GB2584783A

GB2584783A - Dock leveler with warning system, docking station and distribution center provided therewith and method there for

Info

Publication number: GB2584783A
Application number: GB2005147.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bernard Stapensea Jan
Original assignee: Stertil BV
Current assignee: Stertil BV
Priority date: 2019-04-08
Filing date: 2020-04-07
Publication date: 2020-12-16
Anticipated expiration: 2040-04-07
Also published as: FR3094706A1; GB202005147D0; FR3094706B1; GB2584783B; NL2022894B1; DE102020109824A1

Abstract

A dock leveller 16 associated with a vehicle (36, Fig 1) comprises a height adjustable platform 54 with lifting means 62 connected to platform 54 so as to allow movement between resting and loading positions via dock leveler controller 52. Sensor 20 measures platform 54’s angle of inclination. A controller / warning system 77, comprising light / lamps 84 and display 88, receives an inclination measurement from sensor 20 and determines the vehicle type and if allowed to be used when platform 54 is in the loading state / position, and authorising the use of suitable means accordingly. Leveler 16 may comprise an extendable tip 58 with a central tip 59 which, via side elements that allow translational movement thereof, extends in to the cargo hold of an associated vehicle. An associated monitoring system per se, docking station (4,) distribution centre (2) and method of loading / unloading are also disclosed.

Description

DOCK LEVELER WITH WARNING SYSTEM, DOCKING STATION AND DISTRIBUTION CENTER PROVIDED THEREWITH AND METHOD THERE FOR The present invention relates to a dock leveler for a docking station. Such docking station is often part of a distribution center that is configured to receive a truck, a (delivery) van and/or a niter for loading and/or unloading goods including packages, parcels, consumable materials and finished products.

Conventional dock levelers are often provided in a pit or recess of the docking station. Such dock levelers are capable of carrying loads, including fork lift trucks that are used for moving these loads in and out of the cargo space of a truck, for example. A dock leveler is disclosed in WO 2016/137315 that specifically discloses a dock leveler with a rolling cover.

US 10 227 190 B2 discloses a method and apparatus for monitoring a dock leveler.

WO 2015/084167 Al discloses a docking station monitoring system.

To position a dock leveler correctly, the platform of the dock leveler is often raised and an extendable part, also refen-ed to as lip or tip, is (partly) positioned in the cargo space of the truck or other vehicle. This extendable part often comprises plates that are capable of sliding relative to each other.

Conventional distribution centers, and therefore the docking stations and dock levelers thereof, are more and more confronted with different vehicle types loading and/or unloading goods. More specifically, (delivery) vans of different types and dimensions are used to deliver goods from a distribution center directly to consumers. Therefore, the dock levelers have to be capable of handling different transport means such as forklift trucks, ride-on pallet trucks, electric pallet trucks, manual pallet trucks and manual (hand-held) loading/unloading. In practice, incorrect handling with these transport means causes accidents leading to personal injuries and/or it causes damage to goods.

An object of the present invention is to obviate or at least reduce some of the above problems and to provide a flexible and safe dock leveler.

This object is achieved with the dock leveler for loading and/or unloading goods to/from a vehicle, with the dock leveler according to the invention comprising: a platform that can be positioned for adjustment to the height of a cargo space of the vehicle; lifting means that are connected to the platform for positioning the platform between a resting state and a loading state of the platform wherein goods can be loaded and/or unloaded to/from the cargo space of the vehicle; an inclination sensor configured for measuring the angle of inclination of the platform; and -a controller with a warning system configured for receiving a measurement from the inclination sensor and determining the type or types of transport means that are allowed to be used in the loading state of the platform.

The dock leveler according to the invention is configured for enabling loading and/or unloading goods to/from a vehicle by bridging the floor of the docking station with the cargo space of the vehicle. These vehicles may include a truck, a (delivery) van and/or a trailer. Goods can be loaded/unloaded with the aid of transport means, such as fork lift trucks, ride-on pallet trucks, electric pallet trucks, manual pallet trucks, and even manual/hand-held delivery of goods to/from the vehicle. Such dock leveler is implemented in a docking station that is often part of a distribution center having a numbers of these docking stations. Such docking station is also referred to as a dock or dock house and can be provided with a (insulating) dock shelter.

The dock leveler comprises a platform that can be lifted or otherwise adjusted to the height of the cargo space of the vehicle. This adjustment is achieved with the use of lifting means that are capable of lifting the platform between a resting state, wherein the leveler is preferably retracted, and a so-called loading state of the platform, wherein goods can be loaded and/or unloaded to/from the cargo space of the vehicle. Preferably, the platform is hingedly connected to a frame or other structural element, for example a part of the dock. According to the present invention the dock leveler may relate to different types of levelers, such as a telescopic tip or lip leveler having a telescopic tip that can be positioned into the cargo space of a vehicle, and a swing tip or swing lip leveler having a rotatable part that can be positioned into the cargo space of a vehicle to maintain a substantially horizontal transition surface between the platform and the cargo space.

The lifting means for lifting, including rotating the platform, may comprise an electric, pneumatic, hydraulic cylinder or any other suitable means to raise the platform. The transport means use the platform to bridge the floor of the dock with the cargo space of the vehicle. In use, the platform is preferably capable of extending its tip, to which is also referred to as a lip. Extension of the tip enables positioning the tip at least partly in the cargo space of the vehicle with the leveler being in the loading state of the platform. This extendable tip can be provided in different ways, including a rotational tip involving a rotating movement of the tip, or a sliding tip using a translational sliding movement of the tip.

According to the invention the leveler comprises an inclination sensor that is configured for measuring the angle of inclination of the platform. Such inclination sensor may measure the angle of the platform with respect to a horizontal position such as the floor using different measurement principles, such as capacitance differences that can be converted into a measurement signal, using sensors that are based on so-called mems technology and/or hall principles. It will be understood that other suitable sensor types can also be applied in the dock leveler of the invention.

The inclination sensor preferably measures the angle of inclination of the platform relative to the horizontal/floor. This measurement can be performed directly or indirectly. In case of trucks or trailers this angle is often positive such that transport means pass over the ascending platform into the cargo space. In case of (delivery) vans the transport means are usually confronted with a declining platform when moving into the cargo space. This is caused by the different heights of the cargo space above the ground surface. For example, in case of a truck this height is typically in the range of 1000-1200 mm, and in case of a van typically in the range of 350-400 mm. This illustrates the desired flexibility for the dock leveler according to the invention.

The dock leveler according to the invention further comprises a controller with a warning system. This controller with a warning system is configured for receiving a measurement from the inclination sensor and determines the type or types of transport means that are allowed (authorized) to be used in the loading state of the platform. The controller with a warning system compares the measured angle of inclination of the platform with the specifications for the individual transport means. A warning (information) signal is provided to a user or operator to warn/inform this user or operator of the transport means what transport means are actually allowed for use with the leveler in that specific loading state for loading and/or unloading goods to/from the cargo space of vehicle. This prevents the use of undesired or unauthorized transport means that could result in situations that are unsafe. Therefore, the controller with warning system improves the overall safety when working with the dock leveler according to the invention by preventing personal injuries and/or damaging the goods.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention the sensor is a so-called inclinometer. These inclinometers have proven to be generally robust and may provide an effective means to measure the angle of inclination of the platform.

The sensor is preferably attached to the platform. As a further advantage this also enables a stand-alone application of the leveler with a minimum of disturbance acting on the measurement signal. Furthermore, in combination with the controller and warning system this sensor also enables the application to a conventional dock leveler. This increases the applicability of the leveler.

Providing a sensor that is attached to the leveler provides a robust measurement that is not dependent on the surroundings of the leveler. This improves the accuracy and robustness of the leveler. For example, disturbing elements, such as wind, covers, seals etc., do not hinder the correct working of the sensor and the leveler provided therewith. This improves safety.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the warning system comprises a display. Providing a display gives the possibility to provide the user/operator with a warning or information signal about the transport means that can be used in the specific loading state of the dock leveler. This display can be provided on a monitor that is provided in the vicinity of the dock leveler and/or in an operator room and/or on a smart watch or tablet of the driver/user of the transport means. This assures that the user/operator is provided with the appropriate warning or information when intending to use the dock leveler of the invention. This display can be used in combination with audio signals and/or visualizing sub-systems.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the controller comprises an authorization module that is configured for authorizing the use of a suitable transport means for the leveler. The authorization system pro-actively provides an authorization for the use of a specific transport means in a given situation with certain conditions, such as the status and position of the leveler. This significantly reduces the risk of using an unsuitable transport means, thereby preventing hazardous situations at the dock and the leveler in particular. In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention the authorization module is integrated into the warning system. For example, for each individual transport means an authorization symbol or unauthotization symbol can be displayed. This provides an operator with a clear authorization of the transport means that arc allowed to be used in the present situation.

By providing a warning and/or authorization in a given situation for a specific transport means, the overall safety of the dock in general, and the leveller in particular, is improved. This further improves the flexibility of the dock and the leveller. More specifically, some situations enable the use of certain transport means, such a manual/hand-held loading/unloading a truck and/or with a pallet truck, while disabling other transport means, such as a lifting truck, in this situation, for example. Optionally, unauthorized use of the leveller with a certain transport means may lead to a warning signal and/or locking of the leveller. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the platform further having an extendable tip that comprises a central tip and one or more side-elements that are configured for adjusting the width of the extendable tip.

Providing adjustable side-elements enables adjusting the width of the tip of the platform in view of the specific vehicle that is positioned at the dock. These side-elements are preferably used, or in other words fully extended, in case of loading/unloading trucks. With (delivery) vans the side-elements remain (at least partly) in a retracted position. Optionally, the weight is (hydraulically) compensated.

In a presently preferred embodiment the side-elements are used for trucks with a positive angle of inclination and are retracted in case of delivery vans when the platform has a negative angle of inclination. In a presently preferred embodiment the side-elements extend from below the platform with a translational movement in the length direction of the platform. It will be understood that other configurations of the side-elements can also be envisaged in accordance to the present invention. For example, the side-elements may rotate around an axis that is substantially parallel to the side-edge of the platform. Alternatively, the side-edges translate in a width direction of the platform and/or in a presently preferred embodiment in a length direction of the platform using a cylinder, for example.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the side-elements are configured for translational movement relative to the platform, and translate in a length direction of the platform. This enables intermediate positions of the side-elements and results in more flexibility as compared to pivotable side-elements, for example.

Preferably, the controller comprises a selector, such as a selector switch or button, wherein the selector is configured for selecting a platform condition enabling or disabling the use of the side-elements. When a user or operator notices/confirms the presence of a truck, van or other vehicle at the dock, this person puts the selector in the correct position thereby enabling or disabling the use of the side-elements such that the width of the platform is adjusted to the vehicle type. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, this selection is automated, for example by using a detector that determines the vehicle type when a vehicle is docking at the dock.

In another preferred embodiment the dock leveler is provided with a vehicle detector that is configured for detecting the vehicle type. For example, when extending the leveler the vehicle detector may detect the sides of a van such that the side-elements are retracted or simply stop extending. This may obviate the use of a separate selector or selector switch.

Preferably, the controller determines the suitable and/or authorized transport means taking into account the type of vehicle and associated angle of inclination and the position of the tip, preferably including the central tip and/or one or more side-elements. Taking into account both the angle of inclination and the position of the tip (central tip and/or side-elements) further improves safety when working with the leveler.

In a further preferred embodiment according to the invention the dock leveler further comprises a lock configured for locking or unlocking the leveler in response to a lock or unlock signal.

Providing the leveler with a lock preferably requires unlocking the leveler before its use. This enables control of the use of the dock leveler. The lock or unlock signal can be generated by the controller of the dock leveler, either automatically or manually. Optionally, this signal is generated by a central controller. This lock may involve a so-called software lock disabling activation of the dock leveler and/or a hardware lock such as control valves, clamps etcetera that lock the leveler against undesired/unauthorized use.

In a further preferred embodiment the dock leveler further comprises a support detector that is configured for detecting the leveler of being supported by the vehicle.

In use in the loading state of the dock leveler, the dock leveler rests with its tip on the floor of the cargo space of the vehicle. The support detector detects this support and may provide a signal to the controller. Optionally, this provides a clearance signal that generates an unlock signal such that the leveler is ready for use.

In a further preferred embodiment the controller is configured for detecting an overload and/or presence of unauthorized transport device on the platform.

By detecting an overload an unsafe situation may be obviated or is monitored such that appropriate actions can be taken. hi addition, or as an alternative thereto, the use of unauthorized transport devices can be detected such that warnings or other suitable actions can be taken. This contributes to the overall safety when working with the dock leveler for loading and/or unloading goods from/to the vehicle. This measurement can be performed using the aforementioned inclination sensor and/or the use of an additional sensor such as a load sensor or infrared sensor for detection of the vehicle and/or vehicle type. It will be understood that other suitable sensors can also be envisaged in accordance with the present invention.

In a further preferred embodiment the controller comprises a dock door controller that is configured for partially opening a dock door, positioning the platform, and then further opening the dock door.

Providing the controller with means to enable partially opening the door and then correctly positioning the platform of the dock leveler before further opening, the dock door controller enables an improved sealing of the dock conditions against the outside environment. This is especially relevant for cold storage, for example.

The invention further relates to a dock monitoring system comprising the dock leveler in an embodiment of the invention, a docking station comprising such dock leveler and/or dock monitoring system, and a distribution center comprising at least one docking station.

Such dock monitoring system, docking station and/or distribution center provide similar effects and advantages as described in relation to the dock leveler.

The invention further also relates to a method for loading and/or unloading goods to/from a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: -providing a dock leveler and/or dock monitoring system according to an embodiment of the invention; detecting a vehicle type; moving the leveler to a loading state; and -displaying the transport devices that are allowed to be used in the loading state.

The method provides similar effects and advantages as described in relation to the dock leveler, dock monitoring system, docking station and/or distribution center.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of providing an authorization of the use of the leveler by one or more specific transport means. Such authorization pro-actively improves the safety when working with the leveler. The use of unsuitable transport means is prevented and, therefor, hazardous situations are prevented.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of the controller determining the suitable and/or authorized transport means taking into account the type of vehicle and associated angle of inclination and the position of the tip, preferably including the central tip and/or one or more side-elements. Taking into account both the angle of inclination and the position of the tip (central tip and/or side-elements) further improves safety when working with the leveler.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated on the basis of preferred embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in 10 which: Fig. 1 illustrates a docking station with a dock leveler according to the invention; Fig. 2 A-B illustrates the dock leveler of Fig. 1 with fully extended tip and partly extended tip, respectively; and - Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a display of the warning system implemented for the dock leveler of Figs. 1 and 2.

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. While the disclosure is described as having exemplary attributes and applications, the present disclosure can be further modified. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, users, or annotations of the disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as commonly known or customary practice of the skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims. Accordingly, the following description of certain embodiments and examples should be considered merely exemplary and not in any way limiting. With reference to the figures, alike element numbers refer to the same or similar elements between drawings.

Distribution center 2 (Figure 1) comprises a number of docks or docking stations 4. In the illustrated embodiment each dock is provided with shelter 6, door 8, seals 10, bather 12 and bumper 14. In the illustrated embodiment dock 4 further comprises dock leveler 16. Dock leveler 16 is provided with load cell 18 for measuring the loads that are loaded and/or unloaded, inclination sensor 20 to measure the (angular) position of leveler 16, vehicle detector 19 to detect the vehicle type at the dock, support detector 21 to detect that the leveler rests on the floor of the vehicle's cargo space, and transport means detector 23 that detects the presence of transport means on leveler 16. Door 8 is provided with one or more door position sensors 22 to detect the position of door 8. Barrier 12 is provided with status sensor 24.

In the illustrated embodiment dock 4 is provided with vehicle locking system 26 that comprises guide track 28, carriage 30 guided by guide track 28, wherein carriage 30 is provided with locking means 32 for blocking wheel 34 of truck 36. Locking member 38 is provided on carriage 30 for releasably locking carriage 30 relative to guide track 28. Displacing means 40 are provided for displacing carriage 30 relative to guide track 28. Preferably, locking system status sensor 41 is provided to detect the status of locking system 26. LED lights 42 of truck docking assistance system 44 assist a driver of truck 36 when docking truck 36. In the illustrated embodiment assistance system 44 further comprises camera 51 for detecting truck positions and/or vehicle type, signaling light 48 for further assisting the driver of truck 36, and projector 47 for projecting signals, such as arrows 49, on the ground surface assisting the truck driver. Camera 51 is preferably remotely controlled and used for identification/recognition of truck 36 when entering the premises of distribution center 2. After identifying truck 36 the driver is provided with a message or signals to direct truck 36 to the assigned dock 4. This significantly improves the docking process.

Optionally, camera 51 provides information about the type of vehicle, such as truck 36, to central and/or dock controller 50 enabling controller 50 to adjust the settings of dock components, such as leveler 16 preferably involving dock leveller controller 52 and/or use vehicle specific information for debiting the user of dock 4 for the docking operation that is performed. More specifically, in one of the presently preferred embodiments the vehicle type information is used to control the optional side edges of the leveller 16.

Leveler 16 (Figure 2 A-B) comprises platform 54. In the illustrated embodiment platform 54 comprises main platform 56 that is hingedly provided between side plates 57 of the frame of leveller 16. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment leveller 16 comprises extendable tip 58 having central tip 59 that can be extended into the cargo space of vehicle 36 in a loading state of leveller 16. Platform 54 has length L, width W and can be positioned at an angle a relative to the horizontal or ground surface of the dock with cylinder 62. In the illustrated embodiment platform 54 is capable of rotation around axis 64. In the illustrated embodiment side-elements 66 are provided that can be extended with a sliding movement in direction B, Din the length direction of platform 54. Side-elements 66 can be fully extended (Figure 2A) for use in cooperation with a truck, for example. In addition, side-elements 66 can be (partly) retracted (Figure 2B) for cooperation with a (delivery) van, for example. In this illustrated embodiment leveller 16 has (slidably) extending tip 58. Schematically it is shown that leveller 16 may also comprise an alternative tip 58 that can be rotated around axis 60 in direction A to bring tip 58 at an angle relative to platform 54. This relates to a so-called hinged tip or lip leveller. It will be understood that also combinations of different types of leveller can be envisaged that can also be provided with inclination sensor 20 and warning system 77. Tip 58 can be moved using drive cylinder 70.

In the illustrated embodiment locks 72 are schematically illustrated to enable and/or disable the use of side-elements 66. Also schematically illustrated are locks 74 that enable locking or unlocking movement of platform 54 around axis 64. Locks 72, 74 may relate to software locks preventing a motor and/or pump to operate, a valve to open or close, and/or a hardware lock, such as a clamp lock.

Controller 52 is capable of controlling operation of leveller 16. In the illustrated embodiment selector button or switch 75 is provided to enable a user to enable or disable the use of side-elements 66. Controller 52 receives measurement information 76 from one or more of the sensors 22, 24, 41,51, 18, 20, 19, 21 and/or other suitable sensors. In addition, controller 52 optionally exchanges information with central controller 50. This may also involve other information and/or authorization of a user or operator to use dock leveller 16. In the illustrated embodiment, warning system 77, preferably incorporation authorization module, determines the transport means that are allowed/authorized for use in combination with the actual angle of inclination a. Warning system 77 is preferably integrated in controller 52. Controller 52 determines control actions 78 that may involve steering cylinders 62, 70 and/or the schematically illustrated drive 80 for side-elements 66. Control actions 78 can be determined automatically and/or manually using operator input. Optionally, controller 52 generates warning signals 82 to visualization system 84 such as a traffic light/lamp and/or waffling signal 86 to display 88 that can be integrated into controller 52 and/or can be provided as a separate display. For example, display 88 can be provided on central controller 50, a smart watch and/or tablet of a user and other suitable displays 88.

In one of the presently prefeffed embodiments display 88 (Figure 3) presents a table indicating the different transport means with pictograms of lifting truck 90, ride-on pallet truck 92, electric pallet truck 94, manual pallet truck 96 and manual/hand-held loading 98. For each individual transport means an authorization symbol 100 or unauthorization symbol 102 is shown on display 88. In the illustrated embodiment, manual/hand-held transport and transport with lifting truck is authorized while the other transport means are unauthorized.

Loading/unloading goods starts with the arrival of vehicle 36. The vehicle type can be registered using camera 51 or detector 19, for example. Alternatively, the vehicle type can be set by the user using selector button 75, for example. Door 8 is opened, or in case of cold storage preferably partly opened such that leveler 16 can be positioned with tip 58 in the cargo space of the vehicle 36. After seals 16 have been arranged, door 8 can be opened. When movement of platform 54 is approved by a user or operator, locks 74 are unlocked such that cylinders 62, 70 can be operated. In case side-elements 66 are present these may be positioned using detector 19 and drive 80. After positioning platform 54 correctly a support signal can be provided to controller 52 by sensor 21. Inclination sensor 20 provides the angle of inclination to controller 52. Controller 52 comprises warning system 77 that determines the transport means that can be used in the loading stare of leveller 16. This may involve providing a signal to "traffic light" 84 and/or display 88.

Undesired and unauthorized use of leveller 16 can be detected by load sensor 18 and/or transport means detector 23. This may activate locks 74, for example, and/or may generate a warning signal to light 84, display 88 and/or central controller 50.

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.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Dock leveler for loading and/or unloading goods to/from a vehicle, the leveler comprising: a platform that can be positioned for adjustment to the height of a cargo space of the vehicle; lifting means that are connected to the platform for positioning the platform between a resting state and a loading state of the platform wherein goods can be loaded and/or unloaded to/from the cargo space of the vehicle; an inclination sensor configured for measuring the angle of inclination of the platform; and a controller with a warning system configured for receiving a measurement from the inclination sensor and determining the type or types of transport means that are allowed to be used in the loading state of the platform.
2. Dock leveler according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is an inclinometer.
3. Dock leveler according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor is attached to the platform.
4. Dock leveler according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the warning system comprises a display.
5. Dock leveler according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the controller comprises an authorization module that is configured for authorizing the use of a suitable transport means for the leveler
6. Dock leveler according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the platform further having an extendable tip comprising a central tip and one or more side-elements that are configured for adjusting the width of the extendable tip.
7. Dock leveler according to claim 6, wherein the side-elements are configured for translational movement relative to the platform.
8. Dock leveler according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the controller comprises a selector configured for selecting a platform condition enabling or disabling the use of the side-elements.
9. Dock leveler according to claim 6, 7 or 8. further comprising a vehicle detector configured for detecting a vehicle type.
10. Dock leveler according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the leveler further comprising a lock configured for locking or unlocking the leveler in response to a lock or unlock signal.
11. Dock leveler according to any of the foregoing claims, further comprising a support detector configured for detecting the leveler being supported by the vehicle.
12. Dock leveler according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the controller is configured for detecting an overload and/or presence of unauthorized transport means on the platform.
13. Dock leveler according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the controller comprises a dock door controller and is configured for partially opening a dock door, positioning the platform, and then further opening the dock door.
14. Dock monitoring system comprising a dock leveler according to any of the foregoing claims, and a display configured for displaying the transport means that are allowed to be used in the loading state of the leveler.
15. Docking station comprising a dock leveler and/or dock monitoring system according to any of the foregoing claims
16. Distribution center comprising at least one docking station according to claim 15.
17. Method for loading and/or unloading goods to/from a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: -providing a dock leveler and/or dock monitoring system according to any of the foregoing claims 1-13; -detecting a vehicle type; -moving the leveler to a loading state; and -displaying the transport means that are allowed to be used in the loading state.
18. Method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of providing an authorization of the use of the leveler by one or more specific transport means.
19. Method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the method further comprises the step of the controller determining the suitable and/or authorized transport means taking into account the type of vehicle and associated angle of inclination, and the position of the tip.
20. Method according to claim 19, wherein the step of the controller determining the suitable and/or authorized transport means takes into account the position of the central tip and/or one or more side-elements.