Systems and methods for distinguishing batteries with a characteristic variation based on a color difference

Abstract

A device comprising a first battery having a cover and a housing, the cover having a first color different from a second color of the housing, the first color indicating a battery type.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 196,855, filed June 4, 2021, entitled "SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING A BATTERY BASED ON A COLOR OF A PART OF THE BATTERY," and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 191,687, filed May 21, 2021, entitled "SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING A BATTERY BASED ON A COLOR OF A PART OF THE BATTERY," the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

[0002] In general, this application concerns techniques for evaluating and selecting an electrical power device suitable for a particular application. The operation of such devices often involves alternating between an energy storage and an energy discharge phase. In principle, rechargeable batteries are the most cost-effective way to realize / implement such devices. Rechargeable batteries electrochemically store electrical charge, which is subsequently discharged as electricity. Battery-powered electricity is more like a gently fluctuating form of direct current (DC) than the highly periodic sinusoidal alternating current (AC) commonly used for residential power.

[0003] Batteries are used in electrical systems, such as an electrical system for a vehicle or other system. Batteries can vary in size, shape, chemistry, ampere-hour capacity, and other aspects related to the battery technology used and / or various performance characteristics.These aspects are indeed very wide-ranging and include detailed consideration of the materials used to manufacture the product and all its components; considerations for extraordinary product disposal and handling of hazardous substances; product performance in terms of reliability, expected lifetime, ease of maintenance / servicing; any safety concerns, hazardous material handling or extraordinary disposal requirements; mechanical and environmental properties (mechanical shock / vibration exposure, extreme and cyclical moisture / humidity exposure, prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures and thermal cycling requirements including the extent of any expected tolerance to cycle variations in terms of periodicity, frequency, amplitude, waveform, etc.). SUMMARY

[0004] To solve such problems, certain systems and methods of this application differentiate batteries with a coloring that varies to quickly guide a customer to a battery suitable for the appropriate application. Certain examples of color-coded battery covers are described herein. Each battery type has a cover with a color or color family. The color-coded cover allows a user to easily determine which battery type is in their applications and to locate the correct battery type at a store. In some examples, a face of the battery includes a tire tread pattern embossed on the face.

[0005] In addition to, or as an alternative to, identifying a characteristic difference between two or more batteries with different battery colors, the current number of different battery types can be divided into groups to enable multi-level categorization. In one form, members of a group are more similar to another member of the same group than to a member of another group (intragroup similarity). This result can be achieved by assigning batteries of approximately the same size, shape, footprint, etc., to the same group.

[0006] Other embodiments provide for a multi-level categorization of batteries by defining groups whose members share the same or most similar battery technology, but differ from one another. The formation of a first group brings together members with common lead-acid technology. A second group uses AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) technology and lead-acid electrochemistry in combination. Members of a third group share lithium-ion battery technology.

[0007] In further embodiments, a spectral segment assigned to the group comprises several different color nuances / tones, each easily distinguishable from the others to differentiate different batteries of the group. A group-level spectral segment defines a range of different colors. In one form, this range extends from a very dark blue bordering on violet to a transition color of teal, aqua, or the like. The spectral range of the second group includes various hues from yellow to orange. The third group includes hues of pink, magenta, and maroon.

[0008] To find a suitable battery type for a specific application, it is often necessary to assess various battery properties in relation to the application. In some cases, it may be possible to limit the consideration to the battery properties that are most relevant to the application, as far as these are known. Although this limitation can simplify battery selection in some cases, the wide variety of battery types available today still presents a difficult problem that is becoming increasingly difficult with the introduction of new battery configurations and applications. In parallel with the progressively increasing variety of battery types, an ever-broader spectrum of different battery properties must be considered to determine the suitability of a battery for such an application.The increase in competing application-related requirements complicates the battery selection process, increases the time required for selection, and increases the overall risk of failure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In this application, various examples and embodiments are described in more detail with reference to the following figures: Fig. 1 is a partially schematic perspective view showing a vehicle having a battery system embodying one or more inventions of the application. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of the vehicle, showing the rear part of the vehicle more clearly. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of one of the exemplary lead-acid batteries described herein. Fig. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of one of the lithium-ion batteries described herein. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of one of the liquid electrolyte batteries described herein. Fig. Figure 6 shows an example of a color system for a product range. Fig. 7 is an alternative representation of the Fig. 6 shown color system. Fig. 8 shows a first design example of a battery with a cover based on the color system of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 9 shows an alternative view of the first construction example of the battery from Fig. 8. Fig. 10 shows a second design example of a battery with a cover based on the color system of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 11 shows an alternative view of the second construction example of the battery from Fig. 10. Fig. 12 shows a third design example of a battery with a cover based on the color system of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 13 shows a fourth construction example of a battery with a cover based on the color system of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 14 shows an alternative view of the fourth construction example of the battery from Fig. 13. Fig. 15 shows a fifth design example of a battery with a cover based on the color system of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 16 shows a sixth construction example of a battery with a cover based on the color system of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7.

[0010] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain cases, details have been omitted that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that make other details difficult to see. It should be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to the specific embodiments shown herein.

[0011] Various types of lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries are used in electrical systems, e.g., in an electrical system of a vehicle or in a part of a vehicle. Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs and the claims and / or the following description and drawings, and in particular their individual features, may be considered independently of one another or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and all features of each embodiment may be combined in any manner and / or in any combination, provided that these features are not incompatible.The applicant reserves the right to amend an originally filed claim or to file a new claim, including the right to amend an originally filed claim to make it dependent on another claim and / or to incorporate a feature of another claim, even if it was not originally so claimed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] One or more specific embodiments are described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be understood that in developing such an actual implementation, as with any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as adhering to system and business constraints that may vary from one implementation to another. Furthermore, it should be understood that such a development effort, while complex and time-consuming, will nevertheless be a routine undertaking in terms of design, manufacture, and production for one skilled in the art after reviewing this disclosure.

[0013] The battery systems described herein can be used to power various types of vehicles, including gas- or diesel-powered vehicles, as well as electric vehicles (xEVs), and other high-voltage energy storage / consumption applications (e.g., utility-grid power storage systems). Such battery systems can include one or more battery modules, each battery module having a number of battery cells (e.g., electrochemical lead-acid or lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells) configured to deliver specific voltages and / or currents usable, for example, to power one or more components of a specifically designed vehicle as a primary power source for ignition or as a secondary power source for redundant or emergency power to safety or critical vehicle systems.As another example, battery modules according to present embodiments may be integrated into or power stationary power systems (e.g., non-vehicle systems). In some examples, the battery may be any type of lead-acid battery, including industrial or backup batteries, as well as other types of lead-acid batteries. The example batteries are electrically coupled to the vehicle via terminals (e.g., a negative terminal and a positive terminal).

[0014] For illustration purposes, Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle. An exemplary battery system described herein may be disposed within the vehicle. It would be desirable for a battery system 12 to be largely compatible with conventional vehicle designs. The battery system 12 may be placed in a location within the vehicle 10 where a battery system is typically located. For example, as illustrated, the vehicle 10 may include the battery system 12 under the hood of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, as will be explained in more detail below, the battery system 12 may be disposed to facilitate temperature management of the battery system 12. For example, in some embodiments, disposing a battery system 12 under the hood of the vehicle 10 may allow an air duct to direct airflow over the battery system 12 and cool the battery system 12.

[0015] A more detailed view of the battery system 12 is shown in Fig. 2. As shown, the battery system 12 includes an energy storage component 13 coupled to an ignition system 14, an alternator 15, a vehicle console 16, and optionally an electric motor 17. In general, the energy storage component 13 can capture / store electrical energy generated in the vehicle 10 and deliver electrical energy to power electrical devices in the vehicle 10. In other words, the battery system 12 can power components of the vehicle's electrical system, such asRadiator fans, air conditioning systems, electric power steering systems, active suspension systems, automatic parking systems, electric oil pumps, electric superchargers, electric water pumps, heated window defrosters, power window motors, auxiliary lamps, tire pressure monitoring systems, sunroof motor controllers, power seats, alarm systems, infotainment systems, navigation functions, lane departure warning systems, electric parking brakes, exterior lights, or any combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the energy storage component 13 supplies the vehicle console 16 and the ignition system 14 with power that can be used to start (e.g., crank) the internal combustion engine 15.

[0016] Additionally, the energy storage component 13 may receive electrical energy generated by the alternator 15 and / or the electric motor 17. In some embodiments, the alternator 15 may generate electrical energy while the internal combustion engine 18 is running. More specifically, the alternator 15 may convert the mechanical energy generated by the rotation of the internal combustion engine 18 into electrical energy. If the vehicle 10 includes an electric motor 17, the electric motor 17 may additionally or alternatively generate electrical energy by converting mechanical energy generated by the motion of the vehicle (e.g., the rotation of the wheels) into electrical energy. Thus, in some embodiments, the energy storage component 13 may receive electrical energy generated by the alternator 15 and / or the electric motor 17 during regenerative braking.Therefore, the three-phase generator 15 and / or the electric motor 17 are generally referred to herein as a regenerative braking system.

[0017] To facilitate the reception and delivery of electrical energy, the energy storage component 13 may be electrically coupled to the vehicle's electrical system via a bus. Via the bus, the energy storage component 13 may, for example, receive electrical energy generated by the alternator 15 and / or the electric motor 17. Furthermore, the bus 19 may enable the energy storage component 13 to deliver electrical energy to the ignition system 14 and / or the vehicle console 16. Accordingly, when using a 12-volt battery system 12, the bus 19 may carry an electrical voltage of typically 8 to 18 volts.

[0018] Additionally, as illustrated, the energy storage component 13 may include multiple battery modules. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the energy storage component 13 includes a lithium-ion battery module (e.g., a first) 20 and a lead-acid battery module (e.g., a second) 22, each including one or more battery cells. In other embodiments, the energy storage component 13 may include any number of battery modules. Although the lithium-ion battery module 20 and the lead-acid battery module 22 are illustrated side by side, they may be disposed in different areas of the vehicle. For example, the lead-acid battery module 22 may be disposed in or around the interior of the vehicle 10, while the lithium-ion battery module 20 may be disposed under the hood of the vehicle 10.

[0019] In some embodiments, the energy storage component 13 may include multiple battery modules to utilize multiple different types of battery chemistries. For example, when the lithium-ion battery module 20 is used, the performance of the battery system 12 may be improved because the lithium-ion battery chemistry generally has a higher coulombic efficiency and / or a higher power absorption rate (e.g., a higher maximum charging current or a higher charging voltage) than the lead-acid battery chemistry. In this way, the absorption, storage, and / or distribution efficiency of the battery system 12 may be improved.

[0020] To facilitate the control of the absorption and storage of electrical energy, the battery system 1 may additionally include a control module 24. More specifically, the control module 24 may control the operation of components in the battery system 12, such as included relays (e.g., switches), the energy storage component 13, the alternator 15, and / or the electric motor 17. The control module 24 may, for example, regulate an amount of electrical energy absorbed / supplied by each battery module 20 (e.g., to relieve the load on the battery system 12), balance the load between the battery modules 20 and 22, determine a state of charge of each battery module 20 or 22, determine a temperature of each battery module 20 or 22, control a voltage output by the alternator 15 and / or the electric motor 17, and the like.

[0021] Accordingly, the control unit 24 may include one or more processors 26 and one or more memories 28. More specifically, the one or more processors 26 may include one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general-purpose processors, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the one or more memories 28 may include volatile memories, such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memories, such as read-only memory (ROM), optical drives, hard disk drives, or solid-state memories. In some embodiments, the control unit 24 may include portions of a vehicle control unit (VCU) and / or a separate battery control module.

[0022] Although a vehicle battery is shown and described, the disclosure and system described herein are not limited thereto. Fig. 3, the exemplary battery is a lead-acid battery with an absorbent glass mat. The lead-acid battery consists of a housing or container that includes a cover 116. The cover 116 is provided for the container or housing 114 and can be sealed to the container 114. In various embodiments, the container 114 and / or the cover 116 include battery terminals 118a, b. The battery is electrically coupled to the vehicle via the terminals. The battery cover 116 can also include one or more filler caps and / or vent assemblies 120. The housing 114 and the cover 116 can be composed primarily of a polymeric material. In one or more embodiments, the polymeric material can be a recycled polymeric material. An electrolyte, typically comprising sulfuric acid, can be contained within the battery within the housing 114.

[0023] Within the container 114 are positive and negative electrodes or plates 104, 106. According to Fig. 3, the electrodes 104, 106 comprise electrically conductive positive or negative current collectors or substrates or grids 124, 126 or current collectors 1001, as further described herein. For this purpose, a "grid" or "current collector" may comprise any type of mechanical or physical support or substrate for the active material. A positive paste or electrochemically active material 128 is in contact with and / or on the positive grid 124, and a negative paste or electrochemically active material 130 is on the negative grid 126. Between the positive and negative electrodes or plates 104, 106 is a separator 108. In a retained electrolyte battery 100, the separator 108 may be a porous and absorbent glass mat (AGM). In one or more embodiments, the present lead-acid battery is an AGM lead-acid battery.

[0024] As in Fig. 3, a plurality of positive electrodes or plates 104 and a plurality of negative electrodes or plates 106 (with separators 108) generally form at least a portion of the electrochemical cell 110. According to Fig. 3, a plurality of plate or electrode sets or books or cell elements 110 may be electrically coupled (e.g., electrically connected in series or in another configuration) according to the capacity of the lead-acid battery.

[0025] The plurality of positive electrodes or plates 104 and negative electrodes or plates 106 can be arranged in stacks or sets or cell elements 110 to create a battery 100 having a predetermined voltage, e.g., a 12-volt battery, in the vehicle 102. The number of cell elements 110 or groups or sets can be varied. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading this description that the size and number of electrodes 104 and / or 106 in a particular group (including the size and number of individual current collectors) can be varied. The number of groups comprising the battery can vary depending on the desired application.

[0026] In an AGM lead-acid battery having multiple cell elements 110 housed in one or more separate compartments 112 of a container or housing 114, the element stack 110 may be compressed during insertion, thereby reducing the thickness of the separator 108.

[0027] As in Fig. 3, each current collector has a tab 134. One or more molded-on bands or cell connectors 136 are provided that electrically couple the tabs 134 of like polarity in one electrode or plate set or cell element 110 and connect other corresponding sets or cell elements 110 in the battery. The connection of the elements can be a single element, a parallel connection (double capacity, same voltage), or a series connection (e.g., additive voltages (i.e., 4V, 6V, etc.) at the same capacity). One or more positive pole terminals 118a and one or more negative pole terminals 118b, as in Fig. 3, may also be present, which are electrically coupled to the cell elements 110. Such terminals typically include portions that may extend through the cover and / or the container wall, depending on the battery design. It will be appreciated that a variety of terminal arrangements are possible, including top, side, front, or corner configurations known in the art. The cell connectors 136 and / or the terminals 118a, b may be made of lead or a lead alloy. In one or more examples, the lead may be recycled lead.

[0028] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of one of the lithium-ion batteries described herein. As in Fig. 4, the battery pack further includes, in addition to the top cover and the housing, a plurality of battery cells, a support plate, a first end plate, a second end plate, and a wire harness. The individual battery cells are arranged one after the other and supported in the housing. The first end plate and the second end plate are respectively arranged on two end sides of the plurality of supported battery cells to laterally secure the plurality of supported battery cells. The support plate is arranged above the plurality of supported battery cells, and the wire harness is supported by the support plate. The battery pack may optionally also include a fan assembly. Furthermore, a gas outlet nozzle is attached to a side wall of the housing. A partition plate is provided between every two adjacent battery cells to separate two adjacent battery cells.A heat dissipation pad is located beneath the plurality of battery cells to dissipate heat generated by the plurality of battery cells. The battery pack further includes a plurality of battery cell bus bars secured to the cathodes and anodes of the battery cells by battery cell fasteners, thus connecting two adjacent battery cells in series. The wiring harness may include a first wiring harness segment, a second wiring harness segment, a third wiring harness segment, and a fourth wiring harness segment.

[0029] In Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of a liquid electrolyte battery. The liquid electrolyte battery may comprise any type of secondary battery (e.g., a rechargeable battery). According to one or more embodiments, the battery is a lead-acid storage battery. Various embodiments of lead-acid storage batteries can be either sealed (e.g., maintenance-free) or unsealed (e.g., wet). According to one or more embodiments, the lead-acid storage battery is an unsealed lead-acid storage battery and requires periodic addition of electrolyte and / or water to maintain a desired volume and / or concentration of one or both. In one or more alternative embodiments, the battery may be of the SLI type. Alternatively, the battery may be an absorbent glass mat battery.Although specific examples are described and illustrated, any suitable secondary battery may be used for the intended purposes.

[0030] The lead-acid storage battery comprises a plurality of cell elements provided in separate compartments of a container or casing containing an electrolyte, e.g., aqueous sulfuric acid. The casing is provided with a cover, which in various embodiments includes terminal feedthroughs and filler lines to facilitate filling of the cells with electrolyte and maintenance. To prevent unwanted spillage of electrolyte from the filler lines and to facilitate venting of gases generated during the electrochemical reaction, a battery casing or cover may further include one or more filler cap and / or vent cap assemblies.

[0031] The illustration provided herein relates to automotive applications where groups of 8-20 plates in each of six stacks or sets of plates, both positive and negative, are used to form a standard 12-volt car battery. Each plate block may include one or more positive plates and one or more negative plates, each having a tab. A separator material is located between each positive and negative plate. Depending on the capacity of the lead-acid battery, a plurality of plate blocks or sets or cells are connected in series. In other applications, between 6 and 31 plates may be used in a stack. The number of stacks, sets, or sets of plates can also be varied.It will be understood by one skilled in the art after reading this specification that the size and number of plates in a particular stack (including the size and number of individual grids) and the number of stacks used to construct the battery can vary greatly depending on the desired end application.

[0032] One or more positive and one or more negative terminals may be provided. Such terminals typically include portions that may extend through the cover and / or casing, depending on the battery design. The terminals may also extend through a terminal gasket to prevent acid leakage. It is understood that a variety of terminal arrangements are possible, including top, side, or corner configurations known in the art. One or more molded-on bands may also be provided to electrically couple the tabs of one plate set and the respective plate sets.

[0033] As previously mentioned, the battery comprises a positive and a negative plate. Each plate comprises a grid of lead or a lead alloy supporting an electrochemically active material. In the illustrated embodiments, the positive and negative plates are paste-like electrodes. The paste-like electrode comprises the presently described grid forming a substrate and an electrochemically active material, or "paste," provided on the substrate. The grids, including a positive grid, as described in detail above, and a negative grid, establish electrical contact between the positive and negative active materials or pastes for conducting current.

[0034] The illustrated examples describe a system for easily identifying a battery. In particular, the system enables identification of a battery based on an identifying feature so that a user can quickly identify a replacement battery without having to read information about the replacement battery or the battery being replaced. In the example system described herein, the identifying feature of the battery is color-coded based on a battery type and / or other features of the battery. The feature may include a battery cover, a battery base, a label affixed to the battery, one or more parts of the battery casing (e.g., corners of the casing), etc. The example batteries described herein each include a color-coded cover and corresponding label, but any of the other features may be color-coded in addition to or instead of the battery cover and label.

[0035] In Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 shows an example of a color system that can be used as a color system for a product range and includes a color for each product in the range. In the system described here, a first example battery of a first type can have a feature (e.g., a cover, a label) in a first color. The first color of the cover corresponds to the type of the first battery. Thus, the first color indicates the type of the first battery (e.g., to a user, a salesperson, a service representative, a technician, a repair shop, etc.). A second battery type has a feature (e.g., a cover, a label) in a second color. The second color corresponds to the type of the second battery. Thus, the second color indicates the type of the second battery (e.g., to a user, a salesperson, a service representative, a technician, a repair shop, etc.).It may be advantageous for the color-coded feature to be consistent across a product range (e.g., the feature color-coded for a battery from a particular manufacturer is the same feature color-coded on all of that manufacturer's batteries) so that a user can easily identify which battery feature is important in determining the battery type. Specifically, in the example system illustrated herein, the covers and labels of the batteries are color-coded. In alternative examples, the bottom of the case (or any other feature) of the batteries may be color-coded. Furthermore, the color system may be used for other materials related to the product range, such as information leaflets.

[0036] The example color coding system uses an example color spectrum that corresponds to the color palette of, for example, a company and is used with the battery product range described here. Furthermore, the example color spectrum corresponds to a color scheme or color spectrum used in logos, corporate branding, literature, sales literature, or other marketing materials created and distributed by the user (e.g., a company) of the example color spectrum. The example color spectrum described here is only one example of a color spectrum that can be implemented with a product range, in particular a product portfolio with multiple product areas and multiple products within each area. For example, the product range described here comprises three different product areas and, within each product area, different individual products or product lines.The example color spectrum thus comprises three color ranges. Each of the three color ranges corresponds to one of the three product ranges. A color shade within each color range corresponds to a product within each product range. Since each product is assigned a color shade within the color range corresponding to the product range, a new product can be easily introduced and assigned a suitable color shade (e.g., based on performance rating, product range, launch date, etc.) within the correct color range. The color spectrum for the product range thus allows the product range to be expanded as needed. Other example color spectra may include a different number or ranges depending on the product range to which the color coding is applied.

[0037] For example, the color ranges and / or the shades used in each color range may be selected based on a battery performance rating. The performance of individual batteries in the product range may be determined based on a number of factors. In some examples, the factors may include fuel efficiency / carbon dioxide reduction, charge acceptance, throughput cycling, partial state of charge, usable capacity for cycling, weight-to-power ratio, high heat performance, low temperature performance, and continuous power. In some examples, additional factors may also be considered. The factors may be given equal weight in determining the performance rating, or some factors may have a higher weight (e.g., a greater impact on the performance rating).In addition to performance factors, factors related to safety, sustainability, regulatory compliance, autonomy, and complexity may also be considered. The color ranges and / or the shades used within each color range may also be based on a date of initial release of each product (or a product's predecessor). For example, liquid electrolyte lead-acid batteries were released before AGM batteries, so the liquid electrolyte lead-acid batteries are further to the left in the color spectrum. Fig. 1. Furthermore, a performance rating of batteries in different product ranges may be similar, but the batteries may have different intended uses. For example, a performance rating of a lithium-ion battery may be similar to a performance rating of an AGM battery with enhanced cycling. However, the color range by product group or product range then takes precedence over the performance rating. For example, the color of the cover of the lithium-ion battery is still within the color range of the lithium-ion product group and not within the color range of AGM batteries.

[0038] In Fig. 7, the color spectrum is divided into three areas that correspond to the product ranges. The first color range may, for example, range from yellow to orange and may correspond to liquid electrolyte battery types. One battery in the range (e.g., a standard liquid electrolyte battery) may have a color shade (e.g., orange, Pantone 137) within the color range, and a second battery in the range (e.g., a next-generation liquid electrolyte battery (enhanced flooded battery, EFB)) may have a second color shade (e.g., yellow, Pantone 109) within the color range. In particular, the first color range comprises a color gradient between Pantone 109 and Pantone 137 and may include additional colors or Pantone colors that lie between Pantone 109 and Pantone 137 on a color scale or gradient between yellow and orange. The second color range may range from red to violet and correspond to an AGM battery range.Different batteries in the AGM battery range may have different shades within the second color range, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. In particular, a current AGM battery may be red (Pantone 1788), a safety integrity battery may have a darker red (e.g., Pantone 199), a high-density AGM battery may be burgundy (e.g., Pantone 221), and an enhanced cycle life AGM battery may be violet (e.g., Pantone 2617). In particular, the second color range comprises a color gradient between Pantone 1788 and Pantone 2617 and may include additional colors or Pantone colors (e.g., Pantone 199, Pantone 221) that lie between Pantone 1788 and Pantone 2617 on a color scale or gradient between red and violet. The third color range may range from dark blue to light blue and corresponds to a lithium-ion battery range.Different shades of blue identify different batteries in the lithium-ion product range, as shown in the accompanying figures. In particular, a 48 V lithium-ion battery may be dark blue (e.g., Pantone 2746) and a 12 V lithium-ion battery may be light blue (e.g., Pantone 313). Future additional products may have a different shade within the color range appropriate for the product, with the shade being selected based on the performance evaluation of the additional product. For example, a 36 V lithium-ion battery may have a cover whose color lies between light blue and dark blue. Future products that may replace current products will have the same shade or color as the product they replace. For example, a next-generation AGM battery with improved cycling life may replace the current AGM battery with improved cycling life and have a violet (e.g., Pantone 2617) cover.In particular, the third color range comprises a gradient between Pantone 2746 and Pantone 313 and may include additional colors or Pantone colors that lie between Pantone 2746 and Pantone 313 on a color scale or gradient between dark blue and light blue.

[0039] Pantone colors are a universal method for identifying colors in various media types (e.g., graphics, printing, coatings and pigments, etc.). Each Pantone color is assigned an individual and unique number. Suffixes (e.g., letters at the end of the Pantone number) can identify other aspects of a physical color chip (e.g., coated, uncoated (P)). Pantone colors can each be defined using cyan-magenta-yellow-black (CMYK) values, red-green-blue (RGB) values, and hex values. CMYK values ​​can be useful for printing, as the four colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) are used for color printing. RGB values ​​can be used for digital media such as television, video cameras, image scanners, and digital displays (computer displays, mobile displays, projectors, etc.). The hex value or code is a 24-bit RGB color scheme that can be used in web design or web development.

[0040] The sample color spectrum described here may be unique to a particular company or manufacturer. Thus, the consumer could not only recognize that a battery with a particular cover color is a replacement for an existing battery, but could also quickly determine that the battery with a particular cover color originates from a particular company or manufacturer. Thus, a consumer would recognize a cover with a color within the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, as well as the specific Pantone colors, as a product of the company or manufacturer. In addition, other Pantone colors that are not identified but fall within the color spectrum depicted may also be associated with the company's products. While there are many Pantone colors within the color spectrum depicted, many of the over two thousand (2000) Pantone colors are not included in the identified color spectrum and may be used for other products.

[0041] In the Fig. Figures 8 to 16 show example designs for battery cases with colored covers. The example battery covers are designed according to the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 and described above. The batteries also include cases in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged. The example batteries can be used in any type of vehicle or for other applications. The example covers are made primarily of plastic and can be injection molded. The example covers are made of a different colored material than the example bottoms of the batteries. The example covers have different colors depending on the battery type. The color coding of the battery covers helps consumers, retailers, service personnel, or sales personnel identify the correct battery in the vehicle (or other application) and on the shelf.For example, the user can determine the battery type based on the color of the cover alone and does not have to remove the battery from the vehicle to find a suitable replacement. The color-coding of the battery covers makes it easier to replace a used battery. In addition, the different colored battery covers can serve as a control to reduce the likelihood of a user accidentally removing the wrong battery from the shelf because, for example, it was not in the correct place on the shelf. This allows the user to quickly see whether the correct battery type is selected and installed in the vehicle or other application. It is important that the correct battery or battery type is selected for installation in the vehicle.Selecting the wrong battery can cause damage to the vehicle and / or the battery and affect the service life of the vehicle and / or the battery. The color-coded battery covers described here make it easier to select the correct battery, which can prevent damage to the vehicle. It is very important that the correct battery is selected because not all batteries, even those of the same type or group, are compatible with a vehicle. For example, each battery has a different combination of characteristics (e.g., charge acceptance, throughput cycling, partial state of charge, usable capacity for cycling, weight-to-power ratio, performance in extreme heat, performance in low temperatures, continuous power, etc.) that can also affect the overall performance or service life of the vehicle.Additionally, batteries can have different output voltages, which would affect the battery's compatibility with a vehicle. Therefore, it is very important that the correct battery is installed in a vehicle.

[0042] In the examples shown, a battery (e.g. the battery in Fig. 8) with a cover in a first colour (e.g. red, in particular Pantone 199) has different characteristics than a battery (e.g. the battery in Fig. 9) with a cover in a second color (e.g., blue, Pantone 313). Certain colors indicate, for example, that it is a lead-acid battery, while others indicate that it is a lithium-ion battery. Batteries with yellow or orange covers, for example, may be liquid electrolyte batteries (e.g., wet cells), and batteries with red or purple covers (e.g., Pantone 2617) may be AGM (absorbent glass mat) batteries. Fig. 10 and Fig. For example, Figure 11 shows various sizes of AGM batteries. Batteries with blue covers may be lithium-ion batteries. Furthermore, the color tone within the color groups may vary depending on other characteristics (e.g., ampere-hours, performance ratings such as charge acceptance, safety monitoring, etc.). A specific color scheme or color spectrum may be organized based on the product range. In the product range color system shown, lead-acid batteries have covers in the yellow and orange color ranges or shades. Specifically, the covers for a standard lead-acid battery may be the color Pantone 137 (e.g., orange) and the covers for an enhanced liquid electrolyte battery may be the color Pantone 109 (EFB) (e.g., yellow). AGM batteries may have covers in the color ranges or shades of red and violet.In particular, the covers for a currently used AGM battery may have Pantone 1788 (e.g. red), the covers for an AGM battery with safety integrity (e.g. the one in . Fig. 8 and Fig. 9) Pantone 199 (e.g. dark red), the covers for a high density AGM battery can have Pantone 221 (e.g. burgundy red), and the covers for an AGM battery with improved cycle stability (e.g. the one shown in Fig. 12 to 14) may have Pantone 2617 (e.g., violet). Lithium-ion batteries may have covers in the blue color range and shades. In particular, the cover for a 48V lithium-ion battery may have Pantone 2746 (e.g., dark blue), and the cover for a 12V lithium-ion battery (e.g., the one shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11) Pantone 313 (e.g., light blue). The color scheme or spectrum shown in the figures is only one possible color spectrum. A different color spectrum may be used for the color coding of the battery covers.

[0043] In some examples, the cover may include terminal caps and / or a handle that are also the same color as the cover. Additionally, one or more labels on one or more sides of the battery are colored to match the color of the cover. The example battery in Fig. 9 includes a label on a front side that includes a dark red (e.g. Pantone 199) section. The example battery in Fig. 11 includes a label on a front side that includes a light blue (e.g., Pantone 313) section. In some examples, the one or more labels include a representation of a gradient of the color range corresponding to the product range to which the product belongs. The battery in Fig. 14, for example, includes a label on a front side that includes the red-violet color gradient corresponding to the AGM product group.

[0044] One or more of the disclosed embodiments, alone or in combination, may provide one or more technical effects, including easy identification of a battery type. In particular, the color-coded battery system enables selection of the correct or appropriate battery for a vehicle, thereby preventing or avoiding damage that may result from installing the wrong battery in a vehicle. The technical effects and problems listed in the specification are exemplary and not limiting. It should be noted that the embodiments described in the specification may also have other technical effects and solve other technical problems.

[0045] The terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar expressions, as used herein, have a broad meaning consistent with the common and accepted usage of one skilled in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure relates. Upon review of this disclosure, one skilled in the art will understand that these terms are intended to facilitate description of certain described and claimed features without limiting the scope of those features to the precise numerical ranges recited. Accordingly, these terms should be construed to mean that insubstantial or insignificant modifications or changes to the described and claimed subject matter will be considered within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

[0046] Please note that references to relative positions (e.g., "top" and "bottom") in this description are merely intended to identify various elements as they are oriented in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of individual components can vary greatly depending on the application.

[0047] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means the direct or indirect connection of two elements. Such connections may be fixed or movable. Such a connection may be achieved by integrally connecting the two elements, or the two elements and any additional intermediate elements, or by attaching the two elements, or the two elements and any additional intermediate elements, to one another. These connections may be permanent, but may also be separable or detachable.

[0048] It is also important to note that the structure and arrangement of the system, methods, and devices shown in the various embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, one skilled in the art will readily recognize upon reading this disclosure that many different alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantial equivalents are possible, whether known or presently foreseeable (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the various elements, the values ​​of the parameters, the mounting arrangements, the use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.), without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the stated subject matter. For example,Elements shown as being in one piece may be constructed from multiple parts, or elements shown as being in one piece may be in one piece, the function of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and / or elements or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied, the type or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied (e.g., by varying the number of engagement slots or the size of the engagement slots or the type of engagement). The order or sequence of the process or method steps may be varied or rearranged according to alternative embodiments.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the construction, operating conditions, and arrangement of the various embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the invention is intended to include all known or hereafter developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantial equivalents.

[0049] The technical effects and problems listed in the specification are exemplary and not limiting. It should be noted that the embodiments described in the specification may also have other technical effects and solve other technical problems. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 196,855

[0001] US 63 / 191,687

[0001]

Claims

[1] A device comprising a first battery having a cover and a housing, the cover having a first color different from a second color of the housing, the first color indicating a battery type. [2] The device of claim 1, wherein the first color is Pantone 199, Pantone 2617, Pantone 137, Pantone 109, Pantone 1788, Pantone 221, Pantone 2746 or Pantone 313. [3] A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a second battery having a different color than the first color and the second color. [4] The device of claim 3, wherein the second battery is a lead-acid type. [5] The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first battery is a lithium-ion type. [6] The device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the first battery and the second battery comprises an absorbent glass mat. [7] The device of claim 1, wherein the device is a vehicle. [8] A system for identifying a battery, the system comprising: - a first battery of a first type, the first battery having a first feature corresponding to the first type, the first feature having a first color to indicate that the first battery is of the first type; and - a second battery of a second type, the second battery having a second feature corresponding to the second type, the second feature having a second color to indicate that the second battery is the second type, the first type being based on a first property of the battery and the second type being based on a second property of the battery, the second property being different from the first property and the second color being further along a color spectrum than the first color. [9] The system of claim 8, wherein the characteristic is selected from the group consisting of a performance rating, a product range, and an introduction date. [10] The system of claim 8 or 9, wherein the first feature and the second feature are each a cover of the first battery and the second battery. [11] The system of claim 8 to 10, wherein the first type of the first battery may be in a first product range and the second type of the second battery may be in a second product range. [12] A system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the first color lies in a first region of a color spectrum and the second color lies in a second region of the color spectrum, the first and second regions not overlapping. [13] The system of any one of claims 8 to 12, further comprising a third battery of a third type, the third battery having a third feature corresponding to the third type, the third feature having a third color to indicate that the third battery is of the third type, and the third color being in one of the first ranges of the color spectrum. [14] System comprising a first battery having a cover in a first color, a second battery having a cover in a second color, and a third battery having a cover in a third color. [15] The system of claim 14, wherein the first battery, the second battery, and the third battery each have a different battery chemistry. [16] The system of claim 14, wherein the first battery, the second battery, and the third battery each have the same battery chemistry. [17] The system of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the first battery, the second battery, and the third battery each have different features unrelated to battery chemistry.

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