BATTERY GUIDE PINS FOR A BATTERY RECEPTION SPACE OF A MATERIAL HANDLING VEHICLE AND MATERIAL HANDLING VEHICLES INCORPORATING THE SAME.

Abstract

A material handling vehicle including a battery receiving space and a removable battery assembly, wherein: the battery receiving space includes opposing pairs of battery guide pins, each opposing pair disposed on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, and each opposing pair includes a latching pin and a guide pin; the removable battery assembly includes a battery locking mechanism; the battery locking mechanism includes spring-loaded locking pins that are spring-deflected in extended positions and can be moved from the extended positions to the respective retracted positions; the latching pin of each opposing pair of battery guide pins includes a recess forming a battery latch that is positioned to receive a front portion of one of the spring-loaded locking pins in the extended position.

Description

BATTERY GUIDE PINS FOR A BATTERY RECEPTION SPACE OF A MATERIAL HANDLING VEHICLE AND MATERIAL HANDLING VEHICLES INCORPORATING THE SAME DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Although the concepts in this description are described herein with main reference to electric pallet trucks where the pallet truck's drive motor is integrated with the single drive wheel hub of the pallet truck, it is envisaged that the particular concepts in this description will be applicable to pallet trucks with other types of motor configurations, or to other types of battery-powered material handling vehicles, including, for example, forklifts, tugs, etc. According to the present description, an object of the invention can be seen in providing an improved material handling vehicle, as well as an improved detachable battery assembly. One aspect relates to a material handling vehicle. The material handling vehicle may comprise a material handling mechanism and a drive mechanism. The material handling vehicle may also comprise a battery receiving space and a detachable battery assembly. The material handling vehicle can > your NCNCC The material handling mechanism can be configured to move along an inventory transit surface and engage products in a warehouse environment. It can cooperate with the drive mechanism, powered by the removable battery assembly, to move products along an inventory transit surface within the warehouse environment. The removable battery assembly may comprise a battery body and a battery locking mechanism. The removable battery assembly and the battery receiving space may cooperate to define a battery insertion and extraction axis. The removable battery assembly can be inserted into and removed from the battery receiving space along this battery insertion and extraction axis.The battery body can define a longitudinal battery insertion and extraction axis along which the removable battery assembly can be inserted into and extracted from a battery receiving space of a material handling vehicle. The battery locking mechanism may comprise a spring-loaded battery handle and a spring-loaded locking pin. The spring-loaded locking pin may comprise a front portion that can be configured to engage a battery latch located in a battery receiving space of a material handling vehicle. The > your NCNNC The battery receiving space may comprise a battery latch positioned to receive a front portion of the spring-loaded locking pin, with the spring-loaded locking pin in an extended position, and / or the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The spring-loaded battery handle may comprise a flat handle cam surface, and the spring-loaded locking pin may comprise a flat pin cam surface that may be parallel to the handle cam surface. The spring-loaded battery handle and the spring-loaded locking pin may be configured such that the handle cam surface engages the pin cam surface with the movement of the battery handle, relative to the battery body, along the battery insertion and extraction axis.The spring-loaded battery handle and handle cam surface may be limited to linear motion along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The battery body may limit the spring-loaded battery handle and handle cam surface to linear motion along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The spring-loaded locking pin and pin cam surface may be limited to linear motion along a latch engagement and disengagement axis, which may be > your NCNN C. N σ N perpendicular to the battery insertion and extraction axis. The battery body may restrict the linear movement of the spring-loaded locking pin and the pin cam surface along the latch engagement and disengagement axis. The spring-loaded battery handle may be spring-loaded in a locked position and may move relative to the battery body from the locked to an unlocked position in a handle-lifting direction along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The spring-loaded locking pin may be spring-loaded in an extended position and may move to a retracted position in response to the movement of the battery handle from the locked to an unlocked position, with the handle cam surface engaged with the pin cam surface.The spring-loaded locking pin can be spring-loaded in an extended position and can be moved relative to the battery body from the extended position to a retracted position along the latch engagement and disengagement axis in response to the movement of the battery handle, relative to the battery body, in the lifting direction of the handle with the handle cam surface engaged with the pin cam surface. The battery locking mechanism may comprise a pair of spring-loaded locking pins. Space > your NCNNC The battery receiving N σ N may comprise a pair of corresponding battery latches positioned on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, to receive a front portion of a corresponding pair of spring-loaded locking pins with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The spring-loaded battery handle may comprise a gripping portion and a pair of separate arm portions extending in the handle lifting direction, along the battery insertion and extraction axis, from inside the battery body to opposite ends of the gripping portion outside the battery body (210). Each arm portion may comprise a handle cam flat surface, and each spring-loaded locking pin may comprise a corresponding pin cam flat surface that may be parallel to the handle cam surface. The flat surface of the handle cam and the corresponding flat surface of the pin cam of one of the arm portions can be configured as a mirror image of the flat surface of the handle cam and the corresponding flat surface of the pin cam of the other arm portions. The pair of spring-loaded locking pins can comprise locking pin extensions that can extend along the engagement axis and > your NCNNC N σ N release of the latch in opposite directions. The flat surface of the handle cam and the flat surface of the pin cam can define equal alternating outside angles, relative to a transverse travel of the cam surface that extends in the direction of lifting the handle, along the axis of insertion and extraction of the battery. The spring-loaded battery handle may comprise a locking pin passage formed in the flat surface of the handle cam. The spring-loaded locking pin may comprise a locking pin extension that extends from the flat surface of the handle cam through the locking pin passage formed in the flat surface of the handle cam. The removable battery assembly may further comprise a handle spring in direct contact with the spring-loaded battery handle to deflect the battery handle to the locked position, a locking pin spring in direct contact with the spring-loaded locking pin to deflect the spring-loaded locking pin to the extended position, or both. The removable battery assembly may further comprise a handle spring in direct contact with the spring-loaded battery handle to deflect the battery handle into the locked position. The battery body may > your NCNNC N σ N comprising a handle-oriented spring-receiving cavity for the handle spring. The spring-loaded battery handle may comprise a spring-engaging finger extending from the battery handle in the handle-lifting direction, along the battery insertion and extraction axis, into the handle-oriented spring-receiving cavity, along the longitudinal axis of the spring-receiving cavity. The removable battery assembly may further comprise a locking pin spring in direct contact with the spring-loaded locking pin to deflect the spring-loaded locking pin to the extended position. The battery body may comprise a spring-receiving cavity oriented towards the pin. The spring-loaded locking pin may comprise a spring-engaged finger extending from the spring-loaded locking pin perpendicular to the battery insertion and extraction axis, into the spring-receiving cavity oriented towards the pin, along a longitudinal axis of the spring-receiving cavity. The battery body of the removable battery assembly may comprise a plurality of rechargeable battery cells, a front case, and a rear case. The front and rear cases may cooperate to contain a plurality of rechargeable battery cells within them. > your NCNNC N σ N front and rear boxes can cooperate to contain portions of the spring-loaded battery handle comprising the handle cam surface and portions of the spring-loaded locking pin comprising the pin cam surface. Both the front and rear battery body cases can exclusively restrict the linear movement of the spring-loaded battery handle and handle cam surface along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The battery body may contain portions of the spring-loaded battery handle, comprising the handle cam surface, and portions of the spring-loaded locking pin, comprising the pin cam surface. The battery body may comprise one or more handle passages and one or more locking pin passages. An arm portion of the spring-loaded battery handle may pass through the handle passage to a gripping portion of the battery handle outside the battery body. A locking pin extension of the spring-loaded locking pin passes through the locking pin passage to the outside of the battery body. The spring-loaded battery handle and spring-loaded locking pin can engage with the handle cam surface and the cam surface of the > your NCNNC N σ N pin such that the movement of the battery handle from the locked position to the unlocked position through the handle passage in the handle lifting direction causes the movement of the spring-loaded locking pin extension through the locking pin passage from the extended position to the retracted position along the latch engagement and disengagement axis. The gripping portion of the battery handle can be flush with the top surface of the battery body in the locked position and can extend above the top surface of the battery body in the unlocked position. The battery body may include a gripping recess formed beneath the gripping portion of the spring-loaded battery handle. The handle recess may extend at least approximately 6.5 mm along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The spring-loaded battery handle may comprise handle-side limiting surfaces independent of the flat surface of the battery handle cam. The handle-side limiting surfaces may be inclined with respect to the handle lifting direction. The battery body may comprise body-side limiting surfaces that may > your NCNNC N σ N to be placed parallel to the corresponding handle-side limiting surfaces of the spring-loaded battery handle, to engage the corresponding handle-side limiting surfaces of the battery handle in the locked position. The battery body may comprise a limiting surface on the side of the body that may be inclined with respect to the lifting direction of the handle and dedicated to engaging the handle cam surface in the unlocked position. The removable battery assembly may comprise a front face and an electrical plug on the front face of the removable battery assembly. The battery receiving space may comprise an electrical connector that complements the electrical plug of the removable battery assembly. The spring-loaded locking pin may be positioned at a point along a longitudinal dimension of the battery body, resulting in the locking pin engaging with the battery latch simultaneously with the electrical plug on the front face of the removable battery assembly engaging with the electrical connector in the battery receiving space, as the removable battery assembly can be inserted into the battery receiving space, with the spring-loaded battery handle in the locked position. > your NCNNC N σ N The electrical plug may be recessed into the front face of the removable battery assembly. The front face of the removable battery assembly can rest on a lower surface of the battery receiving space with the spring-loaded locking pin engaged with the battery latch and the electrical plug engaged with the electrical connector. The removable battery assembly may comprise a front face and an electrical plug on the front face of the removable battery assembly. The battery receiving space may comprise an electrical connector that complements the electrical plug of the removable battery assembly. The electrical plug, electrical connector, battery body, and battery receiving space may be configured to define a clearance extending along the battery insertion and extraction axis between the opposing surfaces of the electrical plug and the electrical connector, with the front face of the removable battery assembly resting on a lower surface of the battery receiving space. The electrical connector in the battery receiving space may comprise a connector housing comprising an outer wall that tapers to a reduced footprint as it extends away from the lower surface of the battery receiving space. The > your NCNNC An electrical plug on the front face of the removable battery assembly may comprise a plug box comprising an inner wall that tapers to a larger footprint as it extends away from the front face of the removable battery assembly, the inner wall being tapered to complement and make contact with the taper of the outer wall of the connector housing with the front face of the removable battery assembly resting on the lower surface of the battery receiving space, and with the gap between the opposite surfaces of the electrical plug and the electrical connector. The battery receiving space may comprise opposing pairs of battery guide pins, each opposing pair being arranged on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, and each opposing pair comprising a latching pin and a guide pin. The battery body may comprise battery side faces, each of which may comprise a longitudinal guide structure that is oriented along the battery insertion and extraction axis and is dimensioned to accommodate the opposing pairs of guide pins as the removable battery assembly is inserted into and extracted from the battery receiving space. The latching pin of each opposing pair of battery guide pins may comprise a recess. N σ N forming the battery latch that can be positioned to receive a front portion of one of the spring-loaded locking pins in the extended position, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The battery receiving space may include a latching pin and a guide pin arranged on one side of the battery receiving space. The battery body may include a battery side face comprising a longitudinal guide structure that can be oriented along the battery insertion and extraction axis and can be sized to accommodate the latching pin and guide pin as the removable battery assembly is inserted into and extracted from the battery receiving space. The latching pin may include a recess forming the battery latch. The battery receiving space may include latching pins arranged on opposite sides of the battery receiving space. The battery body may include battery side faces, each comprising a longitudinal guide structure that can be oriented along the battery insertion and extraction axis and can be sized to accommodate one of the latching pins as the removable battery assembly is inserted into and extracted from the battery receiving space. > your NCNNC N σ N Each latch pin may comprise a recess that forms the battery latch. Another aspect relates to a removable battery assembly. The removable battery assembly may comprise a battery body and a battery locking mechanism. The battery body can define a longitudinal axis for battery insertion and extraction along which the removable battery assembly can be inserted into and extracted from a battery receiving space of a material handling vehicle. The battery locking mechanism may comprise a spring-loaded battery handle and a spring-loaded locking pin. The spring-loaded locking pin may comprise a front portion that can be configured to engage a battery latch located in a battery receiving space of a material handling vehicle. The spring-loaded battery handle may comprise a flat handle cam surface, and the spring-loaded locking pin may comprise a flat pin cam surface that can be parallel to the handle cam surface. The spring-loaded battery handle and the spring-loaded locking pin may be configured such that the handle cam surface engages the pin cam surface with movement of the battery handle. N σ N in relation to the battery body, along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The battery body may constrain the spring-loaded battery handle and the handle cam surface to linear motion along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The battery body may constrain the spring-loaded locking pin and the pin cam surface to linear motion along a latch engagement and disengagement axis that may be perpendicular to the battery insertion and extraction axis. The spring-loaded battery handle may be spring-loaded in a locked position and may move relative to the battery body from the locked to an unlocked position in a handle-lifting direction along the battery insertion and extraction axis.The spring-loaded locking pin can be spring-loaded in an extended position and can be moved relative to the battery body from the extended position to a retracted position along the latch engagement and disengagement axis in response to the movement of the battery handle, relative to the battery body, in the lifting direction of the handle with the handle cam surface engaged with the pin cam surface. The battery locking mechanism may comprise a pair of spring-loaded locking pins. Space > your NCNNC The battery receiving N σ N may comprise a pair of corresponding battery latches positioned on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, to receive a front portion of a corresponding pair of spring-loaded locking pins with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The spring-loaded battery handle may comprise a gripping portion and a pair of separate arm portions extending in the handle lifting direction, along the battery insertion and extraction axis, from inside the battery body to opposite ends of the gripping portion outside the battery body (210). Each arm portion may comprise a handle cam flat surface, and each spring-loaded locking pin may comprise a corresponding pin cam flat surface that may be parallel to the handle cam surface. The flat surface of the handle cam and the corresponding flat surface of the pin cam of one of the arm portions can be configured as a mirror image of the flat surface of the handle cam and the corresponding flat surface of the pin cam of the other arm portions. The pair of spring-loaded locking pins can comprise locking pin extensions that can extend along the engagement axis and > your NCNNC N σ N release of the latch in opposite directions. The flat surface of the handle cam and the flat surface of the pin cam can define equal alternating outside angles, relative to a transverse travel of the cam surface that extends in the direction of lifting the handle, along the axis of insertion and extraction of the battery. The spring-loaded battery handle may comprise a locking pin passage formed in the flat surface of the handle cam. The spring-loaded locking pin may comprise a locking pin extension that extends from the flat surface of the handle cam through the locking pin passage formed in the flat surface of the handle cam. The removable battery assembly may further comprise a handle spring in direct contact with the spring-loaded battery handle to deflect the battery handle to the locked position, a locking pin spring in direct contact with the spring-loaded locking pin to deflect the spring-loaded locking pin to the extended position, or both. The removable battery assembly may further comprise a handle spring in direct contact with the spring-loaded battery handle to deflect the battery handle into the locked position. The battery body may > s N c NNC N σ N comprising a handle-oriented spring-receiving cavity for the handle spring. The spring-loaded battery handle may comprise a spring-engaging finger extending from the battery handle in the handle-lifting direction, along the battery insertion and extraction axis, into the handle-oriented spring-receiving cavity, along the longitudinal axis of the spring-receiving cavity. The removable battery assembly may further comprise a locking pin spring in direct contact with the spring-loaded locking pin to deflect the spring-loaded locking pin to the extended position. The battery body may comprise a spring-receiving cavity oriented towards the pin. The spring-loaded locking pin may comprise a spring-engaged finger extending from the spring-loaded locking pin perpendicular to the battery insertion and extraction axis, into the spring-receiving cavity oriented towards the pin, along a longitudinal axis of the spring-receiving cavity. The battery body of the removable battery assembly may comprise a plurality of rechargeable battery cells, a front case, and a rear case. The front and rear cases may cooperate to contain a plurality of rechargeable battery cells within them. > your NCNNC N σ N front and rear boxes can cooperate to contain portions of the spring-loaded battery handle comprising the handle cam surface and portions of the spring-loaded locking pin comprising the pin cam surface. Both the front and rear battery body cases can exclusively restrict the linear movement of the spring-loaded battery handle and handle cam surface along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The battery body may contain portions of the spring-loaded battery handle, comprising the handle cam surface, and portions of the spring-loaded locking pin, comprising the pin cam surface. The battery body may comprise one or more handle passages and one or more locking pin passages. An arm portion of the spring-loaded battery handle may pass through the handle passage to a gripping portion of the battery handle outside the battery body. A locking pin extension of the spring-loaded locking pin passes through the locking pin passage to the outside of the battery body. The spring-loaded battery handle and spring-loaded locking pin can engage with the handle cam surface and the cam surface of the > your NCNNC N σ N pin such that the movement of the battery handle from the locked position to the unlocked position through the handle passage in the handle lifting direction causes the movement of the spring-loaded locking pin extension through the locking pin passage from the extended position to the retracted position along the latch engagement and disengagement axis. The gripping portion of the battery handle can be flush with the top surface of the battery body in the locked position and can extend above the top surface of the battery body in the unlocked position. The battery body may include a handle grip recess formed beneath the gripping portion of the spring-loaded battery handle. The handle grip recess may extend at least approximately 6.5 mm along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The spring-loaded battery handle may include handle-side limiting surfaces independent of the flat surface of the battery handle cam. The handle-side limiting surfaces may be inclined with respect to the handle lifting direction. The battery body may include body-side limiting surfaces that can be positioned parallel to the corresponding handle-side limiting surfaces of the spring-loaded battery handle, to engage the corresponding handle-side limiting surfaces of the battery handle in the locked position. The battery body may comprise a limiting surface on the side of the body that may be inclined relative to the lifting direction of the handle and dedicated to engaging the handle cam surface in the unlocked position. The removable battery assembly may comprise a front face and an electrical plug on the front face of the removable battery assembly. The battery receiving space may comprise an electrical connector that complements the electrical plug of the removable battery assembly. The spring-loaded locking pin may be positioned at a point along a longitudinal dimension of the battery body, resulting in the locking pin engaging with the battery latch simultaneously with the electrical plug on the front face of the removable battery assembly engaging with the electrical connector in the battery receiving space, as the removable battery assembly can be inserted into the battery receiving space, with the spring-loaded battery handle in the > your NCNNC N σ N locked position. > your NCNNC N σ N The electrical plug may be recessed into the front face of the removable battery assembly. The front face of the removable battery assembly can rest on a lower surface of the battery receiving space with the spring-loaded locking pin engaged with the battery latch and the electrical plug engaged with the electrical connector. The removable battery assembly may comprise a front face and an electrical plug on the front face of the removable battery assembly. The battery receiving space may comprise an electrical connector that complements the electrical plug of the removable battery assembly. The electrical plug, electrical connector, battery body, and battery receiving space may be configured to define a clearance extending along the battery insertion and extraction axis between the opposing surfaces of the electrical plug and the electrical connector, with the front face of the removable battery assembly resting on a lower surface of the battery receiving space. The electrical connector in the battery receiving space may comprise a connector housing comprising an outer wall that tapers to a reduced footprint as it extends away from the lower surface of the battery receiving space. The > your NCNNC An electrical plug on the front face of the removable battery assembly may comprise a plug box comprising an inner wall that tapers for a larger footprint as it extends away from the front face of the removable battery assembly, the inner wall being tapered to complement and make contact with the taper of the outer wall of the connector housing with the front face of the removable battery assembly resting on the lower surface of the battery receiving space, and with the gap between the opposite surfaces of the electrical plug and the electrical connector. The battery receiving space may comprise opposing pairs of battery guide pins, each opposing pair being arranged on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, and each opposing pair comprising a latching pin and a guide pin. The battery body may comprise battery side faces, each of which may comprise a longitudinal guide structure that is oriented along the battery insertion and extraction axis and is dimensioned to accommodate the opposing pairs of guide pins as the removable battery assembly is inserted into and extracted from the battery receiving space. The latching pin of each opposing pair of battery guide pins may comprise a recess. N σ N forming the battery latch that can be positioned to receive a front portion of one of the spring-loaded locking pins in the extended position, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The battery receiving space may include a latching pin and a guide pin arranged on one side of the battery receiving space. The battery body may include a battery side face comprising a longitudinal guide structure that can be oriented along the battery insertion and extraction axis and can be sized to accommodate the latching pin and guide pin as the removable battery assembly is inserted into and extracted from the battery receiving space. The latching pin may include a recess forming the battery latch. The battery receiving space may include latching pins arranged on opposite sides of the battery receiving space. The battery body may include battery side faces, each comprising a longitudinal guide structure that can be oriented along the battery insertion and extraction axis and can be sized to accommodate one of the latching pins as the removable battery assembly is inserted into and extracted from the battery receiving space. > your NCNNC N σ N Each latch pin may comprise a recess that forms the battery latch. In another aspect, a material handling vehicle includes a battery receiving space and a removable battery assembly, wherein: the removable battery assembly includes a battery body and a battery locking mechanism; the battery locking mechanism includes a spring-loaded battery handle and a spring-loaded locking pin; the battery receiving space includes a battery latch positioned to receive a front portion of the spring-loaded locking pin with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space; the spring-loaded battery handle includes a handle cam flat surface and the spring-loaded locking pin includes a pin cam flat surface;The spring-loaded battery handle and spring-loaded locking pin are configured so that the cam surface of the handle engages with the cam surface of the pin with the movement of the battery handle, relative to the battery body; the spring-loaded battery handle is spring-loaded in a locked position; and the spring-loaded locking pin is spring-loaded in an extended position and can be moved to a retracted position in response to the movement of the battery handle from the locked position to a position > your NCNNC; N σ N unlocked, with the handle cam surface engaging the pin cam surface. Another aspect relates to a material handling vehicle. The material handling vehicle may comprise a material handling mechanism and a drive mechanism. The material handling vehicle may also comprise a battery receiving space and a detachable battery assembly. The material handling vehicle can be configured to move along an inventory transit surface and pick up products in a warehouse environment. The material handling mechanism can be configured to pick up products in a warehouse environment and can cooperate with the drive mechanism, powered by the removable battery assembly, to move products along an inventory transit surface in the warehouse environment. The removable battery assembly and battery receiving space can cooperate to define a battery insertion and removal axis. The removable battery assembly can be inserted into and removed from the battery receiving space along this axis. The battery receiving space may comprise opposing pairs of battery guide pins, each pair arranged on opposite sides of the space. N σ N battery receiving space, and each opposing pair may comprise a latching pin and a guide pin. The battery receiving space may comprise a battery guide pin that may be arranged on each opposite side of the battery receiving space. Each opposing pair of battery guide pins may comprise the battery guide pin. The battery guide pin may be the guide pin or vice versa. The battery guide pin may be the latching pin or vice versa. The removable battery assembly may comprise a battery body. The removable battery assembly may comprise a battery locking mechanism. The battery body may comprise battery side faces, each comprising a longitudinal guide structure. The longitudinal guide structure may be sized to accommodate a pair of guide pins when the removable battery assembly is inserted into and extracted from a battery receiving space comprising opposing pairs of guide pins. The longitudinal guide structure may be oriented along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The longitudinal guide structure may be sized to accommodate the battery guide pins or the battery guide pin that may be arranged on each opposite side of the battery receiving space as the removable battery assembly is inserted into and extracted from the battery receiving space. > your NCNNC N σ N The battery locking mechanism may comprise spring-loaded locking pins that are spring-deflected in extended positions and can be moved relative to the battery body from the extended to the respective retracted positions along a latch engagement and disengagement axis. The engagement pin of each opposing pair of battery guide pins may comprise a recess forming a battery latch that can be positioned to receive a front portion of one of the spring-loaded locking pins in the extended position, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The locking pin of each opposing pair of battery guide pins may comprise a chamfered locking face. Each of the spring-loaded locking pins of the battery locking mechanism may comprise a complementary chamfered locking face that can be oriented toward the chamfered locking face of one of the locking pins when the removable battery assembly is inserted into the battery receiving space. The chamfered engagement face of each hitch pin can lead to the recess that forms the battery latch of each hitch pin. The latch pin and guide pin of each opposing pair of battery guide pins can be positioned to > your NCNNC N σ N length of a common guide pin shaft, parallel to the battery insertion and extraction axis. The latch pin and guide pin of each opposing pair of battery guide pins are separated by a guide pin gap that can be less than half a longitudinal dimension of the battery side faces, and can be around 47.5 mm. The longitudinal guide structure on the battery's side faces can be configured as guide channels. Battery guide pins, or a single battery guide pin, which can be arranged on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, can be extended into the guide channels with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The longitudinal guide structure of one of the battery side faces can be shorter than the longitudinal guide structure of the other battery side face, to create clearance along one of the battery side faces. The removable battery assembly may further comprise a pair of guide pin stabilizers on each of the battery's side faces. Each pair of guide pin stabilizers may form a guide pin gap of restricted width along the longitudinal guide structure on each of the battery's side faces. The > your NCNNC The restricted width N guide pin space can be formed to receive a corresponding battery guide pin. The corresponding battery guide pin can be the battery guide pin that can be arranged on each opposite side of the battery receiving space. The battery guide pins can comprise each battery guide pin that can be arranged on each opposite side of the battery receiving space. A fastener can be extended across each pair of guide pin stabilizers. The fastener can be screwed onto the side of the battery body. Each pair of guide pin stabilizers may be formed from a deformable and / or elastic material. Each pair of guide pin stabilizers may be formed as a unitary structure, in particular as a one-piece polyurethane structure. Each pair of guide pin stabilizers may be configured to deform in a lateral direction perpendicular to the battery insertion and extraction axis when a battery guide pin enters the restricted-width guide pin space. Each pair of guide pin stabilizers may comprise an alignment feature that can be received within a corresponding groove formed in one of the battery's side faces, to prevent rotation of each pair > your NCNNC N σ N of guide pin stabilizers in relation to the battery side faces. The guide pin of each opposing pair of battery guide pins or guide pin stabilizers may reside in a guide pin parking position along the longitudinal guide structure on each of the battery side faces, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The narrow-width guide pin space formed by each pair of guide pin stabilizers may at least partially overlap the guide pin parking position along the longitudinal guide structure on each of the battery side faces. The battery guide pins may have respective diameters that are larger than the width of the narrow-width guide pin space. Guide pin stabilizers can be configured to yield in a lateral yield direction and to maintain a degree of lateral resilience when a guide pin enters the restricted-width guide pin space. Guide pin stabilizers can be configured to yield in a lateral yield direction perpendicular to the battery insertion and extraction axis and to maintain a degree of lateral resilience when a guide pin enters the restricted-width guide pin space. Guide pin stabilizers can > s N c NNC N σ N be configured to yield at least partially in a lateral yield direction perpendicular to the battery insertion and extraction axis, and to maintain a degree of lateral resilience, when a guide pin enters the restricted width guide pin space. The longitudinal guide structure of the battery's side faces can be configured as guide channels. Each guide pin stabilizer can comprise a stabilizer stem that can be anchored to the battery body and a stabilizer cap that can extend partially into or partially over one of the guide channels to reduce the effective width of the guide channel. Each pair of guide pin stabilizers can extend partially into or partially over one of the guide channels to reduce the effective width of the guide channel. Each pair of guide pin stabilizers may comprise a truncated portion. Each pair of guide pin stabilizers may have a Shore A hardness between 50 Shore A and 90 Shore A. Each pair of guide pin stabilizers may have a Shore A hardness between 60 Shore A and 80 Shore A. The battery locking mechanism may comprise a spring-loaded battery handle. The spring-loaded battery handle may comprise a flat handle cam surface, and the spring-loaded locking pin may comprise a flat pin cam surface that may > your NCNNC N σ N be parallel to the handle cam surface. The spring-loaded battery handle and spring-loaded locking pin can be configured so that the handle cam surface engages with the pin cam surface with the movement of the battery handle, relative to the battery body, along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The battery body may restrict the linear movement of the spring-loaded battery handle and the handle cam surface along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The battery body may also restrict the spring-loaded locking pin and the pin cam surface to linear movement along a latch engagement and disengagement axis that may be perpendicular to the battery insertion and extraction axis. The spring-loaded battery handle may be spring-loaded in a locked position and may move relative to the battery body from the locked to an unlocked position in a handle-lifting direction along the battery insertion and extraction axis.The spring-loaded locking pin can be spring-loaded in the extended position and can be moved relative to the battery body from the extended position to a retracted position along the latch's engagement and disengagement axis in response to movement of the battery handle, > your NCNN C. N σ N in relation to the battery body, in the direction of lifting the handle with the handle cam surface engaged with the pin cam surface. The removable battery assembly may comprise a front face and an electrical plug on the front face of the removable battery assembly. The battery receiving space may comprise an electrical connector that complements the electrical plug of the removable battery assembly. Spring-loaded locking pins may be positioned at points along a longitudinal dimension of the battery body, resulting in the locking pin engaging with the latching pins simultaneously with the electrical plug on the front face of the removable battery assembly engaging with the electrical connector in the battery receiving space as the removable battery assembly is inserted into the battery receiving space, with the spring-loaded battery handle in the locked position. The front face of the removable battery assembly can rest on a lower surface of the battery receiving space with the spring-loaded locking pins engaged with the latching pins and the electrical plug engaged with the electrical connector. Another aspect relates to a removable battery assembly. The removable battery assembly may > your NCNNC N σ N comprise a battery body. The removable battery assembly may comprise a battery locking mechanism. The removable battery assembly may be configured according to the above appearance. The battery body may comprise battery side faces, each of which comprises a longitudinal guide structure that can be sized to accommodate a pair of guide pins as the removable battery assembly is inserted into and extracted from a battery receiving space comprising opposing pairs of guide pins. The removable battery assembly may further comprise a pair of guide pin stabilizers on each of the battery's side faces. The pair of guide pin stabilizers may be configured as described above. Each pair of guide pin stabilizers may form a narrow-width guide pin space along the longitudinal guide structure on each of the battery's side faces and may be configured to yield in a lateral yield direction and maintain a degree of lateral resilience when a guide pin enters the narrow-width guide pin space. The removable battery assembly and battery compartment can work together to define a battery insertion and removal axis. The removable battery assembly can be inserted into and removed from the compartment > your NCNNC N σ N of battery along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The longitudinal guide structure can be oriented along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The longitudinal guide structure can be sized to accommodate opposing pairs of guide pins as the removable battery assembly is inserted into and extracted from the battery receiving space. The battery locking mechanism may comprise spring-loaded locking pins that are spring-deflected in extended positions and can be moved relative to the battery body from the extended to the respective retracted positions along a latch engagement and disengagement axis. One engagement pin of each opposing pair of guide pins may comprise a recess forming a battery latch that can be positioned to receive a front portion of one of the spring-loaded locking pins in the extended position, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The locking pin of each opposing pair of guide pins may comprise a chamfered locking face. Each of the spring-loaded locking pins of the battery locking mechanism may comprise a complementary chamfered locking face that may > your NCNNC N σ N orient towards the chamfered engagement face of one of the engagement pins when the removable battery assembly is inserted into the battery receiving space. The chamfered engagement face of each hitch pin can lead to the recess that forms the battery latch of each hitch pin. The latching pin and guide pin of each opposing pair of guide pins can be positioned along a common guide pin axis, parallel to the battery insertion and extraction axis. The latch pin and guide pin of each opposing pair of guide pins are separated by a guide pin gap that can be less than half a longitudinal dimension of the battery side faces, and can be around 47.5 mm. The longitudinal guide structure on the battery's side faces can be configured as guide channels. Opposing pairs of guide pins can be extended into the guide channels with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The longitudinal guide structure of one of the battery side faces can be shorter than the longitudinal guide structure of the other battery side face, to create clearance along one of the battery side faces. > your NCNNC N σ N The removable battery assembly may further comprise a pair of guide pin stabilizers on each of the battery's side faces. Each pair of guide pin stabilizers may form a guide pin gap of restricted width along the longitudinal guide structure on each of the battery's side faces. The guide pin of each opposing pair of guide pins may reside in a guide pin parking position along the longitudinal guide structure on each of the battery side faces, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The narrow-width guide pin space formed by each pair of guide pin stabilizers may at least partially overlap the guide pin parking position along the longitudinal guide structure on each of the battery side faces. The guide pin stabilizers can be configured to yield in a lateral yield direction and to maintain a degree of lateral resilience when a guide pin enters the restricted-width guide pin space. The guide pin stabilizers can be configured to yield in a lateral yield direction perpendicular to the battery insertion and extraction axis and to maintain a degree of lateral resilience when a guide pin enters the narrow-width guide pin space. N σ N restricted. The longitudinal guide structure on the battery's side faces can be configured as guide channels. Opposing pairs of guide pins can be extended into the guide channels with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The longitudinal guide structure of one of the battery side faces can be shorter than the longitudinal guide structure of the other battery side face, to create clearance along one of the battery side faces. The removable battery assembly may further comprise a pair of guide pin stabilizers on each of the battery's side faces. Each pair of guide pin stabilizers may form a guide pin gap of restricted width along the longitudinal guide structure on each of the battery's side faces. The guide pin of each opposing pair of guide pins may reside in a guide pin parking position along the longitudinal guide structure on each of the battery side faces, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The narrow-width guide pin space formed by each pair of guide pin stabilizers may at least partially overlap the guide pin parking position. N σ N guide along the longitudinal guide structure on each of the battery's side faces. The guide pin stabilizers can be configured to yield in a lateral yield direction and to maintain a degree of lateral resilience when a guide pin enters the restricted-width guide pin space. The guide pin stabilizers can also be configured to yield in a lateral yield direction perpendicular to the battery insertion and extraction axis and to maintain a degree of lateral resilience when a guide pin enters the restricted-width guide pin space. The longitudinal guide structure of the battery side faces can be configured as guide channels. Each guide pin stabilizer can comprise a stabilizer stem that can be anchored to the battery body and a stabilizer cap that can extend partially into or partially over one of the guide channels to reduce the effective width of the guide channel. The battery locking mechanism may comprise a spring-loaded battery handle. The spring-loaded battery handle may comprise a flat handle cam surface, and the spring-loaded locking pin may comprise a flat pin cam surface that is parallel to the handle cam surface. The handle of > your NCNNC The spring-loaded N σ N battery and spring-loaded locking pin can be configured so that the handle cam surface engages with the pin cam surface with the movement of the battery handle, relative to the battery body, along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The battery body may restrict the linear movement of the spring-loaded battery handle and the handle cam surface along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The battery body may also restrict the spring-loaded locking pin and the pin cam surface to linear movement along a latch engagement and disengagement axis that may be perpendicular to the battery insertion and extraction axis. The spring-loaded battery handle may be spring-loaded in a locked position and may move relative to the battery body from the locked to an unlocked position in a handle-lifting direction along the battery insertion and extraction axis.The spring-loaded locking pin can be spring-loaded in the extended position and can be moved relative to the battery body from the extended position to a retracted position along the latch engagement and disengagement axis in response to movement of the battery handle, relative to the battery body in the direction of > your NCNN C. N σ N lifting of the handle with the handle cam surface engaged with the pin cam surface. The removable battery assembly may comprise a front face and an electrical plug on the front face of the removable battery assembly. The battery receiving space may comprise an electrical connector that complements the electrical plug of the removable battery assembly. Spring-loaded locking pins may be positioned at points along a longitudinal dimension of the battery body, resulting in the locking pin engaging with the latching pins simultaneously with the electrical plug on the front face of the removable battery assembly engaging with the electrical connector in the battery receiving space as the removable battery assembly is inserted into the battery receiving space, with the spring-loaded battery handle in the locked position. The front face of the removable battery assembly can rest on a lower surface of the battery receiving space with the spring-loaded locking pins engaged with the latching pins and the electrical plug engaged with the electrical connector. In another aspect, a material handling vehicle includes a battery receiving space and a removable battery assembly, in which: the receiving space > s NCNCC The battery assembly includes opposing pairs of battery guide pins, each opposing pair disposed on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, and each opposing pair includes a latching pin and a guide pin; the removable battery assembly includes a battery locking mechanism; the battery locking mechanism includes spring-loaded locking pins that are spring-deflected in extended positions and can be moved from the extended positions to the respective retracted positions; the latching pin of each opposing pair of battery guide pins includes a recess forming a battery latch that is positioned to receive a front portion of one of the spring-loaded locking pins in the extended position. Another aspect relates to a material handling vehicle. The material handling vehicle may comprise a material handling mechanism and a drive mechanism. The material handling vehicle may also comprise a battery receiving space and a detachable battery assembly. The material handling vehicle can be configured to move along an inventory transit surface and pick up products in a warehouse environment. The material handling mechanism can be configured to pick up products in a warehouse environment and can cooperate with the drive mechanism, under the power of your NCNCC N σ N of the removable battery assembly, to move products along an inventory transit surface in the warehouse environment. The removable battery assembly and the battery receiving space can cooperate to define a battery insertion and extraction axis. The removable battery assembly can be inserted into and removed from the battery receiving space along this axis. The removable battery assembly can comprise battery side faces, each comprising a longitudinal guide structure that can be oriented along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The removable battery assembly can also comprise a battery body and a battery locking mechanism. The battery body can define a longitudinal battery insertion and extraction axis along which the removable battery assembly can be inserted into and removed from a battery receiving space of a material handling vehicle. The battery body can also comprise battery side faces.Each side face of the battery may comprise a longitudinal guide structure that can be oriented along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The battery receiving space may comprise opposing guide blocks, each arranged on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, and each comprising a > your NCNNC N σ N safety portion and a replaceable portion. The replaceable portion of each guide block may comprise a friction-inducing surface and a guide surface. Each friction-inducing surface may extend along the battery insertion and extraction axis, parallel to and oriented toward an opposite face of the battery side faces, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. Each guide surface may extend along the battery insertion and extraction axis, perpendicular to the battery side faces and / or oriented toward an opposite surface of the longitudinal guide structure, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The guide and friction induction surfaces of each replaceable portion of each guide block can face an opposite surface of the removable battery assembly or longitudinal guide structure without interference from the safety portions of each guide block, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The friction induction surface of each replaceable portion of each guide block can extend discontinuously in one direction along the battery insertion and extraction axis and can be oriented toward the opposite side face of the battery in a perpendicular direction, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The guide surface of each replaceable portion of each guide block can extend continuously in the direction and can be oriented toward the opposite surface of the longitudinal guide structure in a perpendicular direction, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The longitudinal guide structure on the side face of the battery can be configured as a stepped guide channel comprising a single-sided channel portion that transitions to a double-sided channel portion at a channel protrusion. The replaceable portion of each guide block can include a chamfered front portion, which can be oriented toward the channel protrusion on the longitudinal guide structure. The single- and double-sided channel portions of the longitudinal guide structure can extend along the battery's insertion and extraction axis. The replaceable portion of each guide block may comprise lower surface hardness and higher surface friction, relative to the safety portion. The friction-inducing surfaces of each replaceable portion of each guide block can be raised, relative to the safety portions and the remaining portions of the replaceable portions of each guide block, > your NCNNC N σ N in the direction of opposite side faces of battery. > s N c NNC N σ N The friction-inducing surfaces of each replaceable portion of each guide block may comprise a series of friction-inducing ridges oriented along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The safety portion of each guide block can be secured to the material handling vehicle. The replaceable portion of each guide block can be seated within the safety portion and removed from the safety portion without damaging it. The safety portion of each guide block can be configured as a support from which the replaceable portion of each guide block can be extended to define the guide and friction induction surfaces. The longitudinal guide structure of the battery side face can be configured as a stepped guide channel comprising a single-sided channel portion that transitions to a double-sided channel portion at a channel protrusion. The replaceable portion of each guide block can comprise a chamfered front portion, the chamfered front portion facing the channel protrusion in the longitudinal guide structure. Each longitudinal guide structure of the battery side faces may comprise a channel portion on one side that may comprise the opposite surface facing the guide surface of the guide block, with the assembly of > your NCNNC N σ N removable battery seated in the battery receiving space. The channel portions on one and both sides of the longitudinal guide structure can extend in one direction along the battery insertion and extraction axis. Each friction-inducing surface can be oriented toward an opposite face of the battery side faces in a perpendicular direction, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The replaceable portion of each guide block can comprise a chamfered front portion that can be oriented toward a projection of the channel of the longitudinal guide structure, in the direction of... The removable battery assembly or locking mechanism may further comprise a pair of spring-loaded locking pins, each disposed in one of the two-sided channel portions of the longitudinal guide structure. The battery receiving space may comprise a pair of battery latches positioned on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, to receive a front portion of a corresponding pair of pins from your NCNNC N σ N spring lock with removable battery assembly seated in battery receiving space. Each opposing guide block can be positioned along the battery insertion and extraction axis to engage the channel protrusion of one of the longitudinal guide structures with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space and the front portions of the pair of spring-loaded locking pins received within the pair of battery latches. Another aspect relates to a removable battery assembly. The removable battery assembly may comprise a battery body. The removable battery assembly may also comprise a battery locking mechanism. The battery body may define a longitudinal axis for battery insertion and extraction along which the removable battery assembly can be inserted into and extracted from a battery receiving space of a material handling vehicle. The battery body may comprise battery side faces. Each battery side face may comprise a longitudinal guide structure that can be oriented along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The longitudinal guide structures of the battery side faces may be configured as a stepped guide channel comprising a single-sided channel portion that can transition to a double-sided channel portion in a N σ N channel protrusion. The channel portions on one and both sides of the longitudinal guide structure can extend along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The locking mechanism can comprise a pair of spring-loaded locking pins, each disposed in one of the two-sided channel portions of the longitudinal guide structure. The battery receiving space may comprise opposing guide blocks, each arranged on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, and each comprising a safety portion and a replaceable portion. The replaceable portion of each guide block may comprise a friction-inducing surface and a guide surface. Each friction-inducing surface may extend along the battery insertion and extraction axis, parallel to and oriented toward an opposite face of the battery side faces, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. Each guide surface may extend along the battery insertion and extraction axis, perpendicular to the battery side faces and / or oriented toward an opposite surface of the longitudinal guide structure, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The guide and friction induction surfaces of each replaceable portion of each guide block may be > your NCNNC N σ N oriented towards an opposite surface of the removable battery assembly or longitudinal guide structure without interference from the safety portions of each guide block, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The friction-inducing surface of each replaceable portion of each guide block may extend discontinuously in one direction along the battery insertion and extraction axis and may be oriented toward the opposite side face of the battery in a perpendicular direction, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The guide surface of each replaceable portion of each guide block may extend continuously in the direction and may be oriented toward the opposite surface of the longitudinal guide structure in a perpendicular direction, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The replaceable portion of each guide block may comprise a chamfered front portion, which may be oriented toward the channel protrusion in the longitudinal guide structure. The channel portions on one and both sides of the longitudinal guide structure may extend along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The replaceable portion of each guide block can > your NCNNC N σ N include a lower surface hardness and higher surface friction, in relation to the safety portion. The friction-inducing surfaces of each replaceable portion of each guide block can be raised, relative to the safety portions and the remaining portions of the replaceable portions of each guide block, in the direction of the opposite side faces of the battery. The friction-inducing surfaces of each replaceable portion of each guide block may comprise a series of friction-inducing ridges oriented along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The safety portion of each guide block can be secured to the material handling vehicle. The replaceable portion of each guide block can be seated within the safety portion and removed from the safety portion without damaging it. The safety portion of each guide block can be configured as a support from which the replaceable portion of each guide block can be extended to define the guide and friction induction surfaces. Each longitudinal guide structure of the battery side faces may comprise a channel portion on one side that may comprise the opposite surface facing the guide surface of the guide block, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. > your NCNNC N σ N The longitudinal guide structure of the battery side face can be configured as a stepped guide channel comprising a single-sided channel portion that transitions to a double-sided channel portion at a channel protrusion. The single-sided channel portion of the longitudinal guide structure can comprise the surface opposite the guide surface of the guide block, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The channel portions on one and both sides of the longitudinal guide structure can extend in one direction along the battery insertion and extraction axis. Each friction-inducing surface can be oriented toward an opposite face of the battery side faces in a perpendicular direction, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The replaceable portion of each guide block can comprise a chamfered front portion that can face a projection of the channel of the longitudinal guide structure, in the direction. The removable battery assembly or locking mechanism may further comprise a pair of spring-loaded locking pins, each disposed in one of the > your NCNNC N σ N portions of channel on both sides of the longitudinal guide structure. The battery receiving space may comprise a pair of battery latches positioned on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, to receive a front portion of a corresponding pair of spring-loaded locking pins with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. Each opposing guide block can be positioned along the battery insertion and extraction axis to engage the channel protrusion of one of the longitudinal guide structures with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space and the front portions of the pair of spring-loaded locking pins received within the pair of battery latches. In another aspect, a material handling vehicle includes a battery receiving space and a removable battery assembly, wherein: the removable battery assembly includes battery side faces, each of which includes a longitudinal guide structure; the battery receiving space includes opposing guide blocks, each disposed on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, and each including a safety portion and a replaceable portion; the replaceable portion of each guide block including a friction-inducing surface and a > your NCNNC N σ N guide surface; each friction induction surface oriented towards an opposite one of the battery side faces; and each guide surface oriented towards an opposite surface of the longitudinal guide structure, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. Another aspect relates to a material handling vehicle. The material handling vehicle may comprise a material handling mechanism and a drive mechanism. The material handling vehicle may also comprise a battery receiving space and a detachable battery assembly. The material handling vehicle can be configured to move along an inventory transit surface and pick up products in a warehouse environment. The material handling mechanism can be configured to pick up products in a warehouse environment and cooperates with the drive mechanism, powered by the removable battery assembly, to move products along an inventory transit surface in the warehouse environment. The removable battery assembly may comprise a battery body. The battery body may define a longitudinal axis for battery insertion and extraction along which the battery assembly may be inserted into and extracted from a battery receiving space of a drive vehicle. N σ N of materials. The removable battery assembly and the battery receiving space can cooperate to define a battery insertion and extraction axis. The removable battery assembly can be inserted into and removed from the battery receiving space along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The removable battery assembly can comprise battery side faces, each of which comprises a longitudinal guide structure that can be oriented along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The battery receiving space may comprise opposing retention blocks, each disposed on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, and each comprising a retention lever comprising a fixed end and a distal end. The longitudinal guide structure of each battery side face may comprise a lever receiving retainer configured to receive the distal end of one of the retention levers, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. Each retaining lever can be configured to remain in a flexed state when received in the lever receiving detent of the longitudinal guide structure. Each retaining block may comprise a flat guide surface oriented towards an opposite surface of the > your NCNNC N σ N longitudinal guide structure. The flat guide surface of the retaining block may comprise a retaining lever recess. Each retaining lever may be configured to increase deflection as it moves progressively into the retaining lever recess. Each retaining block may comprise a flat guide surface facing an opposite surface of the longitudinal guide structure. The flat guide surface of the retaining block may comprise a recess for the retaining lever. The fixed end of each retaining lever may be positioned in the recess for the retaining lever to avoid contact with the opposite surface of the longitudinal guide structure. The distal end of each retaining lever may comprise a terminal lobe. The lever's receiving retainer and the terminal lobe may define matching rounded profiles. Each retaining block may comprise a metal backplate and a plastic retaining lever plate. The removable battery assembly may comprise a front face and an electrical plug on the front face of the removable battery assembly. The battery receiving space may comprise an electrical connector that complements the electrical plug of the removable battery assembly. Each > s N c NNC The N σ N retaining lever can be positioned so that each of the lever receiving retainers receives a distal end of one of the retaining levers simultaneously with the engagement of the electrical plug on the front face of the removable battery assembly with the electrical connector in the battery receiving space, as the removable battery assembly is inserted into the battery receiving space. Each longitudinal guide structure of the battery side faces may comprise a single-sided channel portion comprising the opposite surface facing the guide surface of the retaining block, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The single-sided channel portion of the longitudinal guide structure may comprise a lever receiving retainer configured to receive the distal end of a retaining lever, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The single-sided channel portion may terminate at a protrusion of the longitudinal guide structure channel. Each guide block may comprise a chamfered front portion facing the protrusion of the longitudinal guide structure channel, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. > your NCNNC N σ N Another aspect relates to a removable battery assembly. The removable battery assembly may comprise a battery body. The battery body may define a longitudinal battery insertion and extraction axis along which the battery assembly can be inserted into and removed from a battery receiving space of a material handling vehicle. The removable battery assembly may comprise battery side faces, each comprising a longitudinal guide structure that can be oriented along the battery insertion and extraction axis. The longitudinal guide structure of each battery side face may comprise a single-sided channel portion that can terminate in a channel protrusion of the longitudinal guide structure. The single-sided channel portion of the longitudinal guide structure may comprise a lever receiving retainer that can be configured to receive the distal end of the retaining levers, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The battery receiving space may comprise opposing retention blocks, each arranged on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, and each comprising a retention lever comprising a fixed end and a distal end. The longitudinal guide structure of > your NCNNC N σ N each side face of battery may comprise a lever receiving retainer that is configured to receive the distal end of one of the retaining levers, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. Each retaining lever can be configured to remain in a flexed state when received in the lever receiving detent of the longitudinal guide structure. Each retaining block may comprise a flat guide surface facing an opposite surface of the longitudinal guide structure. The flat guide surface of the retaining block may comprise a recess for the retaining lever. Each retaining lever may be configured to increase deflection as it moves progressively toward the recess of the retaining lever. Each retaining block may comprise a flat guide surface facing an opposite surface of the longitudinal guide structure. The flat guide surface of the retaining block may comprise a recess for the retaining lever. The fixed end of each retaining lever may be positioned in the recess for the retaining lever to avoid contact with the opposite surface of the longitudinal guide structure. The distal end of each retaining lever can > your NCNNC N σ N comprise a terminal lobe. The lever receiving retainer and the terminal lobe can define matching rounded profiles. Each retaining block may comprise a metal backplate and a plastic retaining lever plate. The removable battery assembly may comprise a front face and an electrical plug on the front face of the removable battery assembly. The battery receiving space may comprise an electrical connector that complements the electrical plug of the removable battery assembly. Each retaining lever may be positioned such that each of the lever receiving retainers receives a distal end of one of the retaining levers simultaneously with the engagement of the electrical plug on the front face of the removable battery assembly with the electrical connector in the battery receiving space, as the removable battery assembly is inserted into the battery receiving space. Each longitudinal guide structure of the battery side faces may comprise a single-sided channel portion comprising the opposite surface facing the guide surface of the retaining block, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The single-sided channel portion of the > s N c NNC N σ N longitudinal figure structure may comprise a lever receiving retainer that is configured to receive the distal end of a retaining lever, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. The single-sided channel portion may terminate at a projection of the longitudinal guide structure channel. Each guide block may comprise a chamfered front portion facing the projection of the longitudinal guide structure channel, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space. In another aspect, a material handling vehicle includes a battery receiving space and a removable battery assembly, wherein: the removable battery assembly includes battery side faces, each of which includes a longitudinal guide structure; the battery receiving space includes opposing retention blocks, each disposed on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, and each comprising a retention lever including a fixed end and a distal end; and the longitudinal guide structure of each battery side face includes a lever receiving retainer that is configured to receive the distal end of one of the retention levers. Another aspect concerns a material handling vehicle. The material handling vehicle can > your NCNCC N σ N comprise a material handling mechanism, a drive mechanism, a battery receiving space, and a detachable battery assembly. The material handling mechanism can be configured to engage products in a warehouse environment and can cooperate with the drive mechanism, powered by the removable battery assembly, to move products along an inventory transit surface in the warehouse environment. The removable battery assembly and the battery receiving space can cooperate to define a battery insertion and extraction axis along which the removable battery assembly can be inserted into and removed from the battery receiving space. The removable battery assembly can comprise a battery body, a front face, an electrical plug on the front face of the removable battery assembly, and a battery locking mechanism. The battery receiving space can comprise an electrical connector that can complement the electrical plug of the removable battery assembly, and a battery latch that can engage the battery locking mechanism simultaneously with the engagement of the electrical plug on the front face of the removable battery assembly with the electrical connector in the battery receiving space as the removable battery assembly is inserted into the space. N σ N of battery reception. The front face of the removable battery assembly may rest on a lower surface of the battery reception space with the battery locking mechanism engaged with the battery latch and / or with the electrical plug connected with the electrical connector. The electrical plug, electrical connector, battery body, and battery reception space may be configured to define a clearance extending along the battery insertion and extraction axis between the opposing surfaces of the electrical plug and electrical connector, with the front face of the removable battery assembly resting on the lower surface of the battery reception space. The electrical connector in the battery receiving space may comprise a connector housing comprising an outer wall that tapers to a reduced footprint as it extends away from the lower surface of the battery receiving space. The electrical plug on the front face of the removable battery assembly may comprise a plug box comprising an inner wall that tapers to a larger footprint as it extends away from the front face of the removable battery assembly. The inner wall may be tapered to complement and make contact with the tapered portion of the wall > your NCNNC N σ N exterior of the connector housing with the front face of the removable battery assembly resting on the lower surface of the battery receiving space, and with the separation space between the opposite surfaces of the electrical plug and the electrical connector. The opposite surfaces of the electrical plug and electrical connector may be horizontally oriented opposite surfaces that may be perpendicular to the battery insertion and removal axis and may be separated by the separation space. The clearance space, or a space larger than the clearance space, can be maintained between substantially all horizontally oriented opposite surfaces of the electrical plug and electrical connector. The separation space (414) can be at least around 0.2 mm. The separation space can be between around 0.2 mm and around 1.7 mm. The battery-side electrical connector may be recessed into the front face of the battery assembly with a socket box. The vehicle-side electrical connector may protrude upward from the underside of the battery receiving space with a connector housing. The battery-side electrical connector may include an edge portion that may be enclosed by the socket box and may generally extend parallel to your NCNNC N σ N the front face of the battery assembly. The vehicle-side electrical connector may comprise a portion of the protrusion that may be enclosed by the connector housing and may generally extend parallel to the lower surface of the battery receiving space. The edge portion of the battery-side electrical plug can extend parallel to the vehicle-side electrical connector protrusion portion, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space, and is separated from the protrusion portion by the separation space. The battery-side electrical connector may be recessed into the front face of the battery assembly with a plug box. The vehicle-side electrical connector may protrude upward from the underside of the battery receiving space with a connector housing. The connector housing may comprise an outer wall that tapers to a smaller surface area as it extends away from the lower surface of the battery receiving space. The socket housing may comprise an inner wall that tapers to a larger surface area as it extends away from the front face of the removable battery assembly. > your NCNNC N σ N The battery-side electrical plug may include an edge portion that may be enclosed by the plug housing and may generally extend parallel to the front face of the battery assembly. The vehicle-side electrical connector may include a protrusion portion that may be enclosed by the connector housing and may generally extend parallel to the lower surface of the battery receiving space. The edge portion of the battery-side electrical plug may extend parallel to the vehicle-side electrical connector protrusion portion, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space, and may be separated from the protrusion portion by the separation space. The electrical connector in the battery receiving space may comprise a connector housing comprising an outer wall that can be narrowed to a reduced footprint as it extends from the lower surface of the battery receiving space. The electrical socket on the front face of the removable battery assembly may comprise a socket box comprising an internal wall that can be reduced to a larger footprint as it extends away from the front face of the removable battery assembly. The electrical connector in the receiving area of ​​> your NCNNC The battery assembly may comprise a connector housing with an outer wall that tapers to a reduced footprint as it extends away from the bottom surface of the battery receiving space. The electrical plug on the front face of the removable battery assembly may comprise a plug box with an inner wall that tapers gradually to a larger footprint as it extends away from the front face of the removable battery assembly; and the inner wall of the electrical plug may be tapered to complement and make contact with the tapered shape of the outer wall of the connector housing with the front face of the removable battery assembly resting on the bottom surface of the battery receiving space. The electrical plug may comprise an assembly of electrically conductive pin receptacles, and the electrical connector may comprise a set of complementary electrically conductive connector pins. An outer portion of the clearance space may surround the assembly of electrically conductive pin receptacles and the assembly of complementary electrically conductive connector pins, with the front face of the removable battery assembly resting on the lower surface of the battery receptacle space and the > your NCNNC N σ N set of electrically conductive pin receptacles hooked to the set of electrically complementary conductive connector pins. The electrical plug socket box and the electrical connector housing can cooperate to enclose the electrically conductive pin receptacle assembly and the complementary electrically conductive connector pin assembly to form a barrier between the outermost portion of the separation space and the connected pin receptacle and connector pin assemblies, with the front face of the removable battery assembly resting on the lower surface of the battery receiving space. The electrical connector in the battery receiving space comprises a connector housing with an outer wall that tapers to a reduced footprint as it extends away from the bottom surface of the battery receiving space. The electrical plug on the front face of the removable battery assembly comprises a plug box with an inner wall that tapers to a larger footprint as it extends away from the front face of the removable battery assembly. The inner wall of the electrical plug is tapered to complement and make contact with the tapered portion of the wall. The outer wall of the connector housing with the front face of the removable battery assembly rests on the lower surface of the battery receiving space. The inner wall of the electrical plug may make contact with the outer wall of the connector housing at a conical contact boundary surrounding the outermost portion of the gap. The electrically conductive pin receptacle assembly and the complementary electrically conductive connector pin assembly form an eight-pin configuration comprising: positive and negative battery terminals B+ / B-; a CANH signal pin for a CAN Bus High Signal; a CANL signal pin for a CAN Bus Low Signal; a SIG1 signal pin for a battery discharge start signal; a SIG2 signal pin for a battery charge start signal; a SIG3 signal pin for a discharge select signal; and / or a SIG4 signal pin for an Auxiliary Signal. In another aspect, a material handling vehicle includes a battery receiving space and a removable battery assembly, wherein: the removable battery assembly includes a battery body, a front face, and an electrical plug on the front face of the removable battery assembly; the battery receiving space includes an electrical connector; the front face of the assembly > your NCNNC The removable battery rests on a lower surface of the battery receiving space with the electrical plug engaged with the electrical connector; and the electrical plug, electrical connector, battery body, and battery receiving space are configured to define a separation space between the opposite surfaces of the electrical plug and electrical connector, with the front face of the removable battery assembly resting on the lower surface of the battery receiving space. The features and characteristics of one aspect may also be features and characteristics of another aspect. A person skilled in the art may deduce additional features and advantages from the following description of exemplary features with respect to the accompanying figures. The features shown and described are exemplary only and should not be construed as limiting the invention, which is defined in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The following detailed description of specific modalities of the present description can be better understood when read together with the following drawings, where similar structure is indicated with similar reference numbers and in which: FIGURE 1 schematically represents a perspective view of a material handling vehicle, according to > your NCNNC N σ N to one or more modalities shown and described herein; FIGURE 2 schematically represents a removable battery assembly of the material handling vehicle of FIGURE 1, according to one or more of the modalities shown and described herein; FIGURE 3 schematically represents an exploded perspective view of the removable battery assembly of FIGURE 2, according to one or more of the modalities shown and described herein; FIGURE 4 schematically represents another exploded perspective view of the removable battery assembly of FIGURE 2, according to one or more of the modalities shown and described herein; FIGURE 5 schematically represents an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cam surfaces of the removable battery assembly of FIGURE 2, according to one or more of the modalities shown and described herein; FIGURE 6 schematically represents a perspective view of a spring-loaded battery handle of the removable battery assembly of FIGURE 2, according to one or more of the embodiments shown and described herein; FIGURE 7 schematically represents a perspective view of a spring-loaded locking pin of the removable battery assembly of FIGURE 2, according to one or more of the embodiments shown and described herein; > s N c NNC Figure 8 schematically represents a partial cross-sectional view of the removable battery assembly of Figure 2, according to one or more of the modalities shown and described herein; FIGURE 9 schematically represents an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the removable battery assembly of FIGURE 2 in a locked position, according to one or more of the modalities shown and described herein; FIGURE 10 schematically represents an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the removable battery assembly of FIGURE 2 in an unlocked position, according to one or more of the modalities shown and described herein; FIGURE 11 schematically represents one modality of a removable battery assembly that includes a pair of guide pin stabilizers, according to one or more modalities shown and described herein; FIGURE 12 schematically represents a perspective view of the removable battery assembly of FIGURE 11 that is inserted into a battery receiving space, according to one or more of the modalities shown and described herein; FIGURE 13 schematically represents another perspective view of the removable battery assembly of FIGURE 11 that is inserted into the battery receiving space, of > your NCNNC N σ N in accordance with one or more of the modalities shown and described herein; FIGURE 14 schematically represents a side view of the removable battery assembly of FIGURE 11 received within the battery receiving space, according to one or more of the modalities shown and described herein; FIGURE 15 schematically represents one modality of a removable battery assembly that includes a pair of guide pin stabilizers, according to one or more modalities shown and described herein; FIGURE 16 schematically represents an enlarged view of the removable battery assembly of FIGURE 15, which includes the pair of guide pin stabilizers, according to one or more of the modalities shown and described herein; FIGURE 17 schematically represents a partial cross-sectional view of the removable battery assembly of FIGURE 15 taken along line 17-17, according to one or more of the modalities shown and described herein; FIGURE 18 schematically represents a side view of the removable battery assembly of FIGURE 15 received within the battery receiving space, according to one or more of the modes shown and described herein; Figure 19 schematically represents a perspective view of another type of battery assembly > your NCNCC N σ N removable that is inserted into the battery receiving space that includes a guide block, according to one or more modalities shown and described herein; FIGURE 20 schematically represents a perspective view of the guide block of FIGURE 15, according to one or more of the modalities shown and described herein; FIGURE 21 schematically represents an exploded perspective view of the guide block of FIGURE 15, according to one or more of the modalities shown and described herein; FIGURE 22 schematically represents a perspective view of the battery receiving space that includes a pair of retention blocks, according to one or more of the modalities shown and described herein; FIGURE 23 schematically represents a side view of one of the retaining blocks connected to the removable battery assembly, according to one or more of the modes shown and described herein; FIGURE 24 schematically represents an enlarged side view of the retaining block of FIGURE 19, according to one or more of the modalities shown and described herein; FIGURE 25 schematically represents a cross-sectional view of an electrical plug of the removable battery assembly that mates with an electrical connector of the > your NCNNC N σ N battery reception space, according to one or more modalities shown and described herein; FIGURE 26 schematically represents an enlarged cross-sectional view of the electrical plug of FIGURE 21 connected to the electrical connector of FIGURE 21, according to one or more of the modalities shown and described herein; FIGURE 27 schematically represents an enlarged front view of the electrical plug of FIGURE 21 connected to the electrical connector of FIGURE 21, according to one or more of the modalities shown and described herein; FIGURE 28 schematically represents a perspective view of the electrical connector of FIGURE 21, according to one or more of the modalities shown and described herein; FIGURE 29 schematically represents another perspective view of the electrical connector of FIGURE 21, according to one or more of the modalities shown and described herein; FIGURE 30 schematically represents a plurality of display screens to be displayed on a battery screen of the removable battery assembly, according to one or more of the modes shown and described herein; and FIGURE 31 schematically represents a circuit diagram illustrating complementary assignments of > s NCNNC N σ N plug / pin connector for battery coupling of a battery-powered material handling vehicle, according to one or more of the modalities shown and described herein. Referring initially to FIGURE 1, a material handling vehicle 100 is shown. 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 products in a warehouse environment and cooperates with the drive mechanism 120, powered by the removable battery assembly 200, to move products along an inventory transit surface in the warehouse environment. For the purposes of defining and describing the concepts and scope of this description, it is noted that a warehouse encompasses any indoor or outdoor industrial facility where material handling vehicles transport products, including, but not limited to, indoor or outdoor industrial facilities primarily intended for product storage, such as those with multi-level shelving arranged in aisles, and manufacturing facilities where products are > your NCNNC N σ N are transported through the facility by material handling vehicles for use in one or more manufacturing processes. The drive mechanism 120 is illustrated schematically in FIGURE 1, and it is noted that a variety of conventional and yet-to-be-developed drive mechanisms will be suitable for operating with material handling vehicles of the herein described. For example, and without limitation, in the context of a pallet truck, the drive mechanism 120 may comprise an electric motor that is integrated with the pallet truck's steering wheel, as described in US 6,343,907 and other similar patent literature. The removable battery assembly 200 and the battery receiving space 130 cooperate to define a battery insertion and extraction axis 140 along which the removable battery assembly 200 is inserted into and extracted from the battery receiving space 130. It is noted that the present description and claims relate to the movement of various components along the respective axes. This movement along an axis encompasses movement that is directly collinear with the associated axis and movement that offsets from, but is parallel to, the associated axis. With reference now to FIGURES 2-4, the removable battery assembly 200 comprises a battery body 210 and a battery locking mechanism 220. The battery body 210 > your NCNNC The removable battery assembly 200 comprises a plurality of rechargeable battery cells 211, a front housing 210A, and a rear housing 210B. The front and rear housings 210A and 210B cooperate to contain the plurality of rechargeable battery cells 211. As described in more detail herein, the front and rear housings 210A and 210B cooperate to contain portions of the battery locking mechanism 220. The removable battery assembly 200 comprises a front face 201 provided at a lower end of the front and rear housings 210A and 210B. It should be noted that only one of the front and rear housings 210A and 210B needs to be designed with special attention to the tolerances required for the proper restriction of linear movement of the locking mechanism components, as described herein. Furthermore, the battery assembly is optimized by allowing the complete installation of the battery locking mechanism 220 in one of the front and rear housings 210A and 210B before the housings are assembled with the appropriate safety hardware, adhesive, and / or other suitable joining technology. The battery housing 210 may comprise unit-integrated hardware, multi-component hardware, or a combination thereof, to restrict the battery locking mechanism 220 and its individual components to linear movement. As shown in FIGURE 25, assembly 200 of > your NCNCC The removable battery assembly comprises an electrical plug 300 on the front face 201 of the removable battery assembly 200. The battery receiving space 130 comprises an electrical connector 400 that complements the electrical plug 300 of the removable battery assembly 200. The front face 201 is the side of the removable battery assembly 200 facing the battery receiving space 130 when the removable battery assembly 200 is inserted into the battery receiving space 130 in a direction opposite to the lifting direction 255 of the handle along the battery insertion and extraction axis 140. As shown in FIGURE 6, the battery locking mechanism 220 comprises a spring-loaded battery handle 230 including a gripping portion 231 and one or more arm portions 237A, 237B extending in a handle-lifting direction 255. As shown, the spring-loaded battery handle 230 includes a pair of separate arm portions provided at opposite ends of the gripping portion 231. The spring-loaded battery handle 230 comprises a flat handle cam surface 232A, 232B provided at one end of at least one of the spaced arm portions. In certain embodiments, each arm portion 237A, 237B comprises a flat handle cam surface 232A, 232B. The spring-loaded battery handle 230 comprises a locking pin passage 234A, 234B formed in the N σ N handle cam flat surface 232A, 232B. In certain embodiments, the spring-loaded battery handle 230 includes a locking pin passage 234A, 234B formed in each of the handle cam flat surfaces 232A, 232B. The spring-loaded battery handle 230 may comprise one or more handle-side limiting surfaces 236A, 236B independent of the handle cam flat surface 232A, 232B of the battery handle 230. As shown, each spaced arm portion includes a handle-side limiting surface 236A, 236B. The handle-side limiting surfaces 236A, 236B are inclined with respect to the handle lifting direction 255. The battery handle 230 may further comprise one or more handle-side limiting surfaces 236A', 236B' that are oriented perpendicular to the handle lifting direction 255.The spring-loaded battery handle 230 may further comprise one or more spring-loaded latching fingers 239A, 239B extending from the handle-side limiting surfaces 236A'', 236B' of the battery handle 230 in the handle-lifting direction 255, along the battery insertion and extraction shaft 140. As shown, the spring-loaded battery handle 230 comprises a pair of spring-loaded latching fingers 239A, 239B. The spring-loaded battery handle 230 may be a single unit, as would be the case with a molded structure, or it may be > your NCNN C. N σ N formed by multiple components. As shown in FIGURE 7, the battery locking mechanism 220 comprises one or more spring-loaded locking pins 240A, 240B. As described in more detail herein, the battery locking mechanism 220 may comprise a pair of spring-loaded locking pins 240A, 240B, each of which has an identical structure and is a mirror image of the other. With reference to FIGURE 7, which illustrates a single spring-loaded locking pin 240A, and FIGURE 8, which illustrates the pair of spring-loaded locking pins 240A, 240B, the structure of the spring-loaded locking pins 240A, 240B is analyzed in more detail. The spring-loaded locking pins 240A, 240B comprise a pin cam flat surface 250A, 250B that is parallel to the handle cam flat surface 232A, 232B.The flat surface 232A, 232B of the handle cam and the corresponding flat surface 250A, 250B of the pin cam of one of the arm portions 237A, 237B are configured as a mirror image of the flat surface 232A, 232B of the handle cam and the corresponding flat surface 250A, 250B of the pin cam of the other of the arm portions 237A, 237B. The spring-loaded locking pin 237A, 237B comprises a locking pin extension 242A, 242B extending along an engagement and disengagement axis 152A, 152B. The pin 240, 240B of > your NCNN C. The spring-loaded locking mechanism N σ N comprises a locking pin extension 242A, 242B extending from the flat surface 250A, 250B of the pin cam and through the locking pin passage 234A, 234B formed in the flat surface 232A, 232B of the handle cam. Each of the spring-loaded locking pins 240A, 240B of the battery locking mechanism 220 may comprise a complementary chamfered mating face 244A, 244B. The spring-loaded locking pin 240A, 240B may comprise a spring-loaded latching finger 249A, 249B extending in a direction opposite to the locking pin extension 242A, 242B and perpendicular to the battery insertion and extraction axis 140. The spring-loaded locking pin 240A, 240B can be a single unit, as would be the case in a molded structure, or it can be made up of multiple components. As used herein, flat surfaces may include non-flat portions. This is shown, for example, in FIGURES 6 and 7, where the flat surface 250A, 250B of the pin cam and the flat surface 232A, 232B of the handle cam terminate with rounded, raised portions. As shown in FIGURE 5, the 232A flat cam surface of the spring-loaded 230 battery handle and the 250A flat cam surface are shown > your NCNNC N σ N of the spring-loaded locking pin 240. An outside angle θι is defined between the handle's flat cam surface 232A and a cam surface travel T that extends in the handle's lifting direction 255 along the battery insertion and extraction axis 140. The cam surface travel T is perpendicular to the latch's engagement and disengagement axis 152A. In addition, an outside angle Θ2 is defined between the pin's flat cam surface 250A and the cam surface travel T. As such, the outside angles θι and Θ2 are equal and alternate with respect to the cam surface travel T. As described in more detail herein, the battery locking mechanism 220 can be positioned between a locked position, shown in FIGURE 8, an intermediate position, shown in FIGURE 9, and an unlocked position, shown in FIGURE 10. It should be noted that when the battery locking mechanism 220 is in the locked position, the removable battery assembly 200 is locked within the battery receiving space 130. Alternatively, when the battery locking mechanism 220 is in the unlocked position, the removable battery assembly 200 is allowed to be removed from the battery receiving space 130. The battery receiving space 130 comprises one or more battery latches 150A, 150B. As shown, the > your NCNNC N σ N battery receiving space 130 may comprise a pair of battery latches 150A, 150B positioned to receive a corresponding front portion 245A, 245B of the spring-loaded locking pins 240A, 240B when the spring-loaded locking pins 240A, 240B are in an extended position and the removable battery assembly 200 sits in battery receiving space 130. In certain configurations, the battery receiving space 130 may comprise opposing pairs of battery guide pins 132A, 132B, each opposing pair arranged on opposite sides of the battery receiving space 130. Each opposing pair of guide pins 132A, 132B comprises a latching pin 132A', 132B' and a guide pin 132A, 132B. The latching pin 132A', 132B' and the guide pin 132A, 132B of each opposing pair of battery guide pins 132A, 132B are positioned along a common guide pin axis, parallel to the battery insertion and extraction axis 140. The latching pin 132A', 13237 of each opposing pair of battery guide pins 132A, 132B comprises a recess forming the battery latch 150A, 150B which is positioned to receive the front portion 245A, 245B of one of the spring-loaded locking pins 237A, 237B when in the extended position, with the removable battery assembly 200 seated in the battery receiving space 130.As used herein, the term pin can take a variety of forms, and only > your NCNN C. N σ N needs to be seated in the battery receiving space 130 while exhibiting a structure that can extend towards the longitudinal guide structures 204A, 204B of the battery body 210, as described herein. It is also noted that a pin can be a monolithic element or can comprise multiple components. Although, in the illustrated embodiment, the latching pin 132A', 132B' is positioned closer to an open end of the battery receiving space 130, it is contemplated that the guide pin 132A, 132B may alternatively be positioned closer to an open end of the battery receiving space 130. As shown in FIGURE 14, the latching pin 132A', 132B' and the guide pin 132A, 132B of each opposing pair of battery guide pins 132A, 132B are separated by a guide pin spacer S. Although this spacing between guide pins may vary between different modalities, in some cases it will be advantageous to ensure that the spacing S between guide pins is less than half of a longitudinal dimension L, shown in FIGURE 12, of the side battery faces 202A, 202B, and is about 47.5 mm.The aforementioned upper limit on the S spacing of the guide pins helps ensure that the 200 battery assembly does not stick during insertion and removal, while the aforementioned minimum spacing helps ensure that the 132A, 132B guide pins will provide > your NCNN C. N σ N sufficient resistance to inadvertent tilting of the battery during insertion and removal. Although a wide variety of battery dimensions are covered by this description, in the standard configurations, battery dimensions will range from approximately 400 mm to approximately 450 mm (height), from approximately 80 mm to approximately 120 mm (depth), and from approximately 200 mm to approximately 230 mm (width). In other configurations, battery dimensions will range from approximately 415 mm to approximately 416 mm (height), from approximately 101 mm to approximately 102 mm (depth), and from approximately 211 mm to approximately 212 mm (width). The dimensions of the guide pins 132A and 132B and the longitudinal guide structure 204A and 204B can be taken to scale with respect to the aforementioned battery dimensions.To ensure the correct insertion and removal of the removable battery assembly 200 to and from the battery receiving space 130, as discussed in more detail herein, a minimum amount of clearance must be maintained between the periphery of the guide pins 132A, 132B and the inner walls of the longitudinal guide frame 204A, 204B. In many cases, a clearance of between approximately 0.5 mm and approximately 5 mm will be sufficient. > s N c NNC N σ N With reference again to FIGURES 8-10, the latching pin 132A', 132B' of each opposing pair of battery guide pins 132A, 132B may comprise a chamfered latching face 136A, 136B. The chamfered latching face 136A, 136B of each latching pin 132A', 132B' leads to the recess forming the battery latch 150A, 150B of each latching pin 132A', 132B'. Each complementary chamfered engagement face 244A, 244B of the spring-loaded locking pins 240A, 240B is oriented towards the chamfered engagement face 136A, 136B of one of the engagement pins 132A', 132B' when the removable battery assembly 200 is inserted into the battery receiving space 130. As shown in FIGURES 12 and 13, the battery body 210 comprises the side battery faces 202A, 202B, each of which comprises a longitudinal guide structure 204A, 204B that is oriented along the battery insertion and extraction axis 140. The longitudinal guide structure 204A, 204B is dimensioned to accommodate opposing pairs of guide pins 132A, 132B, including the latching pin 132A', 132B' and the guide pin 132A, 132B, as the removable battery assembly 200 is inserted into and extracted from the battery receiving space 130. The longitudinal guide structure 204A, 204B of the side battery faces 202A, 202B is configured as guide channels. In terms of modalities, the 204A structure provides longitudinal guidance for one of the > your NCNNC N σ N battery side faces 202A is shorter than the longitudinal guide structure 204B of the other battery side face 202B, to create clearance along one of the battery side faces 202B. As illustrated in FIGURES 11 and 12, this clearance can be used to create space for hardware that forms part of the battery receiving space 130 of the material handling vehicle 100. With reference again to FIGURE 8, the battery body 210 may comprise one or more handle passages 217A, 217B and one or more locking pin passages 219A, 219B. The battery body 210 may also comprise a handle grip recess 225. As shown, the handle grip recess 225 is formed below the grip portion 231 of the spring-loaded battery handle 230 and may extend at least approximately 6.5 mm along the insertion and extraction of the battery shaft 140. In this way, the aforementioned grip recess 225 provides sufficient freedom of movement to allow a user to grasp the grip portion 231 of the spring-loaded battery handle 230 with one or two hands and initiate a battery removal operation. The battery body 210 may also comprise one or more body-side limiting surfaces 216A, 216B positioned parallel to the corresponding handle-side limiting surfaces 236A, 236B of the spring-loaded battery handle 230, for engaging the surfaces > your NCNNC N σ N 236A, 236B are lateral limiting surfaces of the corresponding handle of the spring-loaded battery handle 230 when the battery locking assembly 220 is in the locked position. The battery body 210 may further comprise one or more body-side limiting surfaces 216A', 216B' that are inclined with respect to the lifting direction 255 of the handle and dedicated to engaging one of the corresponding handle cam surfaces 232A, 232B when the battery locking assembly 220 is in the unlocked position. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, each body-side limiting surface 216A', 216B' is inclined at an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the handle lifting direction 255. This increases the absolute surface area of ​​the body-side limiting surface 216A', 216B' compared to cases where the body-side limiting surface 216A', 216B' would be perpendicular to the handle lifting direction 255, thereby increasing the braking power of the battery locking mechanism 220 and reducing wear. However, it should be noted that variations of the illustrated 45-degree limiting surface angle are permitted. The battery body 210 may further comprise one or more limiting surfaces 216A', 216B' > your NCNNC N σ N on the body side are oriented perpendicular to the handle lifting direction 255 and can be positioned to engage with a corresponding one of the handle-side restraining surfaces 236A', 236B' when the battery lock assembly 220 is in the locked position. This perpendicular orientation helps optimize the motion-restraining capability of the battery lock mechanism 220. The battery body 210 may further comprise one or more handle-facing spring-receiving cavities 212A, 212B. A handle spring 238A, 238B may be positioned within each handle-facing spring-receiving cavity 212A, 212B. The corresponding battery handle spring-engaging fingers 239A, 239B extend within the handle-facing spring-receiving cavity 212A, 212B along a longitudinal axis of the handle-facing spring-receiving cavity 212A, 212B.In this way, the handle-oriented spring-receiving cavity 212A, 212B and the battery handle spring-engaging finger 239A, 239B cooperate to help maintain the orientation of the spring-loaded battery handle 230 along the battery insertion and extraction axis 140 as the battery handle 230 moves between a low or locked position, when the battery locking assembly 220 is in the > s NCNN C position. N σ N locked, and a raised or unlocked position, when the battery lock assembly 220 is in the unlocked position. The battery body 210 may comprise one or more pin-facing spring-receiving cavities 213A, 213B. A locking pin spring 248A, 248B may be placed within each spring-receiving cavity 213A, 213B. The corresponding spring-engaging fingers 249A, 249B of the spring-loaded locking pins 240A, 240B extend into the pin-facing spring-receiving cavities 213A, 213B along a longitudinal axis of the pin-facing spring-receiving cavities 213A, 213B.In this way, the pin-oriented spring-receiving cavity 213A, 213B and the spring-engaging finger 249A, 249B of each spring-loaded locking pin 240A, 240B cooperate to help maintain the orientation of the spring-loaded locking pin 240A, 240B perpendicular to the battery insertion and extraction axis 140 as the spring-loaded battery handle 230 moves between the locked and unlocked positions. As shown in FIGURE 9, when the battery locking mechanism 220 is in the locked position, the gripping portion 231 of the battery handle 230 can be flush with an upper surface 218 of the battery body 210. > your NCNNC N σ N Alternatively, as shown in FIGURES 9 and 10, when the battery locking mechanism is in the intermediate or unlocked position, respectively, the gripping portion 231 extends above the upper surface 218 of the battery body 210. In this way, the gripping portion 231 is accessible from the outside of the battery body 210 to be grasped by a user to move the spring-loaded battery handle 230 to the unlocked position and remove the removable battery assembly 200 from the battery receiving space 130. It is noted that the spring-loaded battery handle 230 can be considered flush with the upper surface 218 of the battery body 210 when it is within an acceptable tolerance, for example, within approximately 0.2 mm to about 0.5 mm. The spring-loaded battery handle 230 and the spring-loaded locking pin 240A, 240B are configured such that the handle cam surface 232A, 232B engages with the pin cam surface 250A, 250B with the movement of the battery handle 230, relative to the battery body 210, along the battery insertion and extraction axis 140. More specifically, the spring-loaded battery handle 230 and the spring-loaded locking pin 240A, 240B engage with the handle cam surface 232A, 232B and the surface > your NCNNC N σ N 250A, 250B of the pin cam such that the movement of the battery handle 230 from the locked position to the unlocked position through the handle passage 217A, 217B in the handle lifting direction 255 causes the movement of the pin locking pin extension 242A, 242B 240A, 240B spring-loaded locking mechanism moves through the locking pin passage 234A, 234B from an extended position, when the battery lock assembly 220 is in the locked position, to a retracted position, when the battery lock assembly 220 is in the unlocked position, along the engagement and disengagement axis 152A, 152B. As described herein, the battery body 210 restricts the spring-loaded battery handle 230 and the handle cam surface 232A, 232B to linear motion along the battery insertion and extraction axis 140. In addition, the battery body 210 restricts the spring-loaded locking pin 240A, 240B and thus the pin cam surface 250A, 250B to linear motion along a latch engagement and disengagement axis 152A, 152B that is perpendicular to the battery insertion and extraction axis 140.In certain modes, the front housing 210A or rear housing 210B of the battery body 210 exclusively restricts the spring-loaded battery handle 230 and handle cam surfaces 232A, 232B to linear motion along the insertion axis 140 and > your NCNN C. N σ N battery removal. As described herein, the spring-loaded battery handle 230 is spring-loaded in the locked position by the handle springs 238A, 238B and can be moved relative to the battery body 210 from the locked position to the unlocked position in the handle lifting direction 255 along the battery insertion and removal axis 140.In addition, the spring-loaded locking pins 240A, 240B are also spring-deflected by the locking pin springs 248A, 248B in the extended position and can be moved relative to the battery body 210 from the extended to the retracted position along the latch engagement and disengagement axis 152A, 152B in response to the movement of the battery handle 230, relative to the battery body 210, in the handle lifting direction 255 with the handle cam surface 232A, 232B engaged with the pin cam surface 250A, 250B.However, it should be appreciated that the removable battery assembly 200 may include one of the handle springs 238A, 238B in direct contact with the spring-loaded battery handle 230 to deflect the battery handle 230 to the locked position, a locking pin spring 248A, 248B in direct contact with the spring-loaded locking pin 240A, 240B to deflect the pin 240A, 240B from > your NCNN C. N σ N spring-loaded lock towards the extended position, or both handle spring 238A, 238B and spring 248A, 248B of the locking pin. This movement of the spring-loaded battery handle 230 in the handle-lift direction 255 forces the spring-loaded locking pin 240A, 240B to move along the latch-engaging axis 140 because the respective flat cam surfaces 232A, 232B of the handle and the flat cam surfaces 250A, 250B of the pin are relatively low-friction surfaces that engage in a sliding manner and are constrained by the battery body 210 to move linearly along their respective axes of movement. In this way, the pair of locking pins 240A, 240B will move simultaneously, in opposite directions, along the latch-engaging axis 152A, 152B as the spring-loaded battery handle 230 moves between the locked and unlocked positions. It should be noted that the spring-loaded locking pin 240A, 240B is positioned at a point along a longitudinal dimension L, shown in FIGURE 12, of the battery body 210, resulting in the locking pin engaging with the battery latch 150A, 150B simultaneously with the engagement of an electrical plug 300, shown in FIGURE 25, on the front face 201 of the > your NCNNC Removable battery assembly 200 with an electrical connector 400 in the battery receiving space 130, while the removable battery assembly 200 is inserted into the battery receiving space 130, with the spring-loaded battery handle 230 in the locked position. The front face 201 of the removable battery assembly 200 rests on a lower surface 134 of the battery receiving space 130 with the spring-loaded locking pin 240A, 240B engaged with the battery latch 150A, 150B and the electrical plug 300 engaged with the electrical connector 400. With the battery assembly and battery receiving space 130 thus designed, the locking is not enabled until the vehicle's electrical connections are properly seated in the electrical plug 300. With reference now to FIGURES 11-14, in the embodiments, the removable battery assembly 200 further comprises a pair of guide pin stabilizers 205A, 205A', 205B, 205B' on each of the battery's side faces 202A, 202B. Each guide pin stabilizer 205A, 205A', 205B, 205B' comprises a stabilizer stem 206A that is anchored in the battery body 210 and a stabilizer cap 208A, 208B that extends partially into or partially over one of the guide channels of the longitudinal guide structure 204A, 204B to reduce the effective width of the guide channel. As shown in FIGURE 14, each pair of stabilizer guide pins 205A, 205A', 205B, 205B' forms a restricted-width guide pin space G along the longitudinal guide structure 204A, 204B on each of the side battery faces 202A, 202B. The guide pin 132A, 132B of each opposing pair of guide pins 132A, 132B resides in a guide pin parking position P along the longitudinal guide structure 204A, 204B on each of the side battery faces 202A, 202B, with the removable battery assembly 200 seated in the battery receiving space 130. The restricted-width guide pin space G formed by each pair of guide pin stabilizers 205A, 205A', 205B, 205B' overlaps at least partially with the guide pin parking position P along the longitudinal guide structure 204A, 204B on each of the side battery faces 202A, 202B.The guide pins 132A, 132B have a larger diameter than the width of the restricted-width guide pin space G. The guide pin stabilizers 205A, 205A', 205B, 205B' are configured to yield in a lateral yield direction Y perpendicular to the battery insertion and extraction axis 140, and to maintain a degree of lateral resilience, when a pin 132A, 132B enters the restricted-width guide pin space G. FIGURE 14 illustrates the lateral yield direction Y for each stabilizer 205A, > tu NCNN C. N σ N 205A' of the guide pin, on one side of the battery body 210, for example, on the side face 202A of the battery. To facilitate the aforementioned resilient yielding action, each guide pin stabilizer 205A, 205A', 205B, 205B' must define a degree of structural flexibility and rigidity. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 11 to 14, the yielding action mentioned above can be provided primarily where the stem 206A, 206B meets the cap 208A, 208B. To this end, each guide pin stabilizer 205A, 205A', 205B, 205B' can be formed as a one-piece polyurethane structure with a stem 206A, 206B that is relatively thin compared to the side dimensions of the cap 208A, 208B. To reduce wear, the guide pin cap 208A, 208B, which would otherwise define a circular footprint, may comprise a truncated portion 209A, 209B, as shown in FIGURE 14. With reference now to FIGURES 15-18, in the embodiments, the removable battery assembly 200 further comprises a pair of guide pin stabilizers 505A, 505A' on each of the battery's side faces 202A, 202B, unlike the guide pin stabilizers 205A, 205A', 205B, 205B' described herein. Although only one pair of guide pin stabilizers 505A, 505A' is illustrated on the battery's side face 202A, it should be noted that there are also 100 > your NCNNC N σ N provide a pair of guide pin stabilizers on the other side 202B of the battery. Each guide pin stabilizer 505A, 505A' can be secured to the battery body 210 with a fastener 506A and extends partially into or partially over one of the guide channels of the longitudinal guide structure 204A, 204B to reduce the effective width of the guide channel. As shown in FIGURE 18, each pair of guide pin stabilizers 505A, 505A' forms a restricted-width guide pin space G along the longitudinal guide structure 204A, 204B on each of the side battery faces 202A, 202B. The guide pin 132A, 132B of each opposing pair of guide pins 132A, 132B resides in a guide pin parking position P along the longitudinal guide structure 204A, 204B on each of the side battery faces 202A, 202B, with the removable battery assembly 200 seated in the battery receiving space 130. The restricted-width guide pin space G formed by each pair of guide pin stabilizers 505A, 505A' overlaps at least partially with the guide pin parking position P along the longitudinal guide structure 204A, 204B on each of the side battery faces 202A, 202B.To reduce wear, the 505A, SOSA' guide pin stabilizers, which would otherwise define a circular footprint, may comprise the. 101 > your NCNCC N σ N truncated portion 509A, as shown in FIGURE 18. The guide pin stabilizers 505A, 505A1, or at least a portion of the guide pin stabilizers 505A, 505A', are configured to yield in a lateral yield direction Y perpendicular to the battery insertion and extraction axis 140, and to maintain a degree of lateral resilience, when a guide pin 132A, 132B enters the restricted-width guide pin space G. FIGURE 18 illustrates the lateral yield direction Y for each guide pin stabilizer 505A, 505A', on one side of the battery body 210, e.g., on the side battery face 202A.In this embodiment, yield may be used herein to refer to a partial compression of the guide pin stabilizers 505A, 505A' such that a truncated portion 509A of the guide pin stabilizers 505A, 505A' is compressed by partially deforming in the Y direction of lateral yielding when the guide pin 132A, 132B enters the restricted width guide pin space G. To facilitate the aforementioned elastic yielding action, each guide pin 505A, 505A' stabilizer must define a degree of structural flexibility and rigidity, most advantageously in the truncated portion 509A of the guide pin stabilizers 505A, 505A'. To this end, each guide pin 505A, 505A' stabilizer can be formed as a unitary polyurethane structure. More particularly, 102 > your NCNNC N σ N The guide pin stabilizers 505A, 505A' can be formed from any suitable deformable elastic material having a Shore A hardness between 50 Shore A and 90 Shore A. The guide pin stabilizers 505A, 505A' deform when pressure or force is applied to one side of the guide pin 505A, 505A', such as, for example, a lateral yielding force in the Y direction perpendicular to the battery insertion and extraction axis 140 by contact with the guide pin 132A, 132B. In some models, the 505A and 505A' guide pin stabilizers can have a Shore A hardness between 50 Shore A and 70 Shore A. In other models, the 505A and 505A' guide pin stabilizers can have a Shore A hardness between 60 Shore A and 80 Shore A. In still other models, the 505A and 505A' guide pin stabilizers can have a Shore A hardness between 70 Shore A and 90 Shore A. As shown in FIGURE 16, the longitudinal guide structure 204A of the side battery face 202A comprises raised tracks 503A that receive the guide pin stabilizers 505A, 505A'. Although not shown, it should be appreciated that the side battery face 202B similarly comprises raised tracks that receive the other pair of guide pin stabilizers. The raised tracks 503A define a groove 503A' for receiving an alignment feature 508A' that extends from the guide pin stabilizers 505A, 505A'. 103 > your NCNCC N σ N guide. As shown in FIGURE 16, the alignment feature 508A' of each guide pin stabilizer 505A, 505A' is received within a corresponding groove 503A' to facilitate installation of the guide pin stabilizers 505A, SOSA' in the proper orientation and to help prevent the guide pin stabilizers 505A, 505A' from rotating with respect to the side battery face 202A. As shown in FIGURE 17, a cross-sectional view of the guide pin stabilizer 505A' illustrates the retainer 506A that extends through the guide pin stabilizers 505A' and is received within a channel 502A' formed in the battery face 202A. The retainer 506A may be a rigid member extending through the guide pin stabilizer 505A' and includes external threads configured to engage with internal threads formed in the channel 502A'. The retainer 506A is formed from a material having a higher hardness than the guide pin stabilizer SOSA'. In use, the guide pin stabilizers 505A, 505A1 can be positioned to receive them within the raised tracks 503A and slot 503A' and subsequently the fastener 506A is attached to the battery face 202A to secure the guide pin stabilizers 505A, 505A'.The 508A' stabilizer alignment feature 505A, 505A' of the guide pin prevents rotation of the 505A, 505A' guide pin stabilizers when the. 104 > your NCNCC N σ N fastener 506A rotates to engage battery face 202A. In other embodiments, guide pin stabilizers 505A, 505A' can be secured to battery face 202A using an adhesive or other suitable fastening member other than a mechanical fastener, such as fastener 506A. With reference now to FIGURES 19-22, in the embodiments, the battery receiving space 130 comprises opposing guide blocks 160A, 160B, each disposed on opposite sides of the battery receiving space 130. Each opposing guide block 160A, 160B is positioned along the battery insertion and extraction axis 140 to engage the channel projection 2043A, 2043B of one of the longitudinal guide structures 204A, 204B with the removable battery assembly 200 seated in the battery receiving space 130 and the front portions 245A, 245B of the pair of spring-loaded locking pins 237A, 237B received within the pair of battery latches 150A, 150B. Each opposing guide block 160A, 160B comprises a safety portion 162A, 162B and a replaceable portion 164A, 164B. The safety portion 162A, 162B of each guide block 160A, 160B is secured to the material handling vehicle 100. The replaceable portion 164A, 164B of each guide block 160A, 160B is seated within the safety portion 162A, 162B and can be removed from the safety portion 162A, 162B without destroying the safety portion 162A, 162B. 105 > your NCNCC N σ N safety. The safety portion 162A, 162B of each guide block 160A, 160B is configured as a support from which the replaceable portion 164A, 164B of each guide block 160A, 160B extends to define the friction-inducing surfaces 166A, 166B and the guide surfaces 168A, 168B, as described herein. In this way, the replaceable portion 164A, 164B of each guide block 160A, 160B can be removed and replaced many times during the service life of the material handling vehicle. In particular embodiments, the replaceable portion 164A, 164B can be manufactured from a machined block of polyurethane and can be attached to the safety portion 162A, 162B, or press-fit into a space formed by the safety portion 162A, 162B.The safety portion 162A, 162B can be fabricated from stamped steel or other metal, and can be secured to the material handling vehicle 100 in various ways, for example, by welding it to an inner housing 135 of the battery receiving space 130, or by using fasteners to secure it to the inner housing or other component of the material handling vehicle. The replaceable portion 164A, 164B of each guide block 160A, 160B comprises a lower hardness surface and a higher friction surface, relative to the safety portion 162A, 162B. As stated above, the replaceable portion 164A, 164B of each guide block 160A, 160B 106 > s NCNCC N σ N comprises a friction-inducing surface 166A, 166B and a guide surface 168A, 168B. The friction-inducing surface 166A, 166B and the guide surface 168A, 168B of each replaceable portion 164A, 164B of each guide block 160A, 160B are oriented towards an opposing surface 207A, 207B of the removable battery assembly 200 or the longitudinal guide structure 204A, 204B without interference from the safety portions 162A, 162B of each guide block 160A, 160B, with the removable battery assembly 200 seated in the battery receiving space 130. The replaceable portion 164A, 164B of each guide block 160A, 160B may comprise a main chamfer portion 165A, 165B. Each friction-inducing surface 166A, 166B extends along the battery insertion and extraction axis 140, parallel to and oriented toward an opposite face of the side battery faces 202A, 202B, with the removable battery assembly 200 seated in the battery receiving space 130. More particularly, the friction-inducing surface 166A, 166B of each replaceable portion 164A, 164B of each guide block 160A, 160B extends discontinuously in a Z direction along the battery insertion and extraction axis 140 and is oriented toward the opposite side battery face 202A, 202B in a perpendicular X direction, with the removable battery assembly 200 seated in the battery receiving space 130. The friction-inducing surfaces 166A, 166B 107 > your NCNCC The friction surfaces of each replaceable portion 164A, 164B of each guide block 160A, 160B are raised, relative to the safety portions 162A, 162B and the remaining portions of the replaceable portions 164A, 164B of each guide block 160A, 160B, in the direction of the opposite side faces 202A, 202B of the battery. The friction-inducing surfaces 166A, 166B of each replaceable portion 164A, 164B of each guide block 160A, 160B comprise a series of friction-inducing ridges oriented across the battery insertion and extraction axis 140. Each guide surface 168A, 168B extends along the battery insertion and extraction axis 140, perpendicular to the battery side faces 202A, 202B and oriented towards an opposite surface 207A, 207B of the longitudinal guide structure 204A, 204B, with the removable battery assembly 200 seated in the battery receiving space 130. More particularly, the guide surface 168A, 168B of each replaceable portion 164A, 164B of each guide block 160A, 160B extends continuously in the Z direction and is oriented towards the opposite surface 207A, 207B of the longitudinal guide structure 204A, 204B in a perpendicular Y direction, with the removable battery assembly 200 seated in the battery receiving space 130. The aforementioned discontinuities on surfaces 166A, 166B induce friction between the blocks 108 > s N c NNC N σ N Guide blocks 160A and 160B create surfaces that will more easily resist the overly rapid insertion of the removable battery assembly 200 into the battery receiving space 130. Conversely, the aforementioned continuity on the guide surfaces of guide blocks 160A and 160B creates surfaces that will more easily guide the movement of the removable battery assembly 200 as it is inserted / removed, without undue resistance. As shown in FIGURE 19, in the embodiments, the longitudinal guide structure 204A of the battery side face 202A can be configured as a stepped guide channel comprising a one-sided channel portion 2041Ά transitioning to a two-sided channel portion 2042A at a channel protrusion 2043A. The chamfered front portion 165A faces the channel protrusion 2043A in the longitudinal guide structure 204A. Although not shown, a stepped guide channel can be formed on both battery side faces 202A and 202B. By configuring the replaceable portion of each 160A, 160B guide block in this manner, the replaceable 164A, 164B portions of each 160A, 160B guide block functionally optimize the sliding contact that occurs between the 200 battery assembly and the 130 battery receiving space as the 200 battery assembly is inserted into and removed from the 130 battery receiving space, while extending the service life of the removable 200 battery assembly and 109 > your NCNCC N σ N minimizes wear on the components of the battery receiving space 130. During insertion, in particular, the guide blocks 160A and 160B help to limit excessively rapid insertion of the removable battery assembly 200 into the battery receiving space 130. With reference now to FIGURES 22-24, in the embodiments, the battery receiving space 130 comprises opposing retention blocks 260A, 260B. Each retention block 260A, 260B is arranged on opposite sides of the battery receiving space 130. Each retention block 260A, 260B may comprise a metal back plate 261A, 261B and a plastic retention lever plate 263A, 263B.Although each retaining block 260A, 260B illustrated in FIGURE 22 is presented as a two-piece assembly comprising a rear plate 261A, 261B fabricated from a rigid metal of relatively high strength, and a separate lever plate 263A, 263B fabricated from a material that is sufficiently flexible to facilitate the formation of a functional retaining lever, as described herein, it is contemplated that suitable plastics and other relatively flexible materials with sufficient strength may be used to fabricate a monolithic retaining block. Each retaining block 260A, 260B comprises a retaining lever 262A, 262B comprising a fixed end 264A, 264B and a distal end 266A, 266B. The end 266A, 266B 110 > your NCNNC Distal N σ N of each retention lever 262A, 262B comprises a terminal lobe 267A, 267B. In certain modalities, each longitudinal guide structure 204A, 204B of the side battery faces 202A, 202B comprises a one-sided channel portion 2041A, 2041B comprising the opposite surface 207A, 207B facing the guide surface 268A, 268B of the retaining block 260A, 260B, with the removable battery assembly 200 seated in the battery receiving space 130. As shown in FIGURE 23, the one-sided channel portion 2041A, 2041B terminates in a projection 2043A, 2043B of the channel of the longitudinal guide structure 204A, 204B. Each 160A, 160B guide block may comprise a chamfered front portion 165A, 165B oriented towards the 2043A, 2043B protrusion of the longitudinal guide structure 204A, 204B channel, with the removable battery assembly 200 seated in the battery receiving space 130. In certain configurations, the longitudinal guide structure 204A, 204B of each side battery face 202A, 202B comprises a lever-receiving retainer 270A configured to receive the distal end 266A, 266B of one of the retaining levers 262A, 262B, with the removable battery assembly 200 seated in the battery receiving space 130. Each retaining lever 262A, 262B is configured to remain in a flexed state when received in the 111 lever receiving retainer 270A of the structure 204A, 204B longitudinal guide. More particularly, each retaining lever 262A, 262B is positioned such that each of the lever receiving retainers 270A receives one end 266A, 266B from one of the retaining levers 262A, 262B simultaneously with the coupling of the electrical plug 300 on the front face 201 of the removable battery assembly 200 with the electrical connector 400 in the battery receiving space 130, when the removable battery assembly 200 is inserted into the battery receiving space 130. In the embodiments, the lever receiving retainer 270A and the terminal lobe 267A, 267B define rounded coupling profiles. Each retaining block 260A, 260B comprises a flat guide surface 268A, 268B oriented towards an opposing surface 207A, 207B of the longitudinal guide structure 204A, 204B. The flat guide surface 268A, 268B of the retaining block 260A, 260B comprises a recess 265A, 265B in the retaining lever. The fixed end 264A, 264B of each retaining lever 262A, 262B is positioned in the recess 265A, 265B of the retaining lever to avoid contact with the opposing surface 207A, 207B of the longitudinal guide structure 204A, 204B. Consequently, each retaining lever 262A, 262B is configured to increase flex as it moves progressively into the recess 265A, 265B of the 112 > your NCNNC N σ N retaining lever. Although the retaining lever recess illustrated in FIGURE 22 is defined by upper and lower arched surfaces, it is contemplated that the retaining levers 262A, 262B and the associated retaining lever recesses 265A, 265B, according to the present description, may be formed in a variety of ways, including, for example, by using flat surfaces to form the retaining levers 262A, 262B and the retaining lever recesses 265A, 265B. With reference to FIGURES 25-29, as previously stated, the removable battery assembly 200 and the battery receiving space 130 cooperate to define a battery insertion and extraction axis 140 along which the removable battery assembly 200 is inserted into and extracted from the battery receiving space 130. The removable battery assembly 200 comprises a battery body 210, a front face 201, an electrical plug 300 on the front face 201 of the removable battery assembly 200, and a battery locking mechanism 220. The battery receiving space 130 comprises an electrical connector 400 that complements the electrical plug 300 of the removable battery assembly 200, and a battery latch 150A, 150B that engages the battery locking mechanism 220 simultaneously with the engagement of the plug 300 113 > your NCNNC N σ N electric on the front face 201 of the removable battery assembly 200 with the electric connector 400 in the battery receiving space 130, as the removable battery assembly 200 is inserted into the battery receiving space 130. The front face 201 of the removable battery assembly 200 rests on a lower surface 134 of the battery receiving space 130 with the battery locking mechanism 22 engaged by the battery latch 150A, 150B, and with the electrical plug 300 engaged by the electrical connector 400. The electrical plug 300 may be recessed into the front face 201 of the removable battery assembly 200. The electrical plug 300, electrical connector 400, battery body 210, and battery receiving space 130 are configured to define a clearance space 414 extending along the battery insertion and removal axis 140 between the opposing surfaces 416 and 418 of the electrical plug 300 and electrical connector 400, with the front face 201 of the removable battery assembly 200 resting on the lower surface 134 of the battery receiving space 130. A reliable electrical connection between the electrical plug 300 and electrical connector 400 can be maintained, even after repeated insertion and removal of the battery assembly 200. 114 this separation space 414 and ensuring that the front face 201 of the removable battery assembly 200 rests on the lower surface 134 of the battery receiving space 130, under the weight of the battery assembly 200. This is possible because the relatively robust and physically substantial front face 201 of the removable battery assembly 200 and the lower surface 134 of the battery receiving space 130 oppose greater mating of the docking connector components under the weight of the battery, rather than the less substantial electrical plug 300 and electrical connector 400 components. The reliable electrical connection mentioned above via the electrical plug 300 and electrical connector 400 is particularly important in the context of material handling vehicles where critical data is transferred back and forth across the connection. This data may include, for example, general CAN bus data transmitted between an intelligent battery controller and one or more of the vehicle's controllers, data representing vehicle or battery faults, command data, and display data for models where the battery assembly 200 includes a battery display. Each of these types of data transmission requires a stable and reliable electrical connection via the electrical plug 300 and electrical connector 400 for the proper operation of your NCNNC N σ N 115 > your NCNNC N σ N vehicle. In some embodiments, to improve the aforementioned insertion and extraction operations, the electrical connector 400 in the battery receiving space 130 may comprise a connector housing 410 comprising an outer wall 412 that tapers into a reduced footprint as it extends from the lower surface 134 of the battery receiving space 130. Similarly, the electrical plug 300 on the front face 201 of the removable battery assembly 200 comprises a plug housing 310 comprising an inner wall 312 that tapers into a larger footprint as it extends away from the front face 201 of the removable battery assembly.The inner wall 312 that narrows to complement and make contact with the taper of the outer wall 412 of the connector housing 410 with the front face 201 of the removable battery assembly 200 resting on the lower surface 134 of the battery receiving space 130, and with the separation space 414 between the opposite surfaces 416, 418 of the electrical plug 300 and the electrical connector 400. Opposing surfaces 416, 418 of the electrical plug 300 and electrical connector 400 are horizontally oriented opposite surfaces that are perpendicular to the battery insertion and extraction axis 140 and are separated by 116 > your NCNCC N σ N the clearance space 414. Preferably, the clearance space 414, or a space larger than the clearance space 414, is maintained between substantially all horizontally facing opposite surfaces of the electrical plug 300 and the electrical connector 400. In some embodiments, it may be preferable to ensure that the clearance space 414 is at least around 0.2 mm. In more particular embodiments, the clearance space 414 is between around 0.2 mm and around 1.7 mm. The battery-side electrical plug 300 can be recessed into the front face 201 of the battery assembly 200 using a plug housing 310. This allows the battery assembly 200 to be removed from the battery receiving space 130 and placed, with face 201 facing downwards, on a warehouse floor or other surface without causing damage or interference from the electrical plug 300. The vehicle-side electrical connector 400 can be configured to complement the battery-side electrical plug 300 by projecting upwards from the lower surface 134 of the battery receiving space 130 using a connector housing 410. The battery-side electrical plug 300 may comprise an edge portion 315 that is enclosed by the plug housing 310 and generally extends parallel to the front face 201 of the battery assembly. 117 > your NCNCC Similarly, the vehicle-side electrical connector 400 may comprise a protrusion portion 415 that is enclosed by the connector housing 410 and generally extends parallel to the lower surface 134 of the battery receiving space 130. The battery-side electrical plug rim portion 315 extends parallel to the protrusion portion 415 of the vehicle-side electrical connector 400, with the removable battery assembly 200 seated in the battery receiving space 130, and is separated from the protrusion portion 415 by the separation space 414. The electrical plug 300 may comprise an assembly of electrically conductive pin receptacles 320 and the electrical connector 400 may comprise an assembly of complementary electrically conductive connector pins 420, or vice versa. An outer portion of the separation space 414 may be configured to surround the assembly of electrically conductive pin receptacles 320 and the assembly of complementary electrically conductive connector pins 420, with the front face 201 of the removable battery assembly 200 resting on the lower surface 134 of the battery receiving space 130, and with an assembly of electrically conductive pin receptacles 320 engaging the assembly of complementary electrically conductive connector pins 420. 118 > your NCNNC N σ N The electrical plug housing 310 and the electrical connector housing 410 cooperate to enclose the electrically conductive pin receptacle assembly 320 and the complementary electrically conductive connector pin assembly 420 to form a protective barrier between the outermost pins of the separation space 414 and the coupled pin receptacle and connector pin assemblies, with the front face 201 of the removable battery assembly 200 resting on the lower surface 134 of the battery receiving space 130. Figure 30 depicts a plurality of display screens that can be shown on an integrated battery display 280 of the removable battery assembly 200. Battery errors, such as communication errors, input / output errors, and / or battery faults, can be detected, as discussed in more detail herein, and an associated error message can be displayed on the battery display 280 to alert an operator. Furthermore, the intelligent battery charge status can be displayed on the battery display 280 when the battery is attached to or detached from the material handling vehicle 100. As such, the battery display 280 can be configured to display one or more operating status display screens 282, one or more charge status display screens 284, one or more > your NCNNC N σ N 119 independent battery displays and / or one or more error display screens associated with each status. The operating status may display a vehicle start-up screen, such as a logo, a vehicle standby screen that includes battery charge and vehicle lifetime, or a flashing screen when the battery charge is below a threshold, such as 10%, so that a low power icon may flash to indicate the need to charge the battery. The charging status may display a logo icon when charging begins and a charging icon that may flash when the battery is charging. An error status may display detected vehicle and battery error event codes. As a result, the 280 battery display can provide a joint display of battery information and vehicle information on the 200 removable battery assembly when the 200 removable battery assembly is connected to the 100 vehicle. A joint display is advantageous when using a battery that can be reused in a plurality of vehicles to display joint battery and vehicle information in a single location on the 200 removable battery assembly when the 200 removable battery assembly is connected to a specific vehicle. FIGURE 31 is a schematic circuit illustrating complementary plug / pin connector assignments for 120 > your NCNNC N σ N the battery coupling 350 of a battery-powered material handling vehicle 100 comprising a removable battery assembly 200, according to embodiments of the present description. In some embodiments, the electrically conductive pin receptacle assembly 320 and the complementary electrically conductive connector pin assembly 420 may be in the form of an eight-pin configuration comprising, for example: positive and negative battery terminals B+ / B-, a CANH signal pin for a CAN Bus High Signal, a CANL signal pin for a CAN Bus Low Signal, a SIG1 signal pin for a battery discharge start signal, a SIG2 signal pin for a battery charge start signal, a SIG3 signal pin for an Auxiliary Signal. In this way, a download selection signal can be initiated through the SIG3 signal pin by accessing, for example, a key switch, keypad or REID reader in the vehicle. With further reference to the diagram in FIGURE 31, it can be seen that an emergency stop switch may be present and configured to stop supplying power, for example, upon detecting one or more faults in the 121 > s N c NNC N σ N vehicle or battery as communicated between the CAN bus and the battery assembly 200. It is further envisaged that the battery assembly 200 can receive a charging signal when connected to an AC charger and can be configured to monitor the charger's CAN communication for any errors, so that the battery can avoid charging in the event of a detected error until the error is corrected. If no error is detected, the battery can be ready to charge. The battery can send a charging request current to the charger via the CAN bus connection. The charger would receive the charging request current and transfer the requested charging current to the battery. When the battery's state of charge (SOC) reaches 100%, the battery can set the charging request current to zero and send it to the charger via the CAN bus to stop battery charging. In the configuration shown in FIGURE 31, a key switch function is displayed along with an integrated charger discharge scheme in which an integrated charger is configured to charge the battery assembly 200 as described above. In another configuration of an external charger discharge scheme, the integrated charger may not be present, the SIG2 signal pin may be disconnected, and the battery assembly 200 may be operated to be charged by an external charger. 122 > your NCNNC N σ N In another configuration, a keypad and / or REID component function can be included as part of the circuit diagram for selection instead of the key switch function. Similar to the configuration in FIGURE 31 showing a built-in charger discharge scheme, the keypad and / or REID component feature can replace the key switch feature between signal pin SIG1 and the negative battery terminal of the material handling vehicle. In a configuration with the keypad and / or REID component function and for an external charger discharge scheme, the built-in charger may be absent, signal pin SIG2 may be disconnected, and the battery assembly 200 may be operated to be charged by an external charger. The removable battery assembly 200 comprises an onboard battery display 280 and a battery controller 290, both of which reside within the removable battery assembly 200 and communicate with vehicle-side electronics via the battery coupling 350. The battery coupling comprises the battery-side electrical plug 300 of the battery assembly 200 and the vehicle-side electrical connector 400. The battery controller 290 of the battery assembly 200 is configured to exchange information with a vehicle controller 170 via the battery coupling, which includes a multi-pin configuration. 123 > your NCNNC N σ N described above. The battery controller 290 may include a printed circuit board / protection board (PCB) that incorporates a battery management system (BMS) as a smart battery feature. The BMS can provide battery information to both the battery and the vehicle when the battery is electrically coupled to the vehicle to manage the battery safely and extend its lifespan. The vehicle controller 170 can provide vehicle information (speed, vehicle operating hours, such as vehicle lifetime, vehicle errors, etc.) to the battery display 280, which is communicatively coupled to the PCB when the battery 200 is coupled to the vehicle 100 via the battery coupling 350.These errors may include errors indicated by a vehicle safety standard, as indicated through the vehicle controller 170, such as communication errors, input / output errors, and / or battery errors. Vehicle errors may be associated with vehicle fault codes, such as warning errors, which indicate a fault without affecting vehicle operation, and alarm errors, which result in the vehicle controller 170 taking an action based on the error. The vehicle controller 170 can transmit vehicle information to the BMS via the CAN bus, and the BMS can transmit this information to the vehicle. 124 > your NCNNC N σ N battery display through an internal circuit of the BMS. Battery faults, such as those described herein with reference to FIGURE 30, can be transmitted to the vehicle controller 170 so that the vehicle controller 170 can take action, for example, limiting the vehicle's speed based on a battery fault, to prevent the fault from further impacting vehicle operation. The vehicle controller 170 can also report these faults for display on the battery display 280. The vehicle controller 170 can also detect a battery CAN communication fault 200 and send a battery-related fault message 200 for display on the battery display 280. It should be noted that the display of vehicle and battery information on a battery display 280 is enabled by the reliable electrical coupling that occurs through the battery coupling 350, a coupling that ensures reliable transmission of vehicle information to the battery display 280. The components of the battery assembly 200, including the battery-side electrical plug components 300, portions of the battery body 210, and the battery receiving space 130, as described above, are designed to include tapered engagement surfaces that engage more progressively under the weight of the assembly 200. 125 > your NCNNC N σ N of battery. It should be noted that references herein to a component in this description being configured in a particular way, to incorporate a particular property, or to function in a particular manner are structural references, as distinct from references to intended use. More specifically, references herein to the way in which a component is configured denote an existing physical condition of the component and, as such, should be taken as a definitive enumeration of the component's structural characteristics. For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention, it is noted that the terms "around" and "approximately" are used herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The terms "around" and "approximately" are also used herein to represent the degree to which a quantitative representation may vary from an established reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter. Having described the subject of the present description in detail and with reference to specific modalities thereof, it is noted that the various details described herein should not be interpreted as implying that these 126 > your NCNNC The details provided relate to elements that are essential components of the various embodiments described herein, even where a particular element is illustrated in each of the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, it will be evident that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of this description, including, but not limited to, the embodiments defined in the appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of this description are identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is understood that this description is not necessarily limited to these aspects. It should be noted that one or more of the following claims use the term "where" as a transitional phrase. For the purpose of defining the present invention, it is noted that this term is introduced in the claims as an open transitional phrase used to introduce a list of a series of structural features and should be interpreted in the same way as the most 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, characterized in that: the material handling mechanism is configured to engage products in a warehouse environment and cooperates with the drive mechanism, powered by the removable battery assembly, to move products along an inventory transit surface in the warehouse environment; the removable battery assembly and the battery receiving space cooperate to define a battery insertion and extraction axis along which the removable battery assembly is inserted into and extracted from the battery receiving space; the battery receiving space comprises a battery guide pin disposed on each opposite side of the battery receiving space;The removable battery comprises a battery body comprising battery side faces, each of which comprises a longitudinal guide structure that is oriented along the battery insertion and extraction axis and is sized to accommodate the battery guide pins as the removable battery assembly is inserted into and extracted from the battery receiving space; and > tu NCNNCN σ N 128 the removable battery assembly further comprises a pair of guide pin stabilizers on each of the battery side faces, each pair of guide pin stabilizers forming a restricted-width guide pin gap along a longitudinal guide structure on each of the battery side faces to receive a corresponding one of the battery guide pins.; 2. The material handling vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that each pair of guide pin stabilizers comprises: a deformable and resilient material; a one-piece polyurethane unit structure; or both.

3. The material handling vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that each pair of guide pin stabilizers is configured to deform in a lateral direction perpendicular to the battery insertion and extraction axis when a battery guide pin enters the restricted width guide pin space.

4. The material handling vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that each pair of guide pin stabilizers comprises an alignment feature received within a corresponding groove 129 > tu NCNNCN σ N formed in one of the side battery faces, to prevent rotation of each pair of guide pin stabilizers with respect to the side battery faces.

5. The material handling vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: the longitudinal guide structure of the battery side faces is configured as guide channels; the battery guide pins extend into the guide channels with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space; and each pair of guide pin stabilizers extends partially into or partially over one of the guide channels to reduce the effective width of the guide channel.

6. The material handling vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: the guide pin stabilizers reside in a guide pin parking position along the longitudinal guide structure on each of the battery side faces, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space; the restricted width guide pin space formed by each pair of guide pin stabilizers overlaps at least partially with the guide pin parking position along the longitudinal guide structure on each of the battery side faces; the battery guide pins have respective diameters that are larger than the width of the restricted width guide pin space;and the guide pin stabilizers are configured to yield at least partially in a lateral yield direction perpendicular to the battery insertion and extraction axis, and to maintain a degree of lateral resilience, when a guide pin enters the restricted-width guide pin space.

7. The material handling vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: the battery receiving space comprises opposing pairs of battery guide pins, each opposing pair disposed on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, and each opposing pair comprises a latching pin and a guide pin; the removable battery assembly comprises a battery body and a battery locking mechanism; the battery locking mechanism comprises spring-loaded locking pins that are spring-loaded in extended positions and can be moved relative to the battery body from the extended positions to the respective retracted positions along a latch engagement and disengagement axis;131 > your NCNNCN σ N The latching pin of each opposing pair of battery guide pins comprises a recess forming a battery latch positioned to receive a front portion of one of the spring-loaded locking pins in the extended position, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery housing space.; 8. A material handling vehicle comprising a material handling mechanism, a drive mechanism, a battery receiving space, and a removable battery assembly, characterized in that: the material handling mechanism is configured to engage products in a warehouse environment and cooperates with the drive mechanism, powered by the removable battery assembly, to move products along an inventory transit surface in the warehouse environment; the removable battery assembly and the battery receiving space cooperate to define a battery insertion and extraction axis along which the removable battery assembly is inserted into and extracted from the battery receiving space;The battery receiving space comprises opposing pairs of battery guide pins, each opposing pair disposed on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, and each opposing pair comprising a latching pin and a guide pin; 132 zazr i η / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ The removable battery assembly comprises a battery body and a battery locking mechanism; the battery body comprises battery side faces, each comprising a longitudinal guide structure that is oriented along the battery insertion and extraction axis and is dimensioned to accommodate the opposing pairs of battery guide pins as the removable battery assembly is inserted into and extracted from the battery receiving space;The battery locking mechanism comprises spring-loaded locking pins that are spring-loaded in extended positions and can be moved relative to the battery body from the extended to the respective retracted positions along a latch engagement and disengagement axis; and the engagement pin of each opposing pair of battery guide pins comprises a recess forming a battery latch positioned to receive a front portion of one of the spring-loaded locking pins in the extended position, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space.

9. The material handling vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that: the latching pin of each opposing pair of battery guide pins comprises a chamfered latching face 133 > tu NCNNCN σ N; and each of the spring-loaded locking pins of the battery locking mechanism comprises a complementary chamfered latching face that is oriented to face the chamfered latching face of one of the latching pins when the removable battery assembly is inserted into the battery receiving space.

10. The material handling vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that: the latching pin and the guide pin of each opposing pair of battery guide pins are positioned along a common guide pin axis, parallel to the battery insertion and extraction axis; the longitudinal guide structure of the battery side faces is configured as guide channels; and the opposing pairs of battery guide pins extend into the guide channels with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space.

11. The material handling vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that: the removable battery assembly further comprises a pair of guide pin stabilizers on each of the battery side faces; each pair of guide pin stabilizers forms a guide pin gap of restricted width along the longitudinal guide structure on each of the battery side faces.

12. The material handling vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that: the guide pin of each opposing pair of battery guide pins resides in a guide pin parking position along the longitudinal guide structure on each of the battery side faces, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space; the restricted-width guide pin space formed by each pair of guide pin stabilizers overlaps at least partially with the guide pin parking position along the longitudinal guide structure on each of the battery side faces.

13. The material handling vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that the guide pin stabilizers are configured to yield in a lateral yield direction perpendicular to the battery insertion and extraction axis, and to maintain a degree of lateral resilience, when a guide pin enters the restricted-width guide pin space.

14. The material handling vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that: the longitudinal guide structure of the battery side faces is configured as guide channels; and 135 > tu NCNNCN σ N each stabilizing guide pin comprises a stabilizing stem that is anchored in the battery body and a stabilizing cap that extends partially into or partially over one of the guide channels to reduce the effective width of the guide channel.

15. The material handling vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that: the battery locking mechanism comprises a spring-loaded battery handle; the spring-loaded battery handle comprises a handle cam flat surface and the spring-loaded locking pin comprises a pin cam flat surface that is parallel to the handle cam surface; and the spring-loaded battery handle and the spring-loaded locking pin are configured such that the handle cam surface engages with the pin cam surface with the movement of the battery handle, relative to the battery body, along the battery insertion and extraction axis.

16. The material handling vehicle according to claim 15, characterized in that: the battery body restricts the spring-loaded battery handle and the handle cam surface to linear motion along the battery insertion and extraction axis; the battery body restricts the spring-loaded locking pin and the pin cam surface to linear motion along a latch engagement and disengagement axis that is perpendicular to the battery insertion and extraction axis; the spring-loaded battery handle is spring-loaded in a locked position and can be moved relative to the battery body from the locked position to an unlocked position in a handle lifting direction along the battery insertion and extraction axis;and the spring-loaded locking pin is spring-loaded in the extended position and can be moved relative to the battery body from the extended position to a retracted position along the latch's engagement and disengagement axis in response to the movement of the battery handle, relative to the battery body, in the lifting direction of the handle with the handle cam surface engaged with the pin cam surface.

17. The material handling vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that: the removable battery assembly comprises a front face and an electrical plug on the front face of the removable battery assembly; the battery receiving space comprises an electrical connector complementing the electrical plug of the removable battery assembly; and spring-loaded locking pins are positioned at points along a longitudinal dimension of the battery body, resulting in the locking pin engaging with the locking pins simultaneously with the electrical plug on the front face of the removable battery assembly engaging with the electrical connector in the battery receiving space, as the removable battery assembly is inserted into the battery receiving space, with the spring-loaded battery handle in the locked position.

18. The material handling vehicle according to claim 17, characterized in that the front face of the removable battery assembly rests on a lower surface of the battery receiving space with the spring-loaded locking pins engaged with the latching pins, and the electrical plug engaged with the electrical connector.

19. The material handling vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that: the latching pin and the guide pin of each opposing pair of battery guide pins are positioned along a common guide pin axis, parallel to the battery insertion and extraction axis; the longitudinal guide structure of the battery side faces is configured as guide channels; and the opposing pairs of battery guide pins extend into the guide channels with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space.

20. The material handling vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that: the longitudinal guide structure of the battery side faces is configured as guide channels; opposing pairs of battery guide pins extend into the guide channels with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space; the removable battery assembly further comprises a pair of guide pin stabilizers on each of the battery side faces; and each pair of guide pin stabilizers forms a guide pin gap of restricted width along the guide channel on each of the battery side faces.

21. The material handling vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that the longitudinal guide structure of one of the battery side faces is shorter than the longitudinal guide structure of the other battery side face, to create clearance along one of the battery side faces. 139 > tu NCNNCN σ N 22. A removable battery assembly comprising a battery body, characterized in that: the battery body comprises battery side faces, each comprising a longitudinal guide structure dimensioned to accommodate a pair of guide pins when the removable battery assembly is inserted into and removed from a battery receiving space comprising opposing pairs of guide pins; the removable battery assembly further comprises a pair of guide pin stabilizers on each of the battery side faces; and each pair of guide pin stabilizers forms a restricted-width guide pin gap along the longitudinal guide structure on each of the battery side faces and are configured to yield in a lateral yield direction and to maintain a degree of lateral resilience when a guide pin enters the restricted-width guide pin gap.

23. A material handling vehicle configured to move along an inventory transit surface and engage products in a warehouse environment, the material handling vehicle comprising a battery receiving space and a removable battery assembly, characterized in that: the removable battery assembly and the battery receiving space cooperate to define a battery insertion and extraction axis; the battery receiving space comprises opposing pairs of battery guide pins, each opposing pair disposed on opposite sides of the battery receiving space, and each opposing pair comprising a latching pin and a guide pin; the removable battery assembly comprises a battery body and a battery locking mechanism;The battery body comprises battery side faces, each comprising a longitudinal guide structure oriented along the battery insertion and extraction axis; the battery locking mechanism comprises spring-loaded locking pins that are spring-loaded in extended positions and can be moved relative to the battery body from the extended to the respective retracted positions along a latch engagement and disengagement axis; and the engagement pin of each opposing pair of battery guide pins comprises a recess forming a battery latch positioned to receive a front portion of one of the spring-loaded locking pins in the extended position, with the removable battery assembly seated in the battery receiving space.

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