NL2020250B1 - Bumper for protecting a dock when docking a vehicle, dock and distribution centre provided therewith, and method for protecting a dock - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a bumper for a loading/unloading dock, dock and distribution centre provided therewith and method therefore. The bumper according to the invention comprises: — a housing configured for mounting at the dock; and — a moveable housing part comprising a bumper element configured for contacting or engaging a docking vehicle, wherein the moveable housing part comprises a rotation mechanism with a rotation axis that in a mounted state of the bumper substantially extends in a vertical direction in or at the housing and is configured for enabling a rotation of the bumper element between a resting state and a protecting state.

Description

Patent center

Θ 2020250

(2?) Application number: 2020250 (22) Application submitted: January 9, 2018

Int. Cl .:

B65G 69/00 (2018.01)

0 Application registered: 0 Patent holder (s): July 15, 2019 Stertil B.V. in KOOTSTERTILLE. 0 Request published: - 0 Inventor (s): Jan Willem Fijnvandraat in Leeuwarden. 0 Patent granted: July 15, 2019 0 Authorized representative: 0 Patent issued: ir. P.J. Hylarides et al. In The Hague. July 15, 2019

54) Bumper for protecting a dock when docking a vehicle, dock and distribution center provided therewith, and method for protecting a dock © The invention relates to a bumper for a loading / unloading dock, dock and distribution center provided therewith and method therefore. The bumper according to the invention comprises:

- a housing configured for mounting at the dock; and

- a moveable housing part including a bumper element configured for contacting or engaging a docking vehicle, featuring the moveable housing part comprising a rotation mechanism with a rotation axis that is in a mounted state of the bumper substantially extended in a vertical direction in or at the housing and is configured for enabling a rotation of the bumper element between a resting state and a protecting state.

NL B1 2020250

This patent has been granted regardless of the attached result of the research into the state of the art and written opinion. The patent corresponds to the documents originally submitted.

Bumper for protecting a dock when docking a vehicle, dock and distribution center provided therewith, and method for protecting a dock

The present invention relates to a bumper for a loading / unloading dock. Distribution centers often include a number of these docks. Such a dock is configured for sending and / or receiving loads, including packages, parcels, consumable materials, etc. A dock is specifically designed to receive a truck or trailer for loading and / or unloading and often includes a dock house, a dock leveler, and a dock shelter. One or more bumpers are often provided to prevent damage to the building and / or truck or trailer.

Conventional docks, also referred to as loading / unloading stations, are often used intensively. The components, including bumpers or the dock, are often damaged and exposed to wear due to the extensive use. Furthermore, drivers are increasingly confronted with tight time schedules. This may result in careless docking or the vehicle at the dock and the vehicle damaging the dock / building and / or vehicle.

In practice, stationary bumpers have been applied to docks to prevent damage to the dock / building and / or the vehicle. A problem associated with such stationary bumpers is that they may be a nuisance loading / unloading of the truck or trailer. As an alternative, moveable bumpers have been proposed. However, these conventional moveable bumpers are still obstruction loading / unloading.

An object of the invention is obviate or at least reduce some of the above problems and to provide an effective bumper for protecting a dock, specifically during loading / unloading.

This object has been achieved with the bumper for loading / unloading according to the invention, according to the bumper comprises:

a housing configured for mounting at the dock; and a moveable housing part including a bumper element configured for contacting or engaging a docking vehicle, featuring the moveable housing part comprising a rotation mechanism with a rotation axis that is in a mounted state of the bumper substantially extended in a vertical direction in or at the housing and is configured for enabling a rotation of the bumper element between a resting state and a protecting state.

Providing a rotatable bumper element allows a rotation or such element between a resting state and a protecting state. In the protecting state the bumper element protects the dock when docking a vehicle, such as a truck or trailer. A docking vehicle typically contacts the bumper element when docking at the dock or a distribution center, for example. This prevents the vehicle or contacting other parts of the dock and causing damage thereto. In the resting state the bumper element is rotated away from the dock opening to enable optimal loading / unloading of the vehicle.

The bumper element preferably comprises a rubber material capable of absorbing the forces resulting from the impact of the vehicle at the bumper. Optionally, the rubber element is provided with an additional layer, such as a polyethylene layer. It will be understood that other materials and combination of materials can also be envisaged in accordance with the present invention. For example, the bumper may contain a spring element that co-operates with a plate or plate element. In such an embodiment the spring element provides damping and the plate or plate element acts as contact surface. The plate or plate element can be made of appropriate materials, including metal and / or plastic.

In a mounted state of the bumper the rotatable bumper element comprises a rotation axis that extends considerably in a vertical direction. This rotation axis is configured to enable rotation of the bumper element between the resting state, preferably in a retracted position, and the protecting state, preferably in an extended position. After the vehicle has docked and has come to a complete standstill, the bumper element is rotated around its rotation axis towards its resting state away from the opening of the dock. This bumper combines effective bumper behavior when docking a vehicle, while not hindering the loading / unloading of the vehicle by preventing that the opening of the dock is (partly) blocked by the bumper.

By providing a substantial vertically extending rotation axis the bumper element is capable of rotating in a direction that is at least partly in line with the direction or impact when a vehicle contacts the bumper. One of the advantages is that the bumper element can be moved relatively easily between the resting slate and the protecting state. This helps in defining a resting state in which the bumper element is positioned such that the loading / unloading of a docked vehicle is not hindered in any way. This is a problem in conventional bumpers.

As a further ad vantage, some present of the present invention enable protecting the doors of the vehicle when the bumper is in its resting state. This provides an additional dual functionality to the bumper that is provided with a substantial vertical rotation axis.

Furthermore, the bumper of the invention can be effectively applied to docks that deal with cold storage or frozen storage. Maintaining the temperature of chilled or frozen products is essential for maintaining product quality. Providing a substantially vertically extending rotation axis improves the possibilities for sealing the opening when loading / unloading a vehicle with cold or frozen products. This provides a further advantage of the bumper according to the invention.

As a further ad vantage of the substantially vertical rotation axis the bumper element is not hindrance vehicle parts. For example, trucks that are provided with a so-called T-lift can be docked efficiently without being hindered by the bumper of the invention. This increases the flexibility of the dock for dealing with different vehicle types.

The bumper housing is attached to the dock, preferably by anchoring the housing to the wall of the dock or distribution center. The anchor may include a retaining counter plate and / or steel reinforcement or bolts, for example. It will be understood that other configurations or anchoring or housing to the dock or distribution center could also be envisaged.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the bumper comprises a drive for rotating the moveable housing part with the bumper element between the resting state and the protecting state.

Rotation of the bumper element with the rotation mechanism can be activated manually, electronically, pneumatically and / or hydraulically. Preferably, the bumper comprises a drive or drive system for rotating the bumper elements between the resting state and the protecting state. More preferably, the drive comprises a cylinder that is preferably provided in the inner space of the bumper. This provides a relatively simple configuration that is compact and requires little space. The cylinder can either be hydraulic, pneumatic or electric. In an alternative embodiment the drive system comprises a spring element enabling movement between the resting state and the protecting state. In such an embodiment the spring element acts as a drive for moving the bumper element between its different states. Preferably, the spring element is advantageously combined with a so-called single acting cylinder.

Activating a drive preferably moves the bumper to an extended position before a vehicle docks at the loading / unloading dock or alternatively during the docking process. This movement preferably involves a rotating movement. When the vehicle reaches a standstill, the bumper can be retracted to a stored position with the drive or drive system.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the rotation mechanism comprises a drive shaft having one or more first guiding elements, and the moveable housing part including one or more second guiding elements that are capable of moving relative to one or more of the first guiding elements when rotating the bumper element between the resting state and the protecting state.

By providing the bumper, more specifically the rotation mechanism, with a drive shaft, an effective rotation or the moveable housing part around the rotation axis can be achieved. By providing first and second guiding elements, the movement of the moveable housing part with the bumper element between the different states can be guided effectively. This allows an efficient and effective rotation of the bumper element between the different states of the bumper.

In one of the presently preferred expiry the first and second guiding elements include one or more pens and grooves, the relative movement between the first and second guiding elements is caused eg activating the drive or drive system. The preferred grooves are configured for guiding at least one of the other guiding elements, such as the pens, when rotating the bumper element. As an alternative to, or in combination with, the pen / groove embodiment it will be understood that other guiding means could also be envisaged in accordance with the present invention, including slits, openings, rods, palls and the like.

Preferably, the housing further comprises a stationary shaft extending in a substantially vertical direction, and preferably also in a substantial co-axial direction relative to the drive shaft, including the stationary shaft includes one or more third guiding elements. The third guiding elements accelerate the movement of the moveable housing part with the bumper element. In a preferred embodiment, the third guiding elements include one or more grooves that cooperate with the second guiding elements in guiding the pens or other first guiding elements during the movement between the protecting and resting states of the bumper element. In addition to the accelerated movement, the stationary shaft provides additional stability and strength to the bumper.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention at least some of the grooves partly extend over a distance in the respective shafts. This allows guiding the movement of the moveable housing part with the bumper element over a substantial part or its rotation angle. Preferably, the grooves or at least one of the guiding elements extend over a first rotation angle in a clockwise direction, and the grooves of one of the other guiding elements extend over a second rotation angle in a counter-clockwise direction. This achieves a further acceleration of the rotational movement as the movement of the pens, or other first guiding elements, in the grooves of the third guiding elements is accelerated by the cooperation with the grooves of the second guiding elements such that the moveable housing part with the bumper element rotates over a rotation angle that is larger than the rotation angle of the pens. More specifically, providing these different directions for the first and second rotation angles effectively achieves a combination of a co-operating counter clockwise and clockwise rotation angles such that the resulting rotation angle of the moveable housing part with the bumper element is substantially the sum of the first and second rotation angles. This contributes to a compact configuration of the bumper of the invention.

Preferably, the first and / or second rotation angle lies in the range or 30 ° to 60 °, preferably in the range or 40 ° to 55 °, and is most preferably about 50 °. An angle of about 50 ° for both the first and second rotation angles results in a rotation angle of the bumper element or about 100 °, while the pens of the first guiding elements rotate over an angle of 50 °. It will be understood that other angles could also be envisaged in accordance with the invention. Preferably, the sum of the first and second rotation angles moves the bumper element as far away as possible / convenient from the open doors of the vehicle. For example, possible rotation angles include 47.5 °, 49 °, 51 °, 52.5 °, 54 °.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention the rotation mechanism comprises a cylinder element enabling movement between the resting state and the protecting state.

Providing a cylinder element, preferably a hydraulic cylinder element, allowing a robust and stable activation of the bumper.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the bumper further comprises a locking element configured for locking the bumper element in the protection state.

By providing a locking element the bumper element, preferably the moveable housing part with the bumper element, is locked in the protection state during docking of the vehicle. This prevents impact forces of the vehicle engaging the bumper element being transferred to the drive or drive system of the rotation mechanism. This prevents damaging the drive, increasing its life span.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the bumper element comprises one or more holes.

Providing holes, including opening, recessions, etc., improves the damping characteristics of the bumper element. The configuration and position of the holes is preferably chosen in view of the dimensions and material (s) or the bumper element. This further improves the damping characteristics of the bumper element.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the bumper element comprises an axis or symmetry that preferably extends in a substantially horizontal direction.

A symmetry axis of the bumper element allows re-positioning the bumper element in another orientation. For example, when the bumper element is exposed to wear the bumper element may be re-positioned by rotating the bumper element to increase its effective life span. This provides a cost effective bumper element. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the bumper element comprises an axis or symmetry that extends in a substantially vertical and / or other horizontal direction. This provides an alternative or additional possibility to increase the life span of the bumper element.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention the holes of the bumper element are shaped in such a way that it achieves or improves the damping characteristic and also reduces the forces acting on the dock. Preferably, the hole (s) is / are designed to direct the forces towards the pivot axis such that the moment arm is minimal. Preferably, such an embodiment is provided with a symmetry axis that is substantially horizontal in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the front opening of the dock. This allows relocating the bumper element from the right hand side of the dock to the left hand side of the dock in a different, upside-down, orientation. This improves the life span of the bumper element.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the bumper comprises a contact element configured for attaching to a door or the vehicle when the vehicle is open and the bumper element is in the resting position.

By providing a contact element to the vehicle by can be connected to the bumper element during loading / unloading of the vehicle. This provides an additional safety measure to prevent a vehicle from being accidentally closed during the loading / unloading operation. This improves the overall safety of the loading / unloading operation at the dock. In addition, the risk of damage to the door and / or building is further reduced.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the bumper comprises a seal or sealing assembly.

By providing a seal or sealing assembly the opening of the dock can be sealed during loading / unloading. This is typically relevant when dealing with frozen or cold storage products. Preferably, the seal or sealing assembly involves a bottom seal that is in use seals the bottom edge or bottom side of the dock opening. Optionally, the seal is connected to the bumper element. Alternatively, the bumper and seal work independently to provide operational flexibility.

In a further preferred embodiment of a damping structure is provided to the bumper. This damping structure may include a damping element and / or spring element, for example. Providing a damping structure achieves a damping effect to a vehicle that is docking at the dock and contacts the bumper. More specifically, this damping structure further reduces the risk of damage to the truck and / or dock / building. The damping effect also prevents, or at least reduces, damage in the docking vehicle's case contacts the bumper at a relatively high speed.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the bumper element is connected to a shaft preferably involving a co-operating shape, such as a toothed shape. This allows easy mounting and dismounting of a shaft. Preferably, the shaft is mounted from above to achieve effective installation and maintenance.

In a further preferred embodiment according to the present invention the bumper further comprises a guide enabling height adjustment of the bumper housing.

By providing a guide or guide system the bumper height can be adjusted. For example, this allows adjusting the bumper height taking into account the dimensions of the vehicle that is expected to dock at the loading / unloading dock.

Optionally, the bumper comprises a stationary bumper part that is connected to the dock and extends in a substantial vertical direction below the expected height of the loading platform of the vehicle. Such a stationary bumper part contributes to a further reduction of damage caused by vehicle movement. By providing the stationary bumper part below the expected pile of the loading platform of the vehicle, this bumper part may be maintained in its position after a vehicle is positioned relative to the dock opening.

The invention further also relates to a dock for loading / unloading a vehicle at the dock, in the dock a bumper according to one of the aforementioned mentioned, and a distribution center including such dock and bumper.

The dock and / or distribution center provide similar effects and advantages as described in relation to the bumper.

Preferably, the dock further comprises a bumper recess configured to malfunction the bumper element in its resting state. By providing a bumper recess the bumper element can be stored away from the dock opening providing maximum space for loading / unloading operation. Preferably, the bumper element and bumper recess are configured such that the bumper element in its resting state protects the sidewalls or the dock. This prevents damage to the dock during the loading / unloading process. In another embodiment this is further enhanced by providing a contact element as already described in relation to the bumper.

Preferably, the dock further comprises a door recess that is configured for receiving a vehicle by during loading / unloading the vehicle. More preferably, the door recess is combined with the bumper recess. By providing the dock with a door recess the vehicle can be opened and maintained in its open position effectively. Preferably, before opening a vehicle door, the bumper is moved from the extended position of the protecting state to the retracted position of the resting state, not unblocking the door recess. This allows an effective loading / unloading of the vehicle.

In a presently preferred embodiment according to the invention the dock further comprises a seal assembly.

Providing a seal assembly allows the dock to handle chilled and frozen products. These products are transferred between a climate room and the refrigerated truck, for example. The use of the seal assembly keeps the product at or close to the desired temperature, losing product quality loss. Preferably, the seal assembly comprises a four-sided seal that seals the dock opening against the truck over the entire circumference of the opening.

In one of the presently preferred expired the seal assembly comprises a lower seal that is extendable between a stored position and a position of use. When extending the lower seal the seal is pressurized by inflation and the seal is pressured. Preferably, the lower seal is activated after a truck has been positioned correctly relative to the dock opening. The lower seal seals the lower edge of the transfer opening between the vehicle and the dock. Preferably, the lower seal is configured to extend in a substantially vertical direction. By enabling a substantial vertical movement or the lower seal the seal can be moved effectively into the required position. This provides an effective means to provide a lower seal.

In a further preferred embodiment the seal assembly further comprises a side seal that is connected to the dock over a connection width. Preferably, both sides of the dock opening are provided with a side seal and, in addition, a top seal is provided. By connecting the side seal (s) to the dock / building over a connecting width the position of the seal (s) is stabilized. Preferably, when inflating the seal, a side seal is pressurized and starts extending itself in a substantially horizontal direction. Furthermore, connecting the side seal to the dock / building across the connecting width avoiding damaging the seal by rubbing the seal material over or along the wall of the building.

The invention further also relates to a method for loading / unloading a vehicle at a dock, the method comprises the steps of:

providing a bumper according to an embodiment of the present invention;

when docking a vehicle rotating the bumper around a substantial vertical rotation axis and bringing the bumper from a resting state into a protecting state; docking the vehicle; and after the vehicle is docked rotating the bumper element from the protecting state into the resting slate.

The method provides the same effect and advantages as described in relation to the bumper, dock and / or distribution center.

By moving the bumper element around its substantial vertically extending rotation axis from a protecting / extended state to a resting / retracted state, the bumper can be effectively removed from the dock opening after a vehicle has docked. After the bumper has been retracted the vehicle can be opened and loading / unloading the vehicle may start. Preferably, a dock leveler is positioned after opening the vehicle by to enable loading / unloading the vehicle. Preferably, by retracting the bumper, the moveable housing part is positioned outside the width of the docking vehicle. This provides a maximum opening for transferring goods between the distribution center and the vehicle.

Preferably, a seal and / or seal assembly is pressurized / inflated after the vehicle engages the bumper and before retracting the bumper. This provides an effective sealing of the facility or the dock opening, contributing to the reduction or product quality loss.

In one of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the bumper elements are brought into the protecting state and the vehicle is docking. Seals are pressurizes / inflated. For example, a bottom seal with engage the bottom of the bumper, Sealing a bottom side of the vehicle. Bumper elements are moved to the resting state and the door of the building / dock opens. Next, a leveler can be positioned. Optionally, the bottom seal is released and / or pressurized / inflated in a further step to engage the leveler and / or vehicle. Optionally, the top of the bottom seal comprises a fixed cushion from a foam pad with a cover lining. It will be understood that other configurations can also be envisaged in accordance with the present invention.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated on the basis or preferred otherwise, where reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a dock with a bumper according to the present invention and a docking vehicle;

Figure 2 shows the bumper illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows the bumper of Figure 2 in an exploded view; Figures 4-6 show the bumper or figure 2 in different states; and Figures 7-8 show another embodiment of the bumper according to the invention.

Dock 2 (figure 1) is part of distribution center 4 and allows vehicle 6 to load / unload goods. Dock 2 comprises opening 8 and two bumpers 10 at the sides thereof. In the extended, protection position of bumpers 10, vehicle 6 may engage bumpers 10. Dock 2 further comprises shelter 12 and seal assembly 14. In the illustrated edition seal assembly 14 comprises top seal 16, two side seals 18, and bottom or lower seal 20. Furthermore, dock 2 is provided with dock leveler 22 and two by recesses 24. In the illustrated version bumper 10 is optionally provided with stationary housing 26 and optionally with guide 28 to enable height adjustment or bumpers 10 (figure 1).

Bumper 10 (figures 2-6) comprises stationary housing 26 and moveable housing part 30. Stationary housing 26 is connected to dock 2 and / or center 4 using side holes 32 and central holes 34. It will be understood that other constructional configurations could also be envisaged by the skilled person. Moveable housing part 30 rotates around rotational axis 36 relative to stationary housing part 26 or bumper 10.

In the illustrated embodiment bumper element 38 is provided in or at moveable housing part 30 with first symmetry axis 40a and second symmetry axis 40b. This allows positioning bumper element 38 in different positions, for example to extend its life span. It will be understood that other configuration can also be envisaged with no or only one symmetry axis. In the illustrated embodiment stationary housing part 26 has first toothed opening 42 with diameter Dj and second toothed opening 44 with diameter D ₂ . In the illustrated embodiment D; is larger than D ₂ . Drive shaft 46 with pens 48 acting as first guiding elements is in an assembled state of bumper 10 extending between opening 42, 44. Drive shaft 46 rests on piston 74 or cylinder 50 and is mounted from above. Cylinder 50 is attached to connector 51 and is preferably at least partly extending into the interior of shaft 58.

Moveable housing part 30 comprises rotating tube 52. Drive shaft 46 is substantially mounted inside tube 52. Tube 52 comprises grooves 54 that are provided at an angle of a ₂ relative to the horizontal. In the illustrated embodiment co is about 45 °. At the lower end of grooves 54 there is provided lock element 56 including a substantially vertically extending groove part. Between drive shaft 46 and rotating tube 52 in the mounted state there is provided stationary shaft 58. Stationary shaft 58 comprises a first toothed end 60 and a second toothed end 62. At the second end there is provided toothed ring 64 that is preferably covered by cap 66. Stationary shaft 58 is provided with two guiding grooves 68 that are provided at an angle relative to the horizontal. In the illustrated embodiment ai is about 45 °. Also grooves 68 include a lock element 70. Grooves 54 and grooves 68 are preferably provided at a similar angle ai, a ₂ . however in a different orientation.

Bumper element 38 is optionally provided with holes or opening or recesses 72 to improve the bumping characteristics of bumper element 38.

Cylinder 50 is provided with piston 74. By moving piston 74 in an upwards direction driving shaft 46 starts moving upwards. Due to the grooves in stationary shaft 58 pens 48 will move along grooves 68. In the illustrated embodiment, that is a ₂ are about 45 °. The actual rotation angle also depends on the length of the grooves and is in the illustrated embodiment between 100 ° and 110 °. It will be understood that other angles and rotation angles can be envisaged according to the present invention.

By lowering piston 74 the movements of drive shaft 46 with pens 48 and rotating tube 52 or moveable housing part 30 will be in the other direction. Therefore, cylinder 50 moves moveable housing part 30 between a resting stale and a protecting state.

After vehicle 6 is positioned at dock 2, engaged bumpers 10 (figure 1), and has come to a complete standstill, seal assembly 14 can be activated. In the illustrated embodiment seal assembly 14 is inflated. Top seal 16 moves downwardly and contacts the top surface of vehicle 6. Side seal 18 extends in a substantial horizontal direction such that side seals 18 move towards each other. In the extended position side seals 18 engage the sides of vehicle 6. When bottom seal 20 is activated it starts moving in an upwards direction. Bottom seal 20 contacts the bottom surface of vehicle 6 and / or bumpers 10. This provides a four-sided seal between dock opening 8 and vehicle

6.

In a different embodiment, bumper 110 (figures 7 and 8) comprises shaft / spring 112 with spring elements 114. In this embodiment, spring elements 114 behave as a torsion spring type element. Other elements of bumper 110 can be the same or similar to the previously described and illustrated bumper 10. It will be understood that combinations of elements from the illustrated bumpers 10, 110 and / or other elements can also be envisaged.

In the illustrated embodiment, bumpers 10, 110 are retracted after seal assembly 14 has been (partially) activated / inflated. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, side seals 18 are connected to building 4. Leveler 22 can be brought into loading / unloading position such that goods can be transferred between building 4 to the storage space of vehicle 6. In the illustrated edition building 4 is provided with door recesses 24 that are configured to receive the vehicle doors or vehicle 6. In the illustrated embodiment, when opening the vehicle doors, the doors may engage bumpers 10 that are in the retracted / stored position with a contact element, such as a hook, magnet, pen or other contact element.

After goods have been loaded / unloaded from and / or to vehicle 6, level 22 is retracted and the doors of vehicle 6 are closed. Sealing assembly 14 is deactivated and vehicle 6 is allowed to ride away from dock 2.

The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred expend. The rights sought are defined by the following claims within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged. For example, the design of the bumper element may include 15 a number of holes in different configuration including two rows or two, three or four holes. Other configurations with optionally another number of holes can also be envisaged.

Claims (19)

Clauses 1. Bumper for protecting a dock when docking a vehicle, including the bumper: a housing configured for mounting at the dock; and a moveable housing part including a bumper element configured for contacting or engaging a docking vehicle, featuring the moveable housing part comprising a rotation mechanism with a rotation axis that is in a mounted state of the bumper substantially extended in a vertical direction in or at the housing and is configured for enabling a rotation of the bumper element between a resting state and a protecting state. 2. Bumper according to clause 1, further including a drive for rotating the moveable housing part with the bumper element between the resting state and the protecting state. 3. Bumper according to clause 1 or 2, the rotation mechanism comprises a drive shaft having one or more first guiding elements, and the moveable housing part including one or more second guiding elements that are capable of moving relative to one or more of the first guiding elements when rotating the bumper element between the resting state and the protecting state. 4. Bumper according to clause 3, including the housing further including a stationary shaft extending in a substantially vertical direction in a substantial co-axial direction relative to the drive shaft, including the stationary shaft comprises one or more third guiding elements. 5. Bumper according to clause 3 or 4, including at least one of the guiding elements include one or more grooves configured for guiding at least one of the other guiding elements when rotating the bumper element. 6. Bumper according to clause 5, at least some of the grooves partly extend over a distance in the respective shafts. 7. Bumper according to clause 6, the grooves or at least one of the guiding elements extend over a first rotation angle in a clockwise direction, and the grooves of one of the other guiding elements extend over a second rotation angle in a counter -clockwise direction. 8. Bumper according to clause 7, including the first and / or second rotation angle lies in the range or 30 ° to 60 °, preferably in the range or 40 ° to 55 °, and is most preferably about 50 °. 9. Bumper according to one or more of the foregoing clauses, the rotation mechanism comprises a cylinder element enabling movement between the resting state and the protecting state. 10. Bumper according to one or more of the foregoing clauses, further comprises a locking element configured for locking the bumper element in the protection state. 11. Bumper according to one or more of the foregoing clauses, where the bumper element comprises one or more holes. 12. Bumper according to one or more of the foregoing clauses, the bumper element comprising an axis or symmetry that preferably extends in a substantial horizontal direction. 13. Bumper according to one or more of the foregoing clauses, regarding the bumper comprises a contact element configured for attaching to a door or the vehicle when the vehicle is open and the bumper element is in the resting position. 14. Bumper according to one or more of the foregoing clauses, where the bumper comprises a seal or sealing assembly. 15. Dock for a distribution center including a bumper according to one or more of the foregoing clauses. 16. Dock according to clause 15, further including a bumper recess configured for failure of the bumper element in the resting state. 17. Distribution center including a dock and a bumper according to one or more of the foregoing clauses. 18. Method for protecting a dock, including the steps of: providing a bumper according to one or more of the foregoing clauses 1-14; when docking a vehicle rotating the bumper around a substantial vertical rotation axis and bringing the bumper from a resting state into a protecting state; docking the vehicle; and after the vehicle is docked rotating the bumper element from the protecting state 5 into the resting state. 19. Method according to clause 18, further including the step of positioning a bottom seal when a vehicle is docked and before rotating the bumper element from the protecting state into the resting state. CONCLUSIONS A bumper for protecting a dock while docking a vehicle, the bumper comprising: a housing adapted for mounting on or against the dock; and a movable housing part comprising a bumper element configured to come into contact with a docking vehicle, the movable housing part comprising a rotation mechanism with a rotation axis that in a mounted condition extends substantially in a vertical direction in or near the housing and is configured to allow a rotation of the bumper element between a rest state and a protection state. The bumper of claim 1, further comprising a drive for rotating the movable housing element between the rest state and the protection state. Bumper according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rotation mechanism comprising a drive shaft with one or more first guide elements, and the movable housing part comprising one or more second guide elements that are able to move relative to one or more of the first guide elements during a rotation of the bumper element between the rest state and the protection state. The bumper of claim 3, wherein the housing further comprising a stationary axis extending in a substantially vertical direction in a substantially coaxial direction relative to the drive shaft, the stationary shaft comprising one or more third guide elements. Bumper as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein at least one of the guide elements comprising one or more grooves configured to guide at least one of the other guide elements during rotation of the bumper element. The bumper of claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the grooves partially extend over a distance in the respective axes. Bumper according to claim 6, wherein the grooves of at least one of the guide elements extend over a first rotation angle in the clockwise direction, and wherein the grooves of one of the other guide elements extend over a second rotation angle in an opposite direction . Bumper according to claim 7, wherein the first and / or second rotation angles are in the range of 30 ° to 60 °, preferably in the range of 40 ° to 55 °, and most preferably is approximately 50 °. Bumper according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation mechanism comprising a cylinder element for allowing movement between the rest state and the protection state. 10. Bumper as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, further comprising a closing element configured for closing the bumper element in the protection state. Bumper according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which the bumper element comprises one or more holes. 12. Bumper as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the bumper element comprising a axis of symmetry which preferably extends in a substantially horizontal direction. A bumper according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the bumper comprising a contact element configured for attachment to a door of the vehicle when the vehicle door is open and the bumper element is in the rest position. A bumper as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the bumper comprises a seal or seal assembly. Dock of a distribution center comprising a bumper according to one or more of the preceding claims. The dock of claim 15, further comprising a bumper recess configured to receive the bumper element in the rest condition. 17. Distribution center according to one or more of the preceding claims. A method of protecting a dock, comprising the steps of: providing a bumper according to one or more of the preceding claims 14; while docking a vehicle rotating the bumper around an in 5 substantially vertical axis of rotation and bringing the bumper from a rest position to a protection state; docking the vehicle; and after the vehicle has been docked, rotating the bumper element from the protection state to the rest position. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of positioning a lower seal when the vehicle is docked and prior to rotating the bumper member from the protection state to the rest position. 1/7 2/7