1. Field
Aspects of the present invention relate to a rechargeable battery. More particularly, aspects of the present invention relate to a rechargeable battery having a short circuit member.
2. Description of the Related Art
Unlike a primary battery, a rechargeable battery is designed to repeatedly perform charge and discharge functions. Small capacity rechargeable batteries may be used in small portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptop computers, and camcorders, and large capacity rechargeable batteries may be used in power sources for driving motors of hybrid vehicles and the like.
In recent years, a high power rechargeable battery using a non-aqueous electrolyte having high energy density has been developed. The high power rechargeable battery is a large capacity rechargeable battery with a plurality of rechargeable batteries connected to each other in series to be used to drive a motor of a device requiring high power, such as an electric vehicle.
The large capacity rechargeable battery generally includes a plurality of rechargeable batteries which are connected to each other in series, and the rechargeable battery may have a cylindrical shape or an angular shape.
Such a rechargeable battery requires a safety apparatus capable of reducing or preventing excessive heat and ensuring safety upon overcharge.
The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancing understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not form prior art.