GB2558779A

GB2558779A - Bumper and dock comprising a bumper guide with activation path and lock, and method for loading/unloading a vehicle at the dock

Info

Publication number: GB2558779A
Application number: GB1720072.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: van der veen Ralf; De Boer Benno
Original assignee: Stertil BV
Current assignee: Stertil BV
Priority date: 2016-12-05
Filing date: 2017-12-01
Publication date: 2018-07-18
Anticipated expiration: 2037-12-01
Also published as: GB201720072D0; FR3059654B1; GB201720285D0; DE102017011070A1; GB2558779B; NL2017922B1; FR3059654A1

Abstract

A bumper 10, dock (2, Fig 1), distribution center (4) for loading/unloading a vehicle (6) is disclosed. Bumper 10 for a loading/unloading dock (2), comprises a bumper housing 30 with bumper element 39 moveable therein and that has a polyethylene surface 39a that engages with a docking vehicle (6). A bumper guide 48 to guide bumper element 39 between rest (see Fig 4) and activated positions (Fig 2) and that itself comprises a substantially vertical guide element 50 to enable vertical movement of bumper element 39 is shown. A drive in the form of gas spring 58 is connected to bumper element 39 so as to move it between rest and activated positions. Locking element rest position and an unlocking element to unlock it accordingly. Other components shown include rubber damping layers 39b, activation element 46, upper surface 42, frame 38 with sidewalls 40, extending distance D1, mounting opening 36, groove and support 62, 60, side plates 32 and bottom surface 44.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Bumper and dock comprising a bumper guide with activation path and lock, and method for loading/unloading a vehicle at the dock

Abstract Title: Moveable bumper and dock arrangement with lock/unlocking capability (57) A bumper 10, dock (2, Fig 1), distribution center (4) for loading/unloading a vehicle (6) is disclosed. Bumper 10 for a loading/unloading dock (2), comprises a bumper housing 30 with bumper element 39 moveable therein and that has a polyethylene surface 39a that engages with a docking vehicle (6). A bumper guide 48 to guide bumper element 39 between rest (see Fig 4) and activated positions (Fig 2) and that itself comprises a substantially vertical guide element 50 to enable vertical movement of bumper element 39 is shown. A drive in the form of gas spring 58 is connected to bumper element 39 so as to move it between rest and activated positions. Locking element rest position and an unlocking element to unlock it accordingly. Other components shown include rubber damping layers 39b, activation element 46, upper surface 42, frame 38 with sidewalls 40, extending distance D1, mounting opening 36, groove and support 62, 60, side plates 32 and bottom surface 44.

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BUMPER AND DOCK COMPRISING A BUMPER GUIDE WITH ACTIVATION PATH AND LOCK, AND METHOD FOR LOADING/UNLOADING A VEHICLE AT THE DOCK

The present invention relates to a bumper for a loading/unloading dock. Such docks are often providing at distribution centres and are configured for sending and/or receiving loads, including packages, parcels, trollies, pallets, and containers. Such dock is specifically designed to receive a truck or train for loading and/or unloading. The dock may include a dock house, a dock leveller, a dock shelter and components thereof.

Conventional docks, also referred to as loading/unloading stations, are often used intensively. The components of such docks are subject to damage and wear due to the extensive use thereof. The risk of damage is further increased as drivers are increasingly confronted with tighter time schedules resulting in inaccurate and/or with insufficient care docking of the vehicle at the dock such that the vehicle may damage the dock/building including the bumpers.

In practise, often stationary bumpers are provided to prevent damage to the docks/building and/or the vehicle. A problem associated with such stationary bumpers is that they may hinder loading/unloading. Also, moveable bumpers have been proposed. These moveable bumpers require sufficient space to enable movement of the bumper. Also, these bumpers require additional components thereby increasing the costs, while still hindering loading/unloading.

The object of the present invention is to obviate or at least reduce some or all of the aforementioned problems and to provide an effective bumper for a loading/unloading dock.

This object is achieved with the bumper for a loading/unloading dock, with the bumper according to the invention comprising:

a bumper housing;

a bumper element that is moveable in the bumper housing, wherein the bumper element has an engagement surface that is configured for engagement with a docking vehicle;

a bumper guide configured for guiding the bumper element between a rest position and an activated position, wherein the bumper guide comprises a substantially vertical guide element configured to enable the bumper element to move in a substantially vertical direction;

a drive that is connected to the bumper element and is configured to move the bumper element between the rest position and the activated position;

a locking element configured for locking the bumper element into a locked state in the rest position; and an unlocking element configured for unlocking the bumper element from the locked state.

By providing a bumper element having an engagement surface that is configured for engagement with a docking vehicle, damage to both the vehicle and the building is prevented. The engagement surface may comprise an engagement layer that is made of polyethylene, for example. It will be understood that also other materials can be used as an alternative or a combination therewith.

According to the invention, the bumper element is moveable in the bumper housing using a bumper guide to guide the relative movement of the bumper element. More specifically, the bumper element may move between at least a rest position and an activated position.

In the rest position, the bumper element is substantially retracted or stored in the bumper housing. In the activated position, the bumper element is in its docking position with the engagement surface configured for engaging a vehicle that may dock at the loading/unloading dock. A drive is provided to enable movement of the bumper element between the rest position and the activated position. Preferably, the drive actively moves the bumper element from the rest position to the activated position after the drive has being activated.

As mentioned, the bumper comprises a drive that is connected to the bumper element and is configured to move the bumper element between the rest position and the activated position. A locking element locks the bumper in a locked state when the bumper element is in the rest position. An unlocking element is provided to unlock the bumper from the locked state. This provides an effective bumper with a limited number of parts that can be provided cost effectively.

In some of the embodiment according to the invention, the unlocking element can be controlled manually. This enables an easy to activate bumper. This keeps control of the bumper element movement relatively straightforward and easy to use. Also, the number of required bumper parts can be kept to a minimum. This achieves a cost effective bumper element that requires a minimal amount of maintenance. It will be understood that alternatively, or in combination therewith, an automated control of the unlocking element can be envisaged in accordance with the invention.

Furthermore, the unlocking element preferably activates the drive such that after unlocking the drive moves the bumper element from the rest position to the activated position. In one of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, after use an operator may return the bumper element from the activated position to the rest position after use. Returning the bumper element can be done manually and/or operated by foot and/or by an automated control.

According to the invention the bumper guide comprises a substantially vertical guide element configured to enable the bumper element to move in a substantially vertical direction. This vertical movement of the bumper element enables positioning the bumper element in an activated position during the docking operation and enables storing or retracting the bumper element substantially away from the dock opening during the loading/unloading operation.

In a presently preferred embodiment the drive comprises a gas spring. This provides an effective and efficient drive for moving the bumper element from the rest position to the activated position. Alternatively, other drives can be used in the bumper. However, the gas spring enables an effective movement of the bumper element. Preferably, the gas spring is activated by the unlocking element that unlocks the bumper element from the locked state and allows the gas spring to move the bumper element. In a preferred embodiment the gas spring only drives the bumper element from the rest position to the activated position. After use, an operator or other person may push the bumper element back from the activated position to the rest position, thereby enabling the bumper element to lock in its locked state in his rest position.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention the bumper guide further comprises an activation guide element that is configured to enable the bumper element to move along an activation path, wherein the activation path is configured to move the bumper element over an activation distance in a direction substantially perpendicular to the engagement surface of the bumper element.

By providing the bumper with the possibility to move the bumper element over an activation distance the engagement surface moves forward over a distance in the direction of travel of the docking vehicle (when the vehicle moves away from the dock, or in the reverse direction of travel of the vehicle when the vehicle is docking). This further reduces the risk of a vehicle damaging the dock.

The activation distance enables effective storage of the bumper element in the rest position. More specifically, when moving the bumper element in the rest position, the bumper element is moved away from the truck over the activation distance (in this situation acting as a deactivation distance) and brought into the rest position. Furthermore, the activation distance provides the engagement surface at an effective position when a vehicle is docking at the dock.

This activation distance is in a presently preferred embodiment of the invention in the range of 0.120 cm, more preferably in the range of 0.5-5 cm. In one of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention this activation distance is achieved by providing the activation guide element of the bumper guide with an activation path. This activation path preferably comprises a curvature and/or inclined part to achieve the movement of the bumper element in the desired perpendicular direction. This further reduces the risk of damaging the dock and/or vehicle.

In one of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, the bumper element is in its activated position in a slightly inclined position relative the dock opening when being in the activated position. This contributes to an effective bumper operation when a vehicle is docking at the dock.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention the bumper element comprises an engagement layer and at least one damping layer configured for damping the relative movement between the engagement layer and the bumper housing.

Providing the bumper element with a number of layers achieves a layered structure such that a modular and flexible design is achieved. This enables adapting the specific structure and characteristics of the bumper according to the invention to the desired requirements for a specific situation. For example, the engagement layer may comprise an engagement surface of polyethylene or another suitable material. The damping layer can be a rubber layer or another suitable element. Optionally, one or more additional damping layers can be provided to improve the damping characteristics and/or dimensions of the bumper element. This provides an effective and efficient possibility to adapt the bumper to its requirements.

The invention also relates to a dock for loading/unloading a vehicle at the dock, wherein the dock comprises a bumper according to one of the aforementioned embodiments.

Such dock provides the same effects and advantages as described in relation to the bumper.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention the dock further comprises a seal assembly. Providing such seal assembly enables the dock to effectively handle chilled and frozen products, for example. This enables efficient transfer of products between a climate room and a refrigerated truck. This prevents product quality loss.

In a presently preferred embodiment the seal assembly comprises a so-called four sided seal that seals the dock opening against the truck over the entire circumference of the opening of the dock.

In one of the presently preferred embodiments 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 activated. 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 substantially vertical movement of the lower seal the seal can be moved effectively into the required position. This provides an effective lower seal.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the dock comprises a stationary bumper part that is connected to the dock and preferably extends in a substantially vertical direction below the expected height of the loading platform of the vehicle. Such stationary bumper part contributes to a further reduction of damage caused by vehicle movement. By providing the stationary bumper part below the expected height of the loading platform of the vehicle, this bumper part may maintain its position after a vehicle is positioned relative to the dock opening.

The invention further also relates to a distribution centre comprising a dock with a bumper according to one of the aforementioned embodiments.

Such dock provides the same effects and advantages as described in relation to the bumper and/or dock.

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

docking a vehicle at a dock, comprising a bumper in one of the aforementioned embodiments;

engaging the bumper with the vehicle; loading/unloading the vehicle; and driving the vehicle away from the dock.

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

In a presently preferred embodiment the method also comprises the step for positioning a dock leveller enabling effective loading/unloading of the vehicle that is docked at the dock. Also preferably, the seal assembly is pressurized after the vehicle engaging the bumper and before retracting the bumper from its activated position to its rest position. This provides an effective sealing of the dock and/or vehicle, thereby contributing to the reduction of product quality loss.

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 dock with a bumper according to the present invention; figures 2 and 3 show the bumper with the bumper element in an activated position; figure 4 shows the bumper element in a rest position; and figure 5 shows details of the locking and unlocking elements of the bumper of figures 2-4.

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

When vehicle 6 is positioned at dock 2, it engages bumpers 10 (figure 1). After vehicle 6 has come to a complete standstill, seal assembly 14 can be activated. In the illustrated embodiment seal assembly 14 will be inflated.

Bumper element 10 (figures 2-5) comprises bumper housing 30. In the illustrated embodiment bumper housing 30 is provided with side plates 32 and wall element 34 that comprises mounting openings 36 to enable mounting bumper 10 to a dock, for example. Frame 38 houses buffer element 39 that comprises an engagement surface 39a and additional damping layers 39b, 39c. In the illustrated embodiment, engagement surface 39a is made of polyethylene and damping layers 39b, 39b are made of a rubber or rubber-like material. Frame 38 comprises side walls 40, upper surface 42 and bottom surface 44.

In the illustrated embodiment, bumper 10 is provided with activation element 46. Side walls 32 are provided with guiding groove 48. In the illustrated embodiment guiding groove 48 comprises a straight vertical groove part 50 and a curved-inclined groove part 52. Curved-inclined groove part 52 makes an angle a relative to vertical groove part 50 and extends over a distance dl (figures 2 and 3). The centre of the outer end of curved-inclined groove part 52 is at an activation distance d2 (figure 3) relative to the position of the straight vertical groove part 50.

Frame 38 comprises pens 56 that move along guide 48. In the illustrated embodiment frame 38 comprises two pens 54, 56 such that the bumper element is in a slightly inclined position in the activated state. Gas spring 58 acts as drive for moving frame 38 from its rest position (figure 4) to the activated position (figures 2 and 3). Gas spring 58 is connected to support 60 having groove 62 to enable movement of pen 64 therein. Gas spring 58 is connected to pen 64. The other end of gas spring 58 is connected to bracket 66 using pen 68 enabling rotation of gas spring 58 around pen 68. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper side 70 of support 46 acts as activation element. Bracket 66 may rotate in a direction A around pen 68. Movement of activation element 70 in a direction B moves hooks 72 that acts as locking element away from support 74, thereby releasing frame 38 from its rest position (figure 4) and moving it to its activated position (figures 2 and 3). Optionally, controller 75 is provided to control movement of activation element 70 by sending and/or receiving signals 75a to and from bumper 10. In one of the illustrated embodiment, controller 75 sends and/or receives signals 75a to and from cylinder 75b (figure 4) of bumper 10.

In the illustrated embodiment activation element 70 (figure 5) comprises bold or pen 76 that is positioned in hole 78 of activation element 70. Movement of activation element 70 in a direction B works against the spring force of spring 80. Spring 80 keeps frame 38 in its locked position in the rest position (figures 4 and 5).

When vehicle 6 starts docking at dock 2 of distribution centre 4, activation element 70 is moved in a direction B. Hooks 72 are removed from support 74 and frame 38 is unlocked. Gas spring 58 moves frame 38 from its rest position (figure 4) to its activated position (figures 2 and 3). During this movement, pens 54, 56 move in guiding groove 48.

In the illustrated embodiment engagement surface 39 is brought into a slightly inclined position. It will be understood that this is an optional feature of one of the embodiments of the invention.

After docking the vehicle and engaging the engagement surface 39, sealing assembly 14 can be activated. In one of the presently preferred embodiments bumpers 10 are brought into the rest position after the seal assembly has been activated/inflated. Bumpers 10 are preferably operated by foot and when bringing the bumper elements in the rest position, the elements are moved away from the vehicle over the (de-)activation distance. Doors of vehicle 6 are opened and goods are loaded/unloaded. After loading/unloading the vehicle the doors are closed, the seals are deflated and the vehicle is allowed to drive away from dock 2.

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. Bumper for a loading/unloading dock, the bumper comprising:

a bumper housing;

2. Bumper according to claim 1, wherein the drive comprises a gas spring.

3. Bumper according to claim 2, wherein the gas spring drives the bumper element from the rest position to the activated position.

4. Bumper according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the unlocking element comprises an activation element.

5. Bumper according to one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the bumper guide comprises an activation guide element configured to enable the bumper element to move along an activation path, wherein the activation path is configured to move the bumper element over an activation distance in a direction substantially perpendicular to the engagement surface of the bumper element.

6. Bumper according to claim 5, wherein the activation path comprises a curvature and/or inclined part to achieve the movement of the bumper element in the substantially perpendicular direction to the engagement surface.

7. Bumper according to claim 6, wherein in the activated position the bumper element is in an inclined position relative to the substantially vertical dock opening.

8. Bumper according to one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the bumper element comprises:

an engagement layer; and at least one damping layer configured for damping the relative movement between the engagement layer and the bumper housing.

9. Dock for loading/unloading a vehicle, the dock comprising a bumper according to one or more of the foregoing claims.

10. Dock according to claim 9, further comprising a seal assembly.

11. Dock according to claim 10, wherein the seal assembly comprises a lower seal that is extendable between a stored position and an in-use position when the lower seal is pressurized.

12. Dock according to claim 11, wherein the lower seal is configured to extend in a substantially vertical direction.

13. Dock according to one or more of the claims 9-12, further comprising a stationary bumper part that is connected to the dock and extends in a substantially vertical direction below the expected height of the loading platform of the vehicle.

14. Distribution centre comprising a dock and a bumper according to one or more of the foregoing claims.

15. Method for loading/unloading a vehicle at a dock, the method comprising the steps of:

docking a vehicle at the dock comprising a bumper according to one or more of the foregoing claims;

engaging the bumper with the vehicle; loading/unloading the vehicle; and riding the vehicle from the dock.

16. Method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of positioning a dock leveller enabling loading/unloading the vehicle.

17. Method according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising the step of pressurizing the seal assembly after the vehicle engages the bumper and before retracting the bumper.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1720072.6 Examiner: Mr David J Evans