Abstract:
A rechargeable battery 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 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 including a fuse part, wherein the portion of the insulating member overlaps with the connection member.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/885,446, filed on Oct. 1, 2013 in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field 
         [0003]    The described technology relates generally to a rechargeable battery. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    A rechargeable battery is a battery that can discharged and recharged, unlike a primary battery that cannot be recharged. A low-capacity rechargeable battery has been used for 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. 
         [0006]    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. 
         [0007]    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. 
         [0008]    Here, damage to the rechargeable battery by the abnormal current may be prevented by a fuse installed between the electrode and the terminal. 
         [0009]    That is, the fuse installed between the electrode and the terminal is disconnected when the abnormal current is generated. 
         [0010]    When flow of the current between the electrode and the terminal is disconnected, the rechargeable battery enters a floating (neutral) state thereby preventing damage to the rechargeable battery. 
         [0011]    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. 
         [0012]    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. 
         [0013]    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 the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0014]    Accordingly, the present invention provides a rechargeable battery in which damage inside the rechargeable battery by breaking of a fuse and abnormal operation of the fuse is prevented. 
         [0015]    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 between the terminal and the current collector, wherein a portion of the insulating member is spaced from the terminal and the current collector; and 
         [0000]    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. 
         [0016]    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. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment, the connection member further includes a first coupling part and a second coupling part, wherein the fuse part is 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 between the first coupling part and the second coupling part. 
         [0018]    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. 
         [0019]    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. 
         [0020]    In various embodiments, the connection member is 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. 
         [0021]    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. 
         [0022]    Also, according to an exemplary embodiment, the abnormal operation in which the fuse is broken at a temperature lower or higher 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 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a rechargeable battery according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a first electrode connection part according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      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. 
           [0027]      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. 
           [0028]      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. 
           [0029]      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. 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of a first electrode connection part according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0031]      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 
       [0032]    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 spirit or scope of the present invention. 
         [0033]      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 . 
         [0034]    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 . 
         [0035]    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. 
         [0036]    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 . 
         [0037]    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 . 
         [0038]    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  11   a  and a second electrode uncoated region  12   a  having no coated active material on the electrode and located at respective sides of the coated region in the jelly roll shape. 
         [0039]    The first electrode connection part  30  is electrically connected to the first electrode uncoated region  11   a  of the electrode assembly  10 , and the second electrode connection part  40  is electrically connected to the second electrode uncoated region  12   a.    
         [0040]    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 . 
         [0041]    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 . 
         [0042]    The first current collector  34  is electrically connected to the first electrode uncoated region  11   a , and the first electrode  11  is electrically connected to the first terminal  31  via the first current collector  34 . 
         [0043]    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 . 
         [0044]    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 . 
         [0045]    The second current collector  44  is electrically connected to the second electrode uncoated region  12   a , and the second electrode  12  is electrically connected to the second terminal  41  via the second current collector  44 . 
         [0046]    The second assistance plate  46  according to the present exemplary embodiment may be formed of an insulating material or a conductive material. 
         [0047]    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 . 
         [0048]    The cap assembly  50  according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a cap plate  51 , an electrolyte solution injection hole  53  formed with a sealing valve  52 , and a vent part  54 . 
         [0049]    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 . 
         [0050]    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 . 
         [0051]      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. 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , the first terminal  31  according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a terminal pillar  31   a  and a terminal flange  31   b.    
         [0053]    The first gasket  32  is coupled to the terminal pillar  31   a  and the terminal flange  31   b  and is installed between the first terminal  31  and the cap plate  51 . 
         [0054]    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). 
         [0055]    In detail, the first current collector  34  according to the present exemplary embodiment includes an electrode current collecting part  34   a  and a molding part  34   b.    
         [0056]    The electrode current collecting part  34   a  includes a first electrode current collecting part  34   a   1  connected to the first electrode  11  and a second electrode current collecting part  34   a   2  electrically connected to the first terminal  31 . 
         [0057]    The insulating member  33  and the first terminal  31  are sequentially installed to the second electrode current collecting part  34   a   2  according to the present exemplary embodiment. 
         [0058]    The molding part  34   b  according to the present exemplary embodiment may be formed by insert-molding the portion of the first electrode current collecting part  34   a   1 , the second electrode current collecting part  34   a   2 , the insulating member  33 , and the first terminal  31 . 
         [0059]    The molding material of the molding part  34   b  may include polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). 
         [0060]    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. 
         [0061]    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  34   b  such that a space may be sufficiently obtained between the electrode assembly  10  and the first current collector  34 . 
         [0062]    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  34   b  between the cap plate  51 . 
         [0063]    One surface of the molding part  34   b  facing the electrode assembly  10  may function as an insulator between the cap plate  51  and the electrode assembly  10 . 
         [0064]    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. 
         [0065]    The connection member  35  includes a first coupling part  35   a , a second coupling part  35   c , a connection part  35   b  connecting the first coupling part  35   a  and the second coupling part  35   c , and a fuse part  35   d.    
         [0066]    The first coupling part  35   a  may include a first flange part  35   a   1  extending from one end of the first coupling part  35   a , and the second coupling part  35   c  may include a second flange part  35   c   1  extending from one end of the second coupling part  35   c.    
         [0067]    The first flange part  35   a   1  of the first coupling part  35   a  may be welding-coupled to the terminal flange  31   b  of the first terminal  31 , and the second flange part  35   c   1  of the second coupling part  35   c  may be welding-coupled to the second electrode current collecting part  34   a   2  of the first current collector  34 . 
         [0068]    The insulating member  33  of the present exemplary embodiment may be installed for the first portion  33   a  of the insulating member  33  to be positioned between the first terminal  31  and the first current collector  34  and for the second portion  33   b  protruded from the first portion  33   a  to be positioned between the first coupling part  35   a  and the second coupling part  35   c.    
         [0069]    The connection member  35  according to the present exemplary embodiment is welding-coupled to one end of the second electrode current collecting part  34   a   2  in which the molding part  34   b  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 . 
         [0070]    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 . 
         [0071]    The fuse part  35   d  according to the present exemplary embodiment may be formed at the connection part  35   b.    
         [0072]    However, the fuse part  35   d  according to the present exemplary embodiment is not limited to only being formed at the connection part  35   b , but rather it may be formed at one of the connection part  35   b , the first coupling part  35   a , and the second coupling part  35   c , among other places. 
         [0073]    The fuse part  35   d  may include a fuse hole  35   d   1  passing through the portion of the connection part  35   b.    
         [0074]    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  35   d  is fractured such that the rechargeable battery  100  enters a neutral state. 
         [0075]    According to the present exemplary embodiment, an arc or heat generated when the fuse part  35   d  of the connection member  35  is fractured is absorbed to the second portion  33   b  of the insulating member  33  positioned between the first coupling part  35   a  and the second coupling part  35   c  such that the damage to the electrode of the rechargeable battery  100  may be prevented by the fracturing of the fuse part  35   d.    
         [0076]    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  11   a  may be prevented by the arc or the heat generated when the fuse part  35   d  of the connection member  35  is fractured. 
         [0077]    The fuse part  35   d  according to the present exemplary embodiment is positioned to be spatially separated from the configurations such as the molding part  34   b  or the first terminal  31 . 
         [0078]    Accordingly, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the abnormal operation of the fuse part  35   d  that is fractured at a temperature that is higher or lower than a temperature that the fuse part  35   d  is predetermined to be fractured by the interference of the other configurations may be prevented. 
         [0079]      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. 
         [0080]    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 . 
         [0081]    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. 
         [0082]    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). 
         [0083]    The insulating member  60  according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a first portion  61 , a second portion  62 , and a supporting protrusion  63 . 
         [0084]    The first portion  61  of the insulating member  33  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  35   a  and the second coupling part  35   c  of the connection member  35 . 
         [0085]    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  35   d   1  of the fuse part  35   d  formed at the connection part  35   b  of the connection member  35 . 
         [0086]    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  35   d  is fractured such that the rechargeable battery  101  enters the neutral state. 
         [0087]    According to the present exemplary embodiment, the supporting protrusion  63  of the insulating member  60  inserted into the fuse hole  35   d   1  of the fuse part  35   d  absorbs the arc or the heat generated between the broken surfaces after the fuse part  35   d  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  35   d  may be prevented. 
         [0088]    According to the present exemplary embodiment, the fractured surfaces of the fuse part  35   d  are maintained in the 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. 
         [0089]      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. 
         [0090]    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 . 
         [0091]    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. 
         [0092]    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. 
         [0093]    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 . 
         [0094]    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  35   a , the connection part  35   b , the second coupling part  35   c , and the fuse part  35   d  of the connection member  35  according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0095]    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. 
         [0096]    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 . 
         [0097]    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 . 
         [0098]    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  35   d  is fractured such that the rechargeable battery  102  enters the neutral state. 
         [0099]    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. 
         [0100]      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. 
         [0101]    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 . 
         [0102]    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. 
         [0103]    The connection member  235  according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a first coupling part  235   a , a second coupling part  235   c , a connection part  235   b  connecting the first coupling part  235   a  and the second coupling part  235   c , and a fuse part  235   d  formed at the connection part  235   b . Further, an insulating member  233  includes a first portion  233   a  and a second portion  233   b.    
         [0104]    The first coupling part  235   a  according to the present exemplary embodiment is installed between the first portion  233   a  of the insulating member  233  and the terminal flange  31   b  extended from the terminal pillar  31   a  of the first terminal  31 , and is respectively coupled to the first portion  233   a  of the insulating member  233  and the terminal flange  31   b  by welding. 
         [0105]    The second coupling part  235   c  according to the present exemplary embodiment is installed between the first portion  233   a  of the insulating member  233  and the second electrode current collecting part  34   a   2  of the electrode current collecting part  34   a , and is respectively coupled to the first portion  233   a  of the insulating member  233  and the second electrode current collecting part  34   a   2  by welding. 
         [0106]    Accordingly, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the first coupling part  235   a  and the second coupling part  235   c  are installed between the first terminal  31  and the electrode current collecting part  34   a  such that the connection member  235  may be stably fixed to the electrode current collecting part  34   a.    
         [0107]    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. 
         [0108]    According to the present exemplary embodiment, the first electrode connection part  230  may be installed to the rechargeable battery  200  by a simple process. 
         [0109]    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. 
         [0110]    For example, the present exemplary embodiment may protrude a supporting protrusion from one end of the second portion  233   b  of the insulating member  233  to be inserted into a fuse hole  235   d   1  of the fuse part  235   d , and the fuse part  235   d  may be enclosed by an insulating layer. 
         [0111]      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. 
         [0112]    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 . 
         [0113]    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. 
         [0114]    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 . 
         [0115]    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 . 
         [0116]    Also, the first current collector  334  is electrically connected to the first electrode uncoated region  11   a , and the first electrode  11  is electrically connected to the first terminal  31  via the first current collector  334 . 
         [0117]    The first terminal  331  according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a terminal pillar  331   a , a terminal flange  331   b , and a connection protrusion  331   c.    
         [0118]    The first gasket  332  is coupled to the terminal pillar  331   a  and the terminal flange  331   b  to be installed between the first terminal  31  and the cap plate  51 . 
         [0119]    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). 
         [0120]    The insulating member  333  includes a first portion  333   a , a second portion  333   b  protruded from the first portion  333   a , and an insulating protrusion  333   c  formed at the first portion  333   a  and having a through-hole  333   c   1  passing through the first portion  333 . 
         [0121]    The first current collector  334  according to the present exemplary embodiment includes an electrode current collecting part  334   a  and a molding part  334   b.    
         [0122]    The electrode current collecting part  334   a  includes a first electrode current collecting part  334   a   1  connected to the first electrode  11 , a second electrode current collecting part  334   a   2  electrically connected to the first terminal  31 , and a terminal connection hole  334   a   3  formed at the second electrode current collecting part  334   a   2 . 
         [0123]    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. 
         [0124]    The connection member  335  includes a first coupling part  335   a , a second coupling part  335   c , a connection part  335   b  connecting the first coupling part  335   a  and the second coupling part  335   c , a fuse part  335   d  formed at the connection part  335   b , a first coupling hole  335   a   1  formed at the first coupling part  335   a , and a second coupling hole  335   c   1  formed at the second coupling part  335   c.    
         [0125]    However, the fuse part  335   d  according to the present exemplary embodiment is not limited to only being formed at the connection part  335   b , and it may be formed at at least one of the connection part  335   b , the first coupling part  335   a , and the second coupling part  335   c.    
         [0126]    The second coupling part  335   c  of the connection member  335  according to the present exemplary embodiment is installed on the second electrode current collecting part  334   a   2  such that the second coupling hole  335   c   1  faces the terminal connection hole  334   a   3  formed in the second electrode current collecting part  334   a   2 . 
         [0127]    After the second coupling part  335   c  of the connection member  335  is installed at the second electrode current collecting part  334   a   2 , the first portion  333   a  of the insulating member  333  is installed between the first coupling part  335   a  and the second coupling part  335   c  of the connection member  335  such that the insulating protrusion  333   c  formed at the first portion  333   a  is installed and fixed to the second coupling hole  335   c   1  and the terminal connection hole  334   a   3  and the through-hole  333   c   1  of the insulating protrusion  333   c  faces the first coupling hole  335   a   1 . 
         [0128]    The second portion  333   b  of the insulating member  333  is positioned between the first coupling part  335   a  and the second coupling part  335   c  of the connection member  335  that is not inserted between the first terminal  331  and the second electrode current collecting part  334   a   2 . 
         [0129]    After the first portion  333   a  of the insulating member  333  is installed between the first coupling part  335   a  and the second coupling part  335   c  of the connection member  335 , the first terminal  331  is installed on the first coupling part  335   a  of the connection member  335  such that the connection protrusion  331   c  of the first terminal  331  passes through the first coupling hole  335   a   1  of the connection member  335 , the through-hole  333   c   1  of the insulating protrusion  333   c  of the insulating member  333 , the second coupling hole  335   c   1  of the connection member  335 , and the terminal connection hole  334   a   3 . 
         [0130]    Accordingly, the electrode current collecting part  334   a  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  334   a   2 . 
         [0131]    Accordingly, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the first coupling part  335   a  and the second coupling part  335   c  are installed between the first terminal  331  and the electrode current collecting part  334   a , and the connection protrusion  331   c  of the first terminal  331  is coupled to the first coupling part  335   a  and the second coupling part  335   c  of the connection member  335  such that the connection member  335  may be stably fixed to the electrode current collecting part  334   a.    
         [0132]    The molding part  334   b  according to the present exemplary embodiment may be formed by insert-molding the portion of the first electrode current collecting part  334   a   1 , the portion of the second electrode current collecting part  334   a   2 , the insulating member  333 , and the first terminal  331 . 
         [0133]    The molding material of the molding part  334   b  may include polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). 
         [0134]    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. 
         [0135]    Also, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the other components besides the molding part  34   b  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 . 
         [0136]    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  334   b.    
         [0137]    Also, one surface of the molding part  334   b  facing the electrode assembly  10  may have a function of the insulator installed between the cap plate  51  and the electrode assembly  10 . 
         [0138]    The fuse part  335   d  according to the present exemplary embodiment may include a fuse hole  335   d   1  formed by passing through the portion of the connection part  335   b.    
         [0139]    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  335   d  is fractured such that the rechargeable battery  300  enters the neutral state. 
         [0140]    According to the present exemplary embodiment, an arc or heat generated when the fuse part  335   d  of the connection member  335  is fractured is absorbed to the second portion  333   b  of the insulating member  333  positioned between the first coupling part  335   a  and the second coupling part  335   c  such that the damage to the electrode of the rechargeable battery  100  may be prevented by the fracturing of the fuse part  335   d.    
         [0141]    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  11   a  by the arc or the heat generated when the fuse part  335   d  of the connection member  335  is fractured may be prevented. 
         [0142]    Also, the fuse part  335   d  according to the present exemplary embodiment is positioned to be spatially separated from the configurations such as the molding part  34   b  or the first terminal  31 . 
         [0143]    Accordingly, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the abnormal operation of the fuse part  335   d  that is fractured at a temperature that is higher or lower than a temperature that the fuse part  335   d  is predetermined to be fractured by the interference of the other configurations may be prevented. 
         [0144]    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. 
         [0145]    For example, the present exemplary embodiment may form a supporting protrusion protruded from one end of the second portion  333   b  of the insulating member  333  to be inserted to the fuse hole  335   d   1  of the fuse part  335   d , and the fuse part  335   d  may be enclosed by an insulating layer.