TRANSPORT SYSTEM AND TRANSPORT PROCEDURES

Abstract

A transport system according to the present invention comprises a temperature-controlled container in which a delivery item is stored, a transport vehicle designed to load and transport the temperature-controlled container in which the delivery item is stored, and a receiving point, which is a destination for the delivery item to be transported by the transport vehicle. A temperature control battery can be charged with electricity supplied by an in-vehicle battery, and the in-vehicle battery can be charged with electricity supplied by the temperature control battery.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport system for loading and transporting a delivery item in a vehicle and to a transport method. State of the art

[0002] A method for transporting a delivery item to a destination, stored in a temperature-controlled container, is known. The temperature-controlled container is cooled using supplied electricity. For example, PTL 1 discloses a method for transporting a temperature-controlled container, in which a delivery item is stored, to a destination using a vehicle equipped with a refrigerated container. List of literature on patent literature

[0003] PTL 1: Unexamined Japanese patent application publication JP 2023-8513A Brief description of the invention: Technical problem

[0004] It is desirable to use the electricity stored in a vehicle's internal battery, such as in an electric or hybrid car, for purposes other than powering the vehicle itself during transport. It is also desirable, after a delivery item has been removed from a temperature-controlled container and delivered, to use the remaining electricity from a temperature control battery installed in the now-empty container for the vehicle.

[0005] The present invention proposes a transport system and a transport method for the effective use of electricity from a vehicle-internal battery and a temperature control battery. Solution to the problem

[0006] A transport system according to the present invention comprises a temperature-controlled container, a transport vehicle, and a receiving point. The temperature-controlled container includes a storage unit, a temperature control unit, and a temperature control battery. Within the storage unit, a compartment for storing a delivery item is formed by walls. The temperature control unit is designed to control the temperature of the compartment. The temperature control battery is designed to supply the temperature control unit with electricity for its operation.

[0007] The transport vehicle has an onboard battery and is designed to load and transport the temperature-controlled container in which the delivery item is stored. The receiving point is the destination of the delivery item to be transported by the vehicle. When the temperature-controlled container is loaded into the transport vehicle, the temperature control battery can be charged with electricity supplied by the vehicle's onboard battery, and vice versa.

[0008] With this configuration, the vehicle's internal battery and the temperature control battery can supply and receive the electricity stored in each battery. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the electricity stored in the battery of a transport vehicle and in the battery of a temperature-controlled container can be used effectively. Brief description of the drawings

[0010] The drawings show: Fig. 1 Schematic representation of a transport system according to one embodiment. Fig. 2. Schematic representation of the exterior of a temperature-controlled container. Fig. 3. Schematic representation of the overall functional configuration of the transport system. Fig. 4. A flowchart of a transport procedure for use in the transport system. Fig. 5 A flowchart of a processing operation performed by a temperature control unit in the transport system. Fig. 6. A flowchart of a processing operation performed by a vehicle control unit in the transport system. Description of the embodiments

[0011] One embodiment is described below with reference to Fig. Figures 1 to 6 describe the embodiment. In the drawings, which are referenced to illustrate the embodiment, elements for carrying out the embodiment and the elements surrounding it are selected, and their configurations are shown schematically. Regarding the individual structures shown in the drawings, the thicknesses, ratios, and relationships with respect to the planar dimensions are merely examples and can be modified in various ways according to different factors, such as the design, as long as they do not deviate from the technical concept of the invention.

[0012] A transport system 100 according to the present embodiment is described below with reference to Fig. 1 to 3 explained. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the transport system 100 comprises a transport vehicle 1, temperature-controlled containers 2, delivery items 3 and receiving points 4(4a, 4b,...).

[0013] The transport vehicle 1 is, for example, an electric car that has an in-vehicle battery 11 and is driven by the motive power of a motor. The transport vehicle 1 can also be another type of car, such as a hybrid car, which is driven by the motive power of a motor or an internal combustion engine. The motor of the transport vehicle 1 is powered by the electricity supplied by the in-vehicle battery 11, and the wheels of the transport vehicle 1 are set in rotation by the motive power of the motor.

[0014] Transport vehicle 1 shows, as in Fig. Figure 3 also shows a vehicle control unit 12. The vehicle control unit 12 is a computer device that includes a microcomputer equipped, for example, with a CPU (central processing unit), a ROM (read-only memory), and a RAM (random access memory). Since the CPU executes processing according to a program, the vehicle control unit 12 controls various operating processes of the transport vehicle 1. For example, the vehicle control unit 12 controls the charging of the vehicle's internal battery 11 and the supply of electricity to a temperature-controlled container 2.

[0015] The transport vehicle 1 loads the temperature-controlled containers 2, in which the delivery items 3 are stored, and delivers the delivery items 3 to the receiving points 4(4a, 4b).

[0016] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the temperature-controlled container 2 comprises a storage device 21, a temperature control battery 22, and a temperature control device 23. The storage device 21, the temperature control battery 22, and the temperature control device 23 can be attached to and removed from one another.

[0017] Storage unit 21 has walls 24 that form a room 20, and a lid 25 that opens and closes the room 20. Delivery items 3 are stored in the room 20 of storage unit 21. Several delivery items 3 can also be stored in the room 20.

[0018] Item 3 is an item that requires temperature control until it is delivered to its destination. Item 3 must be kept cool or warm, for example. Examples include fresh or frozen food that must be kept cool, ready meals that must be kept warm, or a product such as a heat-sensitive electronic device.

[0019] The temperature control battery 22 is coupled to the temperature control device 23 and supplies the temperature control device 23 with electricity for its operation. The temperature control battery 22 is, for example, a rechargeable battery. The temperature control battery 22 can be charged by supplying electricity from the vehicle's internal battery 11 of the transport vehicle 1. The temperature control battery 22 can also charge the vehicle's internal battery 11 by supplying it with electricity.

[0020] For example, the vehicle's internal battery 11 and the temperature control battery 22 can supply and receive the electricity stored in their respective batteries by connecting the temperature-controlled container 2 to a charging device (not shown) located in a cargo space (on a loading platform) of the transport vehicle 1. The temperature control battery 22 can be charged while disconnected from the temperature-controlled container 2. For example, the temperature control battery 22, when disconnected from the temperature-controlled container 2, can be connected to and charged by the charging device (not shown) located in the transport vehicle 1.

[0021] The temperature control device 23 shows, as in Fig. Figure 3 shows a temperature control unit 26 and a temperature control unit 27. The temperature control unit 26 is a computer device comprising a microcomputer equipped, for example, with a CPU, ROM, and RAM. Since the CPU executes processing according to a program, the temperature control unit 26 controls the operation of the temperature control unit 27, the charging of the temperature control battery 22, and the supply of electricity to the transport vehicle 1. The temperature control unit 26 of the temperature control device 23 and the vehicle control unit 12 of the transport vehicle 1 can communicate with each other via a wired or wireless medium.

[0022] The temperature control unit 27 is coupled to the storage device 21 and controls the temperature of the room 20. This allows the room 20 to be kept at a temperature suitable for the transport of a delivery item 3.

[0023] The temperature control unit 27 can comprise a known compression refrigeration cycle, which is equipped, for example, with a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. The temperature control unit 27 can maintain the temperature of the room 20 by cooling the delivery item 3 stored in the storage facility 21 with this compression refrigeration cycle.

[0024] The in Fig. The receiving points 4 shown in Figure 1 are the destinations of the goods 3 to be transported by the transport vehicle 1. The receiving points 4 include residential buildings, offices, and other facilities. A receiving point power source 41 is located at receiving point 4 (4b). By connecting the temperature-controlled container 2 to the receiving point power source 41, the temperature control battery 22 of the temperature-controlled container 2 can be supplied with electricity from the receiving point power source 41 and recharged.

[0025] A transport method for use in the transport system 100 is described below with reference to Fig. 4 described. First, in step S101, a temperature-controlled container 2, in which a delivery item 3 is stored, is loaded into the cargo space (onto the loading platform) of the transport vehicle 1. One or more temperature-controlled containers 2 are loaded into the cargo space (onto the loading platform) by an operator (see Fig. 1).

[0026] In step S102, the transport vehicle 1 transports the temperature-controlled containers 2, in which the delivery items 3 are stored, to the individual receiving points 4 (4a, 4b), which are the delivery destinations. During transport, the temperature control device 23 is operated by supplying electricity from the temperature control battery 22, so that the space 20 of the storage facility 21 can be kept at a temperature suitable for storing the delivery item 3 (see Fig. 2).

[0027] From step S101 to step S102, in a state where the temperature-controlled container 2 is loaded into the transport vehicle 1, the temperature control battery 22 can be charged using electricity supplied by the vehicle's internal battery 11 of the transport vehicle 1.

[0028] Before the temperature-controlled container 2 is loaded into the transport vehicle 1, it can be pre-charged by an external energy source (not shown). This prevents any electricity from the vehicle 1's internal battery 11 from being wasted charging the temperature-controlled container 2.

[0029] In step S103, the operator removes the product when the transport vehicle 1 arrives at a receiving point 4 (e.g., receiving point 4b according to...). Fig. 1) arrives at the delivery destination, removes the delivery item 3 from the temperature-controlled container 2 and delivers it to a recipient at the receiving point 4a.

[0030] After delivery of the delivery item 3 to the receiving point 4a, the operator in step S105 collects the used temperature-controlled container 2, in which the delivery item 3 is no longer stored, and loads it into the cargo space (onto the loading platform) of the transport vehicle 1.

[0031] In step S106, when the collected temperature-controlled container 2 has been reloaded into the transport vehicle 1, the vehicle's internal battery 11 can be recharged using electricity supplied by the temperature control battery 22 of the temperature-controlled container 2. The electricity charged into the vehicle's internal battery 11 can be used, for example, to power the motor for operating the transport vehicle 1.

[0032] In step S103, if the transport vehicle 1 is, for example, at a receiving point 4 (e.g., receiving point 4b in Fig. 1) arrives, a recipient may be absent.

[0033] In this case, in step S104, the operator does not remove the delivery item 3 from the temperature-controlled container 2 and instead delivers the entire temperature-controlled container 2 to the receiving point 4b. By delivering the entire temperature-controlled container 2, the space 20 of the storage facility 21 can be maintained at a temperature suitable for storing the delivery item 3 using a temperature control function of the temperature control device 23 of the temperature-controlled container 2, while the recipient is absent (see Fig. 2) This prevents the delivered item 3 from spoiling or malfunctioning during the recipient's absence. After delivery is complete, the transport vehicle 1 resumes its journey and drives to the next receiving point 4.

[0034] When the receiver returns to receiving point 4b, in step S107 he / she removes the delivery item 3 from the temperature-controlled container 2 and then charges the temperature control battery 22 by coupling the used temperature-controlled container 2 with the energy source 41 of the receiving point located at receiving point 4b (see Fig. 1) on.

[0035] Then, in step S108, the receiver returns the loaded temperature-controlled container 2 to the operator the next time the operator of transport vehicle 1 arrives at receiving point 4b. The returned temperature-controlled container 2 is then loaded into the cargo space (onto the loading platform) by the operator.

[0036] In step S109, when the collected temperature-controlled container 2 is loaded into the transport vehicle 1, the vehicle's internal battery 11 can be charged using electricity supplied by the temperature control battery 22 of the temperature-controlled container 2. The electricity charged into the vehicle's internal battery 11 can be used, for example, to power the motor for operating the transport vehicle 1. In step S109, which follows step S108, the electricity stored in the temperature control battery 22 can be used from an external source (power source 41 of the receiving station 4b), for example, to operate the transport vehicle 1.

[0037] The processing operations performed by the temperature control unit 26 of the temperature-controlled container 2 and by the vehicle control unit 12 of the transport vehicle 1 in the transport system 100 are now described below with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 described. The in Fig. 5 and Fig. The 6 processing operations shown are carried out in a state in which, for example, the temperature-controlled container 2 is coupled to the (not shown) charging device of the transport vehicle 1 and the vehicle's internal battery 11 and the temperature control battery 22 can supply and receive electricity stored in the individual batteries to each other.

[0038] The processing carried out by the temperature control unit 26 of the temperature-controlled container 2 is described below with reference to Fig. 5 explained. First, in step S201, the temperature control unit 26 determines whether a delivery item 3 is stored in the storage unit 21 of the temperature-controlled container 2. For example, various sensors (not shown), such as a weight sensor and an optical sensor, are arranged in the storage unit 21 to detect a delivery item 3 in the space 20. Based on the detection information obtained from these sensors, the temperature control unit 26 determines whether a delivery item 3 is stored in the storage unit 21.

[0039] If, in step S201, it is determined that a delivery item 3 is stored in the storage facility 21, the temperature control unit 26 proceeds to step S204. In step S204, the temperature control unit 26 sends a request to charge the temperature control battery 22 to the transport vehicle 1. Upon receiving this request, the transport vehicle 1 supplies the temperature-controlled container 2 with electricity from the vehicle's internal battery 11 (see step S304 in Fig. 6, which will be explained later).

[0040] Subsequently, in step S205, the temperature control unit 26 performs a control operation to charge the temperature control battery 22 using electricity from the vehicle's internal battery 11, supplied by the transport vehicle 1. This control operation allows the temperature control battery 22 to be charged in a state where the temperature-controlled container 2, in which the delivery item 3 is stored, is loaded into the transport vehicle 1. After step S205, the temperature control unit 26 completes the processing according to Fig. 5 from.

[0041] If step S201 determines that no delivery item 3 is located in the storage facility 21, the temperature control unit 26 proceeds to step S202. In step S202, the temperature control unit 26 sends a request to charge the vehicle's internal battery 11 to the transport vehicle 1.

[0042] Subsequently, in step S203, the temperature control unit 26 performs a control operation to supply the transport vehicle 1 with electricity from the temperature control battery 22. The vehicle's internal battery 11 is charged using the electricity supplied by the temperature control battery 22 (see step S303 in...). Fig. 6, which will be explained later). After step S203, the temperature control unit 26 completes the processing according to Fig. 5 from.

[0043] The processing carried out by the vehicle control unit 12 of the transport vehicle 1 is described below with reference to Fig. 6 explained. First, in step S301, the vehicle control unit 12 proceeds towards detecting a request sent by the temperature-controlled container 2 to charge the vehicle's internal battery 11 (see step S202 in Fig. 5) continue with step S303.

[0044] Subsequently, in step S303, the vehicle control unit 12 performs a control operation to charge the vehicle's internal battery 11 using electricity from the temperature control battery 22, which is supplied by the temperature-controlled container 2 (see step S203 in Fig. 5) This control process allows the vehicle's internal battery 11 to be charged using the remaining electricity from the temperature control battery 22 when the used temperature-controlled container 2 is loaded into the transport vehicle 1 without the delivery item 3. After step S303, the vehicle control unit 12 completes the processing according to Fig. 6 from.

[0045] Upon detecting a request sent by the temperature-controlled container 2 to charge the temperature control battery 22 (see step S204 in Fig. 5), the vehicle control unit 12 proceeds sequentially with steps S301, S302, and S304. In step S304, the vehicle control unit 12 performs a control operation to supply the temperature-controlled container 2 with electricity from the vehicle's internal battery 11. The temperature control battery 22 in the temperature-controlled container 2 is charged using the electricity supplied by the vehicle's internal battery 11 (see step S205 in Fig. 5). After step S304, the vehicle control unit 12 completes the processing according to Fig. 6 from.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the temperature control unit 26 performs the operation described in Fig. The processing shown in section 5 is carried out by the vehicle control unit 12. However, this processing can also be carried out by the vehicle control unit 12. In this case, the vehicle control unit 12, for example, receives detection information from various sensors in the temperature-controlled container 2 and determines whether a delivery item 3 is stored in the temperature-controlled container 2.

[0047] If it is determined that a delivery item 3 is stored in the temperature-controlled container 2, the vehicle control unit 12 performs a control action to supply electricity from the vehicle's internal battery 11 to charge the temperature control battery 22. If it is determined that no delivery item 3 is stored in the temperature-controlled container 2, the vehicle control unit 12 performs a control action to supply electricity from the temperature control battery 22 to charge the vehicle's internal battery 11.

[0048] According to the embodiment described above, a transport system 100 comprises a transport vehicle 1, a temperature-controlled container 2 and a receiving point 4 (see Fig. 1) The transport vehicle 1 has an onboard battery 11 and loads and transports the temperature-controlled container 2, in which a delivery item 3 is stored. The temperature-controlled container 2 has a storage device 21, a temperature control battery 22, and a temperature control device 23 (see Fig. 2).

[0049] In storage facility 21, a room 20 for storing a delivery item 3 is formed by walls 24. The temperature control battery 22 supplies the temperature control device 23 with electricity for its operation. The temperature control device 23 controls the temperature of room 20. The receiving point 4 is a destination for the delivery item 3 to be transported by the transport vehicle 1.

[0050] In a state where the temperature-controlled container 2 is loaded into the transport vehicle 1, the temperature control battery 22 can be charged using electricity supplied by the vehicle's internal battery 11, and likewise the vehicle's internal battery 11 can be charged using electricity supplied by the temperature control battery 22 (see steps S101, S102, S106, S109 in Fig. 4 and see e.g. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6).

[0051] With this configuration, the vehicle's internal battery 11 and the temperature control battery 22 can supply and receive electricity from each other. This allows the electricity stored in each battery to be used effectively.

[0052] With the configuration described above, in a state where, for example, the temperature-controlled container 2, in which a delivery item 3 is stored, is being loaded into the transport vehicle 1, the temperature control battery 22 can be charged using electricity supplied by the vehicle's internal battery 11 (see, for example, steps S101 and S102 in Fig. 4, Step S205 in Fig. 5 and step S304 in Fig. 6).

[0053] This eliminates the need to pre-charge the temperature control battery 22 before loading the temperature-controlled container 2 into the transport vehicle 1 by using electricity supplied by an external energy source (not shown), thus increasing the work efficiency of the operator of the transport system 100.

[0054] During transport by transport vehicle 1, the temperature-controlled container 2 operates the temperature control device 23 and thus consumes electricity to maintain the space 20 inside the temperature-controlled container 2 at a suitable temperature. At this time, supplying electricity from the vehicle's internal battery 11 to charge the temperature control battery 22 can prevent a power shortage in the temperature control battery 22 during transport in the transport vehicle 1.

[0055] This prevents an interruption of the temperature control in the temperature-controlled container 2, which would be caused by a lack of electricity during transport in the transport vehicle 1, and thus prevents the delivery item 3 stored in the temperature-controlled container 2 from spoiling or malfunctioning.

[0056] With the configuration described above, the vehicle's internal battery 11 can be charged in a state where, for example, the temperature-controlled container 2 is loaded into the transport vehicle 1 without any delivery item 3 stored therein, using electricity supplied by the temperature-controlled battery 22 (see, for example, steps S106 and S109 in Fig. 4, Step S203 in Fig. 5 and step S303 in Fig. 6).

[0057] For example, after delivery of a delivery item 3 to the receiving point 4 (4a), the remaining electricity of the temperature control battery 22 of the empty temperature-controlled container 2 is supplied to the vehicle's internal battery 11 and used to power the motor for the operation of the transport vehicle 1. This increases the range of the transport vehicle 1.

[0058] When the entire temperature-controlled container 2 is delivered to the receiving point 4(4b), the temperature control battery 22 can be recharged using electricity supplied by the receiving point's power source 41, and the temperature-controlled container 2 can then be collected again from the receiving point 4(4b) (see Fig. 1).

[0059] In this case, the vehicle's internal battery 11 can be charged using electricity supplied by the charged temperature control battery 22 (see step S109 in Fig. 4) Thus, the vehicle's internal battery 11 can be supplied with more electricity, further increasing the range of the transport vehicle 1.

[0060] In this embodiment, for example, the collected temperature-controlled container 2 is used to charge the vehicle's internal battery 11 with electricity supplied by the temperature-control battery 22. Alternatively, the collected temperature-controlled container 2 can also be reused by storing another delivery item 3 in it.

[0061] The transport method for use in the transport system 100 according to the embodiment is carried out by all or some of the steps S101 to S109 in Fig. 4 realized. The in Fig. 5 and Fig. The 6 processing operations shown can be implemented, for example, as a program to be executed by the CPUs of the vehicle control unit 12 and the temperature control unit 26.

[0062] The advantages discussed in the invention are only examples. The invention is not limited to these advantages and can also achieve other advantages. The invention can achieve some of the advantages discussed in the invention. Not all combinations of the configurations discussed in the embodiment are necessarily required to solve the problems described above. Reference symbol list 1 transport vehicle 2 Temperature-controlled containers 3. Item of delivery 4, 4a, 4b Receiving point 11 vehicle internal battery 20 rooms 21 Storage facility 22 Temperature control battery 23 Temperature control device 41 Energy source of the receiving station QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2023- 8 513 A

[0003]

Claims

[1] Transport system comprising the following: - a temperature-controlled container comprising a storage device, a temperature control device and a temperature control battery, wherein the storage device forms a space for storing a delivery item therein by means of walls, wherein the temperature control device is designed to control the temperature of the space, and wherein the temperature control battery is designed to supply the temperature control device with electricity for its operation; - a transport vehicle that has an onboard battery and is designed to load and transport the temperature-controlled container in which the delivery item is stored; and - a receiving point that is a destination for the goods to be transported by the transport vehicle, wherein in a state in which the temperature-controlled container is loaded into the transport vehicle, The temperature control battery can be charged with electricity supplied by the vehicle's internal battery, and The vehicle's internal battery can be charged with electricity supplied by the temperature control battery. [2] Transport system according to claim 1, wherein in a state in which the temperature-controlled container in which the delivery item is stored is loaded into the transport vehicle, the temperature control battery is charged using electricity supplied by the vehicle's internal battery. [3] Transport system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in a state in which the temperature-controlled container, in which no delivery item is stored, is loaded into the transport vehicle, the vehicle's internal battery is charged using electricity supplied by the temperature-controlled battery. [4] Transport system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the receiving station has a receiving station power source designed to supply electricity to the temperature control battery in order to charge the temperature control battery; and wherein, in a state in which the temperature-controlled container, which has the temperature control battery charged with the electricity supplied by the energy source of the receiving point, is loaded into the transport vehicle, the vehicle's internal battery is charged using electricity supplied by the temperature control battery. [5] Transport method for use in a transport system, wherein the transport system comprises a temperature-controlled container, a transport vehicle and a receiving point, wherein the temperature-controlled container comprises a storage facility, a temperature control device and a temperature control battery, the storage facility having a space for storing a delivery item formed by walls, the temperature control device being designed to control the temperature of the space, the temperature control battery being designed to supply the temperature control device with electricity for its operation, the transport vehicle having an in-vehicle battery and being designed to load and transport the temperature-controlled container in which the delivery item is stored, the receiving point being a destination for the delivery item to be transported by the transport vehicle.the transport procedure has the following features:, - a step towards transporting the temperature-controlled container in which the delivery item is stored to the receiving point by loading the temperature-controlled container into the transport vehicle; - a step to collect the temperature-controlled container in which the delivery item is no longer stored and to load the temperature-controlled container into the transport vehicle after the delivery item has been delivered to the receiving point; and - a step towards charging the vehicle's internal battery using electricity supplied by the temperature control battery of the collected temperature-controlled container.

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