Battery cell insulation element and prismatic battery cell

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical insulating element (13) for interposed between a current collector (10) and a cover (6) of a prismatic battery cell (1), said insulating element (13) having a lower face (fi13) for contacting the current collector (10), and comprising on its lower face (fi13) raised positioning elements (47) for cooperating by complementary shape with the current collector (10) in such a way as to block relative translation and relative rotation between the current collector (10) and the insulating element (13). The invention also relates to an assembly (5) and a battery cell (1) comprising such an insulating element (13). Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Insulation element for battery cell and prismatic battery cell Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of prismatic electric battery cells.

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to an electrical insulation element for electrically isolating a current collector and the cover of such a prismatic battery cell. State of the art

[0003] In the field of secondary batteries, and particularly batteries for electric vehicles, it is known to manufacture so-called prismatic battery cells. Their shape allows them to be easily arranged side by side, which is particularly advantageous for building the battery of an electric vehicle. Generally, such battery cells comprise two electrodes: an anode and a cathode in the form of sheets. These electrodes are then stacked or wound to form one or more electrode assemblies that constitute the prismatic battery cell. A porous separator is placed between the anode and the cathode. The electrode assembly is then inserted into a casing that serves, in particular, to protect the electrode assembly and to allow the insertion of an electrolyte for transporting ions between the two electrodes.

[0004] To maximize the battery cell's capacity, it is known to produce two electrode assemblies intended to be inserted inside the same battery cell casing. Furthermore, the prismatic battery cell includes two terminals, located on the lid side, which will be used to make electrical connections with other battery cells.

[0005] In order to convey the current produced by the electrode assemblies to these terminals, it is known in the prior art to use a current collector for each terminal. These current collectors are electrically connected respectively to each type of electrode. They must ensure efficient and reliable collection of the current produced by the electrodes.

[0006] Once the current collection is achieved, it is necessary to ensure that the assembly formed by the electrodes and the current collectors is securely fixed inside the casing, to limit any movement of the assemblies relative to the casing, under normal conditions of battery use.

[0007] Thus, in order to have a prismatic battery cell operating under optimal conditions, it is necessary to achieve precise positioning of the assemblies with respect to the current collectors on the one hand and with respect to the casing on the other. This positioning is a critical step in the positioning process, particularly for large-scale production.

[0008] Furthermore, in order to limit any short circuit between two electrodes of opposite polarity, the battery cell includes insulating elements that electrically insulate various conductive parts of the battery cell. This is particularly true of the battery cell cover, which ensures a watertight seal for the battery cell. A major challenge, therefore, lies in determining whether or not to electrically insulate the battery cell cover from the current collector(s) and from each terminal of the battery cell. In addition to its potential electrical insulation functions, such an insulating element must advantageously allow for gas venting and enable the relative positioning of the adjacent components, while also allowing for the formation of a compact system suitable for insertion into the battery cell.Given the limited space remaining within the casing of a battery cell, the design of such an insulating element that meets all the aforementioned criteria remains imperfect.

[0009] Object of the invention

[0010] The present invention aims to provide a solution that addresses all or part of the aforementioned problems.

[0011] This goal can be achieved through the implementation of an electrical insulation element intended to be interposed between a current collector and a cover of a prismatic battery cell, said insulation element comprising a main body made of an electrically insulating material, the insulation element having a lower face intended to come into contact with the current collector, and a upper face intended to be turned towards the cover; the insulation element comprising on its lower face, raised positioning members, intended to cooperate by complementary shape with the current collector in such a way as to block a relative translation and a relative rotation between the current collector and the insulation element.

[0012] The arrangements described above make it possible to propose an insulating element capable of cooperating by complementary shape with the current collector. This makes it possible to propose a more compact system and to arrange the components constituting the prismatic battery cell in a more reliable manner.

[0013] The insulation element may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the main body defines a hollow housing, intended to receive a portion of the current collector, the positioning elements being arranged in the housing.

[0015] Thus, it is possible to propose an insulating element surrounding, at least partially, a portion of the current collector. This allows for proper positioning of the current collector relative to the insulating element, and therefore relative to the cover.

[0016] For example, the positioning devices protrude into the housing.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the positioning members comprise two shoulders arranged on opposite walls of the housing.

[0018] In this way, it is possible both to facilitate the positioning of the current collector and to keep it in position in the housing.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the two shoulders are arranged opposite each other.

[0020] Thus, the shoulders form a guide allowing the portion of the current collector to slide between the two shoulders.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the positioning members are intended to allow assembly of the current collector in the housing.

[0022] In this way, it is possible to change the position of the current collector if it is not correctly inserted into the housing. The presence of the positioning elements and their arrangement in the insulating element allow the current collector to remain in contact with the insulating element, which facilitates the assembly of the battery cell.

[0023] For example, the assembly of the current collector in the housing is a reversible assembly.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the housing comprises a first housing part having a substantially cylindrical shape and a second housing part having a substantially prismatic shape, the positioning elements being arranged in the second housing part.

[0025] Thus, the first housing part is adapted to receive one end of the current collector at which the transmission of current to one of the terminals of the battery cell is carried out, and the second housing part is adapted to allow for a rotational locking of the current collector relative to the insulation element.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the insulation element includes a through contact opening intended to allow the passage of a contact member through the main body of the insulation element.

[0027] The insulation element thus includes means for connecting the current collector with a terminal of the battery cell by passing through the insulation element.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the contact opening passes through the housing.

[0029] Thus, direct access to the current collector is possible through the contact opening, particularly from the upper face of the insulating element. This allows the current collector to be connected to the battery cell terminal while it is housed within the compartment.

[0030] For example, the contact opening generally has a circular contour. In this case, it is advantageous to provide that this circular contour is centered around the guide line of the cylindrical shape of the first housing part.

[0031] It is also advantageous for the radius of the circular contour of the contact opening to be strictly smaller than a radius of the generating curve of the cylindrical shape of the first housing portion. In other words, the first housing portion is partially delimited by a circular ring having a bearing surface on which the current collector rests.

[0032] The use of a revolution shape for this part of the insulation element makes it easier to cooperate said insulation element with contact members of a revolution shape, such as a screw or a rivet.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the insulation element further comprises on its upper face, raised positioning elements intended to cooperate by complementarity of form with complementary elements delimited by the cover in such a way as to block a relative translation and a relative rotation between the insulation element and the cover; said positioning elements being offset along a longitudinal direction.

[0034] The arrangements described above make it possible to propose an insulation element that is complementary in shape to both the current collector and the battery cell cover. This allows for a more compact system and a more reliable arrangement of the components constituting the prismatic battery cell.

[0035] By "in relief", it is understood that the positioning elements extend transversely to a general plane of elongation of the main body, for example by forming hollows, bumps or protrusions.

[0036] Advantageously, the positioning elements comprise a first raised positioning element extending in a first direction transversely to a plane of elongation of the main body, and a second raised positioning element extending in a first direction transversely to a plane of elongation of the main body, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. Thus, the elements The positioning features act as alignment guides to position the insulation element relative to the cover.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the positioning elements comprise a first positioning element and a second positioning element, the first positioning element being a peg protruding from the main body, and the second positioning element being a hole made in the main body.

[0038] Thus, the formation of the positioning elements is simple to implement and effectively fixes the relative movement of the insulating element with the cover. Furthermore, providing opposing reliefs for the first and second positioning elements creates positioning guide elements to ensure the insulating element is correctly oriented when it interacts with the current collector and the battery cell cover.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the second positioning element is a hole through the main body.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the positioning members and the first positioning element belong to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0041] The current collector is thus blocked in a direction perpendicular to that which prevents the cover from moving in translation. The stresses are therefore distributed within the insulating element.

[0042] For example, the positioning devices and the first positioning element are aligned along the transverse direction on either side of the main body.

[0043] The object of the invention can also be achieved through the implementation of an assembly for a prismatic electric battery cell comprising: - an insulating element as described above; and

[0044] a current collector intended to be electrically connected to electrodes of the battery cell, said current collector being housed in the housing of the insulation element so that rotation and translation between the current collector and the insulation element are blocked by cooperation between the positioning members and the current collector.

[0045] The arrangements described above make it possible to form an assembly ready to be associated with the electrode assemblies to form the prismatic battery cell.

[0046] The assembly may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the current collector has an assembly portion disposed at one end of said current collector, said assembly portion being contained entirely within the housing.

[0048] Thus, it is possible to propose a compact, unified assembly between the current collector and the insulating element.

[0049] For example, the assembly portion has a thickness strictly smaller than a thickness of the housing, said thicknesses being measured along a lateral direction corresponding to a direction of introduction of the assembly into the battery cell housing.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the assembly further comprises a cover intended to ensure closure of a battery cell housing, the insulation element being interposed between the cover and the current collector, ensuring electrical insulation between the cover and the current collector.

[0051] The arrangements described above make it possible to propose a compact assembly comprising the current collector and the cover, while ensuring electrical insulation between the current collector and the cover.

[0052] The objective of the invention can also be achieved through the implementation of a prismatic battery cell for an electric propulsion vehicle, said battery cell comprising: - a case having a prismatic shape, the case having a top opening and internally delimiting a housing; - at least one electrode assembly disposed in the housing, said at least one assembly comprising the successive assembly of a sheet of a first electrode, a first insulating separator, a second electrode, and a second insulating separator; the first and second electrode each having a current-collecting tab protruding from the assembly and being configured to collect an electric current from said electrode; - an assembly such as described above, in which the cover provides a tight seal for the upper opening of the housing, and in which the current collector is electrically connected to the first electrode; and - a second current collector electrically connected to the second electrode.

[0053] The arrangements described above make it possible to propose a battery cell in which the electrical insulation element makes it possible both to electrically isolate the current collector from the cover, while facilitating the positioning of the current collector relative to the cover and allowing to form a compact assembly adjusted to the dimensions of the battery cell case.

[0054] Summary description of the drawings

[0055] Other aspects, objectives, advantages and features of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0056] [Fig.1] Fig.1 is a schematic perspective view of an insulation element, according to an embodiment of the invention, seen from the top face.

[0057] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a bottom view of the insulating element of Fig.1, seen from the side of the underside.

[0058] [Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a schematic exploded view of an assembly comprising two insulation elements.

[0059] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a schematic view of a battery cell comprising the whole of [Fig.3]. Detailed description

[0060] In the figures and throughout the description, the same reference numerals represent identical or similar elements. Furthermore, the various elements are not drawn to scale in order to enhance the clarity of the figures. Moreover, the different embodiments and variants are not mutually exclusive and may be combined.

[0061] As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the invention relates to an electrical insulation element 13 intended to be interposed between a current collector 10 and a cover 6 of a prismatic battery cell 1.

[0062] The insulation element 13 comprises a main body 40 made of an electrically insulating material, for example polypropylene. This main body 40 may have a general plate shape, for example a rectangular plate extending in a plane perpendicular to a lateral direction denoted "Z", corresponding to a direction of introduction of electrode assemblies 50 51, 53 into a housing 4 of the battery cell 1. The insulation element 13 may, for example, have a main length L13 measured along a longitudinal direction denoted "X" belonging to the elongation plane of the main body 40, and a main width wl3 measured along a transverse direction denoted "Y" perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and to the lateral direction Z.As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the main length L13 is generally strictly greater than the main width wl3, so that the insulation element 13 has an elongated shape along the longitudinal direction X.

[0063] The insulation element 13 has a lower face fi 13 intended to come into contact with the current collector 10, and an upper face fs 13 intended to be turned towards the cover 6. [Fig.1] illustrates the insulation element 13 with the upper face fs 13 visible, while [Fig.2] illustrates a view of the lower face fil3.

[0064] The insulation element 13 may include on its upper face fs 13, raised positioning elements 41, 43 intended to cooperate by complementary shape with complementary elements delimited by the cover 6 in a way blocking a relative translation and a relative rotation between the insulation element 13 and the cover 6. By "in relief", it is understood that the positioning elements 41, 43 extend transversely to the general plane of elongation of the main body 40, for example by forming hollows, holes, bumps or protrusions.

[0065] Advantageously, the positioning elements 41, 43 may comprise a first raised positioning element 41 extending in a first direction transversely to a plane of elongation of the main body 40, and a second raised positioning element 43 extending in a second direction transversely to a plane of elongation of the main body 40, the second direction being opposite to the first. Thus, the positioning elements 41, 43 act as alignment guides for positioning the insulation element 13 relative to the cover 6. In other words, it is possible that the first positioning element 41 forms a positive relief projecting from the main body 40, like a bump, and that the second positioning element 43 forms a negative relief, recessed into the main body 40, like a hole; or vice versa.

[0066] For example, the first positioning element 41 can be a pin projecting from the main body 40, in particular projecting along an axis perpendicular to the extension plane of the main body 40. In this way, the pin is able to block all translations of the cover 6 relative to the insulation element 13 in the extension plane of the main body 40. The second positioning element 43 can be a hole, for example a through hole, provided in the main body 40. Thus, the formation of the positioning elements 41, 43 is simple to implement and makes it possible to effectively fix the relative movement of the insulation element 13 with the cover 6.Furthermore, proposing opposing reliefs for the first and second positioning elements 41, 43 makes it possible to create positioning error elements to place the insulation element 13 in the correct direction when it cooperates with the current collector 10 and the cover 6 of the battery cell 1.

[0067] The positioning elements 41, 43 can be offset from each other along the longitudinal direction X. More precisely, the positioning elements 41, 43 can be aligned along the longitudinal direction X, and generally by a distance greater than or equal to half the main length L13. Thus, the rotational locking of the insulation element 13 with the cover 6 is more robust.

[0068] Furthermore, the positioning elements 41, 43 can be substantially aligned along an axis parallel to or coinciding with the longitudinal direction X and passing substantially through the middle of the main width wl3. In this way, the positioning elements 41, 43 are centered on the main body 40, which makes it possible to maintain homogeneity in the translational locking between the cover 6 and the insulating element 13.

[0069] To allow the passage of a contact member 11, such as a rivet, through the insulating element 13, a through contact opening 45 may be provided through the main body 40 of the insulating element 13. This contact opening 45 may advantageously be generally circular in shape and centered in the middle of the main width wl3. The positioning elements 41, 43 may then be arranged on either side of the contact opening 45. The insulating element 13 thus includes means for connecting the current collector 10 with a terminal 2, 3 of the battery cell 1 by passing through the insulating element 13.

[0070] With reference now to [Fig. 2], the insulating element 13 comprises on its lower face fi 13, raised positioning elements 47, designed to cooperate by complementary shape with the current collector 10 in such a way as to block relative translation and relative rotation between the current collector 10 and the insulating element 13. The positioning elements 47 can therefore be arranged on a face opposite to that on which the positioning elements 41, 43 are arranged. The presence of the positioning elements 47 allows the insulating element 13 to cooperate by complementary shape also with the current collector 10. This makes it possible to propose a more compact system and a more reliable arrangement of the components constituting the prismatic battery cell 1.By "in relief" we mean that the positioning elements 47 extend transversely to a wall of the main body 40, for example by forming hollows, holes, bumps or protrusions.

[0071] According to the variant shown in [Fig. 2], the main body 40 defines a recessed housing 49 for receiving a portion 20 of the current collector 10. This housing 49 may advantageously have a general shape complementary to the portion 20 of the current collector 10 to facilitate their cooperation. For example, the portion 20 of the current collector 10 may comprise a first part having a circular contour and a second part having a straight, rectangular contour. In this case, the housing 49 may comprise a first part of the housing 49a having a substantially cylindrical shape and a second part of the housing 49b having a substantially prismatic shape, configured to cooperate respectively with the first and second parts of the portion 20 of the current collector 10.Thus, the first housing part 49a is adapted to receive one end of the current collector 10 at which the transmission of current to one of the terminals of the battery cell 1 is carried out.

[0072] By "cylindrical shape," it is understood that the first part of housing 49a is delimited by a surface generated by a straight line, called the generatrix, which moves in a given direction along a closed curved line called the directrix. In the present case, the directrix corresponds to a circle of radius greater than larger than the radius of the circular contour of the first part of portion 20 of the current collector. The generator is, for example, an axis parallel or coinciding with the lateral direction Z.

[0073] Furthermore, by "prismatic shape," it is understood that the second housing portion 49b is delimited by a surface characterized by a base profile and a generatrix such that the prismatic shape is generated by the rectilinear translation of said base profile along said generatrix. In the present case, the base profile is rectangular, and the generatrix is ​​an axis parallel to or coinciding with the lateral direction Z.

[0074] The positioning elements 47 are generally arranged in the housing 49, and more particularly in the second housing portion 49b. Thus, it is possible to propose an insulating element 13 surrounding, at least partially, the portion 20 of the current collector 10. The second housing portion 49b is thus adapted to allow for rotational locking of the current collector 10 relative to the insulating element 13.This also allows the current collector 10 to be positioned correctly in relation to the insulation element 13, and therefore in relation to the cover 6.

[0075] For example, the positioning members 47 project inwards into the housing 49 and are arranged opposite each other. The variant in [Fig. 2] shows the two positioning members 47 facing each other in the second part of the housing 49b. Thus, the positioning members 47 form a guide allowing the portion 20 of the current collector 10 to slide. These positioning members 47 may include two shoulders arranged on opposite walls of the housing 49. In this way, it is possible both to facilitate the positioning of the current collector 10 and to hold it in position within the housing 49.

[0076] Optionally, the positioning members 47 can be intended to allow assembly, for example a reversible assembly, of the current collector 10 in the housing 49. In this way, it is possible to change the position of the current collector 10 if it is not correctly inserted into the housing 49. The presence of the positioning members 47 and their arrangement in the insulation element 13 make it possible to keep the current collector 10 in contact with the insulation element 13, which facilitates the assembly operations of the battery cell 1.

[0077] It is possible that the two shoulders and the pin lie in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. For example, the two shoulders and the pin are aligned along the transverse direction Y on either side of the main body 40. The current collector 10 is thus locked in a direction perpendicular to that which allows the cover 6 to be blocked in translation. The stresses are therefore distributed in the insulation element 13.

[0078] Finally, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the contact opening 45 can pass through the housing 49, and in particular through the center of the first part of the housing 49a. It is therefore clear that the first part of the housing 49a is designed to allow the passage of the contact member 11 to make an electrical connection with a terminal 2, 3 of the battery cell 1, and that the second part of the housing 49b is designed to allow positioning of the current collector 10 with the insulating element 13. Thus, it is possible to have direct access to the current collector 10 through the contact opening 45, and in particular from the upper face fs 13 of the insulating element 13. It is therefore possible to connect the current collector 10 to the terminal of the battery cell 1, while the latter is housed in the housing 49.

[0079] Advantageously, the circular contour of the contact opening 45 can be centered around the directrix of the cylindrical shape of the first housing portion 49a. It is also advantageous for the radius of the circular contour of the contact opening 45 to be strictly smaller than a radius of the generating curve of the cylindrical shape of the first housing portion 49a. In other words, the first housing portion 49a is partially delimited by a circular ring 48 having a bearing surface sa49 on which the current collector 10 rests. The use of a revolution shape for this portion of the insulating element 13 simplifies the interaction of said insulating element 13 with revolutionally shaped contact members 11, such as a screw or a rivet.

[0080] All the arrangements described above make it possible to propose an insulation element 13 having a complementary shape with the cover 6 of the battery cell 1 and with the current collector 10 of the battery cell. This makes it possible to propose a more compact system and to arrange the components constituting the prismatic battery cell 1 in a more reliable manner.

[0081] Figure 3 illustrates an assembly 5 for a prismatic electric battery cell 1, which is also the subject of the present invention. This assembly 5 comprises at least one insulation element 13 as described above, and a current collector 10 intended to be electrically connected to electrodes 51, 53 of the battery cell 1, said current collector 10 being housed in the recess 49 of the insulation element 13 such that rotation and translation between the current collector 10 and the insulation element 13 are prevented by cooperation between the positioning members 47 and the current collector 10. The current collector 10 is also intended to be electrically connected, on the other hand, to a terminal 2, 3 of the battery cell. The [Fig.3] illustrates an assembly 5 comprising two current collectors 10, associated with each of the terminals, and therefore with each of the electrodes 51, 53 of the battery cell 1.

[0082] As can be seen in [Fig. 3], the current collector 10 may have an assembly portion 20 disposed at one end of said current collector 10. This assembly portion 20 is configured to be contained entirely within the housing 49. Thus, it is possible to provide a compact, fixed assembly 5 between the current collector 10 and the insulation element 13. For example, the assembly portion 20 may have a thickness strictly smaller than a thickness of the housing 49, said thicknesses being measured along a lateral direction Z.

[0083] The assembly 5 may also include the cover 6 of the battery cell, intended to ensure a tight seal of the housing 4 of the battery cell 1. Figure 3 illustrates in particular an assembly 5, in exploded view, comprising two insulation elements 13 arranged on the side of each terminal of the battery cell 1. The cover 6 may include complementary elements (not visible in the figure) which cooperate with the positioning elements 41, 43 of the insulation element 13 to block relative translation and relative rotation with the insulation element 13. This makes it possible to form an assembly 5 ready to be associated with the electrode assemblies 50 51, 53 to form the prismatic battery cell 1.

[0084] It is therefore well understood that the insulating element 13 is interposed between the cover 6 and the current collector 10, ensuring electrical insulation between the cover 6 and the current collector 10. The arrangements described above make it possible to propose a compact assembly 5 comprising the current collector 10 and the cover 6, while ensuring electrical insulation between the current collector 10 and the cover 6.

[0085] Finally, with reference to [Fig. 4], the invention also relates to a prismatic battery cell 1 for an electric propulsion vehicle. The battery cell 1 comprises a case 4 having a prismatic shape.

[0086] The housing 4 internally delimits a cell housing 9 and has a top opening 8 which provides access to this cell housing 9. The cell housing 9 can extend in the lateral direction Z.

[0087] The battery cell 1 also includes an assembly 5 as described above, in which the cover 6 provides a tight seal for the upper opening 8 of the housing 4. The battery cell 1 may include a first terminal 2 and a second terminal 3 of opposite polarity to the first terminal 2. Generally, the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 are two separate parts attached to the cover 6. For this reason, it is advantageous to provide spacers 15 interposed between each terminal 2, 3 and the cover 6.

[0088] The first current collector 10 of the assembly 5 is electrically connected to the first terminal 2 and the second current collector 10 of the assembly 5 is electrically connected to the second terminal 3. The electrical insulation provided by the insulation elements 13 according to the invention makes it possible to avoid any short circuit between the current collectors 10 and the cover 6.

[0089] The battery cell 1 also includes at least one assembly 50 of electrodes 51, 53 comprising the successive assembly of first and second electrodes 51, 53 of opposite polarity and separated from each other by a porous separator film.

[0090] The first electrode 51 may, in particular, comprise a first metal foil in the form of a thin strip, on which a layer of a first active material is deposited. If the first electrode 51 is a cathode, the first metal foil may comprise aluminum. The second electrode 53 may comprise a second metal foil in the form of a thin strip, on which a layer of a second active material is deposited. If the second electrode 53 is an anode, the second metal foil may comprise copper.

[0091] The insulating separator(s) are arranged so that no electrical contact is possible between the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 53. The insulating separators also have a porous structure, allowing the passage of an electrolyte comprising ions responsible for the charge transfer between the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 53.

[0092] In the particular case of prismatic battery cells 1, the assemblies 50 generally comprise a stacking or winding of the layers described above, and in particular two stackings or windings, thus forming two distinct assemblies 50 intended to be housed in a single housing 9.

[0093] The first and second electrodes 51, 53 each have a current-collecting tab 55 projecting from the assembly 50 and configured to collect an electric current from said electrode. The first current collector 10 can be electrically connected to the current-collecting tabs 55 of the first electrodes 51, and the second current collector 10 can be electrically connected to the current-collecting tabs 55 of the second electrodes 53. To facilitate current collection by the current collectors 10, it is advantageous for them to be made of the same material as the electrode with which they are electrically connected. Thus, the first current collector 10 can be made of aluminum, and the second current collector 10 can be made of copper.

[0094] Advantageously, the battery cell may comprise an electrically insulating lateral element 7 interposed between the electrode assembly 50 51, 53 and the housing 4. In this way, the electrically insulating side element 7 allows the current collection tabs 55 to be electrically isolated from the housing 4 of the battery cell 1.

[0095] Furthermore, it is generally provided that the battery cell 1 includes a contact element 11, such as a rivet, which provides an electrical connection between each terminal 2, 3, and one of the current collectors 10. The contact opening 45 is intentionally provided in the insulation elements 13, to allow the passage of such a contact element 11.

[0096] Finally, in order to allow the exchange of ions between the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 53, the battery cell 1 generally includes a solid or liquid electrolyte.

[0097] The arrangements described above make it possible to propose a battery cell 1 in which the electrical insulation element 13 makes it possible both to electrically isolate the current collector 10 from the cover 6, while facilitating the positioning of the current collector 10 relative to the cover 6 and making it possible to form a compact assembly 5 adjusted to the dimensions of the housing 4 of the battery cell 1.

Claims

Demands

1. Electrical insulation element (13) intended to be interposed between a current collector (10) and a cover (6) of a prismatic battery cell (1), said insulation element (13) comprising a main body (40) of an electrically insulating material, the insulation element (13) having a lower face (fi 13) intended to come into contact with the current collector (10), and an upper face (fs 13) intended to be turned towards the cover (6); the insulation element (13) comprising on its lower face (fi 13), raised positioning members (47) intended to cooperate by complementary shape with the current collector (10) in such a way as to block relative translation and relative rotation between the current collector (10) and the insulation element (13).

2. Insulation element (13) according to claim 1, wherein the main body (40) defines a recessed housing (49) intended to receive a portion (20) of the current collector (10), the positioning members (47) being disposed in the housing (49).

3. Insulation element (13) according to claim 2, wherein the positioning members (47) comprise two shoulders arranged on opposite walls of the housing (49).

4. Insulation element (13) according to claim 3, wherein the two shoulders are arranged opposite each other.

5. Insulation element (13) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the positioning members (47) are intended to allow assembly of the current collector (10) in the housing (49).

6. Insulation element (13) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the housing (49) comprises a first housing part (49a) having a substantially cylindrical shape and a second housing part (49b) having a substantially prismatic shape, the positioning members (47) being arranged in the second housing part (49b).

7. Insulation element (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a through contact opening (45) for permitting the passage of a contact member (11) through the main body (40) of the insulation element (13).

8. Insulation element (13) according to claim 7 and according to any one of claims 2 to 6, in which the contact opening (45) passes through the housing (49).

9. Insulation element (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising on its upper face (fs 13), raised positioning elements (41, 43) intended to cooperate by complementarity of form with complementary elements delimited by the cover (6) in such a way as to block a relative translation and a relative rotation between the insulation element (13) and the cover (6); said positioning elements (41, 43) being offset along a longitudinal direction (X).

10. Insulation element (13) according to claim 9, wherein the positioning elements (41, 43) comprise a first positioning element (41) and a second positioning element (43), the first positioning element (41) being a pin projecting from the main body (40), and the second positioning element (43) being a hole provided in the main body (40).

11. Isolation element (13) according to claim 10, wherein the positioning members (47) and the first positioning element (41, 43) belong to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X).

12. Assembly (5) for prismatic electric battery cell (1) comprising: • an insulation element (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and • a current collector (10) intended to be electrically connected to electrodes (51, 53) of the battery cell (1), said current collector (10) being housed in the housing (49) of the insulation element (13) such that rotation and translation between the current collector (10) and the insulation element (13) are blocked by cooperation between the positioning members (47) and the current collector (10).

13. Assembly (5) according to claim 12, wherein the current collector (10) has an assembly portion (20) arranged to one end of said current collector (10), said portion (20) of assembly being contained entirely within the housing (49).

14. Assembly (5) according to any one of claims 12 or 13, further comprising a cover (6) for ensuring closure of a housing (4) of the battery cell (1), the insulation element (13) being interposed between the cover (6) and the current collector (10), ensuring electrical insulation between the cover (6) and the current collector (10).

15. Prismatic battery cell (1) for an electric propulsion vehicle, said battery cell (1) comprising: • a casing (4) having a prismatic shape, the casing (4) having a top opening (8) and internally delimiting a casing housing (9); • at least one electrode assembly (50) (51, 53) disposed in the casing housing (9), said at least one assembly (50) comprising the successive assembly of a sheet of a first electrode (51), a first insulating separator, a second electrode (53), and a second insulating separator; the first and second electrodes (51, 53) each having a current-collecting tab (55) projecting from the assembly (50) and being configured to collect an electric current from said electrode (51, 53);• an assembly (5) according to claim 14, in which the cover (6) provides a tight seal of the upper opening (8) of the housing (4), and in which the current collector (10) is electrically connected to the first electrode (51); and • a second current collector (10) electrically connected to the second electrode (53).