EP3918432A2 - Niveleur de quai et appareil, procédés, produit-programme informatique, agencement de sécurité et unité de commande associés - Google Patents

Niveleur de quai et appareil, procédés, produit-programme informatique, agencement de sécurité et unité de commande associés

Info

Publication number
EP3918432A2
EP3918432A2 EP20702286.4A EP20702286A EP3918432A2 EP 3918432 A2 EP3918432 A2 EP 3918432A2 EP 20702286 A EP20702286 A EP 20702286A EP 3918432 A2 EP3918432 A2 EP 3918432A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
platform
sensor
valve
control unit
signal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP20702286.4A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Akos SZOKOLA
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Assa Abloy Entrance Systems AB
Original Assignee
Assa Abloy Entrance Systems AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Assa Abloy Entrance Systems AB filed Critical Assa Abloy Entrance Systems AB
Publication of EP3918432A2 publication Critical patent/EP3918432A2/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B19/00—Programme-control systems
    • G05B19/02—Programme-control systems electric
    • G05B19/04—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers
    • G05B19/05—Programmable logic controllers, e.g. simulating logic interconnections of signals according to ladder diagrams or function charts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G69/00—Auxiliary measures taken, or devices used, in connection with loading or unloading
    • B65G69/28—Loading ramps; Loading docks
    • B65G69/287—Constructional features of deck or surround
    • B65G69/2876—Safety or protection means, e.g. skirts
    • B65G69/2882—Safety or protection means, e.g. skirts operated by detectors or sensors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to dock levellers. It specifically relates to a dock leveller comprising a platform, at least one lift cylinder connected to the platform and arranged to move/rotate the platform, an electrically controllable valve and a safety arrangement.
  • one problem to overcome is the problem of bridging the gap between a truck and the dock or warehouse floor. Not all trucks are the same height, and the height of the trailer floor within a truck can vary according to how heavily the truck is loaded. Thus, there is not only a gap to bridge but also a height difference to overcome.
  • Various devices are employed in order to achieve this: dock plates, dock levellers, dock boards, and various forms of lift. Dock levellers are stronger than dock plates and have similar ranges to dock boards, making them suitable not only for motorized forklift trucks but also for master conveyors. Safety requirements is very high for products like dock levellers. There are some standards specifying safety rules for dock levellers. One example of such a standard is EN1398 (European Standard). This standard specifies that unsupported power operated dock levellers shall be secured automatically against uncontrolled and dangerous lowering when carrying more than 25 % of the rated load.
  • the hose break valve is a low cost, simple
  • An object of the present disclosure is to provide a dock leveller having a safety arrangement, which seeks to mitigate, alleviate, or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies/disadvantages in the prior art and/or other
  • An object of the present disclosure is to provide a dock leveller having a safety arrangement, which can be tested at any time with non-destructive testing.
  • An object of the present disclosure is to provide a dock leveller having a safety arrangement, which is less prone to temperature changes and/or is operational under all circumstances or at any temperature.
  • An object of the present disclosure is to provide a dock leveller having a safety arrangement, which is fail safe and/or which ensures that the dock stops in case of power failure and/or wire damage.
  • An object of the present disclosure is to provide a safety arrangement for a dock leveller, which may be retrofitted to existing dock levellers.
  • An object of the present disclosure is to provide a dock leveller having a safety arrangement, which may give visual and/or auditory warnings.
  • An object of the present disclosure is to provide a dock leveller having a safety arrangement, which is easier to test and/or reuse after activation of the safety arrangement.
  • An object of the present disclosure is to provide a dock leveller having a safety arrangement, which is more reliable and have higher precision.
  • An object of the present disclosure is to provide a dock leveller, which is safe under more or all circumstances.
  • An object of the present disclosure is to provide a dock leveller, which is more or completely independent from oil viscosity, valve adjustments, oil quality and/or contaminations.
  • An object of the present disclosure is to provide a dock leveller, which has a safety arrangement that is more complicated to disengage.
  • An object of the present disclosure is to provide a dock leveller, having a safety arrangement, which is easier and/or faster to restore after an incident.
  • An object of the present disclosure is to provide or retrofit a dock leveller with a new safety arrangement, without replacement of other parts of the dock leveller, such as the hydraulic cylinder.
  • An object of the present disclosure is to provide a dock leveller, having a safety arrangement, which is easier and/or more convenient to test.
  • a dock leveller comprising a platform; at least one lift cylinder connected to the platform and configured to move/rotate the platform; an electrically controllable valve; and a safety arrangement, the safety arrangement comprising: a sensor, the sensor being configured to sense at least one of: platform fall speed, platform fall time, angle of rotation of the platform, angular platform velocity, angular platform acceleration and travel length of the front edge of the platform; and a control unit, the control unit being operatively connected to the sensor and the valve; and wherein the control unit is configured to provide a control signal to control the valve to stop or reduce a movement of the platform upon receiving a sensor signal, from the sensor, the sensor signal being indicative of a higher value than a threshold value.
  • the electrically controllable valve is a normally closed, NC, magnetic valve, and the control signal is a power off signal for closing the valve and the electrically controllable valve is configured to stop or reduce a movement of the platform when closed.
  • the senor is a motion sensor, such as a gyroscope and/or an accelerometer.
  • the control unit is operatively connected via wire and/or wirelessly to the sensor and the control unit is operatively connected via wire and/or wirelessly to the valve.
  • the senor is mounted at a front edge of the platform.
  • control unit is configured to log information related to movements of the platform, such as fall speed, fall angle, fall time, and/or travel length of the front edge of the platform.
  • control unit is configured to provide the control signal to control the valve upon receiving a sensor signal, from the sensor, the sensor signal being indicative of a platform fall speed value higher than a first threshold value and/or a value of an angle of rotation of the platform higher than a second threshold value.
  • the first and/or the second threshold value is preset.
  • a safety arrangement for a dock leveller comprising a platform, at least one lift cylinder connected to the platform and arranged to move/rotate the platform and comprising an electrically controllable valve;
  • the safety arrangement comprising: a sensor, such as a gyroscope and/or an accelerometer, the sensor being configured to sense at least one of: platform fall speed, platform fall time, angle of rotation of the platform, angular platform velocity, angular platform acceleration and travel length of the front edge of the platform; a control unit, the control unit being operatively connected to the sensor and the valve; and wherein the control unit is configured to provide a control signal to control the valve to stop or reduce a movement of the platform upon receiving a sensor signal, from the sensor, the sensor signal being indicative of a higher value than a threshold value.
  • a control unit for a dock leveller comprising a platform; a sensor, mounted at the platform, the sensor being configured to sense at least one of: platform fall speed, platform fall time, angle of rotation of the platform, angular platform velocity, angular platform acceleration and travel length of the front edge of the platform; and at least one lift cylinder comprising an electrically controllable valve, the control unit being operatively connectable to the valve and to the sensor and configured to provide a control signal to control the valve upon receiving a sensor signal from the sensor, the sensor signal indicating a higher value than a first threshold value.
  • control unit is configured to provide the control signal to control the valve upon receiving the sensor signal, from the sensor, the sensor signal being indicative of a platform fall speed value higher than a first threshold value and/or a value of an angle of rotation of the platform higher than a second threshold value.
  • the electrically controllable valve is a normally closed, NC, magnetic valve, and the control signal is a power off signal for closing the valve and the electrically controllable valve is configured to stop or reduce a movement of the platform when closed.
  • control unit is operatively connected via wire and/or wirelessly to the sensor and the control unit is operatively connected via wire and/or wirelessly to the valve.
  • control unit is further configured to log information related to movements of the platform, such as fall speed, fall angle, fall time, and/or travel length of the front edge of the platform.
  • one or more of the objects is achieved by a method of controlling a dock leveller, the dock leveller comprising a platform, a sensor, such as a motion sensor, such as gyroscope and/or an accelerometer, mounted at the platform, preferably at the front edge of the platform, and at least one lift cylinder comprising an electrically controllable valve, preferably a normally closed, NC, magnetic valve, the method comprising: receiving a sensor signal from the sensor; determining whether the sensor signal indicates a value higher than a threshold value; if the sensor signal indicates a value higher than a threshold value, providing a control signal for controlling the valve; if the sensor signal does not indicate a value higher than a threshold value, providing no control signal for controlling the valve; and repeating the steps until a finishing criteria is met.
  • a sensor such as a motion sensor, such as gyroscope and/or an accelerometer
  • a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium, having thereon a computer program comprising program instructions, the computer program being loadable into a data processing unit and configured to cause execution of the method according to the fourth aspect when the computer program is run by the data processing unit.
  • one or more of the objects is achieved by a method for servicing a dock leveller with a service tool, the method comprising: operating the dock leveller with regular controls to lower the platform; pressing a button or touching a specific area of a touchscreen of the service tool to simulate an increase of a platform fall speed to above a first threshold value; reading logged information; comparing a value of the logged information with a third threshold value; and deciding if a sensor function and/or a valve function needs repair or replacement, based on the comparing.
  • an apparatus for control of an dock leveller comprising a platform, a sensor, such as a motion sensor, such as gyroscope and/or an accelerometer, mounted at the platform, preferably at the front edge of the platform, and at least one lift cylinder comprising an electrically controllable valve, preferably a normally closed, NC, magnetic valve, the apparatus comprising controlling circuitry configured to cause: reception of a sensor signal from the sensor; determination of whether the sensor signal indicates a value higher than a threshold value; if the sensor signal indicates a value higher than a threshold value, provision of a control signal for controlling the valve; if the sensor signal does not indicate a value higher than a threshold value, no provision of a control signal for controlling the valve; and repetition of the steps until a finishing criteria is met.
  • a sensor such as a motion sensor, such as gyroscope and/or an accelerometer
  • any of the above aspects may additionally have features identical with or corresponding to any of the various features as explained above for any of the other aspects or embodiments.
  • Figure 1 A is a schematic side view drawing of a dock leveller, according to an aspect of the invention, with a truck arranged in the vicinity of the dock leveller and the dock leveller being attached to a dock or a warehouse floor.
  • Figure 1 B is a schematic side view drawing of a dock leveller, according to another aspect of the invention, with a truck arranged in the vicinity of the dock leveller and the dock leveller being attached to a dock or a warehouse floor.
  • Figure 2A is a schematic drawing of some different units of the safety arrangement and the dock leveller and connections there-between according to an aspect of the invention.
  • Figure 2B is a schematic drawing of some different units of the safety arrangement and the dock leveller and connections there-between according to another aspect of the invention.
  • Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating example method steps according to an aspect of the invention.
  • Figure 4 is a schematic drawing illustrating an example computer readable medium.
  • Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating example method steps of a method for servicing a dock leveller.
  • Figure 6 is a schematic top view drawing of a service tool.
  • Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating example method steps implemented in an apparatus according to an aspect of the invention.
  • Such measured variables may comprise a value and a direction.
  • thresholds or threshold values Any of the thresholds or threshold values may be preset.
  • sensor used below is intended to mean a sensor unit, which comprises one or more sensors.
  • FIG. 1 A is a schematic side view drawing of a dock leveller 200.
  • the dock leveller 200 is attached to a dock 294.
  • the dock 294 is a loading dock or a floor of a warehouse.
  • the dock leveller is arranged in a location, such that trucks and other vehicles have easy access to the dock leveller 200.
  • the dock leveller 200 is provided with a lip 296.
  • the lip 296 is attached to the dock leveller 200 at a front edge 212 of the dock leveller 200.
  • the front edge 212 of the dock leveller 200 is the edge of the dock leveller 200, which is parallel to the dock 294 and furthest away from the dock 294.
  • the lip 296 comprises a simple metal plate, which is raisable from a stowed position and then lowerable onto the back/floor 298 of a truck 290 or onto a trailer floor.
  • the lip 296 is hinged or of a telescopic type.
  • the lip 296 is operated either manually, via a simple pull chain, or hydraulically with an electric pump driving a piston to lift the plate and another electric pump to move the lip.
  • the dock leveller 200 comprises a platform 210 and at least one lift cylinder 220.
  • the dock leveller 200 comprises two lift cylinders. Alternatively, the dock leveller 200 comprises four lift cylinders. Each of the one or more lift cylinders 220 are connected to the platform.
  • each of the one or more lift cylinders 220 are configured to move and/or rotate the platform.
  • dock leveller 200 comprises an electrically controllable valve 230.
  • the electrically controllable valve 230 is integrated in a fluid/hydraulic line of an actuation arrangement comprising a lift cylinder 220, such as a hydraulic cylinder, a pump and a tank. If the dock leveller 200 is provided with more than one lift cylinder 220, each of the lift cylinders is provided with an electrically controllable valve 230. Thus, each of the lift cylinders 220 are in connection with an electronically controlled valve 230.
  • the electrically controllable valve 230 is activated or powered up, the electrically controllable valve 230 is opened and the fluid of the actuation arrangement can flow into and out of the cylinder 220. In case the electrically controllable valve 230 is deactivated or powered off, the electrically controllable valve 230 is closed to prevent, block or stop any fluid flow. Thus, when an electrically controllable valve 230 is deactivated, the lift cylinder 220 connected thereto is prevented from moving.
  • the electrically controllable valve 230 is a magnetic valve. In an embodiment, the electrically controllable valve 230 is a normally closed, NC, magnetic valve.
  • a power off signal is used as a control signal 124 (shown in figure 2A) for closing the electrically controllable valve 230.
  • the electrically controllable valve 230 is configured to stop or reduce a movement of the platform 210 when a control signal 124, such as a power off signal, is received.
  • a control signal 124 such as a power off signal
  • the valve 230 is closed.
  • the fluid of the actuation arrangement is prevented from flowing into and out of the cylinder 220.
  • the fluid of the actuation arrangement is prevented from flowing into and out of the cylinder 220, the movement of the platform 210 is reduced or stopped.
  • other control signals 124 such as a power on signal, is used for closing the valve 230.
  • An example of a valve 230 used with a power on signal is a normally open valve.
  • the valve is a shutdown valve.
  • the valve 230 is not electrically controllable, instead the valve 230 is hydraulically or pneumatically controlled. In an embodiment, more than one electrically controllable valve 230 is present for stopping or reducing a movement of the platform 210.
  • the dock leveller 200 comprises a safety arrangement 100.
  • the safety arrangement 100 comprises a sensor 1 10.
  • the sensor 1 10 is configured to sense at least one of:
  • the safety arrangement 100 comprises a control unit 120.
  • the control unit 120 is operatively connectable or connected to the sensor 1 10 and/or the valve 230.
  • the control unit 120 is configured to provide a control signal 124 (shown in figure 2) to control the valve 230 to stop or reduce a movement of the platform 210.
  • a control signal 124 is provided when the control unit 120 receives a sensor signal 1 14 (shown in figure 2A), from the sensor 1 10, which sensor signal 1 14 is indicative of a higher value than a threshold value.
  • a zero Volt signal is provided instead.
  • a non-zero Volt control signal is provided when the sensor signal 1 14 is indicative of a lower value than or the same value as a threshold value, whereas a 0 Volt signal is provided when the sensor signal 1 14 is indicative of a higher value than a threshold value.
  • the threshold value is set empirically so that a travel length of the front edge 212 of the platform 210 does not exceed 6 percent of the length of the platform, as specified in the European Standard EN1398.
  • the length of the platform or bridge may be 2 m.
  • the threshold value is set empirically so that an angle of rotation of the platform 210 does not exceed a certain angle value. This certain angle value is an angle value
  • the threshold value is set to be a platform fall speed of 0.120 m/s.
  • the control unit 120 provides a control signal 124 to control the valve 230 to stop the movement of the platform 210 or the speed of the platform 210 is reduced to below 0.05 m/s, as specified in the European Standard EN1398, since the control unit 120 provides a control signal 124 to control the valve 230 to partly close and thereby reduce the movement of the platform 210 to below 0.05 m/s.
  • the valve 230 is controlled to stop by cutting of the power.
  • control unit 120 Whenever the control unit 120 provides a control signal 124 to control the valve 230 to stop the movement of the platform 210, a visual or audible warning is provided during the stopping of the movement of the platform 210.
  • a safety arrangement 100 for a dock leveller 200 is provided. Such a safety arrangement 100 may be advantageous for retrofitting, i.e. when older safety arrangements for dock levellers needs to be replaced due to e.g. new requirements or aging.
  • the dock leveller 200 comprises a platform 210.
  • the dock leveller 200 comprises at least one lift cylinder 220 connected to the platform and arranged to move/rotate the platform.
  • the dock leveller 200 also comprises an electrically controllable valve 230.
  • the electrically controllable valve 230 is part of the safety arrangement 100.
  • the safety arrangement 100 comprises a sensor 1 10.
  • the sensor 1 10 is a gyroscope, an accelerometer or a gyroscope with an accelerometer.
  • the sensor 1 10 is configured to sense at least one of: platform fall speed, platform fall time, angle of rotation of the platform 210, angular platform velocity, angular platform acceleration and travel length of the front edge 212 of the platform 210.
  • the platform fall speed is the vertical speed of the platform 201 as the platform is falling.
  • the platform fall time is the time from when the platform movement started or the time from when the platform movement exceeded a certain value, such as 0.05 m/s or 0.12 m/s.
  • the angle of rotation of the platform 210 is the angle of the platform 210 compared to a level parallel to the dock 294 or the difference in angle of the platform 210 from an angle of the platform 210 when the platform movement started or from an angle of the platform 210 when the platform movement exceeded a certain value, such as 0.05 m/s or 0.12 m/s.
  • the angular platform velocity is the angular velocity of the platform.
  • the angular platform acceleration is the angular acceleration of the platform.
  • the travel length of the front edge 212 of the platform 210 is the vertical distance travelled by the front edge 212 of the platform 210 from a position of the front edge 212 of the platform 210 when the platform movement started.
  • the safety arrangement 100 comprises a control unit 120.
  • the control unit 120 is operatively connected to the sensor 1 10. Moreover, the control unit 120 is operatively connected to the valve 230.
  • the control unit 120 is configured to provide a control signal 124 (shown in figure 2A) to control the valve 230 to stop or reduce a movement of the platform 210 upon receiving a sensor signal 1 14, from the sensor 1 10, which sensor signal 1 14 is indicative of a higher value than a threshold value.
  • the use of the control signal 124 and/or the setting of the threshold value is as explained above for the safety arrangement 100 comprised by the dock leveller 200.
  • a control unit 120 for a dock leveller 200 is provided. This is illustrated in figure 1 B, which is a schematic side view drawing of a dock leveller 200 attached to a dock 294 or a warehouse floor.
  • the dock leveller 200 comprises a platform 210 and a sensor 240.
  • the sensor is mounted at the platform 210, preferably at a front edge 212 of the platform 210.
  • the sensor 1 10 is configured to sense at least one of: platform fall speed, platform fall time, angle of rotation of the platform 210, angular platform velocity, angular platform acceleration and travel length of the front edge 212 of the platform 210.
  • the dock leveller 200 comprises at least one lift cylinder 220 and an electrically controllable valve 230 associated with the lift cylinder.
  • the control unit 120 is operatively connectable or connected to the valve 230 and to the sensor 240.
  • the control unit 120 is configured to provide a control signal 124 (shown in figure 2B) to control the valve 230 upon receiving a sensor signal 244 (shown in figure 2B) from the sensor 240, the sensor signal 244 indicating a higher value than a first threshold value.
  • the use of the control signal 124 and/or the setting of the threshold value is as explained above for the safety arrangement 100 comprised by the dock leveller 200.
  • Figure 2A is a schematic drawing of an example of connections between different units of the safety arrangement 100 and of the dock leveller 200.
  • the sensor 1 10 is configured to sense at least one of: platform fall speed, platform fall time, angle of rotation of the platform 210, angular platform velocity, angular platform acceleration and travel length of the front edge 212 of the platform 210.
  • the sensor is configured to sense angular platform position or angle of rotation of the platform 210. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor 1 10 is configured to sense angular platform velocity. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor 1 10 is configured to sense angular platform acceleration.
  • the sensor 1 10 is a combined gyroscope and accelerometer.
  • Such a sensor may simultaneously measure angular platform position, angular platform velocity and angular platform acceleration.
  • the sensor 1 10 provides a control unit 120 with a signal 1 14.
  • the signal 1 14 is more than one signal, such as three different signals.
  • the one or more signals 1 14 provides one or more values of the measured/sensed variables.
  • the control unit 120 is operatively connected to the sensor 1 10 via wire. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 120 is operatively connected to the sensor 1 10 wirelessly.
  • the control unit 120 receives the one or more values from the one or more signals 1 14. Upon reception of the values, the control unit 120 compares the one or more received signal values with thresholds.
  • a value indicative of platform fall speed, platform fall time, angle of rotation of the platform 210, angular platform velocity, angular platform acceleration or travel length of the front edge 212 of the platform 210 is compared to a threshold.
  • a value indicative of a platform fall speed value is compared with a first threshold value and a value indicative of an angle of rotation of the platform is compared with a second threshold value.
  • each of measured angular platform position, measured angular platform velocity and measured angular platform acceleration is compared with a threshold. When one or more of the measured values of position, velocity and acceleration exceeds the associated threshold, the control unit 120 will transmit a control signal 124 to close the electrically controllable valve 230.
  • This control signal is a zero Volt signal as opposed to the signal, which is feed to the electrically controllable valve 230 when no threshold value has been exceeded.
  • the control signal is a non-zero Volt signal, whereas the signal feed to the electrically controllable valve 230 when no threshold value has been exceeded is a zero Volt signal.
  • the electrically controllable valve 230 is a normally closed, NC, magnetic valve.
  • the control signal 124 is a power off signal for closing the valve 230.
  • Such a power off signal is feed to a power-controlling unit 232 of the electrically controllable valve 230.
  • the power off signal will shut off the power 236 to the electrically controllable valve 230.
  • the power 236 to the electrically controllable valve 230 is govern directly from the control unit 120, in which case the power 236 is delivered to the electrically controllable valve 230 prior to the control unit 120 receiving a sensor signal 1 14 indicative of a value higher than a threshold value and no power 236 is delivered to the electrically controllable valve 230 after the control unit 120 receives a sensor signal 1 14 indicative of a value higher than a threshold value.
  • the electrically controllable valve 230 will close.
  • the control unit 120 is operatively connected to the valve 230 via wire. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 120 is operatively connected to the valve 230 wirelessly.
  • Figure 2B is a schematic drawing of an example of connections between a control unit 120 and units associated with the dock leveller 200.
  • the sensor 240 is configured to sense at least one of: platform fall speed, platform fall time, angle of rotation of the platform 210, angular platform velocity, angular platform acceleration and travel length of the front edge 212 of the platform 210.
  • the sensor is configured to sense angular platform position or angle of rotation of the platform 210. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor is configured to sense angular platform velocity. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor is configured to sense angular platform acceleration.
  • the sensor 240 is a combined gyroscope and accelerometer.
  • Such a sensor is capable of simultaneously measuring angular platform position, angular platform velocity and angular platform acceleration.
  • the sensor 240 provides a control unit 120 with a signal 244.
  • the signal is more than one signal, such as three different signals.
  • the one or more signals 244 provides one value of each of the measured/sensed variables.
  • the control unit 120 receives the one or more values from the one or more signals 244.
  • the control unit 120 is operatively connected to the sensor 240 via wire. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 120 is operatively connected to the sensor 240 wirelessly. Upon reception of the values, the control unit 120 compares the one or more received signal values with thresholds.
  • a value indicative of platform fall speed, platform fall time, angle of rotation of the platform 210, angular platform velocity, angular platform acceleration or travel length of the front edge 212 of the platform 210 is compared to a threshold.
  • a value indicative of a platform fall speed value is compared with a first threshold value and a value indicative of an angle of rotation of the platform is compared with a second threshold value.
  • measured angular platform position, angular platform velocity and angular platform acceleration may each be compared with a threshold. When one or more of the measured values of position, velocity and acceleration exceeds the associated threshold, the control unit 120 will transmit a control signal 124 to close the electrically controllable valve 230.
  • This control signal is a zero Volt signal as opposed to the signal, which is feed to the electrically controllable valve 230 when no threshold value has been exceeded.
  • the control signal is a non-zero Volt signal, whereas the signal feed to the electrically controllable valve 230 when no threshold value has been exceeded is a zero Volt signal.
  • the electrically controllable valve 230 is in an embodiment a normally closed, NC, magnetic valve.
  • the control signal 124 is a power off signal for closing the valve 230. Such a power off signal is feed to a power-controlling unit 232 of the electrically controllable valve 230.
  • the power off signal will shut off the power 236 to the electrically controllable valve 230.
  • the electrically controllable valve 230 will close.
  • the control unit 120 is operatively connected to the valve 230 wirelessly.
  • FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating example method steps of a method of controlling a dock leveller 200.
  • the method 300 comprises receiving 310 a sensor signal 1 14, 244 from the sensor 1 10, 240. Such receiving 310 is performed by a reception unit. Furthermore, the method 300 comprises determining 320 whether the sensor signal 1 14, 244 indicates a value higher than a threshold value. Such determining 320 is performed by a determination unit. If the sensor signal 1 14, 244 indicates a value higher than a threshold value, i.e. if it is determined during determining 320 that the sensor signal 1 14, 244 indicates a value higher than a threshold value, a control signal 1 14 for controlling the valve 230 is provided 330. Such providing 330 is performed by a provision unit.
  • the method 300 comprises repeating 350 the steps until a finishing criteria is met. Such repeating 350 is performed by a repetition unit. A finishing criterion is that an operator has turned the system off. As an alternative to the repeating step 350, the method steps are repeated endlessly until the system is no longer in use.
  • FIG 4 is a schematic drawing illustrating an example computer readable medium in the form of a compact disc (CD) ROM 400.
  • the computer readable medium may instead of a CD be a USB stick or any other suitable memory.
  • the computer readable medium has stored thereon a computer program comprising program instructions.
  • the computer program is loadable into a data processor (PROC) 420, which may, for example, be comprised in a mobile device 410, such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smart phone or a service tool 600 (shown in figure 6).
  • PROC data processor
  • the computer program is stored in a memory (MEM) 430 associated with or comprised in the data-processing unit.
  • MEM memory
  • the computer program may, when loaded into and run by the data processing unit, cause execution of method steps according to, for example, any of the methods illustrated in Figures 3 or 5 or otherwise described herein.
  • Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating example method steps of a method for servicing a dock leveller 200.
  • the method 500 for servicing a dock leveller 200 with a service tool 600 comprises operating 510 the dock leveller 200 with regular controls for adjusting the height of the platform 210 to lower the platform 210.
  • the method 500 comprises pressing 520 a button 602 (shown in figure 6) or touching 520 a specific area 604 (shown in figure 6) of a touchscreen 606 (shown in figure 6) of the service tool 600 (shown in figure 6) to simulate an increase of a platform fall speed to above a first threshold value.
  • the pressing or touching 520 is preferably performed during the operating 510 of the dock leveller 200 with regular controls.
  • the method 500 comprises reading 530 logged information, such as the platform fall speed, whether the power to the electrically controlled valve 230 was cut off, platform fall angle, platform fall time and/or travel length of the front edge 212 of the platform 210.
  • the method 500 comprises comparing 540 a value of the logged information with a third threshold value.
  • the logged value is a platform fall angle and the third threshold value is 3.438 degrees.
  • the logged value is platform fall speed, whether the power to the electrically controlled valve 230 was cut off, platform fall time and/or travel length of the front edge 212 of the platform 210.
  • the third threshold may be the same as the first or the second threshold.
  • the method 500 comprises deciding 550 if a sensor function, such as one or more sensors 1 10, 240, and/or a valve function, such as one or more electrically controlled valves 230, needs repair or replacement, based on the comparing 540.
  • the deciding is based on whether or not the electronically controlled valve 230 was powered off and on whether or not the logged platform fall angle exceeds a third threshold value, such as 3.438 degrees. As an example, if the electronically controlled valve 230 was powered off and the logged platform fall angle does not exceed a third threshold value, it is decided that neither the sensor function nor the valve function need repair or replacement.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic top view drawing of an example service tool.
  • the service tool 600 comprises a display, such as a touch screen 606.
  • the touch screen 606 comprises one or more different areas 604, which function as virtual buttons and when touched, these specific areas 604 may invoke a specific function, such as simulation of an increase of a platform fall speed to above a first threshold value.
  • the service tool 600 comprises one or more pressable buttons 602.
  • the service tool comprises one or more processors, one or more transceivers, one or memory units and/or one or more input/output units.
  • the service tool 600 comprises a smartphone, a laptop or a tablet computer.
  • the service tool 600 comprises an APP and/or may connect with the control unit 120 via Wi-Fi or via a Bluetooth connection.
  • FIG. 7 discloses a flowchart illustrating example method steps implemented in an apparatus for control of a dock leveller 200.
  • the apparatus 700 for control of a dock leveller 200 comprises controlling circuitry.
  • the controlling circuitry is one or more processors or the control unit 120.
  • the controlling circuitry is configured to cause reception 710 of a sensor signal 1 14, 244 from the sensor 1 10, 240.
  • the controlling circuitry is configured to cause determination 720 of whether or not the sensor signal 1 14, 244 indicates a value higher than a threshold value. Moreover, the controlling circuitry is configured to cause provision 730 of a control signal 1 14 for controlling the valve 230, such as controlling the valve 230 to close if the sensor signal 1 14, 244 indicates a value higher than a threshold value. The controlling circuitry is configured to cause no provision 740 of a control signal 1 14 for controlling the valve 230 if the sensor signal 1 14, 244 does not indicate a value higher than a threshold value. Furthermore, the controlling circuitry is configured to cause repetition 750 of the steps either until a finishing criterion is met or until the apparatus is no longer in use.
  • control unit 120 is configured to log information related to movements of the platform 210, such as fall speed, fall angle, fall time, and/or travel length of the front edge 212 of the platform 210. Furthermore, the control unit 120 is configured to log information regarding whether or not (or when) the electrically controllable valve is closed. Moreover, the control unit 120 may log all incidents and all usage of the dock leveller. The logged information is saved in a memory of the control unit 120.
  • the control unit may also comprise a transceiver for communicating with a service tool 600. Such communication is performed via Wi-Fi or via Bluetooth.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Operation Control Of Excavators (AREA)
  • Accommodation For Nursing Or Treatment Tables (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un niveleur de quai (200) comprenant une plate-forme (210), au moins un vérin de levage (220) relié à la plate-forme et conçu pour déplacer/faire pivoter la plate-forme et comprenant une soupape à commande électrique (230) et un agencement de sécurité (100). L'agencement de sécurité (100) comprend un capteur (110). Le capteur (110) est conçu pour détecter au moins un paramètre parmi : la vitesse d'abaissement de plate-forme, le temps d'abaissement de plate-forme, l'angle de rotation de la plate-forme (210), la vitesse angulaire de la plate-forme, l'accélération angulaire de la plate-forme et la longueur de déplacement du bord avant (212) de la plateforme (210). En outre, l'agencement de sécurité (100) comprend une unité de commande (120). L'unité de commande (120) est connectée fonctionnellement au capteur (110) et à la soupape (230). L'unité de commande (120) est conçue pour fournir un signal de commande (124) pour commander la soupape (230) de sorte à arrêter ou à réduire un mouvement de la plateforme (210) après la réception d'un signal (114) de capteur, en provenance du capteur (110), le signal (114) de capteur indiquant une valeur supérieure à une valeur de seuil. L'invention concerne également un agencement de sécurité, une unité de commande, un appareil, un produit-programme informatique et des procédés correspondants.
EP20702286.4A 2019-01-30 2020-01-28 Niveleur de quai et appareil, procédés, produit-programme informatique, agencement de sécurité et unité de commande associés Pending EP3918432A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE1930031 2019-01-30
PCT/EP2020/051966 WO2020157025A2 (fr) 2019-01-30 2020-01-28 Niveleur de quai et appareil, procédés, produit-programme informatique, agencement de sécurité et unité de commande associés

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EP3918432A2 true EP3918432A2 (fr) 2021-12-08

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Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7134159B2 (en) * 2004-01-13 2006-11-14 Rite-Hite Holding Corporation Stump-out apparatus for a dock leveler
FR2926293B1 (fr) * 2008-01-14 2010-06-11 Gse Dispositif de mise a quai pour vehicule de transport routier et procede associe
US9776511B2 (en) * 2014-07-08 2017-10-03 Rite-Hite Holding Corporation Vehicle alignment systems for loading docks
WO2016209141A1 (fr) * 2015-06-24 2016-12-29 Assa Abloy Entrance Systems Ab Dispositif de sécurité destiné à un niveleur de quai, niveleur de quai muni de ce dispositif de sécurité, procédé de fonctionnement d'un niveleur de quai et procédé de test du dispositif de sécurité
BR112018011827B1 (pt) * 2015-12-11 2022-08-09 Eaton Intelligent Power Limited Sistema de doca autônoma e sistema de doca autônoma para um veículo
US11225824B2 (en) * 2016-05-03 2022-01-18 Assa Abloy Entrance Systems Ab Control systems for operation of loading dock equipment, and associated methods of manufacture and use

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WO2020157025A2 (fr) 2020-08-06
WO2020157025A3 (fr) 2020-09-17

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