Transport system and transport method

Abstract

The invention provides a transport system and a transport method, and the transport system comprises a temperature control box for accommodating a delivery object, a transport vehicle for carrying and transporting the temperature control box accommodating the delivery object, and a collection facility as a delivery destination of the delivery object loaded by the transport vehicle. A temperature control battery can be charged with power supplied from a vehicle-mounted battery, and the vehicle-mounted battery can be charged with power supplied from the temperature control battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a delivery system and a delivery method for loading a delivery object on a vehicle for delivery. Background Art

[0002] There is a known method of using supplied power to cool a temperature-controlled box inside, storing a delivery object in the temperature-controlled box, and transporting it to a delivery destination. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of using a vehicle with a cold storage to transport a temperature-controlled box storing a delivery object to a delivery destination.

[0003] Prior art literature Patent Literature Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-8513 Summary of the invention

[0004] Technical issues Here, when transporting a delivery object, in a vehicle equipped with an onboard battery, such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, it is desirable to use the power stored in the onboard battery for purposes other than the vehicle. On the other hand, in a temperature-controlled box that has completed its mission after delivering the delivery object, it is also desirable to use the power remaining in the built-in temperature-controlled battery for purposes on the vehicle side.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention proposes a transportation system and a transportation method for effectively utilizing the electric power of each battery.

[0006] Technical Solution The transportation system of the present invention includes: a temperature-regulating box, which has: a storage portion, which uses multiple wall portions to form a space for storing delivery objects; a temperature adjustment device, which adjusts the temperature of the space; and a temperature-regulating battery, which supplies power for operation to the temperature adjustment device; a transportation vehicle, which has a vehicle-mounted battery and is loaded with the temperature-regulating box storing the delivery objects for transportation; and a collection facility, which is the delivery destination of the delivery objects loaded on the transportation vehicle, and when the transportation vehicle is loaded with the temperature-regulating box, the temperature-regulating battery can be charged using the power supplied from the vehicle-mounted battery, and the vehicle-mounted battery can be charged using the power supplied from the temperature-regulating battery.

[0007] Thereby, the vehicle-mounted battery and the temperature control battery can supply and receive the respectively stored electric power to each other.

[0008] Technical Effects According to the present invention, the electric power stored in the batteries provided in the transport vehicle and the temperature regulating box can be effectively utilized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1An overview of the transport system according to the embodiment is shown.

[0010] Figure 2 The appearance of the temperature control box is schematically shown.

[0011] Figure 3 The functional structure of the transport system is schematically shown.

[0012] Figure 4 A flow chart showing a delivery method in a delivery system.

[0013] Figure 5 A flowchart showing a process executed by a temperature control unit in the transport system.

[0014] Figure 6 A flowchart showing a process executed by a vehicle control unit in the transport system.

[0015] Explanation of symbols 1: Delivery vehicle 2: Thermostatic box 3: Delivery target 4, 4a, 4b: Collection facilities 11: Car batteries 20: Space 21: Storage 22: Battery for temperature control 23: Temperature adjustment device 41: Power supply for facilities DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 6 The embodiments are described. It should be noted that the structures described in the drawings referred to in the description of the embodiments are schematic structures that extract the parts required for implementing the embodiments and the structures around them. In addition, the relationship and ratio between the thickness and the plane size of each structure described in the drawings are only examples, and various changes can be made according to the design, etc. as long as they do not deviate from the technical concept of the present invention.

[0017] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The transport system 100 in the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 As shown, the transport system 100 includes a transport vehicle 1, a plurality of temperature-controlled boxes 2, a plurality of delivery objects 3, and a plurality of receiving facilities 4 (4a, 4b, ...).

[0018] The transport vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle that is driven by, for example, a motor, and includes an onboard battery 11. Alternatively, the transport vehicle 1 may be a hybrid vehicle that is driven by a motor or an engine. The motor of the transport vehicle 1 is driven by the electric power supplied from the onboard battery 11, and the tires of the transport vehicle 1 are rotated by the driving force of the motor.

[0019] like Figure 3 As shown, the transport vehicle 1 further includes a vehicle control unit 12. The vehicle control unit 12 is a computer device including a microcomputer including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and the CPU executes processing according to a program to control various operations of the transport vehicle 1. For example, the vehicle control unit 12 performs control related to charging of the vehicle-mounted battery 11 and control related to supplying power to the temperature control box 2.

[0020] The transport vehicle 1 carries the temperature-regulating box 2 storing the delivery object 3 , and transports the delivery object 3 to each receiving facility 4 ( 4 a , 4 b ).

[0021] like Figure 2 As shown, the temperature regulating box 2 includes a storage unit 21, a temperature regulating battery 22, and a temperature regulating device 23. The storage unit 21, the temperature regulating battery 22, and the temperature regulating device 23 are detachable from each other.

[0022] The storage section 21 includes a plurality of wall sections 24 that form a space 20, and a cover section 25 that opens and closes the space 20. The delivery object 3 is stored in the space 20 of the storage section 21. In addition, a plurality of delivery objects 3 may be stored in the space 20.

[0023] The delivery object 3 needs to be temperature-controlled such as cold or warm before being delivered to the delivery destination. For example, the delivery object 3 is fresh food or frozen food that needs to be kept cold. In addition, the delivery object 3 can also be processed food that needs to be kept warm. In addition, the delivery object 3 can also be a product such as an electronic device that is not heat-resistant.

[0024] The temperature control battery 22 is connected to the temperature control device 23 and supplies power for the operation of the temperature control device 23. The temperature control battery 22 is, for example, a rechargeable secondary battery. The temperature control battery 22 can be charged by receiving power from the vehicle-mounted battery 11 of the transport vehicle 1. In addition, by supplying power from the temperature control battery 22, the vehicle-mounted battery 11 can also be charged.

[0025] For example, by connecting the temperature control box 2 to a charging device (not shown) provided in the cargo compartment (cargo box) of the transport vehicle 1, the vehicle-mounted battery 11 and the temperature control battery 22 can supply and receive the stored power. It should be noted that the temperature control battery 22 can also be charged in a state removed from the temperature control box 2. For example, the temperature control battery 22 removed from the temperature control box 2 can also be connected to a charging device (not shown) provided in the transport vehicle 1 for charging.

[0026] like Figure 3 As shown, the temperature adjustment device 23 includes a temperature adjustment control unit 26 and a temperature adjustment unit 27. The temperature adjustment control unit 26 is a computer device including a microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and the CPU executes processing according to a program to perform control related to the operation of the temperature adjustment unit 27, control related to the charging of the temperature adjustment battery 22, and control related to the supply of power to the transport vehicle 1. The temperature adjustment control unit 26 of the temperature adjustment device 23 and the vehicle control unit 12 of the transport vehicle 1 can communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly.

[0027] The temperature adjustment unit 27 is connected to the storage unit 21 and adjusts the temperature of the space 20. Thus, the space 20 is maintained at a temperature suitable for conveying the delivery object 3.

[0028] The temperature control unit 27 may include a known compression refrigeration cycle including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator, and the delivery object 3 accommodated in the space 20 may be cooled by utilizing the refrigeration cycle to maintain the temperature of the space 20 .

[0029] Figure 1 The collection facility 4 shown is the delivery destination of the delivery object 3 loaded on the transport vehicle 1. The collection facility 4 includes, for example, a residence, a business place, and other facilities. In addition, a facility power supply 41 is provided at the collection facility 4 (4b). By connecting the temperature control box 2 to the facility power supply 41, the temperature control battery 22 can be charged by receiving power supply from the facility power supply 41.

[0030] Reference Figure 4 The transportation method in the transportation system 100 is described. First, in step S101, the temperature-controlled box 2 containing the delivery object 3 is loaded into the cargo hold (cargo box) of the transportation vehicle 1. One or more temperature-controlled boxes 2 are stacked in the cargo hold (cargo box) by the operator (see Figure 1 ).

[0031] In the process of step S102, the transport vehicle 1 transports the temperature-controlled box 2 containing the delivery object 3 to each receiving facility 4 (4a, 4b) as the delivery destination. During the transport, the temperature control device 23 operates by using the power supplied from the temperature control battery 22, thereby maintaining the space 20 of the storage unit 21 at a temperature suitable for storing the delivery object 3 (see Figure 2 ).

[0032] In the process from step S101 to step S102 , in a state where the temperature regulating box 2 is loaded on the transport vehicle 1 , the temperature regulating battery 22 can be charged using the electric power supplied from the vehicle-mounted battery 11 of the transport vehicle 1 .

[0033] Note that the temperature regulating box 2 may be charged in advance by an external power source (not shown) when the temperature regulating box 2 is loaded on the transport vehicle 1. This eliminates the need to consume power from the vehicle-mounted battery 11 of the transport vehicle 1 to charge the temperature regulating box 2.

[0034] In the process of step S103, for example, if the delivery vehicle 1 arrives at the collection facility 4 (e.g. Figure 1 In the receiving facility 4a shown in the figure), the operator takes out the delivery object 3 from the temperature-controlled box 2 and delivers it to the recipient located at the receiving facility 4a.

[0035] After the delivery object 3 is delivered to the receiving facility 4 a , in the process of step S105 , the used temperature regulating box 2 that no longer stores the delivery object 3 is collected by the operator and loaded into the cargo hold (cargo box) of the transport vehicle 1 .

[0036] In the process of step S106, while the recovered temperature regulating box 2 is loaded on the transport vehicle 1, the vehicle-mounted battery 11 of the transport vehicle 1 can be charged using the power supplied from the temperature regulating battery 22 of the temperature regulating box 2. The power of the charged vehicle-mounted battery 11 can be used to drive the motor for driving the transport vehicle 1, etc.

[0037] On the other hand, in the process of step S103, for example, when the transport vehicle 1 arrives at the receiving facility 4 (for example Figure 1 When the collection facility 4b) is shown, sometimes the recipient is not present.

[0038] In this case, in the process of step S104, the operator does not take out the delivery object 3 but delivers it to the receiving facility 4b together with the temperature regulating box 2. By delivering together with the temperature regulating box 2, the temperature regulating function of the temperature regulating device 23 of the temperature regulating box 2 can keep the space 20 of the storage section 21 at a temperature suitable for storing the delivery object 3 during the absence of the recipient (see Figure 2). This can prevent the delivery object 3 from spoiling or breaking down during the absence of the recipient. It should be noted that the delivery vehicle 1 that has completed the delivery starts moving toward the next collection facility 4.

[0039] When the receiver returns to the receiving facility 4b, the receiver opens the temperature control box 2 and receives the delivery object 3 in step S107. Then, the receiver connects the used temperature control box 2 to the facility power supply 41 provided at the receiving facility 4b to charge the temperature control battery 22 (see Figure 1 ).

[0040] Thereafter, in the process of step S108 , when the transport vehicle 1 stops at the receiving facility 4 b , the receiver returns the charged temperature regulating box 2 to the operator. The operator loads the returned temperature regulating box 2 into the cargo hold (cargo box) of the transport vehicle 1 .

[0041] In the process of step S109, in a state where the collected temperature regulating box 2 is loaded on the transport vehicle 1, the vehicle-mounted battery 11 of the transport vehicle 1 can be charged using the power supplied from the temperature regulating battery 22 of the temperature regulating box 2. The power of the charged vehicle-mounted battery 11 can be used for driving the motor for traveling the transport vehicle 1. In particular, here, the power from the outside (the facility power supply 41 of the collection facility 4b) stored in the temperature regulating battery 22 can be flexibly used for traveling the transport vehicle 1, etc.

[0042] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The processing executed by the temperature control unit 26 of the temperature control box 2 and the vehicle control unit 12 of the transport vehicle 1 in the transport system 100 is described. For example, the processing is executed in a state where the temperature control box 2 is connected to the charging device (not shown) of the transport vehicle 1 and the power stored in the vehicle battery 11 and the temperature control battery 22 can be supplied and received by each other. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Processing shown.

[0043] Reference Figure 5 The processing performed by the temperature control unit 26 of the temperature control box 2 is described. First, in step S201, the temperature control unit 26 determines whether the delivery object 3 is stored in the storage unit 21 of the temperature control box 2. The storage unit 21 is provided with various sensors (not shown) such as a weight sensor and a light sensor for detecting the delivery object 3 in the space 20. The temperature control unit 26 determines whether the delivery object 3 is stored in the storage unit 21 based on the detection information obtained by these sensors.

[0044] If it is determined in step S201 that the storage unit 21 stores the delivery object 3, the temperature control unit 26 advances the process to step S204. In step S204, the temperature control unit 26 sends a request for charging the temperature control battery 22 to the transport vehicle 1. The transport vehicle 1 that has received the request supplies power from the vehicle-mounted battery 11 to the temperature control box 2 (see the following description). Figure 6 S304).

[0045] In the next step S205, the temperature control unit 26 controls the temperature control battery 22 to be charged using the power of the vehicle-mounted battery 11 supplied from the transport vehicle 1. Thus, the temperature control battery 22 can be charged while the temperature control box 2 containing the delivery object 3 is loaded on the transport vehicle 1. When the processing of step S205 is terminated, the temperature control unit 26 terminates. Figure 5 processing.

[0046] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S201 that the delivery object 3 is not stored in the storage unit 21 , the temperature control unit 26 advances the process to step S202 . In step S202 , the temperature control unit 26 transmits a request to charge the vehicle-mounted battery 11 to the transport vehicle 1 .

[0047] In the next step S203, the temperature control unit 26 controls the supply of power from the temperature control battery 22 to the transport vehicle 1. In the transport vehicle 1, the vehicle-mounted battery 11 is charged using the power supplied from the temperature control battery 22 (see the following description). Figure 6 If the process of step S203 is finished, the temperature control unit 26 ends. Figure 5 processing.

[0048] Reference Figure 6 The processing executed by the vehicle control unit 12 of the transport vehicle 1 will be described. First, in step S301, if the vehicle control unit 12 detects a request for charging the vehicle-mounted battery 11 from the temperature control box 2 (see Figure 5 If the process is performed in step S202, the process proceeds to step S303.

[0049] In the next step S303, the vehicle control unit 12 performs a temperature control operation using the power of the temperature control battery 22 supplied from the temperature control box 2 (see Figure 5 In step S203), the vehicle-mounted battery 11 is charged. Thus, when the used temperature-regulating box 2 without storing the delivery object 3 is loaded on the transport vehicle 1, the vehicle-mounted battery 11 can be charged using the remaining power of the temperature-regulating battery 22. When the processing of step S303 is terminated, the vehicle control unit 12 terminates. Figure 6 processing.

[0050] On the other hand, if a request for charging the temperature regulating battery 22 is detected from the temperature regulating box 2 (see Figure 5 Then, in step S204, the vehicle control unit 12 performs the processing in the order of steps S301, S302, and S304. Then, in step S304, the vehicle control unit 12 controls the power of the vehicle-mounted battery 11 to be supplied to the temperature control box 2. In the temperature control box 2, the temperature control battery 22 is charged using the power supplied by the vehicle-mounted battery 11 (refer to Figure 5 If the process of step S304 is finished, the vehicle control unit 12 ends. Figure 6 processing.

[0051] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the temperature control unit 26 performs Figure 5 Although the example of the processing shown is explained, the processing may also be performed by the vehicle control unit 12. In this case, for example, the vehicle control unit 12 obtains the detection information of various sensors from the temperature control box 2 side, and determines whether the delivery object 3 is stored in the temperature control box 2. In addition, when it is determined that the delivery object 3 is stored in the temperature control box 2, the vehicle control unit 12 controls the temperature control battery 22 to be charged by supplying power from the vehicle-mounted battery 11, and when it is determined that the delivery object 3 is not stored in the temperature control box 2, the vehicle control unit 12 controls the vehicle-mounted battery 11 to be charged by supplying power from the temperature control battery 22.

[0052] According to the above embodiment, the transport system 100 includes a transport vehicle 1, a temperature control box 2, and a receiving facility 4 (see Figure 1 The transport vehicle 1 includes an onboard battery 11 and is loaded with a temperature-controlled box 2 containing a delivery object 3 for transport. The temperature-controlled box 2 includes a storage portion 21 in which a space 20 for storing the delivery object 3 is formed by a plurality of wall portions 24, a temperature-controlled battery 22 for supplying power for operation to a temperature control device 23, and a temperature control device 23 for adjusting the temperature of the space 20 (see Figure 2 ). Here, the receiving facility 4 is set as the delivery destination of the delivery object 3 loaded on the transport vehicle 1.

[0053] In addition, when the transport vehicle 1 is loaded with the temperature control box 2, the temperature control battery 22 can be charged with the power supplied from the vehicle battery 11, and the vehicle battery 11 can also be charged with the power supplied from the temperature control battery 22 (see Figure 4 S101 to S102, S106, S109, Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 wait).

[0054] As a result, the vehicle-mounted battery 11 and the temperature adjustment battery 22 can supply and receive respective electric power to each other. Therefore, the electric power stored in each battery can be effectively used.

[0055] According to the above description, for example, when the temperature regulating box 2 containing the delivery object 3 is loaded on the transport vehicle 1, the temperature regulating battery 22 can be charged by the power supplied from the vehicle-mounted battery 11 (see Figure 4 S101 to S102, Figure 5 S205, Figure 6 S304, etc.).

[0056] Thus, when the temperature regulating box 2 is loaded on the transport vehicle 1 , it is not necessary to supply power from an external power source (not shown) in advance to charge the temperature regulating battery 22 . Therefore, the work efficiency of the operator in the transport system 100 can be improved.

[0057] Furthermore, during transportation by the transport vehicle 1, the temperature control box 2 consumes power by operating the temperature control device 23 in order to keep the internal space 20 at an appropriate temperature. At this time, the temperature control battery 22 is charged by supplying power from the vehicle-mounted battery 11, thereby preventing the temperature control battery 22 from running out of power during transportation by the transport vehicle 1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the temperature control in the temperature control box 2 from being stopped due to insufficient power during transportation by the transport vehicle 1, and to prevent the stored delivery object 3 from being spoiled or failing.

[0058] In addition, according to the above description, for example, when the temperature regulating box 2 without storing the delivery object 3 is loaded on the transport vehicle 1, the vehicle-mounted battery 11 can be charged with the power supplied from the temperature regulating battery 22 (see Figure 4 S106, S109, Figure 5 S203, Figure 6 S303, etc.).

[0059] Thus, for example, by supplying the remaining power in the temperature regulating battery 22 of the temperature regulating box 2 that has completed delivery to the collection facility 4 (4a) and ended its mission to the vehicle-mounted battery 11, the power can be used to drive the motor for driving the transport vehicle 1. Therefore, the cruising distance of the transport vehicle 1 can be extended.

[0060] In particular, when the temperature regulating box 2 is delivered to the collection facility 4 (4b) together with the temperature regulating box 2, the temperature regulating box 2 charged with the temperature regulating battery 22 by the power supplied from the facility power supply 41 can also be recovered and utilized from the collection facility 4 (4b) (see Figure 1 ).

[0061] In this case, the vehicle-mounted battery 11 can be charged using the electric power supplied from the charged temperature regulating battery 22 (see Figure 4 Therefore, more power can be supplied to the vehicle-mounted battery 11, so the cruising distance of the transport vehicle 1 can be further extended.

[0062] In the present embodiment, an example is described in which the vehicle-mounted battery 11 is charged with power supplied from the temperature regulating battery 22 for the collected temperature regulating box 2. However, the collected temperature regulating box 2 may contain a new delivery object 3 and be reused.

[0063] In addition, the transport method in the transport system 100 of this embodiment is as follows: Figure 4 The steps S101 to S109 shown in FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The processing shown can be realized as a program executed by a CPU or the like of the vehicle control unit 12 or the temperature adjustment control unit 26 .

[0064] Finally, the effects described in the present disclosure are merely examples and are not limited thereto, and other effects may be achieved, or a portion of the effects described in the present disclosure may be achieved. In addition, all combinations of the structures described in the embodiments are not necessarily required to solve the problem.

Claims

1. A transport system, characterized in that: include: A temperature regulating box, comprising: a storage portion, which uses a plurality of wall portions to form a space for storing delivery objects; a temperature regulating device, which regulates the temperature of the space; and a temperature adjustment battery for supplying power for operation to the temperature adjustment device; a transport vehicle having an on-board battery and carrying the temperature-controlled box containing the delivery object for transport; as well as a collection facility which is a delivery destination of the delivery object loaded by the transport vehicle, In a state where the temperature regulating box is loaded on the transport vehicle, The temperature control battery can be charged with electric power supplied from the vehicle-mounted battery. The vehicle-mounted battery can be charged with electric power supplied from the temperature control battery.

2. The conveying system according to claim 1, characterized in that: In a state where the temperature regulating box containing the delivery object is loaded on the transport vehicle, The temperature adjustment battery is charged using electric power supplied from the vehicle-mounted battery.

3. The conveying system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: In a state where the temperature regulating box without storing the delivery object is loaded on the transport vehicle, The vehicle-mounted battery is charged using the electric power supplied from the temperature control battery.

4. The conveying system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The receiving facility includes a facility power supply for charging the temperature control battery by supplying power to the temperature control battery. In a state where the temperature regulating box including the temperature regulating battery charged with electric power supplied from the facility power supply is loaded on the transport vehicle, The vehicle-mounted battery is charged using the electric power supplied from the temperature control battery.

5. A method of transportation, characterized in that: It is the delivery method of the delivery system. The delivery system comprises: A temperature regulating box, comprising a storage portion in which a space for storing a delivery object is formed by a plurality of wall portions, a temperature regulating device for regulating the temperature of the space, and a temperature regulating battery for supplying power for operation to the temperature regulating device; a transport vehicle, comprising an on-board battery, and carrying the temperature regulating box storing the delivery object for transport; and a collection facility, which is a delivery destination of the delivery object loaded on the transport vehicle. The delivery methods include: The step of loading the temperature-controlled box containing the delivery object on the delivery vehicle and transporting the box to the receiving facility; After delivering the delivery object to the receiving facility, the temperature regulating box that no longer contains the delivery object is collected and loaded on the transport vehicle; and A step of charging the vehicle-mounted battery using the electric power supplied from the temperature regulating battery of the temperature regulating box that has been recovered.

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