Patent attributes
A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a U-shaped frame accommodating the battery cell stack and having an open upper portion; and an upper plate covering the battery cell stack at the open upper portion of the U-shaped frame. A surface of the battery cell stack extending parallel to a stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells is mounted on a bottom portion of the U-shaped frame. A stepped portion is formed on one side of the bottom portion of the U-shaped frame, and at least one of the battery cells includes a protruding portion protruding toward the stepped portion. The stepped portion may be formed by a bent portion of the bottom portion of the U-shaped frame.