Abstract: An electrochemical cell presents two poles disposed on opposite faces. Each pole has an endpiece with at least one projecting substantially plane portion. Each of these portions is shaped so as to be capable of being placed against a projecting plane portion of the other pole of another electrochemical cell by means of a movement in translation. The invention enables electrochemical cells to be assembled together simply and quickly. The position and shape of the endpieces is suitable for allowing welding tools to pass. Assembly impedance is low because of the large current-passing section and because of the way assembly is performed.

Abstract: A cylindrical high-capacity sealed storage cell having a terminal at one end which is made of aluminum, wherein: the one end includes an aluminum cover adapted to be brought into contact with an external electrical connecting part by a clamping structure which is at least in part under the cover and co-operates with an external assembly mechanism, the clamping structure being made from a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, nickel-plated steel, copper, and brass; and the cover of the cell is sealed by a metal sealing cap under the cover.

Abstract: A battery module including at least one cell, at least one sensor, an interrupter device such as a fuse connected in series with the cells and an electronic switch. The electronic switch includes power transistors for short circuiting the series-connected components and the fuse if the sensor senses a malfunction and a diode for assuring that the power transistors maintain the series-connected circuit short circuited regardless of the subsequent status of the sensor. The diode memorizes the malfunction so that the module continues to conduct after the fuse blows, even if the sensors no longer detect any malfunction.

Abstract: A method of making an electrochemical cell, and an electrode stack made thereby. The method includes fabrication of a coating onto selected areas of the ends of the stack by a thermal spray coating process in which the coating is applied to one of the electrodes in the stack without the coating contacting the alternate edges of the other electrode in the stack. Suitable conductive strips, compatible with the substrate materials that make up the electrodes of the cell, can be attached to the thermally sprayed coating layers, or can be embedded into the sprayed materials as they are applied to the electrode stack.

Abstract: The invention provides a sealed organic-electrolyte cell. A spiral-wound group of electrodes have at least one alternation of negative electrode, separator and positive electrode. The cell has an enclosure made up of a cover and an end wall interconnected in a sealed manner by a side case surrounding the group. Each cover and end wall has a respective current outlet terminal and a central core around which the electrode group is spiral-wound, with an end wall and the cover being fixed to the ends thereof. The case surrounding the group is made of a combined metal-and-plastics multilayer material of a thickness that is smaller than 0.5 mm. The invention also provides a module of such cells and a battery that has at least one such module. The battery is suitable for use as the battery of an electric vehicle.

Abstract: A safety device for an electrochemical storage cell or a module of electrochemical cells, said safety device comprising at least one means for detecting anomalous operation of said storage cell or of a storage cell in said module, said detection means for detecting being associated with a pyrotechnic device, said pyrotechnic device being associated both with at least one means for shearing a portion of an electrical connection strip of said storage cell or of said module, and with at least one means for bypassing the portion which can be sheared.

Abstract: In this device for controlling the temperature of a battery of cylindrically-shaped electrochemical cells placed side by side, heat is conveyed by the flow of a heat-conveying fluid, which flow takes place inside a double wall whose section is in the form of circular arcs interconnected at their ends so that the junction points between the arcs are substantially in alignment. Relief is disposed in a baffle configuration inside the double wall to constrain the fluid to flow parallel to said section, alternately in one direction and then in the opposite direction. The wall is disposed against the battery in such a manner that each of the circular arcs is disposed coaxially against one of the cells.