BATTERY MODULE

A battery module includes: a plurality of secondary battery cells, each including an electrode lead connected to an electrode assembly, a terrace portion forming a periphery of a cell body member in which the electrode assembly is accommodated, and a sealing portion formed to be connected to the terrace portion; a housing in which the plurality of secondary battery cells are accommodated; and a guard unit installed to face at least a portion of the terrace portion and at least a portion of the sealing portion to delay bursting of the sealing portion of at least one of the secondary battery cells. In the guard unit, a gap between internal surfaces facing the terrace portion is formed to be smaller than a thickness of the cell body member to limit expansion thickness of the terrace portion.