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Title:
SYSTEM FOR PREVENTING SEMITRAILER COLLISIONS WITH A LOADING RAMP
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/091644
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a system for preventing semitrailer collisions with a loading ramp (10). The system comprises a sensor (100) and guide block (200). The sensor (100) is configured for sensing when the rear end of a semitrailer (12) is approaching a loading ramp (10). The guide block (200) is adapted to be positioned on the ground, and is here shown positioned laterally to the opening of the loading ramp (10). The guide block (200) comprises wheel blocking means (210) configured for supporting the tread of a rear tire of the semitrailer (12). The wheel blocking means (210) is configured to move from a forwarded position relative to the loading ramp (10) to a retracted position relative to the loading ramp (10) as the semitrailer (12) is reversing towards said loading ramp (10). The sensor (100) is configured to send a blocking signal to the guide block (200) when the distance between the rear end of the semitrailer (12) and the loading ramp (10) is below a preset threshold, thereby blocking the movement of the wheel blocking means (210).

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Inventors:
VALENTIN JAN (DK)
Application Number:
PCT/EP2018/075294
Publication Date:
May 16, 2019
Filing Date:
September 19, 2018
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
JVJ MASKINTEKNIK APS (DK)
International Classes:
B65G69/00
Domestic Patent References:
WO2001043526A22001-06-21
Foreign References:
EP2530038A12012-12-05
US5553987A1996-09-10
EP2380833A12011-10-26
DE19706326C11998-10-01
US20110162916A12011-07-07
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
LARSEN & BIRKEHOLM A/S (DK)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims

1 . A system for preventing semitrailer collisions with a loading ramp (10) comprising:

- a sensor (100) configured for sensing when the rear end of a semitrailer (12) is approaching a loading ramp (10); and

- a guide block (200) adapted to be positioned on the ground, laterally and/or medially to the opening of the loading ramp (10); wherein the guide block (200) comprises wheel blocking means (210) configured for supporting the tread of a rear tire of the semitrailer (12), and configured to move from a forwarded position relative to the loading ramp (10) to a retracted position relative to the loading ramp (10) as the semitrailer (12) is reversing towards said loading ramp (10); wherein the sensor (100) is configured to send a blocking signal to the guide block (200) when the distance between the rear end of the semitrailer (12) and the loading ramp (10) is below a preset threshold, thereby blocking the

movement of the wheel blocking means (210);

characterized in that the wheel blocking means (210) is connected to a first locking means comprising a first toothed rack (220), and a first locking pin (230); and wherein the first locking pin (230) is configured to engage with the first toothed rack (220) upon receipt, either directly or indirectly, of a blocking signal from a sensor or a switch.

2. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the guide block further comprises a wheel chock system adapted for blocking a tire of a semitrailer. 3. A system according to any one of the claims 1 -2, wherein the wheel blocking means (210) is configured as a sled with a) a distal end (212), relative to the loading ramp (10), configured as a ramp; b1 ) a substantially plane, relative to the ground surface, middle segment or b2) a concave, relative to the ground surface, middle segment (214); and c) a proximal end (21 6), relative to the loading ramp (10), configured as an elevation adapted for supporting the tread of a rear tire of the semitrailer.

4. A system according to claims 2 and 3, wherein the wheel chock system comprises a guide rail (310) adapted for supporting the sled, and a wheel support (320) integrated into the ramp of the wheel blocking means (210); said wheel support (320) adapted to slidably or rollably engage with said guide rail

(310); and wherein when the wheel support (320) engages with said guide rail (310) it moves from a retracted position to an elevated position.

5. A system according to claims 2 and 3, wherein the wheel chock system comprises a guide rail adapted for supporting the sled, and a wheel support integrated into the ramp of the wheel blocking means; said wheel support adapted to slidably or rollably engage with said guide rail; wherein the guide rail is configured with one or more elevations along its path; and wherein when the wheel support engages with said elevations it moves from a retracted position to an elevated position.

6. A system according to any one of the claims 1 -5, wherein the wheel blocking means (210) is connected to a second locking means comprising a second toothed rack (222), and a second locking pin (232); and wherein the second locking pin (232) is configured to engage with the second toothed rack (222) upon receipt, either directly or indirectly, of a blocking signal, e.g. from a sensor or a switch.

7. A system according to claim 6, wherein the first (220) and second (222) toothed racks have serrated teeth with opposite inclinations relative to the length of the racks.

8. A system according to any one of the claims 6-7, wherein the first (220) and second (222) toothed racks are positioned next to each other.

9. A system according to any one of the claims 1 -8, wherein the wheel blocking means (210) is configured such that the work of the rear wheel of the semitrailer (12) on the wheel blocking means makes the wheel blocking means (210) move from a forwarded position relative to the loading ramp (10) to a retracted position relative to the loading ramp (10).

10. A system according to any one of the claims 1 -9, wherein the sensor (100), subsequent to a blocking signal, is configured to send a reactivation signal to the guide block (200) when the distance between the rear end of the semitrailer (12) and the loading ramp (10) exceeds a preset threshold, thereby reactivating the guide block (200) to move from a retracted position relative to the loading ramp

(10) to a forwarded position relative to the loading ramp (10).

1 1 . A system according to any one of the claims 2-10, wherein the sled is connected to a locking pin housing adapted to move the first and/or second locking pin above and along the respective first or second toothed rack.

12. A system according to any one of the claims 1 -1 1 , wherein the guide block (200) comprises a sensor (240) configured for sensing when the semitrailer (12) has disengaged therefrom; and wherein the sensor (240) is configured to activate the wheel blocking means (210) to move from a retracted position relative to the loading ramp (10) to a forwarded position relative to the loading ramp (10).

13. A guide block (200) according to any one of the claims 1 -12 for use in a system according to any one of the claims 1 -12, the guide block (200) being adapted to be positioned on the ground, laterally and/or medially to the opening of a loading ramp (10).

14. Use of a system according to any one of the claims 1 -12 for preventing semitrailer collisions with a loading ramp.

Description:
System for preventing semitrailer collisions with a loading ramp

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to systems for preventing semitrailer collisions with loading ramps.

Background of the invention

Loading ramps are generally designed to receive a semitrailer with the rear end first. Hence, the driver of the semitrailer will have to reverse the semitrailer towards the loading ramp. Optical devices are often present at the loading ramp to alert the driver when he is in place in front of the loading ramp. However, for some reason, the driver does not pay attention to the warning signal, and collide the semitrailer with the loading ramp. Since, many types of semitrailers arrive at a loading ramp each day, it is difficult to position a physical stop in front of the rear wheels of the semitrailer. The distance between the rear wheels and the rear end of the semitrailer simply varies too much from one type of semitrailer to another.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the above-mentioned problems.

One aspect relates to a system for preventing semitrailer collisions with a loading ramp comprising:

- a sensor configured for sensing when the rear end of a semitrailer is

approaching a loading ramp; and

- a guide block adapted to be positioned on the ground, laterally and/or medially to the opening of the loading ramp; wherein the guide block comprises wheel blocking means configured for supporting the tread of a rear tire of the

semitrailer, and configured to move from a forwarded position relative to the loading ramp to a retracted position relative to the loading ramp as the semitrailer is reversing towards said loading ramp;

wherein the sensor is configured to send a blocking signal to the guide block when the distance between the rear end of the semitrailer and the loading ramp is below a preset threshold, thereby blocking the movement of the wheel blocking means.

Another aspect relates to a system for preventing semitrailer collisions with a loading ramp comprising:

- a sensor configured for sensing when the rear end of a semitrailer is

approaching a loading ramp; and

- a guide block adapted to be positioned on the ground, laterally and/or medially to the opening of the loading ramp; wherein the guide block comprises wheel blocking means configured for supporting the tread of a rear tire of the

semitrailer, and configured to move from a forwarded position relative to the loading ramp to a retracted position relative to the loading ramp as the semitrailer is reversing towards said loading ramp;

wherein the sensor is configured to send a blocking signal to the guide block when the distance between the rear end of the semitrailer and the loading ramp is below a preset threshold, thereby blocking the movement of the wheel blocking means;

wherein the wheel blocking means is connected to a first locking means comprising a first toothed rack, and a first locking pin; and wherein the first locking pin is configured to engage with the first toothed rack upon receipt, either directly or indirectly, of a blocking signal from a sensor or a switch.

In principle, the wheel blocking means is initially positioned at an extended position relative to the loading ramp, where the rear end of the semitrailer is at no risk of colliding with the loading ramp. The semitrailer is reversed until its rear wheel at the driver side reaches the wheel blocking means. The driver then continues to reverse the semitrailer as the wheel blocking means continuously supports the rear wheel in a retractive movement, relative to the loading ramp, until the sensor sends a blocking signal to the guide block when the distance between the rear end of the semitrailer and the loading ramp is below a preset threshold. In response to the blocking signal, the wheel blocking means locks its position, and the driver will feel that the semitrailer brakes. He then knows that the semitrailer is in position. Thereby, the semitrailer will never risk colliding with the loading ramp, and the solution is independent on the type of semitrailer.

The sensor configured for sensing when the rear end of a semitrailer is approaching a loading ramp is preferably a distance sensor. The term "distance sensor" for the purposes of this invention can be one or more of an infrared sensor, a triangulation sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like, or combinations thereof.

In one or more embodiments, the wheel blocking means is configured such that the work of the rear wheel of the semitrailer on the wheel blocking means makes the wheel blocking means move from a forwarded position relative to the loading ramp to a retracted position relative to the loading ramp. Hence, it is only the force of the reversing semitrailer that moves the wheel blocking means from a forwarded position to a retracted position. Such a specific configuration could e.g. be that the wheel blocking means is connected to a locking means comprising a toothed rack, and a locking pin; and wherein the locking pin is configured to engage with the toothed rack upon receipt, either directly or indirectly, of a blocking signal from a sensor. The toothed rack is preferably positioned along the length of the guide block. The locking pin will then be in a retracted position until the blocking signal is received. In one or more embodiments, the wheel blocking means is configured as a sled. In one or more embodiments, the wheel blocking means comprises a plate adapted for supporting a tire of a semitrailer.

In one or more embodiments, the wheel blocking means is configured as a sled with a) a distal end, relative to the loading ramp, configured substantially plane, relative to the ground surface; b) a substantially plane or concave, relative to the ground surface, middle segment; and c) a proximal end, relative to the loading ramp, configured as an elevation, relative to the ground surface, adapted for supporting the tread of a rear tire of the semitrailer.

In one or more embodiments, the wheel blocking means is configured as a sled with a) a distal end, relative to the loading ramp, configured as a ramp; b) a substantially plane, relative to the ground surface, middle segment or a concave, relative to the ground surface, segment; and c) a proximal end, relative to the loading ramp, configured as an elevation adapted for supporting the tread of a rear tire of the semitrailer.

In one or more embodiments, the guide block further comprises a wheel chock system adapted for blocking a tire of a semitrailer; wherein the wheel chock system comprises a guide rail adapted for supporting the sled, and a wheel support integrated into the ramp of the wheel blocking means; said wheel support adapted to slidably or rollably engage with said guide rail; and wherein when the wheel support engages with said guide rail it moves from a retracted position to an elevated position.

In one or more embodiments, the guide block further comprises a wheel chock system adapted for blocking a tire of a semitrailer; wherein the wheel chock system comprises a guide rail adapted for supporting the sled, and a wheel support integrated into the ramp of the wheel blocking means; said wheel support adapted to slidably or rollably engage with said guide rail; wherein the guide rail is configured with one or more elevations along its path; and wherein when the wheel support engages with said elevations it moves from a retracted position to an elevated position.

In one or more embodiments, the wheel blocking means is slidably connected to a guide rail.

In one or more embodiments, the wheel blocking means is connected to a second locking means comprising a second toothed rack, and a second locking pin; and wherein the second locking pin is configured to engage with the second toothed rack upon receipt, either directly or indirectly, of a blocking signal, e.g. from a sensor or a switch. In this way, the wheel blocking means may be blocked in both directions.

In one or more embodiments, the first toothed rack and the second toothed rack have serrated teeth with opposite inclinations relative to the length of the racks.

In one or more embodiments, the first toothed rack and the second toothed rack are positioned next to each other.

In one or more embodiments, the sled is connected to a locking means comprising a toothed rack, and a locking pin; and wherein the locking pin is configured to engage with the toothed rack upon receipt, either directly or indirectly, of a blocking signal from a sensor.

The blocking signal may be transmitted by wires or wireless.

In one or more embodiments, the sled is connected to a locking pin housing adapted to move the locking pin above and along the toothed rack.

In one or more embodiments, the sensor, subsequent to a blocking signal, is configured to send a reactivation signal to the guide block when the distance between the rear end of the semitrailer and the loading ramp exceeds a preset threshold, thereby reactivating the guide block to move from a retracted position relative to the loading ramp to a forwarded position relative to the loading ramp. In one or more embodiments, the guide block comprises a sensor configured for sensing when the semitrailer has disengaged therefrom; and wherein the sensor is configured to activate the guide block to move from a retracted position relative to the loading ramp to a forwarded position relative to the loading ramp. In one or more embodiments, the guide block further comprises a wheel chock system adapted for blocking a tire of a semitrailer. The wheel chock system is activated when the semitrailer is in place relative to the loading ramp, and is deactivated when the semitrailer is ready for departure. Examples of a wheel chock system could be as disclosed in US6082952 (hereby incorporated by reference), where the wheel chock system comprises a blocking means moving between a forwarded position (activated) and a retracted position (deactivated).

In one or more embodiments, the system further comprises a wheel chock system adapted for blocking a tire of a semitrailer. The wheel chock system is activated when the semitrailer is in place relative to the loading ramp, and is deactivated when the semitrailer is ready for departure. Examples of a wheel chock system could be as disclosed in US5553987 (hereby incorporated by reference), comprising an engaging mechanism for initially engaging a tire of a vehicle as said tire rolls toward a dock position, a chock mechanism for chocking the tire that may be activated once the tire is engaged by the engaging mechanism, and a connector connecting said engaging mechanism and said chock mechanism to move them together toward said dock position in response to the rolling motion of the tire. A second aspect relates to a guide block for use in a system according to the present invention, the guide block being adapted to be positioned on the ground, laterally and/or medially to the opening of a loading ramp; wherein the guide block comprises wheel blocking means configured for supporting the tread of a rear tire of a semitrailer, and configured to move from a forwarded position relative to the loading ramp to a retracted position relative to the loading ramp as the semitrailer is reversing towards said loading ramp; wherein the guide block is configured for receiving a blocking signal from a sensor, and in response thereto, configured to block the movement of the wheel blocking means.

A third aspect relates to the use of a system according to the present invention for preventing semitrailer collisions with a loading ramp.

It should be noted that embodiments and features described in the context of one of the aspects of the present invention also apply to the other aspects of the invention.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a system in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a guide block in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, where the wheel blocking means is configured as a cylinder;

Figure 3 shows a left-side view of a guide block in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, where the wheel blocking means is configured as a sled;

Figure 4 shows a right-side view of the guide block of Figure 3;

Figure 5A shows a left side view of a guide block in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, where the guide block further comprises a wheel chock system shown in a retracted position;

Figure 5B shows a left side view of a guide block in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, where the guide block further comprises a wheel chock system shown in an elevated position;

Figures 6A and 6B show closeups of the respective wheel chock system of Figures 5A and 5B;

Figure 7 shows a guide block in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, where the wheel blocking means is connected to both a first and a second locking means; and

Figures 8A and 8B show closeups of the guide block of Figure 7, where a second locking pin is shown engaged and disengaged, respectively, with a second toothed rack.

Detailed description of the invention

Referring to Figure 1 , the general scheme of the invention is shown in

perspective view. Figure 1 shows a system for preventing semitrailer collisions with a loading ramp 10. The system comprises a sensor 100 and guide block 200. The sensor 1 00 is configured for sensing when the rear end of a semitrailer 12 is approaching a loading ramp 10. The guide block 200 is adapted to be positioned on the ground and is here shown positioned laterally to the opening of the loading ramp 10. The guide block 200 comprises wheel blocking means 210 (Figure 2) configured for supporting the tread of a rear tire of the semitrailer 12. The wheel blocking means 210 is configured to move from a forwarded position relative to the loading ramp 10 to a retracted position relative to the loading ramp 10 as the semitrailer 12 is reversing towards said loading ramp 10. The sensor 100 is configured to send a blocking signal to the guide block 200 when the distance between the rear end of the semitrailer 12 and the loading ramp 10 is below a preset threshold, thereby blocking the movement of the wheel blocking means 210.

Figure 2 shows a guide block 200 in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, where the wheel blocking means 210 is connected to a locking means comprising a toothed rack 220, and a locking pin 230. The locking pin 230 is configured to engage with the toothed rack 220 upon receipt, either directly or indirectly, of a blocking signal from a sensor.

Figures 3 and 4 show a guide block 200 in accordance with various

embodiments of the invention, where the wheel blocking means 210 is configured as a sled. The distal end 212, relative to the loading ramp 10, of the sled is configured as a ramp. The middle segment 214 is concave, relative to the ground surface, and the proximal end 21 6, relative to the loading ramp 10 is configured as an elevation adapted for supporting the tread of a rear tire of the semitrailer. The sled is connected to a locking means comprising a toothed rack 220, and a locking pin 230 (Figure 4). The locking pin 230 is configured to engage with the toothed rack upon receipt, either directly or indirectly, of a blocking signal from a sensor. Figure 5A shows a left side view of a guide block in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, where the guide block further comprises a wheel chock system shown in a retracted position. The wheel blocking means 210 is configured as a sled like the one on Figures 3 and 4. The wheel chock system comprises a guide rail 310 adapted for supporting the sled, and a wheel support 320 integrated into the ramp of the wheel blocking means 210; said wheel support 320 adapted to slidably or rollably engage with said guide rail 310; and wherein when the wheel support 320 engages with said guide rail 310 it moves from a retracted position to an elevated position. Figure 5B shows the wheel chock system in an elevated position. The difference between the retracted and elevated position is better seen in Figures 6A and 6B.

Figure 7 shows a guide block in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, where the wheel blocking means 210 is connected to both a first and a second locking means. Both the first and second locking means comprises a toothed rack 220/222, and a locking pin 230/232. The first 220 and second 222 toothed racks have serrated teeth with opposite inclinations relative to the length of the racks. The first 220 and second 222 toothed racks are positioned next to each other. Figures 8A and 8B show closeups of the guide block of Figure 7, where a second locking pin 232 is shown engaged and disengaged, respectively, with a second toothed rack 222.

References

10 Loading ramp

12 Semitrailer

100 Sensor

200 Guide block

210 Wheel blocking means

212 Distal end

214 Middle segment

21 6 Proximal end

220 First toothed rack

222 Second toothed rack

230 First locking pin

232 Second locking pin

240 Sensor

310 Guide rail

320 Wheel support