Omnidirectional biasing element for battery coupling in material handling vehicle, and material handling vehicle incorporating element

Abstract

A material handling vehicle comprising a battery receiving space and a removable battery assembly wherein: the removable battery assembly and the battery receiving space define an axis; the removable battery assembly includes a battery-side connector assembly and a vehicle-side connector assembly, each configured to electrically couple the removable battery assembly and an electrical system of the material handling vehicle; the battery-side and vehicle-side connector assemblies each include a connector housing and an electrical coupler; the respective electrical couplers of each connector assembly are configured to be electrically coupled together; the electrical coupler of the battery side connector assembly or the vehicle side connector assembly is an omnidirectional bias coupler, where the omnidirectional bias coupler includes an omnidirectional bias element that secures the omnidirectional bias coupler against a respective connector housing of the omnidirectional bias coupler.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Although this document describes the concepts of the present disclosure primarily with reference to electric pallet trucks, in which the drive motor of the pallet truck is integrated with the hub of a single drive wheel of the pallet truck, it is conceivable that the particular concepts of the present disclosure will be applicable to pallet trucks with other types of motor configurations, to other types of battery-powered material handling vehicles, including, for example, forklifts, tugboats, etc., or to other battery-powered vehicles, devices, or associated power supply systems. Summary of the Invention

[0002] According to this disclosure, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved material handling vehicle and an improved removable battery assembly.

[0003] A first embodiment of this disclosure relates to a material handling vehicle. The material handling vehicle may include a material handling mechanism, a drive mechanism, a battery receiving space, and / or a removable battery assembly. The material handling mechanism may be configured to engage goods in a warehouse environment powered by the removable battery assembly and may cooperate with the drive mechanism to move goods along a storage transfer surface in the warehouse environment. The removable battery assembly and the battery receiving space may cooperate to define a battery insertion and removal axis along which the removable battery assembly may be inserted into and removed from the battery receiving space. The removable battery assembly may include a battery-side connector assembly. The battery receiving space may include a vehicle-side connector assembly. The battery-side connector assembly and the vehicle-side connector assembly may be configured to electrically connect the removable battery assembly and the electrical system of the material handling vehicle. The battery-side connector assembly and the vehicle-side connector assembly may each include a connector housing and an electrical connector corresponding to and fixed within the connector housing. The respective electrical connectors of the battery-side connector assembly and the respective electrical connectors of the vehicle-side connector assembly may be configured to be electrically connected together due to relative movement along a connector mating axis parallel to the battery insertion and removal axis. At least one or both of the electrical connectors in the battery-side connector assembly or the vehicle-side connector assembly can be omnidirectional bias connectors, wherein the omnidirectional bias connector can include an omnidirectional biasing element. The omnidirectional biasing element can secure the omnidirectional bias connector against a corresponding connector housing of the omnidirectional bias connector to limit axial movement of the omnidirectional bias connector relative to the corresponding connector housing of the omnidirectional bias connector in a separation direction along the mating axis. The omnidirectional biasing element can secure the omnidirectional bias connector against a corresponding connector housing of the omnidirectional bias connector to allow omnidirectional spring-loaded deflection of the omnidirectional bias connector between a rest position and a spring-loaded deflection position.

[0004] A second embodiment of this disclosure relates to a material handling vehicle. The material handling vehicle may include a material handling mechanism, a drive mechanism, a battery receiving space, and / or a removable battery assembly. The material handling mechanism may be configured to engage goods in a warehouse environment powered by the removable battery assembly and may cooperate with the drive mechanism to move goods along a storage transfer surface in the warehouse environment. The removable battery assembly and the battery receiving space may cooperate to define a battery insertion and removal axis along which the removable battery assembly may be inserted into and removed from the battery receiving space. The removable battery assembly may include a battery-side connector assembly. The battery receiving space may include a vehicle-side connector assembly. The battery-side connector assembly and the vehicle-side connector assembly may be configured to electrically connect the removable battery assembly and the electrical system of the material handling vehicle. The battery-side connector assembly and the vehicle-side connector assembly may each include a connector housing and an electrical connector corresponding to and fixed within the connector housing. The respective electrical connectors of the battery-side connector assembly and the respective electrical connectors of the vehicle-side connector assembly may be configured to be electrically connected together due to relative movement along a connector mating axis parallel to the battery insertion and removal axis. At least one or both of the electrical connectors of the battery-side connector assembly or the vehicle-side connector assembly may be omnidirectional bias connectors, wherein the omnidirectional bias connector may include an omnidirectional bias element.

[0005] A third embodiment of this disclosure relates to a material handling vehicle. The material handling vehicle may include a material handling mechanism, a drive mechanism, and / or a battery receiving space. The material handling mechanism may be configured to engage goods in a warehouse environment and may cooperate with the drive mechanism to move goods along a storage transfer surface in the warehouse environment. The battery receiving space may define a battery insertion and removal axis along which a removable battery assembly may be inserted into and removed from the battery receiving space. The battery receiving space may include a vehicle-side connector assembly. The vehicle-side connector assembly may be configured to electrically connect the removable battery assembly to the electrical system of the material handling vehicle. Each vehicle-side connector assembly may each include a connector housing and an electrical connector corresponding to and fixed within the connector housing. The electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly may be configured to be electrically connected to the connector assembly of the removable battery assembly due to relative movement along a connector mating axis parallel to the battery insertion and removal axis. The electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly may be an omnidirectional bias connector, wherein the omnidirectional bias connector may include an omnidirectional bias element. An omnidirectional biasing element can fix the omnidirectional biasing connector against the connector housing of the omnidirectional biasing connector to limit axial movement of the omnidirectional biasing connector relative to the connector housing of the omnidirectional biasing connector in the separation direction along the mating axis. An omnidirectional biasing element can also fix the omnidirectional biasing connector against the connector housing of the omnidirectional biasing connector to allow omnidirectional spring-loaded deflection of the omnidirectional biasing connector between a rest position and a spring-loaded deflection position.

[0006] A fourth embodiment of this disclosure relates to a material handling vehicle. The material handling vehicle may include a material handling mechanism, a drive mechanism, and / or a battery receiving space. The material handling mechanism may be configured to engage goods in a warehouse environment and may cooperate with the drive mechanism to move goods along a storage transfer surface in the warehouse environment. The battery receiving space may define a battery insertion and removal axis along which a removable battery assembly may be inserted into and removed from the battery receiving space. The battery receiving space may include a vehicle-side connector assembly. The vehicle-side connector assembly may be configured to electrically connect the removable battery assembly to the electrical system of the material handling vehicle. Each vehicle-side connector assembly may each include a connector housing and an electrical connector corresponding to and fixed within the connector housing. The electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly may be configured to be electrically connected to the connector assembly of the removable battery assembly due to relative movement along a connector mating axis parallel to the battery insertion and removal axis. The electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly may be an omnidirectional bias connector, wherein the omnidirectional bias connector may include an omnidirectional bias element.

[0007] In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the rest position may form a rest angle between the mating axis and the omnidirectional bias connector. The spring-loaded deflection position may be one of a plurality of angled spring-loaded deflection positions. Each of the angled spring-loaded deflection positions may form one of a plurality of deflection angles between the mating axis and the battery-side electrical connector, the vehicle-side electrical connector, or both. Each of the plurality of deflection angles may be greater than the rest angle.

[0008] In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the omnidirectional biasing element may be a flexible skirt.

[0009] In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the omnidirectional biasing element may be disposed around the circumference of an elongated body of the omnidirectional biasing connector. The omnidirectional biasing element may extend outward to an external end.

[0010] In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the corresponding housing of the omnidirectional bias connector may include a housing space. This housing space may include housing walls.

[0011] In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, when the omnidirectional biasing connector is in a spring-loaded deflected position, the outer end of the omnidirectional biasing connector can be configured to apply a restoring force to the omnidirectional biasing connector. This restoring force can bias the omnidirectional biasing connector towards its rest position.

[0012] In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, when the omnidirectional biasing connector is in a spring-loaded deflected position, the outer end of the omnidirectional biasing connector can be configured to apply a restoring force to the omnidirectional biasing connector upon contact with the housing wall of the housing space of the corresponding housing of the omnidirectional biasing connector. This restoring force can bias the omnidirectional biasing connector. This restoring force can bias the omnidirectional biasing connector toward its rest position.

[0013] In any of the embodiments described herein, the respective housing of the omnidirectional bias connector may include a housing space, the housing space may include a housing wall, the housing wall may include an inner shoulder, the outer end of the omnidirectional bias element may be configured to restrict axial movement of the omnidirectional bias connector, and the outer end of the omnidirectional bias element may be configured to restrict axial movement of the omnidirectional bias connector relative to the respective housing of the omnidirectional bias connector in a separation direction along the mating axis by contacting the inner shoulder.

[0014] In any of the embodiments described herein, the inner shoulder of the housing wall of the omnidirectional bias connector housing space may define a shoulder diameter. The outer end of the omnidirectional bias element may define an outer end diameter. The outer end diameter may be greater than or equal to the shoulder diameter.

[0015] In any of the embodiments described herein, the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly may be a plug connector or a socket connector.

[0016] In any of the embodiments described herein, the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly may be a socket connector or a plug connector.

[0017] In any of the embodiments described herein, the electrical connector of the battery-side connector may be a plug connector, and the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly may be a receptacle connector. Alternatively, in any of the embodiments described herein, the electrical connector of the battery-side connector may be a receptacle connector, and the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly may be a plug connector.

[0018] In any of the embodiments described herein, the electrical connector in the vehicle-side connector assembly may be a plug connector, the electrical connector in the battery-side connector assembly may be a receptacle connector, and the receptacle connector may be configured to receive the plug connector.

[0019] In any of the embodiments described herein, the outer end of the omnidirectional biasing element may extend continuously or discontinuously around the circumference of the elongated body of the omnidirectional biasing connector.

[0020] In any of the embodiments described herein, the outer end of the omnidirectional biasing element may include at least one gap, which may be non-uniform, slotted, or may include a combination of these features.

[0021] In any of the embodiments described herein, the omnidirectional biasing element may be disposed around the circumference of the elongated body of the omnidirectional biasing connector, the omnidirectional biasing element may extend outward to an outer end, and the outer end of the omnidirectional biasing element may extend continuously around the circumference of the elongated body of the omnidirectional biasing connector, extend discontinuously around the circumference of the elongated body, include at least one gap, and is non-uniform and / or slotted.

[0022] In any of the embodiments described herein, at least one of the electrical connectors of the vehicle-side connector assembly and the battery-side connector assembly may be a plug connector or a socket connector.

[0023] In any of the embodiments described herein, at least one of the electrical connectors of the vehicle-side connector assembly and the battery-side connector assembly may be a receptacle connector. The connector housing of the battery-side connector assembly or the connector housing of the vehicle-side connector assembly may include a housing space. The housing space may include a housing wall. The housing wall may include an external lip. The external lip may extend around the distal end of the receptacle of the receptacle connector. The external lip may be configured to guide a corresponding one of the electrical connectors into the receptacle. The external lip may be configured to guide the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly or the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly into the receptacle.

[0024] In any of the embodiments described herein, the connector housing of the battery-side connector assembly or the connector housing of the vehicle-side connector assembly may include a housing space. The housing space may include a housing wall. The housing wall may include an outer lip. The outer lip may extend around a distal end of the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly. The outer lip may be configured to guide the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly. The outer lip may be configured to guide the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly toward the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly.

[0025] In any of the embodiments described herein, the connector housing of the battery-side connector assembly may include a housing space. The housing space may include a housing wall. The housing wall may include an outer lip. The outer lip may extend around a distal end of the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly. The outer lip may be configured to guide the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly. The outer lip may be configured to guide the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly toward the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly.

[0026] In any of the embodiments described herein, the omnidirectional bias connector may be a plug connector or a socket connector.

[0027] In any of the embodiments described herein, the battery-side connector assembly may include a plurality of battery-side electrical connectors. The vehicle-side connector assembly may include a plurality of vehicle-side electrical connectors. Each of the battery-side electrical connectors may correspond to a corresponding vehicle-side electrical connector among the plurality of vehicle-side electrical connectors. Each battery-side electrical connector and the corresponding vehicle-side electrical connector may form a connector pair. Each connector pair may be configured to be connected along a corresponding mating axis parallel to the battery insertion and removal axis.

[0028] In any of the embodiments described herein, the omnidirectional bias connector may include an elongated body. The omnidirectional bias connector may include a flexible O-ring. The flexible O-ring may be disposed around the elongated body.

[0029] In any of the embodiments described herein, the respective connector housing of the omnidirectional bias connector may include a housing space. This housing space may include housing walls. A flexible O-ring may be disposed around an elongated body of the omnidirectional bias connector. The flexible O-ring may be configured to provide friction. The flexible O-ring may be configured to provide friction when in contact with the housing wall. The friction may limit axial movement of the omnidirectional bias connector. The friction may limit axial movement of the omnidirectional bias connector relative to the respective connector housing of the omnidirectional bias connector. The friction may limit axial movement of the omnidirectional bias connector relative to the respective connector housing of the omnidirectional bias connector in the separation direction along the mating axis.

[0030] In any of the embodiments described herein, the elongated body of the omnidirectional bias connector may include an annular housing recess. This annular housing recess may accommodate a flexible O-ring.

[0031] In any of the embodiments described herein, the corresponding connector housing of the omnidirectional bias connector may include a housing space. This housing space may include housing walls. A flexible O-ring disposed around an elongated body of the omnidirectional bias connector can form a seal between the elongated body and the housing wall.

[0032] In any of the embodiments described herein, the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly, the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly, or both may include an internal end. This internal end may be electrically connected to a conductor.

[0033] In any of the embodiments described herein, the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly, the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly, or both may be a power supply connector or a control connector.

[0034] In any of the embodiments described herein, the omnidirectional bias connector may be a power supply connector or a control connector.

[0035] In any of the embodiments described herein, the battery-side connector assembly may include a battery-side omnidirectional biasing element. This element secures an electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly to the connector housing of the battery-side connector assembly. The element also restricts axial movement of the electrical connector relative to the connector housing in a separation direction along the mating axis. Furthermore, the element allows for omnidirectional spring-loaded deflection of the electrical connector between a battery-side rest position and a spring-loaded battery-side deflection position. The battery-side omnidirectional biasing element can fix the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly to the connector housing of the battery-side connector assembly to limit the axial movement of the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly relative to the connector housing of the battery-side connector assembly in the separation direction along the mating axis, and allow the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly to be omnidirectionally spring-loaded deflected between the battery-side rest position and the spring-loaded battery-side deflection position.

[0036] In any of the embodiments described herein, the vehicle-side connector assembly may include a vehicle-side omnidirectional biasing element. The vehicle-side omnidirectional biasing element may secure the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly to the connector housing of the vehicle-side connector assembly. The vehicle-side omnidirectional biasing element may secure the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly to the connector housing of the vehicle-side connector assembly to limit axial movement of the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly relative to the connector housing of the vehicle-side connector assembly in a separation direction along the mating axis. The vehicle-side omnidirectional biasing element may secure the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly to the connector housing of the vehicle-side connector assembly to allow omnidirectional spring-loaded deflection of the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly between a vehicle-side rest position and a spring-loaded vehicle-side deflection position. The vehicle-side omnidirectional biasing element can fix the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly to the connector housing of the vehicle-side connector assembly to limit the axial movement of the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly relative to the connector housing of the vehicle-side connector assembly in the separation direction along the mating axis, and allow the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly to be omnidirectionally spring-loaded deflected between the vehicle-side stationary position and the spring-loaded vehicle-side deflection position.

[0037] In any of the embodiments described herein, the battery-side connector assembly may include a battery-side omnidirectional biasing element that can secure an electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly to the connector housing of the battery-side connector assembly to: restrict axial movement of the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly relative to the connector housing of the battery-side connector assembly in a separation direction along the mating axis, and allow omnidirectional spring-loaded deflection of the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly between a battery-side rest position and a spring-loaded battery-side deflection position. The vehicle-side connector assembly may include a vehicle-side omnidirectional biasing element that can secure an electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly to the connector housing of the vehicle-side connector assembly to: restrict axial movement of the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly relative to the connector housing of the vehicle-side connector assembly in a separation direction along the mating axis, and allow omnidirectional spring-loaded deflection of the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly between a vehicle-side rest position and a spring-loaded vehicle-side deflection position. The battery-side rest position may be formed at a battery-side rest angle between the mating axis and the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly. The spring-loaded battery-side deflection position can be one of a plurality of angled spring-loaded battery-side deflection positions. Each of these angled spring-loaded battery-side deflection positions forms one of a plurality of battery-side deflection angles between the mating axis and the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly. Each of these angled battery-side deflection angles is greater than the battery-side rest angle. The spring-loaded battery-side deflection position can be one of a plurality of angled spring-loaded battery-side deflection positions, each of these angled spring-loaded battery-side deflection positions forms one of a plurality of battery-side deflection angles between the mating axis and the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly, and each of these angled battery-side deflection angles is greater than the battery-side rest angle. The vehicle-side omnidirectional biasing element can fix the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly to the connector housing of the vehicle-side connector assembly to limit the axial movement of the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly relative to the connector housing of the vehicle-side connector assembly in the separation direction along the mating axis, and allow the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly to be omnidirectionally spring-loaded deflected between the vehicle-side stationary position and the spring-loaded vehicle-side deflection position.

[0038] In any of the embodiments described herein, the battery-side connector assembly may include a battery-side omnidirectional biasing element. This element secures an electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly to the connector housing of the battery-side connector assembly. The battery-side omnidirectional biasing element secures the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly to the connector housing of the battery-side connector assembly to limit axial movement of the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly relative to the connector housing of the battery-side connector assembly in a separation direction along the mating axis, and allows omnidirectional spring-loaded deflection of the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly between a battery-side rest position and a spring-loaded battery-side deflection position. The vehicle-side connector assembly may include a vehicle-side omnidirectional biasing element. This element secures the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly to the connector housing of the vehicle-side connector assembly to: limit axial movement of the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly relative to the connector housing of the vehicle-side connector assembly in a separation direction along the mating axis, and allows omnidirectional spring-loaded deflection of the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly between a vehicle-side rest position and a spring-loaded vehicle-side deflection position. The vehicle-side stationary position can be formed at a vehicle-side stationary angle between the mating axis and the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly. The spring-loaded vehicle-side deflection position can be one of a plurality of angled spring-loaded vehicle-side deflection positions. Each of the angled vehicle-side offset positions is formed at one of a plurality of vehicle-side deflection angles between the mating axis and the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly. Each of the plurality of angled vehicle-side deflection angles is greater than the vehicle-side stationary angle. Each of the plurality of angled spring-loaded vehicle-side deflection positions is formed at one of a plurality of vehicle-side deflection angles between the mating axis and the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly, and each of the plurality of vehicle-side deflection angles is greater than the vehicle-side stationary angle.

[0039] In any of the embodiments described herein, allowing the omnidirectional biased connector to deflect omnidirectionally between a rest position and a spring-loaded deflection position may include allowing a spring-loaded deflection force to be directed toward the mating axis. This spring-loaded deflection force may be directed toward the mating axis at a deflection angle substantially aligned with the radial angle of the rest position relative to the mating axis. The radial angle may be any radial angle relative to the mating axis. The deflection angle may be within 30 degrees, 25 degrees, 20 degrees, 15 degrees, 10 degrees, or 5 degrees of the radial angle of the rest position.

[0040] A fifth embodiment of this disclosure relates to a material handling vehicle. The material handling vehicle may include a material handling mechanism, a drive mechanism, a battery receiving space, and a removable battery assembly. The material handling mechanism may be configured to engage goods in a warehouse environment powered by the removable battery assembly and may cooperate with the drive mechanism to move goods along a storage transfer surface in the warehouse environment. The removable battery assembly and the battery receiving space may cooperate to define a battery insertion and removal axis along which the removable battery assembly may be inserted into and removed from the battery receiving space. The removable battery assembly may include a battery-side connector assembly. The battery receiving space may include a vehicle-side connector assembly. The battery-side connector assembly and the vehicle-side connector assembly may be configured to electrically connect the removable battery assembly and the electrical system of the material handling vehicle. The battery-side connector assembly and the vehicle-side connector assembly may each include a connector housing and an electrical connector corresponding to and fixed within the connector housing. The respective electrical connectors of the battery-side connector assembly and the respective electrical connectors of the vehicle-side connector assembly may be configured to be electrically connected together due to relative movement along a connector mating axis parallel to the battery insertion and removal axis. At least one or both of the electrical connectors of the battery-side connector assembly and the vehicle-side connector assembly may be bidirectional bias connectors, wherein the bidirectional bias connector may include a bidirectional bias element. The bidirectional bias element may fix the bidirectional bias connector against a corresponding connector housing of the bidirectional bias connector to: limit axial movement of the bidirectional bias connector relative to the corresponding connector housing of the bidirectional bias connector in a separation direction along the mating axis, and allow bidirectional spring-loaded deflection of the bidirectional bias connector between a rest position and a spring-loaded deflection position.

[0041] A sixth embodiment of this disclosure relates to a material handling vehicle. The material handling vehicle may include a material handling mechanism, a drive mechanism, a battery receiving space, and a removable battery assembly. The material handling mechanism may be configured to engage goods in a warehouse environment powered by the removable battery assembly and may cooperate with the drive mechanism to move goods along a storage transfer surface in the warehouse environment. The removable battery assembly and the battery receiving space may cooperate to define a battery insertion and removal axis along which the removable battery assembly may be inserted into and removed from the battery receiving space. The removable battery assembly may include a battery-side connector assembly. The battery receiving space may include a vehicle-side connector assembly. The battery-side connector assembly and the vehicle-side connector assembly may be configured to electrically connect the removable battery assembly and the electrical system of the material handling vehicle. The battery-side connector assembly and the vehicle-side connector assembly may each include a connector housing and an electrical connector corresponding to and fixed within the connector housing. The respective electrical connectors of the battery-side connector assembly and the respective electrical connectors of the vehicle-side connector assembly may be configured to be electrically connected together due to relative movement along a connector mating axis parallel to the battery insertion and removal axis. At least one or both of the electrical connectors of the battery-side connector assembly or the vehicle-side connector assembly may be bidirectional bias connectors, wherein the bidirectional bias connector may include bidirectional bias elements.

[0042] A seventh embodiment of this disclosure relates to a material handling vehicle. The material handling vehicle may include a material handling mechanism, a drive mechanism, and a battery receiving space. The material handling mechanism may be configured to engage goods in a warehouse environment and may cooperate with the drive mechanism to move goods along a storage transfer surface in the warehouse environment. The battery receiving space may define a battery insertion and removal axis along which a removable battery assembly may be inserted into and removed from the battery receiving space. The battery receiving space may include a vehicle-side connector assembly. The vehicle-side connector assembly may be configured to be electrically coupled to the battery-side connector assembly of the removable battery assembly and to the electrical system of the material handling vehicle. The vehicle-side connector assembly may include a connector housing and an electrical connector corresponding to and fixed within the connector housing. The electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly may be configured to be electrically coupled to the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly due to relative movement along a connector mating axis parallel to the battery insertion and removal axis. The electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly may be a bidirectional bias connector, wherein the bidirectional bias connector may include a bidirectional bias element. The bidirectional biasing element can fix the bidirectional biasing connector against the corresponding connector housing of the bidirectional biasing connector to: limit the axial movement of the bidirectional biasing connector relative to the corresponding connector housing of the bidirectional biasing connector in the separation direction along the mating axis, and allow bidirectional spring-loaded deflection of the bidirectional biasing connector between a rest position and a spring-loaded deflection position.

[0043] The eighth embodiment of this disclosure relates to a material handling vehicle. The material handling vehicle may include a material handling mechanism, a drive mechanism, and a battery receiving space. The material handling mechanism may be configured to engage goods in a warehouse environment and may cooperate with the drive mechanism to move goods along a storage transfer surface in the warehouse environment. The battery receiving space may define a battery insertion and removal axis along which a removable battery assembly may be inserted into and removed from the battery receiving space. The battery receiving space may include a vehicle-side connector assembly. The vehicle-side connector assembly may be configured to be electrically coupled to the battery-side connector assembly of the removable battery assembly and the electrical system of the material handling vehicle. The vehicle-side connector assembly may include a connector housing and an electrical connector corresponding to and fixed within the connector housing. The electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly may be configured to be electrically coupled to the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly due to relative movement along a connector mating axis parallel to the battery insertion and removal axis. The electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly may be a bidirectional bias connector, wherein the bidirectional bias connector may include a bidirectional bias element.

[0044] In any of the embodiments described herein, the bidirectional biasing element may include at least two flanges.

[0045] In any of the embodiments described herein, a bidirectional biasing element may be disposed around an elongated body of the bidirectional biasing connector. The bidirectional biasing element may include a first flange and a second flange. The first flange may extend outward to a first outer end. The second flange may extend outward to a second outer end.

[0046] In any of the embodiments described herein, at least one of the first outer end of the bidirectional biasing element and the second outer end of the bidirectional biasing element extends continuously around a portion of the circumference of the elongated body of the bidirectional biasing connector.

[0047] In any of the embodiments described herein, a bidirectional biasing element may be disposed around an elongated body of a bidirectional biasing connector. The bidirectional biasing element may include a first flange and a second flange. The first flange may extend outward to a first outer end. The second flange may extend outward to a second outer end. At least one of the first and second outer ends of the bidirectional biasing element extends continuously around a portion of the circumference of the elongated body of the bidirectional biasing connector.

[0048] In any of the embodiments described herein, a bidirectional biasing element may be disposed around an elongated body of the bidirectional biasing connector. The bidirectional biasing element may include a first flange and a second flange. The first flange may extend outward to a first outer end. The second flange may extend outward to a second outer end. Either or both of the first or second outer end of the bidirectional biasing element may extend to approximately 60 degrees, approximately 45 degrees, or approximately 30 degrees of the circumference of the elongated body of the bidirectional biasing connector.

[0049] In any of the embodiments described herein, the outer end of the bidirectional biasing element may extend to about 60 degrees of the circumference of the elongated body of the bidirectional biasing connector, to about 45 degrees of the circumference of the elongated body of the bidirectional biasing connector, or to about 30 degrees of the circumference of the elongated body of the bidirectional biasing connector.

[0050] In any of the embodiments described herein, the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly, the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly, or both may be a control connector or a power supply connector.

[0051] In any of the embodiments described herein, the bidirectional bias connector may be a control connector or a power supply connector.

[0052] In any of the embodiments described herein, the rest position may be formed at a rest angle between the mating axis and the bidirectional bias connector. The spring-loaded deflection position may be one of a plurality of angled spring-loaded deflection positions. Each angled spring-loaded deflection position may be formed at one of a plurality of deflection angles between the mating axis and the battery-side electrical connector, the vehicle-side electrical connector, or both. Each of the plurality of deflection angles may be greater than the rest angle. Each of the plurality of angled spring-loaded deflection positions may be formed at one of a plurality of deflection angles between the mating axis and the battery-side electrical connector, the vehicle-side electrical connector, or both, and each of the plurality of deflection angles may be greater than the rest angle.

[0053] In any of the embodiments described herein, a bidirectional biasing element may be disposed around an elongated body of the bidirectional biasing connector. The bidirectional biasing element may include a first flange and a second flange. The first flange may extend outward to a first outer end. The second flange may extend outward to a second outer end.

[0054] In any of the embodiments described herein, the corresponding housing of the bidirectional bias connector may include a housing space. The housing space may include housing walls. When the bidirectional bias connector is in a spring-loaded deflection position, a first outer end of the first flange of the bidirectional bias element may be configured to apply a restoring force to the bidirectional bias connector upon contact with the housing wall. When the bidirectional bias connector is in a spring-loaded deflection position, a second outer end of the second flange of the bidirectional bias element may be configured to apply a restoring force to the bidirectional bias connector upon contact with the housing wall. When the bidirectional bias connector is in a spring-loaded deflection position, the bidirectional bias element may be configured to apply a restoring force to the bidirectional bias connector upon contact with the housing wall. When the bidirectional bias connector is in a spring-loaded deflection position, a first outer end of the first flange of the bidirectional bias element may be configured to apply a restoring force to the bidirectional bias connector. When the bidirectional bias connector is in a spring-loaded deflection position, a second outer end of the second flange of the bidirectional bias element may be configured to apply a restoring force to the bidirectional bias connector. When the bidirectional bias connector is in the spring-loaded deflected position, the bidirectional biasing element can be configured to apply a restoring force to the bidirectional bias connector. This restoring force can bias the bidirectional bias connector towards its rest position.

[0055] In any of the embodiments described herein, a bidirectional biasing element may be disposed around an elongated body of the bidirectional biasing connector. The bidirectional biasing element may include a first flange and a second flange. The first flange may extend outward to a first outer end. The second flange may extend outward to a second outer end. The housing space may include a housing wall. When the bidirectional biasing connector is in a spring-loaded deflected position, the first outer end may be configured to apply a restoring force to the bidirectional biasing connector upon contact with the housing wall. When the bidirectional biasing connector is in a spring-loaded deflected position, the first outer end may be configured to apply a restoring force to the bidirectional biasing connector. When the bidirectional biasing connector is in a spring-loaded deflected position, the second outer end may be configured to apply a restoring force to the bidirectional biasing connector upon contact with the housing wall. When the bidirectional biasing connector is in a spring-loaded deflected position, the second outer end may be configured to apply a restoring force to the bidirectional biasing connector. When the bidirectional biasing connector is in a spring-loaded deflected position, the bidirectional biasing element may be configured to apply a restoring force to the bidirectional biasing connector. This restoring force can bias the bidirectional bias connector. This restoring force can bias the bidirectional bias connector toward its rest position.

[0056] In any of the embodiments described herein, the respective housing of the bidirectional bias connector may include a housing space. The housing space may include a housing wall. The housing wall may include an inner shoulder. A first outer end of a first flange of the bidirectional bias element may be configured to limit axial movement of the bidirectional bias connector relative to the respective housing of the bidirectional bias connector in a separation direction along the mating axis by contacting the inner shoulder. A second outer end of a second flange of the bidirectional bias element may be configured to limit axial movement of the bidirectional bias connector relative to the respective housing of the bidirectional bias connector in a separation direction along the mating axis by contacting the inner shoulder.

[0057] In any of the embodiments described herein, a bidirectional biasing element may be disposed around an elongated body of a bidirectional biasing connector. The bidirectional biasing element may include a first flange and a second flange. The first flange may extend outward to a first outer end. The second flange may extend outward to a second outer end. A corresponding housing of the bidirectional biasing connector may include a housing space. The housing space may include a housing wall. The housing wall may include an internal shoulder. The first outer end of the bidirectional biasing element may be configured to limit axial movement of the bidirectional biasing connector relative to its corresponding housing in a separation direction along the mating axis by contacting the internal shoulder. The second outer end of the bidirectional biasing element may be configured to limit axial movement of the bidirectional biasing connector relative to its corresponding housing in a separation direction along the mating axis by contacting the internal shoulder.

[0058] In any of the embodiments described herein, the respective housing of the bidirectional bias connector may include a housing space including a housing wall. The housing wall may include an internal shoulder. The internal shoulder of the housing wall may define a shoulder diameter. A first outer end of a first flange of the bidirectional bias element and a second outer end of a second flange of the bidirectional bias element may define an outer end diameter. This outer end diameter may be greater than or equal to the shoulder diameter.

[0059] In any of the embodiments described herein, a bidirectional biasing element may be disposed around an elongated body of a bidirectional biasing connector. The bidirectional biasing element may include a first flange and a second flange. The first flange may extend outward to a first outer end. The second flange may extend outward to a second outer end. A corresponding housing of the bidirectional biasing connector may include a housing space including a housing wall. The housing wall may include an internal shoulder. The internal shoulder of the housing wall may define a shoulder diameter. The first outer end of the first flange of the bidirectional biasing element and the second outer end of the second flange of the bidirectional biasing element may define an outer end diameter. The outer end diameter may be greater than or equal to the shoulder diameter.

[0060] In any of the embodiments described herein, the electrical connector for the vehicle-side connector assembly or the battery-side connector assembly may be a plug connector.

[0061] In any of the embodiments described herein, the electrical connector for the vehicle-side connector assembly or the battery-side connector assembly may be a socket connector.

[0062] In any of the embodiments described herein, the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly may be a plug connector, the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly may be a receptacle connector, and the receptacle connector may be configured to receive the plug connector.

[0063] In any of the embodiments described herein, at least one of the first outer end of the first flange of the bidirectional biasing element and the second outer end of the second flange of the bidirectional biasing element may extend continuously around a portion of the circumference of an elongated body of the bidirectional biasing connector. At least one of the first outer end of the bidirectional biasing element and the second outer end of the bidirectional biasing element may be non-uniform. At least one of the first outer end of the bidirectional biasing element and the second outer end of the bidirectional biasing element may be corrugated. At least one of the first outer end of the bidirectional biasing element and the second outer end of the bidirectional biasing element may be slotted. At least one of the first outer end of the bidirectional biasing element and the second outer end of the bidirectional biasing element may be wavy.

[0064] In any of the embodiments described herein, a bidirectional biasing element may be disposed around an elongated body of a bidirectional biasing connector. The bidirectional biasing element may include a first flange and a second flange. The first flange may extend outward to a first outer end. The second flange may extend outward to a second outer end. The first outer end and the second outer end of the bidirectional biasing element may extend continuously around a portion of the circumference of the elongated body of the bidirectional biasing connector. At least one of the first outer end and the second outer end of the bidirectional biasing element may be non-uniform. At least one of the first outer end and the second outer end of the bidirectional biasing element may be corrugated. At least one of the first outer end and the second outer end of the bidirectional biasing element may be slotted. At least one of the first outer end and the second outer end of the bidirectional biasing element may be wavy.

[0065] In any of the embodiments described herein, at least one of the electrical connectors of the vehicle-side connector assembly and the battery-side connector assembly may be a plug connector.

[0066] In any of the embodiments described herein, at least one of the electrical connectors of the vehicle-side connector assembly and the battery-side connector assembly may be a socket connector.

[0067] In any of the embodiments described herein, at least one of the electrical connectors of the vehicle-side connector assembly and the battery-side connector assembly may be a receptacle connector. The connector housing of the battery-side connector assembly or the connector housing of the vehicle-side connector assembly may include a housing space including a housing wall. The housing wall may include an outer lip extending around a distal end of the receptacle of the receptacle connector. The outer lip may be configured to guide a corresponding one of the connectors into the receptacle.

[0068] In any of the embodiments described herein, the bidirectional bias connector may be a plug connector or a socket connector.

[0069] In any of the embodiments described herein, the battery-side connector assembly may include a plurality of battery-side electrical connectors. The vehicle-side connector assembly may include a plurality of vehicle-side electrical connectors. Each of the battery-side electrical connectors may correspond to a corresponding vehicle-side electrical connector among the plurality of vehicle-side electrical connectors, and each battery-side electrical connector and the corresponding vehicle-side electrical connector form a connector pair. Each connector pair may be configured to be coupled along a corresponding mating axis parallel to the battery insertion and removal axis.

[0070] In any of the embodiments described herein, the bidirectional bias connector may include an elongated body. The bidirectional bias connector may include a flexible O-ring disposed around the elongated body. A corresponding connector housing of the bidirectional bias connector may include a housing space including a housing wall. The flexible O-ring may be configured to provide friction upon contact with the housing wall, which restricts axial movement of the bidirectional bias connector relative to the corresponding connector housing of the bidirectional bias connector in a separation direction along the mating axis. The elongated body may include an annular housing recess. The annular housing recess may receive the flexible O-ring. The corresponding connector housing of the bidirectional bias connector may include a housing space including a housing wall. The flexible O-ring may form a seal between the elongated body and the housing wall.

[0071] In any of the embodiments described herein, the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly, the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly, or both may include an internal end. This internal end may be electrically connected to a conductor.

[0072] In any of the embodiments described herein, the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly, the vehicle-side electrical connector, or both may be a power supply connector.

[0073] In any of the embodiments described herein, the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly, the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly, or both may be a control connector.

[0074] In any of the embodiments described herein, the bidirectional bias connector may be a power supply connector or a control connector.

[0075] In any of the embodiments described herein, the battery-side connector assembly may include a battery-side bidirectional biasing element. This battery-side bidirectional biasing element can fix the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly to the connector housing of the battery-side connector assembly to: limit axial movement of the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly relative to the connector housing of the battery-side connector assembly in a separation direction along the mating axis, and allow bidirectional spring-loaded deflection of the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly between a battery-side rest position and a spring-loaded battery-side deflection position. The vehicle-side connector assembly may include a vehicle-side bidirectional biasing element. This vehicle-side bidirectional biasing element can fix the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly to the connector housing of the vehicle-side connector assembly to: limit axial movement of the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly relative to the connector housing of the vehicle-side connector assembly in a separation direction along the mating axis, and allow bidirectional spring-loaded deflection of the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly between a vehicle-side rest position and a spring-loaded vehicle-side deflection position. The battery-side rest position may be formed at a battery-side rest angle between the mating axis and the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly. The spring-loaded battery-side deflection position can be one of a plurality of angled spring-loaded battery-side deflection positions, wherein each of the angled spring-loaded battery-side deflection positions forms one of a plurality of battery-side deflection angles between the mating axis and the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly, and each of the plurality of battery-side deflection angles is greater than the battery-side rest angle. The vehicle-side rest position can be a vehicle-side rest angle formed between the mating axis and the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly. The spring-loaded vehicle-side deflection position can be one of a plurality of angled spring-loaded vehicle-side deflection positions, wherein each of the angled spring-loaded vehicle-side deflection positions forms one of a plurality of vehicle-side deflection angles between the mating axis and the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly, and each of the plurality of vehicle-side deflection angles is greater than the vehicle-side rest angle.

[0076] In any of the embodiments described herein, allowing bidirectional spring-loaded deflection of the bidirectional biased connector between a rest position and a spring-loaded deflection position may include allowing the spring-loaded deflection force to be directed toward the mating axis at a deflection angle substantially aligned with the radial angle of the rest position relative to the mating axis, wherein the radial angle may be any radial angle within a first angular range relative to the mating axis or within a second angular range relative to the mating axis, wherein the first angular range and the second angular range may be completely separate. The deflection angle may be within 30 degrees of the radial angle of the rest position, within 25 degrees of the radial angle of the rest position, within 20 degrees of the radial angle of the rest position, within 15 degrees of the radial angle of the rest position, within 10 degrees of the radial angle of the rest position, or within 5 degrees of the radial angle of the rest position.

[0077] Embodiments and features from one aspect may be embodiments and features from another aspect. Those skilled in the art will appreciate additional features and advantages from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrated and described embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments and should not be construed as limiting the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0078] The following detailed description of specific embodiments of this disclosure can be best understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like structures are indicated by like reference numerals, and wherein:

[0079] Figure 1 A perspective view of a material handling vehicle according to one or more embodiments described herein is schematically depicted;

[0080] Figure 2 The illustration schematically depicts one or more embodiments according to the present document. Figure 1 A perspective view of the removable battery assembly of a material handling vehicle;

[0081] Figure 3 An illustration schematically depicts an insertion into a battery receiving space according to one or more embodiments described herein. Figures 1-2 A perspective view of the removable battery assembly;

[0082] Figure 4A The illustration schematically depicts one or more embodiments according to the present document. Figures 1-3 The bottom side of the removable battery assembly;

[0083] Figure 4B The illustration schematically depicts one or more embodiments according to the present document. Figure 3 The upward side of the battery receiving space;

[0084] Figure 5 A socket connector assembly according to one or more embodiments described herein is schematically depicted;

[0085] Figure 6 A plug connector assembly according to one or more embodiments described herein is schematically depicted;

[0086] Figure 7 A socket connector having an O-ring and an omnidirectional biasing element is schematically depicted according to one or more embodiments described herein;

[0087] Figure 8 A plug connector having an O-ring and an omnidirectional biasing element according to one or more embodiments described herein is schematically depicted.

[0088] Figure 9 A socket connector assembly and a plug connector assembly according to one or more embodiments described herein are schematically depicted in an exploded view;

[0089] Figures 10A-10B The diagram schematically depicts, in a first exemplary context, the connection process according to one or more embodiments described herein. Figure 9 The connector assembly in which both the plug connector and the socket connector are in a spring-loaded deflected position;

[0090] Figure 11 The diagram schematically depicts, in a second exemplary context, one or more embodiments described herein linked together. Figure 9 Connector assembly;

[0091] Figure 12 A receptacle connector with a bidirectional biasing element is schematically depicted according to one or more embodiments described herein;

[0092] Figure 13 A plug connector with a bidirectional biasing element is schematically depicted according to one or more embodiments described herein;

[0093] Figure 14 A portion of a socket connector assembly and a plug connector assembly according to one or more embodiments described herein is depicted schematically in an exploded view;

[0094] Figures 15A-15B The diagram schematically depicts, in a first exemplary context, the connection process according to one or more embodiments described herein. Figure 14 The connector assembly in which the plug connector is in a spring-loaded deflected position;

[0095] Figure 16The connector assembly of FIG15, depicted schematically joined together in a second exemplary context according to one or more embodiments described herein; and

[0096] Figure 17 A top view schematically depicting an element in a deflected position, an axis, a vector between the element and the axis, and an angle defining which other vectors may be substantially aligned with the vector according to one or more embodiments described herein. Detailed Implementation

[0097] First refer to Figure 1 The image shows a material handling vehicle 100. The material handling vehicle 100 includes a material handling mechanism 110, a drive mechanism 120, a battery receiving space 130, and a removable battery assembly 200. The material handling mechanism 110 is configured to engage goods in a warehouse environment and cooperate with the drive mechanism 120 to move goods along an inventory transfer surface in the warehouse environment, powered by the removable battery assembly 200.

[0098] For the purposes of defining and describing the concepts and scope of this disclosure, it should be noted that “warehouse” encompasses any indoor or outdoor industrial facility in which material handling vehicles transport goods, including but not limited to indoor or outdoor industrial facilities primarily used for storing goods, such as those facilities with multi-level racks arranged in an aisle configuration, and manufacturing facilities in which goods are transported around the facility by material handling vehicles for use in one or more manufacturing processes.

[0099] Drive mechanism 120 only Figure 1 The diagram is schematic, and it should be noted that various conventional and undeveloped drive mechanisms will be suitable for operation with the material handling vehicles of this disclosure. For example, but not limited to, in the context of pallet trucks, drive mechanism 120 may include an electric motor integrated with the steerable wheels of the pallet truck, as disclosed in US 6,343,907 and other similar patent documents.

[0100] The removable battery assembly 200 and the battery receiving space 130 cooperate to define a battery insertion and removal axis 135 along which the removable battery assembly 200 is inserted into and removed from the battery insertion and removal axis. It should be noted that this specification and claims relate to the movement of various components “along” the respective axis. Such movement “along” the axis encompasses movement directly collinear with the relevant axis and movement displaced from the relevant axis but parallel to the relevant axis.

[0101] Now for reference Figures 2-3The removable battery assembly 200 includes a battery body 210. The battery body 210 includes a plurality of rechargeable battery cells (not shown), and the battery assembly 200 further includes a battery handle 220, which provides a mechanism for a user to carry the removable battery assembly 200. The user can insert or remove the removable battery assembly 200 into or from the battery receiving space by, for example, moving the battery assembly 200 along the battery insertion and removal axis 135 using the battery handle 220. To power the drive mechanism 120, the removable battery assembly 200 must be electrically connected to the material handling vehicle 100. The removable battery assembly 200 is connected to the material handling vehicle 100 by placing it within the battery receiving space 130, and the battery receiving space 120 accommodates the removable battery assembly 200 when it is electrically connected to the material handling vehicle 100.

[0102] Now for reference Figures 4A-4B The diagram depicts the bottom surface 230 of the removable battery assembly 200 and the upper surface 132 of the battery receiving space. The bottom surface 230 is the side of the removable battery assembly 200 facing the battery receiving space 130, and is perpendicular to the battery insertion and removal axis 135 when the removable battery assembly 200 is inserted into the battery receiving space 130 along the battery insertion and removal axis 135. Similarly, the upper surface 132 is the side of the battery receiving space 130 facing the bottom surface 230 of the removable battery assembly 200, and is perpendicular to the battery insertion and removal axis 135 when the removable battery assembly is inserted into the battery receiving space 130 along the battery insertion and removal axis 135. The bottom surface 230 of the removable battery assembly 200 includes a battery-side connector assembly 240, and the upper surface 132 of the battery receiving space 130 includes a vehicle-side connector assembly 140, which is complementary to the battery-side connector assembly 240 of the removable battery assembly 200. The removable battery assembly 200 and the material handling vehicle 100 can be electrically connected via the connection of the vehicle-side connector assembly 140 and the battery-side connector assembly 240, including the delivery of power from the removable battery assembly 200 to the material handling vehicle 100.

[0103] Battery-side connector assembly 240 includes battery-side electrical connectors 242 and 244. Each of these battery-side electrical connectors 242 and 244 is fixed within a battery-side connector housing, such as battery-side connector housing 246, which is fixed with one of the battery-side electrical connectors 242. Similarly, vehicle-side connector assembly 140 includes vehicle-side electrical connectors 142 and 144. Each of these vehicle-side electrical connectors 142 and 144 is fixed within a vehicle-side connector housing, such as vehicle-side connector housing 146, which is fixed with one of the vehicle-side electrical connectors 142.

[0104] Electrical connectors 142, 144, 242, and 244 are configured to achieve electrical connection between connector assemblies 140 and 240, and similarly, by extension, to achieve electrical connection between removable battery assembly 200 and material handling vehicle 100. As will be further described in detail below, each of electrical connectors 142, 144, 242, and 244 has an internal end (not in...) Figure 4A -B is depicted; similar internal ends are described below, and... Figures 9-11 and Figures 14-16 The battery-side electrical connectors 242 and 244 (as depicted in the diagram) include conductors electrically connected to a corresponding one of the electrical connectors 142, 144, 242, and 244. Within each of the battery-side electrical connectors 242 and 244, the conductors are further electrically connected to the interior of the battery-side connector assembly 240 and the electrical interface of the removable battery assembly 200. Within each of the vehicle-side connectors 142 and 144, the conductors are further electrically connected to the interior of the vehicle-side connector assembly 140 and the electrical interface of the material handling vehicle 100.

[0105] In this embodiment, electrical connectors 142 and 242 are power supply connectors, while electrical connectors 144 and 244 are control connectors. Electrical connectors 142 and 242, being power supply connectors, thus provide an interface for supplying power from the removable battery assembly 200 to the material handling vehicle 100, while electrical connectors 144 and 244, being control connectors, provide an interface for sending control or communication signals between the material handling vehicle 100 and the removable battery assembly 200. In this embodiment, connector assemblies 140 and 240 each include two power supply connectors and six control connectors, although other embodiments may include different numbers of each corresponding type of connector, and may include any number of each type of connector. Furthermore, other embodiments may utilize only a single type of connector, and may utilize any number of such connectors.

[0106] As will be described in further detail below, the battery-side connector assembly 240 and the vehicle-side connector assembly 140 are configured to correspond to each other, such that the battery-side connector assembly 240 and the vehicle-side connector assembly 140 electrically connect the removable battery assembly and the electrical system of the material handling vehicle 100. In this embodiment, for connecting the connector assemblies 140 and 240, each of the connector assemblies 140 and 240 is configured differently, such that one of the connector assemblies 140 and 240 receives the other of the connector assemblies 140 and 240. In some embodiments, this configuration of the connector assemblies 140 and 240 includes configuring the vehicle-side electrical connectors 142 and 144 or the battery-side electrical connectors 242 and 244 as plug connectors, and configuring the other of the vehicle-side electrical connectors 142 and 144 or the battery-side electrical connectors 242 and 244 as a receptacle connector. The receptacle connector is configured to receive the plug connector such that, when electrically connected together, the receptacle connector accommodates the plug of the plug connector in a receptacle.

[0107] In some embodiments, vehicle-side electrical connectors 142, 144 are plug connectors, while battery-side electrical connectors 242, 244 are receptacle connectors. Other embodiments may utilize different configurations and distributions of plug and receptacle connectors, and in some such embodiments, all vehicle-side connectors 142, 144 may not be the same connector configuration, and all battery-side connectors 242, 244 may not be the same connector configuration, such that, for example, some vehicle-side connectors 142, 144 are configured as receptacle connectors, while others are configured as plug connectors.

[0108] Now for reference Figures 5-6 The diagram depicts a receptacle connector assembly 500 and a plug connector assembly 600. The receptacle connector assembly 500 includes a power receptacle connector 520 fixed within a power receptacle connector housing 510 and a control receptacle connector 540 fixed within a control receptacle connector housing 530. Each of the power receptacle connector housings 510 defines a power receptacle housing space 515, and each of the power receptacle connectors 520 is fixed within a corresponding power receptacle housing space 515. Similarly, each of the control receptacle connector housings 530 defines a control receptacle housing space 535, and each of the control receptacle connectors 540 is fixed within a corresponding control receptacle housing space 535. The receptacle connector assembly 500 further includes a mounting surface 502, which can be attached to, for example, a fastening mechanism 504. Figures 4A-4BThe removable battery assembly 200 is located on its bottom side 230 or on its upward side 132 of the battery receiving space 130. The rear side 506 of the receptacle connector assembly 500 is configured to be electrically connected to an electrical interface on a device (e.g., the removable battery assembly 200 or the material handling vehicle 100). Receptacle connectors 520 and 540 are each electrically connected to a conductor, and when the receptacle connector assembly 500 is electrically connected to the electrical interface, the conductor electrically connects each of the receptacle connectors 520 and 540 to the electrical interface.

[0109] The plug connector assembly 600 includes a power plug connector 620 fixedly mounted within a power plug connector housing 610 and a control plug connector 640 fixedly mounted within a control plug connector housing 630. Figure 6 Not described in the text; Figures 12-16 A similar control plug connector is depicted. Each of the power plug connector housings 610 defines a power plug housing space 615, and each of the power plug connectors 620 is secured within the corresponding power plug housing space 615. Similarly, each of the control plug connector housings 630 defines a control plug housing space 635, and each of the control plug connectors 640 is secured within the corresponding control plug housing space 635. The plug connector assembly 600 further includes a mounting surface 602, which can be attached to, for example, by a fastening mechanism 604. Figures 4A-4B The removable battery assembly 200 is located on its bottom side 230 or on its upward side 132 of the battery receiving space 130. The rear side 606 of the plug connector assembly 600 is configured to be electrically connected to an electrical interface on a device (e.g., the removable battery assembly 200 or the material handling vehicle 100). Plug connectors 620 and 640 are each electrically connected to a conductor, and when the plug connector assembly 600 is electrically connected to an electrical interface, the conductor electrically connects each of the plug connectors 620 and 640 to the electrical interface.

[0110] The receptacle connector assembly 500 is thus configured to correspond to the plug connector assembly 600, and the plug connector assembly 600 is similarly configured to correspond to the receptacle connector assembly 500, to establish an electrical connection between the connector assemblies 500 and 600. The power receptacle connector 520 is configured to receive the power plug connector 620, as the power receptacle connector 520 is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the power plug connector 620. Similarly, the control receptacle connector 540 is configured to receive the control plug connector 640, as the control receptacle connector 540 is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the control plug connector 640.

[0111] The connection of each power connector 520, 620 and control connector 540, 640 thus forms a connector pair aligned with each other along the mating axis of the connector pair. Each of the connectors 520, 540, 620, 640 includes a separate connector axis, such as a socket connector axis 525 of one of the power socket connectors 520 and a plug connector axis 625 of one of the power plug connectors 620. In order for the corresponding power socket connector 520 of the socket connector axis 525 to be connected with the corresponding power plug connector 620 of the plug connector axis 625, forming a connector pair of the corresponding connectors of the power socket connectors 520 and the power plug connectors 620, the connector axes 525, 625 must be substantially aligned, forming a mating axis shared by the connector pair, and the corresponding connectors of the power connectors 520, 620 must move toward each other along the mating axis.

[0112] To facilitate connection between connector assemblies 500 and 600, each corresponding pair of power connector housings 510 and 610 is sized such that one of the power connector housings 510 and 610 receives the other. In this embodiment, the diameter of the power plug connector housing 610 is larger than the diameter of the power receptacle connector housing 510, such that when the connector assemblies 500 and 600 are connected, the power plug connector housing 610 receives the power receptacle connector housing 510, such that the power plug connector housing 610 surrounds the circumference of the power receptacle housing 510. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the connector assemblies 500 and 600 are connected, the power plug connector housing 610 receives the power receptacle connector housing 510, and within the power connector housings 510 and 610, the power receptacle connector 520 receives the power plug connector 620. However, in other embodiments, the power connector housings 510 and 610 are sized and shaped differently, such that the power socket connector housing 510 is instead configured to receive the power plug connector housing 610.

[0113] To further facilitate the connection between connector assemblies 500 and 600, each corresponding pair of control connector housings 530 and 630 is sized such that one of control connector housings 530 and 630 receives the other. In this embodiment, the diameter of the control plug connector housing 630 is larger than the diameter of the control receptacle connector housing 530, such that when the connector assemblies 500 and 600 are connected, the control plug connector housing 630 receives the control receptacle connector housing 530, such that the control plug connector housing 630 surrounds the circumference of the control receptacle housing 530. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the connector assemblies 500 and 600 are connected, the control plug connector housing 630 receives the control receptacle connector housing 530, and within the control connector housings 530 and 630, the control receptacle connector 540 receives the control plug connector 640. However, in other embodiments, the control connector housings 530 and 630 are sized and shaped differently, such that the control socket connector housing 530 is instead configured to receive the control plug connector housing 630.

[0114] To further facilitate the connection between connector assemblies 500 and 600, receptacle connector assembly 500 includes an assembly wall 550 and an assembly guide 560, and plug connector assembly 600 includes an assembly body 650 and a guide receiving space 660 defined by the assembly body 650. The assembly wall 550 and the assembly body 650 each have dimensions and shapes such that the inner side 555 of the assembly wall 550 is configured to receive and surround the outer side 655 of the assembly body 650 when the connector assemblies 500 and 600 are connected. Furthermore, the assembly guide 560 and the guide receiving space 660 each have dimensions and shapes such that the guide receiving space 660 is configured to receive and surround the assembly guide 560 when the connector assemblies 500 and 600 are connected. The configuration of component wall 550, component guide 560, component body 650, and guide receiving space 660 can increase the stability of the connection between connector assemblies 500 and 600, and can promote the connection between connector assemblies 500 and 600 relative to each other and relative to connection axes parallel to the axis (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 3 Alignment of battery insertion and removal axis 135.

[0115] Now back Figures 3-4BSince the electrical connection between connector assemblies 140 and 240 is necessary for supplying power from the removable battery assembly 200 to the material handling vehicle 100, the connection between connector assemblies 140 and 240 must also be properly connected to ensure sufficient power is supplied to the material handling vehicle 100 for its operation. This proper connection may include aligning the battery body 210 within the battery receiving space 130 at least substantially parallel to the battery insertion and removal axis 135, and positioning the bottom side 230 of the removable battery assembly 200 relative to the upward side 132 of the battery receiving space 130 such that the housings of the battery-side electrical connectors 242 and 244 are substantially or completely aligned with the housings of the vehicle-side electrical connectors 142 and 144.

[0116] However, in some embodiments, the removable battery assembly 200 may be heavy, making it difficult for a user to directly insert or remove the battery assembly 200 into or out of the battery receiving space 130 along the battery insertion and removal axis 135. Therefore, in these embodiments, a user may inadvertently insert or remove the removable battery assembly 200 into or from the battery receiving space 130 at a non-zero angle relative to the battery insertion and removal axis 135, instead of along the battery insertion and removal axis 135. Furthermore, in embodiments where the battery assembly 200 is heavy, the battery assembly 200 may move within the battery receiving space 130 and relative to the battery insertion and removal axis 135 during operation of the material handling vehicle 100. Such events may result in incorrect electrical connections of connector assemblies 140, 240, posing a risk of damage to connector assemblies 140, 240. Similarly, the individual connectors of electrical connectors 142, 144, 242, 244 may face the risk of damage due to incorrect connections of vehicle-side electrical connectors 142, 144 and battery-side electrical connectors 242, 244. Over time, these factors may degrade the quality of the electrical connection between connector assemblies 140 and 240, thereby degrading the performance of the material handling vehicle 100 to the point that the material handling vehicle 100 may become inoperable.

[0117] Now back Figures 5-6The risk of damage to any of the connectors 520, 540, 620, and 640 (such as the aforementioned risks) may arise from misalignment of the socket connector axis 525 with the plug connector axis 625 before or during connection. If such an event occurs before or during the connection process, one or all of the power socket connector housing 510, power socket connector 520, power plug connector housing 610, and / or power plug connector 620 may be at risk of damage because misalignment of connector axes 525, 625 may cause undesirable impacts between some or all of the components. If such an event occurs during the connection of power connectors 520, 620, one or all of the power socket connector housing 510, power socket connector 520, power plug connector housing 610, and / or power plug connector 620 may be at risk of damage because misalignment of connector axes 525, 625 may result in undesirable tension or torque being applied to some or all of the components.

[0118] Now for reference Figures 7-8 The diagram illustrates a receptacle connector 700 and a plug connector 800. The receptacle connector 700 corresponds to the plug connector 800, such that the receptacle 710 of the receptacle connector 700 is configured to receive the plug 810 of the plug connector 800. Connectors 700 and 800 are configured for use in connector assemblies, such as... Figures 5-6 The connector assemblies 500 and 600 are used as, for example, power supply connectors 520 and 620 or control connectors 540 and 640.

[0119] The receptacle connector 700 includes an omnidirectional biasing element 720. In this embodiment, the omnidirectional biasing element 720 is attached around the elongated body 730 of the receptacle connector 700. However, in other embodiments, the omnidirectional biasing element 720 may be attached around different portions of the receptacle connector 700, the omnidirectional biasing element 720 may be attached to the receptacle connector 700 in different ways, and / or the receptacle connector 700 may not include the elongated body 730. In this embodiment, the omnidirectional biasing element 720 is disposed around the circumference of the elongated body 730 of the plug connector 700.

[0120] In this embodiment, the omnidirectional biasing element 720 is a flexible skirt comprising an inner end 722 and an outer end 724 that contact the elongated body 730, wherein the flexible skirt extends outwardly from the inner end 722 to the outer end 724, and in this embodiment, the outer end 724 extends discontinuously around the circumference of the elongated body 730, as will be described in further detail below. In this embodiment, the outer end 724 defines a diameter larger than that of the inner end 722. As will be described in further detail below, this configuration enables the omnidirectional biasing element 720 to limit axial movement of the receptacle connector 700 relative to the housing (not shown) of the receptacle connector 700 in a separation direction along the connector axis 740. As will also be described in further detail below, this configuration of the ends 722, 724 further enables the omnidirectional biasing element 720 to allow spring-loaded deflection of the receptacle connector 700 between a rest position and a deflected position.

[0121] The plug connector 800 includes an omnidirectional biasing element 820. In this embodiment, the omnidirectional biasing element 820 is attached around an elongated body 830 of the plug connector 800. However, in other embodiments, the omnidirectional biasing element 820 may be attached around different portions of the plug connector 800, the omnidirectional biasing element 820 may be attached to the plug connector 800 in different ways, and / or the plug connector 800 may not include the elongated body 830. In this embodiment, the omnidirectional biasing element 820 is disposed around the circumference of the elongated body 830 of the plug connector 800.

[0122] In this embodiment, the omnidirectional biasing element 820 is a flexible skirt comprising an inner end 822 and an outer end 824 that contact the elongated body 830, wherein the flexible skirt extends outwardly from the inner end 822 to the outer end 824, and in this embodiment, the outer end 824 extends discontinuously around the circumference of the elongated body 830, as will be described in further detail below. In this embodiment, the outer end 824 defines a diameter larger than that of the inner end 822. As will be described in further detail below, this configuration enables the omnidirectional biasing element 820 to limit axial movement of the plug connector 800 relative to the housing (not shown) of the plug connector 800 in a separation direction along the connector axis 840. As will also be described in further detail below, this configuration of the ends 822, 824 further enables the omnidirectional biasing element 820 to allow spring-loaded deflection of the plug connector 800 between a rest position and a deflected position.

[0123] Note that this specification and claims refer to various components as "omnidirectional biasing elements." Such an "omnidirectional biasing element" is an element that allows, for example, "omnidirectional spring-loaded deflection" of the omnidirectional biasing element itself or of an article to which it is attached, coupled, or otherwise associated (i.e., the "biased element") or a component thereof. Allowing such "omnidirectional spring-loaded deflection" encompasses allowing deflection such that when the biased element is displaced relative to the mating axis of the biased element and from a rest position at an angle not parallel to the mating axis of the biased element, the omnidirectional biasing element is engaged (e.g., by contact with an outer surface), biased toward the rest position. In some embodiments, such biasing includes applying a restoring force to the biased element, wherein the restoring force biases the biased element toward the rest position of the biased element.

[0124] While the omnidirectional biasing elements 720 and 820 allow omnidirectional spring-loaded deflection and are flexible in this embodiment, it should be noted that allowing omnidirectional spring-loaded deflection does not require the outer ends of the omnidirectional biasing elements (or any similar or analogous components) to extend continuously around the entire circumference of the connector or the entire circumference of the elongated body of the connector. Instead, in some embodiments, the outer ends of the omnidirectional biasing elements may extend discontinuously around the circumference of the elongated body. For example, the omnidirectional biasing elements 720 and 820 each have gaps 726 and 826, respectively, and therefore, the outer ends 724 and 824 each extend discontinuously around the circumference of a respective elongated body 730 and 830. Despite the presence of gaps 726 and 826, the omnidirectional biasing elements 720 and 820 still allow deflection such that when the omnidirectional biasing elements are engaged by displacement from the rest position at an angle in any direction not parallel to the mating axes of the biased elements, the corresponding one of the connectors 700 and 800 is biased toward the rest position. Other embodiments may have more gaps similar to gaps 726 and 826, while some embodiments may have no gaps or have one or more discontinuities that are dissimilar to gaps 726 and 826.

[0125] In addition, Figures 7-8 In one embodiment, the outer ends 724, 824 and a corresponding one of the inner ends 722, 822 have a uniform distance (i.e., all points along the outer ends 724, 824 are equidistant from a corresponding point of one of the inner ends 722, 822 in the same radial direction relative to a corresponding one of the mating axes 740, 840). However, in other embodiments, the outer ends of the omnidirectional biasing element may not be similarly uniform, but may be non-uniform, including, for example, slotted, corrugated, or wavy. Therefore, a biasing element having the capability to allow "omnidirectional spring-loaded deflection" does not need to be... Figures 7-8 Implementation examples (or see below) Figures 9-11 The bias element of the precise structure depicted in those embodiments (described or subsequently described).

[0126] Conversely, the ability to allow "omnidirectional spring-loaded deflection" is determined by the function of the component, not by its inherent characteristics. Figures 7-8 The components of the precise structure depicted in the embodiments (or referred to below) Figures 9-11 The "omnidirectional spring-loaded deflection" is determined by the ability of the element to allow a spring-loaded deflection force to be applied to the deflecting element and to be directed from the deflecting element toward the mating axis of the deflecting element at an angle substantially aligned with the radial vector extending from the axis to the deflecting element, wherein the radial angle can be any angle relative to the mating axis. (See below for reference.) Figure 17 Further descriptions of these angles and vectors, as well as further descriptions of "substantially aligned," can be found. In this embodiment, as will be described in further detail below, each of the connectors 700, 800 can be configured to be movable relative to the corresponding connector assembly (not shown), for example... Figures 5-6 The connector assemblies 500 and 600. Due to this ability to move relative to their respective connector assemblies, the connectors 700 and 800 are able to occupy one of several possible positions relative to their respective axes 740 and 840, such as the rest position and the deflected position described above.

[0127] When connectors 700 and 800 are stationary, their resting positions are defined, each forming a resting angle between the connectors 700 and 800 and their respective axes 740 and 840. The resting angle can be 0 (i.e., the resting position of connectors 700 and 800, where the corresponding connector 700 or 800 is perfectly aligned with its corresponding axis 740 or 840), but it can also be greater than zero, such that connectors 700 and 800 remain substantially aligned with their respective axes 740 or 840. Conversely, the deflection positions of connectors 700 and 800 can be one of several possible angular deflection positions, each corresponding to any of the different deflection angles formed by connectors 700 and 800 relative to their respective axes 740 or 840. Each of these deflection angles is greater than the resting angle. As will be described in further detail below, omnidirectional biasing elements 720 and 820 are configured to provide spring-loaded deflection of connectors 700 and 800 from one of their deflected positions toward a rest position, respectively. This spring-loaded deflection may occur due to a restoring force applied by each of the omnidirectional biasing elements 720 and 820 to the elongated bodies 710 and 810, respectively, which biases the elongated bodies 710 and 810 toward their respective rest positions. As will be described in further detail below, this biasing of the elongated bodies 710 and 810 can reduce the risk of damage to connectors 700 and 800 during normal use, for example, because, for the reasons and circumstances described above, when connectors 700 and 800 are coupled, the omnidirectional biasing elements 720 and 820 can allow for spring-loaded deflection of connectors 700 and 800 and can further limit axial movement of connectors 700 and 800 along axes 740 and 840 in the separation direction.

[0128] In this embodiment, the socket connector 700 further includes an O-ring 750 and a recess 755, wherein the recess 755 receives the O-ring 750, and in this embodiment, the O-ring 750 and the recess 755 are positioned on the elongated body 730. However, in other embodiments, the socket connector 700 may not include the O-ring 750 and / or the recess 755, and the O-ring 750 and / or the recess 755 may be positioned elsewhere on the socket connector 700.

[0129] In this embodiment, the plug connector 800 further includes an O-ring 850 and a recess 855, wherein the recess 855 receives the O-ring 850, and in this embodiment, the O-ring 850 and the recess 855 are positioned on the elongated body 830. However, in other embodiments, the plug connector 800 may not include the O-ring 850 and / or the recess 855, and the O-ring 850 and / or the recess 855 may be positioned elsewhere on the plug connector 800.

[0130] Each or any of the O-rings 750 and 850 may include a flexible material such that, upon impact, the O-rings 750 and 850 respectively increase the resilience of the connectors 700 and 800 against other objects. Furthermore, each or any of the O-rings 750 and 850 may additionally or alternatively include a high-friction material such that the contact between the O-rings 750 and 850 and the outer surface, for example, restricts the ability of the connectors 700 and 800 to move relative to the outer surface, or forms a seal between a respective one of the elongated bodies 730 and 830 and the outer surface.

[0131] Now for reference Figure 9 The diagram depicts a receptacle connector assembly 900 and a plug connector assembly 950, wherein the connector assemblies 900 and 950 are configured to correspond to each other to achieve electrical communication between the two connector assemblies 900 and 950, and further to electrical communication with any electrical device attached to each connector assembly, such as, for example, a removable battery assembly 200 or a material handling vehicle 100. The receptacle connector assembly 900 includes a first receptacle housing 910, a first receptacle connector 920, a second receptacle housing 930, and a second receptacle connector 940. The plug connector assembly 950 includes a first plug housing 960, a first plug connector 970, a second plug housing 980, and a second plug connector 990.

[0132] Each of connectors 920, 940, 970, and 990 is fixed within a corresponding housing 910, 930, 960, and 980. Each of connectors 920, 940, 970, and 990 includes a corresponding elongated body 921, 941, 971, or 991, and each of the elongated bodies 921, 941, 971, and 991 includes a corresponding omnidirectional biasing element 922, 942, 972, or 992 and a corresponding O-ring 923, 943, 973, or 993. Socket connectors 920 and 940 each have a corresponding socket 924 or 944, and plug connectors 970 and 990 each have a corresponding plug 974 or 994. Each of connectors 920, 940, 970, and 980 further includes a corresponding internal end 925, 945, 975, or 995, and each of the internal ends 925, 945, 975, and 995 may include a corresponding conductor. The corresponding conductor may be configured to directly or indirectly connect the corresponding connectors 920, 940, 970, and 990 to an electrical interface, and each of the internal ends 925, 945, 975, and 995 may be configured to receive the corresponding conductor of each of the internal ends 925, 945, 975, and 995.

[0133] Each of the housings 910, 930, 960, and 980 has a corresponding first housing space 911, 931, 961, or 981, and each of the first housing spaces 911, 931, 961, and 981 has a corresponding first housing wall 912, 932, 962, or 982. In this embodiment, each first housing wall 912, 932, 962, or 982 extends circumferentially around the corresponding first housing space 911, 931, 961, or 981 (e.g., similar to...). Figures 5-6The housings 510 and 610 are circular in shape. In other embodiments, any of the housings 910, 930, 960, 980, first housing spaces 911, 931, 961, 981, and / or first housing walls 912, 932, 962, 982 may include different shapes. Each of the housings 910, 930, 960, 980 further includes internal shoulders 913, 933, 963, 983. In this embodiment, the internal shoulders 913, 933, 963, 983 define the internal boundaries of the respective first housing spaces 911, 931, 961, 981. In this embodiment, the distal ends of the plug housings 960, 980 define the external boundaries of the first housing spaces 961, 981, and in this embodiment, the measurement of the external boundaries of the first housing spaces 911, 931 will be described in more detail below. The inner shoulders 913, 933, 963, and 983 each further define a corresponding inner shoulder diameter, and the corresponding outer end of each of the omnidirectional biasing elements 922, 942, 972, and 992 each defines a corresponding outer end diameter. In this embodiment, the outer end diameter of each of the omnidirectional biasing elements 922, 942, 972, and 992 is larger than the inner shoulder diameter of each of the corresponding inner shoulders 913, 933, 963, and 983. However, in other embodiments, the inner shoulder diameter may be less than or equal to the outer end diameter.

[0134] Housings 910 and 960 together include a first mating axis 901, and housings 930 and 980 together include a second mating axis 902. Socket connector assembly 900 and plug connector assembly 950 together include an insertion and removal axis 903, and mating axes 901 and 902 are parallel to the insertion and removal axis 903. Socket connector 920 and plug connector 970 are configured to be electrically connected together due to relative movement along the first mating axis 901, and socket connector 940 and plug connector 990 are configured to be electrically connected together due to relative movement along the second mating axis 902.

[0135] It should be noted that this specification and claims relate to the movement of various components along corresponding mating axes "in the connection direction" or "in the separation direction." Such movement along an axis "in the connection direction" encompasses movement along the corresponding axis that would bring the corresponding components closer together or otherwise cause the components to be joined together. For example, if the receptacle connector 920 moves along the first mating axis 901 toward the plug connector 970, the receptacle connector 920 will move in the connection direction. Conversely, movement "in the separation direction" encompasses movement along the corresponding axis that would separate the corresponding components from being joined together or cause the corresponding components to be separated. For example, if the receptacle connector 920 moves along the first mating axis 901 away from the plug connector 970, the receptacle connector 920 will move in the separation direction.

[0136] The connectors 920, 940, 970, and 990 each have a size and shape configured to correspond to the dimensions and shapes of the respective housings 910, 930, 960, and 980. However, as will be described in further detail below, the dimensions and shapes of the connectors 920, 940, 970, and 990 do not completely occupy the space within the respective housings 910, 930, 960, and 980. In the embodiments shown in these figures, the socket housings 910, 930 and the plug housings 960, 980 include certain differences related to the function of each of the housings 910, 930, 960, and 980. The socket housings 910 and 930 each include external lips 914 and 934, each external lip 914 and 934 extending around the distal end of a respective socket 924 and 944 and surrounding a respective first housing space 911 and 931. Each of the outer lips 914, 934 can be configured to guide a corresponding one of the plug connectors 970, 990 into a corresponding one of the sockets 924, 944 by, for example, deflecting the distal end of each of the plugs 974, 994 in the coupling direction or toward a corresponding one of the mating axes 901, 902. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the outer lips 914, 934 define the outer boundaries of the housing spaces 911, 931. Additionally, in this embodiment, the first housing spaces 911, 931 of the socket housings 910, 930 include a smaller spatial volume than the first housing spaces 961, 981 of the plug housings 960, 980. Compared to receptacle connectors 920 and 940, the larger volume of the first housing spaces 961 and 981 allows the plug connectors 970 and 990 to occupy a wider array of spring-loaded deflection positions. This is because, for example, in this embodiment, the receptacle connectors 920 and 940 require a wider range of spring-loaded bias positions due to the guiding capability of the outer lips 914 and 934. However, in other embodiments, the first housing spaces 911, 931, 961, and 981 may all have the same volume, or in other embodiments, the first housing spaces 911 and 931 may occupy a larger volume than the first housing spaces 961 and 981.

[0137] Connector assemblies 900 and 950 further exhibit more general differences, including differences that make each of connector assemblies 900 and 950 more readily correspond to each other. Receptacle connector assembly 900 includes an assembly wall 904 having an inner side 905, and plug assembly 950 includes an assembly body 954 having an outer side 955. The assembly wall 904 and assembly body 954 each have dimensions and shapes such that the inner side 905 of the assembly wall 904 is configured to receive and surround the outer side 955 of the assembly body 954 when the connector assemblies 900 and 950 are coupled.

[0138] Now for reference Figures 10A-10B The connection of connector assemblies 900 and 950 is depicted in the first exemplary background. Now, connectors 920, 940, 970, and 990 are depicted within the respective connector assemblies of connector assemblies 900 and 950. In the depiction of these figures, omnidirectional biasing elements 922, 942, 972, and 992 are depicted to restrict axial movement of the respective connectors 920, 940, 970, and 990 relative to the respective housings 910, 930, 960, and 980 in the separation direction along the respective mating axes 901 and 902, for example, by contacting the outer end of each of the omnidirectional biasing elements 922, 942, 972, and 992 with the respective inner shoulders 913, 933, 963, and 983, and thereby prohibiting movement beyond the outer ends of the respective omnidirectional biasing elements 922, 942, 972, and 992. Furthermore, O-rings 923, 943, and 973 are depicted as forming a seal between the respective elongated bodies 921, 941, and 971 and the respective first housing walls 912, 932, and 962. Additionally, O-rings 923, 943, 973, and 993 are positioned and configured to restrict axial movement of the respective connectors 920, 940, 970, and 990 relative to the respective housings 910, 930, 960, and 980 in the separation direction along the respective mating axes 901 and 902 by, for example, providing frictional force generated due to contact with one of the respective housings 910, 930, 960, and 980.

[0139] Figure 10A Describing relative to Figure 9 The positions of connector assemblies 900 and 950 in the connection direction are moved. Figure 10A The omnidirectional biasing element 992 is depicted in contact with the internal shoulder 983 and the first housing wall 992, because... Figure 10A In this position, the second plug connector 990 is in a spring-loaded deflected position. In this spring-loaded deflected position, and due to one or both of the contacts of the omnidirectional biasing element 992 with the inner shoulder 983 or the first housing wall 982, the omnidirectional biasing element 992 allows for omnidirectional spring-loaded deflection of the second plug connector 990. This is because, for example, the omnidirectional biasing element 992 is configured to act as a spring when pressed against an outer surface (e.g., a component of connector assemblies 900, 950), thereby deflecting the elongated body 991 from the outer surface. Figure 10AIn the example, the omnidirectional biasing element 992 applies a restoring force to the elongated body 991, which biases the second plug connector 990 toward its rest position. Furthermore, the outer lip 934 is depicted guiding the second plug connector 990 into the socket 944 by, for example, deflecting the distal end of the plug 994 and thereby biasing the second plug connector 990 toward its rest position. Finally, the O-ring 993 can be seen pressing against the second plug housing 980. Since the O-ring 993 comprises a flexible material in this embodiment, the O-ring 993 also biases the second plug connector 990 toward its rest position by, for example, applying a restoring force to the elongated body 991, which is due to, for example, the elastic mass of the O-ring 993. Figure 10B Each of these described effects, individually or collectively, results in the proper connection of the second plug connector 990 and the second socket connector 940. However, it should be understood that while such biasing of the connectors may be necessary in certain situations to properly connect the two connectors, such as... Figures 10A-10B The connectors 930 and 990 are used in this context, but in other cases, this biasing of the connectors may not be necessary to properly connect the two connectors, for example... Figures 10A-10B The connectors are 920 and 970.

[0140] Figure 10A The second receptacle connector 940 in a spring-loaded deflection position is further depicted. Similar to the configuration and placement of the plug connector 990 in the same figure, the omnidirectional biasing element 942 and the O-ring 943, respectively and jointly, bias the receptacle connector 940 toward the rest position of the second receptacle connector 940. However, the angle of the spring-loaded deflection position of the second receptacle connector 940 relative to the second mating axis 902 is smaller than that of the spring-loaded deflection position of the second plug connector 990. The difference in the angle of the spring-loaded deflection positions may be caused, for example, by a condition and / or force that causes one or both of the connectors 940 and 990 to occupy the spring-loaded deflection position, or, as described above, by the smaller amount of space in the second receptacle housing 930 where the second receptacle connector 940 can occupy the spring-loaded deflection position.

[0141] Even when connected, the connector described herein may occupy a spring-loaded deflection position. For example, as Figure 10BAs depicted, although each of connectors 940, 990 is in a spring-loaded deflected position, connectors 940, 990 initiate connection. This ability to occupy a spring-loaded deflected position before, during, and after connection, compared to similar connectors without this capability, gives connectors 920, 940, 970, 990 an improved ability to connect correctly and maintain proper connection. Due to this capability, connectors 920, 940, 970, 990 can reduce the risk of damage, for example, due to the reasons and circumstances described above, because connectors 920, 940, 970, 990 are able to occupy a spring-loaded deflected position, such as in response to impacts, misalignment between connectors, or other situations (such as those described above).

[0142] Now for reference Figure 11 The connection of connector assemblies 900 and 950 is depicted in the second exemplary principal. Figure 11 In this embodiment, the socket connector assembly 900 is electrically connected and physically attached to Figure 4A The removable battery assembly 200 is attached to the bottom side 230, while the plug connector assembly 950 is electrically connected and physically attached to the upward side 132 of the receiving space 130 of the material handling vehicle 100. In this embodiment, connector assemblies 900 and 950 are connected together, and conductors housed in internal ends 925, 945, 975, and 995 are electrically connected to a corresponding one of connectors 920, 940, 970, and 990, and directly or via a proxy, electrically connected to a corresponding one of the material handling vehicle 100 and / or the removable battery assembly 200.

[0143] In this exemplary context, due to the presence of, for example, omnidirectional biasing elements 922, 942, 972, 992, O-rings 923, 943, 973, 993 and / or the ability of connectors 920, 940, 970, 990 to occupy a deflection position, connectors 920, 940, 970, 990 may have a reduced risk of incorrect connection, connector damage or other harmful effects, and similarly, connector assemblies 900, 950, and therefore material handling vehicle 100 and removable battery assembly 200 may have improved electrical connections than when the aforementioned components and capabilities or other components or capabilities described herein are omitted from connector assemblies 900, 950.

[0144] Now for reference Figures 12-13The diagram illustrates a receptacle connector 1200 and a plug connector 1300. The receptacle connector 1200 corresponds to the plug connector 1300, such that the receptacle 1210 of the receptacle connector 1200 is configured to receive the plug 1310 of the plug connector 1300. Connectors 1200 and 1300 are configured for use in connector assemblies, such as... Figures 5-6 The connector assemblies 500 and 600 are used as, for example, power supply connectors 520 and 620 or control connectors 540 and 640.

[0145] The receptacle connector 1200 includes a bidirectional biasing element 1220. In this embodiment, the bidirectional biasing element 1220 is attached around the elongated body 1230 of the receptacle connector 1200. However, in other embodiments, the bidirectional biasing element 1220 may be attached around different portions of the receptacle connector 1200, the bidirectional biasing element 1220 may be attached to the receptacle connector 1200 in different ways, and / or the receptacle connector 1200 may not include the elongated body 1230. In this embodiment, the bidirectional biasing element 1220 is disposed around the circumference of the elongated body 1230 of the plug connector 1200.

[0146] In this embodiment, the bidirectional biasing element 1220 includes a base 1222 and two flanges 1224, the base extending partially around the elongated body 1230 in this embodiment. In other embodiments, the bidirectional biasing element 1220 may not include the base 1222, or the base 1222 may instead extend entirely around the elongated body 1230, or extend around the elongated body 1230 to... Figure 12 The different degrees depicted. Each of the two flanges 1224 includes an inner end 1226 and an outer end 1228, wherein each flange 1224 extends outwardly from the respective inner end 1226 to the respective outer end 1228, and in this embodiment, each extends continuously around a portion of the circumference of the elongated body 1230, as will be described in more detail below. In this embodiment, the outer end 1228 defines a diameter larger than that of the inner end 1226. As will be described in further detail below, this configuration enables the bidirectional biasing element 1220 to limit axial movement of the receptacle connector 1200 relative to the housing (not shown) of the receptacle connector 1200 in a separation direction along the connector axis 1240. As will also be described in further detail below, this configuration of the ends 1226, 1228 further enables the bidirectional biasing element 1220 to allow bidirectional spring-loaded deflection of the receptacle connector 1200 between a rest position and a deflected position.

[0147] The plug connector 1300 includes a bidirectional biasing element 1320. In this embodiment, the bidirectional biasing element 1320 is attached around an elongated body 1330 of the plug connector 1300. However, in other embodiments, the bidirectional biasing element 1320 may be attached around different portions of the plug connector 1300, the bidirectional biasing element 1320 may be attached to the plug connector 1300 in different ways, and / or the plug connector 1300 may not include the elongated body 1330. In this embodiment, the bidirectional biasing element 1320 is disposed around the circumference of the elongated body 1330 of the plug connector 1300.

[0148] In this embodiment, the bidirectional biasing element 1320 includes a base 1322 and two flanges 1324, the base extending partially around the elongated body 1330 in this embodiment. In other embodiments, the bidirectional biasing element 1320 may not include the base 1322, or the base 1322 may instead extend entirely around the elongated body 1330, or extend around the elongated body 1330 to... Figure 13 The different degrees depicted. Each of the two flanges 1324 includes an inner end 1326 and an outer end 1328, wherein each flange 1324 extends outwardly from the respective inner end 1326 to the respective outer end 1328. In this embodiment, each extends continuously around a portion of the circumference of the elongated body 1330, as will be described in more detail below. In this embodiment, the outer end 1328 defines a diameter larger than that of the inner end 1326. As will be described in further detail below, this configuration enables the bidirectional biasing element 1320 to limit axial movement of the receptacle connector 1300 relative to the housing (not shown) of the receptacle connector 1300 in a separation direction along the connector axis 1340. As will also be described in further detail below, this configuration of the ends 1326, 1328 further enables the bidirectional biasing element 1320 to allow spring-loaded deflection of the receptacle connector 1300 between a rest position and a deflected position.

[0149] It should be noted that this specification and claims refer to various components as "bidirectional biasing elements." Such a "bidirectional biasing element" is an element that allows, for example, a "bidirectional spring-loaded deflection" of the bidirectional biasing element itself or of an article (i.e., the "biased element") to which it is attached, coupled, or otherwise associated (i.e., a component thereof). Allowing such "bidirectional spring-loaded deflection" includes allowing deflection such that when the biased element is displaced relative to the mating axis of the biased element and from a rest position at an angle not parallel to the mating axis of the biased element in one of two directions (e.g., in one of two opposing directions) to a degree that causes the bidirectional biasing element to engage (e.g., by contact with an outer surface), the biasing element is biased toward the rest position.

[0150] "Bidirectional biasing element" and "bidirectional spring-loaded deflection" differ from "omnidirectional biasing element" and "omnidirectional spring-loaded deflection." In the case of "bidirectional biasing element" and "bidirectional spring-loaded deflection," a more limited range of spring-loaded deflection is provided and included compared to "omnidirectional biasing element" and "omnidirectional spring-loaded deflection." Specifically, "omnidirectional spring-loaded deflection" allows a spring-loaded deflection such that when the omnidirectional biasing element is engaged, it is biased toward the rest position due to angular displacement of the biasing element relative to the mating axis of the biasing element from its rest position in a direction not parallel to the mating axis of the biasing element. Conversely, "bidirectional spring-loaded deflection" allows a more limited range of spring-loaded deflection such that when the bidirectional biasing element is engaged, it is biased toward the rest position due to angular displacement of the biasing element relative to the mating axis of the biasing element from its rest position in one of two directions (not any direction) not parallel to the mating axis of the biasing element. However, the two directions allowing bidirectional spring-loaded deflection are not necessarily limited to two different angles relative to the mating axis of the biased element (although bidirectional spring-loaded deflection is so limited in some embodiments). Instead, in other embodiments, the two directions allowing bidirectional spring-loaded deflection may each include an angular range relative to the mating axis from which the bidirectional biasing element can allow bidirectional spring-loaded deflection, wherein the angular range included in the first direction is completely different from the angular range included in the second direction (i.e., no angle within the first range exists in the second direction). Conversely, allowing "omnidirectional spring-loaded deflection" is not limited to this different angular range of allowed spring-loaded deflection; rather, allowing omnidirectional spring-loaded deflection includes allowing spring-loaded deflection from any angle.

[0151] Due to the aforementioned limitations of bidirectional biasing elements compared to omnidirectional biasing elements, bidirectional biasing elements may be less ideal in certain situations because the range of spring-loaded deflection angles allowed by bidirectional biasing elements is smaller than that allowed by omnidirectional biasing elements. However, as will be described in further detail below, there are still situations that can provide motivation to use bidirectional biasing elements instead of omnidirectional biasing elements.

[0152] While the bidirectional biasing elements 1220, 1320 allow bidirectional spring-loaded deflection and include flanges 1224, 1324 with continuous outer ends 1228, 1328, it should be noted that allowing bidirectional spring-loaded deflection does not require the outer ends of the flanges (or any similar or related components) of the bidirectional biasing elements to extend continuously around a portion of the circumference of the connector or around a portion of the circumference of the elongated body of the connector. Instead, in some embodiments, the outer ends of the flanges of the bidirectional biasing elements may extend discontinuously around a portion of the circumference of the elongated body.

[0153] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the outer end of the flange (or any similar or analogous component) of the bidirectional biasing element may extend to approximately 60 degrees of the circumference of the elongated body of the connector. In other embodiments, the outer end of the flange (or any similar or analogous component) of the bidirectional biasing element may extend to approximately 45 degrees of the circumference of the elongated body of the connector. In yet another embodiment, the outer end of the flange (or any similar or analogous component) of the bidirectional biasing element may extend to approximately 30 degrees of the circumference of the elongated body of the connector.

[0154] In addition, Figures 12-13 In one embodiment, the outer ends 1228, 1328 and a corresponding one of the inner ends 1226, 1326 have a uniform distance (i.e., all points along the outer ends 1228, 1328 are equidistant from a corresponding point of a corresponding one of the inner ends 1226, 1326 in the same radial direction relative to a corresponding one of the mating axes 1240, 1340). However, in other embodiments, the outer ends of the flange of the bidirectional biasing element may not be similarly uniform, but may be non-uniform, including, for example, slotted, corrugated, or wavy. Therefore, a biasing element having the capability to allow "bidirectional spring-loaded deflection" does not need to be... Figures 12-13 Implementation examples (or see below) Figures 14-16 The bias element is a precise structure shown in the embodiments depicted or subsequently described.

[0155] Conversely, the ability to allow "bidirectional spring-loaded deflection" is determined by the function of the component, not by its inherent characteristics. Figures 12-13 Implementation examples (or see below) Figures 14-16The precise structure depicted in the embodiments described or subsequently described is determined by the elements. Allowing "bidirectional spring-loaded deflection" is defined by the element's capability to allow a spring-loaded deflection force to be applied to the deflecting element and guided from the deflecting element toward the mating axis of the deflecting element at an angle substantially aligned with the radial vector extending from the axis to the deflecting element, wherein the radial angle can be one of two different deflection angles or any angle within a completely different range of deflection angles. Reference below... Figure 17 Further descriptions of these angles and vectors, as well as further descriptions of "substantially aligned," can be found. In some embodiments, the force guided to "substantially align" the angle of the deflected element with respect to the radial angle of the mating axis may include a spring-loaded deflection force guided to be within a 30-degree threshold relative to the radial angle of the deflection. In other embodiments, the force guided to "substantially align" the angle of the deflected element with respect to the radial angle of the mating axis may include a spring-loaded deflection force guided to be within a 25-degree threshold relative to the radial angle of the deflection. In other embodiments, the force guided to "substantially align" the angle of the deflected element with respect to the radial angle of the mating axis may include a spring-loaded deflection force guided to be within a 20-degree threshold relative to the radial angle of the deflection. In other embodiments, the force guided to "substantially align" the angle of the deflected element with respect to the radial angle of the mating axis may include a spring-loaded deflection force guided to be within a 15-degree threshold relative to the radial angle of the deflection. In other embodiments, the force guided to "substantially align" the angle of the deflection element with respect to the radial angle of the mating axis may include a spring-loaded deflection force guided to be within a 10-degree threshold relative to the radial angle of deflection. In other embodiments, the force guided to "substantially align" the angle of the deflection element with respect to the radial angle of the mating axis may include a spring-loaded deflection force guided to be within a 5-degree threshold relative to the radial angle of deflection.

[0156] In an alternative embodiment, the bidirectional bias elements 1220, 1320 may have the same characteristics as... Figures 12-13 The embodiments depicted show different numbers of flanges 1224, 1324. In such embodiments, the biasing element may not allow bidirectional spring-loaded deflection, but rather allows, for example, tridirectional spring-loaded deflection or deflection in multiple other directions. For example, an alternative embodiment may have a biasing element with three flanges and allow tridirectional spring-loaded deflection.

[0157] A stationary position of connectors 1200 and 1300 occurs when they form a rest angle with respect to their respective axes 1240 and 1340. The rest angle can be 0 (i.e., the stationary position of connectors 1200 and 1300 is perfectly aligned with their respective axes 1240 and 1340), but it can also be greater than zero, such that connectors 1200 and 1300 remain substantially aligned with their respective axes 1240 and 1340. Conversely, the deflection position of connectors 1200 and 1300 can be one of several possible angular deflection positions, each corresponding to any one of the different deflection angles formed by connectors 1200 and 1300 relative to their respective axes 1240 and 1340. Each of these deflection angles is greater than the stationary angle. As described above, and will be further described in detail below, the bidirectional biasing elements 1220, 1320 are configured to provide spring-loaded deflection of the connectors 1200, 1300 from one of the deflected positions toward a rest position, respectively. This spring-loaded deflection may occur due to a restoring force applied by each of the bidirectional biasing elements 1220, 1320 to the elongated bodies 1210, 1310, respectively, which biases the elongated bodies 1210, 1310 toward the respective rest positions of the connectors 1200, 1300. As will be described in further detail below, this biasing of the elongated bodies 1210, 1310 can reduce the risk of damage to the connectors 1200, 1300 during normal use, for example, due to the reasons and circumstances described above, because when the connectors 1200, 1300 are connected, the bidirectional biasing elements 1220, 1320 can allow the spring-loaded deflection of the connectors 1200, 130 and can further limit the axial movement of the connectors 1200, 1300 along the axes 1240, 1340 in the separation direction.

[0158] The connectors 1200 and 1300 differ from each other in several aspects. Figures 7-8 The connectors 700 and 800. In some embodiments, since connectors 700 and 800 are power supply connectors (e.g., requiring a larger minimum connector size) and connectors 1200 and 1300 are control connectors (e.g., requiring a smaller minimum connector size), connectors 1200 and 1300 may be smaller than connectors 700 and 800 due to different usage environments between connectors 700 and 800 and connectors 1200 and 1300, or due to different sizes of associated connector assemblies and / or connector housings (not depicted).

[0159] The differences between connectors 1200, 1300 and connectors 700, 800 include structural and functional differences between bidirectional biasing elements 1220, 1320 and omnidirectional biasing elements 720, 820. Most notably, omnidirectional biasing elements 720, 820 include a flexible skirt, while bidirectional biasing elements 1220, 1320 instead include a base 1222, 1322 and flanges 1224, 1324. Furthermore, connectors 1200, 1300 lack components similar to the O-rings 750, 850 of connectors 700, 800. Any or both of these differences could allow connectors 1200, 1300 to occupy less space than connectors 700, 800, require fewer parts to be manufactured, and offer other potential benefits. However, as described above, the bidirectional biasing elements 1220 and 1320 have a smaller ability to bias the elongated bodies 1230 and 1330, respectively, than the omnidirectional biasing elements 720 and 820. Specifically, the omnidirectional biasing elements 720 and 820 allow omnidirectional spring-loaded deflection of the connectors 700 and 800, while the bidirectional biasing elements 1220 and 1320 only allow bidirectional spring-loaded deflection of the connectors 1200 and 1300. Furthermore, due to the lack of O-rings similar to O-rings 750 and 850, the connectors 1200 and 1300 may not be able to provide the functionality of the connectors 700 and 800 provided by O-rings 750 and 850, as described above. However, due to the lack of components similar to O-rings 750 and 850, the connectors 1200 and 1300 can, for example, have a smaller size, or require a smaller required volume for the associated housing to have internal space. For all these reasons, the choice between the design of connectors 700, 800 and connectors 1200, 1300 (or a combination of both) can be determined by the background requirements of the potential connectors.

[0160] Now for reference Figure 14 Connector assemblies 900 and 950 are described as being compatible with... Figures 9-11This refers to any different embodiment of the embodiments. In this embodiment of connector assemblies 900 and 950, connector assembly 900 includes a first receptacle connector 1420 and a second receptacle connector 1440 instead of connectors 920 and 940, and connector assembly 950 includes a first plug connector 1470 and a second plug connector 1490 instead of connectors 960 and 980. The first receptacle connector 1420 is fixed within the first receptacle housing 1410 instead of the first receptacle housing 910, and the second receptacle connector 1440 is fixed within the second receptacle housing 1430 instead of the second receptacle housing 930. The first plug connector 1470 is fixed within the first plug housing 1460 instead of the first plug housing 960, and the second plug connector 1490 is fixed within the second plug housing 1480 instead of the second plug housing 980.

[0161] The connectors 1420, 1440, 1470, and 1490 each include a corresponding elongated body 1421, 1441, 1471, or 1491. Each of the elongated bodies 1421, 1441, 1471, and 1491 includes a corresponding bidirectional biasing element 1422, 1442, 1472, or 1492. Each of the bidirectional biasing elements 1422, 1442, 1472, and 1492 is structurally similar to... Figures 12-13 The bidirectional biasing components 1220 and 1320 are provided. Socket connectors 1420 and 1440 each have a corresponding socket 1424 and 1444, and plug connectors 1470 and 1490 each have a corresponding plug 1474 and 1494. Each of connectors 1420, 1440, 1470, and 1480 further includes a corresponding internal end 1425, 1445, 1475, and 1495, and each of the internal ends 1425, 1445, 1475, and 1495 may include a corresponding conductor. The corresponding conductor may be configured to directly or indirectly connect the corresponding connectors 1420, 1440, 1470, and 1490 to an electrical interface, and each of the internal ends 1425, 1445, 1475, and 1495 may be configured to receive the corresponding conductor of each of the internal ends 1425, 1445, 1475, and 1495.

[0162] Each of the housings 1410, 1430, 1460, and 1480 has a corresponding first housing space 1411, 1431, 1461, and 1481, and each of the first housing spaces 1411, 1431, 1461, and 1481 has a corresponding first housing wall 1412, 1432, 1462, and 1482, wherein in this embodiment, each first housing wall 1412, 1432, 1462, and 1482 extends circumferentially around the corresponding first housing space 1411, 1431, 1461, and 1481 (e.g., similar to...). Figures 5-6 (The housings 530, 630 are circular in shape). In other embodiments, any one of the housings 1410, 1430, 1460, 1480, the first housing spaces 1411, 1431, 1461, 1481, and / or the first housing walls 1412, 1432, 1462, 1482 may include different shapes. Each of the housings 1410, 1430, 1460, 1480 further includes internal shoulders 1413, 1433, 1463, 1483. In this embodiment, the internal shoulders 1413, 1433, 1463, 1483 define the internal boundaries of the respective first housing spaces 1411, 1431, 1461, 1481. In this embodiment, the distal ends of housings 1410, 1430, 1460, and 980 define the outer boundaries of first housing spaces 1411, 1431, 1461, and 1481. Internal shoulders 1413, 1433, 1463, and 1483 each further define a corresponding internal shoulder diameter, and the corresponding external ends of each of the bidirectional biasing elements 1422, 1442, 1472, and 1492 each define a corresponding external end diameter. In this embodiment, the external end diameter of each of the bidirectional biasing elements 1422, 1442, 1472, and 1492 is larger than the internal shoulder diameter of the corresponding internal shoulder of each of the internal shoulders 1413, 1433, 1463, and 1483. However, in other embodiments, the internal shoulder diameter may be less than or equal to the external end diameter.

[0163] Housings 1410 and 1460 collectively include a first mating axis 1401, and housings 1430 and 1480 collectively include a second mating axis 1402. The mating axes 1401 and 1402 are parallel to the insertion and removal axis 903. Socket connector 1420 and plug connector 1470 are configured to be electrically connected together due to relative movement along the first mating axis 1401, and socket connector 1440 and plug connector 1490 are configured to be electrically connected together due to relative movement along the second mating axis 1402.

[0164] Couplers 1420, 1440, 1470, and 1490 each have a size and shape configured to correspond to the dimensions and shapes of the respective housings 1410, 1430, 1460, and 1480. However, as will be described in further detail below, in a manner similar to the relationship between couplers 920, 940, 970, and 990 and housings 910, 930, 960, and 980, the dimensions and shapes of couplers 1420, 1440, 1470, and 1490 do not completely occupy the space within the respective housings 1410, 1430, 1460, and 1480. In the embodiments shown in these figures, the socket housings 1410 and 1430 and the plug housings 1460 and 1480 include certain differences related to the function of each of the housings 1410, 1430, 1460, and 1480. In this embodiment, the first housing spaces 1411 and 1431 of the socket housings 1410 and 1430 comprise a smaller volume than the first housing spaces 1461 and 1481 of the plug housings 1460 and 1480. The larger volume of the first housing spaces 1461 and 1481 compared to the socket connectors 1420 and 1440 allows the plug connectors 1470 and 1490 to occupy a wider array of spring-loaded deflection positions. However, in other embodiments, the first housing spaces 1411, 1431, 1461, and 1481 may all have the same volume, or in other embodiments, the first housing spaces 1411 and 1431 may occupy a larger volume than the first housing spaces 1461 and 1481.

[0165] It is worth noting that, in Figures 9-11In the embodiments of connector assemblies 900 and 950 depicted, connectors 1420, 1440, 1470, and 1490 occupy housings 1410, 1430, 1460, and 1480, instead of housings 910, 930, 960, and 980. Housings 910, 930, 960, and 980 are larger than housings 1410, 1430, 1460, and 1480, and therefore, connectors 1420, 1440, 1470, and 1490 are sized and configured differently from connectors 920, 940, 970, and 990. Specifically, in this embodiment, connectors 1420, 1440, 1470, and 1490 are configured to have smaller dimensions than connectors 920, 940, 970, and 990. However, while connectors having designs similar to connectors 1420, 1440, 1470, and 1490 are sized and configured to occupy larger housings, such as housings 910, 930, 960, and 980, they can also be sized and configured to occupy smaller housings, such as housings 1410, 1430, 1460, and 1480. Several factors can guarantee these design differences, including, for example, differences in the intended functions within connector assemblies 900 and 950. For example, connector assemblies 900 and 950 may include each and all of connectors 920, 940, 970, 990, 1420, 1440, 1470, and 1490, for example, as described above, using connectors 920, 940, 970, and 990 as power supply connectors and connectors 1420, 1440, 1470, and 1490 as control connectors. In these embodiments, the differences between connectors 920, 940, 970, 990 and connectors 1420, 1440, 1470, 1490 may be, for example, to provide space efficiency by limiting the connector size to the size required only for the given purpose of the connector, or, for example, to allow a greater number of a certain type of connector (e.g., a greater number of control connectors) given certain size constraints. Alternatively, different embodiments of connector assemblies 900, 950 may use different numbers of power supply and control connectors, or may use only one type of connector or others.

[0166] Now for reference Figures 15A-15BThe connection of connector assemblies 900 and 950 is depicted in the third exemplary background. Now, connectors 1420, 1440, 1470, and 1490 are depicted within the respective connector assemblies of connector assemblies 900 and 950. In the depiction of these figures, bidirectional biasing elements 1422, 1442, 1472, 1492 are depicted as limiting the axial movement of the respective connectors 1420, 1440, 1470, 1490 relative to the respective housings 1410, 1430, 1460, 1480 in the separation direction along the respective mating axes 1401, 1402, for example by contacting the outer end of each of the bidirectional biasing elements 1422, 1442, 1472, 1492 with the respective inner shoulders 1413, 1433, 1463, 1483, and thereby preventing movement beyond the outer ends of the respective bidirectional biasing elements 1422, 1442, 1472, 1492.

[0167] Figure 15A Describing relative to Figure 14 The positions of connector assemblies 900 and 950 in the connection direction are moved. Figure 15A A second plug connector 1490 is depicted in a spring-loaded deflection position. In this spring-loaded deflection position, and due to contact between the bidirectional biasing element 1492 and one or both of the inner shoulder 1483 or the first housing wall 1482, the bidirectional biasing element 1492 allows bidirectional spring-loaded deflection of the second plug connector 1490, because, for example, the bidirectional biasing element 1492 is configured to act as a spring when pressed against the outer surface (e.g., a component of connector assemblies 1400, 1450), thereby deflecting the elongated body 1491 from the outer surface. Figure 15A In the example, the bidirectional biasing element 1492 applies a restoring force to the elongated body 1491, wherein the restoring force biases the second plug connector 1490 toward the rest position of the second plug connector 1490. Figure 15B As depicted, the restoring force enables the second plug connector 1490 and the second socket connector 1440 to be correctly connected. However, it should be understood that while this biasing of the connectors may be necessary in certain situations to properly connect the two connectors, such as... Figures 15A-15B The connectors 1430 and 1490 are used in this example, but in other cases, this biasing of the connectors may not be necessary to properly connect the two connectors, for example... Figures 15A-15B Connectors 1420 and 1470.

[0168] In the context of, for example Figure 10A Compared to the size and configuration of the omnidirectional bias element 992 depicted, the bidirectional bias element 1492, due to its size and configuration, can provide a greater bias to the elongated body 1491. Figure 10A The bidirectional bias element 992 provides a smaller restoring force to the elongated body 991. Furthermore, the flange configuration of the bidirectional bias element 1492 (rather than the skirt configuration of the bidirectional bias element 992) allows the second plug connector 1490 to occupy a relatively smaller range of spring-loaded deflection positions. Because the flange of the bidirectional biasing element 1492 does not completely surround the elongated body 1491, the number of non-spring-loaded deflection positions (i.e., deflection positions where the bidirectional biasing element 1492 does not exert a restoring force biasing the second plug connector 1490 toward its rest position) that the bidirectional biasing element 992 can occupy, for example, relative to the elongated body 991, may be greater than the number of non-spring-loaded deflection positions that the second plug connector 990 can occupy (in embodiments where this is the case, in some embodiments all deflection positions of the second plug connector 990 are spring-loaded deflection positions).

[0169] Now for reference Figure 16 The connection of connector assemblies 900 and 950 is depicted in the fourth exemplary background. Figure 16 In this embodiment, the socket connector assembly 900 is electrically connected and physically attached to Figure 4A The removable battery assembly 200 is attached to the bottom side 230, while the plug connector assembly 950 is electrically connected and physically attached to the upward side 132 of the receiving space 130 of the material handling vehicle 100. In this embodiment, the connector assemblies 900 and 950 are connected together, and the conductors housed in the internal ends 1425, 1445, 1475, and 1495 are electrically connected to a corresponding one of the connectors 1420, 1440, 1470, and 1490, and are directly or electrically connected via a proxy to a corresponding one of the material handling vehicle 100 and / or the removable battery assembly 200.

[0170] In this exemplary context, due to the presence of, for example, bidirectional biasing elements 1422, 1442, 1472, 1492 and / or the ability of connectors 1420, 1440, 1470, 1490 to occupy spring-loaded deflection positions, connectors 1420, 1440, 1470, 1490 may have a reduced risk of incorrect connection, connector damage, or other harmful effects, and similarly, connector assemblies 900, 950, and therefore material handling vehicle 100 and removable battery assembly 200 may have improved electrical connections than, for example, when the aforementioned components and capabilities or other components or capabilities described herein are omitted from connector assemblies 900, 950.

[0171] Figure 11 and Figure 16 The embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive, and some embodiments may include Figure 11 and Figure 16 The connector assemblies 900 and 950 described herein feature or include all or part of their features and components. In these embodiments, connectors 1420, 1440, 1470, and 1490 function as control connectors, while connectors 920, 940, 970, and 990 function as power supply connectors. Furthermore, in any such embodiment or additional embodiment, due to the... Figure 11 and Figure 16 The rendering of the two-dimensional schematic diagram may not depict a greater number of connectors 920, 940, 970, 990 and / or any one or both of connectors 1420, 1440, 1470, 1490. Such additional connectors may occupy a similar area as... Figures 4A-5 Connector assemblies 140, 240 or in Figures 5-6 The three-dimensional position of the connector assemblies 500 and 600 in configuration and design, and additional connectors may further occupy other configurations not disclosed herein.

[0172] refer to Figure 17 It should be noted that the narrative in this article specifically references... Figures 7-8 (When describing deflection under omnidirectional spring loading) and Figures 12-13 (When describing a bidirectional spring-loaded deflection), it describes the ability of the element to allow the spring-loaded deflection force to be directed toward the mating axis of the deflection element at an angle substantially aligned with the radial vector extending from the axis to the deflection element. Figure 17 Examples of such vectors are depicted. Figure 17 A top view depicting element 1720 in a deflected position away from axis 1710 (e.g., the axis of the rest position of element 1720). Vector 1730 extends from axis 1710 to element 1720. Therefore, as described above, a spring-loaded deflecting force applied to element 1720 and guided from element 1720 toward axis 1710 along vector 1730 will be guided toward the mating axis (e.g., axis 1710) of the deflecting element (e.g., element 1720) at an angle aligned with a radial vector (e.g., vector 1730) extending from the axis to the deflecting element. Similarly, if the angle relative to vector 1730 is within the range of angles 1732 and 1734, a spring-loaded deflecting force applied to element 1720 and guided from element 1720 toward axis 1710 at an angle to vector 1730 can be substantially aligned with vector 1730. Therefore, angles 1732 and 1734 define which vectors extending from element 1720 (and corresponding to, for example, the direction of a spring-loaded deflection force) can be considered to be "substantially aligned" with vector 1730.

[0173] In some embodiments, if a force is directed from element 1720 along a vector within a 30-degree threshold relative to vector 1730 (i.e., where the force vector is within angles 1732, 1734, and where each of angles 1732, 1734 is equal to 30 degrees), then the force applied to element 1720 and directed toward axis 1710 is “substantially aligned” with vector 1730. In other embodiments, if the force is directed within a narrower angular range, then the force applied to element 1720 and directed toward axis 1710 is only “substantially aligned” with vector 1730. For example, in some embodiments, angles 1732, 1734 (and the relevant boundaries of the angles included in “substantially aligned” with vector 1730) may instead be equal to 25 degrees. In other embodiments, angles 1732, 1734 (and the relevant boundaries of the angles included in “substantially aligned” with vector 1730) may instead be equal to any other value less than 30 degrees.

[0174] It should be noted that the descriptions herein of components of this disclosure that are “configured” in a particular way to embody a particular property or function in a particular way are structural descriptions, not descriptions of their intended use. More specifically, references herein to the “configuration” of components indicate the existing physical state of the components and should therefore be regarded as explicit statements of the structural characteristics of the components.

[0175] For the purposes of describing and defining the invention, it should be noted that the terms “about” and “approximately” are used herein to indicate the degree of inherent uncertainty that can be attributed to the uncertainty of any quantitative comparison, numerical value, measurement, or other representation. The terms “about” and “approximately” are also used herein to indicate the degree to which a quantitative representation may vary from the stated reference without causing a change in the essential function of the subject matter.

[0176] The subject matter of this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It should be noted that the various details disclosed herein should not be construed as implying that such details relate to elements that are fundamental components of the various embodiments described herein, even where specific elements are shown in each of the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, it is clear that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of this disclosure, including but not limited to the embodiments defined in the appended claims. More specifically, while some aspects of this disclosure have been identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is conceivable that this disclosure is not necessarily limited to these aspects.

[0177] It should be noted that the term "wherein" is used as a transitional phrase in the one or more claims. For the purposes of defining the invention, it should be noted that this term is introduced in the claims as an open transitional phrase to introduce a description of a series of features of the structure, and should be interpreted in a similar manner to the more commonly used open preamble term "comprising".

Claims

1. A material handling vehicle, comprising a material handling mechanism, a drive mechanism, a battery receiving space, and a removable battery assembly, wherein: The material handling mechanism is configured to engage goods in a warehouse environment and cooperate with the drive mechanism to move goods along an inventory transfer surface in the warehouse environment, powered by the removable battery assembly. The removable battery assembly and the battery receiving space cooperate to define a battery insertion and removal axis, along which the removable battery assembly is inserted into and removed from the battery receiving space; The removable battery assembly includes a battery-side connector assembly; The battery receiving space includes a vehicle-side connector assembly; The battery-side connector assembly and the vehicle-side connector assembly are configured to electrically connect the removable battery assembly and the electrical system of the material handling vehicle; The battery-side connector assembly and the vehicle-side connector assembly each include a connector housing and an electrical connector corresponding to and fixedly connected within the connector housing; The corresponding electrical connectors of the battery-side connector assembly and the corresponding electrical connectors of the vehicle-side connector assembly are configured to be electrically connected together due to relative movement along the connector mating axis parallel to the battery insertion and removal axis. At least one or both of the electrical connectors of the battery-side connector assembly and the vehicle-side connector assembly are omnidirectional bias connectors, wherein the omnidirectional bias connector includes an omnidirectional biasing element; and The omnidirectional biasing element secures the omnidirectional biasing connector against the corresponding connector housing of the omnidirectional biasing connector, so as to: The axial movement of the omnidirectional bias connector relative to the corresponding connector housing of the omnidirectional bias connector is restricted in the separation direction along the mating axis, and The omnidirectional bias connector is allowed to deflect in an omnidirectional spring-loaded manner between a rest position and a spring-loaded deflection position.

2. The material handling vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The stationary position forms a stationary angle between the mating axis and the omnidirectional bias connector; and The spring-loaded deflection position is one of a plurality of angled spring-loaded deflection positions, wherein: Each of the angled, spring-loaded deflection positions forms one of a plurality of deflection angles between the mating axis and the battery-side electrical connector, the vehicle-side electrical connector, or both. Each of the multiple deflection angles is greater than the rest angle.

3. The material handling vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The omnidirectional biasing element is a flexible skirt.

4. The material handling vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The omnidirectional biasing element is arranged around the circumference of the elongated body of the omnidirectional biasing connector; and The omnidirectional biasing element extends outward to the outer end.

5. The material handling vehicle according to claim 4, wherein: The corresponding housing of the omnidirectional bias connector includes a housing space, and the housing space includes a housing wall; When the omnidirectional biasing connector is in a spring-loaded deflected position, the outer end is configured to apply a restoring force to the omnidirectional biasing connector when in contact with the housing wall, wherein the restoring force biases the omnidirectional biasing connector toward the rest position of the omnidirectional biasing connector.

6. The material handling vehicle according to claim 4, wherein: The corresponding housing of the omnidirectional bias connector includes a housing space, and the housing space includes a housing wall; The shell wall includes an internal shoulder; and The outer end of the omnidirectional biasing element is configured to restrict axial movement of the omnidirectional biasing connector relative to the corresponding housing of the omnidirectional biasing connector in the separation direction along the mating axis by contacting the inner shoulder.

7. The material handling vehicle according to claim 6, wherein: The inner shoulder of the shell wall defines the shoulder diameter; The outer end of the omnidirectional biasing element defines the outer end diameter; and The diameter of the outer end is greater than or equal to the diameter of the shoulder.

8. The material handling vehicle according to claim 4, wherein: The electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly is a plug connector; The electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly is a socket connector; The socket connector is configured to receive the plug connector.

9. The material handling vehicle according to claim 4, wherein, The outer end of the omnidirectional biasing element extends continuously around the circumference of the elongated body of the omnidirectional biasing connector.

10. The material handling vehicle according to claim 4, wherein, The outer end extends discontinuously around the circumference of the elongated body.

11. The material handling vehicle according to claim 10, wherein, The outer end of the omnidirectional biasing element includes at least one gap.

12. The material handling vehicle according to claim 4, wherein, The outer end of the omnidirectional biasing element is non-uniform.

13. The material handling vehicle according to claim 4, wherein, The outer end of the omnidirectional biasing element is slotted.

14. The material handling vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the electrical connectors of the vehicle-side connector assembly and the battery-side connector assembly is a plug connector.

15. The material handling vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the electrical connectors of the vehicle-side connector assembly and the battery-side connector assembly is a socket connector.

16. The material handling vehicle according to claim 15, wherein: The connector housing of the battery-side connector assembly or the connector housing in the vehicle-side connector assembly includes a housing space, and the housing space includes a housing wall; The housing wall includes an outer lip that extends around the distal end of the socket of the socket connector; and The outer lip is configured to guide a corresponding one of the electrical connectors into the socket.

17. The material handling vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The omnidirectional bias connector is a plug connector.

18. The material handling vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The omnidirectional bias connector is a socket connector.

19. The material handling vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The battery-side connector assembly includes multiple battery-side electrical connectors; The vehicle-side connector assembly includes multiple vehicle-side electrical connectors; Each of the battery-side electrical connectors corresponds to a corresponding vehicle-side electrical connector among the plurality of vehicle-side electrical connectors, and each battery-side electrical connector and the corresponding vehicle-side electrical connector form a connector pair; Each connector pair is configured to connect along a corresponding mating axis parallel to the battery insertion and removal axis.

20. The material handling vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The omnidirectional bias connector includes an elongated body; The omnidirectional bias connector includes a flexible O-ring arranged around an elongated body.

21. The material handling vehicle according to claim 20, wherein: The corresponding connector housing of the omnidirectional bias connector includes a housing space, and the housing space includes a housing wall; The flexible O-ring is configured to provide friction when in contact with the housing wall, which limits the axial movement of the omnidirectional bias connector relative to the corresponding connector housing of the omnidirectional bias connector in the separation direction along the mating axis.

22. The material handling vehicle according to claim 20, wherein: The elongated body includes an annular shell groove; and The annular housing groove accommodates the flexible O-ring.

23. The material handling vehicle according to claim 20, wherein: The corresponding connector housing of the omnidirectional bias connector includes a housing space, the housing space including housing walls; and The flexible O-ring forms a seal between the elongated body and the shell wall.

24. The material handling vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly, the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly, or both including internal ends; and The internal end is electrically connected to a conductor.

25. The material handling vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly, the electrical connector of the vehicle-side electrical connector, or both are power supply connectors.

26. The material handling vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly, the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly, or both are control connectors.

27. The material handling vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The omnidirectional bias connector is a power supply connector.

28. The material handling vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The omnidirectional bias connector is a control connector.

29. The material handling vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The battery-side connector assembly includes a battery-side omnidirectional biasing element; The battery-side omnidirectional biasing element secures the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly to the connector housing of the battery-side connector assembly, so as to: The electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly is restricted from axial movement relative to the connector housing of the battery-side connector assembly in the separation direction along the mating axis, and Allows the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly to deflect omnidirectionally in a battery-side stationary position and a spring-loaded battery-side deflection position; The vehicle-side connector assembly includes a vehicle-side omnidirectional biasing element; The vehicle-side omnidirectional biasing element secures the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly to the connector housing of the vehicle-side connector assembly, so as to: The electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly is restricted from axial movement relative to the connector housing of the vehicle-side connector assembly in the separation direction along the mating axis, and The electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly allows for omnidirectional spring-loaded deflection between a vehicle-side stationary position and a spring-loaded vehicle-side deflection position.

30. The material handling vehicle according to claim 29, wherein: The battery-side stationary position forms a battery-side stationary angle between the mating axis and the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly; and The spring-loaded battery-side deflection position is one of a plurality of angled spring-loaded battery-side deflection positions, wherein: Each of the angled, spring-loaded battery-side deflection positions forms one of a plurality of battery-side deflection angles between the mating axis and the electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly, and Each of the plurality of battery-side deflection angles is greater than the battery-side stationary angle.

31. The material handling vehicle according to claim 29, wherein: The vehicle-side stationary position forms a vehicle-side stationary angle between the mating axis and the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly; and The spring-loaded vehicle lateral deflection position is one of a plurality of angled spring-loaded vehicle lateral deflection positions, wherein: Each of the angled, spring-loaded vehicle-side deflection positions forms one of a plurality of vehicle-side deflection angles between the mating axis and the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly, and Each of the plurality of vehicle side deflection angles is greater than the vehicle side stationary angle.

32. The material handling vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, Allowing the omnidirectional biasing connector to deflect omnidirectionally between the rest position and the spring-loaded deflection position includes allowing the spring-loaded deflection force to be directed toward the mating axis at a deflection angle substantially aligned with the radial angle of the rest position relative to the mating axis, wherein the radial angle is any radial angle relative to the mating axis.

33. The material handling vehicle according to claim 32, wherein the deflection angle is within 30 degrees of the radial angle at the stationary position.

34. The material handling vehicle according to claim 32, wherein the deflection angle is within 25 degrees of the radial angle at the stationary position.

35. The material handling vehicle according to claim 32, wherein the deflection angle is within 20 degrees of the radial angle at the stationary position.

36. The material handling vehicle according to claim 32, wherein the deflection angle is within 15 degrees of the radial angle of the stationary position.

37. The material handling vehicle according to claim 32, wherein the deflection angle is within 10 degrees of the radial angle at the stationary position.

38. The material handling vehicle according to claim 32, wherein the deflection angle is within 5 degrees of the radial angle at the stationary position.

39. A material handling vehicle, comprising a material handling mechanism, a drive mechanism, a battery receiving space, and a removable battery assembly, wherein: The material handling mechanism is configured to engage goods in a warehouse environment and cooperate with the drive mechanism to move goods along an inventory transfer surface in the warehouse environment, powered by the removable battery assembly. The removable battery assembly and the battery receiving space cooperate to define a battery insertion and removal axis, along which the removable battery assembly is inserted into and removed from the battery receiving space; The removable battery assembly includes a battery-side connector assembly; The battery receiving space includes a vehicle-side connector assembly; The battery-side connector assembly and the vehicle-side connector assembly are configured to electrically connect the removable battery assembly and the electrical system of the material handling vehicle; The battery-side connector assembly and the vehicle-side connector assembly each include a connector housing and an electrical connector corresponding to and fixedly connected within the connector housing; The corresponding electrical connectors of the battery-side connector assembly and the corresponding electrical connectors of the vehicle-side connector assembly are configured to be electrically connected together due to relative movement along the connector mating axis parallel to the battery insertion and removal axis. At least one or both of the electrical connectors of the battery-side connector assembly and the vehicle-side connector assembly are bidirectional bias connectors, wherein the bidirectional bias connector includes a bidirectional bias element; and The bidirectional biasing element secures the bidirectional biasing connector against the corresponding connector housing of the bidirectional biasing connector, so as to: The axial movement of the bidirectional bias connector relative to the corresponding connector housing of the bidirectional bias connector is limited in the separation direction along the mating axis, and The bidirectional bias connector is allowed to deflect bidirectionally with a spring-loaded force between a rest position and a spring-loaded deflection position.

40. The material handling vehicle according to claim 39, wherein, The bidirectional biasing element includes at least two flanges.

41. The material handling vehicle according to claim 39, wherein: The bidirectional biasing element is arranged around the elongated body of the bidirectional biasing connector; The bidirectional biasing element includes a first flange and a second flange; The first flange extends outward to the first outer end; and The second flange extends outward to the second outer end.

42. The material handling vehicle according to claim 41, wherein, At least one of the first outer end of the bidirectional biasing element and the second outer end of the bidirectional biasing element extends continuously around a portion of the circumference of the elongated body of the bidirectional biasing connector.

43. The material handling vehicle according to claim 41, wherein, Either the first outer end or the second outer end of the bidirectional biasing element, or both, extend to approximately 60 degrees around the circumference of the elongated body of the bidirectional biasing connector.

44. The material handling vehicle according to claim 41, wherein, Either or both of the first and second outer ends of the bidirectional biasing element extend to approximately 45 degrees around the circumference of the elongated body of the bidirectional biasing connector.

45. The material handling vehicle according to claim 41, wherein, Either or both of the first and second outer ends of the bidirectional biasing element extend to approximately 30 degrees around the circumference of the elongated body of the bidirectional biasing connector.

46. ​​The material handling vehicle according to claim 39, wherein, The electrical connector of the battery-side connector assembly, the electrical connector of the vehicle-side connector assembly, or both are control connectors.

47. The material handling vehicle according to claim 39, wherein, The bidirectional bias connector is a control connector.

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