Patent ID: 8465869

Claim:
A rechargeable battery, comprising: an electrode assembly having an inner surface and including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween; a case having a space for internally housing the electrode assembly; a cap assembly coupled to the case and electrically connected to the electrode assembly; and a core inside the electrode assembly, wherein the core has a length and includes: a plurality of support portions contacting the inner surface of the electrode assembly, and a plurality of avoidance surfaces between the support portions and separated from the inner surface of the electrode assembly, wherein: the core has two ends, large cross-section members each having a large horizontal cross-section are at both ends of the core, an elastic deforming member, having a horizontal cross-section smaller than the horizontal cross-section of the large cross-section members, extends along a lengthwise direction of the core between the large cross-section members, and the core has a monolithic structure.