Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] Present invention relates to a connector assembly of a battery. More particularly, the present invention relates to a preload mechanism for the connector assembly of the battery.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Typically, vehicles use a connector assembly for connecting a battery with a control system and/or other electronic peripheral components in the vehicle. The connector assembly includes a first battery connector and a second battery connector. The first battery connector is connected to the battery, while the second battery connector is connected to the electronic peripheral components. Further, each battery connector comprises several connections like positive, negative, ground, and multiple signal wires. Main power connection pins for the positive, negative, and ground wires operate on high levels of power and therefore, are provided with a larger surface area. Signal wires operate on lower levels of power as compared to the main power wires and therefore, the signal connection pins are provided with a lesser surface area. The battery connectors are designed to accommodate the high-power wires and the low-power wires together in order to minimize packaging size and weight in the vehicle.
[003] Further, the vehicles can use two types of batteries as a power source for mobility. The first type is a fixed battery that is rigidly fixed with a battery enclosure provided in the vehicle. The second type is a dock-able battery that is not rigidly fixed to the battery enclosure in order to facilitate removability. When the vehicle is traversing on a rough and/or undulated terrain, potholes, speed-breakers, etc., forces generated due to bumps and droops of the vehicle get transmitted to the battery connectors. The first type of battery prevents the battery connectors from moving vertically during the bump or droop conditions. However, the dock-able battery may float 2-3 mm or more in the vertical direction during the bump or droop conditions of the vehicle. Thus, as the signal wires are provided with shorter length and lesser surface area in the battery connectors, the battery connectors may loosen the connection, thereby losing signal communication between the battery and the electronic peripheral components. The signal communication loss may be permanent or temporary depending on the force transmitted to the battery connectors. However, losing signal communication in any case is undesirable.
[004] Thus, there is a need for a preload mechanism in a connector assembly of a battery which addresses at least one or more aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] In one aspect of the invention, a preload mechanism for a connector assembly of a battery is disclosed. The preload mechanism comprises a first plate mounted on an outer surface of the battery. The preload mechanism comprises a second plate coupled to the first plate and mounted to the connector assembly. The second plate is adapted to displace about the first plate corresponding to a force received by the connector assembly. The preload mechanism comprises one or more damping units mounted to the first plate and the second plate. The one or more damping units are adapted to resist the displacement of the second plate for dampening the force received by the connector assembly.
[006] In an embodiment, the second plate is mounted to the first plate. The second plate is adapted to displace in a vertical direction from the first plate corresponding to the force transmitted to the connector assembly.
[007] In an embodiment, the first plate comprises one or more first guide members provided along a periphery of the first plate. The one or more first guide members extend towards the second plate. The one or more first guide members are adapted to slidably support the second plate on the first plate.
[008] In an embodiment, each of the one or more first guide members comprises a first stopper provided at a top portion of the first guide member and a second stopper provided at a bottom portion of the first guide member.
[009] In an embodiment, the first plate comprises one or more second guide members provided along a periphery of the first plate. The one or more second guide members extend towards the second plate. The one or more second guide members are adapted to guide the second plate about the first plate.
[010] In an embodiment, the second plate comprises one or more grooves. The one or more grooves are provided on an outer surface of the second plate. Each of the one or more grooves is adapted to engage with the one or more second guide members for guiding the second plate about the first plate.
[011] In an embodiment, the one or more damping units are fastened to each of the first plate and the second plate through one or more fasteners.
[012] In an embodiment, the connector assembly comprises a second connector coupled to the battery and a first connector coupled to one or more electrical components. The first connector is adapted to engage with the second connector for electrically connecting the one or more electrical components with the battery.
[013] In an embodiment, the second plate is coupled to the connector assembly through one of the first connector and the second connector.
[014] In an embodiment, the second connector is coupled to the battery of a vehicle. The first connector is coupled to the one or more electrical components of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[015] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector assembly comprising a preload mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a first plate of the preload mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second plate of the preload mechanism,, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a battery comprising the preload mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is an enlarged view of portion ‘A’ in Figure 4 depicting the connector assembly comprising the preload mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[016] The present invention relates to a connector assembly of a battery. More particularly, the present invention relates to a preload mechanism for the connector assembly of the battery. In an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle comprises a battery, a connector assembly, and one or more electrical components such as a control system, speakers and the like. The connector assembly is adapted to couple one or more wires extending from the battery and from the one or more electrical components on the other side. Upon connection, the battery supplies power and/or electrically communicates to the electrical components.
[017] During traversal of vehicles through rough and/or undulated terrain, potholes, speed-breakers, etc., forces generated due to bumps and droops of the vehicle are transmitted to the battery and thus the connector assembly. As a result, the connector assembly is loosened and the connection between the battery and the electrical components may be lost. The preload mechanism of the present invention is adapted to maintain electrical connection between the battery and the electrical components even when forces generated due to bumps and droops of the vehicle are transmitted to the battery, thereby preventing connection loss between the battery with the electrical components.
[018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector assembly 124 comprising a preload mechanism 100 of a battery 102 in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the vehicle may be an electric vehicle or an internal combustion engine vehicle. The connector assembly 124 comprises a first connector 108 coupled to one or more electrical components (not shown) (hereinafter referred to as ‘electrical components’) of the vehicle. The first connector 108 is coupled to the electrical components through one or more component wires 126. The connector assembly 124 comprises a second connector 122 coupled to the battery 102 (as shown in Figure 4). The second connector 122 is coupled to the battery 102 through one or more battery wires 128. The first connector 108 is adapted to engage with the second connector 122 for connecting the electrical components with the battery 102. As such, the connector assembly 124 enables supply of power and/or electrical communication from the battery 102 to the electrical components of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the term ‘connection’ in the connector assembly 124 pertains to a mechanical connection between the first connector 108 and the second connector 122, wherein the mechanical connection ensures electrical coupling between the first connector 108 and the second connector 122.
[019] In an embodiment, the first connector 108 is coupled to the battery 102 of the vehicle and the second connector 122 is coupled to the electrical components of the vehicle. The first connector 108 and the second connector 122 may be coupled to the battery 102 and the electrical components respectively, through conventional coupling techniques known in the art such as fastening, welding, brazing, clamping and the like.
[020] In an embodiment, the first connector 108 and the second connector 122 are plug and socket type connectors. In an embodiment, the first connector 108 is a plug connector, while the second connector 122 is a socket connector. In another embodiment, the first connector 108 is a socket connector and the second connector 122 is a plug connector.
[021] Further, the connector assembly 124 is coupled with the preload mechanism 100. The preload mechanism 100 is adapted to dampen the forces transmitted to the battery 102 in the event of traversal of the vehicle over undulated terrain. Thus, the preload mechanism 100 maintains connection between the battery 102 and the electrical components of the vehicle, even when forces are transmitted to the battery 102 during traversal of the vehicle over the undulated terrain.
[022] Referring to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 1, the preload mechanism 100 comprises a first plate 104 mounted on an outer surface 102a (as shown in Figures 4 and 5) of the battery 102. The first plate 104 may be mounted in parallel or perpendicular or may be inclined at an angle with respect to the outer surface 102a of the battery 102. The positioning of the first plate 104 may be considered based on orientation of the connector assembly 124 and/or position of the battery 102 and/or the electrical components of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the outer surface 102a may be an outer surface (not shown) of a battery housing (not shown) of the battery 102. In an embodiment, the first plate 104 is mounted to the battery 102 through conventional mounting techniques known in the art such as fastening, welding and the like. The preload mechanism 100 also comprises a second plate 106 slidably mounted onto the first plate 104. The aspects pertaining to the second plate 106 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 3.
[023] Further, the first plate 104 comprises one or more first guide members 112 (as shown in Figure 2) provided along a periphery of the first plate 104. The one or more first guide members 112 are adapted to slidably support the second plate 106 on the first plate 104. In an embodiment, each of the one or more first guide members 112 extend outwardly from the first plate 104 and towards the second plate 106. As such, when the second plate 106 is mounted over the first plate 104, the one or more first guide members 112 extends upwardly from the first plate 104 in the top-down direction of the vehicle. Alternatively, when the second plate 106 is mounted below the first plate 104, the one or more first guide members 112 extend downwardly from the first plate 104 in the top-down direction of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the first guide members 112 are linear guides that extend outwardly and towards the second plate 106.
[024] The first plate 104 comprises a slot 130 for allowing the one or more component wires 126 to pass through and connect to the first connector 108. The slot 130 may be provided at a central portion (not shown) of the first plate 104, so that the one or more component wires 126 are allowed to pass through the central portion of the first plate 104. In an embodiment, dimensions of the slot 130 are considered based on the one or more component wires 126 to pass through the first plate 104.
[025] In an embodiment, each of the one or more first guide members 112 comprises a support portion 112a and a guide portion 112b. The support portion 112a is mounted to the first plate 104 and acts as an anchor for the guide portion 112b, while the guide portion 112b engages and slidably supports the second plate 106. In an embodiment, the guide portion 112b is oriented towards the slot 130 of the first plate 104. Alternatively, the guide portion 112b is oriented away from the slot 130 as per requirement.
[026] In an embodiment, the one or more first guide members 112 are provided along periphery of each edge of the first plate 104. That is, the one or more first guide members 112 are provided along the periphery of a front edge (not shown), a rear edge (not shown), a left edge (not shown) and a right edge (not shown) of the first plate 104. Such a construction of the one or more first guide members 112 ensures that the second plate 106 is stably supported by the first plate 104.
[027] Further, each of the one or more first guide members 112 comprises a first stopper 114 (as shown in Figure 1) provided at a top portion of the first guide member 112 and a second stopper 116 provided at a bottom portion of the first guide member 112. The first stopper 114 is configured to limit vertical movement of the second plate 106 at a top portion (not shown) the one or more first guide members 112, while the second stopper 116 is configured to limit vertical movement of the second plate 106 at a bottom portion (not shown) along the one or more first guiding members 112. In an embodiment, the first stopper 114 and the second stopper 116 are oriented in a direction opposite to that of the guide portion 112b, for restricting vertical movement of the second plate 106 between the first stopper 114 and the second stopper 116. In an embodiment, the first stopper 114 and the second stopper 116 are oriented in the same direction as that of the guide portion 112b, for restricting vertical movement of the second plate 106 between the first stopper 114 and the second stopper 116.
[028] In an embodiment, each of the first stopper 114 and the second stopper 116 may be a protrusion that is extending from the one or more first guide members 112 along or in the direction opposite to the orientation of the guide portion 112b. In the present embodiment, each of the first stopper 114 and the second stopper 116 protrude towards the slot 130, due to orientation of the guide portion 112b towards the slot 130.
[029] In an embodiment, each of the first stopper 114 and the second stopper 116 is integrated with respective first guide members 112. In another embodiment, each of the first stoppers 114 and the second stoppers 116 can be fastened to the respective one or more first guide members 112. In an embodiment, the location of the first stopper 114 and the second stopper 116 is selected based on the displacement requirement of the second plate 106 about the first plate 104.
[030] Furthermore, the first plate 104 comprises one or more second guide members 118 provided along the periphery of the first plate 104 and located adjacent to the one or more first guide members 112. The one or more second guide members 118 are adapted to slidably engage with the second plate 106. In an embodiment, each of the one or more second guide members 118 extend outwardly from the first plate 104 and towards the second plate 106. As such, when the second plate 106 is mounted over the first plate 104, the one or more second guide members 118 extend upwardly from the first plate 104 in the top-down direction of the vehicle. Alternatively, when the second plate 106 is mounted below the first plate 104, the one or more second guide members 118 extend downwardly from the first plate 104 in the top-down direction of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the second guide members 118 are linear guides that extend outwardly and towards the second plate 106.
[031] In an embodiment, each of the one or more second guide members 118 comprises a brace portion 118a and a guideway portion 118b. The brace portion 118a is mounted to the first plate 104 and acts as an anchor for the guideway portion 118b, while the guideway portion 118b engages and slidably supports the second plate 106. In an embodiment, the guideway portion 118b is oriented towards the slot 130 of the first plate 104. Alternatively, the guideway portion 118b is oriented away from the slot 130 as per requirement.
[032] Referring to Figure 3, in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2, the second plate 106 is coupled to the first plate 104 and is positioned parallelly above the first plate 104 in a top-down direction (not shown) of the vehicle. Alternatively, the second plate 106 may be positioned parallelly below the first plate 104 in the top-down direction of the vehicle, as per design feasibility and requirement. The second plate 106 is also mounted to the connector assembly 124. In an embodiment, the second plate 106 is fastened to the first connector 108 of the connector assembly 124. In an embodiment, the second plate 106 is coupled to the first plate 104 through engagement of a rim surface 106a with the one or more first guide members 112 of the first plate 104.
[033] Further, the second plate 106 comprises one or more grooves 120 (as shown in Figure 3) adapted to engage with the one or more second guide members 118. The one or more grooves 120 are provided on the rim surface 106a of the second plate 106. Each of the one or more grooves 120 is adapted to engage with the one or more second guide members 118, so that each of the one or more grooves 120 guide the second plate 106 along the one or more second guide members 118. In an embodiment, each of the one or more grooves 120 are linear grooves in order to enable linear vertical movement of the second plate 106 about the first plate 104. In another embodiment, shape and configuration of each of the one or more grooves 120 may be selected based on movement requirement of the second plate 106 about the first plate 104. In another embodiment, the dimensions of the one or more grooves 120 are selected based on dimensions of the one or more second guide members 118. In the present embodiment, the one or more grooves 120 are provided on an outer surface (not shown) of the second plate 106, in order to engage with the one or more second guide members 118 that are facing towards the slot 130. Alternatively, the one or more grooves 120 may be provided on an inner surface (not shown) of the second plate 106. In an embodiment, each of the one or more grooves 120 are positioned corresponding to locations of each of the one or more second guide members 118.
[034] The second plate 106 comprises a cutout 132 for allowing the one or more component wires 126 to pass through and connect to the first connector 108. In an embodiment, dimensions of the cutout 132 are considered based on the one or more component wires 128 to pass through the second plate 106. In another embodiment, the cutout 132 allows the one or more battery wires 128 to pass through and connect to the second connector 122.
[035] In an embodiment, the first plate 104 may be coupled to the connector assembly 124, while the second plate 106 may be coupled to the battery 102, as per design feasibility and requirement in the vehicle. Accordingly, the first plate 104 may be coupled to the first connector 108 of the connector assembly 124.
[036] Further, the preload mechanism 100 comprises one or more damping units 110 mounted to the first plate 104 and the second plate 106. In an embodiment, the one or more damping units 110 are fastened to the first plate 104 and the second plate 106 through one or more fasteners. The one or more damping units 110 are adapted to resist or dampen displacement of the second plate 106 for dampening the force received by the connector assembly 124 during movement of the vehicle on the undulated terrain. In an embodiment, the one or more damping units 110 are located proximal to the one or more first guide members 112 and the one or more second guide members 118. In an embodiment, each of the one or more damping units 110 is a helical spring adapted to dampen displacement or movement of the second plate 106 about the first plate 104.
[037] In one embodiment, when the first plate 104 is mounted perpendicularly to the outer surface of the battery 102, the second plate 106 is adapted to displace in a vertical direction from the first plate 104 corresponding to the force transmitted to the connector assembly 124.
[038] In operation, when the force is received by the connector assembly 124 due to traversal of the vehicle over the undulated terrain, the first connector 108 is pulled away from the second connector 122. As a result, the second plate 106, that is coupled to the first connector 108, is pulled away from the second connector 122 and towards the first plate 104. The second plate 106 moves towards the first plate 104 through the one or more grooves 120 guided along the one or more first guide members 112 and the one or more second guide members 118. As a result, the one or more damping units 110 positioned between the second plate 106 and the first plate 104 are compressed. The one or more damping units 110 resist or dampen the force being acted upon the second plate 106 and push the second plate 106 along with the first connector 108 towards the second connector 122, thereby ensuring that the signal connection is intact and maintained.
[039] In an embodiment, the second connector 122 is coupled with the second plate 106. The first connector 108 is coupled with the first plate 104. When the force is received by the connector assembly 124 due to traversal of the vehicle over the undulated terrain, the first connector 108 is pulled away from the second connector 122. As a result, the second plate 106, that is coupled to the second connector 122 is pulled away from the first plate 104. The second plate 106 moves away from the first plate 104 through the one or more grooves 120 guided along the one or more second guide members 118. As a result, the one or more damping units 110 positioned between the second plate 106 and the first plate 104 are extended. The one or more damping units 110 resist or dampen the force being acted upon the second plate 106 and pull the second plate 106 along with the second connector 122 towards the first plate 104 and the first connector 108. Therefore, the second connector 122 is pulled towards the first connector 108 thereby ensuring that the signal connection is intact and maintained.
[040] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the claimed aspect of the preload mechanism for the connector assembly of the battery dampens the forces transferred to the connector assembly. Consequently, the preload mechanism maintains the connection between the first connector and the second connector of the connector assembly. Particularly, the one or more damping units of the preload mechanism connected to the first plate and the second plate, dampens the displacement of the second plate about the first plate when the force is transferred to the connector assembly. Therefore, the first connector stays connected to the second connector thereby electrically connecting the one or more electrical components with the battery. As a result, durability of the connector assembly of the battery is improved. Consequently, vehicle handling is improved while ensuring robust connection between the first connector and the second connector.
[041] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
100-preload mechanism
102-battery
102a-outer surface of battery
104-first plate
106-second plate
106a-rim surface
108-first connector
110-damping units
112-first guide members
112a-support portion
112b-guide portion
114-first stopper
116-second stopper
118-second guide members
118a-brace portion
118b-guideway portion120-grooves
122-second connector
124-connector assembly
126-component wires
128-battery wires
130-slot
132-cutout
, Claims:1. A preload mechanism (100) for a connector assembly (124) of a battery (102), comprising:
a first plate (104) mounted on an outer surface of the battery (102);
a second plate (106) coupled to the first plate (104) and being mounted to the connector assembly (124), the second plate (106) being adapted to displace about the first plate (104) corresponding to a force received by the connector assembly (124); and
one or more damping units (110) mounted to the first plate (104) and the second plate (106), the one or more damping units (110) being adapted to resist the displacement of the second plate (106) for dampening the force received by the connector assembly (124).

2. The preload mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second plate (106) is mounted to the first plate (104), the second plate (106) being adapted to displace in a vertical direction from the first plate (104) corresponding to the force transmitted to the connector assembly (124).

3. The preload mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first plate (104) comprises one or more first guide members (112) provided along a periphery of the first plate (104), the one or more first guide members (112) extending towards the second plate (106), wherein the one or more first guide members (112) being adapted to slidably support the second plate (106) on the first plate (104).

4. The preload mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of the one or more first guide members (112) comprises a first stopper (114) provided at a top portion of the first guide member (112) and a second stopper (116) provided at a bottom portion of the first guide member (112).

5. The preload mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first plate (104) comprises one or more second guide members (118) provided along a periphery of the first plate (104), the one or more second guide members (118) extending towards the second plate (106), wherein the one or more second guide members (118) being adapted to guide the second plate (106) about the first plate (104).

6. The preload mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second plate (106) comprises one or more grooves (120), the one or more grooves (120) being provided on an outer surface of the second plate (106), wherein each of the one or more grooves (120) being adapted to engage with the one or more second guide members (118) for guiding the second plate (106) about the first plate (104).

7. The preload mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more damping units (110) being fastened to each of the first plate (104) and the second plate (106) through one or more fasteners.

8. The preload mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector assembly (124) comprises:
a second connector (122) coupled to the battery (102); and
a first connector (108) coupled to one or more electrical components, the first connector (108) being adapted to engage with the second connector (122) for electrically connecting the one or more electrical components with the battery (102).

9. The preload mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second plate (106) being coupled to the connector assembly (124) through one of the first connector (108) and the second connector (122).

10. The preload mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein:
the second connector (122) being coupled to the battery (102) of a vehicle; and
the first connector (108) being coupled to the one or more electrical components of the vehicle.