GB2579811A

GB2579811A - Manufacture of a vehicle having a traction battery

Info

Publication number: GB2579811A
Application number: GB1820403.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: mcnally Mark
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2018-12-14
Filing date: 2018-12-14
Publication date: 2020-07-08
Also published as: GB201820403D0

Abstract

An apparatus 1, typically a tool or an automatic guided vehicle, is provided for use in the manufacture of a vehicle with a traction battery. The apparatus has a coupler, which for example may be conductive or inductive, for electrically coupling the apparatus to the traction battery so that the apparatus receives power from the traction battery during manufacture of the vehicle. Apparatus 1 may comprise an energy store 6, which may power the apparatus and may be charged by the traction battery, and an inductive charger 13 for providing power to auxiliary tools. Also claimed are a traction battery, a vehicle, a method, a non-transitory computer readable medium and a controller; the traction battery has a high voltage output, typically between 60V and 800V and suitably 400V, and a low voltage output, typically between 20V and 50V and suitably 48V.

Description

MANUFACTURE OF A VEHICLE HAVING A TRACTION BATTERY

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the manufacture of a vehicle having a traction battery.

Aspects of the invention relate to an apparatus for use in the manufacture of a vehicle having a traction battery, a traction battery, a vehicle, a method, a non-transitory computer readable medium and a controller.

BACKGROUND

Known vehicles have a traction battery which provides power to an electric motor in order to propel the vehicle. Such vehicles may be manufactured in facilities which use fixed infrastructure, such as an assembly line including fixed assembly stations for each stage in the process, with each station powered via permanent connection to a common power source such as the national grid. It can take significant time to construct these manufacturing facilities and introduce a significant lead-time before production of a vehicle can commence. Although it is known to use battery-powered automated guided vehicles as part of manufacturing processes, there are limits to the capacity of the batteries of such vehicles, which can restrict their usefulness due to the frequency with which they need to return to a battery recharging station.

It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus for use in the manufacture of a vehicle having a traction battery, a traction battery for a vehicle, a vehicle comprising a traction battery, a method of using an apparatus in the manufacture of a vehicle having a traction battery, a non-transitory computer readable medium and a controller as claimed in the appended claims.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for use in the manufacture of a vehicle having a traction battery. The apparatus comprises coupling means configured to electrically couple the apparatus to the traction battery of the vehicle to receive power from the traction battery during the manufacture of the vehicle. This allows the apparatus to be powered by the traction battery during the manufacture of the vehicle. In this way, the apparatus can be provided with power from the traction battery to enable the apparatus to complete one or more steps in the manufacture of the vehicle. Since the apparatus can draw power from the traction battery of a vehicle being manufactured, the apparatus can operate without a permanent connection to a common power supply such as the national grid. Also, by coupling to the traction battery, the frequency with which the apparatus has to charge an internal battery at a separate battery recharging station can be reduced.

The coupling means may comprise a conductive electrical connector.

The coupling means may comprise an inductive power interface. This can make it easier and quicker to electrically couple the apparatus to the traction battery, and, for instance, allow for smaller and lighter coupling arrangements.

Optionally, the apparatus may comprise a power supply configured to provide power to one or more ancillary tools. This arrangement enables the ancillary tool to have a lower energy capacity than would otherwise be required. Thus, the weight of the ancillary tool can be reduced, increasing its flexibility in use.

The power supply may comprise an inductive charging unit for inductively charging the one or more ancillary tools. This can make it easier and quicker to electrically couple the one or more ancillary tools to the apparatus, and, for instance, allow for smaller and lighter tools.

Optionally, the apparatus may comprise an energy store. The energy store can allow the apparatus to store energy, such as energy received from the traction battery or from other sources, for later use by the apparatus or ancillary tools coupled to the apparatus. Energy can, for instance, be stored for use after the traction battery has been electrically decoupled from the apparatus.

The apparatus may be configured to be used for a set of tasks in the manufacture of the vehicle and the energy store may have an energy capacity sufficient to provide power to the apparatus during one or a subset of the set of tasks only. This arrangement reduces the energy capacity which is required for the energy store of the apparatus. Thus, the weight and manufacturing costs of the energy store of the apparatus can be reduced, and/or the need for recharging the apparatus at a separate recharging station reduced.

The coupling means may be configured to transfer power to the energy store from the traction battery.

In some embodiments, the apparatus is a vehicle for use in the manufacture of a vehicle having a traction battery.

In some embodiments, the apparatus is an automated guided vehicle.

In some embodiments, the apparatus is a tool for use in the manufacture of a vehicle having a traction battery.

Optionally, the apparatus comprises a controller configured to test the traction battery prior to and/or after electrically coupling the apparatus to the traction battery to receive power from the traction battery for use in the manufacture of the vehicle. Although the apparatus may be electrically coupled to the traction battery during the test performed by the controller, such coupling may not allow for the apparatus to receive power from the traction battery which is sufficient for use in the manufacture of the vehicle. For instance, the testing of the traction battery may involve electrically coupling to components of the traction battery other than its primary energy store, or may not couple the traction battery to the energy store of the apparatus during the test.

The controller may be configured to test the traction battery prior to receiving power from the traction battery for use in the manufacture of the vehicle and to control the apparatus to electrically couple the apparatus to the traction battery to receive power from the traction battery in dependence on the result of said test. The apparatus may only be electrically coupled to the traction battery in a manner that allows the apparatus to receive power sufficient for use in the manufacture of the vehicle, as described above, after the test is completed.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a traction battery for a vehicle. The traction battery comprises first coupling means configured to electrically couple the traction battery to an apparatus for use in the manufacture of the vehicle, to transfer power from the traction battery to the apparatus; and second coupling means configured to electrically couple the traction battery to one or more electric systems of the vehicle. This allows the traction battery of a vehicle being manufactured to provide power to an apparatus during the manufacture of the vehicle.

Optionally, the first coupling means may comprise a first controller for controlling the electrical coupling of the traction battery to the apparatus and the second coupling means may comprise a second controller for controlling the electrical coupling of the traction battery to the vehicle.

The first coupling means and the second coupling means may share a common conductive electrical connector.

Optionally, the traction battery may comprise a high-voltage output connector and a low-voltage output connector, wherein the common conductive electrical connector is one of the high-voltage output connector and the low voltage output connector.

The high-voltage output connector may be configured to output a voltage greater than, or equal to, 60 V. In some embodiments, the high-voltage output connector may be configured to output a voltage greater than 60 V and less than 800 V. In some embodiments, the high-voltage output connector may be configured to output a voltage greater than, or equal to, 800 V. For example, the high-voltage output connector may output a voltage of 400 V. The low-voltage output connector may be configured to output a voltage less than 60 V. For example, the low-voltage output connector may output a voltage of 12, 24 or 48 V. According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a traction battery according to any of the embodiments described herein.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using an apparatus in the manufacture of a vehicle having a traction battery. The method comprises electrically coupling the traction battery to the apparatus such that the apparatus receives power from the traction battery. In this way, the apparatus can be provided with power from the traction battery to enable the apparatus to complete one or more steps in the manufacture of the vehicle.

The method may comprise electrically coupling one or more ancillary tools to the apparatus and transferring power from the apparatus to the one or more ancillary tools.

The method may comprise using the apparatus for a set of tasks in the manufacture of the vehicle and providing power to the apparatus from an energy store of the apparatus during one or a subset of the set of tasks only.

The method may comprise transferring power from the traction battery to an energy store of the apparatus.

The method may comprise testing the traction battery prior to and/or after electrically coupling the traction battery to the apparatus to receive power from the traction battery for use in the manufacture of the vehicle.

The method may comprise testing the traction battery prior to electrically coupling the traction battery to the apparatus to receive power from the traction battery, wherein the electrically coupling comprises electrically coupling the traction battery to the apparatus to receive power from the traction battery in dependence on the result of the testing.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer readable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause performance of the method set out above.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a controller comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium as set out above; and a processor configured to execute the computer readable instructions of the non-transitory computer readable medium.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprising an automated guided vehicle; Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system including the automated guided vehicle of Figure 1 and a traction battery according to embodiments of the invention; Figure 3a shows a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention having a traction battery; Figure 3b is a block diagram illustrating the components of the traction battery of the vehicle of Figure 3a; and Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus 1, in the present embodiment an automated guided vehicle (AGV) 1, for use in the manufacture of a vehicle having a traction battery. In the present embodiment, the AGV 1 is used to transfer components of the vehicle under construction between locations on a manufacturing site. The AGV 1 comprises a body 2 including a platform or deck 3 for receiving components of a vehicle, a set of wheels 4, an electric motor 5, an energy store in the form of a battery 6, an optical sensor 7 and an AGV controller 8. The AGV 1 also includes coupling means 9 configured to electrically couple the AGV 1 to the traction battery of a vehicle which is being manufactured, to receive power from the traction battery during the manufacture of the vehicle.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the AGV 1 also includes a robotic arm 10 mounted to a rear panel 11 of the AGV 1 and having a gripping tool 12. A power supply 13, in the present embodiment provided as an inductive charging point or unit 13 is also provided on the AGV 1 for charging additional ancillary tools (not shown).

In use, the AGV controller 8 receives signals from the optical sensor 7 which is used to detect a track (not shown) around a manufacturing site indicating the path that the AGV 1 is to follow. In response to signals received from the optical sensor 7, the AGV controller 8 controls the electric motor 5 in conjunction with a steering mechanism (not shown) to propel the AGV 1, following the track, to a required destination. Alternatively, the AGV controller 8 can use the signals received from the optical sensor 7 to identify a route for the AGV even when a track is not provided. For instance, the AGV controller 8 can control the electric motor 5 and the steering mechanism such that the AGV 1 can move autonomously. Alternatively or in addition, one or more sensors other than an optical sensor can be provided on the AGV 1, for instance movement sensors, magnetic field sensors or distance sensors, to facilitate movement of the AGV 1 around the manufacturing site. The AGV 1 can also be provided with a position determining capability, such as a GPS module.

The AGV 1 can also be provided with a communications module for receiving instructions from a manufacturing plant control system (not shown) which has overall control of the AGVs operating on the manufacturing site, for instance via a local area network. The communications module may, for example, be configured to receive instructions via local wireless communication.

The AGV controller 8 is also used to control the robotic arm 10 and gripping tool 12 to manipulate a traction battery (not shown in Figure 1) of a vehicle being manufactured so as to load the traction battery onto the platform 3 of the AGV and/or electrically couple the traction battery to the AGV 1 to receive power from the traction battery during the manufacture of the vehicle. In particular, the coupling means 9 in the present embodiment includes a conductive electrical connector which connects to a corresponding connector on the traction battery, either directly or via a power cable connected between the electrical connector and a corresponding connector on the traction battery. In another embodiment, the coupling means 9 may alternatively or additionally include an inductive power interface.

The AGV 1 can use power received from the traction battery to power the AGV 1 directly, or to charge or replenish the energy store 6 which, in turn, is used to power the AGV 1. For instance, power received from the traction battery can be used to provide power, directly or via the battery 6, to the electric motor 5, the robotic arm 10 and gripping tool 12, and any other powered components of the AGV 1 such as the AGV controller 8. In addition, power from the traction battery can be used to supply power to the inductive charging point 13 of the AGV 1, which can be used to charge additional ancillary tools (not shown) for use in the manufacture of the vehicle. The use of the power from the traction battery reduces the need for the AGV 1 to recharge its battery 6 and/or enables the AGV 1 to have a smaller capacity battery 6 than would otherwise be required. The use of the power from the traction battery can provide the ability to conduct assembly operations independently from the national grid, and to balance the power required from the national grid according to peak electricity demand.

Although the embodiment of Figure 1 includes a robotic arm 10 and gripper tool 12 that are configured to manipulate a traction battery (not shown in Figure 1) of a vehicle being manufactured so as to load the traction battery onto the platform 3 of the AGV and/or electrically couple the traction battery to the AGV 1, alternatively the traction battery may be manipulated by a separate automated assembly unit (not shown) so as to perform these tasks, or they may be at least in part performed by a human operator.

In the present embodiment, the energy store 6 of the AGV 1 is in the form of a lithium-ion battery. In alternative embodiments, the energy store 6 of the AGV 1 may be in the form of a lead-acid battery, a nickel metal hydride battery or other forms of battery or energy storage more generally.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of a system 14 including the automated guided vehicle 1 of Figure 1 and a traction battery 15 according to embodiments of the invention. The traction battery 15 is electrically coupled to the AGV 1 via the coupling connector 9. In the present embodiment, the system 14 also includes an ancillary tool 16, which takes the form of an inductive charging tool 16, in the present embodiment, that may be electrically coupled to the inductive charging point 13. The ancillary tool 16 also comprises an ancillary tool battery 16a.

When assembled, the traction battery 15 is formed with pre-existing electrical charge. The assembled traction battery 15 has a total power capacity and an energy content or charge level, following assembly, of greater than 20% of its total power capacity. In some embodiments, the assembled traction battery 15 may have an energy content which is greater than 30%, 40% or 50% of its total power capacity. This energy content is used by the apparatus 1, in the present embodiment an AGV, during the manufacture of a vehicle which is to be provided with the traction battery 15. Use of the energy content of the traction battery 15 provides a local source of energy to the AGV 1, reducing or removing the need for the AGV 1 to return to a charging station (not shown) to charge its battery 6.

The traction battery 15 comprises a set of battery cells (not shown). In the present embodiment, the traction battery 15 has a total power capacity of about 100 kWh. In other embodiments, the traction battery 15 may have a total power capacity of up to 200 kWh, or up to 250kWh.

In the present embodiment, the coupling means 9 includes a conductive electrical connector. For example, the coupling means 9 may include any high current connector and/or cabling system suitable for use in an electric or hybrid vehicle, such as a connector and/or cabling system with a current rating of up to 250A or higher. Such high current connectors or cabling systems may include a High Voltage Interlock Loop (HVIL) safety feature and ElectroMagnetic Interference shielding (EMI) for noise immunity. In this case, when the AGV 1 is electrically coupled to the traction battery 15 in use, a conductive connection is formed between the coupling means 9 and the traction battery 15, so that electrical power can be transferred from the traction battery 15 to the AGV 1 by electric current flow.

Alternatively or in addition, the coupling means 9 may include an inductive power interface. In this case, when the AGV 1 is electrically coupled to the traction battery 15 in use, the coupling means 9 and the traction battery 15 are inductively coupled, so that electrical power can be transferred from the traction battery 15 to the AGV 1 via an electromagnetic field.

In embodiments where the coupling means 9 includes both a conductive electrical connector and an inductive power interface, the AGV 1 may be configured to selectively use either the conductive electrical connector or the inductive power interface to receive power from the traction battery 15.

The AGV 1 may comprise a power supply 13 which is configured to provide power to an ancillary tool 16. The ancillary tool 16 may be mounted to or located on, or proximate to, the AGV 1. This arrangement enables the ancillary tool 16 to have a lower energy capacity than would otherwise be required. This reduces the weight of the ancillary tool 16, increasing its flexibility in use.

The ancillary tool 16 may not be conductively connected to the battery 6 of the AGV 1. For example, in the present embodiment, the power supply 13 is provided as an inductive charging point 13 for charging an ancillary tool 16 which can be inductively charged. The inductive charging point 13 of the AGV 1 allows the ancillary tool 16 to be recharged when the ancillary tool 16 is not being used. The use of inductive charging, rather than conductive charging, can make it easier and quicker to electrically couple the one or more ancillary tools 16 to the apparatus, and, for instance, allow for smaller and lighter tools. In other embodiments, the power supply 13 may be provided as a conductive electrical connector 13 which connects to a corresponding connector on the ancillary tool 16, either directly or via a power cable connected between the electrical connector and a corresponding connector on the ancillary tool. Although in Figure 2 a single ancillary tool 16 is shown, the power supply 13 may be configured to provide power to multiple ancillary tools simultaneously.

The ancillary tool 16 may be any tool which is commonly used in the manufacture of the vehicle. For example, the ancillary tool 16 may include direct current tools, metrology tools, tools used for inspection or testing vehicle systems, bar code or Quick Response Code readers, audio/visual communication equipment, including HMI displays or auxiliary lighting, as well as on board or off board robotic tools, such as robotic arms, and mechanical assistance tools, including an electric screwdriver or drill, a spot welder and/or a riveting tool. The AGV 1 may comprise a storage portion (not shown) to store the ancillary tool 16 when it is being recharged.

In some embodiments, the ancillary tool 16 may, for example, be configured to capture data relating to one or more assembly parameters. For example, the ancillary tool 16 may be configured to capture data relating to part identification or the completion of certain manufacturing tasks. The AGV 1 may be configured to store the captured data and/or communicate the captured data to the manufacturing plant control system.

Figure 3a illustrates a vehicle 17 according to an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle 17 comprises a traction battery 18. The traction battery 18 of the vehicle 17 may be substantially the same as the traction battery 15 described above in relation to Figure 2, but may comprise first and second coupling means 19a, 19b, for respectively coupling the battery to the apparatus 1 and to one or more electric systems of the vehicle 17, as described in more detail below.

The components of the traction battery 18 are illustrated in Figure 3b. The battery 18 is a traction battery for providing power to a drive motor (not shown) for propulsion of the vehicle 17. The vehicle 17 may be a battery electric vehicle (BEV), in which the traction battery 18 is the sole means for providing power to propel the vehicle 17. Alternatively, the vehicle may be a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), which can be propelled by an electric motor powered by a traction battery 18 and/or a conventional internal combustion engine.

The battery 18 comprises first coupling means 19a configured to electrically couple the traction battery 18 to an apparatus (not shown in Figure 3) for use in the manufacture of the vehicle 17, to transfer power from the traction battery 18 to the apparatus. The battery 18 also comprises second coupling means 19b configured to electrically couple the traction battery 18 to the electric systems of the vehicle 17.

In the present embodiment, the first coupling means 19a comprises a first conductive electrical connector 19a' for connecting the traction battery 18 to an apparatus (not shown) such as the AGV 1 described herein. For example, the first coupling means (19a) may include a high current connector corresponding to the connector described above in relation to the coupling means 9 of the AGV 1. In the present embodiment, the second coupling means 19b comprises a second conductive electrical connector 19b' for connecting the traction battery 18 to the electric systems of the vehicle 17. In alternative embodiments, the first coupling means 19a and the second coupling means 19b can share a common conductive electrical connector.

The first coupling means 19a, in the present embodiment, also comprises a first controller 19a" for controlling the electrical coupling of the traction battery 18 to the apparatus and the second coupling means 19b comprises a second controller 19b" for controlling the electrical coupling of the traction battery 18 to the electric systems of the vehicle 17. In alternative embodiments, a single controller can control the connections to each of the apparatus and to the electric systems of the vehicle 17.

The traction battery 18 comprises a plurality of battery cells 20, a high-voltage output 21 and a low-voltage output 22. The low-voltage output 22 is connected to a low voltage output connector 22a. A contactor 23 is used to selectively connect the high voltage output 21 to the first and second coupling means 19a, 19b.

The high-voltage output 21 may be a voltage in the range 60 V to 800 V. For example, the high-voltage output may be a voltage of 400 V. The low-voltage output 22 may be a voltage in the range 20 V to 50 V. For example, the low-voltage output 22 may be a voltage of 48 V. In alternative embodiments, rather than the high voltage output 21, the low voltage output 22 can be provided to the first coupling means 19a, or each of the high and low voltage outputs 21, 22 can be selectively provided to the first coupling means 19a.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 1 and/or ancillary tool 16 may be used for a set of tasks in the manufacture of the vehicle 17. The energy store 6 of the apparatus 1 and/or the energy store (16a) of the ancillary tool 16 may have a power capacity which is sufficient to allow the apparatus/tool to perform one or more of the set of tasks, but not the complete set of tasks.

For example, in the case of the AGV energy store 6, the energy required to carry out the complete set of tasks may be 100 KWh, and the power capacity of the energy store 6 may be 50 kWh. The energy required to carry out the remainder of the set of tasks (50 kWh in the present case) may be supplied to the AGV 1 from the traction battery 15, 18 described herein via the coupling means 19a, 9. This arrangement reduces the power capacity which is required for the energy store 6, 16a of the apparatus 1 and any ancillary tools 16. Thus, the weight and manufacturing costs of the energy stores 6, 16a of the apparatus 1 and ancillary tools 16 can be reduced, and/or the need for recharging the AGV 1 and/or ancillary tools 16 at a separate recharging station reduced.

The controller 8 of the AGV 1 may be configured to perform tests on the traction batteries 15, 18 described herein, for example safety tests such as a short circuit test or an overcharge test.

The controller 8 may test the traction battery 15,18 prior to electrically coupling the AGV 1 to the traction battery 15, 18 for the purpose of receiving power from the traction battery 15,18 for use in the manufacture of the vehicle 17. In this way, the controller 8 can prevent the AGV 1 from receiving power from the traction battery 15,18 until it is verified that the traction battery 15,18 is functioning correctly. Alternatively, the AGV 1 may be electrically coupled to the traction battery 15,18 such that the AGV 1 receives power from the traction battery 15,18 without first testing the traction battery 15,18.

While the first coupling means 19a of the traction battery 18 and the coupling means 9 of the apparatus 1 have been described as conductive electrical connectors, alternatively or in addition, the first coupling means 19a of the battery and coupling means 9 of the AGV 1 may include an inductive power interface.

The apparatus 1 in the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2 is an AGV. In alternative embodiments, the apparatus can be any tool used in the manufacture of the vehicle. For example, the apparatus 1 may be an electric screwdriver or drill, a spot welder and/or a riveting tool.

A method of using an apparatus in the manufacture of a vehicle having a traction battery is described herein with reference to the accompanying Figure 4.

In the present embodiment, the method comprises electrically coupling the traction battery to the apparatus such that the apparatus receives power from the traction battery (S101). This may be performed by an automated assembly unit or by the apparatus. The automated assembly unit may perform the coupling in response to instructions received from a controller.

This step can include transferring power from the traction battery to an energy store of the apparatus, in the case that the apparatus has an energy store.

In some embodiments, the method comprises electrically coupling one or more ancillary tools to the apparatus and transferring power from the apparatus to the one or more ancillary tools (S102). The coupling may be performed manually. In embodiments where the method comprises coupling multiple ancillary tools to the apparatus, transferring power may be performed simultaneously or sequentially.

In some embodiments, the method can also comprise assembling the traction battery from a set of battery cells. The assembly may be performed in a separate location from the apparatus, the assembled traction battery being subsequently loaded on to the apparatus. Alternatively, the individual battery cells may be loaded on to the apparatus so that the traction battery can be assembled on the apparatus itself.

In some embodiments, the method comprises testing the traction battery prior to electrically coupling the traction battery to the apparatus to receive power from the traction battery. In some embodiments, the method comprises testing the traction battery after electrically coupling the traction battery to the apparatus to receive power from the traction battery.

In embodiments in which the electrical coupling is carried out after testing the battery, the electrically coupling may include electrically coupling the traction battery to the apparatus to receive power from the traction battery in dependence on the result of the testing.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium storing computer readable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause performance of one or more of the methods described above. Examples of such a computer readable medium include a magnetic storage medium such as a hard drive, an optical storage medium such as a compact disc, or a solid state storage medium such as a solid state drive.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a controller comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium as described above, and a processor configured to execute the computer readable instructions stored on the computer non-transitory readable medium.

The controller may provide instructions to an automated assembly unit as described above. The controller may be implemented as part of the automated assembly unit or as part of an apparatus such as the AGV described herein. Alternatively, the controller may be implemented as part of a separate apparatus, such as a server which is disposed remotely from the automated assembly unit. In such a case, the apparatus may be connected to the automated assembly unit via a network, such as an IP network.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Apparatus for use in the manufacture of a vehicle having a traction battery, the apparatus comprising: coupling means configured to electrically couple the apparatus to the traction battery of the vehicle to receive power from the traction battery during the manufacture of the vehicle.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coupling means comprises a conductive electrical connector.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling means comprises an inductive power interface.
4. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a power supply configured to provide power to one or more ancillary tools.
5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said power supply comprises an inductive charging unit for inductively charging the one or more ancillary tools.
6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising an energy store.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the apparatus is configured to be used for a set of tasks in the manufacture of the vehicle and the energy store has a power capacity sufficient to provide power to the apparatus during one or a subset of the set of tasks only.
8. An apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the coupling means is configured to transfer power to the energy store from the traction battery.
9. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the apparatus is a vehicle for use in the manufacture of a vehicle having a traction battery.
10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the apparatus is an automated guided vehicle.
11. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the apparatus is a tool for use in the manufacture of a vehicle having a traction battery.
12. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a controller configured to test the traction battery prior to and/or after electrically coupling the apparatus to the traction battery to receive power from the traction battery for use in the manufacture of the vehicle.
13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to test the traction battery prior to electrically coupling the apparatus to the traction battery and to control the apparatus to electrically couple the apparatus to the traction battery to receive power from the traction battery in dependence on the result of said test.
14. A traction battery for a vehicle, the traction battery comprising: first coupling means configured to electrically couple the traction battery to an apparatus for use in the manufacture of the vehicle, to transfer power from the traction battery to the apparatus; and second coupling means configured to electrically couple the traction battery to the electric systems of the vehicle.
15. A traction battery according to claim 14, wherein the first coupling means comprises a first controller for controlling the electrical coupling of the traction battery to the apparatus and the second coupling means comprises a second controller for controlling the electrical coupling of the traction battery to the vehicle.
16. A traction battery according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the first coupling means and the second coupling means share a common conductive electrical connector.
17. A traction battery according to claim 16, comprising: a high-voltage output connector; and a low-voltage output connector, wherein the common conductive electrical connector is one of the high-voltage output connector and the low voltage output connector.
18. A vehicle comprising a traction battery according to any one of claims 14 to 17.
19. A method of using an apparatus in the manufacture of a vehicle having a traction battery, the method comprising: electrically coupling the traction battery to the apparatus such that the apparatus receives power from the traction battery.
20. A method according to claim 19, comprising: electrically coupling one or more ancillary tools to the apparatus and transferring power from the apparatus to the one or more ancillary tools.
21. A method according to claim 19 or 20, comprising: transferring power from the traction battery to an energy store of the apparatus.
22. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, comprising: testing the traction battery prior to and/or after electrically coupling the traction battery to the apparatus to receive power from the traction battery for use in the manufacture of the vehicle.
23. A method according to claim 22, comprising testing the traction battery prior to electrically coupling the traction battery to the apparatus, wherein the electrically coupling comprises electrically coupling the traction battery to the apparatus to receive power from the traction battery in dependence on the result of the testing.
24. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer readable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause performance of the method of any one of claims 19 to 23.
25. A controller comprising: a non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim 24; and a processor configured to execute the computer readable instructions of the non-transitory computer readable medium.