Delivery plan generation device, computer program, and delivery plan generation method

Abstract

To provide a delivery plan generation device capable of generating a delivery plan using an electric vehicle mounted with a secondary battery, a computer program and a delivery plan generation method.SOLUTION: A delivery plan generation device includes a communication unit which functions as an SOC acquisition unit for acquiring an SOC of a secondary battery mounted on an electric vehicle, a control unit which functions as a vehicle information acquisition unit for acquiring vehicle information of the electric vehicle and as a delivery destination information acquisition unit for acquiring delivery destination information of a package, a travel distance calculation unit for calculating a travelable distance of the electric vehicle on the basis of the vehicle information and the SOC of the secondary battery, and a delivery plan generation unit for generating a delivery plan by using the delivery destination information and the calculated travelable distance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a delivery plan generating device, a computer program, and a delivery plan generating method. This application claims priority from Japanese Application No. 2018-202982, filed on October 29, 2018, and incorporates by reference all of the contents of said Japanese application. [Background technology]

[0002] When a large number of packages are to be delivered using multiple vehicles, a delivery planning application is known that can automatically calculate which vehicles should carry which packages and which routes should be used for delivery in an efficient manner.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a delivery plan creation support method that selects an appropriate vehicle based on delivery destination information, cargo information, and vehicle information, plans loading, and creates a delivery plan that can associate address information and cargo information on a map. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-109983 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The delivery plan generation device disclosed herein is a delivery plan generation device that generates a delivery plan for a package by an electric vehicle equipped with a secondary battery, and includes a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information of the electric vehicle, a SOC acquisition unit that acquires the SOC of a secondary battery equipped in the electric vehicle, a delivery destination information acquisition unit that acquires delivery destination information of the package, a calculation unit that calculates a possible driving distance of the electric vehicle based on the vehicle information and the SOC of the secondary battery, and a delivery plan generation unit that generates a delivery plan using the delivery destination information and the possible driving distance calculated by the calculation unit.

[0006] The computer program disclosed herein is a computer program for causing a computer to generate a delivery plan for a package using an electric vehicle equipped with a secondary battery, and causes the computer to execute the following processes: acquiring vehicle information for the electric vehicle; acquiring the SOC of a secondary battery equipped in the electric vehicle; acquiring delivery destination information for the package; calculating a possible driving distance for the electric vehicle based on the vehicle information and the SOC of the secondary battery; and generating a delivery plan using the delivery destination information and the calculated possible driving distance.

[0007] The delivery plan generation method disclosed herein is a delivery plan generation method for generating a delivery plan for a package by an electric vehicle equipped with a secondary battery, which method acquires vehicle information for the electric vehicle, acquires the SOC of a secondary battery equipped in the electric vehicle, acquires delivery destination information for the package, calculates a possible driving distance for the electric vehicle based on the vehicle information and the SOC of the secondary battery, and generates a delivery plan using the delivery destination information and the calculated possible driving distance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a delivery plan generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle information DB. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a battery pack information DB. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a package information DB. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of allocation information of battery packs. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a delivery plan. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a charging plan for a battery pack. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of charging a battery pack by a charging device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of charging a battery pack by a charging device. [Figure 10]10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the delivery plan generating device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Problem to be solved by this disclosure] Generally, vehicles that run on gasoline or diesel fuel can be filled up after returning to a delivery site or before leaving the site, or can stop at a gas station to refuel during delivery. However, when using an electric vehicle as a delivery vehicle, it takes a relatively long time to charge the battery, so stopping at a charging station to charge during delivery reduces delivery efficiency. In addition, charging the battery every time the vehicle returns to a delivery site results in repeated charging at a nearly fully charged state, which can accelerate battery deterioration.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a delivery plan generation device, a computer program, and a delivery plan generation method that can generate a delivery plan using an electric vehicle equipped with a secondary battery.

[0011] [Effects of this disclosure] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to generate a delivery plan using an electric vehicle equipped with a secondary battery.

[0012] [Description of the embodiments disclosed herein] The delivery plan generation device according to this embodiment is a delivery plan generation device that generates a delivery plan for a package by an electric vehicle equipped with a secondary battery, and includes a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information of the electric vehicle, a SOC acquisition unit that acquires the SOC of the secondary battery equipped in the electric vehicle, a delivery destination information acquisition unit that acquires delivery destination information of the package, a calculation unit that calculates a possible driving distance of the electric vehicle based on the vehicle information and the SOC of the secondary battery, and a delivery plan generation unit that generates a delivery plan using the delivery destination information and the possible driving distance calculated by the calculation unit.

[0013] The computer program according to this embodiment is a computer program for causing a computer to generate a delivery plan for a package using an electric vehicle equipped with a secondary battery, and causes the computer to execute the following processes: acquiring vehicle information for the electric vehicle; acquiring the SOC of the secondary battery equipped in the electric vehicle; acquiring delivery destination information for the package; calculating a possible driving distance for the electric vehicle based on the vehicle information and the SOC of the secondary battery; and generating a delivery plan using the delivery destination information and the calculated possible driving distance.

[0014] The delivery plan generation method according to this embodiment is a delivery plan generation method for generating a delivery plan for a package by an electric vehicle equipped with a secondary battery, and includes obtaining vehicle information for the electric vehicle, obtaining the SOC of a secondary battery equipped in the electric vehicle, obtaining delivery destination information for the package, calculating a possible driving distance for the electric vehicle based on the vehicle information and the SOC of the secondary battery, and generating a delivery plan using the delivery destination information and the calculated possible driving distance.

[0015] The vehicle information acquisition unit acquires vehicle information about the electric vehicle. The vehicle information may include, for example, a vehicle ID for identifying the vehicle, dimensions of the loading platform (length, width, height), load weight, and the number of secondary batteries (also called battery packs) installed.

[0016] The SOC acquisition unit acquires the SOC (State Of Charge) of a secondary battery mounted on an electric vehicle. The SOC of the secondary battery can be acquired, for example, from a management device (for example, a Battery Management System (BMS)) mounted on the electric vehicle that manages the state of the secondary battery.

[0017] The delivery destination information acquisition unit acquires delivery destination information for a package. The delivery destination information includes, for example, information indicating which package is to be delivered to where.

[0018] The calculation unit calculates the mileage of the electric vehicle based on the vehicle information and the SOC of the secondary battery. The electric vehicle is, for example, an electric vehicle that has returned to a delivery base and is available for the next delivery. The mileage is calculated based on the remaining capacity of the secondary battery installed in the electric vehicle without charging. The mileage can be calculated using a function with the total weight of the electric vehicle (load weight + vehicle body weight) and the SOC as variables.

[0019] The delivery plan generation unit generates a delivery plan using the delivery destination information and the calculated possible driving distance. For example, the delivery plan can be generated by using the possible driving distance of the electric vehicle as a constraint and specifying delivery destinations that can be delivered within that possible driving distance. Furthermore, if there are any packages remaining to be delivered, the same process can be repeated for other electric vehicles.

[0020] With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the secondary battery that would otherwise be caused by repeatedly charging the battery when it is nearly fully charged, without unconditionally charging the secondary battery installed in the electric vehicle that has returned to the delivery base. Also, it is possible to generate a delivery plan using an electric vehicle equipped with a secondary battery, without the need to stop at a charging station during delivery.

[0021] In the delivery plan generating device according to this embodiment, the delivery plan generating unit generates a delivery plan in which a delivery order for a plurality of delivery destinations is specified.

[0022] The delivery plan generation unit generates a delivery plan in which a delivery order for multiple delivery destinations is specified. For example, it can specify a delivery order that minimizes the travel distance from departure from a delivery base to return. This makes it possible to include as many delivery destinations as possible within the remaining capacity of the secondary batteries installed in the electric vehicles. Alternatively, it can generate a delivery plan that effectively uses electric vehicles with low remaining capacity.

[0023] In the delivery plan generating device according to this embodiment, the delivery plan generating unit generates a delivery plan including allocation information of secondary batteries to be mounted on electric vehicles for each delivery route from departure from a base to return to the base.

[0024] The delivery plan generation unit generates a delivery plan that includes allocation information for secondary batteries installed in electric vehicles for each delivery route from departure from a base to return to the base. The allocation information can indicate, for example, the correspondence between vehicle IDs, secondary battery IDs, and delivery route IDs. This allows a secondary battery that has been removed from an electric vehicle to be allocated to another electric vehicle, making effective use of the remaining capacity of the secondary battery (i.e., it can be used for the next delivery without being charged).

[0025] In the delivery plan generating device according to the present embodiment, the delivery plan generating unit generates a delivery plan based on the SOC of the secondary battery and a first threshold value.

[0026] When the SOC of the secondary battery is equal to or greater than a first threshold, the delivery plan generation unit generates a delivery plan using the possible driving distance calculated by the calculation unit based on the SOC. The first threshold can be set as appropriate, for example, to 20%, 30%, or the like. When the delivery route from the delivery center is long, the first threshold can be set large, and when the delivery route from the delivery center is relatively short, the first threshold can be set small. This prevents repeated charging when the battery is nearly fully charged, thereby suppressing deterioration of the secondary battery.

[0027] The delivery plan generating device according to this embodiment includes a charging plan generating unit that generates a charging plan for the secondary battery based on the SOC of the secondary battery and the first threshold value.

[0028] The charging plan generation unit generates a charging plan for the secondary battery when the SOC of the secondary battery is lower than a first threshold. Since charging when the SOC is lower than the first threshold does not accelerate deterioration of the secondary battery, charging the secondary battery can increase the driving distance of an electric vehicle equipped with the secondary battery, enabling more packages to be delivered.

[0029] In the delivery plan generating device according to the present embodiment, the charging plan generating unit includes a target value of the SOC of the secondary battery in the charging plan.

[0030] The charging plan generation unit includes a target value for the SOC of the secondary battery in the charging plan. The target value can be, for example, an upper limit value of the SOC (e.g., 100%, 95%, etc.), but can also be set to 70%, 50%, etc. if full charging is not required depending on the delivery route in the next delivery plan or the departure time, etc. This allows the secondary battery to be charged according to the delivery plan.

[0031] In the delivery plan generating device according to the present embodiment, the charging plan generating unit includes in the charging plan a charging completion deadline based on the delivery plan for the electric vehicle on which the secondary battery is mounted.

[0032] The charging plan generation unit includes in the charging plan a charging completion deadline based on a delivery plan for the electric vehicle on which the secondary battery is mounted, thereby enabling the secondary battery to be charged in time for the delivery plan.

[0033] In the delivery plan generation device according to this embodiment, when a voltage difference between multiple secondary batteries mounted on the electric vehicle is greater than a predetermined threshold, the charging plan generation unit generates a charging plan to charge at least some of the multiple secondary batteries.

[0034] When the voltage difference between the multiple secondary batteries mounted on the electric vehicle is greater than a predetermined threshold, the charging plan generation unit generates a charging plan to charge at least some of the multiple secondary batteries. For example, when secondary batteries with different capacities, battery characteristics, etc. are mounted in a single electric vehicle, the voltage difference between the multiple secondary batteries may exceed the predetermined threshold. If the multiple secondary batteries are mounted in a combined manner in this state, excessive current flows between the multiple secondary batteries, causing deterioration of the secondary batteries. Therefore, for example, the secondary battery with the lower voltage is charged so that the voltage difference between the multiple secondary batteries is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold. This allows different secondary batteries to be mounted in a combined manner in the electric vehicle, allowing for effective use of the secondary batteries.

[0035] In the delivery plan generating device according to the present embodiment, the charging plan generating unit generates a charging plan to charge a secondary battery with a lower voltage among the plurality of secondary batteries.

[0036] The charging plan generation unit charges the secondary battery with a lower voltage so that the voltage difference between the plurality of secondary batteries is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. This allows different secondary batteries to be installed in the electric vehicle in combination, thereby enabling the secondary batteries to be used effectively.

[0037] The delivery plan generation device according to this embodiment includes a correction unit that corrects the possible driving distance calculated by the calculation unit based on at least one of the SOH or the number of charges of the secondary battery.

[0038] The correction unit corrects the mileage calculated by the calculation unit based on at least one of the secondary battery's SOH (State Of Health) or the number of charges. For example, if the SOH is low, the mileage can be shortened. Also, if the number of charges is high, the mileage can be shortened. This makes it possible to determine an appropriate mileage depending on the state of the secondary battery.

[0039] [Details of the embodiments disclosed herein] The delivery plan generating device of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a delivery plan generating device 50 of this embodiment. The delivery plan generating device 50 includes a control unit 51 that controls the entire device, a communication unit 52, a mileage calculation unit 53, a delivery plan generating unit 54, a memory unit 55 that stores required information, a correction unit 56, a charging plan generating unit 57, an output unit 58, and an interface unit 59. A display device 10 and a charging device 30 can be connected to the delivery plan generating device 50. The output unit 58 can output information to be displayed on the display device 10 to the display device 10. The interface unit 59 has an interface function with a charging device 30 installed at a delivery base.

[0040] The delivery plan generating device 50 is connected to a map information DB 21, an address information DB 22, a package information DB 23, a vehicle information DB 24, and a battery pack information DB 25, and can read information from each DB and store information in each DB.

[0041] 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the vehicle information DB 24. Vehicle information is registered for each electric vehicle in the vehicle information DB 24. The vehicle information includes information such as a vehicle ID that identifies the vehicle, dimensions of the loading platform (length, width, height), load weight, and the number of battery packs (secondary batteries) installed.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the battery pack information DB 25. The battery pack information DB 25 registers battery pack information for each battery pack. The battery pack information includes information such as a battery pack ID for identifying the battery pack, full charge capacity, SOH (State Of Health), SOC (State Of Charge), and the number of charges. SOH, also known as the health level, is a state quantity that indicates how the secondary battery deteriorates and its capacity decreases. SOC, also known as the charge rate, is a state quantity that indicates the ratio of the remaining capacity of the secondary battery to a full battery.

[0043] 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the package information DB 23. Package information is registered for each package in the package information DB 23. The package information includes information such as a package ID for identifying the package, package product number, number of packages, delivery destination name, delivery destination ID, package weight, and package dimensions (length, width, height).

[0044] The control unit 51 has a function as a vehicle information acquisition unit, and refers to the vehicle information DB 24 to acquire vehicle information of the electric vehicle used at the delivery base.

[0045] The communication unit 52 has a function of communicating with a BMS (Battery Management System) that manages the status of the battery pack installed in the electric vehicle. The communication unit 52 also functions as an SOC acquisition unit and can acquire the SOC of the battery pack installed in the electric vehicle used at the delivery base. The SOC of the battery pack removed from the electric vehicle and stored at the delivery base can be acquired by the interface unit 59 via the charging device 30.

[0046] The control unit 51 functions as a delivery destination information acquisition unit and acquires delivery destination information for packages. The delivery destination information includes, for example, information indicating which package is to be delivered to where. Specifically, the control unit 51 refers to the package information DB 23 to identify the package to be delivered at the delivery base, and refers to the map information DB 21 and the address information DB 22 to acquire the delivery destination information for the package.

[0047] The mileage calculation unit 53 functions as a calculation unit and calculates the mileage of the electric vehicle based on the acquired vehicle information and the SOC of the battery pack. The electric vehicle is, for example, an electric vehicle that has returned to a delivery base and is available for the next delivery. The mileage is calculated based on the remaining capacity of the secondary battery mounted on the electric vehicle without charging. The mileage can be calculated using a function with the total weight of the electric vehicle (load weight + vehicle body weight) and the SOC as variables.

[0048] The delivery plan generation unit 54 generates a delivery plan using the delivery destination information and the calculated possible driving distance. For example, it can generate a delivery plan that specifies delivery destinations that can be delivered within the possible driving distance of the electric vehicle as a constraint. Furthermore, if there are any packages remaining to be delivered, the same process can be repeated for other electric vehicles.

[0049] With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the battery pack that would otherwise be caused by repeatedly charging the battery pack when it is nearly fully charged, without unconditionally charging the battery pack installed in the electric vehicle that has returned to the delivery base. Also, it is possible to generate a delivery plan using the electric vehicle equipped with the battery pack, without the need to stop at a charging station during delivery.

[0050] The delivery plan generating unit 54 can generate a delivery plan including allocation information of battery packs to be mounted on electric vehicles for each delivery route from departure from a base to return to the base.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of allocation information for battery packs. The allocation information can indicate the correspondence between vehicle IDs, battery pack IDs, and delivery route IDs. In the example of FIG. 5, each delivery route ID is associated with a package ID of the package to be delivered. Note that the correspondence between the delivery route ID and the package ID may be separated from the allocation information shown in FIG. 5 and compiled as separate information.

[0052] With the above-described configuration, a battery pack that has been removed from an electric vehicle can be allocated to another electric vehicle, allowing the remaining capacity of the battery pack to be used effectively (i.e., it can be used for the next delivery without being charged).

[0053] The delivery plan generating unit 54 can generate a delivery plan in which the delivery order of the delivery destinations is specified.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a delivery plan. The delivery plan in FIG. 6 corresponds to a delivery plan for one electric vehicle, and illustrates one with a delivery route ID of TR001. In other words, a different electric vehicle is used for each delivery route ID, and a delivery plan similar to that in FIG. 6 is generated. The delivery plan shown in FIG. 6 can be displayed on the display device 10.

[0055] As shown in Figure 6, the delivery plan with delivery route ID TR001 includes delivery destinations identified by C001, C015, C032, C005, C011, C003, C044, and C025, and the delivery order is specified by the order of these delivery destinations. It is also possible to specify a delivery order that minimizes the travel distance from departure from the delivery base to the return destination. This makes it possible to include as many delivery destinations as possible within the remaining capacity of the battery packs installed in the electric vehicles. Alternatively, a delivery plan can be generated that effectively uses electric vehicles with low remaining capacity.

[0056] When the SOC of the battery pack is equal to or greater than a first threshold, the delivery plan generation unit 54 can generate a delivery plan using the possible driving distance calculated by the driving distance calculation unit 53 based on the SOC. The first threshold can be set as appropriate, for example, to 20%, 30%, or the like. When the distance of the delivery route from the delivery center is long, the first threshold can be set large, and when the distance of the delivery route from the delivery center is relatively short, the first threshold can be set small. This prevents repeated charging when the battery is nearly fully charged, thereby suppressing deterioration of the battery pack.

[0057] The charging plan generation unit 57 can generate a charging plan for the battery pack when the SOC of the battery pack is lower than the first threshold. Since charging the battery pack when the SOC is lower than the first threshold does not accelerate deterioration of the battery pack, charging the battery pack can increase the driving distance of the electric vehicle equipped with the battery pack, allowing more packages to be delivered.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a charging plan for a battery pack. As shown in FIG. 7, the charging plan includes, for each battery pack, a target value of the state of charge (SOC) and a charging completion deadline.

[0059] That is, the charging plan generation unit 57 includes the target value of the SOC of the battery pack in the charging plan. The target value can be, for example, the upper limit value of the SOC (e.g., 100%, 95%, etc.), but can be set to 70%, 50%, etc. when it is not necessary to fully charge according to the delivery route or departure time in the next delivery plan. Thus, the battery pack can be charged according to the delivery plan.

[0060] In addition, the charging plan generation unit 57 includes a charging completion deadline based on the delivery plan of the electric vehicle on which the battery pack is mounted in the charging plan. Thus, the battery pack can be charged in time for the delivery plan.

[0061] When the voltage difference between a plurality of battery packs mounted on an electric vehicle is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the charging plan generation unit 57 can generate a charging plan to charge at least a part of the plurality of battery packs.

[0062] For example, when battery packs with different capacities, battery characteristics, etc. of the battery packs are used together and mounted on one electric vehicle, the voltage difference between the plurality of battery packs may become greater than a predetermined threshold value. When mounted together (e.g., connected in parallel) in such a state, an excessive current flows between the plurality of battery packs, and the battery packs deteriorate. For example, let the voltage of battery pack B1 be V1 and the internal resistance be R1. Let the voltage of battery pack B2 be V2 and the internal resistance be R2. When battery packs B1 and B2 are connected in parallel, if the current flowing through the battery packs is I, then I = |V1 - V2| / (R1 + R2). Equalize the voltages V1 and V2 so that I < Ith. Ith is the threshold value. The equalization of the voltage can be achieved by charging the battery pack with the lower voltage to increase the voltage.

[0063] As described above, for example, a battery pack with a lower voltage is charged so that the voltage difference between the plurality of battery packs is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. This allows different battery packs to be installed in the same electric vehicle, enabling the battery packs to be used effectively.

[0064] The correction unit 56 can correct the mileage calculated by the mileage calculation unit 53 based on at least one of the SOH of the battery pack or the number of charges. For example, if the SOH is low, the mileage can be shortened. Also, if the number of charges is high, the mileage can be shortened. This makes it possible to calculate an appropriate mileage according to the state of the battery pack.

[0065] Furthermore, the correction unit 56 can refer to the map information DB 21 and the like to correct the possible driving distance by taking into account gradient information of roads on the delivery route and average congestion conditions (for example, average travel time, etc.).

[0066] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of charging a battery pack by a charging device 30. The charging device 30 can be installed at a delivery base, but is not limited to this, and may be installed near the delivery base. In the first example shown in FIG. 8, replacement is possible on a battery pack basis. That is, when replacing a battery pack mounted on an electric vehicle, the battery pack is the replacement unit. In addition, a tag 41a bearing, for example, the serial number of the battery pack is attached to battery pack 40a. The same applies to other battery packs 40b and 40c. When the battery pack is mounted on the electric vehicle, the charging device 30 can obtain the state of the battery pack (SOC, SOH, etc.) via, for example, the BMS in the electric vehicle.

[0067] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of charging a battery pack by the charging device 30. In the second example shown in FIG. 9, the battery pack and BMS can be replaced as a unit. That is, when replacing a battery pack mounted on an electric vehicle, the battery pack and BMS are used as a unit for replacement. For example, the battery pack 40a and the BMS 45a can be detached from the electric vehicle as a unit. The same applies to the other battery packs 40b and 40c. The charging device 30 can obtain the state of the battery pack (SOC, SOH) from the BMS or can output it to the BMS.

[0068] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the delivery plan generation device 50 of this embodiment. For convenience, the following description will be given with the control unit 51 as the main processing unit. The control unit 51 acquires vehicle information, map information, package information, address information, and battery pack information (S11), and acquires delivery destination information (S12). The control unit 51 identifies a vehicle (electric vehicle) to be used for delivery (S13), and determines whether the SOC of the battery pack to be installed in the vehicle is equal to or greater than a threshold (S14). Here, the battery pack to be installed in the vehicle is a battery pack installed in a vehicle that has already returned or is scheduled to return to the delivery base, but may include a battery pack stored at the delivery base that is scheduled to be installed in the vehicle.

[0069] If the SOC is equal to or greater than the threshold (YES in S14), the control unit 51 generates a battery allocation table (correspondence between vehicle IDs and battery pack IDs among the allocation information exemplified in FIG. 5) (S15), and calculates the vehicle's possible driving distance based on the SOC of the battery pack allocated to the vehicle in the battery allocation table (S16). The control unit 51 generates a delivery plan using the calculated possible driving distance as a constraint (S17), and performs the processing of step S19 described below.

[0070] If the SOC is not equal to or greater than the threshold (NO in S14), the control unit 51 generates a charging plan for the battery pack (S18) and determines whether there are other delivery destinations (S19). If there are other delivery destinations (YES in S19), that is, if delivery plans for all delivery destinations have not been completed, the control unit 51 continues the processing from step S13 onwards, and if there are no other delivery destinations (NO in S19), ends the processing.

[0071] The delivery plan generating device 50 of this embodiment can also be realized using a general-purpose computer equipped with a CPU (processor), RAM (memory), etc. That is, the delivery plan generating device 50 can be realized on a computer by loading a computer program, such as that shown in Fig. 10, which defines the procedures for each process, into RAM (memory) provided in the computer and executing the computer program on the CPU (processor).

[0072] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the number of times the battery pack is repeatedly charged in a state close to full charge, thereby suppressing deterioration of the battery pack and extending the life of the battery pack.

[0073] This embodiment can be applied not only to electric vehicles in which the battery pack is replaceable, but also to electric vehicles in which the battery pack is not easily replaceable (in which battery pack replacement is not taken into consideration in operation).

[0074] In this embodiment, the method for determining the delivery route based on the delivery destination information may use, for example, a known service or application.

[0075] The disclosed embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 10 Display device 21 Map Information DB 22 Address Information DB 23 Baggage Information DB 24 Vehicle Information DB 25 Battery pack information DB 30 Charging device 40a, 40b, 40c battery packs 41a, 41b, 41c tags 45a, 45b, 45c BMS 50 Delivery plan generator 51 Control section 52 Communications Department 53 Travel distance calculation unit 54 Delivery plan generation unit 55 Storage section 56 Correction unit 57 Charging plan generation unit 58 Output section 59 Interface section

Claims

1. A delivery plan generation device that generates a delivery plan for a package using an electric vehicle equipped with a secondary battery, a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information of the electric vehicle, the vehicle information including a load weight of the electric vehicle, by referring to a database; an SOC acquisition unit that acquires an SOC of a secondary battery mounted on the electric vehicle; a delivery destination information acquisition unit that acquires delivery destination information of a package; a calculation unit that calculates a travelable distance of the electric vehicle based on the vehicle information and an SOC of the secondary battery; a delivery plan generation unit that generates a delivery plan using the delivery destination information and the possible driving distance calculated by the calculation unit; A delivery plan generation device comprising:

2. The delivery plan generation unit The delivery plan generating device according to claim 1, wherein the delivery plan generating device generates a delivery plan in which a delivery order for a plurality of delivery destinations is specified.

3. The delivery plan generation unit 3. The delivery plan generating device according to claim 1, wherein the delivery plan generating device generates a delivery plan including allocation information of secondary batteries to be mounted on electric vehicles for each delivery route from departure from a base to return to the base.

4. The delivery plan generation unit The delivery plan generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the delivery plan is generated based on an SOC of the secondary battery and a first threshold value.

5. The delivery plan generating device according to claim 4 , further comprising: a charging plan generating unit that generates a charging plan for the secondary battery based on an SOC of the secondary battery and the first threshold value.

6. The charging plan generation unit The delivery plan generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the charging plan includes a target value of SOC of the secondary battery.

7. The charging plan generation unit The delivery plan generating device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the charging plan includes a charging completion deadline based on the delivery plan for the electric vehicle on which the secondary battery is mounted.

8. The charging plan generation unit 8. The delivery plan generation device according to claim 5, wherein, when a voltage difference between a plurality of secondary batteries mounted on the electric vehicle is greater than a predetermined threshold, a charging plan is generated to charge at least some of the plurality of secondary batteries.

9. The charging plan generation unit The delivery plan generating device according to claim 8, wherein a charging plan is generated to charge a secondary battery having a lower voltage among the plurality of secondary batteries.

10. 10. The delivery plan generation device according to claim 1, further comprising a correction unit that corrects the possible driving distance calculated by the calculation unit based on at least one of the SOH or the number of charges of the secondary battery.

11. A computer program for causing a computer to generate a delivery plan for a package by an electric vehicle equipped with a secondary battery, the computer program comprising: On the computer, a process of acquiring vehicle information of the electric vehicle, the vehicle information including a load weight of the electric vehicle, by referring to a database; A process of acquiring an SOC of a secondary battery mounted on the electric vehicle; A process of acquiring delivery destination information for a package; calculating a travelable distance of the electric vehicle based on the vehicle information and an SOC of the secondary battery; A process of generating a delivery plan using the delivery destination information and the calculated possible driving distance; A computer program that executes the following:

12. A delivery plan generation method for causing a computer to generate a delivery plan for a package using an electric vehicle equipped with a secondary battery, comprising: The computer, acquire vehicle information of the electric vehicle, the vehicle information including the load weight of the electric vehicle, by referring to a database; acquiring an SOC of a secondary battery mounted on the electric vehicle; Obtaining delivery address information for the package, calculating a travelable distance of the electric vehicle based on the vehicle information and an SOC of the secondary battery; A delivery plan generating method for generating a delivery plan using the delivery destination information and the calculated possible driving distance.

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