MXPA99011238A - Modular electric storage battery - Google Patents

Abstract

Un acumulador eléctrico modular es adaptable a una variedad de aplicaciones, y por ejemplo, como una batería de arranque, iluminación e ignición (SLI) de un coche, camión o motocicleta, equipo para césped y jardín u otro producto y usado por unmotor de combustión interna. La batería modular es construida a partir de una pluralidad de celdas de batería montadas en un alojamiento de batería. Las celdas son celdas selladas, libres de mantenimiento, recargables. El alojamiento incluye una terminación de conexión rápida, y la aplicación inicial se adapta con una unidad base que tiene una terminación complementaria. La batería modular y la unidad base también incluyen mecanismos de alineación para asegurar la interconexión apropiada de las terminales de la batería. La unidad base puede ser adaptada para recibir varios tamaños de batería modular. Además, puede proporcionarse una segunda batería modular, que puede ser considerada como un dispositivo destellador de otro tipo, y puede ser interconectada con la unidad base para proporcionar una capacidad de arranque provisional.

Description

MODULAR ELECTRICAL ACCUMULATOR Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to electric accumulators, more particularly, to a modular electric accumulator adaptable to a variety of applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Starting, lighting and ignition batteries (SLI) of the type commonly used to start the internal combustion engines of cars, trucks, motorcycles, lawn and garden equipment and the like are large, heavy, battered with an electrolyte of the type of lead-acid batteries. These batteries consist almost exclusively of a prismatic vessel in which a number of partitions are formed to define cells. The electrode stacks, made of intercalated positive and negative plates and separation material, are inserted into the cells and are interconnected and electrically connected with upper or side terminal assemblies. The plates are typically lead or lead alloy grids coated with an active material such as lead dioxide. The cells are coated with electrolyte, usually a solution REF .: 32113 of dilute sulfuric acid, and a lid is thermally sealed to the container. Holes are provided in the lid to allow ventilation of the gases generated during normal discharge and load cycles. A typical SLI battery can weigh up to twenty (20) kilograms. The construction also requires careful assembly of the upper part to prevent electrolyte spillage. Due to its size, the use of liquid electrolyte, ventilation and other concerns, the SLI battery has typically been mounted within the engine compartment of cars and trucks. However, it is known that the life of the battery is adversely affected by heating and vibration, so that the engine compartment is actually an undesirable place. In addition, size, weight, liquid electrolyte and gasification replace used or discharged batteries, a task that should be left to an experienced mechanic. The temporary starting of a vehicle when the battery is discharged has several problems, and requires a second source of energy for the vehicle. Thin metal film battery technology provides a compact design for a high-power battery cell. Cells of this type are well known and their construction and manufacture has been described in, for example, US Patent Nos. 3,494,800; ,045,086; 5,047,300; 5,198,313 and 5,368,961. A thin metal film battery cell includes thin metal film-like plates sealed inside a sealed cell container, which is regulated by a valve. The cells include the technology of the absorbent glass grid separator (AGM) in a system undernourished with electrolyte. The thin metal film plates are made of a thin lead sheet approximately 0.005 in. (.127 mm) thick, impregnated with an active material that forms a pasted plate approximately 0.012 inch (.305 mm) thick . The plates are wound spirally with separating material, molded or welded terminations at the ends of the spiral roller. The roller is encapsulated in a container which is filled with electrolyte and then sealed except for the vent hole. The performance characteristics of the thin metal film cells include a high power / weight ratio and a fast recharge capability. Despite the existence of an alternative cell technology, the typical SLI battery is still a large, heavy, electrolyte-coated battery. Such a SLI battery construction has given little flexibility to designers of cars, trucks or other products to pack and protect the SLI battery. Cars and trucks are still heavy SLI batteries, large, located in the adverse environment under the chest. In certain cases where it can not be totally avoided, the SLI battery can be discharged so that it can not provide enough power to start the engine of the car, truck or other product. The common answer to this problem is to couple a second power source, such as the electrical system of a second vehicle or a specially designed temporary start power source, to the SLI battery. When coupled, the second power source provides the power to start the engine, and once it is in use, the engine is able to provide power through a suitable charging system to recharge the discharged SLI battery. However, care must be taken to properly couple the sources of energy. Doing this in the wrong way can lead to serious damage to the vehicle's electrical system, the SLI battery and the second power source. In the situation of the discharged battery, with a typical SLI battery this is very impractical so it would be very desirable to simply remove the discharged battery and replace it with another battery that has enough charge to start the engine. Unfortunately, however, the typically large, heavy SLI battery is not easily removed or uncoupled from the vehicle, and, if a second power source, the vehicle operator will be hand-tied.

Description of the Invention A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a modular electrical accumulator capable of functioning as an SLI battery for a car or truck or adaptable to a number of other applications. The modular battery is maintenance-free and sealed so that its use and handling is greatly simplified. In some applications, the modular battery provides up to 75 percent weight savings over traditional battery designs. The modular battery includes quick coupling terminals and is adapted to be coupled in a base unit adapted to give an application for the supply of electric power to it. In another embodiment of the present invention, the base units and the modular batteries are designed to be interchangeable. That is, the base units include terminal receivers and alignment features. Similarly, modular batteries include terminals and complementary alignment features. The terminals are designed to be coupled without the use of tools. The base units can be designed to accept one of several sizes of modular batteries (for example, the base unit could be designed to accept modular batteries with a capacity of 1.2, 2.4, 4.8, etc. amp / hour). The base units can be configured to be installed and coupled in the electrical system of a motor vehicle such as a car, truck, motorcycle or lawn and garden tractor. A modular battery is plugged into the base unit to provide the starting energy. This modular design offers a number of potential benefits. First among those is an easy ability to replace a discharged used battery, or install a larger capacity battery if necessary. In the event that you discharge the battery, as opposed to the jump, the discharged battery can be easily removed and a new battery plugged in to start the vehicle. In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle can be adapted with a second base unit and a second modular battery. The second base unit is coupled to the vehicle's electrical system so that the second modular battery plugged into the unit is maintained in a full charge stage. The second modular battery can then be used in emergency start situations by changing the modular start battery for this. The second modular battery unit is also adapted to operate with a number of accessory items. For example, a torch or flashing light attachment, a power torsional attachment, a television or other portable electronic device and the like. The second modular battery unit can also be specially configured as, for example, a flashing light article or the like, in which case an attachment is not necessary to provide the additional function. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the base units form an integral part of the fuse terminal block of an automotive electrical system or are installed as part of the interior components. In this respect, the base unit can be made part of, for example, the dashboard, the panels of the door trim or the structures of the vehicle seats. In this way, it will be appreciated that the modular battery greatly exceeds the vehicle designer's design constraints associated with the typical SLI battery. These and other advantages and applications of the invention will be appreciated by one skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a modular battery according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with the top cover removed for clarity; Figure 2 is a side view of the modular battery shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a top view of the modular battery shown in Figure 1 with the top cover removed for clarity; Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of the modular battery shown in Figure 1 and illustrating the terminals of the battery; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a base unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a plan view of the base unit shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a side view of the base unit shown in Figure 5 with the terminal receivers shown in shaded form; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a modular battery according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention with the top cover removed for clarity; Figure 9 is a plan view of the modular battery shown in Figure 8 with the top cover removed for clarity; Figure 10 is a plan view of a modular battery according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention with the top cover removed for clarity; Figure 11 is a side view of the terminal support for use with the modular battery shown in Figure 10; Figure 12 is a side view of the flash / modular light battery according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 is a view from the lower end of the flashing / modular battery shown in Figure 12; Figure 14 is a view through a lens of the flashing / modular battery shown in Figure 12; Figure 15 is a side view of the flashing / modular light battery shown in Figure 12 partially cut away to reveal the cells of the battery; Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the flashing / modular battery shown in Figure 1 and taken along line 16-16 of Figure 12; Figure 17 is a schematic illustration of an electrical system adapted according to a preferred embodiment of the invention to start the internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle; Figure 18 is a schematic illustration of an electrical system adapted according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention for starting the internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle; Figure 19 is a front view of a light fixture for a modular battery according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 20 is a rear view of the light attachment shown in Figure 19; and Figure 21 is a side view of the light attachment shown in Figure 19 and further illustrating a modular battery for clarity.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention is described in terms of the preferred embodiments and particularly in an exemplary modular battery adapted to be used as a starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) battery to start the internal combustion engines of the cars, trucks, motorcycles, lawn and garden equipment or other products powered by an internal combustion engine. The modular battery is constructed from a plurality of battery cells mounted in a battery housing. The cells are sealed, maintenance-free, rechargeable and preferably are battery cells of a thin metal film. The modular battery includes a fast connection termination, and the boot application is adapted with a base unit having a complementary termination. The modular battery and the base unit also include alignment features to ensure proper interconnection of the battery terminals. The base unit can be adapted to receive various modular battery sizes. In addition, a second modular battery is provided, which can be configured as a flashing light or other device, and which can be interconnected with the base unit to provide an emergency start capability. Through the following description, similar reference numbers were used to describe similar elements. Referring now to Figures 1-4, the modular battery 10 includes a housing 12 in which a plurality of battery cells 14 were inserted. A top member is not shown in the figures, but should be appreciated by an expert in the art. technique that a top member can be secured to the housing 12 by means of an adhesive, thermal seal or any other suitable means for closing the housing 12. The upper member was omitted from the figures to facilitate the illustration of the component members of the modular battery 10. The housing 12 is preferably formed of a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene as would the upper member. The cells of the battery 14 are preferably lead-acid battery cells of a thin metal film of the type shown in the aforementioned US patents. You must, it being understood, however, that the principles of the present invention can be employed with other battery cell format without departing from its broader scope. The battery cells 14 include negative and positive terminations 16 and 18 at the opposite ends, respectively, which are interconnected in series via the bands 20. The cells of the battery 14 are further connected to the positive and negative terminals 22 and 24, respectively, to form a battery with a capacity of 12 volts, 1.2 amp / hour. The interconnection of cell 14 and battery is further illustrated in Figure 3 with additional bands 20 shown in shaded form. As will be described hereinafter, the modular battery 14 easily adapts to other sizes and capacities. Continuing with reference to Figures 1-4, the housing 12 is formed with a plurality of openings 26. In the case of the gas vent holes for the cells of the battery 14, the openings 26 allow the escape of said gases from the housing 12. The openings 26 are shown formed in the members of the side wall 32 and 34 of the housing, although it should be understood that the openings may be formed in fewer or more wall members as required to provide adequate ventilation of the cells of the housing. battery 14. As best seen in Figure 4, the openings (partially shown as 36) are formed in the bottom 40 of the housing 12 and provide access to the terminals 22 and 24. The terminals 22 and 24 are preferably recessed with respect to the bottom 40 and are completely contained within the housing 12 to reduce the shorting potential of terminals 22 and 24 during use, installation and / or storage of the bat Modular unit 10. Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, the base unit 50 includes housing 52 that includes wall members 54-60 and base member 62. Side wall members 58-60 are shown as members of FIG. double wall, however, it may be preferred to form the housing 52 as a single piece of molded plastic. Mounted on the base member 62 are the posts of the positive and negative terminals 64 and 66, respectively. The end posts 64 and 66 are formed with a threaded end, which passes through the openings formed in the base member 62. The nuts 72-76 secure the end posts 64 and 66 to the base member 62. It should be noted that the suitable wiring and is coupled to the terminal posts 64 and 66 to electrically couple them to the electrically powered device. The terminal posts 64 and 66 are a pair of cylindrical members of a suitable conductive material. The terminals 22 and 24 are a pair of annular members of a suitable conductive material and having an internal diameter dimensioned to provide a toolless coupling, by sliding, with the posts of the terminals 64 and 66, respectively, thereby electrically engaging the modular battery 10 to the base 50. In this way, the modular battery 10 is electrically coupled in a simple and easy way to the electrically powered device. It should be appreciated that terminals 22 and 24 and that posts 64 and 66 need not be annular and cylindrical, respectively, but of any configuration that provides a quick, secure coupling of the battery module to the base unit without the use of tools . With reference to Figures 5-7, the wall members 58 and 60 are formed with channels 68 and 70, respectively. The housing 12 is formed with first and second alignment members 28 and 30, respectively. The alignment members 28 and 30 are a pair of raised surfaces formed in the side walls 32 and 34, respectively. The alignment members 28 and 30 are sized to be coupled to channels 70 and 68, respectively. The channel 70 and the alignment member 28 have a width slightly greater than that of the channel 68 and the alignment member 30. This ensures that the battery module 10 is inserted into the base unit 50 in the correct orientation, so that the terminals 64 and 66 are aligned and coupled with the terminal posts 72 and 74, respectively, and an inverted polarity situation is avoided. Referring now to Figures 8-9, a modular battery 10 'of greater capacity is shown. Primary reference numbers were used to refer to elements that are similar to the aforementioned elements, but modified according to the preferred alternative embodiment. As seen in Figures 8 and 9, the modular battery 10 'includes a housing 12', which is elongated to receive twelve (12) battery cells 14. The battery cells 14 are interconnected and connected to the positive and negative -22 and 24, respectively, via 20 'bands to form a battery with a capacity of twelve (12) volts, 2.4 amps. As noted in Figures 3 and 9, alignment members 28 and 30 are substantially aligned with terminals 22 and 24 along line t-t. In addition, the width "w" of the modular battery 10 and the modular battery 10 'is the same. The aggregate capacity of the modular battery 10 'was created by increasing the length "1" of the housing 12' and inserting additional battery cells 14. In this manner, the terminals 22 and 24 are maintained in constant relationship with the alignment members 28 and 30. More importantly, the modular batteries 10 and 10 'of different sizes can be accommodated by the base unit 50, simply by providing a sufficient length "1" for the base unit 50. It may be preferable to remove the wall 56 providing the acceptance of modular batteries of various capacities in the base unit 50. In operation, modular batteries of different capacities can be easily coupled in one application. For example, if the application is to start the internal combustion engine of a car and the modular battery is discharged, then the modular battery can be easily removed without the use of tools and a battery from another car or truck, motorcycle, or tractor. lawn or gardening, and similar voltage and adequate capacity can be substituted to start the car. Accordingly, the modular batteries 10 and 10 'share certain common dimensions, which ensure their interchangeability and simplified battery replacement. In addition, the modular batteries 10 and 10 'provide self-aligning characteristics to virtually eliminate an improper installation. It should be appreciated that modular batteries can be manufactured for different applications with different alignment characteristics, so that incompatible application batteries are not replaced incorrectly. Figures 10 and 11 illustrate yet another embodiment of the modular battery 10. "The modular battery 10" includes a housing 12"into which numerous battery cells 14 are inserted. Included within the housing 12" is a support member terminal 80. In this arrangement, you can form a very high capacity modular battery. As will be appreciated, band members (not shown) are provided to interconnect the cells of the battery 14 in the desired capacity battery. Again, the housing 12"is shown without a lid, it being understood that a suitable upper member will be provided and secured to the housing 12". The terminal support 80 is a non-conductive support member, in which positive and negative terminals can be secured in the openings 82 and 84 formed therein. The terminal support 80 can be adapted to threadably receive the annular terminals 86 or post-type terminals 88 commonly found in the SLI battery products. For example, proposed in each of the annular terminals 86 and the post terminal 88 shown in Figures 11, it being understood that in most applications similar terminals will be adapted to the support 80. Terminals 86 and 88 are electrically coupled to each other. proper way to the cells of the battery 14, such as by bands (not shown). Accordingly, the modular battery 12"can be configured as a replacement battery product for a traditional SLI battery Referring now to Figures 12-16, a further embodiment of the battery of the present invention is shown. -16, the modular battery of the present invention is configured as a flashing light 100. The flashing light 100 has a substantially cylindrical housing 102 formed by a plurality of axial flanges 103 to improve the clamping.At one end of the light 100, there is a lamp assembly 106 which includes a lens 108, the lamp 110 and the reflector (not shown) At the other end of the flash light 100, there is a pair of terminals 112 and 114. As it is observed in Figure 15 contained within the housing 102, there are a plurality of battery cells 14 suitably coupled to receive and / or distribute electrical power through the thermometers. 112 and 114. The cells of the battery 14 are also coupled via the switch 104 to provide electric power to the lamp 110. The flash light 100 is operated by selective activation of the switch 104. In a preferred embodiment, the light of flash 100 is adapted to couple a base unit to receive charge from a vehicle electrical system. In this regard, the terminals 112 and 114 are sized and spaced to engage the posts of the terminals 64 and 66 of the base unit 50. In addition, the alignment formations 116 and 118 are formed at the end of the housing 102 to engage the channels 68 and 70 of the base unit 50. In the preferred embodiment, the vehicle is adapted with a second base unit, which is the flash light 100 secured to the operation of most of the vehicles. When the need arises for a light source, the flash light 100 can be removed from the base unit and used. In the case of the discharge of the starting battery, the flash light 100 can also be used as a source of energy to start the car or truck. In this regard, the starting battery is removed from the base unit 50 and the flash light 100 is inserted in its place. Since the flash light 100 is normally maintained in a fully charged state, it has sufficient power to start the vehicle. It may be preferable to set the flashing light 100 to a voltage slightly greater than the starting voltage of a standard battery. This configuration would provide an increased boost for starting applications without substantially increasing the total volume of the flash light 100. Referring now to Figure 17, an electrical circuit 120 for starting the internal combustion engine of a typical motor vehicle is shown. and charge the starter battery. A modular battery system 122, which includes a modular battery and a base unit in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention, is electrically coupled via the switch 124 to the starter motor 126 and directly to the controller 128. The controller 128, as it is well known in the art, it can incorporate a dedicated circuit, or it can be integrated into a motor / power train control module with the drive application of the internal combustion engine. The controller 128 operates to regulate the voltage (VI) distributed from the alternator 130 in response to activation by an internal combustion engine or other electrical loads (represented essentially as the loads 132 and other loads 134) of the application. The controller 128 further functions to regulate the flow of current in response to the charge state of the modular battery of the modular battery system 122 to charge the modular battery. To start the internal combustion engine of the application, the switch 124 is closed allowing current to flow from the battery system 122 to the engine 126, which is coupled to the internal combustion engine as is well known in the art. In Figure 18, an electrical circuit is shown 120 'similar to that of Figure 17, but is adapted with a second modular battery system 136, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The second modular battery system 136 is coupled to the controller 128 ', which operates in a manner similar to controller 128 and further regulates the current flow in response to the charge state of the modular battery of the second modular battery system 136 to maintain the modular battery at a substantially complete charge state. That is, during the normal operation of the application, the charge of the modular battery in the system 136 is maintained. As illustrated, the system 136 may incorporate a flash light configuration as described above, or simply incorporate a second modular battery. The second modular battery is available for additional functions, such as being adapted by a flash light fixture or adapted to other electrically powered devices. In this regard, the electrical terminals of the battery module can be adapted to numerous devices that require electricity to operate, although not necessarily starters for internal combustion engines. Referring to Figures 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20 and 21, a flashing light mode is shown, as well as the interchangeability function that depends on the design of the battery terminals. The battery module can potentially be used as a power source for any device that requires direct current or any device that incorporates an inverter to convert the direct current signal from the battery module to the current current not required by the device. c. to. (alternating current) . This technology possesses the novel feature of dual capacity use - it can be used as a power source for the traditional starter motor for internal combustion engines due to its high power capacity. It can also be removed from the vehicle or a charging station and used to power any of the devices shown below and probably others that are not listed. Shown below is a list, not necessarily complete, of the alternative devices for which the battery modules can supply power assuming that it is appropriately sized for the specific application.

Illumination Jaw battery pack and "luminous band" to be used in the event of an emergency in an enclosure at night for security purposes. Light bar powered by batteries for emergencies in the boundary. Marine underwater light.

Sound Security / personal defense. Siren / high frequency vibration to warn an attacker. Electronic shock device (the sub-tuned version of a Taser).

Electric megaphone, can be used if one is lost or needs to emit sounds in other circumstances in a large area.

Thermal Manual heater / plug heater Cigar lighter / windproof cigarettes, lighter Canned beverage heater or cooler Boltless freezer Portable ventilator Thermal wiper Electronics Metal detector Radio suspension signal: Automobiles, marine, snowmobiles, ATV, motorcycles Portable medical equipment Defibrillators X-ray vital signs verification pharmaceutical pumps Cathode ray tube Navigation on board, portable, which could also be used as marine camera of television Channel of marine maneuvers Beacon of sonar Electromechanical Nut wrench for loosening / tightening power tongue nuts, which is specifically designed for short-term operating times of dynamic moment of high torsion torque. Multi-Vac Compressor Jack for electric tires Mini Life clamp Electronic weighing scale for fishing Mini crank Waxer / power absorber On-board vehicle frequency tool kit Fog horn.

Computer Portable / backup power for office equipment or board PC printer Facsimile.

Preferably, the second modular battery is also adaptable to the first battery system 122. That is, in the event that the modular battery of the system 122 is discharged, it can be removed from the system 122 and the modular battery of the replaced system 136. therefore to provide electric power to start the internal combustion engine. With sufficient voltage protection designed in the controller 128, after starting the internal combustion engine, the second modular battery can be removed from the system 122 and the first modular battery reinstalled to receive charge. Alternatively, the discharged modular battery can be coupled to the system 136 and allowed to charge during the operation of the application and subsequently be replaced in the system 122. Referring now to Figures 19-21, the modular battery of the present invention can be adapted for numerous other applications beyond the SLI function. In Figures 19-21, a lamp attachment 200 includes a light-accommodating member 202, a switch housing 204, the switch 206, the terminal posts 208 and 210. Mounted to the light-accommodating member 202, it is find the lens 212 behind which is secured a lamp and reflector (not shown) which are of standard flash light construction. The lamp is electrically coupled to the housing of the switch 204 within which it is switchably coupled via the switch 206 to the terminal posts 208 and 210. In accordance with the present invention, the terminal posts 208 and 210 are configured and separated for coupling the standard separation of the terminals 22 and 24 of the modular battery 10. In this way, the lamp attachment is easily secured to the modular battery 10 to provide electrical power to the switch housing 204. Selective activation of the switch 206 couples the Modular battery 10 to the lamp. The attachment of lamps 200 can be transported inside a car. If a light source is required, the modular battery 10 can be easily removed from the base unit 50 and the light fixture 200 secured thereto. In a preferred arrangement, the car or truck is equipped with a second modular battery, which can be used to provide a source of energy. The present invention has been disclosed and described in terms of several preferred embodiments. A person skilled in the art will readily appreciate its many applications and its wide scope as defined in the appended claims.

Industrial Applicability The present invention is useful in a wide variety of applications, including SLI applications and devices that require electrical power. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it relates.

Claims (39)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. A system for providing electrical power to a device, characterized in that it comprises: a battery module having a housing containing at least one electrochemical cell coupled to the first and second terminals and which is adapted to allow access to the terminals, the housing it also defines an alignment member; a base unit having first and second terminal receivers and first and second connectors opposite to and electrically coupled to the terminal receivers, the connectors are adapted for electrical coupling to the device, the base unit also has a complementary member sized to receive the member of alignment; wherein the battery module can be inserted into the base unit only if the alignment member is coupled with the complementary member, so that when the battery module is inside the base unit the first terminal is electrically coupled with the first receiver and the second terminal is electrically coupled with the second receiver.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the connectors are electrically coupled to the device.

The system according to claim 2, characterized in that the device comprises a starting circuit for the internal combustion engine of a device operated by the internal combustion engine.

The system according to claim 3, characterized in that the device driven by the internal combustion engine comprises one of: a motor vehicle, a tractor, a motorcycle, an off-road vehicle, a snow vehicle, a marine vessel, a motorized tool for lawn and garden, and an airplane.

The system according to claim 4, characterized in that the base unit is adapted to be coupled to either of a connector of the upper terminal type and a connector of the lateral terminal type of the starting circuit.

The system according to claim 4, characterized in that the base unit includes an adapter, the adapter is configured to be coupled to one of a connector of the upper terminal type and one of the lateral terminal of the starting circuit.

The system according to claim 2, characterized in that the device comprises an uninterrupted power supply system.

The system according to claim 2, characterized in that the device comprises a power system of a hybrid electric vehicle.

The system according to claim 2, characterized in that the base unit is formed integral to the device.

10. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that the electrochemical cell comprises the spirally wound thin metal film cell.

The system according to claim 2, characterized in that the battery module comprises a plurality of electrochemical cells, the cells are coupled to each other and to the terminals.

The system according to claim 2, characterized in that the alignment member comprises at least one flange member formed in the housing and a complementary channel member formed in the base unit by each flange member.

The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the battery module is adapted to one of a plurality of capacities.

The system according to claim 13, characterized in that the alignment member retains substantially identical physical attributes for each of the plurality of capabilities.

The system according to claim 14, characterized in that the first and second terminals are in separate relation to the alignment member for each of the plurality of capacities.

16. The system according to claim 15, characterized in that the terminals are aligned with the alignment formation for each of the plurality of capabilities.

The system according to claim 13, characterized in that the base unit is adapted to accept battery modules of each of the plurality of capacities.

The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing has openings to allow access to the terminals and the terminals are recessed inside the housing.

19. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises: a second base unit having first and second terminal receivers and first and second connectors opposite to and electrically coupled to the terminal receivers, the connectors are electrically coupled to the device; and a second battery module having at least one electrochemical cell coupled to the first and second terminals, and a housing containing at least one electrochemical cell and the terminals, the housing is adapted to allow access to the terminals; where the second battery module includes an alignment member formed in the housing, the alignment unit is adapted to couple a complementary member formed in the second base unit, so that when the alignment members of the second battery module and the second base unit are coupled the first terminal are electrically coupled to the first receiver and the second terminal is electrically coupled to the second receiver.

The system according to claim 19, characterized in that the second battery module is interchangeable with the battery module.

21. The system according to claim 19, characterized in that the base unit is adapted to receive the second battery module.

The system according to claim 19, characterized in that the second battery module is adapted to be used with one of a lighting device, a sound device, a thermal device, an electronic device, an electromechanical device and a device for calculation.

The system according to claim 19, characterized in that the second battery module is adapted with one of a removable lighting device, a removable sound device, a removable thermal device, a removable electronic device, a removable electromechanical device and a removable computing device.

24. A modular battery system for starting an internal combustion engine, characterized in that it comprises: a battery module having a housing containing at least one electrochemical cell coupled to the first and second terminals and which is adapted to allow access to the terminals, the housing also defines an alignment member; a base unit having first and second terminal receivers and first and second connectors opposite to and electrically coupled to the terminal receivers, the connectors are electrically coupled to a starting and charging circuit of the internal combustion engine, the base unit also has a complementary member sized to receive the alignment member; where the battery module can be inserted into the base unit only if the alignment member is coupled with the complementary member, so that when the battery module is inside the bass unit / the first terminal is electrically coupled with the first receiver and the second terminal is electrically coupled with the second receiver.

25. The modular battery system according to claim 24, characterized in that the electrochemical cell comprises a spirally wound thin metal film cell.

26. The modular battery system according to claim 24, characterized in that the battery module comprises a plurality of electrochemical cells, the cells are coupled to each other and to the terminals.

27. The modular battery system according to claim 25, characterized in that the first and second connectors comprise first and second battery cables adapted to be connected to the starting circuit.

The modular battery system according to claim 24, characterized in that the alignment member comprises at least one flange member formed in the housing and a complementary channel member formed in the base unit by each flange member.

29. The modular battery system according to claim 24, characterized in that the battery module is adapted to one of a plurality of capacities.

30. The modular battery system according to claim 29, characterized in that the alignment member retains substantially identical physical attributes for each of the plurality of capabilities.

31. The modular battery system according to claim 30, characterized in that the base unit is adapted to accept battery modules of each of the plurality of capacities.

32. The modular battery system according to claim 30, characterized in that the first and second terminals are in separate relation to the alignment member for each of the plurality of capacities.

33. The modular battery system according to claim 32, characterized in that the terminals are aligned with the alignment member for each of the plurality of capacities.

34. The modular battery system according to claim 24, characterized in that the housing has openings to allow access to the terminals and the terminals are recessed within the housing.

35. The modular battery system according to claim 24, characterized in that it further comprises: a second base unit having first and second terminal receivers and first and second connectors opposite to and electrically coupled to the terminal receivers, the connectors are coupled electrically to the starting circuit of the internal combustion engine; and a second battery module having at least one electrochemical cell coupled to the first and second terminals, and a housing containing at least one electrochemical cell and the terminals, the housing is adapted to allow access to the terminals; where the second battery module includes an alignment member formed in the housing, the alignment member is adapted to be coupled to a complementary member formed in the second base unit, so that when the alignment members of the second battery module and the second base unit are coupled the first terminal is electrically coupled with the first receiver and the second terminal is electrically coupled with the second receiver.

36. The modular battery system according to claim 35, characterized in that the second battery module is interchangeable with the battery module.

37. The modular battery system according to claim 35, characterized in that the base unit is adapted to receive the second battery module.

38. The modular battery system according to claim 35, characterized in that the second battery module is adapted to be used with one of a lighting device, a sound device, a thermal device, an electronic device, an electromechanical device and a computing device.

39. The modular battery system according to claim 35, characterized in that the second battery module is adapted with one of a removable lighting device, a removable sound device, a removable thermal device, a removable electronic device, a device removable electromechanical and a removable computing device.