NOVELTY - A rechargeable battery comprises a current collector (26, 28) connecting an electrode terminal (21, 23) to an electrode, and having a flange part (26a, 28a) connected to the electrode terminal and having a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the electrode terminal axis and being greater than a cross-sectional area of the through-hole, and a contacting part (26b, 28b) connecting the flange part to the active material uncoated part.    USE - Used as part of module used as power source for motor-driven devices such as hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicles, wireless vacuum cleaners, motorbikes, motor scooters.    ADVANTAGE - Since the flange part has the large cross-sectional area, it can effectively support the positive terminal. Since the contacting part is thin, it can easily fit into the positive active material uncoated part of the electrode assembly. Since the comers of current collector are gently rounded, when the contacting part is inserted in the electrode assembly, damage to the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly by current collector can be prevented. Since the flange part, the contacting part, and the electrode terminal are integrally formed with each other, the manufacturing process can be simplified and the contact resistance is reduced. In addition, since the current collector is formed in a simple structure, it can be formed through the forging process.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A rechargeable battery comprises:    (1) an electrode assembly (25) having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the electrodes, each of the electrodes having an active material coated part and an active material uncoated part;    (2) a case housing the electrode assembly, and having an opening through which the electrode assembly is insertable;    (3) a cap plate coupled to the opening;    (4) an electrode terminal coupled to a through-hole formed on the cap plate, and having an electrode terminal axis and protruding out of the case; and    (5) a current collector connecting the electrode terminal to the electrode.    The current collector has a flange part connected to the electrode terminal and having a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the electrode terminal axis and being greater than a cross-sectional area of the through-hole; and a contacting part connecting the flange part to the active material uncoated part. INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are also included for:    (1) a method of coupling an electrode assembly to an electrode terminal of the rechargeable battery; and    (2) a current collector for a rechargeable battery.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure is an exploded perspective view of an electrode assembly and a current collector of the rechargeable battery.    Electrode terminal (21, 23)    Electrode assembly (25)    Current collector (26, 28)    Flange part (26a, 28a)    Contacting part (26b, 28b)