System and method for determining whether a vehicle of a convoy of vehicles is an end vehicle, and convoy of vehicles

Abstract

A system is described for determining whether a vehicle is an end vehicle of a convoy of vehicles, wherein the convoy comprises at least two vehicles (V1, V2), each comprising a first coupler (200) and a second coupler (202). The first coupler (200) of a vehicle is arranged to couple with the second coupler (202) of another vehicle in the convoy. The system comprises electronic control means (204) arranged to be installed in at least one of the at least two vehicles (V1, V2) of the convoy of vehicles and to determine that the vehicle on which they are installed is an end vehicle of the convoy of vehicles when at least one of the following conditions is met: - the first coupler (200) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means (204) are installed is neither electrically nor mechanically connected to the second coupler (202) of another vehicle; - the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means (204) are installed is neither electrically nor mechanically connected to the first coupler (200) of another vehicle. A corresponding method and a convoy of vehicles are moreover described.

Description

[0001] System and method for determining whether a vehicle of a convoy of vehicles is an end 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 of a convoy of vehicles is an end vehicle of such convoy, a corresponding method, and a convoy of vehicles.

[0004] Prior Art

[0005] Hereinafter, the prior art is described with particular reference to the railway vehicle field; however, what is described can also find analogous application for 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, considering, for instance, a convoy of vehicles comprising four vehicles, such a convoy may comprise two end vehicles, i.e., 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 be changed. For example, the total number of vehicles in the convoy can be increased or reduced depending on transport needs, or the position of vehicles within the convoy can be altered.

[0009] By changing the position of the vehicles in the convoy, it may also occur that an end vehicle becomes an intermediate vehicle or vice versa.

[0010] Furthermore, nowadays, there is an increasing need for the digitalisation of vehicle convoys, particularly freight wagons.

[0011] Digitalisation is necessary to increase the competitiveness of the convoy of vehicles compared to other modes of transportation.

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

[0013] The digitalisation of freight convoys has led to the implementation of several electronic systems in these convoys, such as for example signal transmission means e.g., an electrical line (e.g. a communication line), electronic control means, and systems for recovering electrical energy.

[0014] For example, the different vehicles VI, V2, V3, and V4 can each comprise respective coupling means 100, such as a digital automatic coupler. Clearly, what is described below by way of example for vehicle VI and vehicle V2 can similarly apply to the other vehicles V3 and V4.

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

[0016] When the digital automatic coupler 100 of a vehicle is in a coupling state with the digital automatic coupler 100 of another vehicle, a valve element coupled to a main pipe (brake pipe) of the vehicle may be brought into an open condition, allowing the braking fluid (e.g., pressurised air) to flow from one vehicle to another.

[0017] When the digital automatic coupler of a vehicle is in a decoupled state, i.e., it is not coupled to a digital automatic coupler of another vehicle, the valve element coupled to the main pipe (brake pipe) of the vehicle may be brought into a closed condition, isolating the main pipe installed in said vehicle. Additionally, when the digital automatic coupler 100 of a vehicle is in a coupling state with the digital automatic coupler 100 of another vehicle, a mechanical element of the digital automatic coupler 100 of a vehicle will be brought into an engagement condition with a corresponding mechanical element of the digital automatic coupler 100 of the other vehicle, so as to mechanically connect the two vehicles. When the digital automatic coupler of a vehicle is in a decoupled state, i.e., it is not coupled to a digital automatic coupler of another vehicle, a mechanical element of the digital automatic coupler 100 of a vehicle will be brought into a disengagement condition from a corresponding mechanical element of the digital automatic coupler 100 of the other vehicle, so as to mechanically disconnect the two vehicles.

[0018] Furthermore, when the digital automatic coupler 100 of a vehicle is in a coupling state with the digital automatic coupler 100 of another vehicle, a section of electrical line coupled to the digital automatic coupler 100 of a vehicle will be brought into a connection condition with a corresponding section of electrical line coupled to the digital automatic coupler 100 of the other vehicle, so as to electrically connect the two vehicles. When the digital automatic coupler of a vehicle is in a decoupled state, i.e., it is not coupled to a digital automatic coupler of another vehicle, the section of electrical line coupled to the digital automatic coupler 100 of a vehicle will be brought into a disconnection condition from the corresponding section of electrical line coupled to the digital automatic coupler 100 of the other vehicle, so as to electrically disconnect the two vehicles.

[0019] Due to the design of digital automatic couplers, the standard operational decoupling process requires simultaneous decoupling on both coupled digital automatic couplers, which minimises the wear of the digital automatic couplers.

[0020] Disadvantageously, it is sufficient for a digital automatic coupler 100 to assume the decoupled condition to achieve effective decoupling.

[0021] The lead vehicle VI may request the decoupling of at least one intermediate vehicle V2 comprised in the convoy of vehicles C, meaning that control means of at least one intermediate vehicle V2 may perform decoupling actions of the automatic coupler under its control.

[0022] Since it is sufficient for only one digital automatic coupler 100 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 an automatic coupler 100, associated with the main pipe, is bound to the coupling / decoupling condition of the digital automatic coupler 100, a single fault can lead to a situation wherein there is undue decoupling of the at least second vehicle V2, consequently splitting the railway convoy, leaving a part of the convoy unable to brake.

[0023] The situation is therefore as follows: in the event of unintended decoupling by the automatic coupler of at least one intermediate vehicle V2 from the automatic coupler of the lead vehicle VI, said 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, will be brought into the closed state in the digital automatic coupler, assuming the decoupled state. Therefore, the at least one separated intermediate vehicle V2 will not be able to perform braking, as the main pipe will remain pressurised due to the closure of the valve element. In this circumstance, the at least one second vehicle V2 disconnected from the railway convoy may move freely and uncontrollably, as the ability to perform braking will not be guaranteed.

[0024] In light of the above, for safety or vehicle convoy management purposes, verifying the detection of the composition of a convoy of vehicles is of great importance to know the length of the convoy of vehicles and the braking capacity of the convoy of vehicles. This verification is also mandatory for the entering into service of the convoy of vehicles on the main network (e.g., railway network).

[0025] Furthermore, always for safety reasons, it is necessary to determine the actual beginning and the actual end of the convoy of vehicles, corresponding to the lead vehicle and the tail vehicle of the convoy, and to determine the possible connect! on / disconnecti on of a vehicle from another vehicle of the convoy. Nowadays, whenever the composition of the convoy of vehicles is changed, these operations of verifying the composition of the convoy of vehicles are manually performed by an operator who checks the actual composition of the convoy of vehicles by walking alongside the convoy along its entire length.

[0026] Disadvantageously, this solution requires a significant expenditure of human resources, a long time to carry out such verifications, and is prone to human error.

[0027] Summary of the Invention

[0028] An object of the present invention is to provide solutions that allow determining whether a vehicle of a convoy is an end vehicle of said convoy, thereby enabling the determination of the composition of a convoy of vehicles.

[0029] This and other objects and advantages are achieved by the following aspects of the invention:

[0030] - a system for determining whether a vehicle, particularly a railway vehicle, of a convoy of vehicles, particularly a railway convoy, is an end vehicle of said convoy of vehicles, having the features defined in claim 1;

[0031] - a convoy of vehicles, having the features defined in claim 14;

[0032] - a method for determining whether a vehicle, particularly a railway vehicle, of a convoy of vehicles, particularly a railway convoy, is an end vehicle of said convoy of vehicles, having the features defined in claim 15.

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims, the content of which is to be understood as an integral part of the present description.

[0034] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0035] The functional and structural features of some preferred embodiments of a system and a method for determining whether a vehicle, particularly a railway vehicle, of a convoy of vehicles, particularly a railway convoy, is an end vehicle of said convoy of vehicles, as well as a convoy of vehicles according to the invention, will now be described. Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0036] - Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary convoy of vehicles according to the prior art;

[0037] - Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of a system for determining whether a vehicle of a convoy of vehicles is an end vehicle of said convoy of vehicles, according to the present invention;

[0038] - Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment in which each of at least two vehicles of the convoy comprises respective electronic control means;

[0039] - Figure 4 illustrates an example relating to cover means of a coupler;

[0040] - Figure 5 illustrates an example relating to mechanical connection means of two couplers;

[0041] - Figure 6 illustrates an example relating to mechanical pressure means of a coupler;

[0042] - Figure 7 illustrates an example relating to a coupling axis of a coupler;

[0043] - Figure 8 illustrates an example relating to signal transmission means coupled to an impedance and respectively associated with two couplers; and

[0044] - Figure 9 illustrates two exemplary graphs showing a verification signal and a reflected signal.

[0045] Detailed Description

[0046] Before explaining in detail various embodiments of the invention, it should be clarified that the invention is not limited in its application to the construction details and the configuration of the components presented in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention can take other embodiments and be practically implemented or realized in different ways. It should also be understood that the phrasing and terminology are for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting. The use of the terms "include" and "comprise" and their variations are intended to encompass the elements stated below and their equivalents, as well as additional elements and their equivalents.

[0047] With initial reference to Figure 2, a first embodiment of a system for determining whether a vehicle, particularly a railway vehicle, of a convoy of vehicles, particularly a railway convoy, is an end vehicle of said convoy of vehicles is described below. For example, an end vehicle of a convoy of vehicles may be a lead vehicle or a tail vehicle (EOT, End Of Train) of the convoy.

[0048] As shown in Figure 2, the convoy of vehicles comprises at least two vehicles VI, V2, each comprising a first coupler 200 and a second coupler 202.

[0049] Clearly, the number of vehicles in the convoy of vehicles may also be greater than two.

[0050] In the case of railway vehicles, a vehicle may, for example, be at least one among a locomotive, a towed vehicle, or a freight car.

[0051] The first coupler 200 of a vehicle is associated with a first end A of said vehicle, and the second coupler 202 of the same vehicle is associated with a second end B of said vehicle, opposite said first end A.

[0052] The first coupler 200 of a vehicle is arranged / adapted to couple with the second coupler 202 of another vehicle in the convoy to electrically and mechanically connect said vehicles of the convoy of vehicles.

[0053] As can also be seen in Figure 2, the system comprises electronic control means 204 arranged to be installed in at least one of said at least two vehicles VI, V2 of the convoy of vehicles.

[0054] For example, the electronic control means 204 may be or comprise at least one processor, a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a PLC, an FPGA, a computing unit, or similar.

[0055] These electronic control means 204 are arranged to determine that the vehicle in which they are installed is an end vehicle of the convoy of vehicles when they detect that at least one of the following conditions has occurred:

[0056] - the first coupler 200 of the vehicle in which said electronic control means 204 are installed is neither electrically nor mechanically connected to the second coupler 202 of another vehicle; - the second coupler 202 of the vehicle in which said electronic control means 204 are installed is neither electrically nor mechanically connected to the first coupler 200 of another vehicle.

[0057] Preferably, as shown for example in Figure 3, the system may comprise, for each of said at least two vehicles VI, V2, respective electronic control means 204, 204' arranged to be installed in a respective vehicle of said at least two vehicles.

[0058] In other words, each of said at least two vehicles VI, V2 may comprise its own electronic control means.

[0059] Preferably, the electronic control means 204 may also be arranged to determine that the vehicle in which they are installed is an intermediate vehicle of the convoy of vehicles. In particular, the electronic control means 204 of a vehicle may determine that the vehicle in which they are installed is an intermediate vehicle of the convoy of vehicles when they determine that both of the following conditions have occurred:

[0060] - the first coupler 200 of the vehicle in which said electronic control means are installed is electrically and mechanically connected to the second coupler 202 of another vehicle;

[0061] - the second coupler 202 of the vehicle in which said electronic control means are installed is electrically and mechanically connected to the first coupler 200 of another vehicle.

[0062] Preferably, to determine whether said conditions have occurred, said electronic control means 204 may be arranged to:

[0063] - verify whether the first coupler of the vehicle in which said electronic control means 204 are installed is (or conversely is not) electrically and mechanically connected to the second coupler of another vehicle;

[0064] - verify whether the second coupler of the vehicle in which said electronic control means 204 are installed is (or conversely is not) electrically and mechanically connected to the first coupler of another vehicle. Below some embodiments related to different techniques for determining the mechanical and / or electrical connect! on / disconnecti on between two vehicles are disclosed.

[0065] Preferably, as shown in Figure 4, the first coupler 200 of a vehicle may comprise cover means 400 arranged to:

[0066] - assume a closed state, wherein electrical contact means 402 of the first coupler 200 are not exposed when the first coupler 200 is not connected to a second coupler 202 of another vehicle in the convoy of vehicles;

[0067] - assume an open state, wherein electrical contact means 402 of the first coupler are exposed when the first coupler 200 is connected to a second coupler 202 of another vehicle in the convoy of vehicles.

[0068] In this case, the electronic control means 204 may be arranged to:

[0069] - determine that the first coupler 200 of the vehicle in which said electronic control means are installed is not electrically connected to the second coupler 202 of another vehicle when the cover means 400 of the first coupler 200 of the vehicle in which said electronic control means are installed are in the closed state; and

[0070] - determine that the first coupler 200 of the vehicle in which said electronic control means are installed is electrically connected to the second coupler 202 of another vehicle when the cover means 400 of the first coupler of the vehicle in which said electronic control means are installed are in the open state.

[0071] By "exposed," it is meant, for example, that the electrical contact means of a coupler are accessible from the outside of said coupler, allowing them to be contacted by the electrical contact means of another coupler. The electrical contact means of a coupler may comprise for example at least one pin or at least one electrical contact, for example, made of a conductive material such as copper, etc.

[0072] Alternatively or additionally, the second coupler 202 of a vehicle may also comprise cover means 400' arranged to:

[0073] - assume a closed state, in which the electrical contact means 402' of the second coupler 202 are not exposed when the second coupler 202 is not connected to a first coupler 200 of another vehicle in the convoy of vehicles;

[0074] - assume an open state, in which the electrical contact means 402' of the second coupler 202 are exposed when the second coupler 202 is connected to a first coupler 200 of another vehicle in the convoy of vehicles.

[0075] In this case, the electronic control means 204 may be arranged to:

[0076] - determine that the second coupler 202 of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not electrically connected to the first coupler 200 of another vehicle when the cover means 400' of the second coupler 202 of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed are in the closed state; and

[0077] - determine that the second coupler 202 of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is electrically connected to the first coupler 200 of another vehicle when the cover means 400' of the second coupler 202 of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed are in the open state.

[0078] In the left part of Figure 4, the first coupler 200 and the second coupler 202 are illustrated, for example, when their cover means 400, 400' are in the closed state. In the right part of Figure 4, the first coupler 200 and the second coupler 202 are illustrated, for example, when their cover means 400, 400' are in the open state.

[0079] For example, the cover means may be a lid. For instance, the lid may be connected to the coupler through a hinge arranged to allow the rotation of the lid from the closed state to the open state and vice versa.

[0080] Preferably, in a further embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the first coupler 200 of a vehicle may comprise mechanical connection means 500 arranged to:

[0081] - assume a disengaged state, in which the mechanical connection means 500 of the first coupler 200 of said vehicle are not engaged with the mechanical connection means 500' of the second coupler 202 of another vehicle when said first coupler 200 is not connected to a second coupler 202 of another vehicle in the convoy of vehicles;

[0082] - assume an engaged state, in which the mechanical connection means 500 of the first coupler 200 of said vehicle are mechanically engaged with the mechanical connection means 500' of the second coupler 202 of another vehicle when said first coupler 200 is connected to a second coupler 202 of another vehicle in the convoy of vehicles.

[0083] In this case, the electronic control means 204 may be arranged to:

[0084] - determine that the first coupler 200 of the vehicle in which said electronic control means are installed is not mechanically connected to the second coupler 202 of another vehicle when the mechanical connection means 500 of the first coupler of the vehicle in which said electronic control means are installed are in the disengaged state; and

[0085] - determine that the first coupler 200 of the vehicle in which said electronic control means are installed is mechanically connected to the second coupler 202 of another vehicle when the mechanical connection means 500 of the first coupler of the vehicle in which said electronic control means are installed are in the engaged state.

[0086] Alternatively or additionally, the second coupler 202 of a vehicle may also comprise mechanical connection means 500' arranged to:

[0087] - assume a disengaged state, in which the mechanical connection means 500' of the second coupler of said vehicle are not engaged with the mechanical connection means 500 of the first coupler 200 of another vehicle when said second coupler 202 is not connected to a first coupler 200 of another vehicle in the convoy of vehicles;

[0088] - assume an engaged state, in which the mechanical connection means 500' of the second coupler 202 of said vehicle are mechanically engaged with the mechanical connection means 500 of the first coupler 200 of another vehicle when said second coupler 202 is connected to a first coupler 200 of another vehicle in the convoy of vehicles.

[0089] In this case, the electronic control means 204 may be arranged to:

[0090] - determine that the second coupler 202 of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not mechanically connected to the first coupler 200 of another vehicle when the mechanical connection means 500' of the second coupler 202 of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed are in the disengaged state; and

[0091] - determine that the second coupler 202 of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is mechanically connected to the first coupler 200 of another vehicle when the mechanical connection means 500' of the second coupler 202 of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed are in the engaged state.

[0092] In the left part of Figure 5, the first coupler 200 and the second coupler 202 are illustrated, for example, when their mechanical connection means 500, 500' are in the disengaged state. In the right part of Figure 5, the first coupler 200 and the second coupler 202 are illustrated, for example, when their mechanical connection means 500, 500' are in the engaged state.

[0093] For example, as shown in Figure 7, the mechanical connection means 500, 500' may be made up of a plurality of elements 700, 700'. These elements 700, 700' may be connected to each other in such a way that:

[0094] - when the mechanical connection means 500 of the first coupler are not connected to the mechanical connection means 500' of a second coupler, their rotation pivots lie or are aligned to one another along an axis x having a first inclination;

[0095] - when the mechanical connection means 500 of the first coupler are instead connected to the mechanical connection means 500' of a second coupler, their rotation pivots lie or are aligned to one another along an axis x having a second inclination different from the first inclination.

[0096] Therefore, to determine the mechanical connection between the mechanical connection means 500, 500' of two couplers, it is possible to verify whether the pivots of their elements 700, 700' lie or are aligned to one another along an axis x having the first inclination or the second inclination. For this verification, angular position sensor means may be used, for example. In this case, the electronic control means of a vehicle may receive data / signals from such angular position sensor means and determine the inclination of the axes x.

[0097] In the left part of Figure 7, the first coupler 200 and the second coupler 202 are illustrated, for example, when their mechanical connection means 500, 500' are in the disengaged state and their elements 700, 700' have rotation pivots that lie or are aligned to one another along an axis x with a first inclination. In the right part of Figure 7, the first coupler 200 and the second coupler 202 are illustrated, for example, when the mechanical connection means 500, 500' are in the engaged state and their elements 700, 700' have rotation pivots that lie or are aligned to one another along an axis x with a second inclination. Preferably, in a further embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the first coupler 200 of a vehicle may comprise mechanical pressure means 600 arranged to:

[0098] - assume a non-pressed state, in which the mechanical pressure means 600 of the first coupler of said vehicle are not pressed, when said first coupler 200 is not connected to a second coupler 202 of another vehicle in the convoy of vehicles;

[0099] - assume a pressed state, in which the mechanical pressure means 600 of the first coupler of said vehicle are pressed, when said first coupler 200 is connected to a second coupler 202 of another vehicle in the convoy of vehicles.

[0100] In this case, the electronic control means 204 may be arranged to:

[0101] - determine that the first coupler 200 of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not mechanically connected to the second coupler 202 of another vehicle when the mechanical pressure means 600 of the first coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed are in the non-pressed state; and

[0102] - determine that the first coupler 200 of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is mechanically connected to the second coupler 202 of another vehicle when the mechanical pressure means 600 of the first coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed are in the pressed state.

[0103] Alternatively or additionally, the second coupler of a vehicle may also comprise mechanical pressure means 600' arranged to:

[0104] - assume a non-pressed state, in which the mechanical pressure means 600' of the second coupler 202 of said vehicle are not pressed, when said second coupler 202 is not connected to a first coupler 200 of another vehicle in the convoy of vehicles;

[0105] - assume a pressed state, in which the mechanical pressure means 600' of the second coupler 202 of said vehicle are pressed, when said second coupler 202 is connected to a first coupler 200 of another vehicle in the convoy of vehicles.

[0106] In this case, the electronic control means 204 may be arranged to:

[0107] - determine that the second coupler 202 of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not mechanically connected to the first coupler 200 of another vehicle when the mechanical pressure means 600' of the second coupler 202 of the vehicle in which said electronic control means are installed are in the non-pressed state; and

[0108] - determine that the second coupler 202 of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is mechanically connected to the first coupler 200 of another vehicle when the mechanical pressure means 600' of the second coupler 202 of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed are in the pressed state.

[0109] In the left part of Figure 6, the first coupler 200 and the second coupler 202 are illustrated, for example, when their mechanical pressure means 600, 600' are in the non-pressed state. In the right part of Figure 6, the first coupler 200 and the second coupler 202 are illustrated, for example, when their mechanical pressure means 600, 600' are in the pressed state.

[0110] For example, in the railway field, the mechanical pressure means 600, 600' of a coupler are also known as "plungers."

[0111] For instance, the mechanical pressure means 600 may be or comprise at least one button or pressure switch (e.g., a "push button").

[0112] Preferably, in a further embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 8, the first coupler 200 of a vehicle may be associated with first signal transmission means 800 coupled to a first impedance I having a predetermined impedance value. The first coupler 200 is arranged to be connected to a second coupler 202 of another vehicle, wherein said second coupler 202 is associated with second signal transmission means 800' coupled to a second impedance I' also having said predetermined impedance value.

[0113] In this case, the electronic control means 204 may be arranged to:

[0114] - transmit a verification signal in said first signal transmission means 800 (i.e., transmit a verification signal through said first signal transmission means 800) associated with the first coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed;

[0115] - determine that the first coupler 200 of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not electrically connected to the second coupler 202 of another vehicle when, in response to the transmission of the verification signal, a reflected signal is present on said first signal transmission means 800 associated with the first coupler 200 of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed; and

[0116] - determine that the first coupler 200 of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is electrically connected to the second coupler 202 of another vehicle when, in response to the transmission of the verification signal, no reflected signal is present on said first signal transmission means 800 associated with the first coupler 200 of the vehicle in which said electronic control means are installed.

[0117] Alternatively or additionally, the second coupler 202 of a vehicle may be associated with second signal transmission means 800' coupled to a second impedance I' having a predetermined impedance value. The second coupler 202 is arranged to be connected to a first coupler 200 of another vehicle, wherein said first coupler 200 is associated with first signal transmission means 800 coupled to a first impedance I also having said predetermined impedance value.

[0118] In this case, the electronic control means 204 may be arranged to:

[0119] - transmit a verification signal through said second signal transmission means 800' (i.e., transmit a verification signal via said second signal transmission means 800') associated with the second coupler 202 of the vehicle in which said electronic control means are installed;

[0120] - determine that the second coupler 202 of the vehicle in which said electronic control means are installed is not electrically connected to the first coupler 200 of another vehicle when, in response to the transmission of the verification signal, a reflected signal is present on said second signal transmission means 800' associated with the second coupler 202 of the vehicle in which said electronic control means are installed; and

[0121] - determine that the second coupler 202 of the vehicle in which said electronic control means are installed is electrically connected to the first coupler 200 of another vehicle when, in response to the transmission of the verification signal, no reflected signal is present on said second signal transmission means 800' associated with the second coupler 202 of the vehicle in which said electronic control means are installed.

[0122] By signal transmission means 800, 800', one may understand signal conveyance / propagation means, i.e., means suitable for allowing signal conveyance / transmission.

[0123] For example, the signal transmission means 800, 800' 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 signal transmission means 800, 800' may be redundant.

[0124] In a further example, the signal transmission means 800, 800' may form an analog electrical line or a digital electrical line.

[0125] In yet a further example, the signal transmission means 800, 800' may form an electrical power supply line.

[0126] Alternatively, and preferably, the signal transmission means 800, 800' may form a safety circuit. For instance, in the railway field, the safety circuit is also known as a "safety loop."

[0127] Preferably, the signal transmission means 800, 800' may form a "power-line," arranged to allow the conveyance of electrical power and communication messages / signals.

[0128] For example, the impedances I, I' may be comprised in respective communication means 804, 804' arranged to be connected to respective signal transmission means. The communication means may, for example, be or comprise a transmitter, a receiver, or a transceiver.

[0129] For instance, the impedance 204 may have an impedance value of 120 Ohms or 50 Ohms.

[0130] In general, since the impedances coupled to the signal transmission means have equal mutual impedance values, when two vehicles are connected in a way that links the respective signal transmission means of the two vehicles, there will be a matched impedance between the signal transmission means. Therefore, any signal transmitted on the signal transmission means of one vehicle will be forwarded to the signal transmission means of the other vehicle, will not substantially generate any reflected signal, and will be a clear indication that the two vehicles are connected. Conversely, when the two vehicles are not connected and the signal transmission means of the two vehicles are not reciprocally interconnected, any signal transmitted on the signal transmission means of one vehicle cannot be forwarded to the signal transmission means of the other vehicle. In this case, the signal transmission means of that vehicle will not be connected to anything and will not present a matched impedance at their end. In such a situation, the transmitted signal will generate a reflected signal along said signal transmission means of that vehicle, thus providing a clear indication that the two vehicles are not connected to each other.

[0131] In Figure 9, two illustrative graphs are shown. The graph on the left illustrates a situation where, following the transmission of the verification signal 900, no reflected signal is present on the signal transmission means. The graph on the right illustrates a situation where, following the transmission of the verification signal 900, a reflected signal 902 is present on the signal transmission means.

[0132] The solution just described can be based on the concept of TDR (Time Domain Reflection).

[0133] For example, as shown in Figure 9, the verification signal can be a pulse having a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined duration.

[0134] Preferably, the electronic control means may be arranged to verify, for a predetermined time interval Int after the verification signal has been transmitted, whether, in response to the transmission of the verification signal on the first signal transmission means of a vehicle, a reflected signal is present on said signal transmission means of that vehicle.

[0135] In this way, it is possible to prevent any spurious signal on the signal transmission means, no longer generated by the verification signal, from being mistakenly construed as a reflected signal.

[0136] Preferably, in a further embodiment, the first coupler of a vehicle may comprise a communication node arranged to connect to a communication node of the second coupler of another vehicle in the vehicle convoy. In this case, the electronic control means may be arranged to:

[0137] - determine that the first coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not electrically connected to the second coupler of another vehicle when the communication node of the first coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not connected to the communication node of a second coupler of another vehicle; and

[0138] - determine that the first coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is electrically connected to the second coupler of another vehicle when the communication node of the first coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is connected to the communication node of a second coupler of another vehicle.

[0139] Alternatively or additionally, the second coupler of a vehicle may also comprise a communication node arranged to connect to a communication node of the first coupler of another vehicle in the vehicle convoy.

[0140] In this case, the electronic control means may be arranged to:

[0141] - determine that the second coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not electrically connected to the first coupler of another vehicle when the communication node of the second coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not connected to the communication node of a first coupler of another vehicle; and

[0142] - determine that the second coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is electrically connected to the first coupler of another vehicle when the communication node of the second coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is connected to the communication node of a first coupler of another vehicle.

[0143] The solution just described can be based on the concept of Ethernet Physical Node Detection.

[0144] Preferably, in a further embodiment, the electronic control means may be arranged to:

[0145] - measure a current value emitted from the first coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed;

[0146] - determine that the first coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not electrically connected to the second coupler of another vehicle when the measured current value differs from a predicted current value in the case of electrical connection of said first coupler with the second coupler of another vehicle; and

[0147] - determine that the first coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is electrically connected to the second coupler of another vehicle when the measured current value substantially corresponds to a predicted current value in the case of electrical connection of said first coupler with the second coupler of another vehicle.

[0148] Alternatively or additionally, the electronic control means may be arranged to:

[0149] - measure a current value emitted from the second coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed;

[0150] - determine that the second coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not electrically connected to the first coupler of another vehicle when the measured current value differs from a predicted current value in the case of electrical connection of said second coupler with the first coupler of another vehicle; and

[0151] - determine that the second coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is electrically connected to the first coupler of another vehicle when the measured current value substantially corresponds to a predicted current value in the case of electrical connection of said second coupler with the first coupler of another vehicle.

[0152] The solution just described can be based, for example, on the concept of Dead Wagon Detection Circuitry.

[0153] Preferably, in a further embodiment, the first coupler 200 of a vehicle may be associated with signal transmission means 800 coupled to communication means 804.

[0154] In this case, the electronic control means 204 may be arranged to:

[0155] - measure a power value emitted by the communication means 804 coupled to the signal transmission means 800 associated with the first coupler 200 of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed; - determine that the first coupler 200 of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not electrically connected to the second coupler 202 of another vehicle when the measured power value differs from a predicted power value in the case of electrical connection of said first coupler 200 with the second coupler 202 of another vehicle; and

[0156] - determine that the first coupler 200 of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is electrically connected to the second coupler 202 of another vehicle when the measured power value substantially corresponds to a predicted power value in the case of electrical connection of said first coupler 200 with the second coupler 202 of another vehicle.

[0157] Alternatively or additionally, the second coupler 202 of a vehicle may also be associated with signal transmission means 800' coupled to communication means 804'.

[0158] In this case, the electronic control means 204 may be arranged to:

[0159] - measure a power value emitted by the communication means 804' coupled to the signal transmission means 800' associated with the second coupler 202 of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed;

[0160] - determine that the second coupler 202 of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not electrically connected to the first coupler 200 of another vehicle when the measured power value differs from a predicted power value in the event of an electrical connection between said second coupler 202 and the first coupler 200 of another vehicle; and

[0161] - determine that the second coupler 202 of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is electrically connected to the first coupler 200 of another vehicle when the measured power value substantially corresponds to a predicted power value in the event of an electrical connection of said second coupler 202 with the first coupler 200 of another vehicle.

[0162] The solution just described may be based on the concept of Power over Ethernet - Transceiver Detection.

[0163] Preferably, the electronic control means 204, 204' may comprise an electronic unit implemented according to SIL > SIL2, and even more preferably SIL = SILL

[0164] Preferably in an alternative, the electronic control means 204, 204' may comprise a plurality of electronic units implemented according to SIL > SIL2.

[0165] Preferably, in response to determining that the vehicle is an end vehicle, the electronic control means 204, 204' may also be arranged to:

[0166] - transmit an end-of-train vehicle convoy signal to second electronic control means installed on board the first vehicle; or

[0167] - transmit an end-of-train vehicle convoy signal to second electronic control means remote from said first vehicle.

[0168] For example, the second electronic control means may also be or comprise at least one processor, microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, PLC, FPGA, computer, or similar device.

[0169] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle convoy comprising at least two vehicles VI, V2, each comprising a first coupler 200 and a second coupler 202.

[0170] The first coupler 200 of a vehicle is associated with a first end A of said vehicle, and the second coupler of the same vehicle is associated with a second end B of said vehicle, opposite said first end A.

[0171] The first coupler 200 of a vehicle is arranged to couple with the second coupler 202 of another vehicle of the convoy, to electrically and mechanically connect said vehicles of the vehicle convoy.

[0172] The vehicle convoy comprises a system for determining whether a vehicle, specifically a railway vehicle, in a convoy of vehicles, particularly a railway convoy, is an end vehicle of said convoy according to any of the embodiments previously described.

[0173] In a further aspect, the present invention concerns a method, implemented by electronic control means, for determining whether a vehicle, particularly a railway vehicle, in a convoy of vehicles, particularly a railway convoy, is an end vehicle of said convoy.

[0174] The electronic control means may be or comprise at least one processor, microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, PLC, FPGA, computer, or similar device.

[0175] The vehicle convoy comprises at least two vehicles VI, V2, each comprising a first coupler and a second coupler.

[0176] The first coupler of a vehicle is associated with a first end of said vehicle, and the second coupler of the same vehicle is associated with a second end of said vehicle, opposite said first end.

[0177] The first coupler of a vehicle is arranged to couple with the second coupler of another vehicle in the convoy, to electrically and mechanically connect said vehicles of the vehicle convoy.

[0178] The method comprises the steps of:

[0179] - verifying whether the first coupler of a vehicle is electrically and mechanically connected to the second coupler of another vehicle;

[0180] - verifying whether the second coupler of said vehicle is electrically and mechanically connected to the first coupler of another vehicle;

[0181] - determining that said vehicle is an end vehicle of the vehicle convoy when the verifications reveal that: a) the first coupler of said vehicle is neither electrically nor mechanically connected to the second coupler of another vehicle; or b) the second coupler of said vehicle is neither electrically nor mechanically connected to the first coupler of another vehicle.

[0182] All the embodiments previously described for the system, and not repeated here, can clearly be similarly applied to the method just described.

[0183] Below, by way of non-limitation, are some possible examples of implementation. Example 1 : System comprising a control circuit (e.g. electronic control means) arranged to be installed in a first vehicle of a plurality of vehicles of a convoy of vehicles, characterised by the fact that the control circuit is arranged for:

[0184] - determine that the first vehicle is an end vehicle of the convoy of vehicles when the control circuit determines that at least one coupler of the first vehicle is neither electrically nor mechanically connected to a coupler of a second vehicle of the plurality of vehicles of the convoy of vehicle.

[0185] Example 2. System according to Example 1, wherein said system comprises, for each vehicle of the plurality of vehicles of the convoy of vehicles, a respective control circuit.

[0186] Example 3: System according to example 1 or 2, wherein the control circuit is arranged to determine that the first vehicle is an intermediate vehicle in the convoy of vehicles, when the control circuit determines that

[0187] - a first vehicle coupler is electrically and mechanically connected to the coupler of the second vehicle of the plurality of vehicles of the convoy of vehicles.

[0188] - a second coupler of the first vehicle is electrically and mechanically connected to a coupler of a third vehicle of the plurality of vehicles of the convoy of vehicles.

[0189] Example 4: System according to any one of implementation examples 1 to 3, where, in order to determine that the first vehicle is an end vehicle in the convoy of vehicles, the control circuit is arranged for:

[0190] - check whether at least one coupler of the first vehicle is neither electrically nor mechanically connected to the coupler of the second vehicle.

[0191] Example 5: System according to any one of implementation examples 1 to 4, wherein the at least one coupler of the first vehicle comprises a cover element arranged for:

[0192] - assume a closed state, in which an electrical contact element of the coupler of the first vehicle is not exposed, when the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is not connected to the coupler of the second vehicle; - assume an open state, in which the electrical contact element of the coupler of the first vehicle is exposed, when the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is connected to the coupler of the second vehicle; wherein, the control circuit is arranged for:

[0193] - determine that the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is not electrically connected to the coupler of the second vehicle, when the control circuit determines that the cover element of the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is in the closed state;

[0194] - determine that the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is electrically connected to the coupler of the second vehicle, when the control circuit determines that the cover element of the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is in the open state.

[0195] Example 6: System according to any one of implementation examples 1 to 5, wherein the at least one coupler of the first vehicle comprises a mechanical connection element arranged for:

[0196] - assume a disengaged state, wherein the at least one mechanical connection element of the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is not coupled to a mechanical connection element of the coupler of the second vehicle, when the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is not connected to the coupler of the second vehicle;

[0197] - assume a committed state, wherein the mechanical connection element of the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is coupled to the mechanical connection element of the coupler of the second vehicle, when the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is connected to the coupler of the second vehicle; wherein the control circuit is arranged for:

[0198] - determine that the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is not mechanically connected to the coupler of the second vehicle, when the control circuit determines that the mechanical connection element of the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is in the disengaged state;

[0199] - determining that the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is mechanically connected to the coupler of the second vehicle, when the control circuit determines that the mechanical connection element of the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is in the engaged state. Example 7: System according to any one of implementation examples 1 to 6, wherein the at least one coupler of the first vehicle comprises a mechanical pressure element arranged for:

[0200] - assume an unpressed state, in which the mechanical pressure element of the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is not pressed, when the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is not connected to the coupler of the second vehicle;

[0201] - assume a pressed state, in which the mechanical pressure element of the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is pressed, when the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is connected to the coupler of the second vehicle; wherein the control circuit is arranged for:

[0202] - determine that the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is not mechanically connected to the coupler of the second vehicle, when the control circuit determines that the mechanical pressure element of the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is in the unpressed state;

[0203] - determine that the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is mechanically connected to the coupler of the second vehicle, when the control circuit determines that the mechanical pressure element of the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is in the pressed state.

[0204] Example 8: System according to any one of implementation examples 1 to 7, wherein the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is associated with a first signal transmission circuit coupled to a first impedance having a predetermined impedance value; wherein the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is arranged to be connected to the coupler of the second vehicle, wherein said second vehicle coupler is associated with a second signal transmission circuit coupled to a second impedance also having said predetermined impedance value; wherein the control circuit is arranged for:

[0205] - transmit a verification signal in said first signal transmission circuit associated with at least one coupler of the first vehicle;

[0206] - determine that the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is not electrically connected to the coupler of the second vehicle, when a reflected signal is present on said first signal transmission circuit in response to the transmission of the verification signal; and

[0207] - determine that the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is electrically connected to the coupler of the second vehicle, when no reflected signal is present on said first signal transmission circuit in response to the transmission of the verification signal.

[0208] Example 9: System according to any one of the implementation examples 1 to 8, wherein the at least one coupler of the first vehicle comprises a first communication node arranged to connect to a second communication node of the coupler of the second vehicle; wherein the control circuit is arranged for:

[0209] - determine that the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is not electrically connected to the coupler of the second vehicle, when the first communication node of the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is not connected to the second communication node of the coupler of the second vehicle; and

[0210] - determine that the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is electrically connected to the coupler of the second vehicle, when the first communication node of the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is connected to the second communication node of the coupler of the second vehicle.

[0211] Example 10: System according to any of the implementation examples 1 to 9, wherein the control circuit is arranged for:

[0212] - measure an output current value from at least one coupler of the first vehicle;

[0213] - determine that the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is not electrically connected to the coupler of the second vehicle, when the measured current value differs from a current value expected when the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is electrically connected to the coupler of the second vehicle; and

[0214] - determine that the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is electrically connected to the coupler of the second vehicle, when the measured current value substantially corresponds to the current value expected when the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is electrically connected to the coupler of the second vehicle.

[0215] Example 11 : System according to any one of implementation examples 1 to 10, wherein the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is associated with a signal transmission element coupled to a communication circuit; wherein the control circuit is arranged for:

[0216] - measure a value of power emitted by the communication circuit coupled to the signal transmission element associated with at least one coupler of the first vehicle;

[0217] - determine that the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is not electrically connected to the coupler of the second vehicle, when the measured power value differs from an expected power value in the case of electrical connection of the at least one coupler of the first vehicle with the coupler of the second vehicle; and

[0218] - determine that the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is electrically connected to the coupler of the second vehicle, when the measured power value is substantially corresponding to the expected power value in the case of electrical connection of the at least one coupler of the first vehicle with the coupler of the second vehicle.

[0219] Example 12: System according to any of the implementation examples 1 to 11, wherein the control circuit comprises an electronic unit realised according to SIL>=SIL2, preferably SIL = SIL4.

[0220] Example 13 : System according to any of the implementation examples 1 to 11, wherein the control circuit comprises a plurality of electronic units realised according to SIL>=SIL2.

[0221] Example 14: System comprising a control circuit (e.g. electronic control means) arranged to be installed in a first vehicle of a plurality of vehicles of a convoy of vehicles, characterised by the fact that the control circuit is arranged for:

[0222] - determine that the first vehicle is an end vehicle in the convoy of vehicles, when the control circuit determines that at least one of the following conditions has occurred:

[0223] - a first coupler of the first vehicle is neither electrically nor mechanically connected to a coupler of a second vehicle of the plurality of vehicles of the convoy of vehicles;

[0224] - a second coupler of the first vehicle is neither electrically nor mechanically connected to a coupler of a third vehicle of the plurality of vehicles of the convoy of vehicles

[0225] All implementation examples 2 to 13 can clearly apply analogously to implementation example 14, although not repeated here.

[0226] Example 15: Convoy of vehicles comprising; - a plurality of vehicles arranged to be connected to each other via respective couplers;

[0227] - a system according to the implementation examples described above.

[0228] Example 16: Method comprising the steps of:

[0229] - check whether at least one coupler of a first vehicle of a plurality of vehicles of a convoy of vehicles is neither electrically nor mechanically connected to a coupler of a second vehicle of the plurality of vehicles of the convoy of vehicles;

[0230] - determine that the first vehicle is an end vehicle of the convoy of vehicles, when the check has determined that the at least one coupler of the first vehicle is neither electrically nor mechanically connected to the coupler of the second vehicle.

[0231] Example 17: Method comprising the steps of:

[0232] - check whether a first coupler of a first vehicle of a plurality of vehicles of a convoy of vehicles is neither electrically nor mechanically connected to a coupler of a second vehicle of the plurality of vehicles of the convoy of vehicles;

[0233] - check whether a second coupler of the first vehicle of the plurality of vehicles of a convoy of vehicles is neither electrically nor mechanically connected to a coupler of a third vehicle of the plurality of vehicles of the convoy of vehicles;

[0234] - determine that the first vehicle is an end vehicle in the convoy of vehicles, when the checks show that a) the first coupler of the first vehicle is neither electrically nor mechanically connected to the coupler of the second vehicle; and / or b) the second coupler of the first vehicle is neither electrically nor mechanically connected to the coupler of the third vehicle.

[0235] All implementation examples 2 to 13 can clearly apply analogously to implementation examples 16 and 17, although not repeated here for the methods.

[0236] For example, the vehicle convoy may be a railway convoy, such as a railway convoy for passenger transport or a railway convoy for freight transport. In general, in the railway field, each vehicle of the convoy can be a railway vehicle, e.g., a locomotive, a passenger car, a freight car, a wagon, etc.

[0237] However, the present invention can also be applied to vehicles in further fields, e.g., road, waterborne, or airborne vehicle convoys, wherein the vehicles of the convoy are interconnected.

[0238] As mentioned earlier, the present invention is also applicable to freight transport convoys. Recently, freight transport convoys have undergone digitalization aimed at increasing the competitiveness of freight transport convoy compared to other modes of transport.

[0239] This digitalization requires communication between the vehicles of the convoy, i.e., freight cars and locomotives, to improve operational processes. Communication will enable the detection of the train composition, which is essential for transitioning from visual inspection to automated processes.

[0240] The digitalization of freight transport convoys has led to freight transport convoys being equipped with certain electronic systems such as for instance a communication line, electronic control means, and systems for recovering electrical energy.

[0241] Additionally, the vehicles of these freight transport convoys have recently been equipped with digital automatic couplers that can reciprocally connect / disconnect these vehicles from each other and connect their respective sections of electrical lines.

[0242] In light of the possibility to automatically modify the composition of the freight convoy, the solutions of the present invention can be advantageously used to perform checks related to the composition of the convoy (e.g., determining end vehicles of the convoy, checks on the separation of one or more convoy vehicles).

[0243] The advantage achieved is thus providing solutions that allow identifying the connection of a vehicle with another vehicle and identifying the end vehicles of a vehicle convoy. These solutions are also advantageously usable also to define the possible separation of a part of the convoy vehicles. Various aspects and embodiments of a system and method for determining whether a vehicle, particularly a railway vehicle, in a convoy of vehicles, particularly a railway convoy, is an end vehicle of said convoy, as well as a vehicle convoy according to the invention, have been described. It is understood that each embodiment may be combined with any other embodiment. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments but may be modified within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. System for determining whether a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, of 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 a first coupler (200) and a second coupler (202); wherein the first coupler (200) of a vehicle is associated with a first end (A) of said vehicle, and the second coupler (202) of the same vehicle is associated with a second end (B) of said vehicle, opposite to said first end (A); wherein the first coupler (200) of a vehicle is arranged to couple with the second coupler (202) of another vehicle of the convoy, to electrically and mechanically connect said vehicles of the convoy of vehicles; the system comprising electronic control means (204) arranged to be installed in at least one of said at least two vehicles (VI, V2) of the convoy of vehicles; wherein the electronic control means (204) are arranged to determine that the vehicle on which they are installed is an end vehicle of the convoy of vehicles when they determine that at least one of the following conditions has occurred:- the first coupler (200) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means (204) are installed is neither electrically nor mechanically connected to the second coupler (202) of another vehicle;- the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means (204) are installed is neither electrically nor mechanically connected to the first coupler (200) of another vehicle.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein said system comprises, for each of said at least two vehicles (VI, V2), respective electronic control means (204, 204’) arranged to be installed in a respective vehicle of said at least two vehicles.

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electronic control means (204, 204’) are arranged to determine that the vehicle on which they are installed is an intermediate vehicle of the convoy of vehicles when they determine that both of the following conditions have occurred:- the first coupler (200) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is electrically and mechanically connected to the second coupler (202) of another vehicle;- the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is electrically and mechanically connected to the first coupler (200) of another vehicle.

4. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said electronic control means (204, 204’) are arranged, for determining whether said conditions have occurred, to:- verify whether the first coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is electrically and mechanically connected to the second coupler of another vehicle; and / or- verify whether the second coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is electrically and mechanically connected to the first coupler of another vehicle.

5. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first coupler (200) of a vehicle comprises covering means (400) arranged to:- assume a closed state, in which electrical contact means (402) of the first coupler (200) are not exposed when said first coupler (200) is not connected to a second coupler (202) of another vehicle of the convoy of vehicles;- assume an open state, in which electrical contact means (402) of the first coupler (200) are exposed when said first coupler (200) is connected to a second coupler (202) of another vehicle of the convoy of vehicles; the electronic control means (204, 204') are arranged to:- determine that the first coupler (200) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not electrically connected to the second coupler (202) of another vehicle when the covering means (400) of the first coupler (200) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed are in the closed state; and- determine that the first coupler (200) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is electrically connected to the second coupler (202) of another vehicle when the covering means (400) of the first coupler (200) of the vehicle on which saidelectronic control means are installed are in the open state; and / or the second coupler (202) of a vehicle comprises covering means (400') arranged to:- assume a closed state, wherein electrical contact means (402') of the second coupler (202) are not exposed when said second coupler (202) is not connected to a first coupler (200) of another vehicle of the convoy of vehicles;- assume an open state, wherein electrical contact means (402') of the second coupler (202) are exposed when said second coupler (202) is connected to a first coupler (200) of another vehicle of the convoy of vehicles; the electronic control means (204, 204') are arranged to:- determine that the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not electrically connected to the first coupler (200) of another vehicle when the covering means (400') of the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed are in the closed state; and- determine that the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is electrically connected to the first coupler (200) of another vehicle when the covering means (400') of the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed are in the open state.

6. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first coupler (200) of a vehicle comprises mechanical connection means (500) arranged to:- assume a disengaged state, wherein the mechanical connection means (500) of the first coupler of said vehicle are not engaged with mechanical connection means (500') of the second coupler (202) of another vehicle when said first coupler (200) is not connected to a second coupler (202) of another vehicle of the convoy of vehicles;- assume an engaged state, wherein the mechanical connection means (500) of the first coupler (200) of said vehicle are mechanically engaged with mechanical connection means (500') of the second coupler (202) of another vehicle when said first coupler (200) is connected to a second coupler (202) of another vehicle of the convoy of vehicles; the electronic control means (204, 204') are arranged to:- determine that the first coupler (200) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not mechanically connected to the second coupler (202) of anothervehicle when the mechanical connection means (500) of the first coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed are in the disengaged state; and- determine that the first coupler (200) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is mechanically connected to the second coupler (202) of another vehicle when the mechanical connection means (500) of the first coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed are in the engaged state; and / or the second coupler (202) of a vehicle comprises mechanical connection means (500') arranged to:- assume a disengaged state, wherein the mechanical connection means (500') of the second coupler (202) of said vehicle are not engaged with mechanical connection means (500) of the first coupler (200) of another vehicle when said second coupler (202) is not connected to a first coupler (200) of another vehicle of the convoy of vehicles;- assume an engaged state, in which the mechanical connection means (500') of the second coupler (202) of said vehicle are mechanically engaged with mechanical connection means (500) of the first coupler (200) of another vehicle when said second coupler (202) is connected to a first coupler (200) of another vehicle of the convoy of vehicles; the electronic control means (204, 204') are arranged to:- determine that the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not mechanically connected to the first coupler (200) of another vehicle when the mechanical connection means (500') of the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed are in the disengaged state; and- determine that the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is mechanically connected to the first coupler (200) of another vehicle when the mechanical connection means (500') of the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed are in the engaged state.

7. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first coupler (200) of a vehicle comprises mechanical pressure means (600) arranged to:- assume a non-pressed state, wherein the mechanical pressure means (600) of the first coupler (200) of said vehicle are not pressed when said first coupler (200) is not connected to a second coupler (202) of another vehicle of the convoy of vehicles;- assume a pressed state, wherein the mechanical pressure means (600) of the first coupler (200) of said vehicle are pressed when said first coupler (200) is connected to a second coupler (202) of another vehicle of the convoy of vehicles; the electronic control means (204, 204') are arranged to:- determine that the first coupler (200) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not mechanically connected to the second coupler (202) of another vehicle when the mechanical pressure means (600) of the first coupler (200) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed are in the non-pressed state; and- determine that the first coupler (200) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is mechanically connected to the second coupler (202) of another vehicle when the mechanical pressure means (600) of the first coupler (200) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed are in the pressed state; and / or the second coupler (202) of a vehicle comprises mechanical pressure means (600') arranged to:- assume a non-pressed state, wherein the mechanical pressure means (600') of the second coupler (202) of said vehicle are not pressed when said second coupler (202) is not connected to a first coupler (200) of another vehicle of the convoy of vehicles;- assume a pressed state, wherein the mechanical pressure means (600') of the second coupler (202) of said vehicle are pressed when said second coupler (202) is connected to a first coupler (200) of another vehicle of the convoy of vehicles; the electronic control means (204, 204') are arranged to:- determine that the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not mechanically connected to the first coupler (200) of another vehicle when the mechanical pressure means (600') of the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed are in the non-pressed state; and- determine that the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is mechanically connected to the first coupler (200) of another vehicle when the mechanical pressure means (600') of the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed are in the pressed state.

8. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first coupler (200) ofa vehicle is associated with first signal transmission means (800) coupled to a first impedance (I) having a predetermined impedance value; wherein said first coupler (200) is arranged to be connected to a second coupler (202) of another vehicle, wherein said second coupler (202) is associated with second signal transmission means (800') coupled to a second impedance (I') also having said predetermined impedance value; the electronic control means (204, 204') are arranged to:- transmit a verification signal in said first signal transmission means (800) associated with the first coupler (200) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed;- determine that the first coupler (200) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not electrically connected to the second coupler (202) of another vehicle when, in response to the transmission of the verification signal, a reflected signal is present on said first signal transmission means (800) associated with the first coupler (200) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed; and- determine that the first coupler (200) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is electrically connected to the second coupler (202) of another vehicle when, in response to the transmission of the verification signal, no reflected signal is present on said first signal transmission means (800) associated with the first coupler (200) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed; and / or wherein the second coupler (202) of a vehicle is associated with second signal transmission means (800') coupled to a second impedance (I') having a predetermined impedance value; wherein said second coupler (202) is arranged to be connected to a first coupler (200) of another vehicle, wherein said first coupler (200) is associated with first signal transmission means (800) coupled to a first impedance (I) also having said predetermined impedance value; the electronic control means (204, 204') are arranged to:- transmit a verification signal in said second signal transmission means (800') associated with the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed;- determine that the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not electrically connected to the first coupler (200) of another vehicle when, in response to the transmission of the verification signal, a reflected signal is present on said second signal transmission means (800') associated with the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed; and- determine that the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is electrically connected to the first coupler (200) of another vehicle when, in response to the transmission of the verification signal, no reflected signal is present on said second signal transmission means (800') associated with the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed.

9. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first coupler (200) of a vehicle comprises a communication node arranged to connect to a communication node of the second coupler of another vehicle of the convoy of vehicles; the electronic control means (204, 204') are arranged to:- determine that the first coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not electrically connected to the second coupler of another vehicle when the communication node of the first coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not connected to the communication node of a second coupler of another vehicle; and- determine that the first coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is electrically connected to the second coupler of another vehicle when the communication node of the first coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is connected to the communication node of a second coupler of another vehicle; and / or wherein the second coupler (202) of a vehicle comprises a communication node arranged to connect to a communication node of the first coupler of another vehicle of the convoy of vehicles; the electronic control means (204, 204') are arranged to:- determine that the second coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not electrically connected to the first coupler of another vehicle whenthe communication node of the second coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not connected to the communication node of a first coupler of another vehicle; and- determine that the second coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is electrically connected to the first coupler of another vehicle when the communication node of the second coupler of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is connected to the communication node of a first coupler of another vehicle.

10. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic control means (204, 204') are arranged to:- measure a current value emitted from the first coupler (200) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed;- determine that the first coupler (200) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not electrically connected to the second coupler (202) of another vehicle when the measured current value differs from an expected current value in the case of an electrical connection between said first coupler (200) and the second coupler (202) of another vehicle; and- determine that the first coupler (200) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is electrically connected to the second coupler (202) of another vehicle when the measured current value substantially corresponds to an expected current value in the case of an electrical connection between said first coupler (200) and the second coupler (202) of another vehicle; and / or wherein the electronic control means (204, 204') are arranged to:- measure a current value emitted from the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed;- determine that the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not electrically connected to the first coupler (200) of another vehicle when the measured current value differs from an expected current value in the case of an electrical connection between said second coupler and the first coupler of another vehicle; and- determine that the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is electrically connected to the first coupler (200) of another vehicle when the measured current value substantially corresponds to an expected current value in the case of an electrical connection between said second coupler and the first coupler of another vehicle.

11. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first coupler (200) of a vehicle is associated with signal transmission means (800) coupled to communication means (804); the electronic control means (204, 204') are arranged to:- measure a power value emitted by the communication means (804) coupled to the signal transmission means (800) associated with the first coupler (200) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed;- determine that the first coupler (200) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not electrically connected to the second coupler (202) of another vehicle when the measured power value differs from an expected power value in the case of an electrical connection between said first coupler (200) and the second coupler (202) of another vehicle; and- determine that the first coupler (200) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is electrically connected to the second coupler (202) of another vehicle when the measured power value substantially corresponds to an expected power value in the case of an electrical connection between said first coupler (200) and the second coupler (202) of another vehicle; and / or wherein the second coupler (202) of a vehicle is associated with signal transmission means (800') coupled to communication means (804'); the electronic control means (204, 204') being arranged to:- measure a power value emitted by the communication means (804') coupled to the signal transmission means (800') associated with the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed;- determine that the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is not electrically connected to the first coupler (200) of anothervehicle when the measured power value differs from an expected power value in the case of an electrical connection between said second coupler (202) and the first coupler (200) of another vehicle; and- determine that the second coupler (202) of the vehicle on which said electronic control means are installed is electrically connected to the first coupler (200) of another vehicle when the measured power value substantially corresponds to an expected power value in the case of an electrical connection between said second coupler (202) and the first coupler (200) of another vehicle.

12. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said electronic control means (204, 204') comprise an electronic unit designed according to SIL >= SIL2, preferably SIL = SIL4.

13. System according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein said electronic control means (204, 204') comprise a plurality of electronic units designed according to SIL >= SIL2.

14. Convoy of vehicles comprising at least two vehicles (VI, V2), each comprising a first coupler (200) and a second coupler (202); wherein the first coupler of a vehicle is associated with a first end (A) of said vehicle and the second coupler of the same vehicle is associated with a second end (B) of said vehicle, opposite said first end (A); wherein the first coupler of a vehicle is arranged to couple with the second coupler of another vehicle in the convoy, to electrically and mechanically connect said vehicles of the convoy of vehicles; the convoy of vehicles comprises a system for determining whether a vehicle, particularly a railway vehicle, of a convoy of vehicles, particularly a railway convoy, is an end vehicle of said convoy of vehicles according to any of the preceding claims.

15. Method, implemented via electronic control means, for determining whether a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, of a convoy of vehicles, particularly a railway convoy, is an end vehicle of said convoy of vehicles, wherein said convoy of vehicles comprises at least two vehicles (VI, V2), eachcomprising a first coupler and a second coupler; wherein the first coupler of a vehicle is associated with a first end (A) of said vehicle and the second coupler of the same vehicle is associated with a second end (B) of said vehicle, opposite said first end (A); wherein the first coupler of a vehicle is arranged to couple with the second coupler of another vehicle in the convoy, to electrically and mechanically connect said vehicles of the convoy of vehicles; wherein the method comprises the steps of- verifying whether the first coupler of a vehicle is electrically and mechanically connected to the second coupler of another vehicle;- verifying whether the second coupler of said vehicle is electrically and mechanically connected to the first coupler of another vehicle;- determining that said vehicle is an end vehicle of the convoy of vehicles when the verifications reveal that: a) the first coupler of said vehicle is neither electrically nor mechanically connected to the second coupler of another vehicle; or b) the second coupler of said vehicle is neither electrically nor mechanically connected to the first coupler of another vehicle.

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