Patent ID: 8142921

Claim:
A rechargeable battery comprising: an electrode assembly; a case having an opening at a first end into which the electrode assembly is inserted, the case having a first thickness portion having a first thickness, a second thickness portion having a second thickness that is less than the first thickness and a connecting portion between the first thickness portion and the second thickness portion; a cap assembly coupled to the opening of the case and electrically connected to the electrode assembly; and a spacer fixed to the first end of the case, the spacer including a supporting protrusion that engages with the connecting portion between the first thickness portion and the second thickness portion, wherein the case includes a clamping portion at the first end that is inwardly folded, and a beading portion between the clamping portion and a second end of the case that is opposite the first end, the beading portion being inwardly curved and spaced apart from the connecting portion.