Patent ID: 8920965

Claim:
A rechargeable battery comprising: an electrode assembly comprising an anode, a cathode, and a separator; a case having inner walls for receiving the electrode assembly wherein the electrode assembly is positioned adjacent the inner walls of the case and wherein the case defines a first continuous inner volume; and an electrode terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly and drawn outside the case, wherein the anode and the cathode each comprises an electrode uncoated region exposed past the separator and including a current collector at an edge, and the electrode terminal comprises: a terminal plate having a first terminal portion positioned within the case and adhered to a bottom surface of the current collector and a second terminal portion drawn outside the case; a combiner installed on the first terminal portion of the terminal plate so as to be positioned within the case to surround and adhere to a side surface and a top surface of the current collector wherein the current collector is positioned within the first inner volume so that the current collector is positioned proximate to the electrode assembly; and at least one weld passing through the cover, the current collector, and the terminal plate, wherein the cover and the terminal plate provide a recess portion through which the weld is formed to prevent the weld from protruding outside the cover and the terminal plate, thereby preventing the weld from contacting the case.