FR3094705A1 - DOCK LEVELER WITH ADJUSTABLE SIDE ELEMENTS, BORING STATION AND DISTRIBUTION CENTER EQUIPPED WITH IT, AS WELL AS ASSOCIATED METHOD - Google Patents

Abstract

DOCK LEVELER WITH ADJUSTABLE SIDE ELEMENTS, DOCKING POST AND DISTRIBUTION CENTER EQUIPPED THEREOF, AND ASSOCIATED METHOD The present invention relates to a dock leveler with adjustable side members, docking station and distribution center equipped therewith, and method for loading and/or unloading goods into/from a vehicle. The dock leveler according to the invention comprises: - a platform which can be positioned to be adjusted to the height of the vehicle load space, in which the platform comprises a main platform and a lip which is configured to be partially deployed in the vehicle load space; - a lifting control to position the platform in height and a lip deployment control to position the platform between a rest state and a loading state in which goods can be loaded and/or unloaded in/from the space of vehicle loading; wherein the platform lip includes a central lip member and one or more side members that are configured to move an adjustable distance. Figure for the abstract: Figure 2

Description

DOCK LEVELER WITH ADJUSTABLE SIDE ELEMENTS, DOCKING POST AND DISTRIBUTION CENTER EQUIPPED THEREOF, AND ASSOCIATED METHOD

The present invention relates to a dock leveler for a docking station. Such a berth is often part of a distribution center which is configured to accommodate trucks, (delivery) vans and/or trailers loading and/or unloading goods, including packages, parcels , consumer products and finished products.

Conventional dock levelers are often offered in a pit or recess in the berth. Such dock levelers are able to support loads, including forklifts used to move these loads in and out of the loading space of trucks, for example. A dock leveler is disclosed in patent application WO 2016/137315 which specifically discloses a rolling cover dock leveler.

US 6,594,842 B2 discloses a segment wide lip loading dock.

To properly position a dock leveler, the dock leveler platform is often raised and an extendable part, also referred to as a lip or end, (partially) positioned in the cargo space of the truck or other vehicle. This extendable part often comprises plates which can slide relative to each other.

Conventional distribution centers, and therefore berths and dock levellers, are increasingly faced with different types of vehicles for loading and/or unloading goods. More specifically, (delivery) vans of various types and sizes are often used to deliver goods directly to consumers from a distribution center. Therefore, dock levelers must be able to handle different means of transport such as forklifts, pallet trucks, electric pallet trucks, manual pallet trucks and manual loading/unloading (by hand) and different types of vehicles . In practice, this causes accidents that can lead to bodily injury and/or damage to goods.

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

This object is achieved with the dock leveler for loading and/or unloading goods in/from a vehicle, with the dock leveler according to the invention comprising:

- a platform which can be positioned to be adjusted to the height of the vehicle load space, in which the platform comprises a main platform and a lip which is configured to be partially deployed in the vehicle load space;

- a lifting control to position the platform in height and a lip deployment control to position the platform between a rest state and a loading state in which goods can be loaded and/or unloaded in/from the space of vehicle loading,

wherein the platform lip includes a central lip member and one or more side members that are configured to move an adjustable distance.

The dock leveler according to the invention is configured to allow the loading and/or unloading of goods in a/a vehicle by forming a connecting bridge between the floor of the docking station and the loading space of the vehicle . This vehicle may include a truck, a (delivery) van and/or a trailer. Goods can be loaded/unloaded using means of transport, such as forklifts, pallet trucks, electric pallet trucks, manual pallet trucks, and even manual/hand loading/unloading of goods in the vehicle. Such a dock leveler has been implemented in a berth which is often part of a distribution center having a number of such berths. Such a berth is also referred to as a dock or a dock shelter and it can be offered with a dock seal (insulation).

The dock leveler according to the invention comprises a platform allowing loading and/or unloading in a/a vehicle. The platform includes a main platform and a lip that is configured to move partially within the vehicle's cargo area. Such a vehicle may relate to a truck, a (delivery) van and/or a trailer. Such vehicles may have different loadspace floor heights. For example, in the case of a truck, this height is generally between 1000-1200 mm and in the case of a van, between 350-400 mm. This clearly shows the desired flexibility of the dock leveler according to the invention.

The platform is positioned with the lift control and a lip extend control to (partially) enter the lip into the vehicle loadspace and adjust the position of the leveler to the height of the loadspace floor. Preferably, the platform is connected by hinges to a frame or another structural element, for example a part of the platform. The mobility of the platform is ensured by the lifting control. The lip deployment control is configured to at least partially deploy the lip of the platform into the vehicle cargo area. The lift control and the lip deployment control are configured to move the platform between a resting state in which the leveler is preferably retracted, and a loading state in which goods can be loaded and/or unloaded into/from the vehicle's cargo area. In the loading state, means of transport such as a forklift use the platform to form a connecting bridge between the platform floor and the loading space of the vehicle. The lifting control and/or the lip deployment control can perform translational and/or rotational movement(s) to position the platform using an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder or any other appropriate means to position the platform or its elements.

The dock leveler according to the invention is provided with a main platform and a lip which comprises a central lip element and one or more side elements which are configured to move an adjustable distance towards the vehicle. In a currently preferred embodiment, the central lip element is offered with a width such that the central lip element can be positioned in the load space of a wide range of vehicles, which generally ranges from the trailer /from the truck to the (delivery) van. In such a presently preferred embodiment, a side member is provided on both sides of the central lip member. The side member or side members are configured to move an adjustable distance. In the case of the loading/unloading of a truck, the side elements can be completely deployed and propose a lip of maximum width, that is to say equal to the sum of the widths of the central lip element and the elements side. The central lip element and the side elements can be positioned (together) in the loading space of the truck. In the case of a narrower (delivery) van, whose loading space is relatively less wide than that of the truck, the side elements are not fully extended. Preferably, only the central lip element is positioned in the cargo space. This provides the necessary flexibility for the dock leveler according to the invention which can be used in combination with different types of vehicle.

Another advantage of providing side members that are configured to move an adjustable distance is that the gap between the leveler and the side walls of the vehicle can be substantially filled. This space is present in a loading state of the platform where the central lip element is positioned in the loading space of the vehicle and where the side elements are fully retracted. The dimensions of this space are partly determined by the configuration of the vehicle. For example, vehicle doors that open with an angle of rotation up to about 180° require more space than doors that open up to about 270°. The absence or presence of a tow bar and/or the position of the brake lights may also be relevant, for example. The provision of side members that are configured to move an adjustable distance substantially closes the gap between the leveler and the vehicle. This filling significantly reduces the risk of personal injury and damage to goods and means of transport. Therefore, the ability to move the side members an adjustable distance to/from the vehicle allows the gap between the leveler and the vehicle to be sufficiently closed. For example, in a loaded state of the leveler, the leveler lip extends a distance of 10-15 cm into the vehicle's loading space. The use of adjustable side elements limits the space between the vehicle and the leveler to approximately 10 cm or less. It is understood that other dimensions can also be envisaged in accordance with the invention. For example, these dimensions may depend on the specific type of vehicle.

In a currently preferred embodiment the dock leveler is a telescoping lip/end leveler having a telescoping lip that can be positioned within the cargo area of the vehicle. The central lip element and the side elements preferably deploy from below the main platform in a sliding movement to allow positioning of the lip relative to the vehicle's load space. The use of side members could alternatively be applied to other types of dock leveler, including swing end or swing lip levelers which have a swing lip part that can be (partially) positioned in space loading area of a vehicle and which is configured to maintain the transition surface between the platform and the loading space substantially horizontal. It is understood that other types of leveler or combination thereof may be provided where the side members are configured to move an adjustable distance.

Preferably, the side members are configured to move in a sliding motion, also referred to as a translational motion. This allows movement over an adjustable distance such that any gap between the main platform and the vehicle can be substantially filled. The sliding movement also allows an intermediate position of the side elements between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position. This improves safety when using the dock leveler.

In a presently preferred embodiment, the dock leveler according to the invention further comprises a side member control mechanism which is configured to allow movement of the side member(s) relative to the main platform.

The provision of a side member control mechanism allows movement of the side members relative to the main platform. This movement can relate to a complete deployment of the side elements in the loading space of the vehicle and a complete retraction of the side elements in a state of rest of the dock leveler. Preferably, this movement can be carried out jointly with the central lip part. In addition, and in accordance with the present invention, these side elements can be deployed over an adjustable distance. This adjustable distance allows the gap between the leveler and the vehicle to be closed sufficiently as a precaution to prevent personal injury and damage. The currently preferred side member control mechanism may be selectively coupled to the lip deployment control. This has the advantage that a single control can jointly or separately move the central lip element and the side elements.

In a first configuration, the space/distance between the side members and the van or truck is determined or measured. In this configuration, preferably, the central lip member moves a distance equal to the gap/distance. Then the side elements are unlocked and the movement of the side elements is coupled to the movement of the central lip element. After proper positioning of the central lip element in the load space, the side elements substantially cover the space/distance between the leveler and the van or truck.

In a second configuration, the central lip element and the side elements start by deploying together. When it is detected that the side elements approach too close to the vehicle, the movement of the side elements is stopped, while the central lip element is positioned in the loading space of the van or truck.

In a currently preferred embodiment of the invention, the side member control mechanism includes a locking device and locking members that are configured to lock and/or unlock the side member(s) with the side member(s). center lip member for selectively coupling movement of the side member(s) to the center lip member.

By allowing selective coupling and/or decoupling of the movement of the side elements and of the central lip part, an effective and efficient extending lip is obtained. In fact, this effectively bridges the gap between the leveler and the vehicle in case the vehicles are narrower than the maximum width of the leveler. In addition, this selective coupling is obtained with a lower cost dock leveler which is relatively simple, thus limiting maintenance and/or the risk of breakdowns.

In a presently preferred embodiment, the latch control includes an actuator that acts on the latch elements, the latch elements being configured to engage the side element(s). In a locked state, the locking elements engage the side elements and can prevent movement of the side elements. In this locked state, the central lip element can be deployed independently of the side elements. When the locking elements disengage, the side elements preferably deploy together with the central lip element. It is understood that during the deployment of the central lip element the side elements can be locked on part of this deployment movement and unlocked on the remaining part of the deployment movement, as in the first configuration mentioned above. This means that the side members can be moved to a position between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position, thus significantly closing the gap between the leveler and the vehicle in almost all circumstances. Preferably, the cylinder of this locking control is fixed to the rear articulated part of the leveler platform.

In a presently preferred embodiment the dock leveler further includes a latch or cam member which is configured to co-move the side member(s) with the center lip member. These latch or cam elements may include pins, pawls, plates and other suitable elements. Preferably, this latch or cam member is adjustable to limit the travel of the side member(s). This can be achieved with flexible positioning of the latch or cam elements relative to the movable side elements. For example, the position of the latch or cam elements can be chosen depending on the vehicle to be loaded/unloaded. This setting can be done automatically or manually.

Alternatively, or in combination, the side member drive mechanism includes a side member drive for moving the side member(s). This allows independent control and/or monitoring of the movement of these side elements.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the side member(s) include a distance sensor configured to measure the distance between the side member(s) and the vehicle.

The provision of a distance sensor allows the monitoring of the space between the side elements and the vehicle. Optionally, the sensor is used to control the movement of the side elements. This control can be carried out using independent/separate controls of the side elements and/or the selective coupling/decoupling movement of the side elements with the central lip element using the measurement information. This may allow operation in the second configuration mentioned above. This improves the general safety of the dock leveler according to the invention and further reduces the risk of personal injury and/or damage.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the dock leveler further comprises a dock leveler controller which is configured to sense and/or select a platform condition enabling or disabling use of the side members.

The supply of a dock leveler controller allows effective control and/or monitoring of the actual use of the dock leveler. This may relate to the selection of the appropriate dock leveler settings, such as the movement distance of the side elements in relation to the (expected) vehicle which is to be loaded and/or unloaded. Preferably, the controller includes a selector, such as a selector switch or button wherein the selector is configured to select a platform state enabling or disabling use of the side members. When a user or operator notices/confirms the presence of a truck, van or other vehicle at the dock, that person switches the selector to the appropriate position, thereby enabling or disabling the use of the side elements so that the width of the platform is adapted to the type of vehicle. Alternatively, or in addition to this, this selection is automated, for example by using a detector which determines the type of vehicle when a vehicle approaches the platform.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the dock leveler is provided with a vehicle detector which is configured to detect the type of vehicle. For example, when deploying the leveler, the vehicle sensor can detect the sides of a van so that the side members are retracted or simply stop deploying. This can avoid the use of a separate selector or selector switch and provide information about required platform states to the dock leveler.

In a presently preferred embodiment the dock leveler controller further includes a support sensor which is configured to detect whether the leveler lip is supported by the vehicle. When used in the loaded dock leveler state, the dock leveler rests with its lip on the floor of the vehicle's cargo area. The media detector detects this media and can provide a signal to the controller. Eventually this produces an enable signal which generates an unlock signal that the leveler is ready for use. Optionally, the dock leveler further includes a locking system configured to lock or unlock the leveler in response to a lock or unlock signal. Equipping the leveler with a locking system preferably requires the leveler to be unlocked for use. This allows control of the use of the dock leveler. The lock or unlock signal can be generated by the dock leveler controller, either automatically or manually. Optionally, this signal is generated by a central controller. This locking element may involve a software lock disabling the activation of the dock leveler and/or a hardware lock such as control valves, terminals, etc., which lock the leveler against unwanted/unauthorized use.

In another preferred embodiment the controller is configured to detect an overload and/or the presence of an unauthorized transport device on the platform.

The detection of an overload makes it possible to prevent or identify dangerous situations in order to be able to take appropriate measures. In addition, or alternatively to this, the use of unauthorized transport devices can be detected so that warnings can be given or other appropriate measures taken. This increases general safety when using the dock leveler for loading and/or unloading goods into/from a vehicle. This measurement can be carried out using one or more sensors, such as an inclination sensor, a load sensor and/or an infrared sensor for the vehicle. It is understood that other suitable sensors can also be envisaged in accordance with the present invention.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the leveler is equipped with a tilt sensor which is configured to measure the tilt angle of the platform. Such a tilt sensor can measure the angle relative to a horizontal position such as the floor using several measurement principles, such as capacitance differences which can be converted into a measurement signal using sensors based on the MEMS (micro-electromechanical system) and/or Hall effect technology. It is understood that other suitable types of sensor can also be used in the dock leveler of the invention.

The inclination sensor measures the angle of inclination of the platform in relation to the horizontal/to the floor. In the case of trucks or trailers, this angle is often positive and such that the means of transport access the loading space by an ascending platform. In the case of (delivery) vans, the means of transport often access the loading space via a descending platform. This is due to the different heights of the load space relative to the ground surface.

In a currently preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor is an inclinometer. These inclinometers have proven to be generally reliable and can provide an effective means of measuring the angle of inclination of the platform. The sensor is preferably attached to the platform. This has the additional advantage of also allowing stand-alone use of the leveler with minimal interference to the measurement signal. Moreover, in combination with the controller and the warning system, this sensor can also be applied to a conventional dock leveler. This increases the applicability of the leveler.

The dock leveler according to the invention further comprises a controller with a warning system. This controller with a warning system is configured to receive a measurement from the inclination sensor and to determine the type or types of transport means whose use is permitted (authorized) in the loading state of the platform. The controller with a warning system compares the measured inclination angle of the platform with the specifications of different means of transport. A warning signal (information) is offered to a user or operator to warn/inform this user or means of transport operator of the means of transport which are permitted to be used with the leveler in the specific loading condition for the loading and/or the unloading of goods into/from the loading space of the vehicle. This avoids the use of unwanted or unauthorized means of transport which could lead to dangerous situations. Therefore, the controller with warning system improves overall safety when using the dock leveler according to the invention by preventing personal injury and/or damage to goods.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the warning system includes a screen. Such a screen offers the possibility of proposing a warning or information signal relating to the means of transport which can be used in the specific loading state of the dock leveler to the user/operator. This screen can be offered on a monitor that is near the dock leveler and/or in a control room and/or on a driver's/transport user's smartwatch or tablet. This ensures that the user/operator has the appropriate warnings or information when intending to use the dock leveler of the invention. This display can be used with other audio or visualization subsystems. This screen can also be used to visualize the distance between the leveler and the vehicle.

The present invention also relates to a docking station comprising such a dock leveler, and a distribution center comprising at least one docking station.

Such a berth and/or distribution center provides effects and advantages similar to those described in connection with the dock leveler. Optionally, the dock can be equipped with a dock monitoring system which includes the dock leveler in one embodiment of the invention. For example, the monitoring system may include a dock door controller that is configured to partially open a dock door, position the platform, and continue opening the dock door. Preferably, this allows the door to be partially opened and the dock leveler platform to be correctly positioned before further opening, such that the dock door controller improves the tightness of docking conditions against the external environment. This is particularly relevant for cold storage, for example.

The invention further relates to a method for loading and/or unloading goods in/from a vehicle, the method comprising the following steps:

- the supply of a dock leveler according to one embodiment of the invention,

- the movement of the leveler in a loading state; and

- loading and/or unloading of the vehicle's loading space.

The method provides effects and benefits similar to those described in connection with the dock leveler, dock monitoring system, berth and/or distribution center.

Other advantages, characteristics and details of the invention are explained on the basis of preferred embodiments thereof, where reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which the:

- , Fig.1 illustrates a docking station with a dock leveler according to the invention;

- [Fig 3][Fig 4], Figs. 2-4 illustrate the dock leveler in Fig. 1 with a fully extended (Fig. 2), partially extended (Fig. 3) lip and a detailed view of the space separating the leveler from the vehicle (Fig. 4); and

- [Fig 6] [Fig 7] [Fig 8] [Fig 9] [Fig 10], Figs. 5-10 illustrate a currently preferred embodiment of the dock leveler according to the invention with a side member control mechanism.

The following description is given by way of example only and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its applications, or its uses. Since it is defined as having exemplary attributes and applications, this description may be further modified. This application is therefore intended to cover all variations, uses, or annotations of the description that use its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover all generally known modifications of this description or common practice of those skilled in the art to which this description relates and which fall within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the following description of certain embodiments and examples should be considered exemplary only and in no way limiting. With reference to the figures, like element numbers refer to the same or similar elements between the drawings.

The distribution center 2 (Figure 1) comprises a number of docks or berths 4. In the embodiment shown, each dock is provided with a dock seal 6, a door 8, gaskets seal 10, a barrier 12 and a bumper 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the dock 4 further comprises a dock leveler 16. The dock leveler 16 is offered with a load cell 18 for measuring the loads that are loaded and/or unloaded, a tilt sensor 20 to measure the (angular) position of the leveler 16, a vehicle detector 19 to detect the type of vehicle at the dock, a support detector 21 to detect that the leveler is resting on the floor of the vehicle's cargo space, and a means of transport detector 23 which detects the presence of means of transport on the leveler 16. The door 8 is equipped with one or more door position sensors 22 for detecting the position door 8. A barrier 12 is supplied with a 24 state sensor.

In the embodiment shown the dock 4 is provided with a vehicle locking system 26 which comprises a guide rail 28, a carriage 30 guided by a guide rail 28, wherein the carriage 30 is provided with locking means 32 to block the wheel 34 of the truck 36. The locking element 38 is provided on the carriage 30 to releasably lock the carriage 30 with respect to the guide rail 28. Moving means 40 are provided for moving the carriage 30 relative to the guide rail 28. Preferably, the locking system status sensor 41 is provided to detect the status of the locking system 26. LED lights 42 of the truck docking assist system 44 assist a truck driver 36 when docking the truck 36. In the embodiment shown, the assistance system 44 further comprises a camera 51 for detecting the positions of the truck and/or the type of vehicle, a traffic light of sig marking 48 to further assist the truck driver 36, and a projector 47 to project signals, such as arrows 49, onto the ground surface to assist the truck driver. Camera 51 is preferably remotely controlled and used for identification/recognition of truck 36 upon entering the premises of distribution center 2. When truck 36 has been identified, the driver receives a message or signals to direct truck 36 to assigned dock 4. This greatly improves the docking process.

Optionally, the camera 51 provides information on the type of vehicle, such as a truck 36, to the central and/or dock controller 50 allowing the controller 50 to adapt the settings of the dock elements, such as the leveler 16 comprising preferably a dock leveler controller 52, and/or using vehicle specific information to charge the dock 4 user for the docking operation that has been performed. More specifically, in one of the currently preferred embodiments, vehicle type information is used to control the optional side ends of leveler 16.

The leveler 16 (Figures 2-3) includes a platform 54. In the embodiment shown, the platform 54 is schematically shown and includes a main platform 56 hinged between side plates 57 of the frame of the leveler 16. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment the leveler 16 includes an extendable lip 58 having a central lip 59 which can be deployed in the vehicle load space 36 in a loaded state of the leveler 16. The platform 56 has a length L and a width maximum W, and it can be positioned at an angle α relative to the horizontal or to the surface of the platform floor with the cylinder 62. In the embodiment shown the platform 56 can rotate around the axis 64. The maximum width W is equal to the sum of the widths of the central lip element W _lip and the individual side elements W _side (Figure 4).

In the embodiment shown the central lip element 59 can be deployed with a sliding movement in the direction B in the direction of the length of the platform 56, while the side elements 66 can be deployed with a sliding movement in the direction B. direction D which is substantially parallel to direction B. The side elements 66 can be fully extended (FIG. 2) in order to be able to be used with a truck, for example. In addition, the side elements 66 can be (partially) retracted (Figure 3) to be used with a (delivery) van 36a, for example, leaving an empty space 68 whose length is equal to d _gap (Figure 4) . In a loaded state of the leveler 16 the central lip member 59 advances the distance d _support in the vehicle 36a. In the embodiment shown the doors 36b of the van 36a are opened and subjected to a rotation of approximately 270° with the hinge 36C. In the embodiment shown d _support is approximately equal to 12 cm and d _gap is approximately equal to 8 cm. It is understood that these dimensions may depend on the vehicle and/or the type of leveler. A distance sensor 37 is possibly proposed. For example, a distance sensor 37 may be attached to side member 66 and/or provided at another suitable location. Alternatively, or in combination with the distance sensor 37, other sensors can be used to measure the space 68, such as a camera 51.

The illustrated embodiment shows that leveler 16 includes a telescoping lip 58. It is shown schematically that leveler 16 may also include a reciprocating lip 58 which is rotatable about an axis 60 in direction A to tilt lip 58 in an angle β with respect to the platform 56. This relates to a leveler with an articulated end or lip. It is understood that other combinations of different types of leveler can be envisaged. The lip 58 can be moved using a control cylinder 70, for example.

In the embodiment shown, locking elements 72 are schematically illustrated to activate and/or deactivate the use of the side elements 66. Also schematically illustrated are locking elements 74 which allow the locking or unlocking of the movement of the platform. 54 around the axis 64. The locking elements 72, 74 can relate to software locks preventing a motor and/or a pump from operating, a valve, from opening or closing, and/or a hardware lock such as than locking a terminal.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention the side member operating mechanism 104 (Figure 5) includes a locking ram 106 which is connected to the locking members 107. Locking members 107 are configured to engage in a slide 108 which includes an engagement rib 110. The slide 108 is connected to the movable side member 66 by an arm/slide 109. The retraction of the cylinder 106 locks the movement of the side member 66 to the following the engagement of the locking elements 107 in the ribs 110 (Figure 6). Extension of jack 106 in direction E (Figure 6) releases engagement of locking elements 107 and ribs 110. Jack 106 is attached to frame 112 of leveler 16, more preferably to a fixed part of that -this.

In the embodiment shown, a sub-plate 114 (Figures 5-10) is provided which is located substantially below side member 66. Sub-plate 114 is provided with pawl members 116 which are configured to engage side member 66. Preferably, the position of ratchet members 116 is adjustable. In the embodiment shown the ratchet elements 116 comprise a number of bolts or screws which can be moved in a groove 117 (Figure 10) which is fixed in the sub-plate 114. It is understood that other configurations Ratchet elements 116 may also be contemplated in accordance with the present invention. Sub-plate 114 is configured to move together with central lip member 59 (Figure 7) disengaging locking members 107 and ribs 110.

In the embodiment shown sub-plate 114 moves together with central lip member 59, while both are connected to a movable frame or support (compare Figures 6 and 7, and also Figures 8 and 9 ). Retraction of cylinder 106 locks movement of side member 66 following engagement of locking members 107 into ribs 110 (Figure 6). This allows underplate 114 to move together with center lip member 59, while side member 66 remains in its original position. In the embodiment shown this is made possible by moving the pawl elements 116 into the groove 117 (Figure 10). After allowing the center lip member 59 to expand some distance, the ratchet members 116 will cause the side members 66 to begin to move together with the center lip member 59, since the ratchet members 116 force the locking elements 107, shown as rollers, to pass the engagement rib 110. Optionally, the pawl elements 116 can be placed in a desired position in the side element 66. Ratchet 116 may be provided in any suitable manner, such as bolts, screws, pins and cams.

Controller 52 (Figure 2-3) is capable of controlling the operation of leveler 16. It is understood that controller 52 can be applied to various embodiments of leveler 16, including all of the embodiments shown in this application. In the illustrated embodiment(s), a selection button or switch 75 is provided to allow the user to enable or disable the use of the side elements 66. The controller 52 receives measurement information 76 from one or more sensors 22, 24, 41, 51, 18, 20, 19, 21 and/or other suitable sensors. In addition, the controller 52 possibly exchanges information with the central controller 50. This may also concern other information and/or the authorization given to a user or an operator to use the dock leveler 16.

In a first configuration, controller 52 determines the selected distance d _gap between side members 66 and van 36a or truck 36. In this configuration, preferably, central lip member 59 is moved a distance equal to the selected distance d _gap (Figure 8). Then, the side members 66 are unlocked and the movement of the side members 66 is coupled to the movement of the central lip member 59 (Figure 9). After the central lip member 59 has been properly positioned in the cargo space, the side members 66 substantially cover the space between the leveler 16 and the van 36a leaving only a small gap of distance d _gap . This is applied when loading/unloading a delivery van, for example.

In a second configuration, controller 52 begins to move central lip member 59 and side members 66 (optional in Figure 6). When the distance sensor 37 detects that the side elements 66 are getting too close to the vehicle 36a the controller 52 stops the movement of the side elements 66, while the central lip element 59 is positioned in the load space of the van 36a.

In the case of loading/unloading a truck, the side members 66 move together with the central lip member 59 (Figure 7) to allow positioning in the truck's loading space.

In the embodiment shown, a warning system 77 determines the means of transport whose use is permitted/allowed in combination with the actual angle of inclination α. The warning system 77 is preferably integrated into the controller 52. The controller 52 determines the control actions 78 which may include the actuation of the cylinders 62, 70 and/or the schematically illustrated control 80 of the side elements 66. The actions 78 can be determined automatically and/or manually using operator inputs. Optionally, the controller 52 sends warning signals 82 to the display system 84 such as a signal light/lamp and/or a warning signal 86 to the screen 88 which can be integrated into the controller 52 and/or or provided on a separate screen. For example, screen 88 may be provided on central controller 50, a user's smartwatch and/or tablet, and other suitable screens 88. In one of the currently preferred embodiments, screen 88 presents a table indicating the different means of transport with pictograms of forklift 90, pallet truck with driver 92, electric pallet truck 94, manual pallet truck 96 and manual/hand loading 98. For each individual means of transport, an allow symbol 100 or a disallow symbol 102 is indicated on display 88. In the illustrated embodiment, manual/hand transport and forklift transport are permitted, while other means transport are not allowed.

The loading/unloading of the goods begins with the arrival of the vehicle 36. The type of vehicle can be registered using, for example, a camera 51 or a detector 19. Alternatively, the type of vehicle can be determined by the user by using, for example, the select button 75. The door 8 is open, or in the case of cold storage, preferably partially open, such that the leveler 16 can be positioned with the lip 58 in the load space of the vehicle 36, 36a. After arranging the seals 10, the door 8 can be opened. When the movement of the platform 54 is approved by a user or an operator, the locking elements 74 are unlocked to allow the actuation of the cylinders 62, 70. The side elements 66 can be positioned using the detector 19 and the control 80 , in accordance with a first or second configuration, for example. When the platform 54 has been correctly positioned, a support signal can be transmitted to the controller 52 by the sensor 21. The tilt sensor 20 transmits the tilt angle to the controller 52. The controller 52 includes a warning system 77 which determines the means of transport which can be used in the loading state of the leveler 16. This may involve the transmission of a signal to the "traffic light" 84 and/or the screen 88. Loading/unloading of the vehicle 36, 36a can start. Unwanted and unauthorized use of the leveler 16 can be detected by the load sensor 18 and/or the means of transport detector 23. This can activate, for example, the locking elements 74, and/or transmit a signal to fire warning 84, screen 88 and/or central controller 50.

The present invention is in no way limited to the above-described preferred embodiments thereof. The rights claimed are defined by the following claims within which numerous modifications may be envisaged.

Claims (16)

Dock leveler for loading and / or unloading into / from a vehicle, the leveler comprising:
- a platform which can be positioned to be adjusted to the height of the loading space of the vehicle, in which the platform comprises a main platform and a lip which is configured to be partially deployed in the loading space of the vehicle;
- a lifting control to position the platform in height and a lip deployment control to position the platform between a resting state and a loading state in which goods can be loaded and / or unloaded in / from the space of loading the vehicle,
wherein the lip of the platform includes a central lip member and one or more side members which are configured to move an adjustable distance. A dock leveler according to claim 1, wherein the side members are configured for sliding movement over the adjustable distance. A dock leveler according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a side member control mechanism which is configured to allow movement of the side member (s) relative to the main platform. A dock leveler according to claim 3, wherein the side member control mechanism comprises a locking drive and locking members which are configured to lock and / or unlock the side member (s) to allow coupling and / or selectively decoupling the movement of the side member (s) from the central lip member. A dock leveler according to claim 4, wherein the locking control comprises a cylinder which acts on the locking elements which are configured to engage with the one or more side elements. A dock leveler according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a latch or cam member which is configured to move the side member (s) together with the central lip member. A dock leveler according to claim 6, wherein the latch or cam member is adjustable to adjust the adjustable distance. A dock leveler according to one of the preceding claims 3-7, wherein the side member control mechanism comprises a side member drive for moving the one or more side members. A dock leveler according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more side members comprise a distance sensor configured to measure the distance between the one or more side members and the vehicle. A dock leveler according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a dock leveler controller which is configured to sense and / or select a platform state enabling or disabling the use of the side members. A dock leveler according to claim 10, in which the controller is configured to detect an overload and / or the presence of unauthorized means of transport on the platform. A dock leveler according to any preceding claim, further comprising a tilt sensor configured to measure the tilt angle of the platform. A dock leveler according to claim 12, further comprising a warning system configured to receive a measurement from the tilt sensor and to determine the type or types of conveyance permitted for use in the loaded state. of the platform. Docking station comprising a dock leveler according to any one of the preceding claims. Distribution center comprising at least one docking station according to claim 14. Method for loading and / or unloading goods into a / from a vehicle, the method comprising the following steps:
- the provision of a dock leveler according to any one of claims 1-13;
- moving the leveler into a loaded state; and
- loading and / or unloading of goods in / from the loading space of the vehicle.