SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECHARGING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE

Abstract

The present description relates to a battery locking and charging system, comprising a docking connector assembly mountable to a vehicle docking station electrically coupled to a power source, the docking connector assembly comprising a docking communication system; a vehicle connector assembly mountable to an electric vehicle comprising a battery and electrically coupleable thereto, the vehicle connector assembly being coupleable with the docking connector assembly and comprising: a battery charging interface electrically coupleable to the power source via the docking connector assembly for charging the vehicle battery; and a vehicle communication system for receiving vehicle information from the electric vehicle and sending vehicle information to the docking communication system.It is also related to a corresponding method for charging an electric vehicle.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECHARGING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE FIELD OF INVENTION The present description relates generally to systems and methods for securing and recharging an electric vehicle and, more particularly, to systems and methods in which attachable connector assemblies allow securing an electric vehicle to a vehicle docking station, while also allowing recharging of the electric vehicle. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The ability to selectively secure and lock a vehicle to a vehicle docking frame or station is useful in various applications. For example, several car-sharing systems use car carrier systems, each with multiple docking stations. These car carrier systems are geographically distributed. A user can rent a vehicle by picking it up from the first docking station, driving it to a second docking station in another geographic area, and then returning the vehicle by docking it at the second station. Electric vehicles, such as electric-assist bicycles, electric scooters, and the like, are becoming increasingly common in shared vehicle systems. However, these types of vehicles often require charging stations. Ref. 345626 Specific docking stations, such as docking stations with battery charging capabilities, may experience compatibility issues between the docking stations and the vehicles regarding information exchange to ensure charging. In view of the above, there is a need for a vehicle battery locking and charging system that would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the prior art concerns discussed above, and a corresponding method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an objective of the present invention to address the aforementioned problems. According to a general aspect, a vehicle connector assembly is provided that is mountable or integrally formed with an electric vehicle, comprising a vehicle component management system and a battery electrically connectable to the vehicle connector assembly. The vehicle connector assembly is connectable to a coupling connector assembly electrically coupled to a power source and comprises a coupling communication system. The vehicle connector assembly comprises a battery charging interface electrically connectable to the power source via the coupling connector assembly. ML / for charging the electric vehicle battery; and a vehicle communication system for receiving vehicle information from the electric vehicle component management system and sending information to the docking communication system, the vehicle communication system using a connector-vehicle communication protocol to receive vehicle information from the vehicle component management system and wherein the docking communication system uses a docking-connector communication protocol to receive vehicle information from the vehicle communication system, the docking-connector communication protocol being different from the connector-vehicle communication protocol;wherein the vehicle connector assembly is configurable in a charging configuration when mated with the docking connector assembly, wherein a charging current from the power source is provided to the electric vehicle battery based on vehicle information received by the docking communication system. According to another general aspect, a battery charging system is provided, comprising: a docking connector assembly integrally mounted or formed with a vehicle docking station electrically coupled to a power source, the assembly being ML / electrically connectable coupling connector comprising a coupling communication system; a vehicle connector assembly mountable or integrally formed with an electric vehicle comprising a vehicle component management system and a battery electrically connectable to the vehicle connector assembly, the vehicle connector assembly and the coupling connector assembly being connectable to each other, the vehicle connector assembly comprising: a battery charging interface electrically connectable to the power source via the coupling connector assembly for charging the electric vehicle battery; and a vehicle communication system for receiving vehicle information from the electric vehicle component management system and sending vehicle information to the coupling communication system;wherein the vehicle communication system uses a connector-to-vehicle communication protocol to receive vehicle information from the vehicle component management system; and wherein the docking communication system uses a docking-to-connector communication protocol to receive vehicle information from the vehicle communication system, the docking-to-connector communication protocol being different from the connector-to-vehicle communication protocol; wherein the; The ML / battery locking and charging system is configurable in a charging configuration when the vehicle's docking and connector assemblies are coupled together, where a charging current is provided from the power source to the electric vehicle's battery based on vehicle information received by the docking communication system. According to another general aspect, an electrically coupled vehicle carrier system is provided with a power source, the vehicle carrier system comprises: at least one electric vehicle comprising: a battery; a vehicle component management system; and a vehicle connector assembly comprising: a battery charging interface electrically coupled with the battery; and a vehicle communication system for receiving vehicle information from the vehicle component management system of the at least one electric vehicle;at least one vehicle docking station comprising a docking connector assembly having: a vehicle charging module capable of receiving electrical power from the power source and selectively supplying an electrical current from the power source to the at least one electric vehicle coupled thereto via the battery charging interface of the vehicle when the docking connector assembly and the assembly of the; ML / vehicle connectors are coupled together; a docking communication system operable to receive vehicle information from the vehicle communication system when the vehicle connector assembly of the at least one electric vehicle and the docking connector assembly are coupled together; and a charge controller operatively coupled with the docking communication system and configured to selectively supply electric current to the at least one electric vehicle coupled thereto based on vehicle information; wherein the vehicle communication system uses a connector-vehicle communication protocol to receive vehicle information from the vehicle component management system;and where the coupling communication system uses a coupling-connector communication protocol to receive vehicle information from the vehicle communication system, the coupling-connector communication protocol being different from the connector-vehicle communication protocol. According to another general aspect, a method is provided for charging an electric vehicle coupled to a vehicle docking station, the electric vehicle comprising a battery, a vehicle component management system and a vehicle connector assembly comprising a charging interface for the coupled battery ML / electrically to the battery and a vehicle communication system to receive vehicle information from the electric vehicle component management system, wherein the vehicle docking station comprises a docking connector assembly having a docking communication system and a vehicle charging module operable to receive electrical power from a power source, the method comprises: docking the electric vehicle to the vehicle docking station; connecting the docking connector assembly and the vehicle connector assembly to each other;Send vehicle information to the docking communication system via the vehicle communication system using a connector-vehicle communication protocol to receive vehicle information from the vehicle component management system and via the docking communication system using a docking-connector communication protocol to receive vehicle information from the vehicle communication system, the docking-connector communication protocol being different from the connector-vehicle communication protocol; compare the vehicle information with the predetermined vehicle load conditions via a load controller of the docking connector assembly; and if the vehicle information corresponds to the predetermined vehicle load conditions, dock; ML / electrically connect the vehicle charging module of the docking connector assembly with the battery charging interface of the vehicle connector assembly to charge the electric vehicle battery. According to a general aspect, a battery locking and charging system is provided, comprising: a docking connector assembly mountable to a vehicle docking station electrically coupled to a power source, the docking connector assembly comprising a docking communication system; a vehicle connector assembly mountable to an electric vehicle comprising a battery and electrically coupleable thereto, the vehicle connector assembly being configurable in a locked configuration with the docking connector assembly, the vehicle connector assembly comprising: a battery charging interface electrically coupleable to the power source via the docking connector assembly for charging the vehicle battery;and a vehicle communication system for receiving vehicle information from the electric vehicle and sending vehicle information to the docking communication system; wherein the battery locking and charging system is configurable in a charging configuration when the vehicle docking and connector assemblies are configured in the locking configuration, wherein a charging current is provided from the; ML / power source to vehicle connector assembly based on vehicle information received by the docking communication system. According to another general aspect, a vehicle carrier system is provided comprising: one or more electric vehicles, at least one of the one or more electric vehicles comprising: a battery; and a vehicle connector assembly comprising: a battery charging interface electrically coupled to the battery; and a vehicle communication system for receiving vehicle information from at least one of the one or more electric vehicles;one or more vehicle docking stations, at least one of the one or more vehicle docking stations comprising a docking connector assembly having: a vehicle charging module operable to receive electrical power from a power source and to selectively provide an electrical current from the power source to one of the one or more coupled electric vehicles through the battery charging interface thereof when the docking connector assembly and the vehicle connector assembly are configured in a locked configuration; a docking communication system operable to receive vehicle information from the vehicle communication system when the vehicle connector assembly of one of the electric vehicles is connected to the connector assembly; IVIA / coupling; and a charge controller configured to selectively supply electric current to one of the electric vehicles coupled to it based on vehicle information. According to another general aspect, a method is provided for securing and charging an electric vehicle comprising a battery and a vehicle connector assembly comprising a battery charging interface electrically coupled to the battery and a vehicle communication system for receiving information from the electric vehicle. The method comprises: providing a vehicle docking station comprising a docking connector assembly having: a vehicle charging module operable for receiving electrical power from a power source; and a docking communication system; docking the electric vehicle to the vehicle docking station; configuring the docking connector assembly and the vehicle connector assembly in a locked configuration; and sending vehicle information to the docking communication system via the vehicle communication system.Compare the vehicle information with the vehicle's predetermined charging conditions; and if the vehicle information corresponds to the vehicle's predetermined charging conditions, charge the battery to; ML / through the vehicle charging module electrically connected to the battery charging interface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle docking station and a vehicle about to dock to the vehicle docking station; the vehicle docking station and the vehicle comprise, respectively, a docking connector assembly and a vehicle connector assembly of a battery charging vehicle system according to a modality; Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle carrier system comprising a plurality of vehicle docking stations and a plurality of vehicles of Figure 1, the vehicles being docked to a corresponding one of the plurality of vehicle docking stations; Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the vehicle connector assembly of the battery charging vehicle system according to one modality; Figure 4 is a block diagram representing the different stages of a method for charging an electric vehicle; and Figures 5A and 5B are diagrams that summarize an example of the operation of the battery charging system of the ML / Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity—that is, to avoid unduly overloading the figures with multiple reference numbers—not all figures contain references to every component and feature. References to some components and features may appear in only one figure, and the components and features illustrated in other figures can be easily deduced from them. The modalities, geometric configurations, materials, and / or dimensions shown in the figures are optional and provided for illustrative purposes only. Furthermore, it should be noted that positional descriptions such as up, down, forward, backward, left, right, and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken only in the context of the figures and should not be considered limiting. Additionally, the figures are intended to illustrate certain features of the battery locking and charging system and the vehicle carrier system and are not necessarily to scale. For the sake of clarity, some of the quantitative terms used in this description may be qualified. ML / approximately. It is understood that whether or not the term approximately is used explicitly, each quantity given in the present description refers to a given actual value, and also refers to the approximation to the given value that could reasonably be inferred on the basis of ordinary knowledge of the art, including approximations due to experimental and / or measurement conditions of the given value. In the following description, an embodiment is an example or implementation. The terms "an embodiment," "a modality," or "some embodiments" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Although several features may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, it may also be implemented in a single embodiment. Reference in the description to "some embodiments," "an embodiment," "a modality," or "other embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in relation to the embodiments is included in at least some, but not necessarily all, embodiments. It should be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein should not be interpreted in any way that is relevant to the invention. ML / should not be interpreted as limiting and are for descriptive purposes only. The principles and uses of the teachings in this description can be better understood with reference to the accompanying description, figures, and examples. It should be understood that the details set forth in this description do not constitute a limitation on any application of the description. Furthermore, it should be understood that the description can be carried out or practiced in various ways and that the description can be implemented in modalities other than those described above. It should be understood that the terms "includes," "comprises," and their grammatical variants do not exclude the addition of one or more components, features, stages, or wholes or groups thereof, and that the terms should be interpreted as specifying components, features, stages, or wholes. If the description or the claims refer to an additional element, this does not preclude the existence of more than one additional element. It should be understood that when the claims or the description refer to an element, such reference should not be construed as implying that there is only one element of that kind.It shall be understood that where the description indicates that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic may or could be included, it is not mandatory to include the component, feature, structure, or characteristic. The descriptions, examples, methods, and materials presented in the claims and in the description shall not be construed as limiting, but only as illustrative. The meanings of the technical and scientific terms used herein shall be commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains, unless otherwise defined. It shall be appreciated that the methods described herein may be performed in the order described, or in any suitable order. Referring now to the figures, and more particularly to Figures 1 and 2, a vehicle carrier system 100 is shown having one or more vehicle docking stations 120 (or charging-enabled docking stations 120 or vehicle receiving stations 120 or vehicle charging stations 120) and one or more vehicles 104 (for example, a bicycle 104, in the embodiment shown) attachable to one of the vehicle docking stations 120 of the vehicle carrier system 100. A possible embodiment of a vehicle docking station is described in U.S. Patent No. 8,061,499, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The vehicle carrier system 100 includes one or more locking and battery charging systems 10 mounted at least partially on the vehicle docking stations 120. In the embodiment shown, the locking system ML / t / ZUZO / U-4ZOZ40 and battery charging 10 (or electronic locking system or lock 10) comprises first and second complementary connecting members cooperating with each other, each of which is mounted on or integrally formed with a respective vehicle 104 and vehicle docking station 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the first connecting member comprises a docking connector assembly - or female connector assembly - 200 mounted on or integrally formed with the vehicle carrier system 100 (the vehicle docking station 120), and the second connecting member comprises a corresponding complementary vehicle connector assembly - or male connector assembly - 300 mounted on or integrally formed with the vehicle 104. It is understood that the docking connector assembly could alternatively be of the male type, while the vehicle connector assembly could be of the female type. The vehicle connector assembly 300 and the docking connector assembly 200, which together form the battery charging and locking system 10, are interlockable (i.e., mechanically coupleable) in a secured and locked position (or secured and locked configuration, or locked configuration). In other words, when the vehicle connector assembly and the docking connector assembly are coupled together, the vehicle ML / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 104 is held substantially stably via the docking station of the corresponding vehicle 120. In the embodiment shown, vehicle 104 is an electric vehicle, for example, an electrically assisted bicycle, but it could consist of an electric scooter, a motorcycle, or any other electric vehicle. In the embodiment shown, as best illustrated in Figure 1, the electric vehicle 104 comprises a front fork 110, a front wheel 112, and a handlebar 114. More specifically, the front fork 110 comprises a first lower end 116 having the front wheel 112 rotatably mounted and a second opposing upper end 118 to which the handlebar 114 is fixedly mounted. The knowledgeable recipient will appreciate that, in this embodiment, the handlebar 114 can be used to pivot the front wheel 112. In the embodiment shown, the vehicle connector assembly 300 is mounted on or forms an integral part of the front fork 110 of the vehicle 104 (e.g., the upper end 118 thereof) and could be disposed in any other location.This configuration is very advantageous as it facilitates the coupling of vehicle 104 with the vehicle carrier system 100 (i.e., coupling with one of the vehicle docking stations 120). In the configuration shown, the vehicle docking station 120 of the vehicle carrier system. ML / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 100 comprises a substantially vertical, hollow, elongated docking frame 121 having a first lower end 122 fixed to a station receiving base 124 and an opposite upper end 126 comprising, in the embodiment shown, a docking connector fixing recess 128. In the embodiment shown, the docking connector assembly 200 is disposed in the docking connector fixing recess 128 using fastening means (not shown) such as bolts and screws or any other suitable mechanical fastener. The skilled recipient will appreciate that any other suitable fastening means may be considered to secure the docking connector assembly 200 to the vehicle docking station 120 and any other location of the docking connector assembly 200. The station receiving base 124 comprises a structure adapted for mounting one or more vehicle docking stations 120 thereon. The station receiving base 124 may have a substantially horizontal ground surface, such as a parking lot, sidewalk, portion of a street, or the like. The docking connector assembly 200 may be positioned vertically at a level substantially corresponding to a level of the vehicle connector assembly 300 when the front wheel 112 of the electric vehicle 104 is supported on the base 124. The ML / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 configuration helps the electric vehicle user 104 guide the vehicle connector assembly 300 towards the docking connector assembly 200 without having to lift the vehicle 104, which is a significant advantage. The vehicle carrier system 100 can be part of a vehicle rental station, the vehicle rental station being part of a vehicle rental system. The assembly of the coupling connector 200 and the hollow elongated coupling frame 121 can form an integral structure. As best shown in Figure 1, the vehicle docking station 120 further comprises a substantially vertical wheel receiving slot 131 formed in the hollow elongated coupling frame 121, the wheel receiving slot 131 being adapted to receive therein at least partially the front wheel 112 of the electric vehicle 104. The hollow elongated frame 121 can further comprise a pair of wheel guide members 130, 132 extending vertically between the lower end 122 and the opposite upper end 126 of the vehicle docking station 120, the wheel guide members 130, 132 being positioned on either side of the wheel receiving slot 131, as best shown in Figure 2.Please note that the shape and configuration of the vehicle docking station 120 may vary from the model shown. Wheel guidance members 130, 132 enable guidance ML / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 of the vehicle wheel 112 forward (see arrow F in Figure 1) when the vehicle 104 is inserted at least partially into the wheel receiving slot 131. It will be appreciated that the wheel guide members 130, 132 and the wheel receiving slot 131 can contribute to the alignment of the docking connector assembly 200 and the vehicle connector assembly 300 of the battery locking and charging system 10. The knowledgeable recipient will appreciate that other configurations for the vehicle carrier system 100 and its vehicle docking station 120, as well as for the vehicles 104, may be considered. Referring now to Figure 2, it illustrates a perspective view of the vehicle carrier system 100, which is operable for charging (i.e., electrically charging a battery of) one or more electric vehicles 104. It is understood that one or more battery locking and charging systems 10 described herein are at least partially installed (their docking connector assembly, as shown) within the vehicle carrier system 100 by mounting on or forming an integral part of the charging-enabled vehicle docking stations 120 and provide an electrical interface between the electric vehicles 104 and the vehicle carrier system 100. In the illustrated example, each of the vehicles 104 is attached to one of the charging-enabled vehicle docking stations 120. The vehicle carrier system 100 includes a power box that includes components to provide a power source (e.g., an external power source) used to recharge the electric vehicles 104. The power box may include a connection to the electrical grid or mains (e.g., 110V, 240V, 480V), voltage control supplies, one or more up-voltage converters, and backup voltage converters. The vehicle could also be a non-electric vehicle and could be secured (i.e., mechanically coupled) but not charged (i.e., electrically coupled) when coupled to one of the vehicle docking stations 120. The vehicle carrier system 100 includes a power box that includes components to provide a power source (e.g., an external power source) used to recharge the electric vehicles 104. The power box may include a connection to the electrical grid or mains (e.g., 110V, 240V, 480V), voltage control supplies, one or more up-voltage converters, and backup voltage converters. The vehicle carrier system 100 also includes a main kiosk 102. The power box can be housed inside the main kiosk 102.The main kiosk 102 may include operable electronic systems for monitoring and controlling the charging provided to one or more electric vehicles coupled to the vehicle carrier system 100. For example, the electronic systems may be configured to adjust the charging among multiple coupled vehicles based on the vehicles' charge levels and the total load. Also included is the wiring for supplying power to charge the vehicles, for data communication, and for powering the electronic components of the connector assembly. ML / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 coupling 300 at one or more of the vehicle docking stations 120. In one mode, each vehicle docking station 120 includes a floating and non-isolated DC-DC converter (e.g., in the range of 100 W to 500 W, in another example, in the range of 300 W to 500 W) that supplies regulated current to recharge the vehicle battery from the voltage bus (e.g., a bus having a voltage of less than 60 V, e.g., a 58 V DC bus, e.g., from the aforementioned external power source electrically connected to the vehicle carrier system 100 via the main kiosk 102 of the latter).The electric vehicle 104 may include internal battery circuitry and, as detailed below, charging current is not supplied to the battery unless the vehicle docking station 120 recognizes that the vehicle is an electric vehicle and the vehicle information confirms that the battery needs to be charged (i.e., the vehicle information corresponds to the vehicle's default charging conditions, the vehicle's default charging conditions being set by example and not being limiting by the vehicle docking station and / or the electric vehicle). In this description, the expression "vehicle information" should not be understood as limited to the information provided by the vehicle's battery, but also ML / t / ZUZO / U-4ZOZ40 could include any information provided by any other component of the electric vehicle and / or the vehicle docking station that might be relevant, for example, to charging the vehicle's battery. Furthermore, as detailed below, the vehicle information sent by the vehicle connector assembly 300 to the docking connector assembly 200 (i.e., transferred from the vehicle to the vehicle docking station) is not necessarily limited to vehicle charging purposes, but may also be used, for example, for vehicle maintenance and / or flow management purposes. Battery charging system In the mode shown, as depicted for example in Figure 2, as detailed below, the battery locking and charging system 10 is configurable in a charging configuration where a charging current is supplied to an electric vehicle battery 104 based on vehicle information, in order to enable charging of the electric vehicle battery 104. As detailed below, the battery locking and charging system 10 is configurable in the charging configuration only when the vehicle coupling and connector assemblies 200, 300 are configured together in the secured and locked configuration. In document WO 2019 / 010582, the content of which is incorporated in the ML / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 This description, provided as a reference in its entirety, describes an example of a possible mechanical connection between the coupling and vehicle connection assemblies 200, 300. Coupling connector assembly As mentioned above, the docking connector assembly 200 can be mounted on or form an integral part of the vehicle docking station 120 comprising (or electrically coupled to) the power source (e.g., the vehicle docking station 10 is electrically connected to the power source—e.g., the external power source—via the main kiosk 102 of the vehicle carrier system 100). In other words, the docking connector assembly 200 forms, at least partially, a vehicle charging module operable to receive electrical power, e.g., from the external power source. The mating connector assembly 200 (or female connector assembly 200 in the embodiment shown) comprises a mating communication and control system (or mating communication system). In the embodiment shown, the mating communication system of the mating connector assembly 200 is adjacent to a mechanically connecting portion of the mating connector assembly that is shaped and sized to mechanically couple the mating connector assemblies and IVIA / t / ZUZÓ / lMÓZ^O of the vehicle. A docking connector assembly could also be conceived in which the mechanical connection portion and the docking communication system would be separated from each other and arranged in two different locations on the vehicle docking station. The docking connector assembly 200 also comprises docking current coupling elements that are electrically coupled (or electrically connected) via electrical connectors to the electrical power source (e.g., the external power source, e.g., via the main kiosk 102). The power source may include one or more high-power converters (e.g., 3kVA, 58V output) and backup converters (e.g., 24V output), which convert AC mains power into efficient DC current for charging one or more electric vehicles. The docking connector assembly 200 also comprises a proximity detector configured to detect when an electric vehicle is in the vicinity of the vehicle docking station 120 on which the docking connector assembly 200 is mounted.In the present modality, the proximity detector comprises a reed switch activated by a magnetic element of the vehicle connector assembly 300, although it is noted that they are also. ML / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 other possible proximity detector configurations. The docking communication and control system (or docking communication system) of the docking connector assembly 200 comprises a docking communication interface configured to communicate with a corresponding connector assembly communication interface provided in the vehicle connector assembly 300. As can be seen, any suitable docking communication interface can be provided to allow data exchange between the docking connector assembly 200 and the vehicle connector assembly 300.For example, the docking communication interface may comprise a radio frequency identification (RFID) interface (e.g., RFID antenna, REID transceiver, and / or REID memory) configured to wirelessly exchange data with a corresponding RFID interface provided in the connector assembly communication interface. It is understood, however, that other wired or wireless communication interfaces are also possible. The docking communication interface and the connector assembly communication interface may be configured to communicate using a predefined communication protocol, which may be referred to as the docking-connector communication protocol. The docking communication interface may be ML / t / ZUZO / U-4ZOZ40 configured to receive vehicle information relating to a vehicle 104 when the vehicle connector assembly 300 associated with vehicle 104 and the mating connector assembly 200 are in the secured and locked configuration (i.e., when the vehicle connector assembly 300 and the mating connector assembly 200 are secured and locked to each other), or when vehicle 104 is in the vicinity of the mating connector assembly 200. Such vehicle information may include, for example, an identifier that uniquely identifies the vehicle or vehicle type, information relating to the vehicle battery, such as information indicating the battery charging conditions, etc.For example, the docking connector assembly 200 may be configured to read vehicle information from a computer-readable medium associated with the vehicle 104, such as a memory provided in the vehicle connector assembly 300. In some embodiments, the computer-readable medium may comprise an identification tag, such as a REID tag. As detailed below, the docking communication and control system of the docking connector assembly 200 for a given vehicle docking station 120 is operable to determine, for example, the vehicle type (electric or not) ML / t / ZUZO / U-4ÓZ40 electric) that is received within or approaching vehicle docking station 120. For example, the docking communication and control system of the docking connector assembly 200 may include a sensor to read the identification tag of vehicle 104 docked to or in the vicinity of vehicle docking station 120. The identification tag indicates, for example, the vehicle type.The identification tag may be part of the connector's communication interface, which may be provided within the vehicle connector assembly 300. The sensor in the mating connector assembly 200 can read the identification tag when a portion of the male connector assembly 300 (or the vehicle connector assembly 300) is received within a recess (or vehicle receive recess) of the female connector assembly 200 (or the mating connector assembly 200), or when the mating connector assembly and the vehicle connector assembly are within a predetermined detection distance. For example, the identification tag may be an active or passive RFID tag that includes an RFID antenna, an RFID transceiver, and / or RFID memory. As detailed below, the coupling communication and control system - or controller systemML / t / ZUZO / U-4ZOZ40 of coupling communication and charging or coupling communication system- of the coupling connector assembly 200 is configured to transmit control signals to allow charging of the electric vehicle battery 104 through the coupling current coupling elements only when one or more vehicle charging conditions are met;For example, battery charging is only enabled when the coupling current coupling elements of the coupling connector assembly 200 are properly interconnected (i.e., electrically connected) with a battery charging interface 320 of the vehicle connector assembly 300, when the vehicle identification label indicates that the vehicle is an electric vehicle and / or an electric vehicle authorized to connect to the vehicle docking station and / or when, as detailed below, the vehicle information corresponds to the aforementioned default vehicle charging conditions. As detailed later, the coupling's communication and control system also serves to control the vehicle's load. The coupling's communication and control system can be configured to receive one or more data signals to monitor the vehicle's load status and to transmit control signals to monitor the load status. ML / t / ZUZO / U-4ÓZ40 whether or not a current flows from the power source to the coupling current elements of the coupling connector assembly 200 to continue charging the electric vehicle. The coupling communication and control system of the coupling connector assembly 200 can be powered by a low-voltage source (e.g., 12V). A reverse converter (e.g., 5-8W) can be provided to power the low-voltage source. Please note that the shape, configuration, and location of the 200 docking connector assembly and its components may vary from the model shown. Vehicle connector assembly As mentioned previously, the vehicle connector assembly 300 can be mounted on or form an integral part of a vehicle that includes a battery. The vehicle connector assembly 300 comprises the aforementioned battery charging interface 320, which is electrically coupled to the electric vehicle battery and is connectable (i.e., electrically coupleable) to a power source, for example, the aforementioned external power source electrically coupled to the vehicle carrier system 100, via the coupling current coupling elements of the coupling connector assembly 200, for charging the vehicle battery 104. The vehicle connector assembly 300 also comprises a ML / t / ZUZO / U-4ZOZ40 vehicle communication system 310 to receive vehicle information from the vehicle (e.g., vehicle information comprises vehicle battery information) and send vehicle information to the docking connector assembly 200 (e.g., via the docking communication system (or docking communication and control system) of the docking connector assembly). It is noted that the shape, configuration, and location of the 300 vehicle connector assembly and its components may vary from the modality shown. For example, in the embodiment shown, the vehicle communication system 310 is located near a mechanically connecting portion of the vehicle connector assembly that is shaped and sized to mechanically engage with the mechanically connecting portion of the mating connector assembly to configure the mating connector and vehicle connector assemblies in the locked configuration (for example, the vehicle communication system is embedded in a cover, such as a top cover, that at least partially covers the mechanically connecting portion of the vehicle connector assembly). Alternatively, a vehicle connector assembly could be conceived in which the mechanically connecting portion and the vehicle communication system are separated from each other and arranged in two different locations within the vehicle. ML / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 Battery charging interface and battery The battery charging interface 320 comprises battery charging contacts connectable to, or coupled with, or electrically coupled with, the coupling current coupling elements of the coupling connector assembly 200 when the vehicle connector assembly 300 and the coupling connector assembly 200 are in the secured and locked configuration to electrically connect the battery and power source to (or electrically coupled to) the vehicle docking station 120. In some embodiments, the battery charging interface 320 may comprise a one-way current-conducting member 322 (e.g., an ideal diode circuit) that forms a battery power feedback protection to prevent access of battery voltage and power to the vehicle connector assembly 300 when the vehicle is uncoupled from the vehicle docking station 120. Please note that the shape, configuration, and location of the battery charging interface may vary from the model shown. Vehicle communication system The vehicle 310 communication system comprises a vehicle 312 communication interface for communicating with vehicle 104, and more specifically with one more ML / t / ZUZO / U-4ZOZ40 controllers and / or systems / subsystems on board vehicle 104, such as an electric vehicle battery management system. As can be seen, any suitable vehicle communication interface 312 can be provided to enable data exchange between vehicle 104 and the vehicle communication system 310 of the vehicle connector assembly 300. For example, the vehicle communication interface 312 may comprise a wired connection to a data bus associated with the vehicle, thereby enabling data to be communicated via a data cable that operationally connects the vehicle communication system 310 to vehicle 104. It is appreciated, however, that other wired or wireless communication interfaces are also possible. The communication interface between vehicle 312 and vehicle 104 can be configured to communicate using a predetermined communication protocol, which may be referred to as the connector-vehicle communication protocol. The connector-vehicle protocol may be different from the coupling-connector protocol mentioned earlier. As can be seen, any suitable connector-vehicle protocol can be used to enable communication over the wired or wireless interface between the communication system of vehicle 310 and vehicle 104. Furthermore, the communication system of vehicle 310 may comprise any hardware suitable for enabling communication with the vehicle via the connector protocol. ML / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 vehicle. For example, the communication system of vehicle 310 may comprise a serial transceiver to communicate with a data bus associated with vehicle 104, such as a Control Area Network (CAN) bus transceiver to communicate with a CAN bus on board vehicle 104, or a Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART), among others. The vehicle communication system 310 also includes the previously mentioned connector assembly 314 communication interface for communicating with the corresponding coupling communication interface provided in the coupling connector assembly 200. As can be seen, any suitable connector assembly 314 communication interface can be provided to enable data exchange between the vehicle connector assembly 300 and the coupling connector assembly 200. For example, the connector assembly 314 communication interface may comprise an RFID interface (e.g., RFID antenna, RFID transceiver, and / or RFID memory) configured to wirelessly exchange data with a corresponding RFID interface provided in the coupling communication interface. It should be noted, however, that other wired or wireless communication interfaces are also possible.As mentioned previously, the connector assembly's communication interface can be configured to communicate with. ML / t / ZUZO / U-4ZOZ40 the docking communication interface using the docking-connector communication protocol, which is different from the connector-vehicle protocol. The communication interface of connector assembly 314 can be positioned at any suitable location that allows it to interact with the docking communication interface when vehicle connector assembly 300 and docking connector assembly 200 are in the secured and locked configuration and / or when vehicle 104 is in the vicinity of docking connector assembly 200. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the communication interface of connector assembly 314 and the docking communication interface each comprise RFID interfaces. An RFID antenna of the communication interface of connector assembly 314 is thus positioned within connector assembly 300 so that it is adjacent to and / or in close proximity with a corresponding RFID antenna of the docking communication interface in docking connector assembly 200.In this configuration, the communication interface of the 314 connector assembly is close to a mechanical connection portion of the vehicle connector assembly that is shaped and sized to mechanically engage with the mechanical connection portion of the mating connector assembly to configure the connector assemblies. ML / t / ZUZO / U-4ZOZ40 coupling and of the vehicle connector in the locked configuration (for example, the vehicle communication system is embedded in a cover, for example a top cover, which at least partially covers the mechanical connection portion of the vehicle connector assembly). It is noted that, in other embodiments, the vehicle connector assembly can be configured where the mechanical connection portion and the vehicle communication system would be separated from each other and arranged in two different locations on the vehicle. The vehicle communication system 310 further comprises a controller 316 (such as a microcontroller or microcontroller unit) operatively coupled to the vehicle communication interface 312 and the connector assembly communication interface 314. The controller 316 can operate the vehicle communication interface 312 to communicate with vehicle 104 using a first protocol (i.e., the connector-vehicle protocol) and can operate the connector assembly communication interface 314 to communicate with vehicle docking station 120 using a second protocol (i.e., the docking-connector protocol) that is different from the first protocol. In some embodiments, the controller 316 can operate the vehicle communication interface 312 to communicate with vehicle 104 using a first type of interface (e.g., ML / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 wired interface) and can actuate the communication interface of the connector assembly 314 to communicate with the vehicle docking station 120 using a second type of interface (e.g., wireless interface). Controller 316 can be operated to transmit data between electric vehicle 104 and vehicle docking station 120, and thus act as a communication bridge between electric vehicle 104 (e.g., its battery) and vehicle docking station 120 (its docking connector assembly 200, as shown). As can be seen, due to the different communication protocols used, the communication messages to and from electric vehicle 104 may be in a format that is different from or incompatible with the communication messages to and from docking station 120.Accordingly, the controller 316 can be configured to convert a first protocol associated with vehicle 104 (i.e., the connector-vehicle protocol) into a second protocol associated with docking station 120 (i.e., the docking-connector protocol) and vice versa, to allow data transmission between electric vehicle 104 and docking station 120. In some configurations, the 316 controller can be operated to relay vehicle data from the vehicle ΙνΙΛ / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 104 to docking station 120 in response to a request for vehicle data from the docking connector assembly 200 (for example, via its docking communication system (or docking communication and control system)). The vehicle data transmitted to the docking connector assembly 200 via the vehicle communication system 310 may include, for example, battery status data comprising at least one of the following: actual battery voltage, actual battery state of charge, actual battery temperature, battery end-of-charge voltage setpoint, battery charging current setpoint, and battery fault status. It may also include information relating to other vehicle components and / or vehicle performance states and / or information relating to vehicle usage. As an example, controller 316 can be operated to relay data from a vehicle battery management system 104 to the docking connector assembly 200 to initiate and / or monitor the vehicle battery's state of charge. Controller 316 can be configured to receive, via a first protocol (i.e., the docking-connector protocol), a first request for specified data from vehicle 104 (such as one or more battery status data points). The request can be received from the station of ML / t / ZUZO / U-4ZOZ40 docking station 120 via the communication interface of connector assembly 314. Upon receiving the request, controller 316 can be configured to send, via a second protocol (i.e., the vehicle-connector protocol), a second request for the specified data from vehicle 104. The request can be sent via a data bus associated with vehicle 104 using the vehicle communication interface 312. After the second request, controller 316 will receive, via the second protocol, the requested data (e.g., from the vehicle's battery management system). The data is received via the vehicle communication interface 312. After receiving the data, controller 316 can send the received data via the first protocol. The data can be sent to docking station 120 via the communication interface 314 of the connector assembly. In some configurations, the controller 316 can be configured to expose to the docking station 120 only a subset of vehicle data that can be read from the vehicle 104, and / or to provide vehicle data in a format expected by the docking station 120. For example, the connector-vehicle protocol can allow granular access, via the vehicle communication interface 312, to detailed vehicle data, such as detailed battery information, detailed information of Maintenance, detailed usage information, etc. However, the 316 controller can be configured to allow only battery information (or another available subset of data, such as limited battery and maintenance information, or a minimal subset of data necessary to comply with the docking-connector protocol requirements) to be translated and provided to docking station 120 via the docking-connector protocol. As another example, docking station 120 may expect to receive vehicle data in a particular format (e.g., as defined in the docking-connector protocol). Such a format may not correspond to the format in which vehicle data is communicated from vehicle 104 to communication system 310 (e.g., as defined in the connector-vehicle protocol).Consequently, controller 316 can format and / or translate the data received from vehicle 104 via the vehicle-connector protocol before sending the data to docking station 120 via the docking-connector protocol. In this way, controller 316 can isolate or decouple the communication interface of connector assembly 314 and the docking-connector protocol from the communication interface of vehicle 312 and the vehicle-connector protocol. This isolation allows for the functionality of both the docking communication system and the communication system. The vehicle 310's ML / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 protocol evolves independently, thus avoiding compatibility issues. Furthermore, the connector-vehicle protocol can be adapted to different vehicle-specific protocols (i.e., different connector-vehicle protocols for different vehicle types used in a vehicle-sharing system), while the docking-connector protocol can be standardized across all vehicle types used in a vehicle-sharing system, thereby preventing compatibility problems between the docking station 120 and the various vehicle types that may be used in the vehicle-sharing system. It is understood that docking and vehicle connector assemblies of a locking system could be conceived that would not be limited to exchanging battery information (e.g., to control vehicle battery charging), but could also be configured to act jointly as a communication bridge between the electric vehicle (any component thereof) and the vehicle docking station (the docking connector assembly thereof, in the manner shown) (e.g., to enable technical diagnostics with respect to the corresponding vehicle component and / or to manage vehicle flow in the context of a vehicle rental system). For example, the 316 controller can be operated ML / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 in a manner similar to that described above to communicate with the management systems of other vehicle components 104 and / or a vehicle performance management system, and transmit data related to these to and from the vehicle docking station 120 and / or vehicle 104. As can be seen, the vehicle communication system 310 can be powered in any suitable manner. In the present embodiment, the vehicle connector assembly 300 comprises a DC-DC converter 318 (e.g., a battery converter, for example, from a voltage ranging from approximately 25V to approximately 59V to a voltage of approximately 5V) to power the vehicle communication system 310 from the vehicle battery. It should be noted that the shape, configuration, and location of the vehicle's communication system and its various components may differ from the model shown. General principles of the battery locking and charging system Therefore, it is understood that the vehicle communication system 310 of the vehicle connector assembly 300 is mounted or embedded in or at least partially integral with the electric vehicle 104 to at least partially form an interface with the vehicle docking station, for example to provide a standard interface for charging the vehicle 104 when the vehicle 104 is docked. ML / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 InIL / aa one of the vehicle docking stations 120 with the vehicle docking and connector assemblies being in the locked configuration. Furthermore, as detailed above, the integrated logic of the vehicle communication system 310 comprising the battery communication receiver 312 having, for example, a controller area network (CAN) bus transceiver or a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) or any other suitable communication link and / or protocol, allows the vehicle information communication interface, comprising, for example, the battery management system, to be decoupled from the docking communication system of the docking connector assembly 200 configured, for example, to identify the vehicle type.The requested information (i.e., vehicle information comprising, for example, battery information) necessary for charging vehicle battery 104 is transmitted (i.e., communicated, i.e., sent, i.e., transferred) from the vehicle side (at least partially formed by the vehicle connector assembly) to the docking station side (at least partially formed by the docking communication system of the docking connector assembly). Other information relating to the vehicle and its components and their use could also be transmitted from the vehicle side to the docking station side.In this way, the battery locking and charging system 10 allows the vehicle information communication interface (which includes, for example, the battery management system) and the docking communication system to evolve independently without compatibility issues, since the vehicle communication system of the vehicle connector assembly acts as a communication bridge between the vehicle information communication interface and the docking communication system. According to the present description, the battery locking and charging system 10 thus limits the risks of incompatibility between the electric vehicle 104 and the vehicle docking station 120. In this way, the vehicle connector assembly 300 adapts to different types of vehicles that may have different communication protocols. In other words, the vehicle connector assembly 300 is configured to bypass the electric vehicle's information communication interface. Specifically, the vehicle connector assembly 300 is configured to act as a translation system to make the communication provided by the vehicle's information communication interface readable or understandable by the vehicle docking station. It is also understood that when the docking station is configured to receive ML / t / ZUZO / U-4ZOZ40 different types of vehicles, having different communication protocols, the vehicle connector assembly can adapt to the different vehicle communication protocols without any incompatibility problems with the docking station communication protocol (e.g., the docking station's REID communication protocol). In other words, the battery 10 locking and charging system forms a vehicle battery charging interface and a vehicle information communication interface. Method for charging an electric vehicle According to another aspect of the description, a method 400 is provided for securing and charging an electric vehicle 104 comprising a battery and a vehicle connector assembly comprising a battery charging interface 320 electrically coupled to the battery and a vehicle communication system for receiving vehicle information from the battery. In other words, the method is for charging the electric vehicle secured to a vehicle docking station. According to the embodiments of the present description, method 400 can be carried out with a battery locking and charging system 10 as described above. For example, as depicted in Figure 4, the method ML / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 Method 400 comprises a step 410 of providing a vehicle docking station 120 comprising a docking connector assembly 200 having a vehicle charging module operable for receiving electrical power from a power source, e.g., an external power source, and a docking communication system. Method 400 further comprises a step 420 of connecting the docking connector assembly 200 and the vehicle connector assembly 300 (i.e., configuring the docking connector assembly). ML / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 200 and the vehicle connector assembly 300 in a locked configuration), a 430 stage of sending vehicle information to the docking communication system (or communication and control system of The method further comprises a step 440 of comparing the vehicle information with predetermined vehicle charging conditions via a charging controller of the charging connector assembly (e.g., predetermined battery charging conditions corresponding to safe battery charging). If the vehicle information corresponds to the vehicle's predetermined charging conditions (e.g., the predetermined battery conditions that ensure safe battery charging), Method 400 further comprises a step 450 of electrically coupling the vehicle charging module of the coupling connector assembly with the battery charging interface of the vehicle connector assembly to charge the battery via the vehicle charging module electrically connected to the battery charging interface. It is understood that the charging parameters used to charge the battery via the vehicle charging module electrically connected to the battery charging interface, when the vehicle information corresponds to the predetermined vehicle charging conditions, can be adapted (i.e., adjusted, i.e., modified) based on the vehicle information.For example, charging parameters can be adjusted based on battery type, vehicle type, actual battery voltage, actual battery state of charge, actual battery temperature, battery end-of-charge voltage setpoint, and battery charging current setpoint. IVIA / t / ZUZÓ / lMÓZ^O similar. In the embodiment shown, connection step 420 comprises a vehicle presence detection step, for example, via a reed switch in the docking connector assembly 200 activated by a magnet in the vehicle connector assembly. For example, the vehicle presence detection step comprises a vehicle identification information request step (for example, a vehicle ID), for example, via REID communication. In the embodiment shown, step 430, which involves sending battery information to the docking communication system via the vehicle communication system, also comprises sending the vehicle identification information via REID communication. In the embodiment shown, method 400 also comprises a vehicle identification information control step for the information provided by the electric vehicle.For example, based on the vehicle identification information received, the method may include a validation stage to determine whether the coupled vehicle is an electric vehicle, is a vehicle permitted by the car carrier system, and / or the vehicle needs to be charged. Step 440, comparing vehicle information with predetermined vehicle charging conditions, may include, for example, validating that the battery temperature is below a certain limit. ML / t / ZUZO / U-4ÓZ40 default temperature to ensure safe battery charging. For example, step 440, comparing vehicle information with default vehicle charging conditions, may also include comparing at least one of the actual battery voltages and the actual battery charge status with the default voltage and charge status conditions. The method further includes, as depicted in Figure 5A, a step 442, connecting the power source to the battery charging interface of the vehicle connector assembly, for example, when the vehicle information corresponds to the default vehicle charging conditions.In the mode shown, and as best represented in Figures 5A and 5B, the 450 stage of battery charging via the vehicle charging module connected to the battery charging interface comprises a charging start phase, a charging monitoring phase, and a charging completion phase. Loading start phase If the vehicle information corresponds to the vehicle's predetermined charging conditions, the method comprises the aforementioned step 442, where the power source is electrically connected (or electrically coupled) to the battery charging interface 320 of the vehicle connector assembly 300, via the module of ΙνΙΛ / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 Vehicle charging of the vehicle docking station 120. For example, the power source is electrically connected to the vehicle battery by connecting a charger of the vehicle connector assembly 300 to a ball plunger mechanism of the docking connector assembly 200, for example, by activating a relay. In the mode shown, the charging initiation phase also comprises starting the charger of the vehicle connector assembly with a current setpoint and / or a voltage setpoint from the vehicle information transmitted to the docking connector assembly by the vehicle communication system 310. Load monitoring phase In the mode shown, during stage 450 of battery charging via the vehicle charging module connected to the battery charging interface, vehicle information is continuously communicated from the vehicle to the vehicle docking station through the vehicle communication system 310 of the vehicle connector assembly. For example, at intervals of a predetermined duration, vehicle information is communicated from the vehicle to the vehicle docking station through the vehicle communication system 310 of the vehicle connector assembly. If during the ML / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 Battery charging stage 450, communicated vehicle information reveals that at least one of the predetermined vehicle charging conditions is no longer met, charging will stop (e.g., the method will comprise a stage 454 where the charger of the vehicle connector assembly 300 is disconnected from the coupling connector assembly 200, e.g., it is disconnected from a ball plunger mechanism of the same). During the charging monitoring phase, vehicle information is requested, for example, at regular intervals, to verify that all predetermined vehicle charging conditions are met again. If the predetermined vehicle charging conditions are met again, the power source is reconnected to the vehicle connector assembly's battery charging interface, and vehicle battery charging is reactivated. For example, the duration of the power source's disconnection from the vehicle battery is measured. If the disconnection duration is less than or equal to a predetermined disconnection duration, vehicle information monitoring continues. If the disconnection duration exceeds the predetermined disconnection duration, vehicle information monitoring ends (i.e., the vehicle docking station stops attempting to charge the electric vehicle). IVIA / t / ZUZÓ / lMÓZ^O Load completion phase In the mode shown, battery charging stage 450 ends, for example, upon completion of a vehicle rental 104, because the actual state of charge of the battery reaches a predetermined charging target (i.e., because the battery is practically charged), or due to a battery fault state (e.g., because the actual battery temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature limit). After battery charging stage 450 is completed, the method further comprises stage 460 in which the battery locking and charging system 10 is configured in a disconnectable configuration where the vehicle coupling and connector assemblies 200, 300 can be unlocked and disconnected from each other.To be configured in the disconnectable configuration, in the mode shown, the vehicle connector assembly 300 charger is disconnected from the docking connector assembly 200 (for example, it is disconnected from the ball plunger mechanism of the latter). This description outlines and illustrates several alternative embodiments and examples. The embodiments of the invention described above are merely examples. A person skilled in the art would appreciate the features of each embodiment, as well as the possible combinations and variations. ML / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments described herein. It is understood that the invention may be carried out in other specific embodiments without departing from its central features. The present examples and embodiments should therefore be regarded in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention should not be limited to the details given herein. Consequently, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications are possible. Therefore, the scope of the invention is limited by the scope of the appended claims. It is hereby stated that, as of this date, the best method known to the applicant for putting the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle connector assembly integrally formed with an electric vehicle comprising a vehicle component management system and a battery electrically connectable to the vehicle connector assembly, the vehicle connector assembly being electrically coupled to a coupling connector assembly and comprising a coupling communication system characterized in that it comprises: a battery charging interface electrically connectable to the power source via the coupling connector assembly for charging the electric vehicle battery;and a vehicle communication system for receiving vehicle information from the electric vehicle component management system and sending vehicle information to the docking communication system, the vehicle communication system using a connector-vehicle communication protocol to receive vehicle information from the vehicle component management system and wherein the docking communication system uses a docking-connector communication protocol to receive vehicle information from the vehicle communication system, the docking-connector communication protocol being different from the connector-vehicle communication protocol;wherein the vehicle connector assembly is configurable in a charging configuration when mated with the docking connector assembly, wherein a charging current from the power source is provided to the electric vehicle battery based on vehicle information received by the docking communication system.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it is configurable in a locked configuration with the docking connector assembly, the vehicle connector assembly being configurable in the charging configuration when the docking connector and vehicle assemblies are configured together in the locked configuration.

3. The assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a connector assembly communication interface configured to communicate with a docking communication interface ML / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 of the docking communication system.

4. The assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the communication interface of the connector assembly comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) configured to exchange data wirelessly with a corresponding RFID interface provided in the communication interface of the coupling.

5. The assembly according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the communication interface of the connector assembly is configured to communicate with the communication interface of the coupling using the coupling-connector communication protocol.

6. The assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the vehicle communication system comprises a vehicle communication interface for communicating with the vehicle component management system using the vehicle connector communication protocol.

7. The assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the vehicle communication interface comprises a wired connection to a data bus associated with the electric vehicle.

8. The assembly according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the vehicle communication system comprises a controller operatively coupled to the vehicle communication interface and the ML / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 connector assembly communication interface to convert the connector-vehicle communication protocol into the assembly-connector communication protocol and vice versa, to allow data transmission between the electric vehicle and the docking connector assembly.

9. The assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the controller is configured to operate the vehicle communication interface to communicate with the electric vehicle using a first type of interface and to operate the connector assembly communication interface to communicate with the docking connector assembly using a second type of interface different from the first type of interface.

10. The assembly according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the electric vehicle comprises a battery management system and wherein the controller is configured to transmit data from the battery management system to the docking connector assembly to at least initiate and monitor a battery charging state.

11. The assembly in accordance with any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the vehicle communication system comprises a serial transceiver for communicating with a data bus associated with the electric vehicle.

12. The assembly according to claim ML / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 ΙνΙΛ / a 11, characterized in that the serial transceiver comprises a controller area network (CAN) bus transceiver for communicating with a CAN bus on board the electric vehicle.

13. The assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the serial transceiver comprises a Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART).

14. The assembly according to any of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the serial transceiver is a bidirectional transceiver.

15. The assembly according to any of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the battery charging interface comprises a unidirectional current-conducting member forming a battery energy feedback protection.

16. The assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that the unidirectional current-conducting member comprises an ideal diode circuit.

17. The assembly according to any of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the vehicle connector assembly comprises a computer-readable medium associated with the electric vehicle, and wherein the docking communication system is configured to read vehicle information from the computer-readable medium.

18. The assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that the computer-readable medium 59 comprises an identification label.

19. The assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that the identification label comprises a REID label.

20. The assembly according to any of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the vehicle information comprises at least one of an actual battery voltage, an actual battery state of charge, an actual battery temperature, a battery end-of-charge voltage setpoint, and a battery charging current setpoint.

21. A battery charging system characterized in that it comprises: a docking connector assembly integrally formed with a vehicle docking station electrically coupled to a power source, the docking connector assembly being electrically coupled to the power source and comprising a docking communication system;a vehicle connector assembly integrally mounted with an electric vehicle comprising a vehicle component management system and a battery electrically connectable to the vehicle connector assembly, the vehicle connector assembly and the coupling connector assembly being connectable to each other, the ML / t / ZUZO / U-4ZOZ40 vehicle connector assembly comprising: a battery charging interface electrically connectable to the power source via the coupling connector assembly for charging the electric vehicle battery; and a vehicle communication system for receiving vehicle information from the electric vehicle component management system and sending vehicle information to the coupling communication system;wherein the vehicle communication system uses a connector-to-vehicle communication protocol to receive vehicle information from the vehicle component management system; and wherein the docking communication system uses a docking-to-connector communication protocol to receive vehicle information from the vehicle communication system, the docking-to-connector communication protocol being different from the connector-to-vehicle communication protocol; wherein the battery charging system is configurable in a charging configuration when the vehicle docking and connector assemblies are coupled together, wherein a charging current is provided from the power source to the electric vehicle battery based on the vehicle information received by the docking communication system.

22. The system according to claim 21, characterized in that the vehicle connector assembly and the docking connector assembly are configurable together in a locked configuration, the battery charging system being configurable in the charging configuration when the docking connector and vehicle assemblies are configured together in the locked configuration.

23. The system according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the docking communication system comprises a docking communication interface configured to communicate with a corresponding connector assembly communication interface provided in the vehicle connector assembly.

24. The system according to claim 23, characterized in that the communication interface of the coupling comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) interface configured to exchange data wirelessly with a corresponding RFID interface provided in the communication interface of the connector assembly.

25. The system according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the communication interface of the coupling and the communication interface of the connector assembly are configured to communicate using the ML / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 coupling-connector communication protocol.

26. The system according to claim 25, characterized in that the vehicle communication system comprises a vehicle communication interface for communicating with the vehicle component management system using the vehicle connector communication protocol.

27. The system according to claim 26, characterized in that the vehicle communication interface comprises a wired connection to a data bus associated with the electric vehicle.

28. The system according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the vehicle communication system comprises a controller operatively coupled to the vehicle communication interface and to the connector assembly communication interface to convert the connector-vehicle communication protocol into the docking-connector communication protocol and vice versa, to allow data transmission between the electric vehicle and the vehicle docking station.

29. The system according to claim 28, characterized in that the controller is configured to operate the vehicle communication interface to communicate with the electric vehicle using a first type of interface and to operate the communication interface of the connector assembly ΙνΙΛ / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 to communicate with the vehicle docking station using a second type of interface different from the first type of interface.

30. The system according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that the electric vehicle comprises a battery management system and wherein the controller is configured to transmit data from the battery management system to the docking connector assembly to at least initiate and monitor a battery charging state.

31. The system in accordance with any of claims 21 to 30, characterized in that the vehicle communication system comprises a serial transceiver for communicating with a data bus associated with the electric vehicle.

32. The system according to claim 31, characterized in that the serial transceiver comprises a controller area network (CAN) bus transceiver for communicating with a CAN bus on board the electric vehicle.

33. The system according to claim 31, characterized in that the serial transceiver comprises a Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART).

34. The system in accordance with any of claims 31 to 33, characterized in that the serial transceiver is a bidirectional transceiver.

35. The system in accordance with any of claims 21 to 34 of ML / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40, characterized in that the battery charging interface comprises a unidirectional current-conducting member forming a battery energy feedback protection.

36. The system according to claim 35, characterized in that the unidirectional current-conducting member comprises an ideal diode circuit.

37. The system according to any of claims 21 to 36, characterized in that the docking connector assembly comprises a proximity detector for detecting when the electric vehicle is in the vicinity of the vehicle docking station.

38. The system according to claim 37, characterized in that the proximity detector comprises a reed switch and the electric vehicle comprises a magnetic element, the reed switch being actuatable by the magnetic element to detect when the electric vehicle is in the vicinity of the vehicle docking station.

39. The system according to any of claims 21 to 38, characterized in that the vehicle connector assembly comprises a computer-readable medium associated with the vehicle, and wherein the docking communication system is configured to read vehicle information from the computer-readable medium.

40. The system according to claim 39, characterized in that the computer-readable medium comprises an identification label.

41. The system according to claim 40, characterized in that the identification label comprises a REID label.

42. The system according to any of claims 21 to 41, characterized in that the vehicle information comprises at least one of an actual battery voltage, an actual battery state of charge, an actual battery temperature, a battery end-of-charge voltage setpoint, and a battery charging current setpoint.

43. A vehicle connector assembly integrally mounted with an electric vehicle comprising a vehicle component management system and a battery electrically connectable to the vehicle connector assembly, the vehicle connector assembly being configurable in a locked configuration with a coupling connector assembly electrically coupled to a power source and comprising a coupling communication system characterized in that it comprises: a battery charging interface electrically connectable to the power source via the coupling connector assembly ML / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 for charging the electric vehicle battery;and a vehicle communication system for receiving vehicle information from the electric vehicle component management system and sending the information to the docking communication system, the vehicle communication system using a connector-to-vehicle communication protocol to receive vehicle information from the vehicle component management system, and wherein the docking communication system uses a docking-to-connector communication protocol to receive vehicle information from the vehicle communication system; wherein the vehicle connector assembly is configurable in a charging configuration when in the locked configuration with the docking connector assembly, wherein a charging current from the power source is provided to the electric vehicle battery based on the vehicle information received by the docking communication system.

44. The assembly according to claim 43, characterized in that the coupling-connector communication protocol is different from the connector-vehicle communication protocol.

45. The assembly according to claim 43 or 44, characterized in that it comprises a connector assembly communication interface configured to communicate with a docking communication interface of the docking communication system.

46. ​​The assembly according to claim 45, characterized in that the vehicle communication system comprises a vehicle communication interface for communicating with the vehicle component management system using the vehicle connector communication protocol.

47. The assembly according to claim 46, characterized in that the vehicle communication system comprises a controller operatively coupled to the vehicle communication interface and to the connector assembly communication interface to convert the connector-vehicle communication protocol into the coupling-connector communication protocol and vice versa, to allow data transmission between the electric vehicle and the coupling connector assembly.

48. The assembly according to any of claims 43 to 47, characterized in that the vehicle communication system comprises a serial transceiver for communicating with a data bus associated with the electric vehicle.

49. A battery locking and charging system, comprising: IVIA / t / ZUZÓ / lMÓZ^O a mountable docking connector assembly integrally formed with a vehicle docking station electrically coupled to a power source, the docking connector assembly being electrically coupleable to the power source and comprising a docking communication system;a vehicle connector assembly integrally formed with an electric vehicle comprising a vehicle component management system and a battery electrically connectable to the vehicle connector assembly, the vehicle connector assembly and the coupling connector assembly being configurable together in a locked configuration, the vehicle connector assembly comprising: a battery charging interface electrically connectable to the power source via the coupling connector assembly for charging the electric vehicle battery; and a vehicle communication system for receiving vehicle information from the electric vehicle component management system and sending vehicle information to the coupling communication system;characterized in that the vehicle communication system uses a connector-to-vehicle communication protocol ML / t / ZUZO / U-4ZOZ40 to receive vehicle information from the vehicle component management system; and wherein the docking communication system uses a docking-to-connector communication protocol to receive vehicle information from the vehicle communication system; wherein the battery charging system is configurable in a charging configuration when the vehicle docking and connector assemblies are configured in the locking configuration, wherein a charging current is provided from the power source to the electric vehicle battery based on the vehicle information received by the docking communication system.

50. The system according to claim 49, characterized in that the coupling-connector communication protocol is different from the connector-vehicle communication protocol.

51. The system according to claim 49 or 50, characterized in that the vehicle connector assembly comprises a connector assembly communication interface configured to communicate with a docking communication interface of the docking communication system.

52. The system according to claim 51, characterized in that the vehicle communication system ML / t / ZUZÓ / U-4ÓZ40 comprises a vehicle communication interface for communicating with the vehicle component management system using the vehicle connector communication protocol.

53. The system according to claim 52, characterized in that it comprises a controller operatively coupled to the vehicle communication interface and to the connector assembly communication interface to convert the connector-vehicle communication protocol into the coupling-connector communication protocol and vice versa, to allow data transmission between the electric vehicle and the coupling connector assembly.

54. The system in accordance with any of claims 49 to 53, characterized in that it comprises a serial transceiver for communicating with a data bus associated with the electric vehicle.

55. A vehicle carrier system electrically coupled to a power source characterized in that it comprises: at least one electric vehicle comprising: a battery; a vehicle component management system; and a vehicle connector assembly comprising: a battery charging interface electrically coupled to the battery; and a vehicle communication system for receiving vehicle information from the vehicle component management system;at least one vehicle docking station comprising a docking connector assembly having: a vehicle charging module capable of receiving electrical power from the power source and selectively supplying an electrical current from the power source to at least one electric vehicle coupled thereto via the battery charging interface of the latter when the docking connector assembly and the vehicle connector assembly are coupled together; a docking communication system operable for receiving vehicle information from the vehicle communication system when the vehicle connector assembly of the at least one electric vehicle and the docking connector assembly are coupled together;and a charge controller operatively coupled with the coupling communication system and configured to selectively supply electric current to at least one electric vehicle coupled thereto based on vehicle information; wherein the vehicle communication system uses a connector-to-vehicle communication protocol to receive vehicle information from the vehicle component management system; and IVIA / t / ZUZÓ / lMÓZ^O wherein the coupling communication system uses a coupling-to-connector communication protocol to receive vehicle information from the vehicle communication system, the coupling-to-connector communication protocol being different from the connector-to-vehicle communication protocol.

56. A method for charging an electric vehicle coupled to a vehicle docking station, comprising a battery, a vehicle component management system, and a vehicle connector assembly comprising a battery charging interface electrically coupled to the battery and a vehicle communication system for receiving vehicle information from the component management system, characterized in that the vehicle docking station comprises a docking connector assembly having a docking communication system and a vehicle charging module operable for receiving electrical power from a power source, the method comprising: coupling the electric vehicle to the vehicle docking station; connecting the docking connector assembly and the vehicle connector assembly to each other;Send vehicle information to the docking communication system via the vehicle's ML / t / ZUZO / U-4ZOZ40 communication system using a vehicle-connector communication protocol to receive vehicle information from the vehicle's component management system and via the docking communication system using a docking-connector communication protocol to receive vehicle information from the vehicle's communication system, the docking-connector communication protocol being different from the connector-vehicle communication protocol; compare vehicle information with predetermined vehicle load conditions via a load controller of the docking connector assembly;and if the vehicle information corresponds to the predetermined vehicle charging conditions, electrically couple the vehicle charging module of the docking connector assembly with the battery charging interface of the vehicle connector assembly to charge the electric vehicle battery.

57. The method according to claim 56, characterized in that the charging of the electric vehicle battery by electrically coupling the vehicle charging module of the coupling connector assembly with the battery charging interface of the vehicle connector assembly has charging parameters, the charging parameters being based on vehicle information.

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