Signaling device for loading points in road freight transport and associated procedure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a signaling device for loading points in road freight transport and an associated method, wherein the signaling device has at least one light element comprising a light-emitting means, wherein the light-emitting means is incorporated into profiles or the light-emitting means is arranged in prefabricated profiles, and wherein the profile is connected to a base plate which enables the light element to be attached directly or indirectly to a loading point.

Description

Brief description of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a signaling device, a corresponding loading point and an associated method for loading, unloading, transferring or unloading in road freight transport.

[0002] The transport of goods has become increasingly important in recent years, as products are generally no longer manufactured where they are sold. Consequently, goods are transported between retailers, manufacturers, and end consumers. In Germany alone, freight transport volume has doubled in the last 25 years, with commercial road freight accounting for the largest share. The growth of online retail is one of the factors contributing to this expansion.

[0003] At loading or transfer points, goods are loaded or unloaded for further transport, storage and / or sale.

[0004] The loading docks consist primarily of a dock leveller, a gate, and a dock seal. They are generally equipped with standard red / green or red / yellow / green traffic lights to prevent collisions and / or personal injury. These traffic lights are located on the driver's side of the loading dock, i.e., on the left side (in Germany, driving on the right), at the height of the rearview mirror, directly next to the loading dock, either attached to the building or, in the case of extensions, to the housing. To help drivers orient themselves, the dock seals typically have stripes on the side panels. When reversing, the driver must ensure that the vehicle or trailer docks centrally to the loading dock so that the dock leveller can be easily guided onto the loading platform.With articulated vehicles, this is only possible if the locomotive makes pivoting movements. This can lead to the driver losing sight of the traffic light while coupling. Furthermore, the locomotive can also come to a stop in such a way that the driver cannot see the traffic light signal indicating the exit from the loading area. Additional safety measures implemented by companies at the loading area, such as recessed entry aids and / or restraint systems to prevent collisions, can also cause the driver to focus away from the traffic light. Consequently, the driver must simultaneously pay attention to the situation on the ground, the vehicle's position, the loading area, the gate seal, and the traffic light.Another disadvantage of the current state of the art in loading docks is that the arrangement of the docks or vehicles already docked at adjacent docks can obscure the traffic lights or cause the railcar to be facing away from the traffic light. Furthermore, adverse weather conditions or insufficient lighting during nighttime loading operations further complicate the docking process.

[0005] The important function of the traffic light is not sufficiently guaranteed by external circumstances, its procurement and / or arrangement with the known devices, meaning that the associated safety is not provided for all loading situations.

[0006] The most commonly used dock seals, so-called tarpaulin dock seals, from all manufacturers are equipped with guides on the frame so that they fold away during imprecise docking to prevent damage. This feature is due to the fact that the docking process is difficult.

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method and a device which makes it easier for the driver to dock at a loading point and increases safety during the loading process or during passage.

[0008] For these reasons, the present invention relates to a signaling device for a loading point in road freight transport, comprising at least one light element, which includes at least one light-emitting means, wherein the at least one light-emitting means is embedded in a profile or the light-emitting means is arranged in at least one prefabricated profile. Furthermore, the profile is connected to a base plate, which enables the light element to be attached directly or indirectly to a loading point. According to the invention, the signaling device comprises at least two light elements, wherein at least one is or can be arranged on the left side and the other on the right side of the loading point gate. In a further aspect of the invention, the at least one light-emitting means is embedded in a potting compound within the profile.In one embodiment, the light elements can be configured as light strips and / or light tubes, each with at least one light-emitting device (6). The individual light strips and / or individual sections within the light strips can exhibit varying degrees of flexibility to, for example, facilitate better adaptation and subsequent attachment to the loading points. If the signaling device comprises several light strips and / or light elements, these are preferably connected to one another by means of cables.

[0009] The at least one light emitting means of the signaling device is capable of emitting several colors, preferably wherein the at least one light emitting means is a light-emitting diode (LED), particularly preferably an RGB LED.

[0010] The potting compound, into which the at least one light-emitting agent is incorporated, preferably comprises a plastic or a synthetic resin. In a preferred aspect, this comprises unsaturated polyester resins (UP resins), polyurethane, epoxy resins, casting resins and / or other components.

[0011] In one embodiment, the potting compound and the light-emitting element are cast into a profile, which is a U-, H-, or C-shaped profile. Preferably, the profile and the base plate are connected to each other such that at least one leg of the profile of the light element is in contact with at least one leg of the base plate. The connections are preferably force-fit.

[0012] In one aspect of the invention, at least one connector element is arranged on the base plate, which makes it possible to position the at least one light element and / or the at least one light strip at a certain distance from the frame part of the gate seal. For this purpose, the connector element preferably has the form of an L-profile, a U-profile, a flat profile, an H-profile, a C-profile, or a Z-profile. The connector element preferably comes into contact with the other components of the signaling device such that a first leg of the connector element is in contact with the frame part of the gate seal and a second leg is in contact with the base plate.

[0013] The profile, base plate and connector element comprise, in particular, plastic, metal and / or carbon fiber as materials.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the signaling device can also include at least one control element for controlling the illuminance, light color, color temperature, and / or the number of luminous light-emitting elements. Furthermore, it can preferably include at least one processing unit and at least one communication unit. In a particularly preferred aspect, the signaling device also includes at least one sensor.

[0015] The invention also relates to a loading point comprising a loading bridge, a gate, a gate seal and a previously described signaling device arranged on the frame of the gate seal or next to the gate opening; or at least a light-emitting means arranged in openings of a profile system of a gate seal.

[0016] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for approaching a loading point with a motor vehicle using a previously described signaling device, wherein the distance to the loading point, in particular to the loading bridge, the gate and to both sides of the gate is signaled to the driver, wherein the at least one light-emitting means of the signaling device emits light of a certain illuminance, color and / or color temperature on each side of the gate.

[0017] In one aspect, the procedure also includes the following steps: (a) Determining the position of a vehicle entering the at least one loading point; (b) Transmitting the vehicle's position to a computing unit; (c) Providing a command by a control unit and transmitting it to a light element of the signaling device; (d) Controlling and / or adjusting the illuminance, light color and / or color temperature of the at least one light element.

[0018] The data or information acquired by the at least one sensor is then preferably transmitted to a processing unit for evaluation. In a particularly preferred aspect, the information is evaluated, and the luminous intensity of the at least one light-emitting device and / or the light bar of the signaling device is increased or decreased based on the data. Alternatively or additionally, the color of the light-emitting device can be adjusted and / or the number of light-emitting devices can be changed so that the driver receives optimal guidance.

[0019] This problem is solved according to the invention by claims 1, 7, 8, and 11. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims and the description. Description of the drawings Fig. 1. Schematic representation of a loading point. a) Front view, b) Top view (state of the art) Fig. 2 Schematic representation of a loading point with traffic light system (state of the art). Fig. 3 Schematic representation of several loading points arranged in a row with traffic light control below the gate seal (state of the art). Fig. 4 Schematic representation of docking at a loading point with traffic light control using an articulated vehicle (state of the art). Fig. 5 Schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a device according to the invention. Fig. 6 Schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a device according to the invention with fastening on the front. a) Front view, b) Top view. Fig. 7 Schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a device according to the invention with lateral mounting. a) Front view; b) - d) Mounting variants. Fig. 8 Schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a device according to the invention on the facade of a loading point. Fig. 9 Schematic representation of a preferred embodiment with multiple loading points, wherein one loading point is marked for the driver to dock. Fig. 10 Schematic representation of a preferred embodiment in which the device is incorporated into the gate seal. Detailed description of the invention

[0020] The present invention relates to a signaling device, a corresponding loading point and an associated method for loading, unloading, transferring or unloading in road freight transport.

[0021] In the following, the articles “ein” and all derivatives thereof, as used here, should generally be understood as “ein / e / es or more”, unless otherwise specified or the singular form is evident from the context.

[0022] Where the terms “contains”, “has”, “possesses” and the like are used in the description or claims, these terms shall be understood in the same way as the terms “possessing” or “comprising”, i.e., not exhaustively, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0023] The terms "road haulage" and "freight transport" are used interchangeably in the following and refer to national freight transport (local freight transport), international freight transport (long-distance freight transport), own transport, cabotage transport and other transport of goods by road using motor vehicles.

[0024] However, goods within the meaning of this invention include, but are not limited to, tangible goods, consumer goods, investment goods, intangible goods, consumables, durable goods and others.

[0025] The terms "loading point," "loading location," and "transfer point" are used interchangeably and should be understood to mean locations used for the handling of goods, i.e., places where goods are loaded, unloaded, transferred, or transferred. For the sake of simplicity, the term "unloading" will be used in the following, but this is not intended as a limitation. It is clear that goods can be loaded, unloaded, transferred, or transferred at these locations. Loading, unloading, transferring, or transferring transport vehicles can take place at or inside buildings using electro-hydraulic equipment, such as loading bridges and lifting platforms, and / or mechanical equipment, such as loading plates, ramps, or similar devices. Furthermore, goods can also be unloaded using industrial trucks, such as forklifts or pallet jacks, through openings located in or on the building.Transfer points also include processing points, such as high-bay warehouses, roller conveyors, or similar facilities. Although the following discussion of the aids and different types of transfer points refers only to dispensing points and loading bridges, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the invention can also be used for the other embodiments.

[0026] Loading points typically include a loading bridge (1), a gate (2) and a gate seal (3), such as the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1. The loading bridge (1) or a similar component connects the loading platform of a transport vehicle to, for example, the floor of a building. It can be designed in various ways and, for example, be embedded in the building floor, placed in pre-loading bays or extensions in front of the building, and / or integrated into ramps. The door (2) serves to close or open the building opening into which the goods are to be unloaded. The door seal (3) provides protection from the weather. Door seals (3) are available, for example, as tarpaulin door seals with parallel spring action, with a foam core, as surface-mounted versions, recessed versions, or inflatable door seals in rigid housings. Loading points can be individual, such as the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 can be seen, or in series, such as the Fig. 3 and Fig. As can be seen in section 9, they are arranged. Furthermore, it is also possible that they are arranged at different angles to the building.

[0027] The familiar traffic light systems found at standard loading points (4), shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. are usually located in open areas of the building, which means that it cannot always be guaranteed that the driver can keep the loading point (4) in view while unloading. Often, the arrangement or provision of the traffic light (5) is insufficient to adequately secure the docking process. In particular, with articulated vehicles, such as vehicles with trailers, semi-trailers, and the like, unloading at the loading point (4) can only be accomplished if the railcar performs pivoting movements, as the Fig. 4 a) and b). However, due to the swiveling movement, the driver may lose sight of the traffic light (5) while starting up. Furthermore, the locomotive may also come to a standstill in such a way that the driver cannot see the traffic light (5) for leaving the loading point (4), as shown in the Fig. 4 c) can be seen.

[0028] The signaling device according to the invention is intended to combine several options during the loading process in order to facilitate docking and make the loading process safer. The signaling device according to the invention is visible to the driver at all times, regardless of the vehicle's positioning. For this purpose, the signaling device according to the invention comprises at least one light-emitting element (6) on each side of the gate, i.e., on the left and right sides. The at least one light-emitting element (6) is embedded in suitable profiles (8) or can be arranged in prefabricated profiles (8), such as the Fig. 5 can be seen. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one light-emitting means (6) is embedded in a potting compound (7) within a profile (8).

[0029] The at least one light-emitting means (6) can be any means capable of emitting multiple colors. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one light-emitting means (6) is a light-emitting diode (LED), particularly preferably an RGB LED capable of emitting the red / green / blue (RGB) color space. In particular, multiple light-emitting means (6) are used in the form of a light strip, which can be flexible and / or rigid. The term "light strip" therefore also includes flexible light tubes. Furthermore, the signaling device can also comprise multiple light strips, each with at least one light-emitting means (6). The individual light strips can also have multiple segments, i.e.,Sections may be present if the manufacturing process of the signaling device, the mounting options at the loading point (4), and / or the nature of the loading point (4) so ​​require. Consequently, the individual light strips (10) and / or individual sections within the strips may have different flexibilities and / or be separated by other areas, such as cables, extensions, or the like.

[0030] As mentioned above, the at least one light-emitting element (6) is preferably embedded in a potting compound (7). The potting compound (7) is preferably an electrical potting compound suitable for encapsulating electrical and electronic components and providing maximum protection against weather conditions, such as climate influences, in particular splash water protection IP69K, and mechanical stresses, in particular an impact resistance of IK10. The potting compound (7) can partially or completely encapsulate the light-emitting element (6) in one aspect. The potting compound (7) can be any known potting compound suitable for surrounding electrical components, and preferably comprises a plastic or a synthetic resin.Examples of suitable potting compounds (7) include, but are not limited to, unsaturated polyester resins (UP resins), polyurethane, epoxy resins and / or casting resins such as thermosets. In one embodiment, the potting compound (7) may also contain at least one further component, such as a hardener, and thus be designed as a two-component adhesive (2K adhesive).

[0031] Using the potting compound (7) the at least one light emitting agent (6) can be potted into a suitable profile (8) or attached to a suitable profile (8).

[0032] The profiles (8) for the signaling device, into which at least one light emitter (6) or the light strip is inserted, are preferably U- or C-profiles. However, H-profiles may also be necessary in some aspects. The profile (8) can be made of any known and suitable material, not limited to the following list: plastic, metal, and / or carbon fiber. Possible plastics include, but are not limited to, polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide (PI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamide-imide (PAI), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyetherimide (PEI), epoxy resin, and glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP). Possible metals include, for example, steel and / or aluminum.

[0033] The at least one light-emitting means (6) and the profile (8) together form a light element (14).

[0034] The light element (14) is attached directly or indirectly to the loading point (4) using a base plate (9), such as the Fig. 6 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7. The base plate (9) can be made of the same materials as the profile (8). The connection between the light element (14) and the base plate (9) can be detachable, non-detachable, and / or conditionally detachable. In a preferred aspect, at least one leg of the profile (8) of the light element (14) is connected to at least one leg of the base plate (9). Alternatively, the base plate (9) can also have a flat profile onto which the profile (8) is applied, for example, by means of a soldered connection, an adhesive connection, and / or a welded connection.

[0035] In the Fig. Figure 6 shows an exemplary mounting of a signal device according to the invention, which is arranged directly on a component of the loading point (4) by means of the base plate (9). Fig. Figure 6 shows an exemplary mounting of the signaling device on a dock seal (3), in particular a tarpaulin dock seal, of a loading dock (4) with a front frame. The most commonly used dock seals (3) at loading docks (4) are tarpaulin dock seals with a parallel link system. These consist of a base frame for mounting and a front frame for attaching the tarpaulin material. The front and rear frames are articulated with steering arms so that they can fold away in the event of incorrect docking or other mechanical stresses. This prevents damage to the dock seal (3) or the vehicle. In a preferred aspect, the signaling device is mounted to the dock seal (3) of the loading dock (4) such that the base plate (9) is in direct contact with the dock seal (3). Preferably, a force-fit connection is used here to mount the signaling device to the dock seal (3).In a preferred embodiment, the signaling device comprises at least two light strips, each with at least one light element (14). The light strips can be interconnected by cables so that they can be controlled together by a single signal, or they can be wired and controlled separately. In a preferred embodiment, the at least two light strips are connected by flexible cables so that they can partially compensate for the mechanical stress on the gate seal (3). The at least two light strips are arranged vertically on the frame of the gate seal (3) to the left and right of the gate (2). Although, for the sake of simplicity, the figures show one light strip to the right of the gate (2) and one light strip to the left, any number of light strips or light elements (14) can, of course, be arranged there. These can be controlled separately or together.In another aspect, an additional light strip or individual light elements (14) can be arranged on the upper frame part of the dock seal (3). Particularly at loading points (4) arranged in a row, the light elements (14) or light strips with at least one light element (14) are provided for in the front area of ​​the frame part of the dock seal (3) to enable unambiguous identification of the loading point (4) and to guarantee signal recognition regardless of the position of the railcar. Furthermore, the vertically arranged light strips with light elements (14) or several light elements (14) to the left and right of the gate (2) visually support orientation for central docking (equidistant distance on both sides). This significantly simplifies docking at the loading point (4) at night, in adverse weather conditions, and / or in poor lighting.In a particularly preferred embodiment, each loading point has a signaling device. The signaling devices of the respective loading points are preferably designed such that they can be controlled separately.

[0036] The supply lines of old traffic light circuits at the loading points (4) can be routed to a distribution box, from where the supply line is routed, preferably to the nearest light strip or light element (14). Appropriate signal processing and / or control devices, such as AC / DC converters or other control elements, can be installed in the distribution box (not shown).

[0037] In another embodiment, as described in the Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the light strips or the at least one light element (14) can also be arranged laterally on the frame part of the door seal (3). Such an arrangement is particularly suitable for individual installations or for installations that are located at a certain distance from the nearest loading point (4). In the case of lateral arrangement, the at least one light element (14) and / or the at least one light strip is indirectly attached to the loading point (4) by means of a base plate (9). For indirect attachment, the base plate (9) is arranged on a connector element (11), which allows the at least one light element (14) and / or the at least one light strip to be positioned at a certain distance from the frame part of the door seal (3). The connector element (11) can be made of the same materials as the profile (8) or the base plate (9).Depending on the mounting of the light strip and / or the at least one light element (14), the respective connector element (11) can have the shape of an L-profile, a U-profile, a flat profile, an H-profile, a C-profile, or a Z-profile. As the... Fig. As can be seen from sections 7 b) to d), the connecting element (11) in a preferred embodiment has an L-profile, a Z-profile, or a flat profile. In the case of the L-profile and the Z-profile, one leg is connected to the frame part of the gate seal (3) and the other leg to the base plate (9). In a preferred aspect, this is a force-fit connection, and more preferably, a force-fit connection that is non-releasable or only conditionally releasable. Analogous to the attachment to the frame part of the gate seal (3), the signaling device can also be arranged and attached to inflatable gate seals. Inflatable gate seals generally have a rigid housing made of coated wood, plastic, panels, or similar materials, which allows the signaling device to be attached directly to the housing.

[0038] For gate seals that do not have a front frame, such as tarpaulin gate seals that include side panels with a foam core, pure foam seals, or Sprinter gate seals, the signaling device is mounted next to the gate seals on the facade or the substrate to which the gate seal is also attached, as shown in the... Fig. As can be seen in section 8. The same applies to mounting next to the gate opening. When mounting next to the door opening, this is preferably done on the hinge side, i.e., the side on which the gate is attached. Depending on the gate model, in some cases only two vertical light strips can be arranged laterally on the hinge side. On the opposite side, however, several light strips can be installed around the gate opening.

[0039] In one embodiment, the signaling device is designed such that its operating voltage corresponds to that of commercially available traffic lights, i.e., preferably 145-265 V AC and 50 / 60 Hz or 24 V DC. Consequently, replacing existing traffic lights with the signaling device without affecting their preset function is easily achievable. If no traffic lights are present at a loading point, the signaling device can be connected directly to the terminals of the loading point control system.

[0040] In addition to improving the correct positioning of the docking vehicle, the signaling device according to the invention can also, in one aspect, contribute to illuminating the area in front of the loading point (4) in poor lighting conditions, such as darkness or bad weather. Illumination is particularly advantageous because the vehicles are opened before docking. For this purpose, the vehicle stops shortly before the loading point (4) and the driver opens the doors to the loading platform. The same procedure is followed after the loading process, at which point the doors are closed again. To enable this additional function, the signaling device also includes a control element. This control element allows the switching of the position signaling, i.e., the assignment of the driver by corresponding color coding, to illumination.As an alternative to or in addition to illumination, it can also be provided that the signaling device can be used to implement custom lighting concepts, such as advertising or similar. This can take place during and / or outside of loading operations.

[0041] In companies with a large number of loading bays (4), the loading bays (4) are marked by means of a numbering system. Based on number plates on the building, numbers on the dock seals or loading gates, and a corresponding number assigned by the driver upon registration, the driver proceeds to the appropriate loading bay (4). The signaling device presented here simplifies the process by enabling visual assignment of the loading bay (4), as shown in Fig. 9 shown. The driver therefore does not have to interrupt his approach to the loading point (4), which speeds up the docking process.

[0042] The control of the at least one signaling device and / or the at least one light-emitting device (6) can be carried out by integrating it into existing monitoring systems, individual programs and software for control and / or manually.

[0043] Although manual control of the signaling device is possible, it is generally only practical, if at all, in small companies with infrequent loading and unloading operations. For larger loading points with multiple loading bays (4) and / or a higher frequency of loading and unloading processes, an automated procedure is advantageous. Therefore, the signaling device also includes at least one sensor that determines the position of the vehicle approaching the loading bay (4) and / or the weather or lighting conditions. This at least one position sensor can be an inductive sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an optoelectronic sensor, and / or a capacitive sensor. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one signaling device establishes contact with at least one vehicle position sensor to determine the vehicle's position.Due to the fact that the signaling device is also suitable for replacing common traffic lights, in one aspect the common position sensors and preferably controls of power-operated gates, such as electric gates, and / or electro-hydraulic loading bridges, such as lifting tables, are used, which usually include a sensor or contact point to control the common traffic lights and / or safety functions.

[0044] Since the signaling device not only contributes to improved approach conditions at loading points in freight transport, but can also be used for other purposes such as advertising, it may be necessary to use additional sensors. For example, light sensors such as photoresistors, photodiodes, and / or phototransistors can be used to determine the lighting conditions. Furthermore, other sensors may also be included. One example is visibility sensors, which can measure visibility based on the scattering of an infrared signal. Based on the data from at least one visibility sensor, it is then possible to increase or decrease the luminous intensity of at least one light element (14) and / or the light bar of the signaling device to improve visibility in poor weather conditions.The same applies to precipitation sensors that can measure the wetting of a surface, whereby the at least one light element (14) can be controlled accordingly or its color and / or intensity adjusted. Furthermore, it can also be provided that at least one sensor is a radiation sensor that measures the irradiance, so that the power and / or color of the light elements (14) is adjusted in the case of strong sunlight.

[0045] All sensors have in common that they can send information about the precise environmental situation in one aspect to a processing unit, which can then adjust the at least one light element (14) using the control element. This adjustment can include the illuminance, light color, color temperature and / or the number of illuminated light elements (14).

[0046] The processing unit can be, for example, a computer, a server, and / or mobile devices such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, personal computers (PCs), and other electronic devices suitable for data processing and information exchange, preferably with an internet connection. Communication between the processing unit and the sensors, light elements (14), and / or other components can be established using wired or wireless connections. Wireless connections include, but are not limited to, wireless local area networks (WLANs), cellular networks, Bluetooth connections, low-power wide area networks (LPWANs), satellite communication links, and / or other communication links, such as radio links.In a preferred embodiment, a central control system for at least one signaling device is provided at at least one loading point (4). For this purpose, a computer program is also provided, which processes the data from the at least one sensor and can control at least one signaling device at at least one loading point (4) and / or monitor predefined parameters such as traffic volume, weather, lighting conditions, the position of the vehicles relative to the at least one loading point (4), light color, light intensity, etc., at the loading points (4). Alternatively or additionally, the sensors and / or processing units already integrated into the existing systems are used to control the signaling device.

[0047] In some cases, the front frames of the gate seals (3) of some manufacturers are already made from profile systems (12). In such cases, it is alternatively possible to provide at least one opening (13) in the profile system (12), into which at least one signaling device is inserted, comprising at least one light element (14), as shown in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 10. The profile (8) of the light element (14), into which the light-emitting medium (6) and the potting compound (7) are inserted, is designed such that it can be force-fitted into the opening (13) of the profile system (12) and force-fitted to it at the bottom. The at least one opening (13) can be produced by machining processes or laser cutting technology and can be individually designed. This does not impair the functionality of the gate seal.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment, corresponding profile systems with at least one internal light element (14) can be manufactured as front frame parts that are compatible with the existing or manufacturer-specific versions. This makes it possible to replace frame parts on site without interfering with the functionality of the gate seals.

[0049] However, a new loading point (4) can also be manufactured and installed with a signaling device according to the invention.

[0050] The invention further relates to a method for approaching a loading point (4), wherein, by means of a previously described signaling device, the distance to the loading point (4), in particular to the loading bridge and the gate, is signaled to the driver on both sides of the gate. For this purpose, light of a specific illuminance, color, and / or color temperature is emitted by means of at least one light element (14) on each side of the gate (2). In a preferred aspect, at least two light strips, which are arranged vertically on the frame of the gate seal (3) to the left and right of the gate (2), emit light to improve the approach to the at least one loading point (4). Additionally, at least one further light strip and / or a light element (14) can be arranged above the gate (2).

[0051] In a preferred aspect, at least the position of the vehicle entering the loading point (4) is determined.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally to determining a vehicle's position, weather conditions and / or lighting conditions can also be determined. Furthermore, in some cases, it may be possible to additionally or alternatively determine visibility, precipitation, and / or irradiance.

[0053] The sensor data can either be transmitted directly to a responsible person and / or to a computing unit that evaluates the data and then uses it to adjust the illuminance, light color, color temperature and / or the number of illuminated light elements (14) and thus create an ideal entry situation for the driver.

[0054] Consequently, in one aspect, the procedure further includes the following steps: a) Determining the position of a vehicle entering the at least one loading point (4); b) Transmission of the vehicle's position to a computing unit; c) Provision of a command by a control unit and transmission of this command to at least one light element (14); d) Control and / or adjustment of the illuminance, light color and / or color temperature of the at least one light element (14).

[0055] In another aspect, it may be provided that a) visibility is determined using at least one visibility sensor; b) precipitation is determined using at least one precipitation sensor; and / or c) irradiance is determined using a radiation sensor.

[0056] Based on the data obtained, it is possible to define the environmental situation for the driver as precisely as possible, so that the at least one light element (14) can be adjusted in its illuminance, light color, color temperature and / or the number of luminous light elements (14) in such a way that optimal entry conditions are created and thus property damage and / or personal injury is prevented, or at least greatly reduced.

[0057] The invention also relates to a computer program product that can be loaded into an internal memory of a computing unit and comprises software code sections with which the previously described method is carried out when the computer program product is running on the computing unit.

[0058] Further literature on a known set of materials, processes and applications that can be used in accordance with the present invention is known to the person skilled in the art in the field of loading technology. Reference symbol list 1 Loading bridge 2nd goal 3 Gate seal 4 Loading point 5 traffic lights 6 Light-emitting devices 7. Potting compound 8 Profile 9 Base plate 10 light strips 11 Connector element 12 profile system 13 Opening 14 light elements

Claims

[1] Signaling device for a loading point in road freight transport comprising at least one light element (14) on the left and right side of the gate (2) of a loading point, wherein the light element (14) comprises at least one light emitting means (6) within a profile (8), and wherein the profile (8) is connected to a base plate (9) which enables the light element (14) to be attached directly or indirectly to a loading point (4). [2] Signal device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one light element (14) is designed as one or more light bars, each with at least one light emitting means (6), wherein the individual light bars and / or individual sections within the light bars (10) have different flexibilities. [3] Signaling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a) the at least one light emitting means (6) is of the length to emit several colors, preferably wherein the at least one light emitting means (6) is a light-emitting diode (LED), particularly preferably an RGB-LED; b) the light emitting means (6) is embedded in a profile (8) by means of a potting compound (7), wherein the potting compound preferably comprises a plastic or a synthetic resin, particularly preferably wherein the potting compound (7) comprises unsaturated polyester resins (UP resins), polyurethane, epoxy resins, casting resins and / or other components; c) the profile (8) and the base plate (9) are made of plastic, metal and / or carbon fiber; and / or d) the at least one light emitting means (6) is incorporated into a profile (8) which is a U-, H- or C-profile and preferably wherein the at least one leg of the profile (8) of the light emitting means (6) is in contact with at least one leg of the base plate (9). [4] Signal device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein base plate (9) is arranged on at least one connector element (11) which makes it possible to arrange the at least one light element (14) and / or the at least one light strip at a certain distance from the frame part of the gate seal (3), preferably wherein the connector element (11) has the form of an L-profile, a U-profile, a flat profile, an H-profile, a C-profile or a Z-profile and particularly preferably a first leg of the connector element (11) is in contact with the frame part of the gate seal (3) and a second leg is in contact with the base plate (9). [5] Signaling device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the signaling device further a) comprises at least one control element for controlling the illuminance, light color, color temperature and / or the number of luminous light elements (14); and b) at least one computing unit; and c) includes at least one communication unit. [6] Signaling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the signaling device comprises at least one sensor, preferably wherein the sensor is a) at least one position sensor, particularly preferably an inductive sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an optoelectronic sensor and / or a capacitive sensor; b) at least one light sensor, preferably a photoresistor, a photodiode and / or a phototransistor; c) at least one visibility sensor; d) at least one rainfall sensor; and / or e) at least one radiation sensor; wherein the at least one sensor preferably transmits the determined information to at least one computing unit, which then uses the at least one control element to adjust the at least one light element (14) with respect to the illuminance, light color, color temperature and / or the number of luminous light elements (14). [7] Loading point comprising a loading bridge (1), a gate (2) and a gate seal (3), wherein a signaling device according to one of claims 1 to 6 is arranged on the frame of the gate seal (3), is arranged next to the gate opening or at least one light emitting means (6) is arranged in openings (13) of a profile system (12) of a gate seal (3). [8] Method for approaching a loading point (4) using a signaling device according to claims 1 to 6, wherein the distance to the loading point (4), in particular to the loading bridge (1), the gate (2) and to both sides of the gate is signaled to the driver, wherein preferably the at least one light element (14) of the signaling device on each side of the gate (2) emits light of a certain illuminance, color and / or color temperature. [9] The method of claim 8, further comprising the following steps: a) Determining the position of a vehicle entering the at least one loading point (4); b) Transmission of the vehicle's position to a computing unit; c) Provision of a command by a control unit and transmission of this to a light element (14) of the signaling device; d) Control and / or adjustment of the illuminance, light color and / or color temperature of the at least one light element (14). [10] Method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the method further a) the determination of the lighting conditions; b) the determination of visibility; c) the determination of precipitation; and / or d) includes the irradiance, the information being transmitted to a computing unit for evaluation, which then e) increases or decreases the luminous intensity of the at least one light-emitting device (6) and / or the light bar of the signaling device; f) adjusts the color of the light emitting medium (6); and / or g) changes the number of light-emitting devices (6). [11] Computer program product that can be loaded into an internal memory of a computing unit and includes sections of software code that perform the procedure described above when the computer program product is running on the computing unit.

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