NOVELTY - The battery (110) has an electrode assembly (10) having a separator (13) that is provided between electrodes (11,12). A case (15) has the electrode assembly and a cap assembly (20) that is coupled to the case. The cap assembly has a cap plate (28), a tab (42) that is electrically coupled to the electrode (11), a deformable plate (41), and an intermediate element (43) attached to the deformable plate. The intermediate element has a material that is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, stainless steel and copper.    USE - Rechargeable battery e.g. prismatic lithium ion battery, lithium polymer battery and cylindrical lithium ion secondary battery used in portable electronic devices such as mobile phone, laptop computer, camcorder and electric vehicle.    ADVANTAGE - The deformable plate operates under a predetermined pressure for a relatively long period of time, during normal operation of the battery. The stop of the short-circuit state is prevented, since the excessive current is passed through the intermediate element when short-circuit is occurred. The long term safety of the rechargeable battery is improved, since the elastic element is operated under the predetermined pressure without losing elasticity during an expected life of the rechargeable battery. The explosion of the battery due to an excessive increase in internal pressure can be prevented by electrically connecting the tabs and short circuiting the battery. Hence, the excessive heat buildup in the rechargeable battery can be reduced and overheat of the cap plate can be reduced. The heat can be easily released to the surroundings through tabs. The electrolyte solution from igniting is prevented, since the tabs are spaced separately from the electrolyte solution. The rechargeable battery is prevented from exploding, since the lifted intermediated element induces short-circuit by electrically connecting the tab and the cap plate.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a cross-sectional view of the rechargeable battery.    Electrode assembly (10)    Electrodes (11,12)    Separator (13)    Case (15)    Cap plate (28)    Deformable plate (41)    Tab (42,46)    Intermediate element (43)    Rechargeable battery (110)