Container trailer, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a container trailer and a control method capable of providing an optimal capacity of a battery for each vehicle.SOLUTION: This container trailer comprises: a trailer that travels using electricity as a motive force; a plurality of containers mounted on the load-carrying platforms of the trailers via a connection terminal; and a controller that controls charging / discharging of each container. Each trailer includes a power train. Each container includes a cargo storage part, and a battery electrically connected to the power train. The controller is provided with an order setting part that acquires an unloading order of each container, and a voltage control unit that preferentially uses a battery in a first unloaded container for the container first unloaded in order.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a container trailer, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to supply electric vehicles with power from an external source.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electric vehicle (trailer) that can be continuously driven for an extended period of time by supplying power from an external source, thereby increasing the driving distance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5453067 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The trailer disclosed in Patent Document 1 supplies power from a battery mounted on the chassis to a motor on the tractor head side via an inverter. However, it is difficult to change the capacity of the battery to be mounted on the chassis depending on the size of the vehicle, making it difficult to provide a battery with the optimum capacity for each individual vehicle.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a container trailer, a control method, and a program that can provide a battery with an optimal capacity for each vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The container trailer of the present disclosure comprises a trailer that runs on electricity, a plurality of containers that are loaded onto the bed of the trailer via connection terminals, and a controller that controls the charging and discharging of each container, wherein the trailer includes a powertrain and each container includes a cargo storage section and a battery electrically connected to the powertrain, and the controller comprises an order setting section that obtains the unloading order of each container, and a voltage control section that, for the container that is to be unloaded first in the order, gives priority to using the battery in the container that is to be unloaded first.

[0008] The control method disclosed herein includes a container trailer comprising a trailer powered by electricity, a plurality of containers loaded on the bed of the trailer via connection terminals, and a controller that controls charging and discharging of each container, wherein the trailer includes a powertrain and each container includes a cargo storage section and a battery electrically connected to the powertrain, and includes the steps of: obtaining an unloading order for each container; and, for the container that is to be unloaded first in the order, preferentially using the battery in the container that is to be unloaded first.

[0009] The program disclosed herein is a program for causing a computer to execute the following steps for a container trailer comprising a trailer powered by electricity, a plurality of containers loaded onto the bed of the trailer via connection terminals, and a controller for controlling the charging and discharging of each container, wherein the trailer includes a powertrain and each container includes a cargo storage section and a battery electrically connected to the powertrain: obtaining an unloading order for each container; and preferentially using the battery in the container that is to be unloaded first in the order. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the container trailer, control method, and program disclosed herein, it is possible to provide a container trailer, control method, and program that can provide a battery with an optimal capacity for each vehicle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a container trailer in a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a container trailer according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram I of a controller according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 3 is a flowchart I of a control method in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram II of a controller according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart II of a control method according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] 11 is a flowchart II of a control method according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings and specific configurations used in each embodiment should not be used to interpret the disclosure. The same or corresponding configurations in all drawings are given the same reference numerals, and common descriptions are omitted.

[0013] (Container trailer configuration) The container trailer 1 is used to transport cargo in a container. As shown in FIG. 1, the container trailer 1 includes a trailer 11, a plurality of containers 12, and a controller 115. The container trailer 1 transports multiple containers 12 (X, Y, Z, W). Each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W) includes a cargo storage section 121 that is included in a conventional container, and also includes a battery 122, which will be described later.

[0014] (Trailer configuration) The trailer 11 runs on electricity. The trailer 11 receives driving force from a powertrain 111 . The trailer 11 includes a tractor head 110 and a bed (chassis) 116 . 2, the tractor head 110 includes a power train 111, an inverter 112, a power converter 113, a battery 114, and a connection terminal 117. For example, the controller 115 is mounted on the tractor head 110. The power train 111 is a motor. The power train 111 is driven by the supply of electric power from the battery 114. For example, the power train 111 is an AC motor. The inverter 112 converts the direct current supplied from the battery 114, a battery 122 (described later), or both, into an alternating current. The power converter 113 increases or decreases the voltage input from the battery 114 according to the usage of the power train 111 . Furthermore, the power converter 113 may step up or step down the voltage of regenerative energy generated in the power train 111 due to braking or the like of the trailer 11, and supply power to the battery 114, the battery 122, or both, for charging. The battery 114 is a high-voltage battery. The high-voltage battery is used to operate the power train 111 of the trailer 11. In the present disclosure, as an example, the battery 114 supplies DC power to the power train 111. The loading platform 116 is a platform on which the container 12 is mounted. For example, the loading platform 116 may be capable of being separated from a driving unit such as the power train 111. The connection terminal 117 is used to connect the trailer 11 and the container 12. The battery 114 included in the container 12 can supply power to the powertrain 111 via the connection terminal 117. In addition, the battery 114 can receive regenerative energy generated in the powertrain 111 via the connection terminal 117.

[0015] (Basic configuration of the controller) The controller 115 controls the charging and discharging of each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W). FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the analysis device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the controller 115 includes a processor 1151, a memory 1152, a storage 1153, a communication interface 1154, a display device 1155, and an input device 1156.

[0016] The processor 1151 operates according to a predetermined program to thereby perform the functions of a current location acquisition unit 11511, a location information acquisition unit 11512, a transportation distance estimation unit 11513, an order setting unit 11514, a voltage control unit 11515, and a memory unit 11519. The operation of each function in controller 115 described below corresponds to the control method of the present disclosure.

[0017] The current location acquisition unit 11511 acquires the current location of the trailer 11. For example, the current location acquisition unit 11511 acts as a receiver of a global positioning system (GPS) or the like that communicates with a satellite 8.

[0018] The location information acquisition unit 11512 acquires the location of the trailer 11's destination. The location information acquisition unit 11512 communicates with a destination management system 9 that manages information on destinations, and acquires the location of the destination. The destination may be a destination of cargo, a distribution center, or the like.

[0019] The transportation distance estimation unit 11513 estimates the transportation distance from the current location and the location of the destination. In estimating the transportation distance, the transportation distance estimation unit 11513 estimates the transportation route between the destinations of each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W).

[0020] The sequence setting unit 11514 sets the unloading sequence of each container (X, Y, Z, W) based on the transportation distance. In the present disclosure, for example, it is assumed that the unloading order is set under the condition that "the container with the shortest transportation distance between the current location and the transportation destination of each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W) is transported first, and the containers thereafter are transported in order of the distance from the current location to the transportation destination of the container 12 (X, Y, Z, W)." If the unloading order is set under this condition in the order of container X, container Y, container Z, and container W, the voltage control unit 11515 performs control described later so that the transportation route from the current location to the transportation destination of container X, the transportation route between the transportation destination of container X and the transportation destination of container Y, the transportation route between the transportation destination of container Y and the transportation destination of container Z, and the transportation route between the transportation destination of container Z and the transportation destination of container W are all run by the battery 122 of each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W). The unloading order may be set based on the condition that "among the transportation routes that pass through all the destinations of each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W) from the current location, the unloading order is the shortest." In this case, the delivery order may be set so that among the transportation routes that pass through the shortest distance, the container 12 that is closest to the current location is delivered first. For example, the unloading sequence may be set each time the trailer 11 is driven.

[0021] The voltage control unit 11515 performs control to preferentially use the battery 122 in the container 12 that is to be unloaded first for the container 12 that is to be unloaded first in the set unloading sequence of each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W). For example, this control is performed by droop control. For example, as described above, if the unloading order is set as container X, container Y, container Z, and container W, control is performed so that the battery 122 in the container 12(X) that is to be unloaded first is used preferentially for the container that is to be unloaded first (container X in this example). Furthermore, after unloading the container 12(X) that is to be unloaded first, these operations by the controller 115 are also performed sequentially for each of the containers 12 that are second in the unloading order (container Y in this example), third in the unloading order (container Z), and fourth in the unloading order (container W). In addition, when the container 12 is loaded onto the platform 116 via the connection terminal 117, the voltage control unit 11515 controls the power train 111 to preferentially supply power from the battery 122 included in the container 12. For example, when the container 12 is loaded onto the platform 116 via the connection terminal 117, the voltage control unit 11515 may perform OFF control of the power converter 113 and cut off the supply and receipt of power to and from the battery 114. For example, the voltage control unit 11515 may control the battery transfer between the batteries in the multiple containers (X, Y, Z, W) when the trailer 11 starts to drive. This is because when the trailer 11 is driven and the outside air temperature is low, the battery 122 generates heat due to internal resistance by transferring power between the batteries, which increases the power that can be extracted when the battery 122 is discharged. For the same reason, the battery 122 used during driving may be limited to one of the containers 12 (X, Y, Z, W), and the other batteries 122 may be used solely for replenishing the remaining capacity of the limited battery 122 when the remaining capacity decreases.

[0022] The memory unit 11519 stores the location of the trailer's destination.

[0023] For example, the controller 115 may determine a transportation distance from the location of the destination acquired from the memory unit 11519 and set an unloading order.

[0024] The predetermined program executed by the processor 1151 is stored in a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium refers to a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory, and the like. The computer program may be distributed to a computer via a communication line, and the computer that receives the program may execute the program. The program may be for implementing part of the above-mentioned functions. The program may also be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0025] The memory 1152 has a memory area necessary for the operation of the processor 1151 .

[0026] The storage 1153 is a so-called auxiliary storage device, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0027] The communication interface 1154 is an interface for transmitting and receiving various signals to and from external devices (satellite 8, destination management system 9, etc.).

[0028] The display device 1155 is a display device that displays the analysis image and the like, and is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0029] The input device 1156 is an input device that accepts operations by the user of the controller 115, and is, for example, a general mouse, keyboard, touch sensor, or the like.

[0030] (Container configuration) The container 12 is loaded onto the loading platform 116 of the trailer 11 via a connection terminal 117 . The container 12 (X, Y, Z, W) includes a battery accommodating section 120, a cargo accommodating section 121, a battery 122, a power converter 123, and a battery controller 125. The cargo storage section 121 stores cargo. For example, the battery storage section 120 is located below the cargo storage section 121 . The battery housing section 120 houses a rechargeable battery 122 . The battery 122 is a high-voltage battery that is electrically connected to the power train 111. For example, the battery 122 may have a receiving portion for the connection terminal 117 or a terminal that can be electrically connected to another container. For example, the capacity of the battery 122 is set according to the size of the container 12. The power converter 123 switches between charging and discharging when the container 12 is charged or discharged. For example, the power converter 123 is ON / OFF controlled by a voltage control section 11515 of the controller 115 , and controls the charging and discharging of the battery 122 . The battery controller 125 performs charge / discharge control to prevent overcharging and overdischarging of the battery 122. Furthermore, the battery controller 125 can monitor the state of the battery 122, such as the voltage value of the battery 122 and SOC (state of charge).

[0031] (Operation of priority control in controller) Some of the operations of the controller 115 described below correspond to the control method of the present disclosure. When the trailer 11 is not transporting, i.e., when the trailer 11 is not carrying a container 12 (X, Y, Z, W), the voltage control unit 11515 of the controller 115 performs the step-up / step-down operation of the voltage input to or output from the power converter 113.

[0032] For example, when driving the power train 111, the power converter 113 increases or decreases the voltage input from the battery 114 by the voltage control unit 11515 in accordance with the use of the power train 111. In this way, the trailer 11 is driven.

[0033] For example, when regenerative energy generated in the powertrain 111 by braking or the like of the trailer 11 is supplied to the battery 114 by the voltage control unit 11515, the battery 114 is charged. The power converter 113 increases or decreases the voltage input from the powertrain 111 via the inverter 112 in accordance with the use of the battery 114. When the voltage input from the powertrain 111 is increased, the power converter 113 can charge the battery 114 even if the regenerative energy is smaller than the amount of power supplied when the powertrain 111 is driven.

[0034] For example, after multiple containers 12 (X, Y, Z, W) are loaded via the connection terminals 117, the voltage control section 11515 of the controller 115 performs the following operations. For example, when the powertrain 111 is driven, the following two steps are performed. As a first step, for example, the voltage control unit 11515 performs ON-OFF control of the battery 114 provided in the trailer via the power converter 113, and controls charging and discharging of the battery 114. To control the power train 111 so that power is preferentially supplied from the battery 122, the voltage control unit 11515 turns off the power converter 113. As a second step, for example, the voltage control unit 11515 performs ON-OFF control of the battery 122 included in each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W) via the power converter 123 to control charging and discharging of the container 12. For example, the voltage control unit 11515 turns on the power converter 123. At that time, it is possible to select which battery 122 included in each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W) is to be used preferentially. The voltage control unit 11515 may select a plurality of power converters 123 or one of the power converters 123 to switch the ON-OFF control. In addition, the voltage control unit 11515 may arbitrarily determine the switching timing of the ON-OFF control. For example, the switching timing of the ON-OFF control of the voltage control unit 11515 may be determined according to the SOC (state of charge) of the battery 122.

[0035] For example, the voltage control unit 11515 can appropriately combine and control the power converter 113 and the power converters 123 of each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W). In this way, the controller 115 can supply regenerative energy generated in the power train 111 by braking or the like of the trailer 11 to any battery (114, 122).

[0036] For example, when the container trailer 1 is transporting a conventional container in addition to the container 12, the controller 115 may control the charging and discharging of the battery 122, the battery 114, or both, so that the container trailer 1 can be transported to the destination of the conventional container.

[0037] (Control Method) A control method in this embodiment will be described. The control method in this embodiment is carried out according to the flow shown in FIG.

[0038] First, the current location acquisition unit 11511 of the controller 115 acquires the current location of the trailer 11 (step ST01). At this time, a plurality of containers 12 (X, Y, Z, W) are loaded onto a loading platform 116 of the trailer 11 via connection terminals 117.

[0039] Next, the position information acquisition unit 11512 of the controller 115 acquires the position of the destination of the trailer 11 (step ST02).

[0040] Next, the transportation distance estimation unit 11513 of the controller 115 estimates the transportation distance from the current location and the location of the destination (step ST03).

[0041] Next, the sequence setting unit 11514 of the controller 115 acquires the unloading sequence of each container based on the transportation distance (step ST04).

[0042] Next, the voltage control unit 11515 of the controller 115 performs control to give priority to the use of the battery 122 in the container 12 to be unloaded first (in this example, container X) for the container 12 to be unloaded first in the set unloading sequence for each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W) (step ST05). Here, the trailer 11 drives the power train 111 toward the destination of the container 12(X) that is to be unloaded first, using the battery 122 in the container 12(X) that is to be unloaded first as a priority. (Complete)

[0043] (Action and Effects) According to the container trailer 1 of the present embodiment, the containers 12 including the batteries 122 are loaded in a divided state, so that it is possible to provide batteries 122 with optimal capacity for each vehicle. The controller 115 then obtains the unloading order for each of the containers 12 (X, Y, Z, W) that have been loaded in such a manner, and the battery 122 in the container 12 (X), which is to be unloaded first, can be used preferentially among these containers 12. For example, when the first container 12(X) is transported to its destination, the batteries 122 in each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W) may be used equally. In this case, since each battery 122 is used equally, it is considered that the battery 122 in the first container 12(X) cannot be fully used when the container 12 arrives at its destination, and the batteries 122 in the other containers (Y, Z, W) may also be depleted to some extent. In contrast, according to the container trailer 1 of the present disclosure, the battery 122 in the first container 12(X) is preferentially used, so that the battery 122 in the first container 12(X) can be fully used when the container 12 arrives at its destination, and the consumption of the batteries 122 in the other containers (Y, Z, W) can be reduced. By reducing the consumption of the batteries 122 in the other containers (Y, Z, W), the same control can be sequentially performed on the second, third, and fourth containers 12 in the unloading order after the first container 12(X) is unloaded. This allows the battery 122 to supply optimal power to the powertrain 111 so that transportation can be made to all destinations. Therefore, the container trailer 1 of this embodiment can provide a battery with an optimum capacity for each vehicle.

[0044] Second Embodiment The container trailer 1 of the first embodiment provides batteries 122 with optimal capacity for each vehicle by loading the containers 12, each containing a battery 122, in a divided state. The controller 115 obtains the unloading order for each of the loaded containers 12 (X, Y, Z, W) in this manner, and discloses that the battery 122 in the container 12 (X) that is to be unloaded first among these containers 12 can be used preferentially. In contrast, the container trailer 1B according to this embodiment adds another function to the controller 115, and focuses on performing charge and discharge control according to the SOC of the batteries 122 of each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W). Hereinafter, a container trailer 1B in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, components common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0045] (composition) The container trailer 1B includes a trailer 11B, a container 12, and a controller 115B. The container trailer 1B is provided with a controller 115B instead of the controller 115.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5, in addition to the functions of the controller 115, the controller 115B newly includes a remaining capacity acquisition unit 11516, a threshold determination unit 11517, and a drive state determination unit 11518.

[0047] The remaining capacity acquisition unit 11516 acquires the remaining capacity of each battery 122 included in each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W).

[0048] The threshold determination unit 11517 compares the set thresholds (discharge determination threshold, charge determination threshold) with the SOC of the battery 122 of each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W) and performs threshold determination for setting charge / discharge control. Based on this threshold determination, the voltage control unit 11515 performs charge / discharge control for the battery 122 of each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W) based on the set charge / discharge control. The discharge determination threshold is a threshold for determining whether or not to discharge each battery 122 for the power train 111. For example, the discharge determination threshold is set to a value near 0% or a value obtained by adding a predetermined value to 0% with respect to the SOC [%]. The charge determination threshold is a threshold for determining whether or not to supply regenerative energy to each battery 122. For example, the discharge determination threshold is set to a value near 100% or a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from 100% with respect to the SOC [%]. In addition, when the container 12 is transported to a certain distribution center or the like (point A) and is immediately loaded onto another trailer 11 from point A for transport, the discharge determination threshold may be set so that the other trailer 11 can transport the container 12 from point A to the destination of the container 12. In this case, the discharge determination threshold is the SOC required for the other trailer 11 to be able to transport the container 12.

[0049] When controlling the charging and discharging of each battery 122, the driving state determination unit 11518 compares a threshold value (target power threshold value) set for a target power with the power input to the inverter 112 to determine the driving state. For example, the target power threshold value is a target value of the power input to the inverter 112 during powering, and when the input power exceeds the target power threshold value, it is determined that the trailer 11 is in a powering state (step ST31: determined as YES). For example, these thresholds (discharge determination threshold, charge determination threshold, and target power threshold) may be stored in the storage unit 11519 and read out appropriately at the time of each determination.

[0050] (Control Method) A control method in this embodiment will be described. The control method in this embodiment is carried out in accordance with the flows shown in FIGS.

[0051] First, the controller 115B performs the processes of steps ST01 to ST05 described in the first embodiment (step ST11).

[0052] (Powered setting) Next, the threshold determination unit 11517 of the controller 115B compares the SOC of the battery 122 in the container 12 to be lowered first (e.g., container 12(X)) with a predetermined first threshold (discharge determination threshold) that has been set, and determines whether the SOC exceeds the threshold (step ST12).

[0053] (Powered setting: setting 1A) If it is determined that the remaining capacity (SOC) of the battery 122 in the container 12(X) to be lowered first is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold (discharge determination threshold) (step ST12: YES), the voltage control unit 11515 is set to control the supply of power preferentially from the battery 122 in the container 12(X) to be lowered first during powering (step ST13). This setting corresponds to setting 1A, which instructs the voltage control unit 11515 to perform the following control during powering. The first container 12 (X) to be unloaded has its power sharing ratio during power running set to 100%, and the other containers 12 (Y, Z, W) have their power sharing ratio during power running set to 0%.

[0054] (Regenerative settings) Next, the threshold judgment unit 11517 of the controller 115B compares the set predetermined second threshold (charging discrimination threshold) with the SOC of the batteries 122 in the other containers 12 (Y, Z, W), and makes a judgment against the threshold (step ST14).

[0055] (Regenerative setting: setting 2A) If the remaining capacity (SOC) of the batteries 122 in the other containers 12 (Y, Z, W) are all equal to or less than a predetermined second threshold (charge determination threshold) (step ST14: YES), the voltage control unit 11515 is set to control the battery 122 in the container 12 (X) that is lowered first during regeneration to hasten the temperature rise (step ST15). This setting corresponds to setting 2A, which instructs the voltage control unit 11515 to perform the following control during regeneration. The first container 12 (X) to be lowered has its power sharing ratio during regeneration set to 100%, and the other containers 12 (Y, Z, W) have their power sharing ratio during regeneration set to 0%.

[0056] (Regenerative setting: setting 2B) On the other hand, if the remaining capacity (SOC) of the batteries 122 in the other containers 12 (Y, Z, W) is not equal to or lower than the predetermined second threshold (charge determination threshold) (step ST14: NO), the following can be expressed. When the remaining capacity (SOC) of the battery 122 in at least one of the other containers 12 (Y, Z, W) exceeds a predetermined second threshold (charge determination threshold) (step ST14: NO), the voltage control unit 11515 is set to control the supply of power to the battery 122 in at least one of the other containers 12 based on the remaining capacity (SOC) of the battery 122 in at least one of the other containers 12 and the second threshold (charge determination threshold) during regeneration (step ST16). This setting corresponds to setting 2B, and setting 2B instructs the voltage control unit 11515 to perform the following control during regeneration. The first container to be unloaded, Container 12 (X), has its power sharing ratio during regeneration set to 0%. Of the other containers 12 (Y, Z, W), the container 12 in which the remaining capacity (SOC) of the battery 122 exceeds the second threshold (charge determination threshold) has its power sharing ratio during regeneration set to 0%. Of the other containers 12 (Y, Z, W), the remaining containers 12 are set so that the power sharing ratio during regeneration is shared by the number of remaining containers 12. In setting 2B, the power sharing ratio during regeneration in the remaining containers 12 is expressed by equation (1). Power sharing ratio during regeneration in the remaining containers 12 = 100 / {(total number of the plurality of containers 12 - 1) - (number of containers 12 whose remaining capacity (SOC) of the battery 122 exceeds the second threshold (charge determination threshold))} [%] ... formula (1)

[0057] When step ST15 or step ST16 ends, the controller 115B proceeds to step ST31 via a connector C1.

[0058] (Powered setting) If it is determined in step T12 that the remaining battery capacity (SOC) of the battery 122 in the container 12 (X) to be unloaded first is less than a predetermined first threshold (discharge determination threshold) (step ST12: NO), the voltage control unit 11515 is set to control so as to switch the battery to be preferentially used during powering based on the remaining battery capacity (SOC) of the battery 122 in the other containers (Y, Z, W) and the first threshold (discharge determination threshold) (step ST21). This setting is set in two ways in step ST21.

[0059] (Powered setting: setting 1B) If the remaining capacity (SOC) of the batteries 122 in the other containers 12 (Y, Z, W) are all equal to or less than a predetermined first threshold (discharge determination threshold) (step ST21: YES), the voltage control unit 11515 performs the following setting for the batteries 122 in each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W) during powering (step ST22). This setting corresponds to setting 1B, which instructs the voltage control unit 11515 to perform the following control during powering. The first container 12 (X) to be unloaded has its power sharing ratio during powering set to 0%, and the power sharing ratios of all other containers 12 (Y, Z, W) during powering are set to be equal to the number of other containers (Y, Z, W). In setting 1B, the power sharing ratio during powering in the other containers 12 (Y, Z, W) is expressed by equation (2). Power sharing ratio during power running for other containers 12 = 100 / (total number of multiple containers 12 - 1) [%] ... formula (2)

[0060] (Powered setting: setting 1C) On the other hand, if the remaining capacity (SOC) of the batteries 122 in the other containers 12 (Y, Z, W) is not equal to or less than the predetermined first threshold (discharge determination threshold) (step ST21: NO), the following setting is made to the voltage control unit 11515 for the batteries 122 in each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W) during powering (step ST23). This setting corresponds to setting 1C, which instructs the voltage control unit 11515 to perform the following control during powering. The power sharing ratio of the container 12 (X) that is unloaded first is set to 0% during powering. Of the other containers 12 (Y, Z, W), the power sharing ratio during powering of the containers 12 in which the remaining capacity (SOC) of the battery 122 is less than the first threshold value (discharge determination threshold value) is set to 0%. Of the other containers 12 (Y, Z, W), the remaining containers 12 are set so that the power sharing ratio during powering is shared by the number of remaining containers 12. In setting 1C, the power sharing ratio during regeneration in the remaining container 12 is expressed by equation (3). Power sharing ratio during regeneration in the remaining containers 12 = 100 / {(total number of the plurality of containers 12 - 1) - (number of containers 12 whose remaining capacity (SOC) of the battery 122 is less than the first threshold (discharge determination threshold))} [%] ... formula (3)

[0061] (Regenerative settings) Next, the threshold judgment unit 11517 of the controller 115B compares the set predetermined second threshold (charging discrimination threshold) with the SOC of the batteries 122 in the other containers 12 (Y, Z, W), and makes a judgment against the threshold (step ST24).

[0062] (Regenerative setting: setting 2C) If the remaining capacity (SOC) of the batteries 122 in the other containers 12 (Y, Z, W) are all equal to or less than the predetermined second threshold (charge determination threshold) (step ST24: YES), the voltage control unit 11515 performs the following setting for the batteries 122 in each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W) during regeneration (step ST25). This setting corresponds to setting 2C, which instructs the voltage control unit 11515 to perform the following control during regeneration. The first container 12 (X) to be lowered has its power sharing ratio during regeneration set to 0%, and the other containers 12 (Y, Z, W) are all set so that their power sharing ratio during regeneration is equal to the number of other containers (Y, Z, W). In setting 1B, the power sharing ratio during regeneration in the other containers 12 (Y, Z, W) is expressed by equation (4). Power sharing ratio during regeneration in other containers 12 = 100 / (total number of multiple containers 12 - 1) [%] ... Equation (4) do.

[0063] (Regenerative settings: setting 2D) If the remaining capacity (SOC) of the batteries 122 in the other containers 12 (Y, Z, W) is not equal to or less than the predetermined second threshold (charge determination threshold) (step ST24: NO), the voltage control unit 11515 performs the following setting for the batteries 122 in each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W) during regeneration (step ST26). This setting corresponds to setting 2D, which instructs the voltage control unit 11515 to perform the following control during regeneration. The first container to be unloaded, Container 12 (X), has its power sharing ratio during regeneration set to 0%. Of the other containers 12 (Y, Z, W), the container 12 in which the remaining capacity (SOC) of the battery 122 is less than the second threshold value (charge determination threshold value) has its power sharing ratio during regeneration set to 0%. Of the other containers 12 (Y, Z, W), the remaining containers 12 are set so that the power sharing ratio during regeneration is shared by the number of remaining containers 12. In setting 2D, the power sharing ratio during regeneration in the remaining container 12 is expressed by equation (5). Power sharing ratio during regeneration in the remaining containers 12 = 100 / {(total number of the plurality of containers 12 - 1) - (number of containers 12 whose remaining capacity (SOC) of the battery 122 is less than the second threshold (charge determination threshold))} [%] ... Equation (5)

[0064] When step ST25 or step ST26 ends, the controller 115B proceeds to step ST31 via a connector C1.

[0065] (Determining the driving state) Next, when controlling the charging and discharging of each battery 122, the driving state determination unit 11518 of the controller 115B compares the power input to the inverter 112 with a threshold value (target power threshold value) set for the target power, and determines whether the threshold value is exceeded (step ST31).

[0066] For example, if the power input to the inverter 112 during power running exceeds the target power threshold (step ST31: YES), it is determined that the trailer 11 is in the power running state. In this case, the voltage control unit 11515 controls the discharge of each of the containers 12 (X, Y, Z, W) in accordance with settings 1A to 1C.

[0067] On the other hand, if the power input to the inverter 112 during powering does not exceed the target power threshold (step ST31: NO), it is determined that the trailer 11 is in a regenerative state. In this case, the voltage control unit 11515 controls the charging of each of the containers 12 (X, Y, Z, W) in accordance with settings 2A to 2D.

[0068] In this way, the controller 115B performs charge / discharge control according to the SOC of the battery 122 of each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W). (Complete) In addition, these operations by the controller 115 are sequentially performed on the second container in the unloading order (container Y in this example), the third container in the unloading order (container Z), and the fourth container in the unloading order (container W) after the first container to be unloaded (container X) has been unloaded.

[0069] (Action and Effects) According to the container trailer 1B of the present embodiment, the containers 12 including the batteries 122 are loaded in a divided state, so that it is possible to provide the batteries 122 with optimal capacity for each vehicle. The controller 115B then obtains the unloading order for each of the containers 12 (X, Y, Z, W) that have been loaded in this manner, and the battery 122 in the container 12 (X), which is to be unloaded first, can be used preferentially among these containers 12. For example, when transporting the container 12(X) that is to be unloaded first to the destination, it is possible that the batteries 122 in each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W) are used equally. In this case, since each battery 122 is used equally, it is possible that the battery 122 in the container 12(X) that is to be unloaded first cannot be used up when the container arrives at the destination, and the batteries 122 in the other containers (Y, Z, W) have also been depleted to a certain extent. In contrast, according to the container trailer 1B of the present disclosure, the battery 122 in the container 12(X) that is to be unloaded first is used preferentially, so that the battery 122 in the container 12(X) that is to be unloaded first can be used up when the container arrives at the destination, and consumption of the batteries 122 in the other containers (Y, Z, W) can be reduced. By reducing the consumption of the batteries 122 in the other containers (Y, Z, W), after the first container 12 (X) is unloaded, the same control can be sequentially performed for the second, third, and fourth containers 12 in the unloading order. This allows the batteries 122 to supply optimal power to the power train 111 so that transportation can be made to all destinations. Therefore, the container trailer 1B of this embodiment can provide a battery with an optimum capacity for each vehicle.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the container trailer 1B of this embodiment, the controller 115B performs charge / discharge control set according to the SOC of the battery 122 of each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W), making it possible to discharge power according to each battery. This allows the container trailer 1B to deliver cargo to the destination of each container even if the remaining capacity of the battery 122 in the first container to be unloaded is insufficient. Therefore, the container trailer 1B of this embodiment can provide batteries with a more optimal capacity for each vehicle.

[0071] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like that do not depart from the gist of the present disclosure are also included. In the container trailer of the present disclosure, the number of containers to be transported is not limited, i.e., the number of batteries 122 controlled by the controller 115 is not limited.

[0072] For example, in this disclosure, the power train 111 is an AC motor, but depending on the combination of the battery 114, the battery 122, and the inverter 112, it may be a DC motor.

[0073] For example, in the present disclosure, inverter 112 converts direct current provided by battery 114, battery 122, or both, to alternating current, but may also convert alternating current to direct current.

[0074] For example, in the present disclosure, the battery 114 is a high-voltage battery, but may be a low-voltage battery. In this case, the battery 114 can utilize the boost of the power converter 113. The low-voltage battery is used to operate the auxiliary devices of the trailer 11.

[0075] For example, in the present disclosure, when the container 12 is mounted on the platform 116 via the connection terminal 117, the voltage control unit 11515 of the controller 115 may cause the power converter 113 to make the voltage value input from the battery 114 to the powertrain 111 lower than the voltage value during discharging of the battery 122. In this way, the controller 115 controls the battery 114 to be suppressed from discharging, and to preferentially supply power from the battery 122 included in the container 12 to the powertrain 111.

[0076] For example, the unloading order may be set under the condition that "among the transportation routes that pass through all the destinations of each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W) from the current location, the unloading order is the shortest." In this case, the delivery order may be set so that the container 12 that is furthest from the current location and has the shortest distance is delivered first. With this configuration, the transportation distance from the current location to the first destination increases compared to when the container 12 that is the closest destination to the current location is delivered first. This allows the batteries 122 in the container 12 that is unloaded first to be used up when the container arrives at the destination, and reduces consumption of the batteries 122 in the other containers.

[0077] For example, the transportation distance estimation unit 11513 may calculate the maximum transportable distance (hereinafter also referred to as "transportable distance") from the total SOC of the batteries 122 of each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W). Also, the sequence setting unit 11514 may determine whether the transportable distance exceeds the shortest transportation route. For example, the transportation distance estimation unit 11513 calculates the maximum transportable distance (hereinafter also referred to as "transportable distance") from the total SOC of the batteries 122 of each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W). After that, the order setting unit 11514 calculates the shortest transportation route among transportation routes that pass through all of the destinations of each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W) from the current location. The order setting unit 11514 determines whether the transportable distance exceeds the shortest transportation route, and if it does, the order setting unit 11514 sets the delivery order so that the container 12 with the destination farthest from the current location among the shortest transportation route is delivered first. On the other hand, the sequence setting unit 11514 determines whether the possible transport distance exceeds the shortest transport route, and if it is shorter, the sequence setting unit 11514 plans charging on the way. In other words, the sequence setting unit 11514 plans a transport route that incorporates information on power supply spots on the way of the transport route. With this configuration, the transportation distance from the current location to the first destination increases compared to when the container 12 that is the closest destination to the current location is delivered first. This allows the batteries 122 in the container 12 that is unloaded first to be used up when the container arrives at the destination.

[0078] The controller 115 controls the charging and discharging of each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W), but the controller 115 may also be controlled by communication with the destination management system 9, and as a result, the controller 115 may control the charging and discharging of each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W). Also, in this disclosure, the controller 115 is mounted on the tractor head 110, but the controller 115 may be mounted on each container or on one container that represents each container.

[0079] In this embodiment, the controller 115 provided in the container trailer 1 is equipped with a location information acquisition unit 11512 that acquires the location of the destination of the trailer 11, and a transportation distance estimation unit 11513 that estimates the transportation distance from the current location and the location of the destination, but in other embodiments, it is not limited to processing in the container trailer 1. For example, the processes performed by the location information acquisition unit 11512 and the transportation distance estimation unit 11513 may be executed by a server or a cloud. In this case, the order setting unit 11514 of the controller 115 transmits the current location to the server or the cloud, and can obtain the unloading order determined by the processing of the server or the cloud.

[0080] <Additional Notes> The container trailer described in each embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0081] (1) A container trailer 1 according to a first embodiment includes a trailer 11 that runs on electricity, a plurality of containers 12 (X, Y, Z, W) that are loaded onto a bed 116 of the trailer 11 via a connection terminal 117, and a controller 115 that controls charging and discharging of each of the containers 12 (X, Y, Z, W), wherein the trailer 11 includes a powertrain 111, and each of the containers 12 (X, Y, Z, W) includes a cargo storage section 121 and a battery 122 electrically connected to the powertrain 111, and the controller 115 includes a sequence setting section 11514 that obtains the unloading sequence of the containers 12 (X, Y, Z, W), and a voltage control section 11515 that preferentially uses the battery 122 in the container that is to be unloaded first in the sequence, for the container that is to be unloaded first.

[0082] According to the container trailer 1 of the first embodiment, the containers 12 including the batteries 122 are loaded in a divided state, so that it is possible to provide batteries 122 with optimal capacity for each vehicle. The controller 115 obtains the unloading order for each of the containers 12 (X, Y, Z, W) that have been divided and loaded in this way, and the battery 122 in the container 12 (X), which is to be unloaded first, can be used preferentially among these containers 12 (X, Y, Z, W). For example, when the first container 12(X) is transported to its destination, the batteries 122 in each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W) may be used equally. In this case, since each battery 122 is used equally, it is considered that the battery 122 in the first container 12(X) cannot be fully used when the container 12 arrives at its destination, and the batteries 122 in the other containers (Y, Z, W) may also be depleted to some extent. In contrast, according to the container trailer 1 of the present disclosure, the battery 122 in the first container 12(X) is preferentially used, so that the battery 122 in the first container 12(X) can be fully used when the container 12 arrives at its destination, and the consumption of the batteries 122 in the other containers (Y, Z, W) can be reduced. By reducing the consumption of the batteries 122 in the other containers (Y, Z, W), the same control can be sequentially performed on the second, third, and fourth containers 12 in the unloading order after the first container 12(X) is unloaded. This allows the battery 122 to supply optimal power to the powertrain 111 so that transportation can be made to all destinations. Therefore, the container trailer 1 of this embodiment can provide a battery with an optimum capacity for each vehicle.

[0083] (2) A container trailer 1 according to a second aspect is a container trailer as in (1), further comprising a current location acquisition unit that acquires the current location of the trailer, a location information acquisition unit that acquires the location of the trailer's destination, and a transport distance estimation unit that estimates a transport distance from the current location and the location of the destination, and the order setting unit acquires the unloading order of each container based on the transport distance.

[0084] According to the container trailer 1 of the second embodiment, the controller 115 obtains the unloading order for each of the divided and loaded containers 12 (X, Y, Z, W) based on the distance traveled from the current location to the destination, and the battery 122 in the container 12 (X) that is to be unloaded first among these containers 12 can be used preferentially. Therefore, the container trailer 1 of this embodiment can provide a battery with an optimum capacity for each vehicle.

[0085] (3) A container trailer 1 according to a third aspect is a container trailer as described in (1) or (2), wherein the voltage control unit 11515 controls the supply of power preferentially from the battery 122 included in the container 12 when the container 12 is loaded via the connection terminal 117.

[0086] According to the container trailer 1 of the third aspect, when the container 12 is loaded onto the platform 116 via the connection terminal 117, the controller 115 controls the power converter 113 to turn off, cutting off the supply of power to and from the battery 114. This allows the container trailer 1 to preferentially use the capacity of the battery 122, which is set according to the size of the container, during transportation. Therefore, the container trailer 1 of this embodiment can provide a battery with an optimum capacity for each vehicle.

[0087] (4) A container trailer 1B according to a fourth aspect is a container trailer described in any one of (1) to (3), and further includes a remaining capacity acquisition unit 11516 that acquires the remaining capacity of each battery, and the voltage control unit 11515 can control the supply of power preferentially from the battery 122 in the container 12 (X) to be unloaded first when the remaining capacity (SOC) of the battery 122 in the container 12 (X) to be unloaded first is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold (discharge determination threshold). Therefore, the container trailer 1B of this embodiment can provide a battery with an optimum capacity for each vehicle.

[0088] According to the container trailer 1B of the fourth aspect, it is possible to control the supply of power preferentially from the battery 122 in the container 12 (X) that is to be unloaded first, taking into consideration the remaining battery capacity (SOC) of each container 12 (X, Y, Z, W). Therefore, the container trailer 1B of this embodiment can provide a battery with an optimum capacity for each vehicle.

[0089] (5) A container trailer 1B according to a fifth aspect is a container trailer as in (4), wherein, when the remaining capacity (SOC) of the battery 122 in at least one of the other containers 12 (Y, Z, W) exceeds a predetermined second threshold (charging determination threshold), the voltage control unit 11515 controls the supply of power to the battery 122 in the at least one other container 12 based on the remaining capacity (SOC) of the battery 122 in the at least one other container 12 and the second threshold (charging determination threshold).

[0090] According to the container trailer 1B of the fifth aspect, when unloading, if it is expected that the remaining capacity (SOC) of the battery 122 of the container 12 (X) to be unloaded first is sufficient, the remaining capacity (SOC) of each battery 122 of the other containers (Y, Z, W) awaiting unloading next can be compared with a predetermined second threshold (charge determination threshold), and control can be performed so that power is preferentially supplied to the battery 122 whose SOC is equal to or less than the second threshold. As a result, when unloading thereafter, the batteries 122 in the other containers can be controlled in the same way as the container 12 (X) to be unloaded first, and cargo can be delivered to the destination of each container 12. Therefore, the container trailer 1B of this embodiment can provide a battery with an optimum capacity for each vehicle.

[0091] (6) A container trailer 1B according to a sixth aspect is the container trailer of (4), in which the voltage control unit 11515 controls the battery 122 in the container 12 (X) to be unloaded first to accelerate the temperature rise when the remaining capacity (SOC) of the battery 122 in the other containers 12 (Y, Z, W) is all below a predetermined second threshold (charging determination threshold).

[0092] According to the container trailer 1B of the sixth aspect, when the outside temperature is low when the trailer 11 is driving, the battery 122 to be used is limited to the container 12(X) that is unloaded first, which causes heat generation due to internal resistance in the battery 122, thereby making it possible to increase the power that can be extracted when discharging the battery 122. Therefore, even when the outside temperature is low when the trailer 11 is driving, the container trailer 1B can use up the remaining capacity (SOC) of the battery 122, which is controlled so that power is supplied preferentially, up to the first threshold value (discharge determination threshold value).

[0093] (7) A container trailer 1B according to a seventh aspect is a container trailer according to any one of (1) to (3), and further includes a remaining capacity acquisition unit 11516 that acquires the remaining capacity of each battery. When the remaining capacity (SOC) of the battery 122 in the container 12 (X) to be unloaded first is less than a predetermined first threshold (discharge determination threshold), the voltage control unit 11515 switches the battery 122 to be preferentially used based on the remaining capacity (SOC) of the battery 122 in the other containers 12 (Y, Z, W) and the first threshold (discharge determination threshold).

[0094] According to the container trailer 1B of the seventh aspect, even if the remaining capacity (SOC) of the battery 122 in the container 12 (X) to be unloaded first is insufficient, the cargo can be delivered to the destination of each container 12 by using the batteries 122 in the other containers 12 (Y, Z, W). Therefore, the container trailer 1B of this embodiment can provide a battery with a more optimal capacity for each vehicle.

[0095] (8) The container trailer 1B according to an eighth aspect is a container trailer described in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the voltage control unit 11515 controls the transfer of power between the batteries 122 in the multiple containers 12 (X, Y, Z, W) when the trailer 11 starts driving.

[0096] According to the container trailer 1B of the eighth aspect, when the trailer 11 is driven and the outside temperature is low, power is exchanged between the batteries 122, causing heat generation due to internal resistance within the batteries 122, thereby increasing the amount of power that can be extracted when the batteries 122 are discharged. Therefore, the container trailer 1B of this embodiment can provide a battery with a more optimal capacity for each vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1 Container trailer 11. Trailer 110 Tractor Head 111 Powertrain 112 Inverter 113 Power Converter 114 Batteries 115 Controller 1151 Processor 1152 Memory 1153 Storage 1154 Communication Interface 1155 Display device 1156 Input Device 11511 Current Location Acquisition Department 11512 Location information acquisition unit 11513 Transportation Distance Estimation Department 11514 Order setting part 11515 Voltage control section 11516 Remaining capacity acquisition part 11517 Threshold Judgment Unit 11518 Drive status determination unit 11519 Storage section 116 Cargo bed (chassis) 117 Connection terminal 12 Container (X, Y, Z, W) 120 Battery compartment 121 Cargo Storage 122 Batteries 123 Power Converter 125 Battery Controller 8 satellite 9. Delivery destination management system 11B Trailer 115B Controller

Claims

1. A trailer that runs on electricity, A plurality of containers are loaded onto the bed of the trailer via connection terminals; A controller for controlling the charging and discharging of each container; Equipped with the trailer includes a powertrain; each container includes a cargo compartment and a battery electrically connected to the powertrain; The controller includes: a sequence setting unit for acquiring an unloading sequence of each container; a voltage control unit that prioritizes the use of the battery in a container that is to be lowered first in the sequence; and A container trailer equipped with

2. a current location acquisition unit that acquires a current location of the trailer; a location information acquisition unit that acquires a location of a destination of the trailer; a transportation distance estimating unit that estimates a transportation distance based on the current location and the location of the transportation destination; Further equipped with The sequence setting unit obtains an unloading sequence of each container based on the transportation distance. The container trailer according to claim 1.

3. The voltage control unit performs control so that, when the container is mounted via the connection terminal, power is preferentially supplied from the battery included in the container. The container trailer according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a remaining capacity acquisition unit for acquiring a remaining capacity of each battery; Further equipped with The voltage control unit performs control such that, when the remaining capacity of the battery in the container that is to be unloaded first is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold, power is preferentially supplied from the battery in the container that is to be unloaded first. The container trailer according to claim 1 or 2.

5. When the remaining capacity of the battery in at least one of the other containers exceeds a predetermined second threshold, the voltage control unit controls power to be supplied to the battery in the at least one other container based on the remaining capacity of the battery in the at least one other container and the second threshold.

5. The container trailer according to claim 4.

6. The voltage control unit controls the battery in the container to be unloaded first to accelerate a temperature rise when the remaining capacities of the batteries in the other containers are all equal to or less than a predetermined second threshold.

5. The container trailer according to claim 4.

7. a remaining capacity acquisition unit for acquiring a remaining capacity of each battery; Further equipped with When the remaining capacity of the battery in the container to be unloaded first is less than a predetermined first threshold, the voltage control unit replaces the battery to be preferentially used based on the remaining capacity of the battery in another container and the first threshold. The container trailer according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The voltage control unit controls the batteries in the containers to exchange electric power when the trailer starts to drive. A container trailer according to claim 1 or 2.

9. A trailer that runs on electricity, A plurality of containers are loaded onto the bed of the trailer via connection terminals; A controller for controlling the charging and discharging of each container; Equipped with the trailer includes a powertrain; Each container comprises a cargo storage area and a battery electrically connected to the powertrain. obtaining an unloading order for each container; giving priority to using the battery in a container that is lowered first in the sequence; Including, Control methods.

10. A trailer that runs on electricity, A plurality of containers are loaded onto the bed of the trailer via connection terminals; A controller for controlling the charging and discharging of each container; Equipped with the trailer includes a powertrain; Each container comprises a cargo storage area and a battery electrically connected to the powertrain. obtaining an unloading order for each container; giving priority to using the battery in a container that is lowered first in the sequence; Have your computer run program.

Images