NL2013124B1 - Dock guard for blocking entrance to a loading-unloading station, docking station and distribution center provided therewith, and method there for. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a dock guard for blocking entrance to a loading-unloading station, a dock and distribution center provided therewith and a method for guarding a driveway of such station. The dock guard according to the invention comprises: - a guide track disposed along a driveway; - a carriage guided by the guide track and provided with a locking member for releasable locking the carriage relative to the guide track; - displacing means configured for displacing the carriage along the guide track; - a guarding element that is connected to the carriage to enable movement along the guide track, with the guarding element being configured to prevent an unauthorized vehicle to enter the driveway towards the station; and - a guard activator configured to activate and/or de-activate the guarding element.

Description

Dock guard for blocking entrance to a loading-unloading station, docking station and distribution center provided therewith, and method there for

The present invention relates to a dock guard for blocking entrance to a loading-unloading station, to which is also referred as docking station. These stations are often used at distribution centers that receive and send loads, including packages, parcels, consumable materials and finished products. Such distribution centers include at least one dock or docking station configured to receive a truck or a trailer or a container or other swap body for loading and/or unloading. Such dock or docking station comprises so-called dock houses, and often dock levelers, dock shelters and components thereof.

Often, docks or docking stations are confronted with unauthorized access to the docking station. Such unauthorized access may relate to theft and/or vandalism resulting in damage to the dock or docking station. In addition, this unauthorized access may also cause damage or loss of goods to containers or swap bodies that are positioned in the driveway in front of a docking station or dock.

An object of the invention is to obviate or at least reduce some of the above problems.

This object is achieved with a dock guard for blocking entrance to a loading-unloading station according to the invention, the dock guard comprising: a guide track disposed along a driveway; a carriage guided by the guide track and provided with a locking member for releasably locking the carriage relative to the guide track; displacing means configured for displacing the carriage along the guide track; a guarding element that is connected to the carriage to enable movement along the guide track, with the guarding element being configured to prevent an unauthorized vehicle to enter the driveway towards the station; and a guard activator configured to activate and/or de-activate the guarding element.

According to the invention the terminology of a 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 leveler, and optionally also with a vehicle restraint system configured for blocking a vehicle that is parked on the driveway of the dock for the purpose of loading/unloading the vehicle. Such vehicle restraint systems are known. These restraint systems only function when a vehicle is parked at the dock. Therefore, these restraint systems do not prevent access to the driveway of the dock and/or objects such as a container or other swap body that are parked in the driveway of the dock. A guide track according to the invention is for instance disposed along a driveway of, among others, a loading-unloading station of for instance a distribution center where a container, swap body or truck is parked along the guide track for the purpose of loading and unloading. The dock guard is provided with a carriage which is displaceable relative to the guide track such that the carriage can be positioned at a desired location along the guide track. Provided on or attached to the carriage is a locking member with which the carriage can be releasable locked relative to the guide track. The locking member preferably engages directly on the guide track. It is however also possible for the locking member to engage on for instance a ground surface on which the guide track is placed. In this way the carriage is also (indirectly) locked relative to the guide track.

In case a container or swap body is positioned in the driveway of the dock, the dock guard is capable of preventing access to this container or swap body by an unauthorized vehicle. This prevents such unauthorized vehicle to pick up the container or swap body, including any goods that are located outside the container or swap body, for example palletized goods. This entrance/access blocking of the dock guard contributes to the reduction of costs associated with damage and/or theft of goods to a container or swap body positioned in front of a docking station.

By enabling a guarding element to move along the guide track in connection with the carriage, the guarding element can be positioned on any desired position along the guide track disposed along a driveway. This enables correct and optimal positioning the guarding element relative to a container or swap body to prevent unauthorized access and/or removal with an unauthorized vehicle, for example.

Using the displacing means the carriage can be carried from a first inactive/rest position, in which access to the driveway is enabled, to a second blocking/guarding position in which it is possible, after locking of the carriage relative to the guide track, to prevent unauthorized entrance/access to the driveway and any objects parked on the driveway. In one of the embodiment according to the present invention the displacing means comprise a hydraulic cylinder as part of a hydraulic drive for displacing the carriage. It will be understood that other drives can also be applied in the displacing means according to the present invention.

Locking the guarding element holds the guarding element stationary at the desired position. The displacing means further enable a reverse movement of the carriage after unlocking in the second guarding position, such that the carriage returns to the first rest position. In this rest position a vehicle can have access to the driveway to pick up an object, such as a container of swap body, and move it away from the docking station.

In the (second) guarding position the guarding element, or elements, that is connected to the carriage that is guided by the guide track, preferably engages on the object, such as a container or swap body. In case of a container or swap body the guarding element is positioned such that picking up the container or swap body is prevented.

The guarding element preferably takes the form of a type of rod or box extending substantially in a direction away from the longitudinal direction of the guide track. This provides effective means to provide unauthorized access to the driveway of a dock.

The dock guard according to the present invention is provided with a guard activator that is configured to activate and/or deactivate the guarding element. This activator can be controlled manually, semi-automatically or automatically by a dock controller, for example. The guard activator may act in response to a signal from an operator and/or controller that gives authorization to a vehicle to access the driveway associated with a specific docking station, for example.

In a presently preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the dock guard further comprises a sensor that is configured for detecting the presence of a container, swap body or other object along the driveway of a dock.

Providing a sensor signal renders information about the presence of a container, swap body or other object available. Based on this information, the dock guard may activate and/or de-activate the guarding element using the guard activator. This enables semi-automatic or automatic control of the dock guard(s).

Preferably, the docking guard comprises a guard controller that is configured to determine activation or de-activation of the guarding element in response to a sensor signal from the sensor. This renders a fully automatic control of the dock guard and access to the driveway of a docking station possible.

The guard controller can act as dock controller or being part thereof and/or be connected to a separate dock controller. Such dock controller can be used to control one or more docks of a distribution center, including the dock guards for one individual dock and/or dock guards for a number of docks. The dock controller can be provided centrally for a number of docks, preferably at a central location in the distribution center from where the controller can be operated. This central position of the controller enables the use of a dock controller for a number of docks. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, a dock controller is provided for an individual dock.

The guard controller and/or dock controller communicates with the guard activator using wired or preferably wireless communication, usually one or more transmitters and/or receivers.

The guard/dock controller preferably receives information from one or more sensors and is configured for monitoring the state of the driveway of the dock and/or the dock guard.

Using presently preferred wireless communication means enables optimal utilization of the flexibility of the dock(s). Per se known wireless communication means are usually based on the use of electromagnetic radiation, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Also, the system can make use of transmission in a ultra wide band (UWB).

In a further preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the docking guard further comprises a vehicle identification system.

Providing a vehicle identification system enables identification of a vehicle that intends or requests access to the driveway associated with a specific dock. Such identification system may comprise a camera system capable of identifying a vehicle. Such identification can be performed using the license plate numbers that are present on an individual vehicle, for example.

Providing an identification system or device enables the user of the dock to identify himself to the guard/dock controller and enable access to the driveway of the dock to enable operation of the dock and/or maintenance and repair. The identification in one of the presently preferred embodiments is provided with an ID-reader configured to operate with an ID-key, ID-card, PIN-code, digital signature, fingerprint or other biometrical means, voice activation, password etcetera. This enables identification of the vehicle driver and/or dock operator.

In a presently preferred embodiment, the docking guard further comprises an authorization system that is configured for approving or denying entrance to the driveway in reply to a request that is directly or indirectly received from a vehicle. Such authorization system enables automatic monitoring and control of the docking process of a vehicle and/or the picking up and/or setting down of an object such as a container or swap body on the driveway associated with a specific dock. The authorization system according to the invention is configured to provide an authorization signal to preferably the guard controller or dock controller, thereby enabling or disabling the use of the driveway associated with a specific dock.

In a presently preferred embodiment, the authorization signal access a release signal for releasing the driveway of the dock as soon as its intended use for and/or pick up of a container, swap body, truck or trailer is authorized by a (central) controller or authorizing officer.

The guard/dock controller may also indicate when the dock guard needs maintenance or repair. This provides additional safety to the dock and distribution center and significantly reduces downtime of a dock that is provided with a dock guard such that the logistic operations are not unnecessarily hindered. This also enables monitoring and storing incidents and accidents in relation of the driveway of a specific dock.

In a presently preferred embodiment the dock guard comprises a network interface unit comprising a network transmitter and/or a network receiver configured for communication with a central controller. This enables wired or wireless communication between the dock guard, guard/dock controller and a central controller, for example of an external (company) network. Such external network may include one or more of the following: service and maintenance network of the docks, accounting network of the distribution center where the dock is located. The communication may involve one or more of the following: information about the activities to be performed with a container, swap body, truck or trailer at the dock, tasks, safety information of the dock, service and maintenance information, software updates, utilization data, authorization and identification data. This data can be shared with relevant parties, provided security precautions have been taken. Such parties may relate to maintenance companies, management, for example. This may also involve remotely reading camera data from the dock or the premises.

Information about the loading and/or unloading activities scheduled for a specific dock can be useful for an operator and/or truck driver.

Tasks may relate to information of the scheduling work or job orders, detailed order information, time budget and/or recording hours of labor associated with a dock. This information may be provided by a server with a storage facility capable of storing relevant information and/or may be provided to such server by the guard/dock controller.

Safety information relates to providing information on safety measures involving the dock guard. Additionally or alternatively, this information may relate to sending warning signals and/or warning recordings to a server with a storage facility capable of storing relevant information.

Service, repair and maintenance indication relates to keeping records of the utilization data of the dock and dock guard and providing the operator and/or maintenance people with a service indication after reaching a number of dock operations and/or after a specific time interval. In a presently preferred embodiment the guard/dock controller provides a service message by the network interface unit to the maintenance people. The maintenance people may involve a maintenance company and/or a manufacturer of the docking systems according to the invention.

Software updates are enabled through the network interface unit by externally providing update information from a server to the guard/dock controller. The guard/dock controller receives the update to improve the operation of the dock guard thereby enabling a remote software update.

Utilization data relates to the data representing the use of dock guard. The utilization is provided to a server by a network interface unit. This enables utilization of a “pay-per-dock” system wherein the user of the dock pays for the dock depending on the use thereof.

Authorization and identification data relates to data enabling a specific user to start using the dock. For example, a user identifies himself at one of the docks through an interface unit. In a preferred embodiment this identification data is communicated via the guard/dock controller and a network interface unit to an external network. In case the user is not authorized to use the driveway of a dock access, the dock can be blocked by sending a corresponding command to the guard/dock controller. In case the user is authorized to use the driveway of the dock an authorization signal indicating a release or clearance command is communicated to the guard/dock controller and the user may start to use the driveway of the dock, for example involving picking up and/or setting down a container or swap body.

Optionally, the authorization system and/or vehicle identification system is used for vehicle recognition such that the operation costs for the docking operation can be linked to a specific vehicle. For example, this recognition for a specific vehicle can be performed to the license plate number that can be recognized by the camera. For example, the authorization system generates an authorization signal involving a release signal after receiving a payment for performing the required docking operation. This payment can be received through a pre-paid card that is offered to the dock directly at the dock and/or at the authorization system. Furthermore, the authorization system may send a signal and collect a data such that debit information can be provided to the accountant/billing department and/or debit client directly. This enables a direct coupling of the docking operation to (end)-user. This renders the use of the driveway and/or dock according to the present invention cost controlled, thereby further preventing a desired and/or needed docking operation. Furthermore, this provides the opportunity and possibility for operational leasing or renting the dock according to the present invention and paying for a specific dock operation as an alternative to or in addition to payment for the payment of the dock as such.

In a presently preferred embodiment according to the invention the drive comprises a flexible member.

By providing a flexible member, and in particular a steel cable, a flexible drive is obtained wherein it is possible to incorporate the drive in the guide track. The flexible drive can be applied as an alternative to a (full) hydraulic drive. The use of a flexible drive according to an embodiment of the invention realizes an efficient and safe device. In addition, incorporating the drive at least partially in a guide track prevents fouling being able to accumulate in the drive and adversely affecting operation. Due to the flexible character it is possible to use running wheels or reversing wheels in the device. In the case a steel cable is provided, it can be incorporated in for instance the guide track in a number of paths or turns using such running wheels or reversing wheels. This has the advantage that no chain, chain drive and toothed wheels are necessary, these being relatively expensive, susceptible to fouling and therefore requiring maintenance. A further advantage is the possibility of providing the drive in compact manner in relatively simple and efficient manner. By providing the drive as a pulley construction using the running wheels or reversing wheels in for instance the guide track, the turn which the carriage can make can be increased in relatively simple manner. Ratios of 2:1, 3:1 or 4:1 can be realized here in relatively simple manner. This ratio relates to the distance travelled by the carriage over the guide track, for instance amounting to 3 to 4 metres in relation to the turn which has to be performed with the drive and which can remain limited to for instance 1 metre due to the pulley action as described above.

In a presently preferred embodiment the dock guard further comprises height-adjusting means that are configure for height adjustment of the guide track and/or the guarding element.

By further providing height-adjusting means the guide track and/or the guarding element can be adjusted in the height during use. Height adjustment of the guide track results in the guide track, and the blocking means directly or indirectly connected thereto, being adjusted in the height relative to the ground surface, and thereby relative to the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the height-adjusting means can also directly adjust the blocking means in the height. Use can for instance be made here of a substantially vertical and/or rotational movement of the guarding element relative to the for instance fixedly disposed guide track.

The guarding element can for instance be brought to the correct height in hydraulic manner by the height-adjusting means. In such an embodiment the guide track can if desired be disposed fixedly. It would in principle be possible in such an embodiment to optionally dispense with a guide track, although this will result in drawbacks in respect of positioning the vehicle and/or guarding element. Alternatively or additionally, the guide track can be adjusted in height in a (pre)-determined range in continuous or discontinuous manner (for instance using bolts and a predetermined pattern of holes).

By providing height-adjusting means the guarding element can engage at a desired height on the container, swap body or other object placed on the driveway of a dock. The height-adjusting means are adapted here to the object. This can be performed manually by a driver and/or a location manager, for instance an employee of the distribution centre, as well as automatically. The engaging height of the guarding element is hereby adapted to the type of vehicle. This increases the possible uses of the device according to the invention. It is also possible to adapt the actual engaging height of the guarding element to the blocking requirement. This enhances the applicability and the possible uses of the device according to the invention.

In a further advantageous embodiment according to the present invention the system further comprises mode selector configured to enable selection of at least an entrance blocking mode for blocking entrance to the driveway of a dock, and a vehicle blocking mode wherein a vehicle at the dock is blocked from unauthorized leave of the driveway of the dock.

Providing a mode selector enables the user of dock controller to choose between an object blocking mode wherein access to the driveway and/or any object positioned in this driveway, and a vehicle blocking mode wherein a vehicle is blocked from moving away from the dock. Preferably, in this blocking mode the guard element engages on a wheel of the truck. In this blocking mode the docking guard may function as truck blocking device as disclosed in EP0684916 or EP2371745, for example.

In a further advantageous embodiment according to the present invention the system further comprises a docking assistance system configured for assisting the user of a driveway and/or a dock.

The assistant system provides assistance to the truck and/or truck driver when picking up or setting down a container, swap body or other object or docking to the dock and/or when leaving the dock. Such docking assistance system preferably comprises a camera for determining the position of the truck relative to the dock. Optionally, the camera data is recorded to determine cause of damage to the truck and/or dock. In addition, the docking assistance system may monitor the position of the truck relative to a locking system that is described earlier. Guidance information and/or instructions for the truck and for the truck driver can be provided by sound and/or signals such as signaling lights, for example involving LEDs that are located at or close to the dock or locking system. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the dock can be provided with a projector to project signs on the ground surface as indication for the truck driver, for example green arrows signaling ok to dock in this direction and red stop signal to stop the docking process. This may improve the safety of the docking operation and reduce the risk of damaging the dock, docking system and other components of the distribution center or truck.

The invention also relates to a docking station and/or distribution center comprising a dock guard as described earlier.

The same effects and advantages apply for the docking station and/or the distribution center as described for the dock guard.

The invention further also relates to the method for guarding a driveway of a loadingunloading station, comprising the steps of: providing a dock guard as described earlier; and blocking and/or releasing entrance to the driveway.

The same effects and advantages apply for the method as described for the dock guard and/or distribution center and docking station. This method provides additional safety to the docking station and optimizes maintenance and repair.

In a presently preferred embodiment according to the invention the method comprises selecting with a mode selector between at least an entrance blocking mode for blocking entrance to the driveway of a dock, and a vehicle blocking mode wherein a vehicle at the dock is blocked from unauthorized leave of the driveway of the dock. This provides additional flexibility to the dock guard according to the invention, by enabling use as blocking means for entering a driveway and/or container or swap body provided thereon, and as blocking means for blocking a vehicle against moving away when parked at a dock. This renders the dock provided with such dock guard useable for multiple purposes.

In a presently preferred embodiment according to the invention entry to the driveway is released after receiving an authorization signal in reply to a vehicle requesting entry. This enables a “pay-per-dock” system for using the driveway and/or dock.

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 which: figures 1A-C show a dock guard with swap body according to the present invention; figures 2A-B show an alternative embodiment with height adjusting means; figures 3A-C show the dock guard of figure 1 with truck and swap body; figures 4A-C show the dock guard of figure 1 with truck; and figure 5 shows a dock guard according to the invention with a dock assistance system.

Dock guard system 2 (figures 1A-C) is positioned at dock 4 of a distribution center having opening 6. In the illustrated embodiment swap body 8 is positioned in front of opening 6. Guiding elements 10 are positioned on one side of driveway 12 while on the other side dock guard 2 is positioned with guide track 14 and carriage 16 with housing 18. Guarding element 20, shaped like a rod, is connected to housing 18. Carriage 16 can be moved along guide track 14 with cylinder 22. At the dock side of dock guard 2 connection 24 is provided. On the dock side of guide track 14 support 25 is provided and at the opposite side support 26 is provided. Locking mechanism 28 locks carrier 16 on guide track 14. For example, lock 28 can be embodied similar to the lock illustrated in EP0684915 or EP2371745 that is incorporated by reference herein. Connecting element 30 connects dock guard 2 to connection 24 of dock 4. Swap body 8 stands on legs 32 on ground 34. Guiding element 20 prevents a truck to move below swap body 8 to pick up body 8 unless authorized to do so.

In alternative embodiment dock guard 2 is provided with height adjusting means 36 (figures 2A-B) enabling height adjustment of dock guard 2. On one end of dock guard 2 at support 25 there is provided a first hinge 38, a second hinge 40 and an arm 42 that responds to drive 44 and rotates in a direction B to adjust the height. On the opposite side height adjusting means 46 are provided, for example embodied as a cylinder 46. It will be understood that other embodiments for height adjustment are also possible in accordance with the invention.

Dock guard 2 (figures 3A-C) prevents entrance to driveway 12 or enables access thereto. For example, access can be authorized to truck 48 to pick up swap body 8.

In a blocking mode a truck 50 (figures 4A-C) can be blocked from unauthorized driving away from driveway 12 with dock guard 2. This enables a dual mode, with the first mode preventing unauthorized access to driveway 12, and a second blocking mode blocking a vehicle that is positioned on driveway 12.

Distribution center 102 (figure 5) comprises a number of docks or docking stations 104 that in the illustrated embodiment are provided with shelter 106, door 108, seals 110, barrier 112 and bumper 114. In the illustrated embodiment dock 104 further comprises dock leveler 116. Dock leveler 116 is provided with load cell 118 for measuring the loads that are loaded and/or unloaded, and position sensor 120 to measure the (angular) position of leveler 116. Door 108 is provided with one or more door position sensors 122 to detect the position of door 108. Barrier 112 is provided with status sensor 124.

In the illustrated embodiment dock 104 is provided with dock guard system 126 that comprises guide track 128, carriage 130 guided by guide track 128 and provided with locking means 132 for blocking wheel 134 of truck 136, or preventing access to the driveway, locking member 138 provided on carriage 130 for releasable locking of carriage 130 relative to guide track 128, displacing means 140 for displacing carriage 130, and locking system status sensor 141. In the illustrated embodiment LED lights 142 of truck docking assistance system 144 assist a driver of truck 136 when docking truck 136. Also in the illustrated embodiment, assistance system 144 further comprises camera 146 for detecting truck positions, signaling light 148 for further assisting the driver of truck 136, and projector 147 for projecting signals, such as arrows 149, on the ground surface assisting the truck driver. Camera 151 is preferably remotely controlled and used for identification/recognition of truck 136 when entering the premises of distribution center 102. After identifying truck 136 the driver is provided with a message or signals to direct truck 136 to the assigned dock 104. This significantly improves the docking process.

Dock guard 2 receives an authorization signal from assistance system 144 to enable access to driveway or release wheel 134. This signal is given in reply to a request, for example of truck 136 to enter or leave the driveway, provided such request can be authorized by assistance system 144, or alternatively by an operator and/or other external decision system. The authorization signal results in dock guard 2, 126 removing guarding element 20, 138

In addition to its preferred use in assistance system 144 camera 146 monitors part of the surroundings of dock 104 and/or monitors the inside dock area. Furthermore, camera 146 can be used to identify truck 136, in a presently preferred embodiment through number plate recognition. Alternatively, a separate camera system is provided for identification purposes.

Optionally, camera 146, 151 provides information about the type of vehicle, such as truck 136, to controller 150 enabling controller 150 to adjust the settings of dock components, such as leveler 116, height-adjusting means 36 and/or use vehicle specific information for debiting the user of dock 104 for the docking operation that is performed. Optionally, camera 146 detects 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 the dock guard 126, 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/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 guard 2, 126 will be illustrated with an example. Swap body 8 is required at opening 6 of dock 4. Truck 48 enters driveway 12 with dock guard 2 enabling access to driveway 12 in an entrance blocking mode. Truck 48 sets down swap body 8 and leaves driveway 12. This entrance blocking mode dock guard 2 then positions guarding element 20 relative to swap body 8 such that no truck 48 is capable of picking up swap body 8 as entrance to driveway 12 is blocked. As soon as swap body 8 can be moved, for example when goods have been loaded and/or unloaded, truck 48 can pick up swap body 8. In that case, as soon as truck 48 is in the neighborhood of driveway 12 a request can be provided to dock assistance system 144, for example, or an operator. If valid, such request can be authorized and the authorization signal can be provided to dock guard 2 such that guarding element 20 will be removed and entrance to driveway 12 is enabled such that swap body 8 can be picked up by truck 48 and can be removed from dock 4.

In an alternative vehicle blocking mode guarding element 20 engages wheel 134 of truck 50, 136 and blocks the truck from unauthorized leaving driveway 12. In a similar way, truck 50, 136 may request permission to leave driveway 12 after which dock assistance system 144 and/or an operator may grant such request and authorize dock guard 2, 126 to remove guarding element 20 such that truck 50, 136 may leave driveway 12. With the use of assistance system 144 or another control system dock guard 2, 126 can switch between the different modes.

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.

Clauses 1. Dock guard for blocking entrance to a loading-unloading station, the dock guard comprising: a guide track disposed along a driveway; a carriage guided by the guide track and provided with a locking member for releasable locking the carriage relative to the guide track; displacing means configured for displacing the carriage along the guide track; a guarding element that is connected to the carriage to enable movement along the guide track, with the guarding element being configured to prevent an unauthorized vehicle to enter the driveway towards the station; and a guard activator configured to activate and/or de-activate the guarding element. 2. Docking guard according to clause 1, further comprising a sensor configured for detecting the presence of a container, swap body, or other object along the driveway. 3. Docking guard according to clause 2, further comprising a guard controller that is configured to determine activation or de-activation of the guarding element in response to a sensor signal from the sensor. 4. Docking guard according to clause 1, 2 or 3, further comprising a vehicle identification system. 5. Docking guard according to clause 4, wherein the vehicle identification system comprises a camera system. 6. Docking guard according to one or more of the foregoing clauses, further comprising an authorization system configured for approving or denying entry to the driveway in reply to a request that is directly or indirectly received from a vehicle. 7. Docking guard according to one or more of the foregoing clauses, wherein the drive comprises a flexible member, such as a steel member. 8. Docking guard according to one or more of the foregoing claims, further comprising height-adjusting means for height adjustment of the guide track and/or the guarding element. 9. Docking guard to one or more of the foregoing clauses, further comprising a mode selector configured to enable at least an entrance blocking mode blocking entrance to the driveway, and a vehicle blocking mode wherein a vehicle at the loading-unloading station is blocked from unauthorized leaving the driveway of the loading-unloading system. 10. Docking guard according to one or more of the foregoing clauses, further comprising a docking assistance system. 11. Docking station comprising a docking guard according to one or more of the foregoing clauses. 12. Distribution center comprising one or more docking stations and/or docking guards according to one or more of the foregoing clauses. 13. Method for guarding a driveway of a loading-unloading station, comprising the steps of: providing a dock guard according to one or more of the foregoing clauses; and blocking and/or releasing entry to the driveway. 14. Method according to clause 13, further comprising the step of selecting with a mode selector between at least an entrance blocking mode blocking entrance to the driveway, and a vehicle blocking mode wherein a vehicle at the loading-unloading station is blocked from unauthorized leaving the driveway of the loading-unloading system. 15. Method according to clause 13 or 14, wherein entry to the driveway is released after receiving an authorization signal in reply to a vehicle requesting entry.

Claims (15)

A dock entry guard for blocking access to a loading and unloading station, the dock entry guard comprising: a guideway arranged along a carriageway; a carriage guided by the guideway provided with a locking member for releasably locking the carriage relative to the guideway; moving means configured to move the carriage along the track; a security element connected to the carriage for allowing movement along the track, the security element being configured to prevent an unauthorized vehicle from entering the carriageway to the station; and a security activator configured to activate and / or deactivate the security element. The docking protection according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor configured to detect the presence of a container, drop-off bin, or other object along the lane. The docking-in protection according to claim 2, further comprising a driving-in security controller that is configured to determine activation or deactivation of the security element in response to a sensor signal from the sensor. The docking protection according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising a vehicle identification system. The docking protection according to claim 4, wherein the vehicle identification system comprises a camera system. The docking protection according to one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising an authorization system configured to allow or deny access to the roadway in response to a request received directly or indirectly from a vehicle. Dock-in protection according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the drive comprises a flexible element, for example a steel cable. 8. Dock entry protection according to one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising height adjustment means for height adjustment of the guideway and / or the blocking element. A dock break-in protection according to one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising a state selector configured to enable a selection between at least one break-in protection state for blocking access to the roadway, and a vehicle blocking state in which a vehicle is at the loading / unloading station is blocked against unauthorized leaving the roadway of the loading-unloading system. A dock break-in protection according to one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising a dock assist system. A cloth comprising a dock break-in protection according to one or more of the preceding claims. A distribution center comprising one or more docks and / or dock entry guards according to one or more of the preceding claims. A method for securing a roadway of a discharge loading station, comprising the steps of: providing a dock break-in protection according to one or more of the preceding claims; and blocking and / or freeing access to the roadway. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of selecting a state selector between at least one run-in protection state for blocking access to the roadway, and a vehicle blocking state in which a vehicle is blocked at the loading / unloading station against unauthorized leaving of the roadway of the loading-unloading system. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein access to the roadway is released after receiving an authorization signal in response to a vehicle requesting access.