FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See Section 10, Rule 13)
“RECHARGEABLE BATTERY”
SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD., a Korean Corporation of 150-20, Gongse-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

RECHARGEABLE BATTERY
BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0001] The described technology relates generally to a rechargeable battery.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0002] A rechargeable battery is a battery that can be discharged and recharged,
unlike a primary battery that cannot be recharged. A low-capacity rechargeable battery
has been used in a small electronic device that can be carried like a mobile phone, a
laptop computer, and a camcorder, and a large-capacity battery has been used as a
power supply for driving a motor such as for a hybrid vehicle and the like, or a
large-capacity power storage device.
[0003] In recent years, a high-output rechargeable battery using a non-aqueous
electrolytic solution having high energy density has been developed. The high-output
rechargeable battery is configured as a large-capacity battery module by connecting a
plurality of rechargeable batteries in series to be able to be used to drive a motor of a
device requiring high power, for example, an electric car and the like. The rechargeable
battery may be formed as a cylinder, a square, and the like.
[0004] When the rechargeable battery is charged or discharged, if a current of more
than a normal value is charged or discharged, explosion or ignition of the rechargeable
battery may be generated.
[0005] Here, damage to the rechargeable battery by an abnormal current may be
prevented by a fuse installed between an electrode and a terminal.
[0006] That is, the fuse installed between the electrode and the terminal is
disconnected when the abnormal current is generated.

[0007] When flow of the current between the electrode and the terminal is
disconnected, the rechargeable battery enters into a floating (neutral) state thereby
preventing damage to the rechargeable battery.
[0008] However, the electrode of the rechargeable battery may be damaged by an
arc or heat generated when the fuse is broken by the abnormal current.
[0009] Also, if the fuse contacts other elements of the rechargeable battery, when the
abnormal current passes the fuse, an abnormal operation in which the fuse is broken at
a temperature that is higher or lower than a predetermined temperature for the fuse to be
broken may be generated.
[0010] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for
enhancement of understanding of the background of the described technology and
therefore it may contain information that does not form a prior art that is already known in
this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art.
SUMMARY
[0011] Accordingly, the present invention provides a rechargeable battery in which
damage inside the rechargeable battery due to breaking of a fuse and an abnormal
operation of the fuse is prevented.
[0012] A rechargeable battery according to an exemplary embodiment includes an
electrode assembly; a case housing the electrode assembly; and an electrode
connection assembly electrically coupled to the electrode assembly, the electrode
connection assembly including a terminal; a current collector electrically coupled to the
electrode assembly; an insulating member positioned between the terminal and the
current collector, wherein a portion of the insulating member is spaced from the terminal
and the current collector; and

a connection member electrically coupling the terminal and the current collector, the connection member having a fuse part, wherein the portion of the insulating member overlaps with the connection member.
[0013] In various embodiments, the fuse part further includes a fuse opening, the
insulating member includes a supporting protrusion within the fuse opening, and the connection member is directly coupled to the terminal and to the current collector. In one embodiment, the connection member further includes an insulating layer coupled to the fuse part. The insulating member may have a first insulating portion directly contacting the terminal and a second insulating portion spaced from the terminal, wherein the second insulating portion overlaps with the connection member.
[0014] In one embodiment, the connection member further includes a first coupling
part and a second coupling part, wherein the fuse part is positioned between the first and second coupling part. Further, the connection member may include a first flange part extending at an angle from the first portion and abutting the terminal and a second flange part extending at an angle from the second portion and abutting the current collector. The insulating member may be positioned between the first coupling part and the second coupling part.
[0015] In one embodiment, the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion
of the connection member each have a coupling hole and the insulating member may
have an opening aligned with each coupling hole of the connection member.
[0016] In one embodiment, the terminal has a terminal flange and a connection
protrusion protruding from the terminal flange, wherein the connection protrusion extends through each coupling hole of the connection member and through the opening of the insulating member. The connection member may directly contact the terminal flange and the current collector. Further, the insulating member may have an insulating protrusion and wherein the connection protrusion extends into the insulating protrusion.

The insulating protrusion and the connection protrusion may extend into a terminal
opening in the current collector.
[0017] In various embodiments, the connection member is positioned within the case.
The terminal, the current collector, the insulating member, and the connection member
are molded together. The insulating member insulates the terminal from the current
collector and the connection member is directly coupled to the terminal and the current
collector.
[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment, the electrode of the rechargeable
battery may be prevented from being damaged by the arc or the heat generated when
the fuse is broken by the abnormal current.
[0019] Also, according to an exemplary embodiment, the abnormal operation in
which the fuse is broken at a temperature lower or higher than a temperature that is
predetermined for the fuse to be broken when the abnormal current passes through the
fuse is prevented.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rechargeable battery according to a first
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a first electrode connection part
according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion in which the first electrode
connection part of the rechargeable battery of FIG. 3 is installed.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion in which the first electrode
connection part of the rechargeable battery according to an exemplary variation of a first
exemplary embodiment of the present invention is installed.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion in which the first electrode
connection part of the rechargeable battery according to another exemplary variation of
a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is installed.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion in which the first electrode
connection part of the rechargeable battery according to a second exemplary
embodiment of the present invention is installed.
[0027] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a first electrode connection part
according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion in which the first electrode
connection part of the rechargeable battery of FIG. 8 is installed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in
the art to which the present invention pertains can realize the present invention. As
those skilled in the art would realize, the described embodiments may be modified in
various different ways, all without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rechargeable battery according to a first
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. 1.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a rechargeable battery 100 according to a first
exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode assembly 10, a
case 20 that houses the electrode assembly 10, a first electrode connection part 30 and
a second electrode connection part 40 electrically connected to the electrode assembly
10, and a cap assembly 50 that covers an opening of the case 20.
[0032] The rechargeable battery 100 according to the present exemplary
embodiment is a lithium ion rechargeable battery and has a quadrangular shape.

However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention can be
applied to various forms of batteries such as a lithium polymer battery or a cylindrical
battery.
[0033] The electrode assembly 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment
is formed with a jelly roll shape by together spiral-winding a first electrode 11, a second
electrode 12, and a separator 13.
[0034] Here, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the first electrode 11
is a negative electrode and the second electrode 12 is a positive electrode. However,
the present exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto, and the first electrode 11 may
be the positive electrode and the second electrode may be the negative electrode 12.
[0035] The first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 include a coated region
formed by coating an active material on the electrode, and a first electrode uncoated
region 11a and a second electrode uncoated region 12a having no coated active
material on the electrode and located at respective sides of the coated region in the jelly
roll shape.
[0036] The first electrode connection part 30 is electrically connected to the first
electrode uncoated region 11a of the electrode assembly 10, and the second electrode
connection part 40 is electrically connected to the second electrode uncoated region
12a.
[0037] The first electrode connection part 30 according to the present exemplary
embodiment may include a first terminal 31, a first gasket 32, an insulating member 33, a
first current collector 34, a connection member 35, a first terminal plate 36 coupled to the
first terminal 31 on the cap plate 51, and a first assistance plate 37 installed between the
first terminal plate 36 and the cap plate 51.
[0038] Here, the first gasket 32 is installed between the first terminal 31 and the cap
plate 51 to insulate the first terminal 31 and the cap plate 51, and prevents an electrolyte
solution inside the case 20 from leaking outside the case 20.

[0039] The first current collector 34 is electrically connected to the first electrode
uncoated region 11a, and the first electrode 11 is electrically connected to the first
terminal 31 via the first current collector 34.
[0040] The second electrode connection part 40 according to the present exemplary
embodiment may include a second terminal 41, a second gasket 42, a second lower
insulating member 43, a second current collector 44, a second terminal plate 45 coupled
to the second terminal 41 on the cap plate 51, and a second assistance plate 46 installed
between the second terminal plate 45 and the cap plate 51.
[0041] The second gasket 42 is installed between the second terminal 41 and the cap
plate 51 to insulate the second terminal 41 and the cap plate 51, and prevents the
electrolyte solution inside the case 20 from leaking outside the case 20.
[0042] The second current collector 44 is electrically connected to the second
electrode uncoated region 12a, and the second electrode 12 is electrically connected to
the second terminal 41 via the second current collector 44.
[0043] The second assistance plate 46 according to the present exemplary
embodiment may be formed of an insulating material or a conductive material.
[0044] If the second assistance plate 46 according to the present exemplary
embodiment is formed of the conductive material, the cap plate 51 and the case 20 are
electrically connected to the second electrode 12 via the second assistance plate 46.
[0045] The cap assembly 50 according to the present exemplary embodiment
includes a cap plate 51, an electrolyte solution injection opening 53 formed with a
sealing valve 52, and a vent part 54.
[0046] The cap plate 51 is formed of the conductive material in a thin plate shape and
is coupled to the opening of the case 20.
[0047] The cap plate 51 includes the electrolyte solution injection opening 53 for
injecting the electrolyte solution inside the closed and sealed case 20, and the electrolyte

solution injection opening 53 is sealed by the sealing valve 52 after injecting the
electrolyte solution and is installed with the first terminal 31 and the second terminal 41.
[0048] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a first electrode connection part
according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a
cross-sectional view of a portion in which the first electrode connection part of the
rechargeable battery of FIG. 3 is installed.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the first terminal 31 according to the present
exemplary embodiment includes a terminal pillar 31a and a terminal flange 31b.
[0050] The first gasket 32 is coupled to the terminal pillar 31a and the terminal flange
31b and is installed between the first terminal 31 and the cap plate 51.
[0051] The insulating member 33 according to the present exemplary embodiment is
installed between the first terminal 31 and the first current collector 34, and may be
formed of perfluoroalkoxy (PFA).
[0052] In detail, the first current collector 34 according to the present exemplary
embodiment includes an electrode current collecting part 34a and a molding part 34b.
[0053] The electrode current collecting part 34a includes a first electrode current
collecting part 34a1 connected to the first electrode 11 and a second electrode current
collecting part 34a2 electrically connected to the first terminal 31.
[0054] The insulating member 33 and the first terminal 31 are sequentially installed to
the second electrode current collecting part 34a2 according to the present exemplary
embodiment.
[0055] The molding part 34b according to the present exemplary embodiment may be
formed by insert-molding the portion of the first electrode current collecting part 34a1,
the second electrode current collecting part 34a2, the insulating member 33, and the first
terminal 31.
[0056] The molding material of the molding part 34b may include polyphenylene
sulfide (PPS).

[0057] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the first terminal 31, the
insulating member 33, and the first current collector 34 may be integrally formed by the molding such that the first electrode connection part 30 may be installed to the rechargeable battery 100 by a simple process.
[0058] Also, according to the present exemplary embodiment, another configuration
may be installed between the electrode assembly 10 and the cap plate 51 in addition to the molding part 34b such that a space may be sufficiently obtained between the electrode assembly 10 and the first current collector 34.
[0059] Accordingly, even if an external impact is applied to the rechargeable battery
100 such that the electrode assembly 10 is moved, the electrode assembly 10 may be prevented from being damaged by other configurations installed to the molding part 34b between the cap plate 51.
[0060] One surface of the molding part 34b facing the electrode assembly 10 may
function as an insulator between the cap plate 51 and the electrode assembly 10.
[0061] The connection member 35 according to the present exemplary embodiment
may be formed of a thin plate material made of a conductive material such as aluminum.
[0062] The connection member 35 includes a first coupling part 35a, a second
coupling part 35c, a connection part 35b connecting the first coupling part 35a and the second coupling part 35c, and a fuse part 35d.
[0063] The first coupling part 35a may include a first flange part 35a1 extending from
one end of the first coupling part 35a, and the second coupling part 35c may include a
second flange part 35c1 extending from one end of the second coupling part 35c.
[0064] The first flange part 35a1 of the first coupling part 35a may be welding-coupled
to the terminal flange 31b of the first terminal 31, and the second flange part 35c1 of the second coupling part 35c may be welding-coupled to the second electrode current collecting part 34a2 of the first current collector 34.

[0065] The insulating member 33 of the present exemplary embodiment may be
installed for the first portion 33a of the insulating member 33 to be positioned between
the first terminal 31 and the first current collector 34 and for the second portion 33b
protruded from the first portion 33a to be positioned between the first coupling part 35a
and the second coupling part 35c.
[0066] The connection member 35 according to the present exemplary embodiment
is welding-coupled to one end of the second electrode current collecting part 34a2 in
which the molding part 34b is not formed such that the connection member 35 may be
positioned between the coating region where the active material of the electrode
assembly 10 is coated and the cap plate 51.
[0067] The connection member 35 is coupled to the first terminal 31 and the first
current collector 34 to electrically connect the first terminal 31 and the first current
collector 34.
[0068] The fuse part 35d according to the present exemplary embodiment may be
formed at the connection part 35b.
[0069] However, the fuse part 35d according to the present exemplary embodiment is
not limited to only being formed at the connection part 35b, but rather it may be formed at
one of the connection part 35b, the first coupling part 35a, and the second coupling part
35c, among other places.
[0070] The fuse part 35d may include a fuse hole 35d1 passing through the portion of
the connection part 35b.
[0071] If an abnormal current of a high voltage is generated in the rechargeable
battery 100 such that the current of the high voltage flows between the first terminal 31
and the first electrode current collecting part 34, the fuse part 35d is fractured such that
the rechargeable battery 100 enters into a neutral state.
[0072] According to the present exemplary embodiment, an arc or heat generated
when the fuse part 35d of the connection member 35 is fractured is absorbed to the

second portion 33b of the insulating member 33 positioned between the first coupling
part 35a and the second coupling part 35c such that the damage to the electrode of the
rechargeable battery 100 may be prevented by the fracturing of the fuse part 35d.
[0073] Furthermore, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the connection
member 35 is positioned between the coating region coated with the active material of
the electrode assembly 10 and the cap plate 51 such that the damage to the first
electrode uncoated region 11a may be prevented by the arc or the heat generated when
the fuse part 35d of the connection member 35 is fractured.
[0074] The fuse part 35d according to the present exemplary embodiment is
positioned to be spatially separated from the configurations such as the molding part 34b
or the first terminal 31.
[0075] Accordingly, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the abnormal
operation of the fuse part 35d that is fractured at a temperature that is higher or lower
than a temperature that the fuse part 35d is predetermined to be fractured by the
interference of the other configurations may be prevented.
[0076] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the first electrode connection
part of the rechargeable battery according to an exemplary variation of the first
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 5, the rechargeable battery 101 according to the present
exemplary embodiment is the same as the rechargeable battery 100 according to the
first exemplary embodiment of the present invention except for an insulating member 60.
[0078] Accordingly, the detailed description of the same configurations and technical
effects as the rechargeable battery 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment of
the present invention is omitted.
[0079] The insulating member 60 according to the present exemplary embodiment is
installed between the first terminal 31 and the first current collector 34, and may be
formed of perfluoroalkoxy (PFA).

[0080] The insulating member 60 according to the present exemplary embodiment
includes a first portion 61, a second portion 62, and a supporting protrusion 63.
[0081] The first portion 61 of the insulating member 60 according to the present
exemplary embodiment is positioned between the first terminal 31 and the first current
collector 34, and the second portion 62 protruded from the first portion 61 is installed to
be positioned between the first coupling part 35a and the second coupling part 35c of the
connection member 35.
[0082] In the insulating member 60 according to the present exemplary embodiment,
the supporting protrusion 63 protruded from the second portion 62 is inserted into the
fuse hole 35d1 of the fuse part 35d formed at the connection part 35b of the connection
member 35.
[0083] If the abnormal current of the high voltage is generated in the rechargeable
battery 101 such that the current of the high voltage flows between the first terminal 31
and the first electrode current collecting part 34, the fuse part 35d is fractured such that
the rechargeable battery 101 enters into the neutral state.
[0084] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the supporting protrusion 63
of the insulating member 60 inserted into the fuse hole 35d1 of the fuse part 35d absorbs
the arc or the heat generated between the broken surfaces after the fuse part 35d is
fractured such that the damage to the rechargeable battery 101 by the arc or the heat
generated by the fracturing of the fuse part 35d may be prevented.
[0085] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the fractured surfaces of the
fuse part 35d are maintained in a separated state by the supporting protrusion 63 such
that the short circuited state inside the rechargeable battery 101 by the abnormal current
may be stably maintained.
[0086] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion in which the first electrode
connection part of the rechargeable battery according to another exemplary variation of
a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is installed.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 6, a rechargeable battery 102 according to the present
exemplary embodiment is the same as the rechargeable battery 100 according to the
first exemplary embodiment of the present invention except for a connection member 70.
[0088] Accordingly, the detailed description for the same configurations and technical
effects as the rechargeable battery 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment of
the present invention is omitted.
[0089] The connection member 70 according to the present exemplary embodiment
may be formed of the thin plate material made of the conductive material such as
aluminum.
[0090] The connection member 70 includes a first coupling part 71, a second
coupling part 73, a connection part 72 connecting the first coupling part 71 and the
second coupling part 73, a fuse part 74 formed at the connection part 72, and an
insulating layer 75 coupled to the fuse part 74.
[0091] The first coupling part 71, the connection part 72, the second coupling part 73,
and the fuse part 74 according to the present exemplary embodiment have the same
structure as the first coupling part 35a, the connection part 35b, the second coupling part
35c, and the fuse part 35d of the connection member 35 according to the first exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0092] Accordingly, the detailed description of the first coupling part 71, the
connection part 72, the second coupling part 73, and the fuse part 74 is omitted.
[0093] The insulating layer 75 according to the present exemplary embodiment is
formed of an insulating material such as perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), and may be formed by
molding the insulating material to the fuse part 74.
[0094] However, the insulating layer 75 according to the present exemplary
embodiment is not limited to the molding to the fuse part 74, and the insulating layer 75
according to the present exemplary embodiment may be formed by adhering an
insulating film of a sheet shape to the fuse part 74.

[0095] If the abnormal current of a high voltage is generated in the rechargeable
battery 102 such that the current of the high voltage flows between the first terminal 31
and the first electrode current collecting part 34, the fuse part 35d is fractured such that
the rechargeable battery 102 enters into the neutral state.
[0096] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the arc or the heat
generated when the fuse part 74 of the connection member 70 is absorbed by the
insulating layer 75 covering the fuse part 74 of the connection member 70, and the arc or
the heat is prevented from being moved outside the insulating layer 75 such that the
electrode of the rechargeable battery 102 may be prevented from being damaged.
[0097] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion in which the first electrode
connection part of the rechargeable battery according to a second exemplary
embodiment of the present invention is installed.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 7, the rechargeable battery 200 according to the present
exemplary embodiment has the same structure as the rechargeable battery 100
according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention except for a
connection member 235 of a first electrode connection part 230.
[0099] Accordingly, the detailed description of the same configurations and technical
effects as the rechargeable battery 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment of
the present invention is omitted.
[00100] The connection member 235 according to the present exemplary embodiment
includes a first coupling part 235a, a second coupling part 235c, a connection part 235b
connecting the first coupling part 235a and the second coupling part 235c, and a fuse
part 235d formed at the connection part 235b. Further, an insulating member 233
includes a first portion 233a and a second portion 233b.
[00101] The first coupling part 235a according to the present exemplary embodiment
is installed between the first portion 233a of the insulating member 233 and the terminal
flange 31b extended from the terminal pillar 31a of the first terminal 31, and is

respectively coupled to the first portion 233a of the insulating member 233 and the
terminal flange 31b by welding.
[00102] The second coupling part 235c according to the present exemplary
embodiment is installed between the first portion 233a of the insulating member 233 and
the second electrode current collecting part 34a2 of the electrode current collecting part
34a, and is respectively coupled to the first portion 233a of the insulating member 233
and the second electrode current collecting part 34a2 by welding.
[00103] Accordingly, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the first
coupling part 235a and the second coupling part 235c are installed between the first
terminal 31 and the electrode current collecting part 34a such that the connection
member 235 may be stably fixed to the electrode current collecting part 34a.
[00104] Also, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the first terminal 31,
the insulating member 233, the first current collector 34, and the connection member 235
may be integrally formed by molding.
[00105] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the first electrode
connection part 230 may be installed to the rechargeable battery 200 by a simple
process.
[00106] While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently
considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to
cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and
scope of the appended claims.
[00107] For example, the present exemplary embodiment may protrude a supporting
protrusion from one end of the second portion 233b of the insulating member 233 to be
inserted into a fuse hole 235d1 of the fuse part 235d, and the fuse part 235d may be
enclosed by an insulating layer .

[00108] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a first electrode connection part
according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a
cross-sectional view of a portion in which the first electrode connection part of the
rechargeable battery of FIG. 8 is installed.
[00109] Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the rechargeable battery 300 according to the
present exemplary embodiment has the same constitutions as the rechargeable battery
100 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention except for a
first electrode connection part 330.
[00110] Accordingly, the detailed description for the same configurations as the
rechargeable battery 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present
invention is omitted.
[00111] The first electrode connection part 330 according to the present exemplary
embodiment may include a first terminal 331, a first gasket 332, an insulating member
333, a first current collector 334, a connection member 335, a first terminal plate 336
coupled to the first terminal 331 on the cap plate 51, and a first assistance plate 337
installed between the first terminal plate 336 and the cap plate 51.
[00112] The first gasket 332 is installed between the first terminal 331 and the cap
plate 51 to insulate the first terminal 331 and the cap plate 51, and the first gasket 332
prevents an electrolyte solution inside the case 20 from leaking outside the case 20.
[00113] Also, the first current collector 334 is electrically connected to the first
electrode uncoated region 11a, and the first electrode 11 is electrically connected to the
first terminal 31 via the first current collector 334.
[00114] The first terminal 331 according to the present exemplary embodiment
includes a terminal pillar 331a, a terminal flange 331b, and a connection protrusion 331c.
[00115] The first gasket 332 is coupled to the terminal pillar 331a and the terminal
flange 331b to be installed between the first terminal 31 and the cap plate 51.

[00116] The insulating member 333 according to the present exemplary embodiment
is installed between the first terminal 331 and the first current collector 334, and may be
made of perfluoroalkoxy (PFA).
[00117] The insulating member 333 includes a first portion 333a, a second portion
333b protruded from the first portion 333a, and an insulating protrusion 333c formed at
the first portion 333a and having a through-hole 333c1 passing through the first portion
333.
[00118] The first current collector 334 according to the present exemplary embodiment
includes an electrode current collecting part 334a and a molding part 334b.
[00119] The electrode current collecting part 334a includes a first electrode current
collecting part 334a1 connected to the first electrode 11, a second electrode current
collecting part 334a2 electrically connected to the first terminal 31, and a terminal
connection hole 334a3 formed at the second electrode current collecting part 334a2.
[00120] The connection member 335 according to the present exemplary embodiment
may be formed of the thin plate material made of the conductive material such as
aluminum.
[00121] The connection member 335 includes a first coupling part 335a, a second
coupling part 335c, a connection part 335b connecting the first coupling part 335a and
the second coupling part 335c, a fuse part 335d formed at the connection part 335b, a
first coupling hole 335a1 formed at the first coupling part 335a, and a second coupling
hole 335c1 formed at the second coupling part 335c.
[00122] However, the fuse part 335d according to the present exemplary embodiment
is not limited to only being formed at the connection part 335b, and it may be formed at at
least one of the connection part 335b, the first coupling part 335a, and the second
coupling part 335c.
[00123] The second coupling part 335c of the connection member 335 according to
the present exemplary embodiment is installed on the second electrode current

collecting part 334a2 such that the second coupling hole 335c1 faces the terminal connection hole 334a3 formed in the second electrode current collecting part 334a2. [00124] After the second coupling part 335c of the connection member 335 is installed at the second electrode current collecting part 334a2, the first portion 333a of the insulating member 333 is installed between the first coupling part 335a and the second coupling part 335c of the connection member 335 such that the insulating protrusion 333c formed at the first portion 333a is installed and fixed to the second coupling hole 335c1 and the terminal connection hole 334a3 and the through-hole 333c1 of the insulating protrusion 333c faces the first coupling hole 335a1.
[00125] The second portion 333b of the insulating member 333 is positioned between the first coupling part 335a and the second coupling part 335c of the connection member 335 that is not inserted between the first terminal 331 and the second electrode current collecting part 334a2.
[00126] After the first portion 333a of the insulating member 333 is installed between the first coupling part 335a and the second coupling part 335c of the connection member 335, the first terminal 331 is installed on the first coupling part 335a of the connection member 335 such that the connection protrusion 331c of the first terminal 331 passes through the first coupling hole 335a1 of the connection member 335, the through-hole 333c1 of the insulating protrusion 333c of the insulating member 333, the second coupling hole 335c1 of the connection member 335, and the terminal connection hole 334a3.
[00127] Accordingly, the electrode current collecting part 334a according to the present exemplary embodiment may be formed by sequentially depositing the first terminal 331, the insulating member 333, and the connection member 335 on the second electrode current collecting part 334a2.
[00128] Accordingly, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the first coupling part 335a and the second coupling part 335c are installed between the first

terminal 331 and the electrode current collecting part 334a, and the connection
protrusion 331c of the first terminal 331 is coupled to the first coupling part 335a and the
second coupling part 335c of the connection member 335 such that the connection
member 335 may be stably fixed to the electrode current collecting part 334a.
[00129] The molding part 334b according to the present exemplary embodiment may
be formed by insert-molding the portion of the first electrode current collecting part
334a1, the portion of the second electrode current collecting part 334a2, the insulating
member 333, and the first terminal 331.
[00130] The molding material of the molding part 334b may include polyphenylene
sulfide (PPS).
[00131] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the first terminal 331, the
insulating member 333, the first current collector 334, and the connection member 335
may be integrally made by molding such that the first electrode connection part 330 may
be installed to the rechargeable battery 100 by a simple process.
[00132] Also, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the other components
besides the molding part 34b are not installed between the electrode assembly 10 and
the cap plate 51 such that sufficient space may be obtained between the electrode
assembly 10 and the first electrode current collecting part 334.
[00133] Accordingly, even if an external impact is applied to the rechargeable battery
100 such that the electrode assembly 10 moves, the electrode assembly 10 may be
prevented from being damaged by the other constitutions installed between the cap
plate 51 and the molding part 334b.
[00134] Also, one surface of the molding part 334b facing the electrode assembly 10
may have a function of the insulator installed between the cap plate 51 and the electrode
assembly 10.

[00135] The fuse part 335d according to the present exemplary embodiment may
include a fuse hole 335d1 formed by passing through the portion of the connection part
335b.
[00136] If an abnormal current of a high voltage is generated in the rechargeable
battery 300 such that the current of the high voltage flows between the first terminal 331
and the first electrode current collecting part 334, the fuse part 335d is fractured such
that the rechargeable battery 300 enters into the neutral state.
[00137] According to the present exemplary embodiment, an arc or heat generated
when the fuse part 335d of the connection member 335 is fractured is absorbed to the
second portion 333b of the insulating member 333 positioned between the first coupling
part 335a and the second coupling part 335c such that the damage to the electrode of
the rechargeable battery 100 may be prevented by the fracturing of the fuse part 335d.
[00138] Furthermore, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the connection
member 335 is positioned between the coating region coated with the active material of
the electrode assembly 10 and the cap plate 51 such that the damage to the first
electrode uncoated region 11a by the arc or the heat generated when the fuse part 335d
of the connection member 335 is fractured may be prevented.
[00139] Also, the fuse part 335d according to the present exemplary embodiment is
positioned to be spatially separated from the configurations such as the molding part 34b
or the first terminal 31.
[00140] Accordingly, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the abnormal
operation of the fuse part 335d that is fractured at a temperature that is higher or lower
than a temperature that the fuse part 335d is predetermined to be fractured by the
interference of the other configurations may be prevented.
[00141] While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently
considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to

cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[00142] For example, the present exemplary embodiment may form a supporting protrusion protruded from one end of the second portion 333b of the insulating member 333 to be inserted to the fuse hole 335d1 of the fuse part 335d, and the fuse part 335d may be enclosed by an insulating layer.

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A rechargeable battery comprising:
an electrode assembly;
a case housing the electrode assembly; and
an electrode connection assembly electrically coupled to the electrode assembly, the electrode connection assembly comprising: a terminal;
a current collector electrically coupled to the electrode assembly; an insulating member positioned between the terminal and the current collector, wherein a portion of the insulating member is spaced from the terminal and the current collector; and
a connection member electrically coupling the terminal and the current collector, the connection member comprising a fuse part, wherein the portion of the insulating member overlaps with the connection member.
2. The rechargeable battery of claim 1, wherein the fuse part further comprises a fuse opening.
3. The rechargeable battery of claim 2, wherein the insulating member comprises a supporting protrusion within the fuse opening.
4. The rechargeable battery of claim 1, wherein the connection member is directly coupled to the terminal and to the current collector.
5. The rechargeable battery of claim 1, wherein the connection member further comprises an insulating layer coupled to the fuse part.

6. The rechargeable battery of claim 1, wherein the insulating member comprises a first insulating portion directly contacting the terminal and a second insulating portion spaced from the terminal.
7. The rechargeable battery of claim 6, wherein the second insulating portion overlaps with the connection member.
8. The rechargeable battery of claim 1, wherein the connection member further comprises a first coupling part and a second coupling part, wherein the fuse part is between the first and second coupling part.
9. The rechargeable battery of claim 8, wherein the connection member comprises a first curving part extending at an angle from the first portion and abutting the terminal and a second curving part extending at an angle from the second portion and abutting the current collector.
10. The rechargeable battery of claim 8, wherein the insulating member is between the first coupling part and the second coupling part.
11. The rechargeable battery of claim 8, wherein the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion of the connection member each have a coupling hole.
12. The rechargeable battery of claim 11, wherein the insulating member has an opening aligned with each coupling hole of the connection member.
13. The rechargeable battery of claim 12, wherein the terminal comprises a terminal flange and a connection protrusion protruding from the terminal flange, wherein the connection protrusion extends through each coupling hole of the connection member and through the opening of the insulating member.

14. The rechargeable battery of claim 13, wherein the connection member directly contacts the terminal flange and the current collector.
15. The rechargeable battery of claim 13, wherein the insulating member has an insulating protrusion and wherein the connection protrusion extends into the insulating protrusion.
16. The rechargeable battery of claim 15, wherein the insulating protrusion and the connection protrusion extend into a terminal opening in the current collector.
17. The rechargeable battery of claim 1, wherein the connection member is positioned within the case.
18. The rechargeable battery of claim 1, wherein the terminal, the current collector, the insulating member, and the connection member are molded together.
19. The rechargeable battery of claim 1, wherein the insulating member insulates the terminal from the current collector.
20. The rechargeable battery of claim 1, wherein the connection member is directly coupled to the terminal and the current collector.