System and corresponding method for monitoring the integrity of a vehicle platoon

Abstract

To provide a system for monitoring vehicle array completeness and a solution.SOLUTION: A system comprises: an array of a first vehicle (V1) and at least one second vehicle (V2) connected to the first vehicle (V1); a communication line (204) arranged in the first vehicle (V1) and the at least one second vehicle (V2); a power supply line (206) arranged in the first vehicle (V1) and the at least one second vehicle (V2); and electronic control means (208) arranged in the second vehicle (V2). The electronic control means (208) determines that the second vehicle (V2) is separated from the first vehicle (V1) when determining both the communication line (204) and the power supply line (206) are shut off.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention is generally in the field of vehicle platoons, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a system and corresponding method for monitoring the integrity of a vehicle platoon, particularly a rail platoon. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, there is an increasing need to digitize vehicle convoys, such as freight cars.

[0003] Digitalization is necessary to make vehicle fleets more competitive with other modes of transport.

[0004] As can be seen in FIG. 1, digitization requires the presence of power lines 100 and communication lines 102 along the vehicles V1, V2 of the platoon.

[0005] A vehicle platoon refers to a number of interconnected vehicles.

[0006] For example, vehicles in a platoon: a first vehicle V1, such as a locomotive; at least one second vehicle V2, for example one or more trailer vehicles connected to a lead vehicle; may include:

[0007] In the prior art, power and / or communication lines may be used to determine the configuration of a vehicle platoon. These solutions enable a transition from manual visual verification to an automated process.

[0008] Typically, the detection of the configuration of the vehicle platoon is guided by a control means located in the first vehicle, for example in the lead vehicle, or by a control means located on the ground. The detected configuration of the vehicle platoon can be compared with the expected configuration of the vehicle platoon.

[0009] This formal validation is crucial to know the length of the vehicle platoon and the braking capability of the vehicle platoon, which is also essential for the vehicle platoon to operate on the main network.

[0010] At least one second vehicle V2 and the first vehicle V1 may each be equipped with coupling means, such as an automatic digital coupler.

[0011] In general, the automatic digital coupler can remotely decouple at least one second vehicle V2 from the platoon for maneuvering operations. Command requests can be sent, for example, by control means installed in the first vehicle V1 or by control means on the ground.

[0012] When the automatic digital coupler of one vehicle is in a coupled state with the automatic digital coupler of another vehicle, a valve element coupled to the vehicle's main line (brake pipe) may be in an open state, allowing braking fluid (e.g., pressurized air) to flow from one vehicle to the other. When the automatic digital coupler of one vehicle is in a decoupled state, i.e., not coupled to the automatic digital coupler of another vehicle, a valve element coupled to the vehicle's main line (brake pipe) may be in a closed state, isolating the main line installed in such vehicle.

[0013] Due to the design of the automatic digital couplers, the normal operating decoupling process achieves simultaneous decoupling on both of the coupled automatic digital couplers, which allows for minimal wear on the automatic digital couplers.

[0014] Unfortunately, automatic digital couplers only need to assume a decoupling condition to have effective decoupling.

[0015] A first vehicle V1 may request decoupling of at least one second vehicle V2 included in the vehicle platoon, which means that the control means of at least one second vehicle may perform the decoupling operation of the automatic coupler under its control.

[0016] Since it is sufficient for only one automatic digital coupler to be in the decoupling condition to achieve effective decoupling of the vehicles, and since the coupling or decoupling condition of the valve element of the automatic coupler associated with the main is related to the coupling / decoupling condition of the automatic digital coupler, a single failure can lead to a situation where there is excessive decoupling of at least one second vehicle V2, resulting in the railway platoon splitting into two and part of the vehicle platoon being unable to brake.

[0017] The situation is thus as follows: in the event of excessive decoupling by the automatic coupler of at least one second vehicle V2, this at least one second decoupled vehicle V2 is separated from the original train of vehicles, and the valve element of the second vehicle separated from the train of vehicles associated with the main line is closed in the automatic digital coupler, assuming a decoupling state. Therefore, the at least one second decoupled vehicle V2 cannot brake, since the main line remains pressurized due to the closure of the valve element. In this situation, the at least one second vehicle separated from the train of vehicles can move freely and in an uncontrolled manner, since the possibility of braking is not guaranteed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0018] One object of the present invention is to provide a solution that allows situations in which at least one vehicle of a vehicle platoon has separated too much from the platoon to be quickly identified.

[0019] A further object of the present invention is to provide a solution that makes it possible to ensure that, in the event that at least one vehicle separates from the vehicle platoon, it is still possible to brake at least one vehicle that has separated from the platoon. [Means for solving the problem]

[0020] The above and other objects and advantages are achieved according to one aspect of the present invention by a system for monitoring the integrity of a vehicle platoon having the features defined in claim 1, and according to a further aspect of the present invention by a method for monitoring the integrity of a vehicle platoon having the features defined in claim 10. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are defined in the dependent claims, the content of which should be understood as an integral part of this description.

[0021] The functional and structural features of some preferred embodiments of a system and corresponding method for monitoring the integrity of a vehicle platoon according to the present invention will now be described. Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary formation according to the prior art. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a system for monitoring the integrity of a vehicle platoon according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a further embodiment of a system for monitoring the integrity of a vehicle platoon according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates yet a further embodiment of a system for monitoring the integrity of a vehicle platoon according to the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 illustrates yet a further embodiment of a system for monitoring the integrity of a vehicle platoon according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates yet a further embodiment of a system for monitoring the integrity of a vehicle platoon in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Before describing several embodiments of the present invention in detail, it should be made clear that the present invention is not limited in its application to the design details and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention contemplates other embodiments and may actually be implemented or constructed in different ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology is for the purpose of description and is not to be construed as limiting. The use of "include" and "comprise" and variations thereof is intended to encompass the elements described below and equivalents thereof, as well as additional elements and equivalents thereof.

[0024] Referring initially to FIG. 2, a first embodiment of a system for monitoring the integrity of a vehicle platoon, and in particular a railway platoon, is described below.

[0025] The vehicle platoon includes a first vehicle V1 and at least one second vehicle V2 connected to the first vehicle V1.

[0026] For example, as can be seen in the figure, a first vehicle V1 and at least one second vehicle V2 may be connected such that they are connected in series with each other.

[0027] For example, the first vehicle V1 may be equipped with a first coupling means 200, and the second vehicle may be equipped with a second coupling means 202. In this case, to connect the vehicles, the first coupling means 200 may be connected to the second coupling means 202. In one example, the first coupling means 200 may be configured to be installed at a first end of the first vehicle, and the second coupling means may be configured to be installed at a first end of the second vehicle.

[0028] For example, the first coupling means 200 and the second coupling means 202 may each be or include an auto-digital coupler.

[0029] Further, the vehicle platoon includes a communication line 204 configured to be installed within the first vehicle V1 and the at least one second vehicle V2, and a power supply line 206 configured to be installed within the first vehicle V1 and the at least one second vehicle V2.

[0030] For example, the power supply line 206 can be an analog power line or a digital power line, or preferably, the power supply line 206 can be a safety circuit, e.g., in the railway industry, a safety circuit is also known as a "safety loop."

[0031] For example, the power supply line 206 may include a first power line segment 206′ installed in a first vehicle and connected to a first coupling means, and a second power line segment 206″ installed in a second vehicle and connected to a second coupling means.

[0032] In this way, when the first vehicle V1 is connected to the second vehicle V2 via the first coupling means 200 and the second coupling means 202, the first power line segment 206′ and the second power line segment 206″ can be connected via the first coupling means 200 and the second coupling means 202 so as to have an electrical connection between the two power line segments 206′, 206″.

[0033] For example, the first power line segment 206′ of the first vehicle V1 may be powered by a power supply means. For example, the power supply means may be a pantograph configured to draw energy from a catenary overhead line. When the first power line segment 206′ and the second power line segment 206″ are connected via the first coupling means 200 and the second coupling means 202, the power supplied by the power supply means to the first power line segment 206′ may also be transmitted to the second power line segment 206″, thus powering the second vehicle V2.

[0034] For example, the communication line 204 may include a first communication line segment 204′ installed in a first vehicle and connected to a first coupling means, and a second communication line segment 204″ installed in a second vehicle and connected to a second coupling means.

[0035] In this way, when a first vehicle V1 is connected to a second vehicle V2 via the first coupling means 200 and the second coupling means 202, the first communication line segment 204' and the second communication line segment 204" can be connected via the first coupling means 200 and the second coupling means 202 so as to have a communication channel between the two communication line segments 204', 204".

[0036] For example, the communication line 204 may be of the "single pair Ethernet" type.

[0037] Preferably, the power supply line 206 and the communication line 204 may be "power lines" configured to allow for the supply of power and the transport of communication messages / signals.

[0038] Preferably, the power supply lines 206 and communication lines 204 may be redundant.

[0039] The system for monitoring the integrity of a platoon of vehicles comprises electronic control means 208 configured to be installed in the second vehicle V2, these electronic control means 208 being further configured to verify whether the communication line 204 is interrupted and to verify whether said power supply line 206 is interrupted.

[0040] The electronic control means 208 is further configured to determine that the second vehicle V2 has separated from the first vehicle V1 when it determines from their verification that both the communication line 204 and the power supply line 206 are interrupted.

[0041] In other words, the electronic control means 208 can determine that there is no longer a connection between the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2.

[0042] For example, the electronic control means 208 may be or comprise at least one of a computer, a controller, a processor, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a PLC, an FPGA, and the like.

[0043] For example, the system for monitoring the integrity of a platoon of vehicles may further comprise an internal bus 210 configured to enable the transfer of information from the power supply line 206 and / or the communication line 204 to the electronic control means.

[0044] In the railway industry, for example, the electronic control means 208 may be implemented according to a safety integrity level SIL>3, or the electronic control means 208 may comprise at least two control sub-modules, each control sub-module being implemented according to a safety integrity level SIL>=2.

[0045] For example, the first vehicle V1 in the platoon may be the lead vehicle and the second vehicle V2 may be the towed vehicle connected to the lead vehicle, or vice versa. In a further example, the first vehicle V1 in the platoon may be the first towed vehicle and the second vehicle V2 may be the second towed vehicle connected to the first vehicle V1.

[0046] Preferably, the system for monitoring the integrity of a vehicle platoon may comprise current sensor means installed in said second vehicle and configured to measure the value of the current flowing in the power supply line.

[0047] In such a case, the electronic control means 208 may be configured to determine that the power supply line 206 is interrupted when the current value measured by the current sensor means is zero or below a predetermined current threshold.

[0048] For example, the current sensor means may comprise or be an ammeter.

[0049] In particular, considering the first power line segment 206′ and the second power line segment 206″ of the power supply line, the current sensor means may be configured to measure the value of the current flowing in the second power line segment 206″ of the power supply line.

[0050] Preferably, the system for monitoring the integrity of a vehicle platoon may comprise a voltage sensor means installed in the second vehicle V2 and configured to measure the voltage value of the power supply line 206.

[0051] In such a case, the electronic control means 208 may be configured to determine that the power supply line 206 is interrupted when the voltage value measured by the voltage sensor means is zero or below a predetermined voltage threshold.

[0052] For example, the voltage sensor means may comprise or be a voltmeter.

[0053] In particular, considering a first power line segment 206′ and a second power line segment 206″ of the power supply line, the voltage sensor means may be configured to measure a voltage value of said second power line segment 206″ of the power supply line.

[0054] Preferably, the electronic control means 208 may be configured to determine that said communication line 204 is interrupted when the electronic control means 208 does not receive, via the communication line, at least one communication message transmitted by a second electronic control means 212 configured to be installed in the first vehicle V1 for at least a predetermined verification period.

[0055] The second electronic control means 212 may be configured to send communication messages over said communication line according to a predetermined transmission period, the content of each communication message being modifiable to enable verification of the absence of communication errors or malfunctions of the various electronic control means.

[0056] In other words, the electronic control means 208 may determine that the communication line 204 is interrupted when it is unable to receive a communication message transmitted by the second electronic control means 212 installed in the first vehicle V1 for at least a predetermined verification period.

[0057] For example, the second electronic control means 212 may be or comprise at least one of a computer, a controller, a processor, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a PLC, an FPGA, and the like.

[0058] Preferably, as can be observed in FIG. 3, when the electronic control means 208 determines that the second vehicle V2 has separated from the first vehicle V1, the electronic control means 208 may be further configured to activate the braking means 300 of the second vehicle V2 of the vehicle platoon.

[0059] For example, the braking means 300 can be pneumatic, electro-pneumatic, mechanical, electro-mechanical, or electro-dynamic.

[0060] For example, the braking means 300 may be configured to generate a braking force F on at least one wheel, or on at least one axle, or on at least one braking member coupled to a wheel or axle of the second vehicle.

[0061] For example, when the braking means 300 is pneumatic or electro-pneumatic, the vehicle platoon may include a main pipe configured to carry braking fluid, in which case the braking means 300 may be configured to receive the braking fluid carried by the main pipe and use this braking fluid to generate braking force.

[0062] For example, the first coupling means 200 of the first vehicle V1 may comprise a first pneumatic connection means and the second coupling means 202 of the second vehicle V2 may comprise a second pneumatic connection means, in which case a first segment of the main pipe may be installed in the first vehicle and connected to the first pneumatic connection means and a second segment of the main pipe may be installed in the second vehicle and connected to the second pneumatic connection means.

[0063] When the first coupling means 200 is connected to the second coupling means 202, the first pneumatic connection means is connected to the second pneumatic connection means, thereby connecting the second segment of the main pipe to the first segment of the main pipe. On the other hand, when the second coupling means is separated from the first coupling means, for example due to separation of the second vehicle V2 from the first vehicle V1, the first pneumatic connection means is separated from the second pneumatic connection means, thereby separating the second segment of the main pipe from the first segment of the main pipe.

[0064] The first pneumatic connection means may be associated with the first pneumatic control means and the second pneumatic connection means may be associated with the second pneumatic control means.

[0065] When the first coupling means 200 is connected to the second coupling means 202, the first pneumatic control means and the second pneumatic control means can be in a state that allows the passage of brake fluid between the first segment of the main pipe and the second segment of the main pipe.

[0066] On the other hand, when the second coupling means is separated from the first coupling means, for example due to separation of the second vehicle V2 from the first vehicle V1, the first pneumatic control means and the second pneumatic control means may be in a state that prevents the passage of brake fluid between the first segment of the main pipe and the second segment of the main pipe.

[0067] In a further example, as can be seen in Figure 4, the system for monitoring the integrity of a platoon of vehicles may preferably comprise at least one valve element 400. In this case, the electronic control means 208 for operating the braking means 300 may be configured to control the valve element 400 to exhaust braking fluid from the second segment of the main pipe 402 to the atmosphere.

[0068] In yet a further example, as seen in FIG. 5, preferably, a system for monitoring the integrity of a vehicle platoon includes: - a damping fluid distribution means D connected to the second segment of the main pipe 402 via at least one valve element 500; a brake cylinder 502 configured to receive brake fluid from the brake fluid distribution means D; brake application means 504 configured to generate a braking force F, the value of which is a function of the braking fluid contained in the brake cylinder 502; It may comprise:

[0069] In this case, the electronic control means 208 for operating the braking means may be configured to control the valve element 500 to vent the braking fluid to atmosphere before it reaches the braking fluid distribution means D.

[0070] In yet a further example, as seen in FIG. 6, preferably, a system for monitoring the integrity of a vehicle platoon includes: - a damping fluid distribution means D connected to the second segment of the main pipe; an auxiliary reservoir 600 configured to store brake fluid; a valve element 602 configured to receive the brake fluid from the brake fluid distribution means and the brake fluid from the auxiliary reservoir and to selectively supply at its outlet either the brake fluid from said brake fluid distribution means D or the brake fluid from the auxiliary reservoir 600; a brake cylinder configured to receive brake fluid from the valve element; brake application means 606 configured to generate a braking force, the value of which is a function of the brake fluid contained in the brake cylinder; It may comprise:

[0071] The valve element may be configured to normally dispense brake fluid from the brake fluid distribution means at the outlet.

[0072] The electronic control means 208 for operating the damping means may be configured to control the valve element 602 to supply damping fluid coming from the auxiliary reservoir to the outlet of the valve element.

[0073] Preferably, the damping means may further comprise damping control means 604 configured to regulate the pressure of damping fluid coming from an auxiliary reservoir before said damping fluid is supplied to the valve element.

[0074] Preferably, the electronic control means 208 is - Emergency braking, -Service brakes, and -Parking brake the braking means 300 of the second vehicle in the vehicle platoon to perform at least one of the following:

[0075] Preferably, the electronic control means 208 is generating a communication failure alarm signal when the electronic control means 208 determines from the verification that the communication line 204 is interrupted but said power supply line 206 is not interrupted; The method may be further configured to:

[0076] For example, the electronic control means 208 may be configured to transmit a communication failure warning signal to an additional ground control means via a wireless communication means or to a second electronic control means 212 of the first vehicle via a second backup communication means.

[0077] Preferably, the electronic control means 208 is generating a power failure alarm signal when the electronic control means 208 determines from the verification that the communication line 204 is not interrupted but said power supply line 206 is interrupted; The method may be further configured to:

[0078] For example, the electronic control means 208 may be configured to transmit a power failure warning signal to an additional ground control means via wireless communication means or to a second electronic control means 212 of the first vehicle V1 via the communication line 204.

[0079] The fact that at least one of the communication line 204 and the power supply line 206 is not interrupted is an indication that the vehicles V1 and V2 are still connected and only a fault or malfunction in the communication line 204 or the power supply line has occurred.

[0080] Instead, a situation in which both the communication line 204 and the power supply line 206 are interrupted must be evaluated as if the vehicles V1 and V2 are separated.

[0081] Preferably, the electronic control means 208 may be configured to be powered by a local power supply means configured to be installed within the second rail vehicle.

[0082] For example, the local power supply means may be or comprise at least one battery.

[0083] In this way, even if the electronic control means 208 do not receive power from the power supply line 206, their operation can be ensured by the power supply provided by the local power supply means.

[0084] If there are several second vehicles V2 connected in series with each other, each second vehicle V2 may be equipped with a respective electronic control means 208.

[0085] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for monitoring the integrity of a vehicle platoon, in particular a railway platoon.

[0086] In this case too, the formation a first vehicle and at least one second vehicle connected to said first vehicle; - a communication line configured to be installed in said first vehicle and in said at least one second vehicle; - an electric power supply line configured to be installed in the first vehicle and in the at least one second vehicle; Includes:

[0087] In one embodiment, a method for monitoring the integrity of a platoon of vehicles comprises the following steps performed by electronic control means installed in a second vehicle of the platoon: - verifying whether the communication line is interrupted; - verifying whether the power supply line is interrupted; - determining that the second vehicle has separated from the first vehicle when it is determined from the verification that both the communication line and the power supply line are interrupted; Includes.

[0088] The embodiments described above for a system for monitoring the integrity of a vehicle platoon, which are not repeated here, can obviously be applied as well as the above method.

[0089] An advantage achieved by the present invention is that it provides a solution that allows situations in which at least one vehicle in a vehicle platoon has become too separated from the platoon to be quickly identified.

[0090] An additional advantage achieved is that a solution has been provided that allows for the possibility that, if at least one vehicle separates from a further vehicle in the vehicle platoon, the at least one vehicle that has separated from the platoon may still be braked.

[0091] Various aspects and embodiments of the system and corresponding method for monitoring the integrity of a vehicle platoon according to the present invention have been described. It is understood that each embodiment may be combined with any other embodiment. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but may be modified within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A system for monitoring the integrity of a vehicle platoon, comprising: The formation, a first vehicle (V1) and at least one second vehicle (V2) connected to the first vehicle (V1); a communication line (204) configured to be installed in the first vehicle (V1) and the at least one second vehicle (V2); an electric power supply line (206) configured to be installed in the first vehicle (V1) and the at least one second vehicle (V2); Equipped with the system comprises electronic control means (208) adapted to be installed in said second vehicle (V2), The electronic control means (208) Verifying whether the communication line (204) is interrupted; Verifying whether the power supply line (206) is interrupted; and determining from the verification that the second vehicle (V2) has separated from the first vehicle (V1) when the electronic control means determines that both the communication line (204) and the power supply line (206) are interrupted. The system further comprises:

2. a current sensor means installed in the second vehicle (V2) and configured to measure a current value flowing through the power supply line (206); 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic control means (208) is configured to determine that the power supply line (206) is interrupted when the current value measured by the current sensor means is zero or less than a predetermined current threshold.

3. voltage sensor means installed in the second vehicle (V2) and configured to measure a voltage value of the power supply line (206); 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic control means is configured to determine that the power supply line is interrupted when the voltage value measured by the voltage sensor means is zero or below a predetermined voltage threshold.

4. 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic control means (208) is configured to determine that the communication line (204) is interrupted when the electronic control means (208) does not receive, via the communication line, at least one communication message transmitted by a second electronic control means (212) configured to be installed in the first vehicle (V1) for at least a predetermined verification period.

5. When the electronic control means (208) determines that the second vehicle (V2) has separated from the first vehicle (V1), the electronic control means (208) activating the braking means (300) of the second vehicle (V2) of the platoon of vehicles; The system of claim 1 further configured to:

6. The electronic control means (208) Emergency braking, Service brakes, and Parking brake, 6. The system of claim 5, configured to activate the braking means (300) of the second vehicle (V2) of the platoon of vehicles to perform at least one of the following:

7. The electronic control means (208) 2. The system of claim 1, further configured to generate a communication fault alarm signal when the electronic control means determines from the verification that the communication line is interrupted but the power supply line is not interrupted.

8. The electronic control means (208) generating a power failure alarm signal when the electronic control means (208) determines from the verification that the communication line (204) is not interrupted but the power supply line (206) is interrupted; The system of claim 1 , further configured to:

9. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic control means (208) is configured to be powered by a local power supply means configured to be installed on the second vehicle (V2).

10. 1. A method for monitoring the integrity of a vehicle platoon, comprising: The formation, a first vehicle and at least one second vehicle connected to the first vehicle; a communication line configured to be installed in the first vehicle and the at least one second vehicle; an electric power supply line configured to be installed in the first vehicle and the at least one second vehicle; Equipped with The method comprises the following steps, implemented by electronic control means installed in the second vehicle of the platoon: verifying whether the communication line is interrupted; verifying whether the power supply line is interrupted; determining that the second vehicle has separated from the first vehicle when it is determined from the verification that both the communication line and the power supply line are interrupted; A method comprising:

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