Connector and battery module including same

Abstract

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

Description

Connector and battery module including same

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

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

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a connector, and more particularly, to a connector having excellent stability under overvoltage.

[0005]

[0006] In recent years, rising energy prices due to the depletion of fossil fuels and growing concerns about environmental pollution have made the demand for eco-friendly alternative energy sources essential for future living. Research is continuing into various power generation technologies, such as solar, wind, and tidal power. Furthermore, significant interest is being focused on power storage devices, such as batteries, to more efficiently utilize the generated electricity.

[0007] Moreover, with the technological development and increasing demand for battery-powered electronic mobile devices and electric vehicles, the demand for batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing, and accordingly, much research is being conducted on batteries that can meet various needs.

[0008] In particular, in terms of materials, there is a high demand for lithium secondary batteries such as lithium ion batteries and lithium ion polymer batteries, which have advantages such as high energy density, discharge voltage, and output stability.

[0009] Secondary batteries can be classified into cylindrical and prismatic batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a cylindrical or prismatic metal can, and pouch-type batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a pouch-type case made of aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the battery case. However, the operating voltage of these unit batteries is approximately 2.5 V to 4.2 V.

[0010] Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, the battery is manufactured by connecting multiple individual cells to form a battery module, and multiple battery modules are assembled to form a battery pack.

[0011] In these battery modules, secondary batteries can be electrically connected in parallel and / or series. In this case, the electrical connection between the secondary batteries can be achieved by connecting bus bars to the leads of adjacent secondary batteries.

[0012] Meanwhile, if overvoltage occurs in a secondary battery, there is a risk of fire or explosion. This risk is particularly significant in battery modules where multiple secondary batteries are electrically connected, as a fire or explosion occurring in one secondary battery can spread to neighboring batteries, creating a chain reaction.

[0013] Accordingly, technologies have been developed to ensure stability by interrupting current flow in the event of overvoltage in the battery module, such as through fuses. However, conventional technologies have the potential to cause thermal damage to components surrounding the fuse and reduce the energy density of the battery module.

[0014] Therefore, there is a need for a technology that can improve safety issues caused by explosion or ignition without reducing the energy density of the battery module.

[0015]

[0016] The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problem, and provides a connector that can function as a stability element by cutting off current when an overvoltage occurs in a battery module without lowering energy density, and a battery module including the connector.

[0017]

[0018] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a connector for electrically connecting members within a battery module, wherein the connector comprises one or more metals and a dielectric, and the dielectric has an upper limit of a dielectric constant (k) of 50, preferably 30, more preferably 15, even more preferably 5, and a lower limit of 2, preferably 3.

[0019]

[0020] Specifically, the connector may be a bus bar that electrically connects a plurality of secondary batteries to each other and has at least one through hole formed therein for inserting an electrode lead tab.

[0021] Alternatively, the connector may be an electrode lead tab that electrically connects the secondary battery and the external or secondary batteries, and includes an electrode lead and an electrode tab.

[0022] The connector may include a structure in which a metal layer including the metal and a dielectric layer including the dielectric are sequentially laminated in the thickness direction of the connector.

[0023] The ratio of the thickness of the above metal layer to the thickness of the above dielectric layer is 1:10. -6 1:10 -1 , preferably 1:10 -6 1:10 -2 , more preferably 1:10 -6 1:10 -3 It could be.

[0024] The connector may include a structure in which a first region including the metal and a second region including the dielectric are connected in a plane direction.

[0025] The ratio of the surface area of ​​the first region and the second region is 1:1 to 1:10. -6 , preferably 1:10 -1 1:10 -6 , more preferably 1:10 -2 1:10 -6 , more preferably 1:10 -3 1:10 -6 It could be.

[0026] The dielectric may include at least one selected from the group consisting of at least one metal oxide selected from the group consisting of SiO2, Al2O3, MgO, CaO, ZrSiO4, HfSiO4, Si3N4, Y2O3, SrO, ZrO2, Ta2O5, HfO2, La2O3, and BaO; and at least one metal silicate selected from the group consisting of Hf, Zr, and Y; preferably, at least one selected from the group consisting of SiO2, ZrO2, HfO2, Al2O3, and Y2O3; more preferably, at least one selected from the group consisting of SiO2, ZrO2, and HfO2; and even more preferably, SiO2.

[0027] The dielectric may be included in an amount of 0.01 wt% to 5.00 wt%, preferably 0.01 wt% to 3.00 wt%, and more preferably 0.10 wt% to 1.00 wt%, based on the total weight of the connector.

[0028] The band gap of the above dielectric may be 3.5 eV or more, preferably 4.0 eV or more, and more preferably 5.0 eV or more.

[0029] The metal may be included in an amount of 90.00 wt% to 99.99 wt%, preferably 95.00 wt% to 99.99 wt%, and more preferably 99.00 wt% to 99.99 wt%, based on the total weight of the connector.

[0030] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the present invention provides a battery module including the connector and cell assembly.

[0031] The above cell assembly includes a plurality of secondary batteries, and the secondary batteries can be connected in series with each other through the connector.

[0032]

[0033] The connector according to the present invention comprises a dielectric having an upper limit of a dielectric constant (k) of 50 and a lower limit of 2, thereby inducing a short circuit in the connector electrically connecting components within the battery module when an overvoltage occurs in the battery module, thereby enhancing the stability of the battery module and improving the energy density of the battery module. Furthermore, the connector can be continuously used as a stability element without having to be separately replaced after a short circuit.

[0034]

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing one form of a busbar as a connector.

[0036] Figure 2 is a perspective view schematically showing another form of a busbar as a connector.

[0037] Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically showing one form of an electrode assembly including an electrode lead tab as a connector.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a bus bar as a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing a bus bar as a connector according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing a bus bar as a connector according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Fig. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing an electrode lead tab as a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing an electrode lead tab as a connector according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 9 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045]

[0046] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0047] Terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of ​​the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to explain his or her own invention in the best way.

[0048] In this specification, the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. As used herein, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the components mentioned.

[0049] In this specification, the dielectric constant (k) refers to the magnitude of the permittivity based on vacuum.

[0050]

[0051] The inventors of the present invention have conducted repeated research to secure the stability of a battery module by inducing a short circuit when an overvoltage flows through the battery module. As a result, they have discovered that the stability of a battery module can be secured by including a dielectric in the connector whose upper limit of the dielectric constant (k) is 50 and its lower limit is 2, thereby completing the present invention.

[0052]

[0053] connector

[0054] The present invention provides a connector, wherein the connector includes one or more metals and a dielectric, and the dielectric has an upper limit of a dielectric constant (k) of 50 and a lower limit of 2.

[0055]

[0056] The connector may be used to electrically connect components within a battery module. For example, the connector may be, but is not limited to, a bus bar or an electrode lead tab.

[0057]

[0058] Specifically, the bus bar as the connector can electrically connect a plurality of secondary batteries to each other and transmit electrical signals from one secondary battery to another. In other words, the bus bar can be electrically connected to each electrode lead tab of a plurality of secondary batteries. For example, for a plurality of electrode lead tabs connected to a plurality of secondary batteries, the bus bar can electrically connect a plurality of secondary batteries by contacting a plurality of electrode lead tabs of the same polarity or a plurality of electrode lead tabs of different polarities.

[0059] The bus bar may include at least one through hole. For example, the bus bar may be a plate-shaped structure formed such that the length and width directions are wider than the thickness direction, and the through hole may be a portion in which the central portion of the plate-shaped bus bar is opened. In this case, the through hole may be configured such that the electrode lead tab of the secondary battery is inserted. The electrode lead protruding outward from the secondary battery outer shell is inserted into the through hole of the bus bar and coupled to the bus bar, thereby electrically connecting a plurality of secondary batteries.

[0060]

[0061] Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating one form of the busbar as the connector. The busbar (100) may have a form in which a through hole (10) is formed in the center of a rectangular plate configuration. Such a rectangular plate-shaped busbar may be used to electrically connect pouch-type secondary batteries, but its use is not limited thereto.

[0062] In addition, Fig. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing another form of the bus bar. The bus bar may include a plurality of circular plates (20) and bar-shaped plates (30) in the same number as the circular plates (20), and may be in a form in which the bar-shaped plates (30) connect between the circular plates (20). For example, it may be in a form in which four bar-shaped plates (30) connect between four circular plates (20), respectively. The bus bar (100) may have a structure in which the form is repeated left and right. In addition, the through hole (10) may be formed in the center of the circular plate (20). A bus bar of this form may be used to electrically connect a cylindrical secondary battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0063] However, the above bus bar may have various shapes for electrical connection between secondary batteries, and is not limited to a limited shape and size.

[0064]

[0065] In addition, the electrode lead tab as the connector may include an electrode lead and an electrode tab, and specifically, may have a shape in which an electrode tab and an electrode lead are connected and extended from a positive or negative electrode for a secondary battery.

[0066] The above electrode lead tab can function as an electrode terminal of a secondary battery that electrically connects the secondary battery to an external device or between the secondary batteries. Specifically, the electrode lead tab can electrically connect the secondary battery to an external application device, or electrically connect the secondary batteries to each other by bringing one end of the electrode lead tab into contact with a bus bar.

[0067] Fig. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating one form of an electrode assembly including an electrode lead tab (110) as a connector. Referring to Fig. 3, the electrode lead tab (110) may have a structure in which an electrode tab (112) protruding from an electrode assembly (116) and an electrode lead (114) are connected.

[0068] Specifically, the electrode assembly for a secondary battery includes a non-conductive portion on which an active material layer is not formed, and an electrode tab corresponding to a positive electrode plate or a negative electrode plate may be formed to protrude in the non-conductive portion in a manner attached to the electrode plate. The electrode tabs include a positive electrode tab and a negative electrode tab, and are each formed to extend and protrude from the electrode assembly. That is, the positive electrode tab is formed to protrude from the positive electrode plate of the electrode assembly, and the negative electrode tab is formed to protrude from the negative electrode plate of the electrode assembly.

[0069] The above electrode tabs may be included in a plurality of electrode assemblies. For example, a plurality of positive electrode tabs may be provided on a positive electrode plate, and a plurality of negative electrode tabs may be provided on a negative electrode plate. In this case, a plurality of positive electrode tabs may be connected to a single positive electrode lead, and a plurality of negative electrode tabs may be connected to a single negative electrode lead. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and a single electrode tab may be included in a single electrode assembly.

[0070] Additionally, the electrode lead tabs may be formed to protrude in the same direction, opposite directions, or orthogonal directions from the electrode assembly.

[0071] In an electrode lead tab, one end of the electrode lead may be attached to the electrode tab, and the opposite end may be exposed outside the case of the electrode assembly. The electrode lead may be attached to the upper or lower end of the electrode tab to form the electrode lead tab.

[0072] The above electrode lead may be attached to the electrode tab by ultrasonic welding, but is not limited thereto, and the electrode tab and electrode lead may be attached in various ways to form the electrode lead tab.

[0073] The above electrode lead may be in the shape of a rectangular plate, but is not limited thereto.

[0074]

[0075] Meanwhile, the connector may include a metal as a conductive material with high electrical conductivity to electrically connect components within the battery module.

[0076] Specifically, the metal may be at least one selected from the group consisting of aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), gold (Au), and SUS (Stainless Use Steel), preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu). For example, it may be a layered structure in which aluminum and copper are sequentially laminated, or a structure in which nickel is plated on copper.

[0077] The metal may be included in an amount of 90.00 wt% to 99.99 wt%, preferably 95.00 wt% to 99.99 wt%, and more preferably 99.00 wt% to 99.99 wt%, based on the total weight of the connector. When the above range is satisfied, the connector can secure sufficient conductivity, thereby improving the current transmission capability when electrically connecting components within the battery module.

[0078]

[0079] The above connector may include a dielectric having an upper limit of a dielectric constant (k) of 50 and a lower limit of 2.

[0080] Specifically, since a connector can be used to electrically connect components within a battery module, it can be used as a fusing or stability element that can cut off current when overvoltage flows within the battery module. Conventionally, the thickness of a connector made of metal was adjusted to induce a short circuit through Joule heating. However, in this case, in order for the connector to withstand high voltage, the thickness of the metal included in the connector had to be increased. Accordingly, there was a problem that the energy density of the battery module was reduced, and since the connector was damaged when a short circuit occurred due to Joule heating, there was a problem that a connector in which a short circuit occurred could not be continuously used as a stability element.

[0081] Accordingly, when a dielectric with an upper limit of the dielectric constant (k) of 50 and a lower limit of 2 is included in the connector, the capacitance is proportional to the dielectric constant, so the capacitance can be controlled only by the dielectric constant, which is an inherent property of the dielectric, without significantly increasing the thickness of the dielectric. At this time, if an overvoltage occurs in the secondary battery and the amount of charge charged at the interface of the dielectric included in the connector increases, polarization occurs, and as a result, the current flowing through the dielectric can be blocked. Accordingly, when the voltage is within a normal range and not an overvoltage, the components within the battery module are electrically connected through the connector, and when an overvoltage occurs, a disconnection is induced at the connector, thereby improving the stability of the battery module. In addition, since the thickness of the connector does not increase significantly even if the dielectric is included in the connector, the energy density of the battery module can be improved. In addition, since a disconnection can be induced at the connector without generating heat when an overvoltage occurs, the connector can be used continuously without having to be replaced separately after a disconnection.

[0082] Specifically, the dielectric may have an upper limit of a dielectric constant (k) of 50, preferably 30, more preferably 15, and even more preferably 5, and a lower limit of 2, preferably 3. When the dielectric constant is less than 2, the electrostatic capacity is small, so that current may not flow between members within the battery module even under normal voltage operation rather than overvoltage, and thus the electrical connection of the members within the battery module by the connector may be hindered. When the dielectric constant is greater than 50, the current is not blocked by the dielectric even under overvoltage situations, so that the connector cannot function as a safety element that prevents explosion or ignition of the secondary battery due to overvoltage. Accordingly, when the above range is satisfied, the connector smoothly electrically connects the members within the battery module under normal voltage, but blocks the electrical connection of the members within the battery module when overvoltage occurs, thereby ensuring the stability of the secondary battery.

[0083]

[0084] The band gap of the above dielectric may be 3.5 eV or more, preferably 4.0 eV or more, and more preferably 5.0 eV or more. When the above range is satisfied, the connector can be used as a stability element that cuts off current when an overvoltage flows while reducing leakage current that may occur in the connector.

[0085]

[0086] Meanwhile, the dielectric is a material having a high dielectric constant (k) that can induce a disconnection in the connector when an overvoltage flows, and for example, may include at least one selected from the group consisting of at least one metal oxide selected from the group consisting of SiO2, Al2O3, MgO, CaO, ZrSiO4, HfSiO4, Si3N4, Y2O3, SrO, ZrO2, Ta2O5, HfO2, La2O3, and BaO; and at least one metal silicate selected from the group consisting of Hf, Zr, and Y; and preferably may include at least one selected from the group consisting of SiO2, ZrO2, HfO2, Al2O3, and Y2O3, and more preferably may include at least one selected from the group consisting of SiO2, ZrO2, and HfO2, and even more preferably may include SiO2.

[0087] The dielectric may be included in an amount of 0.01 wt% to 5.00 wt%, preferably 0.01 wt% to 3.00 wt%, and more preferably 0.1 wt% to 1.0 wt%, based on the total weight of the connector. When the above range is satisfied, the current flowing through the connector can be blocked when an overvoltage occurs with a small amount, thereby ensuring the stability of the battery module while improving the energy density of the battery module compared to a connector using a conventional dissimilar metal.

[0088]

[0089] Figures 4 and 7 are perspective views schematically illustrating a bus bar or electrode lead tab as a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 4 and 7, a bus bar (100) or an electrode lead tab (110) as a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a structure in which a metal layer (40) and a dielectric layer (50) including the dielectric are sequentially laminated in the thickness direction of the connector.

[0090] For example, the bus bar (100) and electrode lead tab (110) may have a structure in which a first metal layer (42), a dielectric layer (50), and a second metal layer (44) are sequentially laminated in the thickness direction of the bus bar. The first metal layer (42) and the second metal layer (44) may include different types of metal or the same type of metal. However, the laminated structure of the metal layer and the dielectric layer is not limited thereto.

[0091] At this time, the ratio of the thickness of the metal layer and the thickness of the dielectric layer is 1:10. -6 1:10 -1 , preferably 1:10 -6 1:10 -2 , more preferably 1:10 -6 1:10 -3 It can be. When the thickness of the dielectric layer satisfies the above range, the thinner the dielectric layer included in the connector, the larger the electrostatic capacitance. Therefore, even if the dielectric is included in the connector, the thickness of the connector can be significantly increased without significantly increasing the thickness of the connector, thereby improving the energy density of the battery module.

[0092]

[0093] Figures 5, 6 and 8 are perspective views schematically illustrating a bus bar or an electrode lead tab as a connector according to another embodiment of the present invention. The bus bar (100) and the electrode lead tab (110) as a connector according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a structure in which a first region (60) including the metal and a second region (70) including the dielectric are connected in a plane direction.

[0094] For example, referring to FIG. 5, in a bus bar (100) in the shape of a rectangular plate with a through hole (10) in the center, a part of the plate in the direction of the wide surface may be the first region (60) and another part may be the second region (70).

[0095] Alternatively, referring to FIG. 6, the circular plate portion of the bus bar (100) may be the first region (60), and the bar-shaped plate portion connecting the circular plates may be the second region (70). Alternatively, one portion in the direction of the wide surface of the bar-shaped plate portion may be the first region (60), and the other portion may be the second region (70).

[0096] Referring to Fig. 8, a part of the electrode lead (114) in the direction of the wide surface of the electrode lead tab (110) in the shape of a rectangular plate may be the first region (60), and another part may be the second region (70).

[0097] At this time, the ratio of the surface area of ​​the first region and the second region is 1:1 to 1:10. -6 , preferably 1:10 -1 1:10 -6 , more preferably 1:10 -2 1:10 -6 , more preferably 1:10 -3 1:10 -6 It can be. When the above range is satisfied, the thinner the thickness of the first region included in the busbar, the larger the electrostatic capacitance, so even if a dielectric is included in the busbar, the thickness of the busbar can be significantly increased without being used as a stability element, thereby improving the energy density of the battery module.

[0098] In addition, the connector may simultaneously include a structure in which a metal layer (10) and a dielectric layer (20) including the dielectric are sequentially laminated; and a structure in which a first region (30) including the metal and a second region (40) including the dielectric are connected in a plane direction.

[0099]

[0100] battery module

[0101] According to another embodiment, the present invention provides a battery module comprising the connector and cell assembly described above.

[0102]

[0103] Since the structure of the above bus bar and the electrode lead tab is the same as described above, a detailed description is omitted.

[0104]

[0105] Specifically, the battery module can store and output electrical energy by housing a plurality of secondary batteries internally. The plurality of secondary batteries can be joined together to form the cell assembly. In other words, the cell assembly can refer to a collection of secondary batteries arranged at regular intervals within a housing space within the battery module.

[0106] The secondary battery is composed of an electrode assembly in which electrodes are laminated and assembled and an electrode lead tab electrically connected to each electrode assembly, and the battery module can accommodate the secondary battery inside and arrange it at a regular interval so that the electrode lead tab is formed evenly on one side.

[0107] The above electrode assembly is an assembly of an electrode and a separator, and can be configured in a form in which one or more positive electrode plates and one or more negative electrode plates are arranged with a separator therebetween.

[0108] Additionally, the positive electrode plate of the electrode assembly is provided with a positive electrode tab, and one or more positive electrode tabs can be connected to the positive electrode lead.

[0109]

[0110] The secondary battery may 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 various secondary batteries known at the time of filing of the present invention may be employed.

[0111] Fig. 6 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 6, when the secondary battery is a pouch-type secondary battery, each secondary battery (220) may be vertically erected, and a plurality of secondary batteries (220) may be stacked side by side in the left-right direction to form a cell assembly (230). At this time, a plurality of electrode lead tabs (110) may be positioned at the front or rear of the cell assembly (230). In addition, a plurality of bus bars (100) may be positioned at the front or rear of the cell assembly (230). Accordingly, the bus bars (100) may be coupled with a plurality of electrode lead tabs (110) of the same polarity or a plurality of electrode lead tabs (110) of different polarities to electrically connect a plurality of pouch-type secondary batteries.

[0112] In addition, Fig. 7 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 7, when the secondary battery is a cylindrical secondary battery, each secondary battery (220) may be arranged in a plurality of columns and rows to form a cell assembly (230). A column is an up-down direction with respect to the ground, and a row is a left-right direction with respect to the ground. At this time, a plurality of bus bars (100) are positioned above the plurality of cylindrical secondary batteries (220), and may be arranged, for example, between secondary batteries in adjacent columns or rows. The bus bars (100) may be coupled with electrode lead tabs (110) that protrude from the upper portions of the cylindrical secondary batteries to electrically connect the plurality of secondary batteries. Specifically, the bus bars (100) may connect secondary batteries arranged in the same column in parallel with each other, and may connect cylindrical secondary batteries arranged in two adjacent columns in series.

[0113] Specifically, the electrode lead tab (110) protruding outwardly from the secondary battery outer shell can be connected to the bus bar by passing through at least one through hole (10) present in the bus bar. The bus bar (100) and the electrode lead tab (110) can be electrically connected by being in contact and fixed by a method such as laser welding or ultrasonic welding.

[0114]

[0115] Accordingly, the bus bar and electrode lead tabs can electrically connect the secondary batteries in series and / or parallel. At this time, the bus bar and electrode lead tabs include the dielectric described above, thereby blocking the electrical connection when an overvoltage occurs in any one of the multiple secondary batteries, thereby ensuring the stability of the battery module.

[0116] In addition, the cell assembly (230) may include a busbar frame (240) which is a frame configuration capable of mounting the busbar. The busbar frame (240) may be mounted on the outer surface of the busbar (100). For example, a plurality of busbars (100) may be mounted on one busbar frame (240). In order to apply a plurality of busbars, the busbar frame (240) may include an insulating material such as plastic that can be electrically insulated from the busbar (100).

[0117] A busbar assembly (250) may include the above busbar (100) and the above busbar frame (240).

[0118]

[0119] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail through specific examples.

[0120]

[0121] Example

[0122] Busbar Manufacturing

[0123] A busbar having a structure in which a first metal layer including nickel-copper (99% purity C1100 electroless-plated Ni), a dielectric layer including SiO2, and a second metal layer including nickel-copper (99% purity C1100 electroless-plated Ni) are sequentially laminated in the thickness direction of the busbar was manufactured. In the manufactured busbar, the ratio of the thicknesses of the metal layer and the dielectric layer was 1:10. -6 It was.

[0124] Battery Module Manufacturing

[0125] A cell assembly comprising multiple pouch-type secondary batteries was manufactured. The electrode leads of the secondary batteries were inserted into the through-holes of the manufactured busbars, and the electrode leads of the electrode lead tabs and the busbars were welded together to manufacture a battery module.

[0126]

[0127] Comparative example

[0128] Busbars and battery modules were manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that nickel-copper (99% purity C1100 electroless plated with Ni) was used instead of the dielectric.

[0129]

[0130] Experimental Example 1 - Calorific Value Measurement Experiment

[0131] For the battery modules of the above examples and comparative examples, 5×10 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), and the amount of heat generated on the busbar was calculated from the measured surface temperature. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0132] Calorific value (J) Example 1.8 Comparative Example 7

[0133] Referring to Table 1 above, it can be seen that the examples exhibit significantly lower heat generation compared to the comparative examples. Through this, it can be understood that by using a connector including a dielectric according to the present invention, even when overcurrent flows, a disconnection can be achieved without the risk of the connector melting due to line heat generation. Experimental Example 2 - Disconnection Time Measurement Experiment

[0134] For the battery modules of the above examples and comparative examples, a current of 1C was applied at a level of 150% or more of the SoC of the battery module, and the short-circuit time when the individual voltage of the battery module reached 4.95 V was measured. The results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0135] Disconnection time (s) Example 30 Comparative example 60

[0136] Referring to Table 2 above, it can be seen that the embodiment can quickly interrupt current when an overvoltage occurs compared to the comparative example. This demonstrates that using a connector including a dielectric according to the present invention can shorten the disconnection time without reducing the energy density of the battery module.

[0137] (Explanation of symbols)

[0138] 100: Busbar

[0139] 110: Electrode lead tab

[0140] 112: Electrode tab

[0141] 114: Electrode lead

[0142] 116: Electrode assembly

[0143] 10: Penetration hole

[0144] 20: Circular plate

[0145] 30: Bar-shaped plate

[0146] 40: Metal layer

[0147] 42: First metal layer

[0148] 44: Second metal layer

[0149] 50: Genetic layer

[0150] 60: Area 1

[0151] 70: Second Area

[0152] 200: Battery module

[0153] 220: Secondary battery

[0154] 230: Cell Assembly

[0155] 240: Busbar frame

[0156] 250: Busbar assembly

Claims

1. A connector that electrically connects the components within the battery module. The connector comprises one or more metals and a dielectric, A connector in which the dielectric constant (k) has an upper limit of 50 and a lower limit of 2.

2. In paragraph 1, The connector is a bus bar that electrically connects a plurality of secondary batteries and has at least one through hole formed to allow electrode lead tabs to be inserted.

3. In paragraph 1, The connector is an electrode lead tab that electrically connects a secondary battery and an external or secondary battery, and includes an electrode lead and an electrode tab.

4. In paragraph 1, The connector comprises a structure in which a metal layer including the metal and a dielectric layer including the dielectric are sequentially laminated in the thickness direction of the connector.

5. In paragraph 4, The ratio of the thickness of the above metal layer to the thickness of the above dielectric layer is 1:

10. -6 1:10 -1 It is a connector.

6. In paragraph 1, A connector comprising a structure in which a first region including the metal and a second region including the dielectric are connected in a plane direction.

7. In paragraph 6, The ratio of the surface area of ​​the first and second regions is 1:1 to 1:

10. -6 A connector that is.

8. In paragraph 1, A connector, wherein the dielectric comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of at least one metal oxide selected from the group consisting of SiO2, Al2O3, MgO, CaO, ZrSiO4, HfSiO4, Si3N4, Y2O3, SrO, ZrO2, Ta2O5, HfO2, La2O3, and BaO; and at least one metal silicate selected from the group consisting of Hf, Zr, and Y.

9. In paragraph 1, A connector wherein the dielectric is included in an amount of 0.01 wt% to 5.00 wt% based on the total weight of the connector.

10. In paragraph 1, A connector wherein the band gap of the above dielectric is 3.5 eV or more.

11. In paragraph 1, A connector wherein the metal is included in an amount of 90.00% to 99.99% by weight based on the total weight of the connector.

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

13. In paragraph 12, The above cell assembly comprises a plurality of secondary batteries, A battery module in which the secondary batteries are connected in series through the connector.

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