System for determining whether a vehicle is connected to a further vehicle, system for determining whether a vehicle in a convoy of vehicles is an end vehicle of said convoy, corresponding methods, vehicle, and convoy of vehicles

Abstract

A system is described for determining whether a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, is connected to a further vehicle, in particular a further railway vehicle. This system comprises electronic control means 212 arranged to be installed in a first vehicle and to: - transmit, via first communication means 200, a verification signal into the first signal transmission means 202 of the first vehicle, adapted to be connected to second signal transmission means of a further vehicle; - verify whether, in response to the transmission of the verification signal into the first signal transmission means 202, a reflected signal is present in the first signal transmission means 202; - determine that said first vehicle is not connected to the further vehicle when the verification indicates that the reflected signal is present in the first signal transmission means 202 of the first vehicle, and / or determine that said first vehicle is connected to the further vehicle when the verification indicates that the reflected signal is not present in the first signal transmission means 202 of the first vehicle.

Description

[0001] System for determining whether a vehicle is connected to a further vehicle, system for determining whether a vehicle in a convoy of vehicles is an end vehicle of said convoy, corresponding methods, vehicle, and convoy of vehicles

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally pertains to the field of vehicles; in particular, the invention relates to a system for determining whether a vehicle is connected to a further vehicle, a system for determining whether a vehicle in a convoy of vehicles is an end vehicle of said convoy, corresponding methods, a vehicle, and a convoy of vehicles.

[0004] Prior Art

[0005] Hereinafter, the prior art is described with specific reference to the field of railway vehicles, however, as described, it may also find analogous applications in vehicles from other fields.

[0006] Convoys of vehicles typically comprise one or more vehicles connected in series to one another

[0007] As can be seen in Figure 1, for instance, considering a convoy of vehicles comprising of four vehicles, such a convoy may comprise two end vehicles, namely, a lead vehicle VI and a tail vehicle V4, and two intermediate vehicles V2, V3 installed in series between said lead vehicle VI and said tail vehicle V4.

[0008] However, during its operational life, the composition of a convoy of vehicles can change. For example, the total number of vehicles can be increased or reduced depending on transportation needs, or the position of vehicles within the convoy may be rearranged.

[0009] When the position of vehicles in the convoy changes, it may occur that an end vehicle may become an intermediate vehicle, and vice versa.

[0010] Additionally, nowadays there is an ever-growing need for digitisation in convoys of vehicles, in particular for freight wagons.

[0011] Digitisation is necessary to enhance the competitiveness of convoys of vehicles compared to other modes of transportation.

[0012] This digitisation requires communication between the vehicles of the convoy, i.e., freight wagons and locomotives, to improve operational processes. Communication will enable the detection of the train composition, which is essential for transitioning from visual verification to automated processes.

[0013] The digitisation of freight convoys has led to the installation in said freight convoys of some electronic systems, such as, for example, signal transmission means, e.g., an electrical line or a communication line, electronic control means, and electric energy recovery systems.

[0014] For example, the various vehicles VI, V2, V3, and V4 may each comprise respective coupling means 100, such as a digital automatic coupler. Clearly, what is described below merely as an example for vehicle VI and vehicle V2 can be similarly applied to the other vehicles V3 and V4.

[0015] In general, a digital automatic coupler is capable of remotely decoupling the at least one intermediate vehicle V2 from the convoy of vehicles (and consequently vehicles V3 and V4 connected to such an intermediate vehicle V2) for shunting operations. The command request can be sent, for instance, by electronic control means installed in the lead vehicle VI or by ground-based control means.

[0016] When the digital automatic coupler 100 of one vehicle is in a coupled state with a digital automatic coupler 100 of another vehicle, a valve element coupled to a main pipe (brake pipe) of the vehicle can be brought into an open condition, allowing braking fluid (e.g., pressurised air) to flow from one vehicle to the other. When the digital automatic coupler of a vehicle is in a decoupled state, i.e., not coupled to the digital automatic coupler of another vehicle, the valve element coupled to the main pipe (brake pipe) of the vehicle can be brought into a closed condition, isolating the main pipe installed in that vehicle. Additionally, when the digital automatic coupler 100 of one vehicle is in a coupled state with the digital automatic coupler 100 of another vehicle, a mechanical element of the digital automatic coupler 100 of one vehicle is brought into an engaged condition with a corresponding mechanical element of the digital automatic coupler 100 of the other vehicle, thereby mechanically connecting the two vehicles. When the digital automatic coupler of a vehicle is in a decoupled state, i.e., not coupled to the digital automatic coupler of another vehicle, a mechanical element of the digital automatic coupler 100 of one vehicle is brought into a disengaged condition from a corresponding mechanical element of the digital automatic coupler 100 of the other vehicle, thereby mechanically disconnecting the two vehicles.

[0017] Furthermore, when the digital automatic coupler 100 of one vehicle is in a coupled state with the digital automatic coupler 100 of another vehicle, a section of electrical line coupled to the digital automatic coupler 100 of one vehicle is brought into a connected condition with a corresponding section of electrical line coupled to the digital automatic coupler 100 of the other vehicle, thereby electrically connecting the two vehicles. When the digital automatic coupler of a vehicle is in a decoupled state, i.e., not coupled to the digital automatic coupler of another vehicle, the section of electrical line coupled to the digital automatic coupler 100 of one vehicle is brought into a disconnected condition from the corresponding section of electrical line coupled to the digital automatic coupler 100 of the other vehicle, thereby electrically disconnecting the two vehicles.

[0018] Thanks to the design of the digital automatic couplers, the normal process of operational decoupling involves simultaneous decoupling on both coupled digital automatic couplers, thereby minimising wear on the digital automatic couplers.

[0019] Disadvantageously, it is sufficient for one digital automatic coupler 100 to assume a decoupled condition for effective decoupling to occur.

[0020] The lead vehicle VI can request the decoupling of at least one intermediate vehicle V2 comprised in the convoy of vehicles C. This means that control means of at least one intermediate vehicle V2 can perform decoupling actions on the automatic coupler under their management.

[0021] Since only one digital automatic coupler 100 needs to be in a decoupled condition to achieve effective decoupling of vehicle V2, and since the coupling or decoupling condition of the valve element of a digital automatic coupler 100, associated with the main pipe, is linked to the coupling / decoupling condition of the digital automatic coupler 100, a single fault can result in a situation where the at least one second vehicle V2 is improperly decoupled, effectively splitting the railway convoy in two, with part of the convoy of vehicles being unable to brake.

[0022] The situation is as follows: in the event of improper decoupling by the digital automatic coupler of the at least one intermediate vehicle V2 from the digital automatic coupler of the lead vehicle VI, such at least one decoupled intermediate vehicle V2 will be separated from the original convoy of vehicles, and the valve element of the second vehicle disconnected from the convoy of vehicles, associated with the main pipe, is brought into the closed state within the digital automatic coupler, assuming the decoupled state. Therefore, the at least one separated intermediate vehicle V2 will be unable to brake, as the main pipe will remain pressurised due to the valve element being closed. In such a scenario, the at least one second vehicle V2 disconnected from the railway convoy may move freely and uncontrollably, as braking capability will not be guaranteed.

[0023] Additionally, in the event of vehicle disconnection, such vehicles will be disconnected both electrically and mechanically.

[0024] Given the above, for safety or the convoy of vehicles management purposes, verifying the detection of the composition of a convoy of vehicles is of great importance to determine the convoy of vehicles length and braking capability. This verification is also mandatory for the convoy of vehicles entry into service on the main network.

[0025] Moreover, always for safety reasons, there is a need to determine the actual start and end of the convoy of vehicles, corresponding to the lead vehicle and tail vehicle of the convoy, and to ascertain whether a vehicle is connected to or disconnected from a further vehicle in the convoy.

[0026] Nowadays, whenever the composition of the convoy of vehicles is changed, these verification operations for the convoy of vehicles composition are carried out manually by an operator who verifies the actual composition of the convoy of vehicles by walking alongside the entire length of the convoy.

[0027] Disadvantageously, this solution requires significant human resources, a long time to perform such verifications, and is prone to human error.

[0028] Summary of the Invention

[0029] An object of the present invention is to provide solutions that allow determining whether a vehicle is connected or disconnected to / from a further vehicle.

[0030] These solutions can also be used to be able to determine the composition of a convoy of vehicles and to ascertain whether at least one vehicle is connected / disconnected to / from the convoy of vehicles.

[0031] The above and other objectives and advantages are achieved by the following aspects of the invention:

[0032] - A system for determining whether a vehicle is connected to a further vehicle, having the features defined in claim 1;

[0033] - A method for determining whether a vehicle is connected to a further vehicle, having the features defined in claim 6;

[0034] - A system for determining whether a vehicle in a convoy of vehicles is an end vehicle of said convoy of vehicles, having the features defined in claim 7;

[0035] - A method for determining whether a vehicle in a convoy of vehicles is an end vehicle of said convoy of vehicles, having the features defined in claim 10;

[0036] - A vehicle having the features defined in claim 11;

[0037] - A convoy of vehicles having the features defined in claim 12. Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims, the content of which is to be considered an integral part of the present description.

[0038] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0039] The functional and structural characteristics of some preferred embodiments of a system and method for determining whether a vehicle is connected to a further vehicle, a system and method for determining whether a vehicle in a convoy of vehicles is an end vehicle of said convoy, a vehicle, and a convoy of vehicles according to the invention will now be described. Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0040] - Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary convoy of vehicles according to the prior art;

[0041] - Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of a system for determining whether a vehicle is connected to a further vehicle according to the present invention;

[0042] - Figure 3 illustrates two graphs showing an example of a verification signal and a reflected signal;

[0043] - Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of a system for determining whether a vehicle in a convoy of vehicles is an end vehicle of said convoy of vehicles according to the present invention; and

[0044] - Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of a vehicle according to the present invention.

[0045] Detailed Description

[0046] Before explaining in detail multiple embodiments of the invention, it should be clarified that the invention is not limited in its application to the construction details and configurations of the components presented in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of being embodied in various forms and in practice implemented or carried out in different ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology are intended for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting. The use of “include” and “comprise”, and variations thereof, is intended to encompass the elements stated below and their equivalents, as well as additional elements and their equivalents. Referring initially to Figure 2, a first embodiment of a system for determining whether a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, is connected to a further vehicle, in particular a further railway vehicle, is described below.

[0047] In the case of railway vehicles, a vehicle may be, for example, at least one of a locomotive, a towed vehicle, or a freight wagon.

[0048] As shown in Figure 2, a first vehicle comprises first communication means 200 and first signal transmission means 202 coupled to said first communication means 200.

[0049] Signal transmission means may refer to signal propagation / conveyance means, i.e., means adapted to enable signal propagation / transmission.

[0050] The first communication means 200 are arranged to terminate the first signal transmission means 202 via a first impedance 204 having a predetermined impedance value.

[0051] For example, the first impedance 204 may have a value of 120 Ohms or 50 Ohms.

[0052] The first signal transmission means 204 of the first vehicle VI are further adapted to be connected to second signal transmission means 206 of a further vehicle V2.

[0053] The second signal transmission means 206 of the further vehicle V2 are coupled to second communication means 208, which are arranged to terminate said second signal transmission means 206 via a second impedance 210 having an impedance value corresponding to the predetermined impedance value of the first impedance 204 terminating the first signal transmission means.

[0054] The system comprises electronic control means 212 arranged to be installed in the first vehicle.

[0055] For instance, the electronic control means 212 may be or comprise at least one processor, a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a PLC, an FPGA, or similar devices.

[0056] These electronic control means are arranged to transmit, through the first communication means, a verification signal into the first signal transmission means of the first vehicle.

[0057] As previously explained, the first signal transmission means 202 of the first vehicle are adapted to be connected to the second signal transmission means 206 of the further vehicle.

[0058] The electronic control means 212 are further arranged to verify whether, in response to the transmission of the verification signal through said first signal transmission means 202 of the first vehicle, a reflected signal is present in said first signal transmission means 202.

[0059] Additionally, when it is determined / shown through verification that a reflected signal is present in the first signal transmission means 202 of the first vehicle, the electronic control means 212 are arranged to determine that said first vehicle is not connected to said further vehicle.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, when it is determined / shown through verification that a reflected signal is not present in said first signal transmission means 202 of the first vehicle, the electronic control means 212 are arranged to determine that said first vehicle is connected to said further vehicle.

[0061] In general, since the first impedance 204 associated with the first communication means 200 of the first vehicle has an impedance value equal to the second impedance 210 associated with the second communication means of the further vehicle, and the impedance of the signal transmission means is negligible, when the two vehicles are connected such that the first signal transmission means are coupled to the second signal transmission means, an impedance matching will occur between the first communication means 200 of the first vehicle and the second communication means 208 of the further vehicle. Consequently, any signal transmitted by the first communication means 200 of the first vehicle into the first signal transmission means 202 will be forwarded through the second signal transmission means 206 of the further vehicle so as to reach the second communication means 208 of the further vehicle. In this scenario, the transmitted signal substantially will not generate a reflected signal, clearly indicating that the two vehicles are connected.

[0062] Conversely, when the two vehicles are not connected and the first signal transmission means 202 are not connected to the second signal transmission means 206, any signal transmitted by the first communication means 200 of the first vehicle into the first signal transmission means 202 cannot be forwarded to the second signal transmission means 206 of the further vehicle so as to reach the second communication means of the further vehicle. In this case, the first signal transmission means will not be connected to anything and will not have at their end an impedance matching the impedance value of the first impedance 204 associated with the first communication means 200 of the first vehicle. In such a situation, the transmitted signal will generate a reflected signal along said first signal transmission means 202, which will clearly indicate that the two vehicles are not connected.

[0063] In Figure 3, two illustrative graphs are shown. The graph on the left illustrates a situation where, following the transmission of the verification signal 300, no reflected signal 302 is present on the first signal transmission means. The graph on the right illustrates a situation where, following the transmission of the verification signal 300, a reflected signal 302 is present on the first signal transmission means.

[0064] For example, as shown in Figure 3, the verification signal can be a pulse 300 with a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined duration.

[0065] For example, the first communication means 200 of the first vehicle may be or comprise a transmitter or a transceiver. For example, the second communication means 208 of the further vehicle may be or comprise a receiver or a transceiver.

[0066] Preferably, the electronic control means 212 of the first vehicle may be arranged to verify, for a predetermined time interval from the moment the verification signal was transmitted, whether, in response to the transmission of the verification signal on said first signal transmission means 202 of the first vehicle, a reflected signal is present in said first signal transmission means 202. This approach helps avoid a situation where a spurious signal on the first signal transmission means 202, no longer generated by the verification signal, could be erroneously interpreted as a reflected signal.

[0067] Preferably, the electronic control means 212 of the first vehicle, in response to determining that the first vehicle is not connected to said further vehicle, may be further arranged to:

[0068] - transmit a detected disconnection signal to second electronic control means 214 installed on board the first vehicle; or

[0069] - transmit a detected disconnection signal to second electronic control means 216 remote from said first vehicle.

[0070] Preferably, the electronic control means 212 of the first vehicle, in response to determining that the first vehicle is connected to said further vehicle, can also be arranged to:

[0071] - transmit a detected connection signal to second electronic control means 214 installed on board the first vehicle; or

[0072] - transmit a detected connection signal to second electronic control means 216 remote from the said first vehicle.

[0073] For example, the second electronic control means 214, 216 may also be or comprise at least one processor, microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, PLC, FPGA, or similar devices.

[0074] Preferably, when said first vehicle is part of a convoy of vehicles comprising multiple vehicles, in response to determining that the first vehicle is not connected to said further vehicle, the electronic control means 212 of the first vehicle may further be arranged to determine that the first vehicle is an end vehicle of the convoy.

[0075] For instance, an end vehicle may be a lead vehicle or a tail vehicle of the convoy.

[0076] The first signal transmission means and the second signal transmission means may each be, for example, a section of a line, such as a section of an electrical line. For example, the first signal transmission means and the second signal transmission means may form a convoy communication line of the Single-Pair Ethernet type. However, other types of communication lines may also be used. For instance, the first and second signal transmission means may be redundant.

[0077] In a further example, the first signal transmission means and second signal transmission means may for example form an analogue or digital electrical line.

[0078] In a further example, the first signal transmission means and second signal transmission means may for example form an electrical power line.

[0079] Alternatively, and preferably, the first signal transmission means and second signal transmission means may form a safety circuit. For example, in the railway field, the safety circuit is also known as a "safety loop".

[0080] Preferably, the first signal transmission means and second signal transmission means may form a power line, arranged to allow the conveyance of both electrical power and communication messages / signals.

[0081] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for determining whether a vehicle VI, in particular a railway vehicle, is connected to a further vehicle V2, in particular a further railway vehicle.

[0082] The first vehicle VI may again comprise:

[0083] - first communication means 200 and first signal transmission means 202 coupled to the first communication means 200.

[0084] The first communication means 200 are arranged to terminate the first signal transmission means 202 via a first impedance 204 having a predetermined impedance value.

[0085] The first signal transmission means of the first vehicle are also adapted to be connected to second signal transmission means of a further vehicle V2. Moreover, the second signal transmission means 206 of the further vehicle V2 are coupled to second communication means 208. The second communication means 208 are arranged to terminate the second signal transmission means 206 via a second impedance 210 having an impedance value corresponding to the predetermined impedance value of the first impedance 204 terminating the first signal transmission means.

[0086] In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: a) transmitting, via the first communication means 200, a verification signal into said first signal transmission means 202 of the first vehicle, adapted to be connected to the second signal transmission means of the further vehicle; b) verifying whether, in response to the transmission of the verification signal on said first signal transmission means 202 of the first vehicle, a reflected signal is present in said first signal transmission means 202; c) determining that said first vehicle is not connected to said further vehicle when the verification indicates / determines that the reflected signal is present in said first signal transmission means 202 of the first vehicle; and / or, c') determining that said first vehicle is connected to said further vehicle when the verification indicates / determines that the reflected signal is not present in said first signal transmission means 202 of the first vehicle.

[0087] All the embodiments previously described for the system for determining whether a vehicle is connected to a further vehicle, and not repeated here, can clearly find analogous application in the method just described above.

[0088] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a system for determining whether a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, in a convoy of vehicles, in particular a railway convoy, is an end vehicle of said convoy of vehicles.

[0089] A first embodiment of such a system is described below with reference to Figure 4.

[0090] The convoy of vehicles comprises at least two vehicles VI, V2, each comprising:

[0091] - first communication means 400 and first signal transmission means 402 coupled to said first communication means 400, wherein the first communication means 400 are arranged to terminate said first signal transmission means 402 via a first impedance 404 having a predetermined impedance value;

[0092] - second communication means 408 and second signal transmission means 406 coupled to said second communication means 408, wherein the second communication means 408 are arranged to terminate said second signal transmission means 406 via a second impedance 410 having an impedance value corresponding to the predetermined impedance value of the first impedance 404 terminating the first signal transmission means 402.

[0093] The first signal transmission means 402 of one vehicle are adapted to be connected to the second signal transmission means 406 of another vehicle in the convoy.

[0094] The system comprises, for each of said at least two vehicles, respective electronic control means 412 arranged to be installed in a respective vehicle of said at least two vehicles.

[0095] In other words, each of said at least two vehicles may comprise its own electronic control means 412.

[0096] The electronic control means 412 are each arranged to:

[0097] - transmit, via said first communication means 400, a verification signal into said first signal transmission means 402 of the vehicle on which they are installed;

[0098] - verify whether, in response to the transmission of the verification signal on said first signal transmission means 402, a reflected signal is present in said first signal transmission means 402 of the vehicle on which they are installed;

[0099] - determine that said vehicle is an end vehicle of the convoy of vehicles when the verification indicates / determines that said reflected signal is present in the first signal transmission means 402 of the vehicle on which they are installed.

[0100] In general, an end vehicle in a convoy is characterised by having one end not connected to any other vehicle. In this case, the first signal transmission means of such an end vehicle would not be connected to any one of the second signal transmission means. For instance, a section of electrical line in such an end vehicle would not be connected to any other section of electrical line.

[0101] Since the first communication means are associated with a first impedance 404 having an impedance value equal to the second impedance 410 associated with the second communication means of a further vehicle in the convoy, and the impedance of the signal transmission means is negligible, when two vehicles are connected such that the first signal transmission means 402 of one vehicle are connected to the second signal transmission means 406 of another vehicle, impedance matching occurs between the first communication means 400 of one vehicle and the second communication means 408 of another vehicle. Consequently, any signal transmitted by the first communication means 400 of a vehicle into the first signal transmission means 402 will be forwarded through the second signal transmission means 406 of the other vehicle so as to reach the second communication means 408 of the other vehicle. In this scenario, the transmitted signal will not substantially generate a reflected signal, clearly indicating that a vehicle is connected to a further vehicle in the convoy.

[0102] Conversely, when a vehicle is an end vehicle not connected to a further vehicle, the first signal transmission means 402 of a vehicle will not be connected to the second signal transmission means 406 of another vehicle. Therefore, any signal transmitted by the said first communication means 400 of such a vehicle through the first signal transmission means cannot be forwarded to the second signal transmission means 406 of another vehicle so as to reach the second communication means 408 of another vehicle. In this case, the first signal transmission means 402 will not be connected to anything and will not present at their end an impedance having a value equal to the impedance value of the first impedance 404 associated with the first communication means 400 of such a vehicle. In this situation, the transmitted signal will generate a reflected signal along said first signal transmission means 402, which will clearly indicate that the vehicle is not connected to another vehicle and is an end vehicle of the convoy.

[0103] For example, the first communication means of a vehicle may be or comprise a transmitter or a transceiver. For example, the second communication means of such a vehicle may be or comprise a receiver or a transceiver. As shown, for example, in Figure 4, the first communication means and the second communication means of a vehicle may be part of a single transceiver.

[0104] Preferably, each of said electronic control means 412 may be arranged to verify, for a predetermined time interval from the moment said verification signal was transmitted, whether, in response to the transmission of the verification signal on said first signal transmission means of the vehicle on which they are installed, a reflected signal is present in said first signal transmission means.

[0105] In this way, it is possible to avoid that a spurious signal on the first signal transmission means, no longer generated by the verification signal, is interpreted as a reflected signal.

[0106] Preferably, each of said electronic control means 412, in response to determining that the vehicle in which they are installed is an end vehicle of the convoy, may also be arranged to:

[0107] - transmit a convoy-end signal to second electronic control means 414 installed on board of one vehicle of said at least two vehicles of the convoy of vehicles; or

[0108] - transmit a convoy-end signal to second electronic control means 416 remote with respect to said convoy of vehicles.

[0109] For instance, the second electronic control means 414, 416 may also be or comprise at least one processor, microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, PLC, FPGA, or similar devices.

[0110] Again, the first signal transmission means and the second signal transmission means may each be, for example, a section of a line, such as a section of electrical line.

[0111] For example, the first signal transmission means and second signal transmission means may form a convoy communication line of the Single-Pair Ethernet type. However, other types of communication lines may also be used. For instance, the first signal transmission means and second signal transmission means may be redundant.

[0112] In another example, the first signal transmission means and second signal transmission means may for example form an analogue or digital electrical line. In a further example, the first signal transmission means and second signal transmission means may form an analogue electrical line or a digital electric line.

[0113] In a further example, the first signal transmission means and second transmission means may form a power supply line.

[0114] Alternatively, and preferably, the first signal transmission means and second signal transmission means may form a safety circuit. For instance, in the railway sector, the safety circuit is also known as a "safety loop".

[0115] Preferably, the first signal transmission means and second signal transmission means may form a "powerline", arranged to allow the conveyance of both electrical power and communication messages / signals.

[0116] In still another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for determining whether a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, in a convoy of vehicles, in particular a railway convoy, is an end vehicle of said convoy of vehicles.

[0117] The convoy of vehicles comprises at least two vehicles VI, V2, each comprising:

[0118] - first communication means 400 and first signal transmission means 402 coupled to said first communication means 400, wherein said first communication means 400 are arranged to terminate said first signal transmission means 402 via a first impedance 404 having a predetermined impedance value;

[0119] - second communication means 408 and second signal transmission means 406 coupled to said second communication means 408, wherein said second communication means 408 are arranged to terminate the second signal transmission means 406 via a second impedance 410 having an impedance value corresponding to the predetermined impedance value of the first impedance 404 terminating said first signal transmission means.

[0120] The first signal transmission means 402 of one vehicle are adapted to be connected to the second signal transmission means 406 of another vehicle in the convoy. The method comprises, for each of said at least two vehicles:

[0121] - transmitting, via said first communication means 400, a verification signal into the said first signal transmission means 402 of the vehicle;

[0122] - verifying whether, in response to the transmission of the verification signal on said first signal transmission means 402 of the vehicle, a reflected signal is present in said first signal transmission means 402;

[0123] - when the verification determines / shows that said reflected signal is present in said first signal transmission means 402 of the vehicle, determine that said vehicle is an end vehicle of the convoy of vehicles.

[0124] All the embodiments previously described for the system to determine whether a vehicle in a convoy of vehicles is an end vehicle of said convoy, and not repeated here, can clearly find analogous application in the method just described.

[0125] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle.

[0126] Therein below, referring now to Figure 5, an embodiment of a vehicle is described.

[0127] Specifically, the vehicle comprises first communication means 500 and first signal transmission means 502 coupled to said first communication means 500. The first communication means 500 are arranged to terminate said first signal transmission means 502 via a first impedance 504 having a predetermined impedance value.

[0128] The vehicle also comprises second communication means 508 and second signal transmission means 506 coupled to said second communication means 508. The second communication means 508 are arranged to terminate said second signal transmission means 506 via a second impedance 510 having an impedance value corresponding to the predetermined impedance value of the first impedance 504 terminating said first signal transmission means.

[0129] The vehicle also comprises a system for determining whether a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, is connected to a further vehicle, in particular a further railway vehicle, according to any of the embodiments previously described.

[0130] Again, the first signal transmission means and the second signal transmission means may each be, for example, a section of a line, such as a section of electrical line.

[0131] For example, the first signal transmission means and second signal transmission means may form a convoy communication line of the Single-Pair Ethernet type. However, other types of communication lines may also be used. For instance, the first and second signal transmission means may be redundant.

[0132] In a further example, the first signal transmission means and second signal transmission means may form an analogue electrical line or digital electrical line.

[0133] In a further example, the first signal transmission means and second signal transmission means may form a power supply line.

[0134] Or preferably, the first signal transmission means and second signal transmission means may form a safety circuit. For instance, in the railway sector, the safety circuit is also known as a "safety loop".

[0135] Preferably, the first signal transmission means and second signal transmission means may form a "powerline", arranged to allow the conveyance of both electrical power supply and communication messages / signals.

[0136] For example, the vehicle may be a railway vehicle.

[0137] Finally, in yet a further aspect, the present invention also relates to a convoy, in particular a railway convoy.

[0138] The convoy of vehicles comprises at least two vehicles, each comprising:

[0139] - first communication means 400 and first signal transmission means 402 coupled to said first communication means;

[0140] - second communication means 408 and second signal transmission means 406 coupled to said second communication means 408.

[0141] The first communication means 400 are arranged to terminate said first signal transmission means 402 via a first impedance 404 having a predetermined impedance value.

[0142] The second communication means 408 are arranged to terminate said second signal transmission means 406 via a second impedance 410 having an impedance value corresponding to the predetermined impedance value of the first impedance 404 terminating said first signal transmission means.

[0143] The first signal transmission means 402 of one vehicle are adapted to be connected to the second signal transmission means 406 of another vehicle in the convoy of vehicles.

[0144] The convoy also comprises:

[0145] - a system for determining whether a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, in a convoy of vehicles, in particular a railway convoy, is an end vehicle of said convoy of vehicles, according to any of the embodiments previously described.

[0146] Once again, the first signal transmission means and the second signal transmission means may each be, for example, a section of a line, such as a section of electrical line.

[0147] For example, the first signal transmission means and second signal transmission means may form a convoy communication line of the Single-Pair Ethernet type. However, other types of communication lines may also be used. For instance, the first signal transmission means and second signal transmission means may be redundant.

[0148] In a further example, the first and second signal transmission means may form an analogue or digital electrical line.

[0149] In yet a further example, the first signal transmission means and second signal transmission means may, for example, form a power supply line.

[0150] Alternatively, preferably the first signal transmission means and second signal transmission means may form a safety circuit. For example, in the railway sector, the safety circuit is also known as a "safety loop".

[0151] Preferably, the first signal transmission means and second signal transmission means may form a "powerline", arranged to allow the conveyance of both electrical power and communication messages / signals.

[0152] With reference to all the aspects of the invention described earlier, concerning the railway sector and the standards currently in force, the electronic control means can be implemented according to a safety integrity level SIL>2.

[0153] For example, the convoy of vehicles may be a railway convoy, such as for example a railway convoy for passenger transport or a railway convoy for freight transport. In general, in the railway sector, each vehicle in the convoy may be a railway vehicle, such as a locomotive, passenger carriage, freight wagon, a wagon, etc.

[0154] However, the present invention may also apply to vehicles from other sectors, such as convoys of road vehicles, watercraft, or aircraft, wherein the vehicles in the convoy are interconnected.

[0155] As previously mentioned, the present invention is also applicable to freight convoys. Recently, there has been a digitisation of freight convoys aiming to enhance the competitiveness of freight convoys compared to other modes of transportation.

[0156] This digitisation requires communication between the vehicles in the convoy, i.e., freight wagons and the locomotive, to improve operational processes. Communication will enable the detection of the train composition, essential for transitioning from visual verification to automated processes. The digitisation of freight convoys has led to the installation of certain electronic systems in such freight convoys, such as a communication line, electronic control means, and energy recovery systems.

[0157] Furthermore, the vehicles in such freight convoys have recently been equipped with digital automatic couplers, which can connect / disconnect these vehicles and connect their respective sections of electrical lines.

[0158] In light of the ability to automatically modify the composition of the freight convoy, the solutions of the present invention can be advantageously used to perform verifications related to the convoy composition (e.g., determining the end vehicles of the convoy, verifying the separation of one or more vehicles in the convoy).

[0159] The advantage achieved is therefore the provision of solutions that allow identifying the connection of a vehicle with a further vehicle and identifying the end vehicles of a convoy of vehicles. These solutions can also be advantageously used to determine the possible separation of part of the convoy of vehicles.

[0160] The term "convoy of vehicles" may refer to a group of vehicles connected to one another.

[0161] Various aspects and embodiments of a system for determining whether a vehicle is connected to a further vehicle, a system for determining whether a vehicle in a convoy of vehicles is an end vehicle of said convoy, corresponding methods, a vehicle, and a convoy of vehicles according to the invention have been described. It is understood that each embodiment may be combined with any other embodiment. Moreover, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described but may be varied within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. System for determining whether a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, is connected to a further vehicle, in particular a further railway vehicle, wherein a first vehicle (VI) comprises:- first communication means (200) and first signal transmission means (202) coupled to said first communication means (200); wherein said first communication means (200) are arranged to terminate said first signal transmission means (202) via a first impedance (204) having a predetermined impedance value; wherein said first signal transmission means (202) of the first vehicle (VI) are further adapted to be connected to second signal transmission means (206) of a further vehicle (V2); wherein said second signal transmission means (206) of the further vehicle (V2) are coupled to second communication means (208) arranged to terminate said second signal transmission means (206) via a second impedance (210) having an impedance value corresponding to the predetermined impedance value of the first impedance (204) that terminates said first signal transmission means; said system comprising electronic control means (212) arranged to be installed in said first vehicle and to:- transmit, via said first communication means (200), a verification signal into said first signal transmission means (202) of the first vehicle, adapted to be connected to the second signal transmission means of the further vehicle;- verify whether, in response to the transmission of the verification signal on said first signal transmission means (202) of the first vehicle, a reflected signal is present in said first signal transmission means (202);- determine that said first vehicle is not connected to said further vehicle when the verification indicates that said reflected signal is present in said first signal transmission means (202) of said first vehicle; and / or,- determine that said first vehicle is connected to said other vehicle when the verification indicates that said reflected signal is not present in said first signal transmission means2. System according to claim 1, wherein said electronic control means of the first vehicle are arranged to verify, for a predetermined time interval (I) from the moment said verification signal was transmitted, whether, in response to the transmission of the verification signal on said first signal transmission means (202) of the first vehicle, a reflected signal is present in said first signal transmission means (202).

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said electronic control means (212) of the first vehicle, in response to determining that the first vehicle is not connected to said further vehicle, are further arranged to:- transmit a detected disconnection signal to second electronic control means (214) installed on board the first vehicle; or- transmit a detected disconnection signal to second electronic control means (216) remote with respect to said first vehicle.

4. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said electronic control means (212) of the first vehicle, in response to determining that the first vehicle is connected to said further vehicle, are further arranged to:- transmit a detected connection signal to second electronic control means (214) installed on board the first vehicle; or- transmit a detected connection signal to second electronic control means (216) remote with respect to said first vehicle.

5. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein when said first vehicle is part of a convoy of vehicles comprising a plurality of vehicles, in response to determining that the first vehicle is not connected to said further vehicle, the electronic control means (212) of the first vehicle are arranged to determine that said first vehicle is an end vehicle of the convoy.

6. Method for determining whether a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, is connected to a further vehicle, in particular a further railway vehicle, wherein a first vehicle comprises:- first communication means (200) and first signal transmission means (202) coupledto said first communication means; wherein said first communication means (200) are arranged to terminate said first signal transmission means (202) via a first impedance (204) having a predetermined impedance value; wherein said first signal transmission means of the first vehicle are further adapted to be connected to second signal transmission means (206) of a further vehicle (V2); wherein said second signal transmission means (206) of the other vehicle (V2) are coupled to second communication means (208), wherein said second communication means (208) are arranged to terminate said second signal transmission means (206) via a second impedance (210) having an impedance value corresponding to the predetermined impedance value of the first impedance (204) that terminates said first signal transmission means; said method comprising the steps of a) transmitting, via said first communication means, a verification signal into said first signal transmission means (202) of the first vehicle, adapted to be connected to the second signal transmission means (206) of the further vehicle; b) verifying whether, in response to the transmission of the verification signal on said first signal transmission means of the first vehicle, a reflected signal is present in said first signal transmission means; c) determining that the first vehicle is not connected to said further vehicle when the verification indicates that said reflected signal is present in said first signal transmission means of that first vehicle; and / or, c’) determining that said first vehicle is connected to said further vehicle when the verification indicates that said reflected signal is not present in said first signal transmission means of the first vehicle.

7. System for determining whether a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, in a convoy of vehicles, in particular a railway convoy, is an end vehicle of said convoy of vehicles, wherein said convoy of vehicles comprises at least two vehicles (VI, V2), each comprising:- first communication means (400) and first signal transmission means (402) coupled to said first communication means (400), wherein said first communication means (400) are arranged to terminate said first signal transmission means (402) via a first impedance (404)having a predetermined impedance value;- second communication means (408) and second signal transmission means (406) coupled to said second communication means (408), wherein said second communication means (408) are arranged to terminate said second signal transmission means (406) via a second impedance (410) having an impedance value corresponding to the predetermined impedance value of the first impedance (404) that terminates said first signal transmission means (402); wherein the first signal transmission means (402) of one vehicle are adapted to be connected to the second signal transmission means (406) of another vehicle in the convoy of vehicles; said system comprising, for each of said at least two vehicles, respective electronic control means (412) configured to be installed in a respective vehicle of said at least two vehicles; the electronic control means (412) are each arranged to:- transmit, via said first communication means (400), a verification signal into said first signal transmission means (402) of the vehicle on which they are installed;- verify whether, in response to the transmission of the verification signal on said first signal transmission means (402), a reflected signal is present in said first signal transmission means (402) of the vehicle on which they are installed;- determine that said vehicle is an end vehicle of the convoy of vehicles when the verification indicates that said reflected signal is present in said first signal transmission means (402) of the vehicle in which they are installed.

8. System according to claim 7, wherein each of said electronic control means (412) is arranged to verify, for a predetermined time interval from the moment said verification signal was transmitted, whether, in response to the transmission of the verification signal on said first signal transmission means of the vehicle in which they are installed, a reflected signal is present in said first signal transmission means.

9. System according to claim 7 or 8, wherein each of said electronic control means (412), in response to determining that the vehicle in which they are installed is an end vehicle of the convoy, is further arranged to:- transmit a convoy-end signal to second electronic control means (414) installed on board of one of said at least two vehicles in said convoy of vehicles; or- transmit a convoy-end signal to second electronic control means (416) remote from said convoy of vehicles.

10. Method for determining whether a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, in a convoy of vehicles, in particular a railway convoy, is an end vehicle of said convoy of vehicles, wherein said convoy of vehicles comprises at least two vehicles (VI, V2), each comprising:- first communication means (400) and first signal transmission means (402) coupled to said first communication means (400), wherein said first communication means (400) are arranged to terminate said first signal transmission means (402) via a first impedance (404) having a predetermined impedance value;- second communication means (408) and second signal transmission means (406) coupled to said second communication means (408), wherein said second communication means (408) are arranged to terminate said second signal transmission means (406) via a second impedance (410) having an impedance value corresponding to the predetermined impedance value of the first impedance (404) that terminates said first signal transmission means; wherein said first signal transmission means (402) of one vehicle are adapted to be connected to the second signal transmission means (406) of another vehicle in the convoy of vehicles; said method comprising, for each of said at least two vehicles:- transmitting, via said first communication means (400), a verification signal into said first signal transmission means (402) of the vehicle;- verifying whether, in response to the transmission of the verification signal on said first signal transmission means (402) of the vehicle, a reflected signal is present in said first signal transmission means (402) of the vehicle;- determining that said vehicle is an end vehicle of the convoy of vehicles when the verification indicates that said reflected signal is present in said first signal transmission means (402).

11. Vehicle (V), in particular a railway vehicle, comprising:- first communication means (500) and first signal transmission means (502) coupled to said first communication means (500), wherein said first communication means (500) are arranged to terminate said first signal transmission means (502) via a first impedance (504) having a predetermined impedance value;- second communication means (508) and second signal transmission means (506) coupled to said second communication means (508), wherein said second communication means (508) are arranged to terminate said second signal transmission means (506) via a second impedance (510) having an impedance value corresponding to the predetermined impedance value of the first impedance (504) that terminates said first signal transmission means; wherein said first signal transmission means (502) of the vehicle are adapted to be connected to second signal transmission means of a further vehicle; the vehicle further comprises:- a system for determining whether a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, is connected to a further vehicle, in particular a further railway vehicle, according to any of claims 1 to 5.

12. Convoy, in particular a railway convoy, comprising at least two vehicles, each comprising:- first communication means (400) and first signal transmission means (402) coupled to said first communication means, wherein said first communication means (400) are arranged to terminate said first signal transmission means (402) via a first impedance (404) having a predetermined impedance value;- second communication means (408) and second signal transmission means (406) coupled to said second communication means (408), wherein said second communication means (408) are arranged to terminate said second signal transmission means (406) via a second impedance (410) having an impedance value corresponding to the predetermined impedance value of the first impedance (404) terminating said first signal transmission means; wherein said first signal transmission means (402) of one vehicle are adapted to be connected to the second signal transmission means (406) of another vehicle in the convoy ofvehicles; said convoy further comprising:- a system for determining whether a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, in a convoy of vehicles, in particular a railway convoy, is an end vehicle of said convoy of vehi- cles, according to any of claims 7 to 9.

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