Abstract: Self-protecting current collector, with lateral collection an insulating plastic support film having a thickness between about 1 and 30 microns, and a conductive metallic coating, of a thickness lower than about 10 microns, adhering to at least one face of the insulating support film, compatible with the corresponding material of the electrode of the generator, and wherein its conductive surface is divided into a plurality of adjacent distinct areas, each area being electrically insulated by means of non-conductive borders except for at least one conductive bridge of small cross-section connected to a lateral common conductive margin enabling a lateral collection of the entire distinct areas; the nature and electrical resistance of the conductive bridges enabling on the one hand, passage of currents corresponding to maximum currents provided for each of the individual collection areas of the generator to be produced, and limiting on the other hand, in case of an accidental short-circuit inside an area, the ma