WO2019139475A1

WO2019139475A1 - Self-propelled blocking device and method for blocking a vehicle, and a dock and distribution center provided therewith

Info

Publication number: WO2019139475A1
Application number: PCT/NL2019/050011
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jurjen Jan De Jong
Original assignee: Stertil B.V.
Priority date: 2018-01-09
Filing date: 2019-01-09
Publication date: 2019-07-18
Also published as: NL2020246B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a blocking device (20) for blocking a vehicle, a dock and/or distribution center provided therewith and method there for. The blocking device (20) comprises a moveable frame with displacement elements, a drive configured for moving the blocking device with frame and displacement elements, a blocking element (34) and a blocking element extension mechanism configured to extend the blocking element between a retracted position in an open mode and an extended blocking position in a blocking mode, and a controller (54) configured for steering the drive for moving the blocking device (20) and controlling the blocking element extension mechanism.

Description

SELF-PROPELLED BLOCKING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR BLOCKING A VEHICLE, AND A DOCK AND DISTRIBUTION CENTER PROVIDED THEREWITH

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

Blocking devices are described in US 2013/0341130 Al, and EP 2 371 745 AL Such blocking devices comprise a carriage that is moved over a guide track. As soon as a truck is correctly positioned relative to the loading-unloading station/dock, the carriage is moved to the desired position. Next, the blocking element is moved into position in order to hold the rear wheel of the truck and making driving or rolling away impossible.

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

Furthermore, conventional blocking devices require guide tracks that are positioned along the driveway. These guide tracks hinder easy access for cleaning of the driveways, for example.

The present invention has for its object to obviate or at least reduce one or more of the above-stated problems.

The present invention provides for this purpose a self-propelled blocking device for blocking a vehicle, the blocking device comprising:

- a moveable frame with displacement elements;

- a drive configured for moving the blocking device with frame and displacement elements;

- a blocking element and a blocking element extension mechanism configured to

extend the blocking element between a retracted position in an open mode and an extended blocking position in a blocking mode; and

- a controller configured for steering the drive for moving the blocking device and controlling the blocking element extension mechanism.

According to the invention the terminology of loading- unloading station, a dock, a dock house and a docking station are used interchangeably. A dock can be provided with a dock shelter and/or dock leveller. Providing a moveable frame with displacement elements, such as wheels or rolls, and a drive enables the provision of a self-propelled blocking device. Such self-propelled blocking device does not necessarily rely on any guide tracks, for example. A controller steers the drive thereby controlling the movement of the blocking device and controls the position of the blocking element. This preferably provides an autonomous or semi-autonomous blocking device that is self- propelled. The drive may comprise an electric drive with one or more batteries. It will be understood that other drive types could also be envisaged in accordance with the blocking device according to the present invention.

In an inactive or rest position the self-propelled blocking device is preferably parked away from the driveway such that the blocking device does not hinder any manoeuvring of a vehicle that is docking, for example. This improves the docking procedure. Furthermore, the self- propelled blocking device does not require any (permanent) guide tracks in or on the driveway, such that damage to such guide tracks is prevented and/or cleaning of the driveway is made easy as compared to conventional blocking devices.

In addition, providing a self-propelled blocking device according to the invention provides additional flexibility in the operation of blocking devices. For example, a blocking device can be used for multiple docks and does not necessarily need to be fixedly attached to or exclusively linked to one specific dock.

Furthermore, repair and maintenance is easier as compared to conventional blocking devices that require a permanent or semi-permanent guide track. Repair and maintenance for the self-propelled blocking device of the invention can be done in a workshop while a replacement blocking device can be used. This improves the overall efficiency of the blocking device and docking operation.

The blocking element of the self-propelled blocking device can be positioned by positioning the moveable frame with the displacement elements. After the blocking device is positioned correctly the blocking element extension mechanism is allowed to extend the blocking element between a retracted position in an open mode, wherein a vehicle is not engaged and is able to move freely relative to the blocking device, and an extended blocking position in a blocking mode, wherein movement of the vehicle relative to the blocking device is prevented by the blocking element.

The blocking element can be provided with different shapes, dimensions and materials.

In presently preferred embodiments of the invention the blocking element comprises a blocking rod that is mounted on a blocking arm of the blocking extension mechanism. This blocking rod is positioned relative to a wheel of the vehicle. Such blocking rod or other blocking element can optionally be positioned at different heights relative to the wheel. For example, a first relatively low height above the driveway prevents the vehicle from rolling away while being docked. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the blocking device may enable providing the blocking element at a second higher height above the driveway to enable a blocking of the vehicle to prevent an intended movement of the vehicle by driving away from the dock, for example. This reduces the number of accidents or at least the risk that an accident may occur. In addition, the blocking device provides an anti-theft measure.

ln a presently preferred embodiment of the invention the blocking arm of the blocking extension mechanism comprises an extendable arm.

By providing an extendable arm the blocking device can be used for blocking a vehicle with any type of wheel dimensions. This improves the flexibility of the self-propelled blocking device of the invention. The extension mechanism may comprise a telescopic arm, cylinder arrangement or any other suitable extension mechanism.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention at least some of the displacement elements are rotatable around a substantially vertical axis to enable a change of the direction of movement of the frame.

By providing rotatable displacement elements that are rotatable around a substantially vertical axis, the freedom of movement of the moveable frame of the self-propelled blocking device is significantly increased. These displacement elements enable movement of the frame in a horizontal plane that may enable movement of the blocking device along the side of a vehicle to reach a desired position and movement towards the vehicle for the actual blocking or unblocking, for example.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the frame further comprises a sub- frame, wherein at least some of the displacement elements are mounted at or on the sub-frame.

Providing a sub-frame for at least some of the displacement elements improves the flexibility of the frame for any intended movement thereof. Also, this enables providing a suspension to improve the flexible movement of the self-propelled blocking device.

Preferably, the sub-frame is moveable relative to the frames such that in a blocking mode of the blocking device any unauthorized movement of the vehicle against the blocking element forces the sub-frame to move relatively to the frame and enable or improve the blocking of the vehicle by increasing the resistance against movement of the blocking device.

In a presently preferred embodiment the sub-frame comprises a so-called spring loaded sub-frame. In this presently preferred embodiment an unauthorized movement of the vehicle forces the frame to move relatively to the sub-frame and such that one or more additional frame or sub- frame parts come into contact with the driveway. This substantially increases the resisting force against the unauthorized movement of the vehicle as compared to an embodiment wherein only the wheels provide a counteracting force. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the blocking device comprises a detector that is configured for detecting an unauthorized movement of the vehicle in a blocking mode.

This detector enables a detection of an unauthorized movement such that

countermeasures can be taken. Such detector can be a pressure sensor measuring the pressure of the vehicle wheel against a blocking element, for example a photodetector or any other suitable detector.

In a further preferred embodiment, the blocking device further comprises a vehicle wheel detector for detecting a wheel of the vehicle. This vehicle wheel detector may comprise a contact sensor that establishes physical contact between the detector and a wheel and/or a non-contact sensor with a photodetector, laser sensor or any other suitable sensor. This vehicle wheel detector enables detecting a wheel of the vehicle thereby enabling correct positioning of the self-propelled blocking device according to the invention. This also enables an autonomous or semi-autonomous blocking device that is capable of determining the correct position of the blocking device and steering itself to this desired position.

Preferably, the controller comprises a wheel diameter calculator that is configured for determining the wheel diameter and determines a blocking height for the blocking element. This preferably comprises determining the actual blocking mode of the blocking element, for example the anti-roll away mode or anti-movement mode.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the blocking element comprises a blocking height adjustment mechanism to move the blocking element to the blocking height for the blocking element by rotational and/or translational movement.

The blocking height adjustment mechanism is configured for positioning the blocking element at a desired blocking height relative to the wheel. This adjustment mechanism enables positioning the blocking element correctly, also in case of limited available space for manoeuvring the blocking device and blocking element. The adjustment mechanism may comprise electrical, pneumatic and/or hydraulic means, such as a cylinder that is configured for rotating a blocking arm such that blocking element is moved to the desired blocking height.

Furthermore, the blocking device preferably comprises a camera that is configured to monitor the blocking of the vehicle. This provides an additional safety measure to assure correct blocking of the vehicle. In a presently preferred embodiment the camera provides a central controller of the dock and/or distribution center with the monitoring data. This improves the overall safety when loading/unloading a vehicle.

Preferably, the blocking device further comprises a transmitter for wireless sending and/or receiving signals to and/or from a central controller. This may involve data that is gathered with the aforementioned camera and/or detectors. This may also involve the determined vehicle wheel dimensions and/or calculated blocking heights.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the blocking device further comprises a plough or shovel element.

By providing a plough or shovel element the blocking element can also be used for cleaning purposes. This may even involve removal of snow or leaves from a driveway. This improves the operational functionality of the docking station as a whole and/or the safety for using the dock.

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

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

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

The invention further also relates to a method for blocking a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:

- providing a blocking device as described earlier; and

- blocking and/or releasing a vehicle and/or entry to the driveway.

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

In preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention the method involves detecting a vehicle wheel with a vehicle wheel detector. This improves the autonomous operation of the self-propelled docking device according to the invention. Furthermore, this preferably also comprises determining the wheel diameter and determining a desired blocking height of the blocking element with a wheel diameter calculator. This improves the overall flexibility and functionality of the self-propelled blocking device. This may also involve determining an appropriate vehicle wheel for the actual blocking of the vehicle. In a presently preferred embodiment this involves the detection of a driving wheel or powered wheel to enable blocking this specific wheel by the blocking device of the invention. Optionally, this involves moving the blocking device back and forth along the side of a docked vehicle to detect the number and position and/or type of wheels. Thereafter, the appropriate wheel for the blocking can be determined. Also, the desired blocking height for the blocking element can be calculated. In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention the step of blocking a vehicle comprises the steps of:

moving the blocking device along the vehicle;

positioning the blocking device at a correct location;

orienting the displacement means and moving the blocking device towards the vehicle; and

positioning the blocking element relative to the wheel to block the vehicle.

The self-propelled blocking device preferably finds its position autonomously. This provides an effective blocking of a vehicle. In a further preferred embodiment positioning the blocking element comprises the step of raising the blocking element relative to a driveway to a blocking height, preferably the calculated desired blocking height. This achieves a robust blocking of a vehicle preventing the vehicle to ride over the blocking element.

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:

- Figure 1 shows a view of a loading-unloading station at a distribution center with a blocking device according to the invention;

- Figure 2A-D shows a blocking device according to the invention in different

positions; and

- Figure 3 shows a driveway of a dock provided with a blocking device according to the invention.

The following embodiments are merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. It will be understood that, while the disclosure is described as having exemplary attributes and applications, the present disclosure can be further modified.

Loading bay area 2 (figure 1) is provided with dock 4. Dock 4 is provided with an opening or door 6 and a so-called dock shelter 8 for protection thereof. Truck 10 is reversed to area 2, inter alia with rear wheels 12. Truck 10 moves here to docking position 14 along driveway 16. Shelter 18 is provided for self-propelled blocking device 20. Shelter 18 can be attached to dock 4, positioned separately, or can be integrated in the dock design.

Self-propelled blocking device 20 (figures 2A-3) comprises frame 22 having first arm 24 and second arm 26. Connecting rod 28 connects first and second arms 24, 26. In the illustrated embodiment frame 22 further comprises two steerable wheels 30 on a first side of device 20 and two wheels 32 on a second side of device 20. It will be understood that another configuration for frame 22 and wheels 30, 32 can also be envisaged in accordance with the invention. Blocking element 34 comprises a blocking rod and is provided at an end of blocking arm 36. In the illustrated embodiment blocking arm 36 comprises cylinder housing 38 and telescopic part 40. Blocking arm 36 is rotatable around shaft 42 that is attached to support 45. Shaft 46 enables rotation of cylinder 44 around shaft 42. In this embodiment cylinder 44 constitutes blocking arm 36. It will be understood that other embodiments of blocking arm 36 can also be envisaged in accordance with the present invention. The opposite end of blocking arm 36/cylinder 44 is connected to shaft 48 that is connected to housing 38 of blocking arm 36.

Drive 50 is a steering motor that controls the position of wheels 30, 32. Drive 50 drives steering shafts of wheels 30, 32 with a toothed belt. Wheels 32 are preferably provided with a so- called wheel hub motor to move device 20. Transmitter 52 is connected to controller 54. Controller 54 controls drive 50 and preferably the wheel hub motor. In the illustrated embodiment dock 4 also comprises transmitter 56, control box 58 and control panel 60 with an optional remote control 62.

It will be understood that another configuration for drive 50, hubdrive wheels 30 with wheel hub motor and/or controller 54 can be envisaged in accordance with the invention.

Device 20 further comprises photo sensor 64 capable of detecting wheel 12 of vehicle 10. Blocking device 20 further comprises battery 66 that may engage loading system 68 that is provided adjacent or at dock 4. Sensor 70 is connected to blocking element 34 and is capable of detecting wheel 12. Optionally, camera 72 is provided to monitor the blocking manoeuvre.

In the illustrated embodiment spring loaded element 74 is provided with sub-frame 76. Optionally, a snow shovel plough 78 is attached to frame 22.

Control box 58 can be operationally connected to light 59 to inform a truck driver, for example.

In use, a self-propelled blocking device 20 is activated by controller 54 steering hubdrive wheels 30 such that blocking device 20 starts moving along vehicle 10. Optionally, wheels 12 of vehicle 10 are detected and controller 54 determines or calculates the appropriate wheel 12 of vehicle 10 for blocking purposes.

When positioned at the correct location as seen in a moving direction D, blocking device is moved towards truck or vehicle 10 in a direction E. Drive motor 50 is operated so that wheels 30 are rotated in direction F and wheels 32 in same direction G, in a presently preferred embodiment by means of a timing belt. In such embodiment wheel pairs 30,32 rotate in opposite directions thereby keeping the wheel hub motor within the contour of the frame. Preferably, each wheel motor has its own drive 50. This enables positioning blocking device 20 relative to wheel 12. Next, the length of blocking arm 36 is calculated whereafter blocking arm 36 rotates around shaft 42 in direction H driven by cylinder 44 that rotates around shaft 46. Depending on the desired height above the driveway the length of blocking arm 36 is adjusted in direction I. After finishing loading/unloading of vehicle 12 blocking arm 36 is lowered, blocking device 20 moves away from vehicle 12, and preferably returns to shelter 18. Distribution center 102 (figure 3) comprises a number of docks or docking stations 104 that in the illustrated embodiment are provided with shelter 106, door 108, seals 110, barrier 1 12 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. Bander 112 is provided with status sensor 124.

In the illustrated embodiment and individual dock 104 of center 102 is provided with shelter 18 and blocking device 20. Alternatively, blocking devices 20 may be applied to different docks 104 depending on availability.

In the illustrated embodiment blocking device 20 comprises blocking system status sensor 126. Protection barriers 128 are provided with LED lights 128a of truck docking assistance system 130 to assist a driver of truck 10 when docking truck 10. In the illustrated embodiment, assistance system 130 further comprises camera 132 for detecting truck positions, signaling light 134 for further assisting the driver of truck 10, and projector 136 for projecting signals, such as arrows 138, on ground surface 16 assisting the truck driver. Additional camera 140 is preferably remotely controlled and used for identification and/or recognition of truck 10 when entering the premises of distribution center 102. After identifying truck 10 the driver is provided with a message or signals to direct truck 10 to the assigned dock 104 of center 102. This significantly improves the docking process.

Blocking device 20 receives an authorization signal from assistance system 130 to enable access to driveway or release wheel 12 of truck 10. This signal is given in reply to a request, for example received from the driver of truck 10, to enter or leave the driveway, provided such request can be authorized by assistance system 130, or alternatively by an operator and/or other external decision system. The authorization signal results in blocking device 20 removing blocking element 34.

In addition to its preferred use in assistance system 130 camera 132 monitors part of the surroundings of center 102, 104 and/or monitors the inside dock area. Furthermore, camera 132 can be used to identify truck 10, in a presently preferred embodiment through number plate recognition. Alternatively or in addition thereto, separate camera system 140 is provided for identification purposes.

Optionally, camera 132, 140 provides information about the type of vehicle, such as truck 10, to controller 142 enabling controller 142 to adjust the settings of dock components, such as leveler 1 16, cylinder 44 for adapting the height of blocking element 34 and/or use vehicle specific information for debiting the user of center 102 and/or dock 104 for the docking operation that is performed. Optionally, camera 132 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 operalion(s). Furthermore, by monitoring the use of dock components, such as blocking device 20, the system is capable of providing information about how often and under what conditions the dock components are used. The user, for example the vehicle owner, can be debited on the actual use. Such option could be of interest also when dock equipment is rented or leased. In such case, the system may communicate with an external network/system to enable monitoring and/or debiting the user or other party based on actual use by the equipment owner, for example.

The operation of blocking device 20 will be illustrated with an example. Truck 10 is expected at opening 6 of dock 4. Truck 10 enters driveway 16 with blocking device 20 enabling access to driveway 16. Truck 10 is parked and blocked by blocking device 20. As soon as truck 10 can be moved, for example when goods have been loaded and/or unloaded and removal is authorized, blocking device 20 removes itself from truck 10. Removal can be subject to a request that needs to be provided to one or more controllers 130, 142, for example, or an authorized operator. If appropriate, such request can be authorized and the authorization signal can be provided to blocking device 20 such that blocking element 34 will be removed and truck 10 is free to move. With the use of one or more of controllers 130, 142 or another control system, blocking device 20 can switch between its different modes.

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

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

Claims

1. Self-propelled blocking device for blocking a vehicle, the blocking device comprising:

- a moveable frame with displacement elements;

- a blocking element and a blocking element extension mechanism configured to

2. Blocking device according to claim 1 , wherein the blocking element comprises a blocking rod that is mounted on a blocking arm of the blocking extension mechanism.

3. Blocking device according to claim 2, wherein the blocking arm of the blocking extension mechanism comprises an extendable arm.

4. Blocking device according to one of the foregoing claims, w'herein at least some of the displacement elements are rotatable around a substantially vertical axis to enable a change of the direction of movement of the frame.

5. Blocking device according to one of the foregoing claims, wherein the frame further comprising a sub-frame, and wherein at least some of the displacement elements are mounted at or on the sub-frame.

6. Blocking device according to claim 5, w'herein the sub-frame is moveable relative to the frame such that in a blocking mode an unauthorized movement of the vehicle against the blocking element forces the sub-frame to move relatively to the frame and enable blocking of the vehicle.

7. Blocking device according to claims 5 or 6, wherein the sub-frame comprises a spring loaded sub-frame.

8. Blocking device according to one of the foregoing claims, further comprising a detector configured for detecting an unauthorized movement of the vehicle in a blocking mode.

9. Blocking device according to one of the foregoing claims, further comprising a vehicle wheel detector for detecting a wheel of the vehicle.

10. Blocking device according to one of the foregoing claims, wherein the controller comprises a wheel diameter calculator that is configured for determining the wheel diameter and determines a blocking height for the blocking element.

11. Blocking device according to one of the foregoing claims, wherein the blocking element comprises a blocking height adjustment mechanism to move the blocking element to the blocking height for the blocking element by rotational and/or translational movement.

12. Blocking device according to one of the foregoing claims, further comprising a camera to monitor the blocking of the vehicle.

13. Blocking device according to one of the foregoing claims, further comprising a transmitter for wireless sending and/or receiving signals to and/or from a central controller.

14. Blocking device according to one of the foregoing claims, further comprising a plough or shovel element

15. Dock of a loading-unloading station, comprising a blocking device according to one of the foregoing claims.

16. Dock according to claim 15, further comprising a second blocking device.

17. Distribution center comprising one or more docks and/or blocking devices according to one of the foregoing claims.

18. Method for blocking a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:

- providing a blocking device according to one of the foregoing claims; and

- blocking and/or releasing a vehicle.

19. Method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of detecting a vehicle wheel with a vehicle wheel detector.

20. Method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of determining the wheel diameter and determining a blocking height of the blocking element with a wheel diameter calculator.

21. Method according to claim 19 or 20, further comprising the step of determining an appropriate vehicle wheel for the blocking with the blocking device.

22. Method according to one of the foregoing claims 18-21, wherein the step of blocking a vehicle comprises the steps of:

- moving the blocking device along the vehicle;

positioning the blocking device at a correct location;

positioning the blocking element relative to the wheel to block the vehicle.

23. Method according to claim 22, wherein positioning the blocking element comprises the step of raising the blocking element relative to a driveway to a blocking height.