Battery module

A battery module comprising:

• a plurality of sub-modules each including at least one battery cell and an internal bus bar electrically connected to an electrode tab of the at least one battery cell;
• a bus bar assembly configured to connect the internal bus bars of the plurality of sub-modules;
• and
• a module case including a front cover,
• wherein the bus bar assembly is positioned between the front cover and the plurality of sub-modules,
• wherein the bus bar assembly includes:
• a bus bar frame detachably mounted on the plurality of sub-modules;
• and
• an external bus bar coupled to the bus bar frame and configured to electrically connect sub-modules adjacent to each other among the plurality of sub-modules,
• wherein the bus bar frame includes a frame body to which the external bus bar is coupled,
• wherein the external bus bar includes:
• a first body coupled to the frame body, the first body being accommodated in the module case;
• and
• a second body extending from the first body, the second body being connected to the internal bus bars, the second body being accommodated in the module case,
• wherein the first body protrudes towards the front cover from the second body, and the first body is surrounded by the frame body,
• wherein the second body is exposed from a rear surface of the frame body, and the second body protrudes farther toward the plurality of sub-modules than the frame body,
• wherein the bus bar frame includes a plurality of fixing portions protruding from the frame body, and the plurality of sub-modules include insertion holes formed on a face of the plurality of sub-modules facing the external bus bar, and
• wherein the plurality of fixing portions are inserted into the insertion holes, thereby detachably coupling the bus bar frame to the plurality of submodules, melting of the plurality fixing portions releases the electrical connection between the bus bar assembly and the plurality of sub-modules.