System for preventing semitrailer collisions with a loading ramp

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

• a sensor unit (100) comprising a sensor and configured for sensing when a rear end of the semitrailer (12) is approaching an opening of the loading ramp (10);
• a guide block (200) adapted to be positioned on a ground surface, laterally and/or medially to the opening of the loading ramp (10);
• wherein the guide block (200) comprises a first wheel blocking means configured as a sled (210) adapted for supporting a rear tire (16) of the semitrailer (12), and configured to move passively from a forwarded position relative to the opening of the loading ramp (10) to a retracted position relative to the opening of the loading ramp (10) when pushed by the rear tire (16) as the semitrailer (12) is reversing towards the opening of the loading ramp (10);
• wherein the sensor unit (100) is configured to send a blocking signal to the guide block (200) when a distance between the rear end of the semitrailer (12) and the opening of the loading ramp (10) is below a preset threshold, wherein the first wheel blocking means locks in a blocking position in response to said blocking signal, thereby blocking the movement of the sled (210);
• characterized in that the system further comprises:
• a rain flap isolation device configured to prevent a rain flap (14) adjacent the rear tire (16) from touching the rear tire (16) while the rear tire (16) is positioned within the sled (210) during movement of the sled from the forwarded position relative to the opening of the loading ramp (10) to the retracted position relative to the opening of the loading ramp (10) when pushed by the rear tire (16) as the semitrailer (12) is approaching the opening of the loading ramp (10), wherein the rain flap isolation device comprises:
• i) a first part integrated into or connected to the sled (210) and comprising a plate or rod (410) adapted for moving between a retracted position and an extended position;
• and
• ii) an activation means (420) configured for activating the plate or rod (410) to move from the retracted position to the extended position;
• wherein the plate or rod (410) moves upwards relative to the sled (210) when in the extended position;
• wherein the activation means (420) is a lever pivotably connected to the sled (210);
• wherein the lever has a first end (422) connected to the plate or rod (410), and a second free end (424);
• and wherein the sled (210) comprises:
• a distal end (212), relative to the opening of the loading ramp (10), configured as a ramp;
• a middle segment (214) adapted for supporting the rear tire of the semitrailer (12), and comprising a first hole or cavity (215);
• and
• a proximal end (216), relative to the opening of the loading ramp (10), configured as an elevation or backstop;
• wherein the second free end (424) is bent downwards and adapted for pivoting between a first position above the middle segment (214) and a second position within the first hole or cavity (215) in the middle segment (214).