US Patent 7485392 Rechargeable battery having impact buffer function

A rechargeable battery comprises an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween. The battery further comprises a case for housing the electrode assembly, a cap assembly coupled with the case, and a collecting plate having a first fixing portion coupled with the positive electrode or the negative electrode and a second fixing portion coupled with the case. A buffer portion is provided between the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion to alleviate forces exerted on the collecting plate.