, which half-plates are assembled together.

11. Vehicle battery block comprising battery cells, spacers (3) being arranged between each adjacent cell (10) so as to be in contact with large adjacent faces (11) of said cells, characterized in that the spacers (3) conform to any one of the preceding claims.

12. Thermal regulation system for a vehicle battery pack, comprising: • a housing (2) including a heat transfer fluid circulation circuit (23), • a battery pack (1) housed in the housing (2), characterized in that the battery pack (1) conforms to claim 11, said circulation circuit being defined at least in part by spacers (3) such that the heat transfer fluid circulates in the channels (26) of each said spacer to thermally regulate the cells (10).

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