Connector and battery module including the same

Abstract

The invention relates to: a connector for electrically connecting components within a battery module to one another, the connector comprising at least one metal, and a dielectric body, the dielectric body having a dielectric constant (k) of at least 2 and at most 50; and a battery module including the connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0093446, filed on July 18, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a connector, and more specifically, to a connector that has good safety under overvoltage conditions. Background Technology

[0004] In recent years, with rising energy prices due to the depletion of fossil fuels, concerns about environmental pollution have intensified, and the demand for environmentally friendly alternative energy sources has become indispensable for future life. Therefore, research on various power generation technologies such as solar, wind, and tidal power continues, while energy storage devices (such as batteries) that more effectively utilize the generated electricity have also received widespread attention.

[0005] Furthermore, with technological advancements and the increasing demand for battery-powered electronic mobile devices and electric vehicles, the demand for batteries as an energy source is also rapidly increasing. Therefore, much research is underway on batteries capable of meeting these diverse needs.

[0006] In particular, there is a high demand for lithium-ion batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries and lithium-ion polymer batteries, which have advantages such as high energy density, discharge voltage and output stability.

[0007] Based on the shape of the battery casing, secondary batteries can be classified into cylindrical or square batteries with electrode assemblies embedded in cylindrical or square metal cans, and pouch batteries with electrode assemblies embedded in pouch-shaped casings made of aluminum laminates. Here, the operating voltage of such cell units is approximately 2.5V to 4.2V.

[0008] Therefore, when an output voltage higher than the operating voltage is required, multiple individual batteries are connected to form a battery module, and multiple battery modules are grouped together to form a battery pack.

[0009] In this type of battery module, the secondary batteries can be connected in parallel and / or in series. Here, the electrical connection between the secondary batteries can be provided by attaching a busbar to the leads of adjacent secondary batteries.

[0010] On the other hand, there is a risk of fire or explosion when overvoltage occurs in a secondary battery. This risk is even greater in battery modules with multiple interconnected secondary batteries, as a fire or explosion in any one secondary battery can spread to adjacent batteries.

[0011] Therefore, technologies have been developed to ensure safety in the event of overvoltage in a battery module by blocking the current flowing through a fuse. However, a problem exists with existing technologies: components around the fuse may suffer thermal damage, potentially reducing the energy density of the battery module.

[0012] Therefore, a technology is needed that can improve safety issues caused by explosions or fires without reducing the energy density of battery modules. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Technical issues

[0014] The present invention was invented to solve the above-mentioned problems. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a connector and a battery module including the connector, which can act as a safety device by blocking current in the event of overvoltage in the battery module without reducing energy density.

[0015] Technical solution

[0016] According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a connector for electrically connecting components within a battery module, wherein the connector comprises at least one metal and a dielectric, the dielectric constant (k) of the dielectric having an upper limit of 50, preferably 30, more preferably 15, most preferably 5, and a lower limit of 2, preferably 3.

[0017] Specifically, the connector may be a busbar that electrically connects multiple secondary batteries to each other, and the busbar defines at least one through hole into which electrode lead connectors are inserted.

[0018] Alternatively, the connector may be an electrode lead connector that electrically connects the secondary battery to the outside or to each other, and includes electrode leads and electrode connectors.

[0019] The connector has a structure in which metal layers comprising metal and dielectric layers comprising dielectric are sequentially stacked in the thickness direction of the connector.

[0020] The ratio of the thickness of the metal layer to the thickness of the dielectric layer can be 1:10⁻ 6 The ratio is in the range of 1:10⁻¹, preferably in the range of 1:10⁻¹. 6 The ratio is up to 1:10⁻², more preferably within 1:10⁻². 6 Up to 1:10⁻³.

[0021] The connector has a structure in which a first region comprising metal and a second region comprising dielectric are connected to each other in a planar direction.

[0022] The ratio of the surface area of ​​the first region to that of the second region in the planar direction can be between 1:1 and 1:10. -6 Within the range, preferably within 1:10 -1 To 1:10 -6 The range is more preferably 1:10. -2 To 1:10 -6 Within the range, more preferably within 1:10⁻³ to 1:10⁻ 6 Within the range.

[0023] The dielectric may comprise one or more materials selected from one or more metal oxides and one or more metal silicates, wherein the metal oxides are selected from the group consisting of SiO2, Al2O3, MgO, CaO, ZrSiO4, HfSiO4, Si3N4, Y2O3, SrO, ZrO2, Ta2O5, HfO2, La2O3, and BaO, and the metal silicates are selected from the group consisting of Hf, Zr, and Y. Preferably, the dielectric may comprise one or more materials selected from SiO2, ZrO2, HfO2, Al2O3, and Y2O3. More preferably, the dielectric may comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of SiO2, ZrO2, and HfO2. Furthermore, even more preferably, the dielectric may comprise SiO2.

[0024] Based on the total weight of the connector, the dielectric content can be from 0.01wt% to 5.00wt%, preferably 0.01wt% to 3.00wt%, and more preferably 0.1wt% to 1.0wt%.

[0025] The band gap of the dielectric can be 3.5 eV or more, preferably 4.0 eV or more, and more preferably 5.0 eV or more.

[0026] Based on the total weight of the connector, the metal content can be from 90.00wt% to 99.99wt%, preferably from 95.00wt% to 99.99wt%, and more preferably from 99.00wt% to 99.99wt%.

[0027] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the present invention provides a battery module including a connector and a cell assembly.

[0028] The cell assembly may include multiple secondary cells, which are connected in series with each other via connectors.

[0029] Beneficial effects

[0030] The connector according to the invention may include a dielectric material having a dielectric constant (k) of an upper limit of 50 and a lower limit of 2. Therefore, in the event of an overvoltage in the battery module, a disconnection can be induced in the connector electrically connecting components within the battery module, thereby improving the safety of the battery module and thus increasing its energy density. Furthermore, after disconnection, the connector can continue to function as a safety device without requiring replacement. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing a busbar as a type of connector.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view showing another type of busbar as a connector.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of an electrode assembly, which includes electrode lead connectors as connectors.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic perspective view of a busbar as a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view of a busbar according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view of a busbar according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic perspective view of an electrode lead connector as a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic perspective view of an electrode lead connector as a connector according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The invention will be described in more detail below.

[0042] The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as having their ordinary or dictionary-based meanings, but rather should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the spirit of the invention, based on the principle that the inventor is able to correctly define the concepts of the terms to best describe and explain his or her invention.

[0043] In this specification, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form also includes the plural form. The terms "comprising" and / or "including" as used in this specification do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more components in addition to those described above.

[0044] In this specification, the dielectric constant (k) refers to the magnitude of the dielectric constant relative to vacuum.

[0045] Through repeated research, the inventors ensured the safety of the battery module by inducing disconnection under overvoltage conditions. As a result, they discovered that the connector could include a dielectric material having a dielectric constant (k) with an upper limit of 50 and a lower limit of 2, thereby ensuring the safety of the battery module and completing this invention.

[0046] connector

[0047] The present invention provides a connector comprising one or more metals and a dielectric, wherein the dielectric has a dielectric constant (k) having an upper limit of 50 and a lower limit of 2.

[0048] This connector can be used to electrically connect components within a battery module. For example, the connector can be a busbar or an electrode lead connector, but is not limited to these.

[0049] Specifically, as a connector, a busbar can electrically connect multiple secondary batteries to each other and transmit electrical signals from one secondary battery to another. In other words, a busbar can be electrically connected to each electrode lead connector of multiple secondary batteries. For example, in a multi-electrode lead connector connected to multiple secondary batteries, the busbar can contact multiple battery lead connectors with the same polarity or multiple electrode lead connectors with different polarities to electrically connect multiple secondary batteries to each other.

[0050] The busbar may include at least one through-hole. For example, the busbar may be plate-shaped, with its length and width exceeding its thickness, and the through-hole may be defined by passing through the central portion of the plate-shaped busbar. Here, the through-hole may be configured to allow the insertion of electrode lead connectors for secondary batteries. Electrode leads protruding outward from the housing of the secondary battery may be inserted into and connected to the through-hole of the busbar, thereby electrically connecting multiple secondary batteries to each other.

[0051] Figure 1This is a schematic perspective view showing a busbar as a type of connector. The busbar 100 may have a rectangular plate shape defining a through hole 10 in its central portion. Such a rectangular plate-shaped busbar can be used to electrically connect pouch-type secondary batteries to each other, but is not limited thereto.

[0052] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view illustrating another type of busbar as a connector. The busbar may include a plurality of circular plates 20 and an equal number of strip plates 30. The strip plates 30 may be connected between the circular plates 20. For example, four strip plates 30 connect four circular plates 20 to each other. The busbar 100 may have a structure with horizontally repeating shapes. Furthermore, through holes 10 may be defined in the central portion of each circular plate 20. Such rectangular plate-shaped busbars can be used to electrically connect pouch-type secondary batteries to each other, but are not limited thereto.

[0053] However, busbars can have various shapes for electrical connections between secondary batteries, and are not limited to specific shapes and sizes.

[0054] In addition, as a connector, the electrode lead connector may include electrode leads and electrode connectors. Specifically, the connector may have a shape in which electrode connectors and electrode leads are connected to each other, extending from the positive or negative terminal of the secondary battery.

[0055] Electrode lead connectors can be used as electrode terminals for secondary batteries to electrically connect to the external environment or to connect secondary batteries to each other. Specifically, electrode lead connectors can electrically connect secondary batteries to external devices, or allow one end of the electrode lead connector to contact a busbar to electrically connect secondary batteries to each other.

[0056] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view showing one type of electrode assembly, which includes an electrode lead connector 110 as a connector. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The electrode lead connector 110 may have a structure in which the electrode connector 112 protruding from the electrode assembly 116 is connected to the electrode lead 114.

[0057] Specifically, the electrode assembly for a secondary battery may include an uncoated portion in which no active material layer is provided, and an electrode connector corresponding to a positive or negative electrode plate may protrude from the uncoated portion in such a way that the electrode connector is attached to the electrode plate. The electrode connector consists of a positive electrode connector and a negative electrode connector, each extending from and protruding from the electrode assembly. That is, the positive electrode connector may protrude from the positive electrode plate of the electrode assembly, and the negative electrode connector may protrude from the negative electrode plate of the electrode assembly.

[0058] Electrode connectors may be multiple in an electrode assembly. For example, multiple positive connectors may be disposed on a positive plate, and multiple negative connectors may be disposed on a negative plate. In this case, multiple positive connectors can be connected to a positive lead, and multiple negative connectors can also be connected to a negative lead. However, electrode connectors are not limited to this; an electrode assembly may include only one electrode connector.

[0059] In addition, the electrode lead connectors may protrude relative to the electrode assembly in the same, opposite, or orthogonal directions.

[0060] In an electrode lead connector, one end of the electrode lead can be attached to the electrode connector, while the other end of the electrode lead can be exposed outside the housing of the electrode assembly. The electrode lead can be attached to the upper or lower part of the electrode connector to form an electrode lead connector.

[0061] Electrode leads can be attached to electrode connectors via ultrasonic welding, but are not limited to this method. Electrode connectors and electrode leads can be attached to each other in various ways to form electrode lead connectors.

[0062] The electrode leads can be rectangular plates, but are not limited to this.

[0063] Additionally, the connector may include metal as a highly conductive material to electrically connect components within the battery module.

[0064] Specifically, the metal can be one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), gold (Au), and SUS (stainless steel), preferably one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu). For example, the metal can have a structure in which aluminum and copper are stacked in sequence, or a structure in which copper is plated with nickel.

[0065] Based on the total weight of the connector, the metal content can be from 90.00 wt% to 99.99 wt%, preferably from 95.00 wt% to 99.99 wt%, and more preferably from 99.00 wt% to 99.99 wt%. When the metal content is within the above range, the connector can ensure sufficient conductivity, thereby improving current transmission capability when electrically connecting components within the battery module.

[0066] The connector may include a dielectric having a dielectric constant (k) with an upper limit of 50 and a lower limit of 2.

[0067] Specifically, since connectors are used to electrically connect components within a battery module, they can function as fuses or safety devices to block current in the event of overvoltage within the battery module. Previously, disconnection was induced via Joule heating by adjusting the thickness of the metal connector. However, in this case, the thickness of the metal contained in the connector must be increased to allow it to withstand high voltages. Therefore, a decrease in energy density occurs within the battery module, and the connector is damaged when disconnection occurs due to Joule heating, making it impossible to continuously use the disconnected connector as a safety device.

[0068] Therefore, when the connector includes a dielectric with a dielectric constant (k) of 50 at the upper limit and 2 at the lower limit, the capacitance can be adjusted solely by the dielectric constant, as capacitance is proportional to the dielectric constant (an inherent property of the dielectric) without significantly increasing the dielectric thickness. Here, when an overvoltage occurs in the secondary battery and the amount of charge accumulated at the interface of the dielectric included in the connector increases, polarization occurs, and as a result, the current flowing through the dielectric may be blocked. Therefore, when the voltage is within the normal range and not overvoltage, the components within the battery module are electrically connected via the connector. However, in the case of overvoltage, the connector may induce disconnection to improve the safety of the battery module. Furthermore, even if the connector includes a dielectric, the thickness of the connector does not increase significantly, thereby allowing for increased energy density of the battery module. Additionally, when an overvoltage occurs, the connector may induce disconnection without causing Joule heating, allowing the connector to be used continuously without requiring individual replacement after disconnection.

[0069] Specifically, the upper limit of the dielectric constant (k) is 50, preferably 30, more preferably 15, and even more preferably 5, and the lower limit of the dielectric constant (k) is 2, preferably 3. When the dielectric constant is less than 2, due to the low capacitance, current may not flow between the components within the battery module even under normal voltage operation (not just overvoltage). Therefore, the electrical connection between the components within the battery module via the connector may be interfered with. When the dielectric constant is greater than 50, the dielectric will not block current even under overvoltage conditions; therefore, the connector may not be able to serve as a safety device to prevent the secondary battery from exploding or catching fire due to overvoltage. Therefore, when the dielectric constant is within the above range, the connector can achieve a smooth electrical connection between the components within the battery module under normal voltage conditions. At the same time, it can block the electrical connection between components under overvoltage conditions, thereby ensuring the safety of the secondary battery.

[0070] The band gap of the dielectric can be 3.5 eV or more, preferably 4.0 eV or more, and more preferably 5.0 eV or more. When the band gap of the dielectric is within the above range, the connector can be used as a safety device to block current when overvoltage flows, while reducing leakage current that may occur in the connector.

[0071] The dielectric may include a material having a high dielectric constant (k) to induce disconnection in the connector during overvoltage flow. For example, the dielectric may include one or more materials selected from one or more metal oxides and one or more metal silicates, wherein the metal oxides are selected from the group consisting of SiO2, Al2O3, MgO, CaO, ZrSiO4, HfSiO4, Si3N4, Y2O3, SrO, ZrO2, Ta2O5, HfO2, La2O3, and BaO, and the metal silicates are selected from the group consisting of Hf, Zr, and Y. Preferably, the dielectric may include one or more materials selected from SiO2, ZrO2, HfO2, Al2O3, and Y2O3. More preferably, the dielectric may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of SiO2, ZrO2, and HfO2. Furthermore, even more preferably, the dielectric may include SiO2.

[0072] Based on the total weight of the connector, the dielectric content can be from 0.01wt% to 5.00wt%, preferably 0.01wt% to 3.00wt%, and more preferably 0.1wt% to 1.0wt%. When the amount of dielectric is within the above range, compared with existing connectors using different metals, the current flowing through the connector can be blocked at a relatively low content during overvoltage events, thereby ensuring the safety of the battery module and improving the energy density of the battery module.

[0073] Figure 4 and Figure 7 This is a schematic perspective view showing a busbar or electrode lead connector as a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 4 and Figure 7 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the busbar 100 or electrode lead connector 110 as a connector may include a structure in which a metal layer 40 and a dielectric layer 50 including a dielectric are sequentially stacked in the thickness direction of the connector.

[0074] For example, the busbar 100 and the electrode lead connector 110 may have a structure in which a first metal layer 42, a dielectric layer 50, and a second metal layer 44 are sequentially stacked in the thickness direction of the busbar. The first metal layer 42 and the second metal layer 44 may comprise different types of metals or the same type of metals. However, the stacking structure of the metal layers and the dielectric layer is not limited to this.

[0075] Here, the ratio of the thickness of the metal layer to the thickness of the dielectric layer can be 1:10⁻ 6 The ratio is in the range of 1:10⁻¹, preferably in the range of 1:10⁻¹. 6 The ratio is up to 1:10⁻², more preferably within 1:10⁻². 6 Up to 1:10⁻³. When the thickness of the dielectric layer is within the above range, the capacitance increases as the thickness of the dielectric layer included in the connector decreases. Therefore, even when the connector includes a dielectric, it can be used as a safety device without significantly increasing the thickness of the connector, thereby improving the energy density of the battery module.

[0076] Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 This is a schematic perspective view of a busbar or electrode lead connector as a connector according to another embodiment of the present invention. As a connector according to another embodiment of the present invention, the busbar 100 and the electrode lead connector 110 may include a structure in which a first metal region 60 and a second region 70 including a dielectric are connected in a planar direction.

[0077] For example, refer to Figure 5 In a busbar 100 of a rectangular plate type having a through hole 10 defined in its central portion, a portion of the wider plane of the plate may be defined as a first region 60, while other portions may be defined as a second region 70.

[0078] Alternatively, refer to Figure 6 The circular plate portion of the busbar 100 may be a first region 60, and the strip plate portion connecting the circular plates to each other may be a second region 70. Alternatively, a portion of the wider surface of the strip plate may be the first region 60, while other portions of the wider surface of the strip plate may be the second region 70.

[0079] Reference Figure 8 In the rectangular plate-shaped electrode lead connector 110, a portion of the wider surface of the electrode lead 114 can be a first region 60, and another portion can be a second region 70.

[0080] Here, the ratio of the surface areas of the first region and the second region in the planar direction can be from 1:1 to 1:10. -6 Within the range, preferably within 1:10 -1 To 1:10 -6 The range is more preferably 1:10. -2 To 1:10 -6 Within the range, more preferably within 1:10⁻³ to 1:10⁻ 6Within the aforementioned range, when the ratio of the surface areas of the first and second regions is within this range, the capacitance increases as the thickness of the first region included in the busbar decreases. Therefore, even when the busbar includes a dielectric, it can be used as a safety device without significantly increasing its thickness, thereby improving the energy density of the battery module.

[0081] In addition, the connector may include the following structures: a structure in which a metal layer 10 and a dielectric layer 20 including a dielectric are stacked in sequence; and a structure in which a first region 30 including metal and a second region 40 including a dielectric are connected in a planar direction.

[0082] Battery Module

[0083] According to another embodiment, the present invention provides a battery module including a connector and a cell assembly.

[0084] The structure of the busbar and electrode lead connector is the same as described above, so detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0085] Specifically, a battery module can house multiple secondary batteries to store and output electrical energy. These secondary batteries can be interconnected to form a cell assembly. In other words, a cell assembly can refer to an assembly of secondary batteries arranged at predetermined intervals within the housing space of a battery module.

[0086] The secondary battery consists of electrode assemblies with stacked electrodes and electrode lead connectors electrically connected to each electrode assembly. The battery module allows the secondary battery to be housed within it and arranged at predetermined intervals, such that the electrode lead connectors are evenly distributed on one side.

[0087] An electrode assembly can refer to a combination of electrodes and a separator, and can be configured in a shape with one or more positive plates and one or more negative plates positioned therebetween with the separator in between.

[0088] In addition, the positive plate of the electrode assembly is provided with a positive terminal, and one or more positive terminals can be connected to the positive lead.

[0089] The secondary battery can be a pouch-type or cylindrical secondary battery. However, the battery module according to the present invention is not limited to pouch-type or cylindrical secondary batteries, and can employ various secondary batteries known at the time of this invention.

[0090] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 6When the secondary battery is a pouch-type secondary battery, the secondary batteries 220 are stacked horizontally in a vertically upright state to form a cell assembly 230. Here, multiple electrode lead connectors 110 can be located in front of or behind the cell assembly 230. Furthermore, multiple busbars 100 can be located in front of or behind the cell assembly 230. Therefore, the busbars 100 can be connected to multiple electrode lead connectors 110 with the same polarity or multiple electrode lead connectors 110 with different polarities to electrically connect multiple pouch-type secondary batteries to each other.

[0091] also, Figure 7 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 7 When the secondary battery is a cylindrical secondary battery, multiple secondary batteries 220 can be arranged in multiple rows and columns to form a cell assembly 230. A column can refer to a vertical direction relative to ground, while a row can refer to a horizontal direction relative to ground. Here, multiple busbars 100 can be provided on the multiple cylindrical secondary batteries 220, for example, between multiple secondary batteries adjacent to each other in a row or column direction. The busbars 100 can be connected to electrode lead connectors 110 protruding from the top of the cylindrical secondary battery to electrically connect the multiple secondary batteries to each other. Specifically, the busbars 100 can connect secondary batteries arranged in the same column in parallel and cylindrical secondary batteries arranged in two adjacent columns in series.

[0092] Specifically, the electrode lead connector 110, protruding outward from the casing of the secondary battery, can pass through at least one through-hole 10 defined in the busbar to connect to the busbar. The busbar 100 and the electrode lead connector 110 can be electrically connected by a fixed contact method such as laser welding or ultrasonic welding.

[0093] Therefore, the busbar and electrode lead connectors can be connected in series and / or parallel to the secondary batteries. Here, because the busbar and electrode lead connectors include a dielectric, the electrical connection between the secondary batteries can be interrupted in the event of an overvoltage in any one of the multiple secondary batteries, ensuring the safety of the battery module.

[0094] Furthermore, the battery cell assembly 230 may include a busbar frame 240, which is a frame structure on which busbars are mounted. The busbar frame 240 may be disposed on the outer surface of the busbar 100. For example, multiple busbars 100 may be mounted on the busbar frame 240. To accommodate multiple busbars, the busbar frame 240 may include an insulating material, such as a plastic that can be electrically isolated from the busbars 100.

[0095] The busbar assembly 250 may include a busbar 100 and a busbar frame 240.

[0096] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0097] Example

[0098] <Busbar Manufacturing>

[0099] A busbar with the following structure was fabricated: a first metal layer comprising nickel-copper (99% pure C1100 without electroplated nickel), a dielectric layer comprising SiO2, and a second metal layer comprising nickel-copper (99% pure C1100 without electroplated nickel) were sequentially stacked in the thickness direction of the busbar. The thickness ratio of the metal layer to the dielectric layer in the fabricated busbar is 1:10. -6 Within the range.

[0100] <Battery Module Manufacturing>

[0101] A battery cell assembly was fabricated in which multiple pouch-type secondary batteries were stacked. After inserting the electrode leads of the secondary batteries into the through holes of a fabricated busbar, the electrode leads of the electrode lead connector and the busbar were connected to each other by welding to fabricate a battery module.

[0102] Comparison Examples

[0103] The busbars and battery modules are manufactured in the same manner as shown in Example 1, except that nickel copper (99% pure C1100 with no electrolytic nickel plating) is used instead of the dielectric.

[0104] Experimental Example 1 - Heating Measurement Experiment

[0105] Applying 5 × 10⁻⁶ ppm to the battery modules in the examples and comparative examples above at room temperature -2 A / cm 2 The current was applied for 60 seconds, and the surface temperature generated on the busbar surface was measured using an infrared camera (FLIR model i-3). The heat generated by the busbar was calculated based on the measured surface temperature. The measurement results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0106] [Table 1]

[0107] Calorific value (J) Example 1.8 Comparison Examples 7

[0108] Referring to Table 1 above, it can be seen that the heat generation in this example is significantly reduced compared to the comparative example. This allows us to understand that, by using the connector including the dielectric according to the present invention, the connector can be disconnected even under overcurrent conditions without melting due to Joule heat. Experimental Example 2 - Disconnection Time Measurement Experiment

[0109] For the battery modules in the examples and comparative examples above, a 1C current was applied to the battery module when the SoC exceeded 150%, and the disconnection time was measured when the individual voltage of the battery module reached 4.95V. The measurement results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0110] [Table 2]

[0111] Disconnection time (s) Example 30 30 Comparison Example 60 60

[0112] Referring to Table 2 above, it can be seen that, under overvoltage conditions, this example can quickly block the current compared to the comparative example. Therefore, when using a connector incorporating the dielectric according to the invention, the disconnection time can be reduced without decreasing the energy density of the battery module.

[0113] (Description of reference numerals in the attached figures)

[0114] 100: Busbar

[0115] 110: Electrode lead connector

[0116] 112: Electrode connector

[0117] 114: Electrode leads

[0118] 116: Electrode assembly

[0119] 10: Through hole

[0120] 20: Circular plate

[0121] 30: Strip plate

[0122] 40: Metal layer

[0123] 42: First metal layer

[0124] 44: Second metal layer

[0125] 50: Dielectric layer

[0126] 60: First Zone

[0127] 70: Second Zone

[0128] 200: Battery Module

[0129] 220: Secondary battery

[0130] 230: Battery Cell Assembly

[0131] 240: Busbar Frame

[0132] 250: Busbar assembly

Claims

1. A connector for electrically connecting components within a battery module to each other, the connector comprising: One or more metals; as well as Dielectric, The dielectric has a dielectric constant (k) with an upper limit of 50 and a lower limit of 2.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The connector includes a busbar that electrically connects multiple secondary batteries to each other, and defines at least one through hole in the busbar into which electrode lead connectors are inserted.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The connector includes an electrode lead connector that electrically connects the secondary battery to the outside or to each other, and the electrode lead connector includes electrode leads and electrode terminals.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The connector has a structure in which a metal layer including the metal and a dielectric layer including the dielectric are sequentially stacked in the thickness direction of the connector.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein, The ratio of the thickness of the metal layer to the thickness of the dielectric layer is 1:

10. -6 To 1:10 -1 Within the range.

6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The connector has a structure in which a first region including the metal and a second region including the dielectric are connected to each other in a planar direction.

7. The connector according to claim 6, wherein, The ratio of the surface area of ​​the first region to that of the second region in the planar direction is between 1:1 and 1:

10. -6 Within the range.

8. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The dielectric comprises one or more materials selected from one or more metal oxides and one or more metal silicates, wherein the one or more metal oxides are selected from the group consisting of SiO2, Al2O3, MgO, CaO, ZrSiO4, HfSiO4, Si3N4, Y2O3, SrO, ZrO2, Ta2O5, HfO2, La2O3 and BaO, and the one or more metal silicates are selected from the group consisting of Hf, Zr and Y.

9. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, Based on the total weight of the connector, the dielectric content is from 0.01 wt% to 5.00 wt%.

10. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The dielectric has a band gap of 3.5 eV or higher.

11. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, Based on the total weight of the connector, the metal content is between 90.00 wt% and 99.99 wt%.

12. A battery module comprising a connector and a cell assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein, The battery cell assembly includes multiple secondary batteries, and the secondary batteries are connected in series with each other via the connector.

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