External short-circuit device and battery module including the same

Abstract

An external short-circuit device is disclosed. The external short-circuit device includes a first extension electrode and a second extension electrode respectively connected to both electrode tabs of a battery cell, a short-circuit unit including a case that accommodates an end portion of the first extension electrode and an end portion of the second extension electrode, and a heating unit coupled to the short-circuit unit. The short-circuit unit further includes a contact module between the first extension electrode and the second extension electrode. When the heating unit provides a heat to at least one of the first extension electrode or the second extension electrode, the contact module melts to bring the first extension electrode into contact with the second extension electrode.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.