Blocking device and method for blocking a vehicle and/or entrance to a loading-unloading station, and a dock and distribution center provided therewith

The present invention relates to a blocking device for blocking a vehicle and/or entrance to a loading-unloading station, a dock and/or distribution center provided therewith and method therefor. The blocking device includes: a guide track with guide track supports disposed along a driveway; a carriage attached to the guide track with a blocking element, with the carriage being capable of moving along the driveway; a blocking element extension mechanism configured to extend the blocking element between a retracted position and an extended blocking position; and a guide track drive configured for lifting and/or lowering the guide track. The guide track drive is further configured such that the guide track performs a horizontal movement when being lifted or lowered, and the vertical and horizontal movements are being performed simultaneously or successively.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the United States national phase of International Application No. PCT/NL2016/050752 filed Oct. 28, 2016, and claims priority to Dutch Patent Application No. 2015971 filed Dec. 16, 2015, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND OF TITLE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a blocking device for blocking a vehicle such as a truck. Also, the blocking device relates to blocking an entrance to a loading-unloading station. Such devices are often used at distribution centers that receive and send loads, including packages, parcels, pallets with products, consumable materials and finished products. Distribution centers include at least one dock or docking station configured to receive a truck or trailer or a container or other swap body for loading and/or unloading. Often, such dock comprises so-called dock houses including dock levellers, dock shelters and components thereof.

Description of Related Art

Blocking devices are described in US 2013/0341130 A1, and EP 2 371 745 A1. Such blocking devices comprise a carriage that is moved over a guide track. As soon as a truck is correctly positioned relative to the loading-unloading station/dock, the carriage is moved to the desired position. Next, the blocking element is moved into position in order to hold the rear wheel of the truck and making driving or rolling away impossible. Some of the conventional blocking devices comprise height-adjusting means for height adjustment of the guide track and/or the blocking element during use. This provides flexibility to deal with all types of vehicles, for example.

The importance of blocking devices for safety concerns have increased. Transport takes place over larger distances involving international transport. This leads to increasing communication difficulties between truck drivers and personnel of a distribution center, for example. This increases safety risks. In addition, less space is available for a dock such that manoeuvring a truck or swap body is more difficult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has for an object to obviate or at least reduce one or more of the above-stated problems with by improving conventional blocking devices.

The present invention provides for this purpose a blocking device for blocking a vehicle and/or entrance to a loading-unloading station, the blocking device comprising:a guide track with guide track supports disposed along a driveway;a carriage attached to the guide track with a blocking element, with the carriage being capable of moving along the driveway;a blocking element extension mechanism configured to extend the blocking element between a retracted position and an extended blocking position; anda guide track drive configured for lifting and/or lowering the guide track, wherein the guide track drive is further configured such that the guide track performs a horizontal movement when being lifted or lowered, and wherein the vertical and horizontal movements are being performed simultaneously or successively.

According to the invention the terminology of loading-unloading station, a dock, a dock house and a docking station are used interchangeably. A dock can be provided with a dock shelter and/or dock leveller.

The guide track of the blocking device according to the invention is disposed along a driveway of a loading-unloading station or for instance a distribution center. A container, swap body or truck can be parked in the driveway along the guide track for the purpose of loading and/or loading. Preferably, the blocking element is attached to the carriage that is moveably attached to the guide track and is capable of being positioned against one of the rear wheels or rear tyres of the vehicle to be blocked. When the blocking element, such as a rod, bar, pen etc. is in contact with the vehicle tyre, the blocking device blocks the vehicle. This provides an effective blocking of the vehicle presenting accidental and/or unauthorized movement of the vehicle. The blocking element is put in place with a blocking element extension mechanism that is capable of moving the blocking element between a retracted position and an extended blocking position.

The blocking element may also block access or entrance to the driveway and thereby preventing access to a container or swap body by an unauthorized vehicle. This prevents unauthorized picking up of the container or swap body, including unauthorized picking up of goods that are located outside the container or swap body, such as palletized goods. This reduces the risk of damage and/or theft of goods. By enabling the carriage to move along the guide track the position of the carriage and blocking element attached thereto can be chosen depending on the vehicle, swap body, container. This provides the blocking device with flexibility to deal with different types of vehicles and/or objects in the driveway.

When the blocking element is in a retracted position, a vehicle and/or object has access to the driveway and can be parked in the driveway or be removed therefrom. In case blocking is required, the blocking element is positioned correctly and moved into an extended blocking position. This prevents access to the driveway and prevents removing the vehicle. In the presently preferred embodiment the carriage is provided with a locking member that is capable of releasably locking the carriage relative to the guide track. This keeps the blocking element in its position.

In a presently preferred embodiment, the blocking element is rotated by the blocking element extension mechanism around a substantially vertical shaft when being moved between a retracted and an extended position or vice versa. It will be understood that other configurations for movement of the blocking element could also be envisaged in accordance with the invention. In the presently preferred embodiment the blocking element is moved into its position close to the ground of the driveway. Close to the ground sufficient space is available for the movement of the blocking element between the retracted and extended position without having the risk that during its movement the blocking element comes to inappropriate contact with the truck or object that is placed in the driveway. This prevents damage to the truck or object. Furthermore, the functioning of the blocking device is not damaged.

The blocking device according to the invention further comprises a guide track drive that is configured for lifting and/or lowering the guide track, wherein the guide track drive is further configured such that the guide track performs a horizontal movement when being lifted or lowered. As mentioned earlier, close to the ground more space is available for movement of the blocking element. After moving the blocking element into position the guide track can be lifted and an effective blocking is achieved. When removing the blocking element the guide track can be lowered, where after the blocking element is rotated to its retracted position. This provides an effective operation of blocking and unblocking a vehicle and/or entrance to a loading-unloading station. Furthermore, by providing an adaptable engaging height of the blocking element on the vehicle and/or other object in the driveway, the flexibility of the blocking device to deal with a variety of vehicles and/or objects is increased.

The horizontal and vertical movement of the guide track can be performed simultaneously. This provides an efficient diagonal movement. Alternatively, the horizontal and vertical movements are performed successively. Preferably, the horizontal movement is performed as a first step before lifting the guide track in a second step. When lowering the guide track, preferably the guide track is moved vertically in a first step and horizontally in a second step. The successive combination of the horizontal and vertical movements results in an effective diagonal movement of the guide track.

Optionally, the blocking device is provided with calculation means involving a processor and a controller to calculate the desired height of the blocking element when being in an extended position. This may involve using the blocking element for determining the vehicle tyre diameter. In such embodiment the blocking element is brought into contact with the vehicle tyre at two or more different heights such that the vehicle tyre diameter can be determined. Using this information the calculation means determine the associated desired height of the blocking element. This obviates the need for additional sensors, thereby reducing the risk of sensor fouling due to rain, snow, wind and/or an object hindering the measurement such as leaves. This contributes to a robust blocking device.

The guide track drive may comprise a number of hydraulic/pneumatic cylinders and/or an electronic control. In a presently preferred embodiment the individual guide track supports are provided with a hydraulic cylinder for lifting and lowering the guide track. It will be understood that also other control elements can be applied in accordance with the present invention, including pneumatic cylinders, electronic controllers etc.

The guide track drive of the blocking device according to the invention is further configured to enable the guide track to perform a horizontal movement when being lifted or lowered. Such horizontal movement moves the guide track away from or closer to the driveway and a vehicle or object parked in the driveway. In a presently preferred embodiment according of the invention the horizontal distance between the guide track and a vehicle or object parked in the driveway is increased when lifting the guide track. When the guide track is at a low vertical position, i.e. close to the ground, a truck or object can be placed in the driveway. For blocking purposes the guide track is lifted to its desired position. Preferably, the blocking element is already moved into its extended position capable of blocking the vehicle or object when lifting the guide track. This prevents damaging the truck or object. For example, this prevents damage to a rim or mudguard or other parts of a truck.

Preferably, the movements of the guide track in the vertical and horizontal directions are performed simultaneously, such that the direction of movement of the guide track is at an angle to the vertical. In a presently preferred embodiment the angle of movement is in the range of 5-30° with the vertical, preferably in the range of 10-20°, and most preferably in the range of 10-15°. This simultaneous movement in vertical and horizontal directions reduces the risk of undesired contact between the blocking device and the vehicle or object in the driveway such that the function of the blocking device remains in tact and/or damage is prevented.

In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention the guide track comprises an additional support extending over at least a part of the guide track in a lengthwise direction thereof.

By providing an additional support the stability of the guide track and the blocking device is improved. This obviates the need for over-dimensioning of the blocking device. Without an additional support the guide track must be capable of dealing with a moveable carriage and the associated forces at every position along the guide track. The additional support contributes to handling forces caused by the moveable carriage.

Preferably, the additional support is moveable along the guide track. By providing a moveable support additional robustness and stability to the blocking device is provided. The moveable support provides the desired strength and stability to deal with the forces associated with the moveable carriage at the actual location of the carriage along the guide track. Preferably, the additional support moves together with the carriage along the guide track. This can be achieved by providing a drive pin, catch pin or other connection.

In a presently preferred embodiment the carriage is moveable by a carriage drive, wherein the carriage drive comprises a spindle. In a presently preferred embodiment, the moveable additional support prevents sagging of the spindle, especially in view of the forces acting thereon in view of the moveable carriage. Also, the additional support prevents or at least reduces oscillation or swinging of the spindle.

In a presently preferred embodiment according to the invention the guide track supports are put at an angle to the lengthwise direction of the guide track.

Putting the guide track supports at an angle to the lengthwise direction of the guide track or driveway achieves an effective joint movement of the guide track when lifting the guide track in both a horizontal and vertical direction. Furthermore, by putting the guide track support at an angle to the guide track the required space is reduced. This enables providing adjacent driveways relatively close to each other, such that also adjacent docks can be placed relatively close to each other. This provides an effective dock and distribution center.

Preferably, the guide track comprises a support connection for hingedly connecting to one of the guide track supports. This enables moving the guide track and guide track supports relative to each other. In one of the presently preferred embodiment the support connection comprises a sliding connector that enables a sliding movement between the guide track support and the guide track. This prevents or reduces the movement of the guide track in a lengthwise direction due to a lifting movement. This sliding connector enables to substantially maintain the guide track in its position as seen in the lengthwise direction of the driveway irrespective of the actual height of the guide track.

In a further preferred embodiment according to the present invention the guide track drive of the blocking device comprises a first lifting mechanism for lifting the guide track.

By providing at least one lifting mechanism, preferably acting on a first end of the guide track, the guide track can be lifted effectively. Optionally, a further lifting support arm is provided at a second end such that a parallelogram configuration is achieved with the guide track, first lifting mechanism, lifting support arm and ground surface. In this embodiment the lifting support arm is driven by the first lifting mechanism.

In a presently preferred embodiment the first lifting mechanism lifts a first end of the guide track, and the guide track drive further comprises a second lifting mechanism for lifting a second end of the guide track, and a drive connection configured for connecting the first lifting mechanism with the second lifting mechanism.

By providing a first and a second lifting mechanism the guide track can be lifted as a modular unit, thereby substantially maintaining the guide track in a substantially horizontal orientation during lifting of lowering the guide track. Providing the lifting support arm as a second lifting mechanism a robust lifting operation can be achieved. By further providing a drive connection connecting the separate lifting mechanisms, the lifting operation of the two ends of the guide track can be performed jointly. Optionally, adjusting means are provided in the first and/or second lifting mechanisms to correct for height differences between the two ends of the guide track. These adjusting means may comprise a height sensor, a controller, adjusting valves or control elements.

Preferably, the lifting mechanisms are located in or at the guide track supports. This provides additional stability to the blocking device. Furthermore, this reduces the risk of damaging the lifting mechanisms.

In a further preferred embodiment according to the present invention the blocking device further comprises an anti-roll mode, wherein the blocking element engages a tire or other element at a first height, and a locking mode, wherein the blocking element engages the tire or other element at a second height that is higher as compared to the first height.

Providing a relatively low engaging height prevents the vehicle from rolling away during loading and/or unloading in an anti-roll mode. A relatively high engaging height prevents unauthorized driving away with a vehicle or object during parking of the vehicle or object in a blocking mode. This enhances the applicability and possible use of the blocking device according to the invention.

The present invention also relates to a dock of a loading-unloading station and/or a distribution center comprising one or more of these docks and/or blocking devices as described earlier.

Such dock and/or distribution center provide the same effects and advantages as described in respect of the blocking device.

In a further preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the dock comprises a second blocking device on the other side of the driveway. By providing a second blocking device an individual driveway is provided with separate blocking devices on the left hand side and right hand side of the driveway. This provides additional safety to vehicles and/or objects that are placed in the driveway.

The invention further also relates to a method for blocking a vehicle and/or guarding a driveway of a loading-unloading station, the method comprising the steps of:providing a blocking device as described earlier; andblocking and/or releasing a vehicle and/or entry to the driveway.

Such method likewise provides the same effects and advantages as described in respect of the blocking device, dock of a loading-unloading station, and/or distribution center.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A loading bay area2(FIG. 1) is provided at a building with dock4. Dock4is provided with an opening or door6and a so-called dock shelter8for protection thereof. Truck10is reversed to area2, inter alia with rear wheels12. Truck10moves here substantially parallel to blocking device14in driveway16.

Blocking device14(FIGS. 2A-D) comprises a first guide track support16and a second guide track support18that is placed with an angle β to the lengthwise orientation of guide track20. One end22of supports16,18is connected to ground support plate24. The other end26of supports16,18is provided with pen or pin28that is connected to connection30. Supports16,18are rotatable relative to guide track20around axis31. Connection30is provided with hinge33enabling some movement between guide track20and support16,18.

Carriage32is moveably provided in blocking device14with wheels34that are moveable along guide track20. Carriage32is provided with blocking element or blocking rod36that is rotatable around shaft38and can be moved from a retracted position to an extended position. Carriage32is moved along guide track20with the use of spindle drive40and spindle nut42. Blocking device14further comprises spindle end bearing44that in the illustrated embodiment is close to second support18, and spindle bearing support46that in the illustrated embodiment is close to first support16. Spindle40is activated with the use of hydraulic motor48.

When blocking device14is moved from a low position close to ground16(FIGS. 2Alow and2B low) to a high position (FIGS. 2Ahigh and2B high) guide track20of blocking device14is moved over distance D1in a horizontal direction and simultaneous guide track20of blocking device14is moved over a distance D2in a vertical direction. In the illustrated embodiment the joint movement of distances D1and D2is defined by angle α (FIG. 2E) relative to the vertical. In fact, in the illustrated embodiment, tan(α)=D1/D2. In the illustrated embodiment the angle α is about 12.5°. It will be understood that, depending on the dimensions of blocking device14and characteristics of the location or driveway16, angle α can be chosen differently. The vertical and horizontal movements over distances D2and D1respectively, can be performed simultaneously (schematically illustrated inFIG. 2Ewith a solid line) and successively (schematically illustrated inFIG. 2Ewith a dashed line). Both movements result in a diagonal repositioning of guide track20. The lifting of guide track20is activated with cylinders50. One end of cylinder50is connected via connection52to side plate or support plate54. The other end of cylinder50is connected via connection56to guide track20. In the illustrated embodiment guide track20is lowered when supports16,18move away from dock4with door6. It will be understood that an alternative configuration could also be envisaged wherein guide track20is lifted when supports16,18move away from dock4with door6.

Sliding spindle support58(FIG. 2C) comprises a tube like part60and end parts62. In use spindle support58is moveably attached to guide20.

End parts62(FIG. 2D) of spindle support58are provided with spindle support bore64and grooves66that in the illustrated embodiment slide over spindle40and edges68of guide track20, respectively. End parts62are connected with a number of tie-rods that extend through carriage32. In a presently preferred embodiment three tie-rods connect end parts62. It will be understood that a different configuration to connect end parts62with a different number of rods and/or different elements such as arms, tubes etc. can also be envisaged in accordance with the present invention.

In use, a vehicle or object is parked in driveway16when blocking device14is in its low position (FIGS. 2Alow and2B low). After the vehicle or object is parked, blocking device14is activated. Carriage32moves along guide track20to its desired position. Optionally, vehicle tyre diameters are determined by contacting vehicle tyre12at different heights with blocking element36to determine the optimal engaging height. Preferably, blocking element36is rotated from its retracted position around shaft38to its extended position, where after guide track20is lifted to its high position (FIGS. 2Ahigh and2B high). Blocking element36prevents rolling away or removing the vehicle and/or removing the object in driveway16, or gaining access to driveway16. When a vehicle is authorized to leave driveway16or to enter driveway16, blocking element36is retracted again. Preferably, before retracting blocking element36guide track20is brought to its lower position.

In the illustrated embodiment carriage32(directly or indirectly) contacts one of the end parts62and spindle support58with its two end parts62and connecting tie-rods or similar elements co-displaces with carriage32. When carriage32is moved in the opposite direction it contacts the other end part62and moves support58in the opposite direction. In the illustrated embodiment the distance between spindle bearings44,46is about 3 meters. Support58provides additional support and stability by reducing this distance to about 1.5 meters. It will be understood that other dimensions can also be envisaged in accordance with the invention.

Swap body69(FIGS. 3A-C) is positioned at dock4of a distribution center having opening6. In the illustrated embodiment swap body69is positioned in front of opening6. Guiding elements70are positioned on one side of driveway16. In the illustrated embodiment, on the other side blocking device14positioned with guide track20, carriage32and housing72. In the illustrated embodiment, locking mechanism74locks blocking device36on carriage32on guide track20. For example, lock74can be embodied similar to the lock illustrated in EP 0684915 or EP 2371745 that are incorporated by reference herein. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, spindle40acts as lock74, for example by switching off spindle motor48. In the illustrated embodiment swap body69stands on legs76on ground16. Blocking element36prevents a truck to move below swap body69and pick up swap body69unless authorized to do so.

Distribution center102(FIG. 4) comprises a number of docks or docking stations104that in the illustrated embodiment are provided with shelter106, door108, seals110, barrier112and bumper114. In the illustrated embodiment dock104further comprises dock leveler116. Dock leveler116is provided with load cell118for measuring the loads that are loaded and/or unloaded, and position sensor120to measure the (angular) position of leveler116. Door108is provided with one or more door position sensors122to detect the position of door108. Barrier112is provided with status sensor124.

In the illustrated embodiment and individual dock104of center102is provided with two blocking devices126a,bthat are only schematically shown for illustrative purposes. An example of blocking devices126a,bis illustrated in detail inFIG. 2A-D. First blocking device126ais provided at one side of driveway16and a second blocking device126bis provided at the other side of driveway16.

In the illustrated embodiment blocking device126comprises locking system status sensor141and LED lights142of truck docking assistance system144to assist a driver of truck136when docking truck136. Also in the illustrated embodiment, assistance system144further comprises camera146for detecting truck positions, signaling light148for further assisting the driver of truck136, and projector147for projecting signals, such as arrows149, on the ground surface assisting the truck driver. Camera151is preferably remotely controlled and used for identification and/or recognition of truck136when entering the premises of distribution center102. After identifying truck136the driver is provided with a message or signals to direct truck136to the assigned dock104of center102. This significantly improves the docking process.

Blocking device126receives an authorization signal from assistance system144to enable access to driveway or release wheel134of truck136. This signal is given in reply to a request, for example received from the driver of truck136, to enter or leave the driveway, provided such request can be authorized by assistance system144, or alternatively by an operator and/or other external decision system. The authorization signal results in blocking device126removing blocking element36.

In addition to its preferred use in assistance system144camera146monitors part of the surroundings of center102104and/or monitors the inside dock area. Furthermore, camera146can be used to identify truck136, in a presently preferred embodiment through number plate recognition. Alternatively, a separate camera system is provided for identification purposes.

Optionally, camera146,151provides information about the type of vehicle, such as truck136, to controller150enabling controller150to adjust the settings of dock components, such as leveler116, cylinder50for adapting the height of blocking device126and/or use vehicle specific information for debiting the user of center102and/or dock104for the docking operation that is performed. Optionally, camera146detects the vehicle registration, for example by the license plates, optionally providing the relevant information to the accounting department such that the vehicle owner can be debited for the actual docking operation(s).

Furthermore, by monitoring the use of dock components, such as blocking device126, the system is capable of providing information about how often and under what conditions the dock components are used. The user, for example the vehicle owner, can be debited on the actual use. Such option could be of interest also when dock equipment is rented or leased. In such case the system may communicate with an external network/system to enable monitoring and/or debiting the user or other party based on actual use by the equipment owner, for example.

The working of dock guard126will be illustrated with an example. Swap body69is required at opening6of dock4. A truck enters driveway16with blocking device126enabling access to driveway16in an entrance blocking mode. The truck sets down swap body69and leaves driveway16. Blocking device126then positions blocking element36such that swap body69can not be engaged by a truck. This prevents a truck of picking up swap body69as entrance to driveway16is blocked. As soon as swap body69can be moved, for example when goods have been loaded and/or unloaded and removal is authorized, the truck can pick up swap body69. In that case, as soon as the truck is in the neighborhood of driveway16a request can be provided to one or more controllers144,150, for example, or an operator. If valid, such request can be authorized and the authorization signal can be provided to blocking device126such that blocking element36will be removed and entrance to driveway16is enabled such that swap body69can be picked up by the truck and can be removed from dock4.

In an alternative vehicle blocking mode, blocking element36engages wheel134of the truck and blocks the truck from unauthorized leaving driveway16. In a similar way, the truck may request permission to leave driveway16after which one or more controllers144,150and/or an operator may grant such request and authorize blocking device14,126to remove blocking element36such that the truck may leave driveway16. With the use of one or more of controllers144,150or another control system, blocking device14,126can switch between its different modes.

It will be understood that individual features of the different embodiments or applications can be exchanged between or applied to other embodiments.

The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiments thereof. The rights sought are defined by the following claims within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged.