Battery replacement plan generation system and battery replacement plan generation method

Abstract

To shorten a total time required for battery replacement in a battery replacement plan generation system and a battery replacement plan generation method for generating a battery replacement plan for instructing each of a plurality of delivery vehicles traveling along a preset route to a battery replacement station to stop in order to replace a battery.SOLUTION: Battery replacement plan generation systems 1, 51 include a processor 31A. The processor acquires the number of batteries 21 and acquires a stop-by pattern indicating a set of battery replacement stations 13 at which each of delivery vehicles EV can stop by, and by configuring a combination of stop-by patterns, generates a battery replacement plan so that each delivery vehicle can travel without shortage of a battery in a battery exchange station, and a total sum of the number of times of battery replacement performed in the delivery vehicle with respect to the delivery vehicle is minimized.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery replacement plan generation system and a battery replacement plan generation method that generate a battery replacement plan for each of a plurality of delivery vehicles that run on power supplied from a battery. [Background technology]

[0002] Toward the realization of a carbon-neutral society, delivery vehicles that run on battery power are being developed. However, the time and cost required to charge the battery are also an issue for such delivery vehicles.

[0003] Therefore, it has been considered to replace the battery installed in the vehicle with a charged battery at a battery exchange station. Patent Document 1 proposes a route search device that searches for a route to a destination via a battery exchange station based on the battery inventory status at the battery exchange station and a movable range estimated from the remaining charge of the battery installed in the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 061415 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Replacing the battery with a charged one takes time, and the driver of the delivery vehicle must wait at the battery exchange station until the battery exchange is complete, which is a burden for the driver.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a battery replacement plan generation system and a battery replacement plan generation method that generate a battery replacement plan that instructs each of a plurality of delivery vehicles traveling along a predetermined route which battery replacement stations to stop at to replace the battery while replacing the installed battery at at least one of a plurality of battery replacement stations, and the main purpose of which is to shorten the total time required for battery replacement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The battery replacement plan generation system of the present disclosure is a battery replacement plan generation system that generates a battery replacement plan for each of a plurality of delivery vehicles that travel along a predetermined route, replacing their onboard batteries at at least one of a plurality of battery replacement stations, and instructs the delivery vehicles which battery replacement stations to stop at to replace the batteries.The system is equipped with a processor that executes processing for generating the battery replacement plan, and the processor obtains the number of batteries stocked at the battery replacement stations, obtains a stop-off pattern for each of the delivery vehicles indicating a set of battery replacement stations that the delivery vehicles can stop at, and configures a combination of the stop-off patterns to generate the battery replacement plan so that each of the delivery vehicles can travel without running out of batteries at the battery replacement stations, and so that the total number of battery replacements performed in the delivery vehicles for the delivery vehicles is minimized.

[0008] Further, the battery exchange plan generation method of the present disclosure is a battery exchange plan generation method for generating a battery exchange plan that instructs each of a plurality of delivery vehicles traveling along a preset route to stop at a plurality of battery exchange stations to exchange the battery while exchanging the mounted battery at at least one of the plurality of battery exchange stations, The computerThe number of batteries stocked in advance at the battery exchange station is acquired, and a stop-over pattern indicating a set of the battery exchange stations that can be visited by each of the delivery vehicles is acquired, and a combination of the stop-over patterns is configured. The battery replacement plan The battery exchange station is generated so that the batteries stored therein are not insufficient and each delivery vehicle can travel, and the total number of battery exchanges performed in the delivery vehicle is minimized. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a battery replacement plan generation system and a battery replacement plan generation method that generate a battery replacement plan that instructs each of a plurality of delivery vehicles traveling along a predetermined route which battery replacement stations to stop at to replace the battery while replacing the installed battery at at least one of a plurality of battery replacement stations, thereby making it possible to shorten the total time required for battery replacement. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a logistics system in which a battery replacement plan generation system according to the present invention is installed. [Figure 2] Table showing an example battery replacement plan [Figure 3] Battery exchange generation planning system block diagram [Figure 4] Flowchart of battery exchange plan generation processing according to the first embodiment [Figure 5] Table showing example reception information [Figure 6] An explanatory diagram showing stopover patterns [Figure 7] Illustrative diagram showing temporary replacement plans (A) to (C) [Figure 8] An explanatory diagram showing four temporary replacement plans when four logistics trucks EV1 to EV4 are running. [Figure 9] Battery reservation management information example [Figure 10] Example of battery number management information [Figure 11] Example of switching equipment management information [Figure 12] Example of battery replenishment and collection vehicle schedule management information [Figure 13] Flowchart of battery replacement plan generation processing according to the second embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A first invention made to solve the above problem is a battery replacement plan generation system that generates a battery replacement plan for each of a plurality of delivery vehicles traveling along a predetermined route, replacing their onboard batteries at at least one of a plurality of battery replacement stations, and instructing the delivery vehicles which battery replacement stations to stop at to replace the batteries. The system is equipped with a processor that executes processing for generating the battery replacement plan, and the processor obtains the number of batteries stocked at the battery replacement stations, obtains a stop-off pattern for each of the delivery vehicles indicating a set of battery replacement stations that the delivery vehicles can stop at, and configures a combination of the stop-off patterns to generate the battery replacement plan so that each of the delivery vehicles can travel without running out of batteries at the battery replacement stations, and so that the total number of battery replacements performed in the delivery vehicles for the delivery vehicles is minimized.

[0012] This allows the battery exchange plan to be generated by combining stopover patterns that will ensure there are no battery shortages at battery exchange stations and minimize the total number of battery exchanges. This allows the travel plan to be acquired with the minimum number of battery exchanges, thereby shortening the total time required for battery exchange.

[0013] In addition, in a second invention, the processor is configured to extract, from the combinations of all the stop-off patterns, a combination that will not result in a shortage of batteries stocked at the battery exchange station, and from the extracted combinations, select the combination that will minimize the number of battery exchanges, and generate the battery exchange plan.

[0014] This makes it possible to obtain, with a simple configuration, a travel route that minimizes the total number of battery exchanges under the condition that there is no shortage of batteries at the battery exchange station.

[0015] In addition, in a third invention, the processor is configured to output a signal indicating that extraction is not possible if it is unable to extract a combination that does not result in a shortage of batteries stocked at the battery exchange station.

[0016] According to this system, when a combination of driving patterns that will not cause a battery shortage cannot be extracted at the battery exchange station, a signal indicating that extraction is not possible is output, thereby notifying the operator that the battery needs to be moved.

[0017] In addition, a fourth invention is configured to further include a storage device that stores the distance between the battery exchange stations and the amount of power consumption per unit driving distance of each of the delivery vehicles, and the processor acquires the stop-off pattern based on the distance and the amount of power consumption.

[0018] This makes it possible to obtain an appropriate stopover pattern that takes into account the amount of power consumption.

[0019] In addition, a fifth invention is configured such that the processor estimates the maximum amount of power that can be charged based on the number of times each battery is charged and discharged, and acquires the stop-off pattern based on the maximum amount of power that can be charged.

[0020] This makes it possible to obtain an appropriate stopover pattern that takes into account the maximum amount of power that can be charged into the battery.

[0021] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the processor acquires a load capacity of the delivery vehicle, and acquires the stop-off pattern based on the load capacity.

[0022] This allows for obtaining an appropriate stopover pattern that takes into account the load capacity of the delivery vehicle.

[0023] In addition, the seventh invention is configured to include a server installed in the battery exchange station that can obtain information related to the batteries stored at the battery exchange station, and the delivery vehicle is equipped with a terminal that can communicate with the server.

[0024] This allows the driver of the delivery vehicle to obtain information about the battery at the battery exchange station.

[0025] The eighth invention provides a method for transferring the mounted batteries to at least one of a plurality of battery exchange stations. A battery exchange plan generation method for generating a battery exchange plan that instructs each of a plurality of delivery vehicles traveling along a predetermined route to stop at the battery exchange station to exchange the batteries while simultaneously exchanging the batteries at the same station, The computer The number of batteries stocked in advance at the battery exchange station is acquired, and a stop-over pattern indicating a set of the battery exchange stations that can be visited by each of the delivery vehicles is acquired, and a combination of the stop-over patterns is configured. The battery replacement plan The battery exchange station is configured to generate a battery exchange schedule so that each delivery vehicle can travel without running out of batteries, and so that the total number of battery exchanges performed in the delivery vehicles is minimized.

[0026] This allows the battery exchange plan to be generated by combining stopover patterns that will ensure there are no battery shortages at battery exchange stations and minimize the total number of battery exchanges. This allows the travel plan to be acquired with the minimum number of battery exchanges, thereby shortening the total time required for battery exchange.

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0028] <<First Embodiment>> The battery exchange plan generation system 1 according to the present invention constitutes a part of a logistics truck system 5 that runs logistics truck EVs that serve as delivery vehicles. First, the configuration of the logistics truck system 5 will be described below.

[0029] 1, the logistics truck system 5 is composed of a plurality of logistics trucks EV, a plurality of logistics bases 11, a plurality of battery exchange stations 13, and a management base 15. The logistics truck system 5 may further include a battery inspection station 17 and a battery replenishment / recovery vehicle 19.

[0030] The logistics base 11 is the departure point from which the logistics truck EV departs and the destination point to which the logistics truck EV arrives. At the departure point, the logistics truck EV is loaded with cargo, and at the destination, the logistics truck EV is unloaded with cargo.

[0031] Each logistics truck EV is equipped with a battery 21. The logistics truck EV is a so-called electric vehicle that runs on power supplied from the on-board battery 21. The on-board battery 21 of the logistics truck EV is configured to be replaceable at a battery exchange station 13. The logistics truck EV travels along a preset route while exchanging the on-board battery 21 at at least one of the plurality of battery exchange stations 13.

[0032] A driving plan is set in advance for each logistics truck EV. The driving plan may be set, for example, before the start of business on the scheduled driving day for each logistics truck EV. The driving plan includes the departure time, departure point, destination, estimated arrival time, route connecting the departure point and destination, cargo loading and unloading plan, and battery replacement plan. The departure point and destination may be any location, but are preferably set to one of the logistics bases 11. The cargo loading and unloading plan includes the type and amount of cargo to be loaded at the departure point, and the type and amount of cargo to be unloaded at the arrival point.

[0033] The battery exchange plan indicates the battery exchange stations 13 at which each logistics truck EV stops to exchange its battery 21 as it travels along the route. FIG. 2 shows an example of a battery exchange plan. The battery exchange plan includes a set of battery exchange stations 13 (in FIG. 2, a set of IDs indicating the battery exchange stations 13). In FIG. 2, the battery exchange plan for logistics truck EV1 includes only the third battery exchange station 13, and the battery exchange plan for logistics truck EV2 includes the second and fourth battery exchange stations 13.

[0034] The logistics truck EV is equipped with a navigation device 23 (terminal). The navigation device 23 is configured with a microcomputer and, as shown in FIG. 3, includes a display device 23A. In this embodiment, the display device 23A is configured with a touch panel. The navigation device 23 displays various information, including a battery replacement plan, on the display device 23A and notifies the driver. The navigation device 23 is not limited to a car navigation device mounted on the logistics truck EV, and may be configured with, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet PC carried by the driver of the logistics truck EV. Alternatively, the navigation devices 23 mounted on some logistics truck EVs may be car navigation devices, and the navigation devices 23 mounted on other logistics truck EVs may be configured with a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet PC carried by the driver. Alternatively, each navigation device 23 may be configured with a car navigation device and a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet PC carried by the driver.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 1, the battery 21 mounted on the distribution truck EV is collected at a battery exchange station 13 and exchanged for a charged battery 21. At least one battery exchange station 13 is provided on the route set for the distribution truck EV.

[0036] A predetermined number of batteries 21 are stocked (held) in a charged state in the battery exchange station 13. The battery exchange station 13 may be provided with equipment for recharging the batteries 21 collected from the logistics truck EV. In addition, the logistics base 11 may also be provided with equipment for charging the batteries 21 of the logistics truck EV. The battery exchange station 13 is provided with an exchange pit for exchanging the batteries 21. Workers staying at the battery exchange station 13 perform the work of exchanging the batteries 21 of the logistics truck EV in the exchange pit.

[0037] The batteries 21 stored in the battery exchange station 13 are collected as needed by the operator of the logistics truck system 5, and the batteries 21 are supplied and stored as needed at the battery exchange station 13. The operator may use a battery replenishment and collection vehicle 19 when collecting and supplying the batteries 21.

[0038] Each battery exchange station 13 is provided with an exchange station server 27. As shown in Fig. 3, the exchange station server 27 is composed of a computer equipped with a processor 27A such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory 27B such as RAM or ROM, a storage device 27C such as an SSD or HDD, an input device 27D such as a keyboard or mouse, and a display device 27E such as a monitor. The exchange station server 27 stores information related to the batteries 21 in the battery exchange station 13 in the storage device 27C. The exchange station server 27 is configured to be able to communicate with the navigation device 23 provided in the logistics truck EV and a management server 31 via a network 29 such as the Internet.

[0039] The battery exchange station 13 acquires information related to the batteries 21 stocked at the battery exchange station 13, and outputs information related to the batteries 21 to be exchanged at the battery exchange station 13. The battery exchange station 13 may be capable of transmitting the information related to the batteries 21 to the navigation device 23 of the logistics truck EV. This allows the driver of the logistics truck EV to grasp information related to the batteries 21 stocked at the battery exchange station 13.

[0040] In this embodiment, the logistics base 11 has the same function as the battery exchange station 13. Batteries 21 are stocked (held) in a charged state at the logistics base 11. However, the number of batteries 21 stocked at the logistics base 11 is much greater than that of the battery exchange station 13. When the logistics truck EV arrives at the logistics base 11, which is its destination, the battery 21 of the logistics truck EV is exchanged for a charged battery 21 before departure.

[0041] The logistics base 11 is also provided with a base server 30 having a configuration similar to that of the battery exchange station 13. As shown in FIG. 3 , the base server 30 is configured by a computer equipped with a processor 30A such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory 30B such as RAM or ROM, a storage device 30C such as an SSD or HDD, an input device 30D such as a keyboard or mouse, and a display device 30E such as a monitor. Like the exchange station server 27, the base server 30 is configured to be able to communicate with the exchange station server 27, the navigation device 23, and the like via a network 29 such as the Internet. The base server 30 may store information related to the battery 21 as well as information related to cargo to be loaded and unloaded at the logistics base 11. The base server 30 may transmit information related to the battery 21 installed in the corresponding logistics truck EV to the corresponding navigation device 23 before the logistics truck EV departs.

[0042] The management base 15 is a base where the operator of the logistics truck system 5 stays and manages the operation of the logistics truck EV. The management base 15 is provided with a management server 31 for monitoring and operating the logistics truck system 5.

[0043] 3, the management server 31 is configured by a computer equipped with a processor 31A such as a central processing unit (CPU), memory 31B such as RAM or ROM, storage device 31C such as an SSD or HDD, input device 31D such as a keyboard or mouse, and display device 31E such as a monitor. The management server 31 is configured to be able to communicate with the navigation device 23, the exchange station server 27, and the base server 30 via a network 29 such as the Internet.

[0044] The storage device 31C stores the map information as well as the positions of the logistics bases 11, the positions of the battery exchange stations 13, the distance between the battery exchange stations 13, and the amount of power consumed per unit travel distance for each logistics truck EV. Additionally, the processor 31A appropriately acquires the number of charge / discharge cycles for each battery 21 from the exchange station server 27 and stores the number of charge / discharge cycles in the storage device 31C.

[0045] The battery inspection station 17 is equipped with facilities for inspecting the batteries 21 retrieved from the battery exchange station 13. The battery inspection station 17 may also be equipped with facilities for recharging the batteries 21 retrieved from the battery exchange station 13.

[0046] The battery inspection station 17 is provided with an inspection station server 33. Similar to the exchange station server 27, the inspection station server 33 is configured with a computer including a processor 33A such as a central processing unit (CPU), memory 33B such as RAM or ROM, storage device 33C such as SSD or HDD, and display device 33D such as a monitor, and display device 33E such as a monitor. The inspection station server 33 is also configured to be able to communicate with the navigation device 23, base server 30, management server 31, and exchange station server 27 provided in the logistics truck EV via a network 29 such as the Internet.

[0047] The battery replenishment / recovery vehicle 19 is a vehicle that replenishes and recovers batteries 21. That is, the battery replenishment / recovery vehicle 19 delivers batteries 21 from other battery exchange stations 13 or battery inspection stations 17 to the battery exchange station 13, and delivers batteries 21 from the battery exchange station 13 to the battery inspection station 17.

[0048] The processor 31A of the management server 31 performs the battery replacement plan generation process shown in the flowchart of Fig. 4, implements the battery replacement plan generation method, and acquires the battery replacement plan. In this embodiment, the management server 31 executes the battery replacement plan generation process before the start of business on the scheduled driving day.

[0049] The battery exchange plan generation process will be described in detail below. For simplicity, it is assumed that all batteries 21 stocked in the battery exchange station 13 are fully charged before the logistics truck EV starts operating.

[0050] In the first step ST102 of the battery exchange plan generation process, the processor 31A receives input from the operator of the logistics truck system 5 via the input device 31D and acquires reception information for each logistics truck EV. FIG. 5 shows an example of the reception information. The reception information stores the identification code (truck ID) of each logistics truck EV, the route (start point and destination), and the departure time in association with each other. The reception information may also include information related to cargo to be loaded at the start point, information related to cargo to be unloaded at the destination, and the like. In this embodiment, the start point and the destination are set to one of the logistics bases 11, and as shown in FIG. 1, a battery exchange station 13 is provided along the route of the logistics truck EV, and all logistics truck EVs cannot reach the destination unless they exchange their batteries 21 at least once.

[0051] When acquisition of the acceptance information is complete, the processor 31A executes step ST104. In step ST104, the processor 31A first acquires battery information such as the number and type of batteries 21 stocked in each battery exchange station 13 and the maximum charge amount of each battery 21 from the exchange station server 27. However, at this time, the processor 31A may also acquire the number of charge / discharge cycles of each battery 21, and the maximum charge amount that can be charged for each battery 21. When acquisition of the battery information is complete, the processor 31A executes step ST106.

[0052] Next, in step ST106, the processor 31A acquires, for each logistics truck EV, a stop pattern indicating a set of battery exchange stations 13 that can be stopped at, based on the reception information and the battery information. "Can be stopped at" here means a battery exchange station 13 that can be stopped at when the logistics truck EV is traveling without the battery 21 being insufficiently charged.

[0053] Figure 6 shows an example of a stopover pattern when two battery exchange stations, a first battery exchange station 13 and a second battery exchange station 13, are provided between the departure point and the destination. For simplicity, however, the departure point, the first and second battery exchange stations 13, and the destination are assumed to be located at roughly equal intervals, and the distance between each station is described as one section. In Figure 6, cells that are colored the same indicate sections that can be traveled without changing the battery.

[0054] 6, three stopover patterns are possible: pattern X of the first battery exchange station 13 and the second battery exchange station 13, pattern Y of the first battery exchange station 13, and pattern Z of the second battery exchange station 13. However, if the logistics truck EV can only travel one section due to one battery 21 exchange, patterns Y and Z are not considered to be stopover patterns, and the processor 31A acquires only pattern X as a stopover pattern in step ST106.

[0055] In step ST106, the processor 31A may estimate the amount of decrease in the charge of the battery 21 based on the distance between the battery exchange stations 13 stored in the storage device 31C and the amount of power consumption per unit traveling distance for each logistics truck EV, and acquire, as a stop-off pattern, a set of battery exchange stations 13 at which the logistics truck EV can stop and at which the charge of the battery 21 will not run short. Additionally, the processor 31A may calculate, based on the reception information, the load amount of cargo to be loaded onto the logistics truck EV at the departure point, and acquire, as a stop-off pattern, a set of battery exchange stations 13 at which the logistics truck EV can stop and at which the charge of the battery 21 will not run short based on the load amount. Furthermore, the processor may estimate the maximum amount of power that can be charged (charge amount) based on the number of times each battery 21 is charged and discharged and the discharge characteristics of each battery 21, and acquire a stop-off pattern based on the estimated maximum amount of power that can be charged. This makes it possible to obtain an appropriate stopover pattern that takes into consideration the characteristics of each battery 21, such as power consumption, load capacity, discharge characteristics, number of charge / discharge cycles, and maximum charge amount, as well as the characteristics of each logistics truck EV.

[0056] When all the stop-off patterns for each logistics truck EV have been acquired, the processor 31A executes step ST108.

[0057] In step ST108, the processor 31A acquires all tentative replacement plans each combining a corresponding stop-off pattern for each distribution truck EV.

[0058] 7, like Fig. 6, shows an example of a tentative replacement plan when two battery exchange stations, a first battery exchange station 13 and a second battery exchange station 13, are provided between the departure point and the destination. If the logistics truck EV1 can travel one section by replacing the battery 21 once, and the logistics truck EV2 can travel two or more sections by replacing the battery 21 once, in step ST108, the processor 31A obtains three types of tentative replacement plans (A) to (C) shown in Fig. 7.

[0059] Thereafter, the processor 31A acquires, for each of the tentative replacement plans, a tentative replacement plan in which the batteries 21 will not run short in the battery exchange station 13 as a replacement plan candidate.

[0060] When two batteries 21 are stocked in the first battery exchange station 13 and two batteries 21 are stocked in the second battery exchange station 13, the processor 31A acquires all three types of tentative exchange plans (A) to (C) as candidate exchange plans.

[0061] On the other hand, when one battery 21 is stocked at the first battery exchange station 13 and two batteries 21 are stocked at the second battery exchange station 13, it is determined that there will be a shortage of batteries 21 at the first battery exchange station 13 in the interim stopover plans (B) and (C), and the processor 31A acquires the interim stopover plan (A) as a candidate exchange plan.

[0062] If the processor 31A is able to acquire a replacement plan candidate in which the battery 21 will not be in short supply in the battery replacement station 13 in step ST108, the processor 31A executes step ST110; otherwise, the processor 31A executes step ST112.

[0063] In step ST110, the processor 31A obtains the total number of times the battery 21 has been replaced for each replacement plan candidate, selects the replacement plan candidate with the smallest total number of times the battery 21 has been replaced, and extracts any one of them as the battery replacement plan.

[0064] In step ST108, when the processor 31A acquires three types of replacement plan candidates (A) to (C) in Fig. 7, it selects (A) and (B) with the fewest number of battery replacements, and extracts one of them (for example, replacement plan candidate (A)) as the battery replacement plan. When the extraction is completed, the processor 31A executes step ST114.

[0065] In step ST112, the processor 31A outputs a signal indicating that it is not possible to extract a combination that will not result in a shortage of batteries 21 stocked in the battery exchange station 13, i.e., a signal indicating that extraction is not possible, to the display device 31E of the management server 31. As a result, the display device 31E displays a message that the battery 21 needs to be moved. This enables the manager staying at the management base 15 to understand that the battery 21 needs to be moved.

[0066] Additionally, in step ST112, the processor 31A acquires, for each temporary replacement plan, the number of batteries 21 that are deficient and information related to the battery exchange stations 13 that have a shortage of batteries 21. Thereafter, the processor 31A extracts the combination of temporary replacement plans with the fewest number of deficient batteries 21, and may display the number of deficient batteries 21 in the temporary replacement plan and information related to the battery exchange stations 13 that have a shortage of batteries 21 on the display device 31E of the management server 31. When the display is complete, the processor 31A ends the battery replacement plan generation process.

[0067] In step ST114, the processor 31A obtains, from the battery exchange plan, a set of battery exchange stations 13 that each logistics truck EV should stop at, and transmits information indicating the set to the navigation device 23 mounted on each logistics truck EV. As a result, the navigation device 23 displays the set of battery exchange stations 13 that the logistics truck EV should stop at, and the driver drives the logistics truck EV along the route while stopping at those battery exchange stations 13. At this time, the processor 31A may transmit, based on the combination of battery exchange stations 13 and the route, to each navigation device 23, a target arrival time and a target departure time for the corresponding logistics truck EV at the battery exchange station 13, and the navigation device 23 may display the target arrival time, the target departure time, etc. When transmission is complete, the processor 31A terminates the battery exchange plan generation process.

[0068] In this way, the management server 31 includes the processor 31A and configures a battery replacement planning system that outputs a battery replacement plan by executing the battery replacement plan generation process.

[0069] Next, the effects of the battery exchange plan generation system 1 will be described. There are cases where multiple logistics trucks EV need to travel from one departure point to one destination. In such cases, if the logistics trucks EV are driven so as to minimize the number of battery exchanges for each logistics truck EV, the batteries 21 will need to be exchanged at the same time, and the logistics trucks EV that need battery 21 exchange will be concentrated at one battery exchange station 13. This may result in a problem of a shortage of batteries 21 at the battery exchange station 13.

[0070] An example in which four logistics trucks EV1 to EV4 travel from one departure point to one destination will be described below with reference to Figure 8. Between the departure point and the destination, first to fifth battery exchange stations 13 are provided in order from the departure point. For simplicity, the departure point, first to fifth battery exchange stations 13, and the destination are assumed to be located at approximately equal intervals, and the distance between each of them will be referred to as one section. For example, the distance from the departure point to the second battery exchange station 13 is two sections.

[0071] Due to differences in the amount of cargo carried and the amount of power consumed per unit distance, logistics truck EV1 can travel four distances with fully charged battery 21, and logistics trucks EV2 to EV4 can travel two distances with fully charged battery 21. In Fig. 8, the distance that can be traveled on a single charge of battery 21 is shown as the electricity cost.

[0072] Two fully charged batteries 21 are prepared at each of the first to fifth battery exchange stations 13, and no consideration is given to charging the batteries 21 after exchange, moving the batteries 21 between the battery exchange stations 13, or supplying the batteries 21 to the battery exchange stations 13.

[0073] FIG. 8 shows examples of four tentative replacement plans (hereinafter referred to as tentative replacement plans P to S) acquired in step ST108 after the processor 31A sequentially executes steps ST102, ST104, and ST106 of the battery replacement plan acquisition process.

[0074] In the tentative battery exchange plan P, the logistics truck EV1 travels four sections from the departure point and exchanges its battery 21 at the fourth battery exchange station 13. The logistics trucks EV2 to EV4 each exchange their batteries 21 at the second battery exchange station 13, which is two sections from the departure point, and then travel two sections and exchange their batteries 21 at the fourth battery exchange station 13.

[0075] In the tentative battery exchange plan Q, the logistics truck EV1 travels three sections from the departure point and exchanges its battery 21 at the third battery exchange station 13. The logistics trucks EV2 to EV4 each exchange their batteries 21 at the second battery exchange station 13, which is two sections from the departure point, and then travel two sections and exchange their batteries 21 at the fourth battery exchange station 13.

[0076] In the tentative battery exchange plan R, logistics truck EV1 travels three sections from the departure point and exchanges its battery 21 at the fourth battery exchange station 13. The driving routes of logistics trucks EV2 and EV3 are as follows: the battery 21 is exchanged at the second battery exchange station 13 two sections from the departure point, then the battery 21 is exchanged at the fourth battery exchange station 13 after traveling two sections. The battery 21 of logistics truck EV4 is exchanged at the first battery exchange station 13 one section from the departure point, then the battery 21 is exchanged at the third battery exchange station 13 after traveling two sections, and then the battery 21 is exchanged at the fifth battery exchange station 13 after traveling another two sections.

[0077] In the tentative battery exchange plan S, logistics truck EV1 travels three sections from the departure point and exchanges its battery 21 at the fourth battery exchange station 13. Logistics truck EV2 each exchanges its battery 21 at the second battery exchange station 13 two sections from the departure point, then travels two sections and exchanges its battery 21 at the fourth battery exchange station 13. Logistics trucks EV3 and EV4 each exchange their battery 21 at the first battery exchange station 13 one section from the departure point, then travels two sections and exchanges their battery 21 at the third battery exchange station 13, and then travels another two sections and exchanges their battery 21 at the fifth battery exchange station 13.

[0078] In step ST108, the processor 31A extracts from all the tentative replacement plans including the tentative replacement plans P to S those in which the battery exchange station 13 does not run short of batteries 21, and sets these as replacement plan candidates.

[0079] In the temporary replacement plans P and Q, three batteries 21 are required at the second battery exchange station 13, so there is a shortage of batteries 21 at least at the second battery exchange station 13. On the other hand, in the temporary replacement plans R and S, only two or less batteries 21 are required at each battery exchange station 13, so there is no shortage of batteries 21.

[0080] Therefore, in step ST108, the processor 31A acquires the tentative replacement plans R and S as replacement plan candidates, and executes step ST110. Hereinafter, the tentative replacement plan R extracted as the replacement plan candidate will be referred to as replacement plan candidate r, and the tentative replacement plan S extracted as the replacement plan candidate will be referred to as replacement plan candidate s.

[0081] In step ST110, the processor 31A selects the replacement plan candidate with the smallest total number of battery 21 replacements. For example, the replacement plan candidate r has a total of 8 battery 21 replacements, and the replacement plan candidate s has a total of 9 battery 21 replacements. Therefore, when the processor 31A acquires the replacement plan candidate r and the replacement plan candidate s in step ST108, the processor 31A selects the replacement plan candidate r with the smallest total number of battery 21 replacements and extracts it as the battery replacement plan in step ST110. Thereafter, in step ST114, the processor 31A transmits information on each pair of battery exchange stations 13 included in the battery replacement plan (replacement plan candidate r) to the navigation devices 23 of the corresponding logistics trucks EV1 to 4. As a result, the navigation device 23 displays the pair of battery exchange stations 13 that the logistics truck EV should stop at, and the driver drives the logistics truck EV along the route while stopping at the battery exchange stations 13.

[0082] As a result, the battery exchange station 13 does not run short of batteries 21, and the logistics truck EV can be driven in accordance with a battery exchange plan that minimizes the number of exchanges of the batteries 21. Therefore, the waiting time for the driver of the logistics truck EV to exchange the battery 21 can be reduced, and the battery exchange plan generation system 1 enables efficient operation of the logistics truck EV.

[0083] Known recursive coding may be used to obtain all travel routes in step ST106 and to obtain combinations in step ST108. In addition, to reduce the amount of calculation, known approximation methods, such as hill-climbing, annealing, and genetic algorithms, may be used to find approximate optimal solutions.

[0084] In step ST106, the processor 31A may configure the stopover pattern of a predetermined logistics truck EV (a fixed-route logistics truck EV) so as to always include a predetermined battery exchange station 13.

[0085] The processor 31A of the management server 31 may display the battery reservation management information shown in Fig. 9. The battery reservation management information may include the location of the battery 21, the number of times it has been charged, and the full charge capacity. The battery reservation management information may also include the date and time when the battery 21 is scheduled for use (i.e., reserved for use) when traveling according to the battery exchange plan, the name of the battery exchange station 13 where the exchange is scheduled, the name and ID of the logistics truck EV where the exchange will be performed, etc.

[0086] After generating the battery replacement plan, the processor 31A of the management server 31 may transmit the battery replacement plan to the replacement station server 27 provided in the battery replacement station 13. In addition, in the battery replacement plan generation process, the processor 31A may predict the required number of replacement batteries 21 at each of the plurality of battery replacement stations 13, and predict a surplus or shortage of replacement batteries 21 from the required number of replacement batteries 21 and the number of replaceable batteries 21.

[0087] The processor 27A of the exchange station server 27 may be capable of generating, for example, battery quantity management information shown in Fig. 10 and displaying it on a monitor. The battery quantity management information may include the total number of batteries 21 stocked for each time period at the corresponding battery exchange station 13, the number of fully charged batteries 21, and the number of batteries 21 being charged. The battery quantity management information may also include the number of batteries 21 predicted to be replaced during the corresponding time period at the corresponding battery exchange station 13, the number of batteries 21 predicted to be in short supply, the remaining number of usable batteries 21, and other information such as the number of batteries 21 to be replenished. Note that instead of the processor 27A of the exchange station server 27, the processor 31A of the management server 31 may be configured to generate the battery quantity management information and transmit it to the exchange station server 27.

[0088] The processor 27A of the exchange station server 27 may also be capable of generating exchange facility management information shown in Fig. 11 and displaying it on a monitor. The exchange facility management information may include a predicted number of batteries 21 to be replaced in the exchange station server 27 for each time period, and reservation information for each exchange pit. The reservation information for the exchange pit may include, for example, the name of the worker who will perform the replacement work, the name and ID of the logistics truck EV that will perform the replacement work, and the ID of the battery 21 to be replaced. Note that instead of the processor 27A of the exchange station server 27, the processor 31A of the management server 31 may be configured to generate the exchange facility management information and transmit it to the exchange station server 27.

[0089] The processor 31A may generate battery replenishment / collection vehicle schedule management information (or battery movement plan) shown in FIG. 12. The battery replenishment / collection vehicle schedule management information (or battery movement plan) is management information or a battery movement plan for delivering replacement batteries 21 from another battery exchange station 13 or battery inspection station 17 to a battery exchange station 13 where a shortage of batteries 21 is predicted so as to compensate for any excess or shortage of batteries 21. Then, based on the acquired battery replenishment / collection vehicle schedule management information (or battery movement plan), the processor 31A may display on the display device 31E of the management server 31 a message indicating that replacement batteries 21 should be delivered from another battery exchange station 13 or battery inspection station 17 to a battery exchange station 13 where a shortage of replacement batteries 21 is predicted. In this case, the processor 31A may be configured to transmit the battery movement plan to a smartphone carried by a driver of the battery replenishment / collection vehicle 19 or to a navigation device 23 mounted on the battery replenishment / collection vehicle 19, and notify the driver.

[0090] The inspection station server 33 may be capable of displaying the battery replenishment / collection vehicle schedule management information shown in FIG. 12 on a display device 33D (monitor). The battery replenishment / collection vehicle schedule management information includes sending information, carrying-in information, battery exchange station information, and battery replenishment / collection vehicle information. The sending information may include the name of the battery inspection station from which the battery 21 is sent (e.g., "Factory 1") and the ID of the battery 21 being sent. The carrying-in information may include the name of the battery inspection station to which the battery 21 is carried (e.g., "Factory 1") and the ID of the battery 21 being carried. The battery exchange station information may include the name of the battery exchange station (or an ID corresponding to the battery exchange station 13). The battery replenishment / collection vehicle information may include the name of the battery replenishment / collection vehicle (or a corresponding ID). The battery replenishment / collection vehicle 19 loads the battery 21 from the battery inspection station 17 based on the sending information, and carries the battery 21 into the battery inspection station 17 based on the carrying-out information. In addition, the battery replenishment and collection vehicle 19 delivers the battery 21 that is included in the sending information to the battery exchange station 13 but not included in the carrying-out information to the battery exchange station 13 corresponding to the battery exchange station information, and collects the battery 21 that is included in the carrying-out information but not included in the sending-out information from the battery exchange station 13.

[0091] <<Second embodiment>> Similar to the first embodiment, the battery replacement plan generation system 51 according to the second embodiment performs a battery replacement plan generation method, and therefore performs a battery replacement plan acquisition process to generate a battery replacement plan for each logistics truck EV. However, the battery replacement plan generation system 51 according to the second embodiment also acquires a battery movement plan, such as adding a battery 21 to a battery replacement station 13 or removing a battery 21. Details of the battery replacement plan acquisition process according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 13.

[0092] In the first step ST202 of the battery replacement plan acquisition process, similarly to the first embodiment, the processor 31A receives input from the input device 31D from the operator who operates the logistics truck system 5, and acquires reception information for each logistics truck EV. When the acquisition is completed, the processor 31A executes step ST204.

[0093] In step ST204, the processor 31A performs the same processing as in ST106 of the first embodiment to acquire, for each logistics truck EV, a stop-by pattern indicating a set of battery exchange stations 13 at which the logistics truck EV can stop. At this time, similar to ST104 of the first embodiment, the processor 31A acquires battery information on the batteries 21 stocked at the battery exchange stations 13, and acquires, for each logistics truck EV, a stop-by pattern at which the logistics truck EV can stop at the battery exchange stations 13, taking into consideration the number and characteristics of the batteries 21 stocked at the battery exchange stations 13, the battery exchange station 13 facilities, the availability of personnel, etc. When the stop-by pattern for each logistics truck EV is acquired, the processor 31A executes step ST206.

[0094] In step ST206, the processor 31A generates all tentative replacement plans that combine the stop-off patterns using the stop-off patterns acquired in step ST204. Next, the processor 31A allocates, for each tentative replacement plan, the time period when the battery 21 is replaced at the replacement station, the battery 21 that is scheduled to be fully charged, replacement equipment, personnel, etc. When the allocation is completed, the processor 31A executes step ST208.

[0095] In step ST208, the processor 31A analyzes, for each temporary replacement plan, whether the batteries 21 can be replaced at the battery exchange station 13 during the time period in which the batteries 21 are replaced, taking into consideration the batteries 21, equipment, and personnel status stocked at the battery exchange station 13. Based on the analysis, the processor 31A acquires, as the battery replacement plan, the temporary replacement plan that has the smallest total number of battery 21 replacements, allows each logistics truck EV to run, and has the fewest time periods in which the batteries 21 will be in short supply. Once the acquisition of the battery replacement plan is complete, the processor 31A executes step ST210.

[0096] In step ST210, the processor 31A determines whether or not there is a time period in the battery exchange plan acquired in step ST208 when there is a shortage of the battery 21. If there is a time period when there is a shortage of the battery 21, step ST212 is executed; if there is no time period when there is a shortage of the battery 21, step ST214 is executed.

[0097] In step ST212, the processor 31A notifies the exchange station server 27 of the battery exchange station 13 in which there is a time period in the battery exchange plan when there is a shortage of batteries 21, taking into account the availability of nearby stations. The exchange station server 27 notifies the worker at the battery exchange station 13 to obtain a supply of batteries 21 from a nearby station or the like before the time period when the batteries 21 are needed. Based on the notification, the worker adjusts whether the battery 21 can be moved and inputs the movement schedule for the battery 21 to the exchange station server 27. The exchange station server 27 transmits the movement schedule for the battery 21 to the management server 31. When the management server 31 receives the movement schedule for the battery 21, the processor 31A executes step ST214.

[0098] In step ST214, upon receiving the information on the planned movement of the batteries 21, the processor 31A estimates the number of batteries 21 that are to be stocked at each battery exchange station 13 when the batteries 21 are moved according to the planned movement of the batteries 21 and before the logistics truck EV travels according to the travel schedule. Additionally, the processor 31A may estimate the type and characteristics of the batteries 21 that are to be stocked at each battery exchange station 13. Upon completion of the estimation, the processor 31A executes step ST204.

[0099] In step ST214, the processor 31A determines whether or not there is a time period in which the battery 21 has a surplus in each battery exchange station 13. If there is a time period in which there is a surplus, the processor 31A executes step ST216; if there is not, the processor 31A executes step ST218.

[0100] In step ST216, the processor 31A notifies the exchange station server 27 of the battery exchange station 13 that has a time slot with an excess of batteries 21, taking into consideration the shortage status of nearby stations. The exchange station server 27 that has received the notification notifies the worker at the battery exchange station 13 that the battery 21 can be moved to another battery exchange station 13. Based on the notification, the worker adjusts whether the battery 21 can be moved and inputs the movement schedule for the battery 21 to the exchange station server 27. The exchange station server 27 transmits the movement schedule for the battery 21 to the management server 31. When the management server 31 receives the movement schedule for the battery 21, the processor 31A executes step ST220.

[0101] In step ST218, the processor 31A obtains, from the battery exchange plan, a set of battery exchange stations 13 that each logistics truck EV should stop at, and transmits information indicating the set to the navigation device 23 mounted on each logistics truck EV. As a result, the navigation device 23 displays the set of battery exchange stations 13 that the logistics truck EV should stop at, and the driver drives the logistics truck EV along the route while stopping at those battery exchange stations 13. At this time, the navigation device 23 may display information related to the batteries 21 to be exchanged at the battery exchange stations 13 and information related to the batteries 21 stocked at the battery exchange stations 13. This allows the driver to grasp information about the batteries 21 stocked at the battery exchange stations 13.

[0102] In step ST220, upon receiving the information on the planned movement of the batteries 21, the processor 31A estimates the number of batteries 21 that will be stocked in each battery exchange station 13 when the batteries 21 are moved according to the planned movement of the batteries 21 and before the logistics truck EV travels according to the travel schedule. Additionally, the processor 31A may estimate the type and characteristics of the batteries 21 that will be stocked in each battery exchange station 13. Upon completion of the estimation, the processor 31A executes step ST218.

[0103] In this way, in ST208, the battery replacement plan generation system 51 according to the second embodiment acquires, as the battery replacement plan, a tentative replacement plan that minimizes the total number of battery 21 replacements, allows each logistics truck EV to travel, and minimizes the number of time periods when the battery 21 is in short supply. Therefore, the battery replacement plan generation system 51 can provide a system that generates a battery replacement plan that shortens the total time required to replace the battery 21.

[0104] As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above embodiments to create new embodiments.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the processor 31A of the management server 31 is configured to generate a battery replacement plan, but it may be configured to generate a battery replacement plan in cooperation with another processor (such as the processor 27A of the exchange station server 27). The functions of the processor 31A of the management server 31 (and / or the processor 27A of the exchange station server 27) described in the above embodiment can be realized as physical circuits such as dedicated ICs (integrated circuits) and LSIs (large-scale integration), or these functions can be realized by software being executed by general-purpose processors and peripheral devices.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the battery exchange station 13 is located on the route, but this "on the route" is not limited to the case where the battery exchange station 13 is located facing a road on the route; for example, the battery exchange station 13 may be located at a position slightly off the route.

[0107] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the routes traveled by the logistics truck EVs were generally the same, but this is not limited to this, and the routes traveled by the logistics truck EVs may be in any form as long as they are routes that share the battery exchange station 13.

[0108] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which one management base 15 is provided in the logistics truck system 5, but the present invention is not limited to this, and multiple management bases 15 may be provided. Furthermore, the battery replacement plan generation system 1, 51 may be shared by multiple managers (management companies).

[0109] In the above embodiment, the exchange station server 27, the base server 30, the management server 31, and the inspection station server 33 are provided at the battery exchange station 13, the logistics base 11, the management base 15, and the battery inspection station 17, respectively (on-premise configuration example), but the present invention is not limited to this, and these servers may be configured in a cloud rather than on-premise. Furthermore, these servers may be configured in a hybrid of on-premise and cloud (hybrid cloud). [Industrial Applicability]

[0110] The battery replacement plan generation system 1, 51 and battery replacement plan generation method according to the present disclosure have the effect of generating a battery replacement plan that instructs each of a plurality of delivery vehicles traveling along a predetermined route which battery replacement station 13 to stop at to replace the battery 21 while replacing the installed battery 21 at at least one of a plurality of battery replacement stations 13, allowing the delivery vehicle to travel and the number of battery replacements to be determined, and are useful as a battery replacement plan generation system and a battery replacement plan generation method, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1: Battery exchange plan generation system according to the first embodiment 5: Logistics truck system 11: Logistics base 13: Battery exchange station 15: Management base 17: Battery inspection station 19: Collection vehicle 21: Battery 23: Navigation device 25:Display device 27: Exchange Station Server 27A: Processor 27B: Memory 27C: Storage device 27D: Input device 27E:Display device 29: Network 30: Branch server 30A: Processor 30B: Memory 30C: Storage device 30D: Input device 30E:Display device 31: Management Server 31A: Processor 31B: Memory 31C: Storage device 31D: Input device 31E:Display device 33: Inspection station server 33A: Processor 33B: Memory 33C: Storage device 33D:Display device 33E:Display device 51: Battery exchange plan generation system according to the second embodiment EV: Logistics truck EV1: Logistics truck EV2: Logistics truck EV3: Logistics Truck EV4: Logistics truck P: Temporary replacement plan Q: Temporary replacement plan R: Temporary replacement plan S: Temporary replacement plan ST102: Step ST104: Step ST106: Step ST108: Step ST110: Step ST112: Step ST114: Step ST202: Step ST204: Step ST206: Step ST208: Step ST210: Step ST212: Step ST214: Step ST216: Step ST218: Step ST220: Step X : Pattern Y: Pattern Z: Pattern r: replacement plan candidate s: replacement plan candidate

Claims

1. A battery exchange plan generation system that generates a battery exchange plan for a plurality of delivery vehicles that travel along a predetermined route, instructing each of the delivery vehicles to stop at a plurality of battery exchange stations to exchange the battery while exchanging the battery at at least one of the plurality of battery exchange stations, a processor that executes processing to generate the battery replacement plan; The processor: Obtaining the number of the batteries stocked at the battery exchange station; obtaining a stop pattern indicating a set of the battery exchange stations that can be visited by each of the delivery vehicles; A battery replacement plan generation system that generates the battery replacement plan by configuring a combination of the stop-off patterns so that the delivery vehicles can each travel without running out of batteries at the battery replacement station and so that the total number of battery replacements performed in the delivery vehicles is minimized.

2. The processor: extracting, from all the combinations of the stop-off patterns, a combination that does not cause a shortage of the batteries stocked at the battery exchange station; The battery replacement plan generation system according to claim 1 , wherein the battery replacement plan is generated by selecting, from the extracted combinations, the combination that minimizes the number of battery replacements.

3. 3. The battery exchange plan generation system of claim 1, wherein the processor outputs a signal indicating that a combination cannot be extracted if the combination does not result in a shortage of the batteries stocked at the battery exchange station.

4. The battery exchange system further includes a storage device that stores the distances between the battery exchange stations and the amount of power consumption per unit travel distance of each of the delivery vehicles, 4. The battery exchange schedule generation system according to claim 1, wherein the processor acquires the stop-off pattern based on the distance and the amount of power consumption.

5. A battery replacement plan generation system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processor estimates the maximum amount of electricity that can be charged based on the number of times each battery is charged and discharged, and obtains the stop-off pattern based on the maximum amount of electricity that can be charged.

6. A battery replacement plan generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processor acquires the load capacity of the delivery vehicle and acquires the stop-off pattern based on the load capacity.

7. a server provided at the battery exchange station and capable of acquiring information related to the batteries stocked at the battery exchange station; The battery replacement plan generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the delivery vehicle is equipped with a terminal capable of communicating with the server.

8. A battery exchange plan generation method for generating a battery exchange plan for instructing each of a plurality of delivery vehicles traveling along a predetermined route to stop at a plurality of battery exchange stations to exchange the battery, while exchanging the battery at at least one of the plurality of battery exchange stations, the method comprising: The computer Obtaining the number of the batteries stocked in advance at the battery exchange station; obtaining a stop pattern indicating a set of the battery exchange stations that can be visited by each of the delivery vehicles; A battery replacement plan generation method that generates the battery replacement plan by configuring a combination of the stop-off patterns so that the delivery vehicles can each travel without running out of batteries stocked at the battery replacement station, and so that the total number of battery replacements performed in the delivery vehicles is minimized.

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