Electrode assembly and rechargeable battery using the same

A rechargeable battery comprising:

• an electrode assembly comprising:
• a positive electrode comprising a positive current collector, a positive active material on the positive current collector in a positive coating region, and a positive uncoated region in which the positive active material is not on the positive current collector at a first side of the electrode assembly;
• a negative electrode comprising a negative current collector, a negative active material on the negative current collector in a negative coating region, a first negative uncoated region in which the negative active material is not on the negative current collector at the first side of the electrode assembly, and a second negative uncoated region in which the negative active material is not on the negative current collector at a second side of the electrode assembly opposite the first side;
• and
• a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode;
• a case containing the electrode assembly and having an opening at an end thereof for receiving the electrode assembly;
• a cap assembly comprising a cap plate sealing the opening;
• and
• a terminal electrically connected to the positive electrode or the negative electrode and protruding outside the case;
• wherein the separator protrudes farther at the first side than the first negative uncoated region, and the positive uncoated region protrudes farther at the first side than the separator;
• and
• wherein the negative coating region protrudes farther at the first side than the positive coating region.