Patent ID: 8691424

Claim:
A rechargeable battery comprising: an electrode assembly comprising a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator located between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate; a case housing the electrode assembly; and a short circuit inducing member comprising a first short circuit inducing member electrically coupled to the first electrode plate, wherein the first short circuit inducing member is integral as a single component with a first lead member directly coupled to the first electrode plate and an extension portion spaced from the case and extending from the first lead member, and a second short circuit inducing member electrically coupled to the second electrode plate, wherein the second short circuit inducing member is integral as a single component with a second lead member directly coupled to the second electrode plate and an extension portion spaced from the case and extending from the second lead member and towards the extension portion of the first short circuit inducing member such that a short circuit occurs when the extension portico of the first short circuit inducing member contacts the extension portion of the second short circuit inducing member.