Cutting system for profiles such as railway track rails, including a safety system

Abstract

The invention relates to a cutting system (1) adapted for cutting profiles (P), the cutting system (1) comprising a cutting machine (2) and a support device (3), the cutting system (1) varying between an assembled configuration in which the cutting machine (2) is fixed to the support device (3), and a disassembled configuration in which the cutting machine (2) and the support device (3) are separate, and the cutting system (1) comprising a safety system. Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Cutting system for profiles such as railway track rails, including a safety system Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a cutting system suitable for cutting profiles such as railway track rails, the cutting system comprising a cutting machine and a support device,

[0002] the support device being adapted to ensure, by clamping, a reversible hold of the support device on the profile intended to be cut by the cutting machine,

[0003] the cutting system varying between an assembled configuration in which the cutting machine is secured to the support device, and a disassembled configuration in which the cutting machine and the support device are separated,

[0004] the cutting machine comprising:

[0005] - a rotating movable cutting disc,

[0006] - an acceleration control capable of being activated by the hand of a user cutting system controller,

[0007] - a thermal energy drive motor, capable of occupying a first mode operational mode in which the drive motor is stopped, a second operational mode in which the drive motor is running at idle speed, and a third operational mode in which the drive motor is running at a rotation speed strictly higher than that adopted in the second operational mode and depending on the stress applied to the acceleration control,

[0008] - a transmission mechanism converting a rotational movement of the motor driving in a rotational movement of the cutting disc and capable of driving the cutting disc in rotation when the drive motor occupies the third operational mode,

[0009] - a control component driving the drive motor and taking as input data representative of the stress applied to the acceleration control. Prior art

[0010] When cutting a given profile such as a railway track rail for example with a cutting system such as a chainsaw system, it is often necessary to manipulate the cutting machine in one direction then in another in order to cut the profile. Indeed, the cutting is done in two stages: first, the cutting disc, driven in rotation by a drive motor, ensures a cut on a first face of the rail, then, the cutting disc ensures a cut on a second face of the rail.

[0011] To do this, it is possible to provide a mounting where the cutting machine can be pivoted relative to a support device, the latter serving to hold the profile to be cut and being able to maintain a fixed position when the cutting machine pivots to cut the profile. It is also sometimes necessary to have to separate the cutting machine and the support device.

[0012] To avoid the risk of injury during the cutting of the profile, a safety system has already been devised ensuring the cutting of the drive motor as soon as the cutting machine is detached from the support device, which stops the drive motor. To do this, it is known to place a switch in parallel with the drive motor stopping system. The switch therefore makes it possible to stop the drive motor if the cutting machine is removed from its fixing and support device.

[0013] However, this solution is not entirely satisfactory, because it requires restarting the drive motor each time the cutting machine is separated and then reassembled on the support device. However, starting the drive motor is a time-consuming and physically demanding operation for a user of the cutting system, who must pull a starter of the drive motor several times to be able to restart the drive motor. General description

[0014] The invention aims to provide a cutting solution for profiles such as railway rails, making it possible to overcome all or part of the precision drawbacks, in particular providing both the necessary safety during the profile cutting operation, while making the operation simple, ergonomic and not very time-consuming.

[0015] To this end, the present invention relates to a cutting system suitable for cutting profiles, the cutting system comprising a cutting machine and a support device, the support device being suitable for ensuring, by clamping, a reversible hold of the support device on the profile intended to be cut by the cutting machine,

[0016] the cutting system varying between an assembled configuration in which the cutting machine is secured to the support device, and a disassembled configuration in which the cutting machine and the support device are separated,

[0017] the cutting machine comprising: - a rotating movable cutting disc, - an acceleration control that can be activated by the hand of a user of the cutting system, - a thermal energy drive motor, which can occupy a first operational mode in which the drive motor is stopped, a second operational mode in which the drive motor is running at idle speed, and a third operational mode in which the drive motor is running at a rotation speed strictly higher than that adopted in the second operational mode and depending on the stress applied to the acceleration control, - a transmission mechanism converting a rotational movement of the drive motor into a rotational movement of the cutting disc and capable of rotating the cutting disc when the drive motor occupies the third operational mode, - a control component controlling the drive motor and taking as input data representative of the stress applied to the acceleration control,

[0018] the cutting system comprising a safety system comprising a determination device capable of automatically occupying a first state as soon as the cutting system adopts the assembled configuration and of automatically occupying a second state as soon as the cutting system adopts the disassembled configuration,

[0019] the safety system comprising electrical and / or software means associated with the control component configured so that from an initial configuration where the drive motor is in the second operational mode or in the third operational mode, the cutting system is selectively placed in: - a first operating mode in which the drive motor is maintained by the control component in the second operational mode, the first operating mode being automatically applied when the following two conditions are simultaneously verified: - the determination device occupies the second state, - a lack of control input during acceleration, - a second operating mode in which the control component prohibits any transition to the third operational mode, the second operating mode being automatically applied when the following two conditions are simultaneously verified: - the determination device occupies the second state, - the presence of a request for the acceleration control.

[0020] Such a support device makes it possible to secure and guide the cutting action of the cutting machine.

[0021] Advantageously, this safety system considerably improves the comfort of use because at the time of detachment and then re-detachment of the cutting machine on the support device, thanks to said first mode of operation operation, the drive motor can be kept running at idle speed, preventing it from being stopped and thus avoiding any restarting of the engine which is a time-consuming and physically demanding operation for a user of the cutting system, who otherwise has to pull the engine starter several times. Thanks to this safety system, the engine is only started once at the beginning of the cut. The cutting system is therefore user-friendly, practical, avoids tedious operations and allows time optimization.

[0022] In parallel with these advantages, the safety conferred is important because in the event of the acceleration control being requested at a time when the cutting machine is detached from its support device, thanks to the second operating mode, any risk of seeing the cutting disc accelerate is inhibited due to the fact that the control component then blocks the drive motor either in the first operational mode (engine stopped), or in the second operational mode (engine idling), which implies in both cases that the disc does not turn.

[0023] According to one characteristic, the cutting machine and the support device comprise, respectively, a first fixing element and a second fixing element of the same fixing mechanism, the assembled configuration being occupied when the first fixing element and the second fixing element cooperate with each other so that the fixing mechanism secures the cutting machine to the support device, the disassembled configuration being occupied when the first fixing element and the second fixing element do not cooperate with each other.

[0024] According to one feature, in the second operating mode, the drive motor is placed by the control component in the second operational mode.

[0025] According to one characteristic, in the second operating mode, the drive motor is placed by the control component in the first operational mode.

[0026] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the electrical and / or software means associated with the control component are configured so that from an initial configuration where the drive motor is in the second operational mode or in the third operational mode, the cutting system is selectively placed in: - a third operating mode in which the drive motor is placed by the control component in the third operational mode, the third operating mode being automatically applied when the following two conditions are simultaneously verified: - the determination device occupies the first state, - the presence of a request for the acceleration control, - a fourth operating mode in which the drive motor is placed by the control component in the second operational mode, the fourth operating mode being automatically applied when the following two conditions are simultaneously verified: - the determination device occupies the first state, - an absence of a request for the acceleration control.

[0027] According to one feature, the safety system comprises a stop circuit configured to vary between an active state in which the drive motor is placed in the first or second operational mode and an inactive state in which the drive motor occupies the third operational mode, the active state preventing the drive motor from occupying the third operational mode.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the drive motor comprises at least one piston and at least one spark plug associated with each piston, the stop circuit being able to occupy its active state in which the electrical supply of the spark plug is inhibited or regulated for maintenance and its inactive state in which the electrical supply of the spark plug by the control component is authorized.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the stop circuit is placed in an electrical assembly in parallel with a main circuit including a switch for stopping the drive motor separate from the acceleration control, the closing of the main circuit causing the inhibition of the electrical supply to the spark plug.

[0030] According to one characteristic, the stop circuit comprises in series: - a first switch, which occupies a first state when the disassembled configuration is adopted and which occupies a second state when the assembled configuration is adopted - a second switch varying between a first state when the acceleration control is activated by the user's hand, and a second state when the acceleration control is not activated,

[0031] the stop circuit occupying its active state when the following two conditions are simultaneously verified: - the first switch is in its first state, - the second switch is in its first state,

[0032] the stop circuit occupying its inactive state otherwise. Brief description of the figures

[0033] The invention will be described, solely by way of example, with reference to the following figures which are not reproduced to scale and in which:

[0034] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of an example of a cutting system according to the invention and the profile to be cut.

[0035] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a partial exploded view of the cutting system of [Fig. 1].

[0036] [Fig.2A] [Fig.2A] is a partial exploded view showing a series of components control of a cutting machine drive motor in the case of a drive motor with carburetor.

[0037] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic view of a first variant of a safety system included in the cutting system of Figures 1 and 2.

[0038] [Fig.3A] [Fig.3A] is a schematic view of a second variant of the safety system included in the cutting system of Figures 1 and 2.

[0039] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a flowchart showing the operation of the cutting system.

[0040] Other advantages and technical characteristics may emerge from the detailed description which follows. Detailed description of embodiments

[0041] Figures 1 and 2 show an example of a cutting system 1 according to the invention, configured to ensure the cutting of P profiles, such as, for example and in particular, railway track rails.

[0042] The cutting system 1 comprises a cutting machine 2 and a support device 3, detailed later.

[0043] The support device 3 is adapted to ensure, by clamping, a reversible hold of the support device 3 on the profile P which is intended to be cut by the cutting machine 2.

[0044] As can be seen in [Fig.l], the cutting machine 2 comprises a cutting disc 4 which can rotate relative to the rest of the cutting machine 2. The nature of the cutting disc 4 is not limiting as long as it is adapted to the nature of the profile P. It may be a cutting disc 4 made of metallic material or of abrasive material.

[0045] As can be seen in [Fig.l], the support device 3 comprises in this example a first support arm 3b, a second support arm 3c and a vice 3a adapted to clamp the profile P to be cut.

[0046] The vice 3a can therefore be fixed reversibly on the profile P to be cut by clamping. The nature of the vice 3a is not limiting in itself. The first support arm 3b is arranged between the vice 3a and the second support arm 3c, and the second support arm 3c is arranged between the cutting machine 2 and the first support arm 3b. As an effective example, a distal end of the first support arm 3b and a proximal end of the second support arm 3c are connected by a pivot connection, while a distal end of the second support arm 3c and the cutting machine 2 are also connected by a pivot connection. A proximal end of the first support arm 3b and the vice 3a can, for their part, possibly be connected by a pivot connection mounting. These arrangements provide great mobility of the cutting machine 2 relative to the vice 3a (and therefore relative to the profile P) in an entire plane parallel to the plane of the cutting disc 4. The support device 3 thus makes it possible to secure and guide the cutting action of the cutting machine 2.

[0047] The cutting machine 2 also comprises an acceleration control 5 capable of being activated by the hand of a user of the cutting system 1. This control 5 can be chosen from a button placed directly on the cutting machine 2, a voice control, a wired or wireless external control, a telephone application or any other equivalent means. The acceleration control 5 incorporates a sensor (the nature of which is arbitrary here) making it possible to determine the presence and / or the intensity of the activation applied to the acceleration control 5.

[0048] The cutting machine 2 also includes a thermal energy drive motor 6. The latter can in particular occupy:

[0049] - a first operational mode in which the drive motor 6 is stopped,

[0050] - a second operational mode in which the drive motor 6 rotates at a idle speed,

[0051] - and a third operational mode in which the drive motor 6 rotates at a rotation speed strictly higher than that adopted in the second operational mode and depending on the stress applied to control 5 during acceleration.

[0052] It is specified that a clutch mechanism ensures that in the second operating mode, the cutting disc 4 is not mobile in rotation even if the drive motor 6 is rotating.

[0053] The drive engine 6 may have one or more pistons. It may include a carburetor associated with the air and fuel supply to each of the pistons. The drive engine 6 may, however, be of any other nature such as a turbine engine, also called a turbojet.

[0054] Optionally, the drive motor 6 may be electronically injected, in the sense that the fuel injection is then specifically regulated by dedicated electronics. Otherwise, the fuel injection is regulated from the operation of the carburetor.

[0055] The carburetor is a mechanical component ensuring a mixture between an oxidizer (typically air) and the fuel since the drive engine 6 is of the spark ignition type (the fuel then typically being gasoline), according to an oxidizer / fuel ratio of richness adapted to the operation of the drive engine 6, allowing it to burn more or less completely in the combustion chamber associated with each piston provided. This sprayed mixture is sucked in during the intake phase. The carburetor also has the function of regulating the rotation speed and the mechanical torque of the drive motor by modulating the filling rate. It remains optional, for example in the event that the drive motor 6 is of the electronic injection type.

[0056] The cutting machine 2 also comprises a transmission mechanism 7 converting a rotational movement of the drive motor 6 into a rotational movement of the cutting disc 4 and capable of rotating the cutting disc 4 when the drive motor 6 occupies the third operational mode. The transmission mechanism 7 may for example comprise an elongated element such as a belt or a chain, connecting on the one hand the output shaft of a clutch itself coupled to the output of the drive motor 6 and on the other hand a drive pulley mounted on a transmission shaft integral in rotation with the cutting disc 4. Any other transmission system may however be used, for example using a transmission by a train of toothed wheels.

[0057] The cutting machine 2 includes a control component configured to control the drive motor 6 and taking as input data representative of the stress applied to the control 5 during acceleration.

[0058] The control component may be a component 8b associated or integrated with the carburetor such as a switch mounted on a linkage of the carburetor for example or a series of components associated with the carburetor as in [Fig.2A] where the series of components 8b comprises a magnet 8b 1, a coil 8b2, a coil wire 8b3 and a suppressor 8b4.

[0059] Alternatively, the control component may be an electronic control unit 8 a.

[0060] By "controlling the drive motor 6" is meant that the control component ensures at least the placement of the drive motor 6 in the first operating mode and / or in the second operating mode and / or in the third operating mode.

[0061] The illustrated example comprises both a carburetor and an electronic control unit 8a. When the drive engine 6 has electronic fuel injection, the electronic control unit 8a can perform the function of electronically regulating the fuel injection.

[0062] The cutting system 1 varies between an assembled configuration in which the cutting machine 2 is secured to the support device 3 via the fixing mechanism 9, and a disassembled configuration in which the cutting machine 2 and the support device 3 are separated.

[0063] The fixing mechanism 9 comprises for example a first fixing element 9a and a second fixing element 9b respectively secured to the machine of section 2 and support device 3.

[0064] The assembled configuration is occupied when the first fixing element 9a and the second fixing element 9b cooperate with each other so that the fixing mechanism 9 secures the cutting machine 2 to the support device 3. The disassembled configuration is occupied when the first fixing element 9a and the second fixing element 9b do not cooperate with each other. For example, the assembly can be carried out by inserting a male element (which can play the role of the first fixing element 9a and the second fixing element 9b) into a female element (which can then play the role of the second fixing element 9b and the first fixing element 9a respectively), held together after insertion by screwing elements also belonging to the fixing mechanism 9. It remains that the nature of the fixing mechanism 9 is in no way limiting.For example, the assembly can be achieved by combining magnetic elements, elements having complementary half-shell shapes, or any other equivalent system.

[0065] The cutting system 1 comprises a manual stop button 10, capable of occupying a first initial natural position in which the manual stop button has no effect on the operation of the cutting machine 2, and a second position obtained by voluntary actuation by the user and in which it controls, for safety reasons, a mandatory passage of the drive motor 6 into the first operating mode independent of the other parameters or conditions taken by the other components of the cutting system 1. The manual stop button 10 can be in the form of a simple push button, a lifting button, or a rotary button.The way in which the manual stop button 10 operates may depend in particular on the nature of the drive motor 6 and it may act on a component of the carburetor, on the electronic control unit 8a, or directly on the electrical supply circuit of the spark plugs or on the oxidant or fuel supply circuit. The manual stop button 10 incorporates a sensor (the nature of which is arbitrary here) making it possible to determine the presence and / or the intensity of the stress applied to the manual stop button 10.

[0066] The cutting system 1 comprises a safety system comprising a determination device 12 capable of automatically occupying a first state as soon as the cutting system 1 adopts the assembled configuration and of automatically occupying a second state as soon as the cutting system 1 adopts the disassembled configuration. The determination device 12 can be chosen from an NC contactor, a contact sensor, a capacitive sensor, a laser sensor, or any other equivalent sensor.

[0067] The electronic control unit 8a takes as input information from the determination device 12, from the acceleration control 5 and from the manual stop button.

[0068] Advantageously, the cutting system 1 described below offers the possibility of starting the cutting machine 2 when the latter is not assembled to its support device 3. This makes it possible to gain in ergonomics and to obtain greater comfort of use.

[0069] Advantageously, the cutting system 1 makes it possible to heat up the cutting machine 2 if necessary before placing it on the support device 3. This then saves time because, thanks to the safety system described below, it becomes possible to heat up the cutting machine 2 before having access to the profile P to be cut.

[0070] The safety system comprises electrical and / or software means associated with the control component 8a, 8b configured so that from an initial configuration E0 ([Fig.4]) where the drive motor 6 is in the second operational mode or in the third operational mode, the cutting system 1 is selectively placed in: - a first operating mode E3 ([Fig.4]) in which the drive motor 6 is maintained by the control component 8a, 8b in the second operational mode, the first operating mode E3 being automatically applied when the following two conditions are simultaneously verified: - the determination device 12 occupies the second state, - an absence of request from the control 5 in acceleration, - a second operating mode E4 ([Fig.4]) in which the control component 8a, 8b prohibits any transition to the third operational mode, the second operating mode E4 being automatically applied when the following two conditions are simultaneously verified: - the determination device 12 occupies the second state, - the presence of a request from command 5 in acceleration.

[0071] Advantageously, this safety system considerably improves the comfort of use because at the time of a detachment and then a re-attachment of the cutting machine 2 to the support device 3, thanks to said first operating mode E3, the drive motor 6 can be kept running at an idling speed, preventing it from being stopped and thus avoiding any restarting of the engine 6 which is a time-consuming and physically demanding operation for a user of the cutting system 1, who must otherwise pull several times on a starter of the engine 6.

[0072] Thanks to this safety system, the engine only needs to be started once at the start of cutting. The cutting system 1 is therefore user-friendly, practical, avoids tedious operations and allows for time optimization.

[0073] In parallel with these advantages, the safety conferred is important because in the event of manual solicitation of the control 5 in acceleration at a time when the cutting machine 2 is detached from its support device 3, thanks to the second operating mode E4, any risk of seeing the cutting disc 4 accelerate is inhibited due to the fact that the control component 8a, 8b then blocks the drive motor 6 either in the first operational mode, or in the second operational mode, which implies in both cases that the cutting disc 4 does not rotate.

[0074] In the second operating mode E4, it can be provided that the drive motor 6 is placed by the control component 8a, 8b either in the second operational mode (in particular in the case where the electronic control unit 8a does not regulate the fuel injection), or in the first operational mode (in particular in the case where the electronic control unit 8a regulates the electronic injection of fuel into the drive motor 6). In other words, in the second operating mode E4, the drive motor 6 is kept in the first operational mode or in the second operational mode, which implies in both cases that the cutting disc 4 does not rotate.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the electrical and / or software means associated with the control component 8a, 8b are configured in such a way that, from the initial configuration E0, the cutting system 1 is selectively placed in: - a third operating mode E6 ([Fig.4]) in which the drive motor 6 is placed by the control component 8a, 8b in the third operational mode, the third operating mode E6 being automatically applied when the following two conditions are simultaneously verified: - the determination device 12 occupies the first state, - the presence of a request from command 5 in acceleration, - a fourth operating mode E7 in which the drive motor 6 is placed by the control component 8a, 8b in the second operational mode, the fourth operating mode E7 being automatically applied when the following two conditions are simultaneously verified: - the determination device 12 occupies the first state, - an absence of a request from the control 5 in acceleration.

[0076] According to one embodiment and when the control component is the electronic control unit 8a, the software means may be in the form of programmable algorithms designed and stored in a memory of the electronic control unit 8a, these algorithms being such that the electronic control unit 8a places the drive motor 6 in the first operational mode or

[0077]

[0078] in the second operational when the electronic control unit 8a simultaneously detects that: - the determination device 12 occupies the second state, - the presence of a request from command 5 in acceleration. To switch the drive motor 6 into the first operational mode, it is possible at any time to use the manual stop button 10, as explained previously, independently and with priority over the previous provisions. The following three tables summarize respectively: - the different states occupied by the determination device 12, - the different operational modes of the drive motor 6, - the different operating modes of the cutting system 1. [tab.l]

[0079] State occupied by the determination device 12 Configuration of the cutting system 1 First state Assembled configuration Second state Disassembled configuration

[0080] [tab.2] Operational Mode State of drive motor 6 First operational mode: drive motor 6 stopped Second operational mode: drive motor 6 running at idle Third operational mode: drive motor 6 running at a rotation speed strictly higher than that adopted in the second operational mode and depending on the load applied to control 5 during acceleration

[0081] [tab.3] Operating mode State of the drive motor Conditions to be checked First operating mode E3 the drive motor 6 is held by the control component 8a, 8b in the second mode the determination device 12 occupies the second state, AND operational an absence of request from the control 5 in acceleration Second operating mode E4 the control component 8 a, 8b then blocks the drive motor 6 either in the first operational mode in which the engine is stopped, or in the second operational mode in which the engine is idling the determination device 12 occupies the second state, AND the presence of a request from the control 5 in acceleration.Third operating mode E6 the drive motor 6 is placed by the control component 8a, 8b in the third operational mode the determination device 12 occupies the first state, AND the presence of a request from the control 5 in acceleration, Fourth operating mode E7 the drive motor 6 is placed by the control component 8a, 8b in the second operational mode the determination device 12 occupies the first state, AND an absence of a request from the control 5 in acceleration.

[0082] The following table summarizes different possible states occupied by the cutting system 1 by presenting, for each: the state taken by the determination device 12, by the control 5 in acceleration, by the drive motor 6, as well as the corresponding operational mode of the drive motor 6 and the state of the cutting disc 4. [tab.4]

[0083] Determination Device 12 Control 5 Drive Motor 6 Operational Mode Cutting Disc State 4 First State (Assembled Configuration) State Activated Stop Deactivated Third Operational Mode Rotating Disc Second State (Disassembled Configuration) State Activated Stop Deactivated Second Operational Mode OR First Operational Mode Disc Stopped First State (Assembled Configuration) State Deactivated Stop Deactivated Second Operational Mode Disc Stopped Second State (Disassembled Configuration) State Deactivated Stop Deactivated Second Operational Mode Disc Stopped First State (Assembled Configuration) State Activated Stop Activated First Operational Mode Disc Stopped Second State (Disassembled Configuration) State Activated Stop Activated First Operational Mode Disc Stopped First State (Assembled Configuration) State Deactivated Stop Activated First Operational Mode Disc Stopped Second State (Disassembled Configuration) State Deactivated Stop Activated First Operational Modeoperational Disk stopped

[0084] In the preceding table, the term “activated state” means that there is the presence of a manual request on the control 5 during acceleration, the term “deactivated state” means an absence of manual request on the control 5 during acceleration, the term “activated stop” means the presence of a request from the manual stop button 10, and the term “deactivated stop” means an absence of a request from the button manual stop 10.

[0085] As an example, from the preceding table, it can be seen that when the determination device 12 is in its first state (and therefore the cutting machine 2 is assembled with its support device 3), that the acceleration control 5 is requested, that the stopping of the drive motor 6 by the manual stop button 10 is not activated, the drive motor 6 is then in its third operating mode and the cutting disc 4 is rotating, its rotation depending on the request applied to the control 5.

[0086] In order to constitute the electrical means mentioned above (possibly in connection with software means already mentioned), the security system may further comprise a stop circuit 14, connected to the electronic control unit 8a, configured to vary between an active state in which the drive motor 6 is placed in the first or second operational mode and an inactive state in which the drive motor 6 occupies the third operational mode, the active state preventing the drive motor 6 from occupying the third operational mode.

[0087] For example, the stopping circuit 14 may be designed to perform, directly or indirectly via the electronic control unit 8a, at least one of the following actions: acting on the electronics which control the injection of the drive motor 6, acting on the fuel and / or oxidant supply, acting on the exhaust by modifying its obstruction, stalling the drive motor 6 by mechanically blocking a part of the drive motor 6, for example with a braked disc.

[0088] According to an embodiment for this purpose, and according to a possibility already indicated where the drive motor 6 can comprise at least one piston and at least one spark plug associated with each piston, the stop circuit 14 can be configured to, in its active state, prohibit the electrical supply of the spark plug (or regulate it for suitable maintenance), unlike the situation corresponding to the inactive state of the stop circuit 14 where the electrical supply of the spark plug is authorized.

[0089] [Fig. 3] illustrates an example of such a stop circuit 14, designed to act in the same way as when the manual stop button 10 is pressed for stopping. The stop circuit 14 can be placed in an electrical circuit in parallel with a main circuit 13 which includes a stop contactor 11, which stop contactor 11 is a normally open switch directly electrically controlled by the manual stop button 10 (the closed state of the stop contactor 11 being obtained when a request to the manual stop button 10 is present). This main circuit 13 is connected to the electronic control unit 8a, so that when the latter receives the information of the closure of the stop contactor, the electronic control unit 8a forces the stopping of the drive motor 6 (for example by inhibiting the power supply electric current of the spark plug(s) of the drive motor 6).

[0090] As can be seen in [Fig.3], the stop circuit 14 can comprise in series: - a first switch 101 (for example directly electrically connected to the determination device 12 as can be seen in [Fig.2]), which occupies a closed state when the disassembled configuration is adopted and which occupies an open state when the assembled configuration is adopted, - a second switch 102 (for example directly electrically connected to the acceleration control 5 as can be seen in [Fig.2]), varying between a closed state when the acceleration control 5 is activated by the user's hand, and an open state when the acceleration control 5 is not activated.

[0091] Thus, it follows from the above that the stop circuit 14 occupies its active state when the following two conditions are simultaneously verified: - the first switch 101 is in its closed state, - the second switch 102 is in its closed state.

[0092] Otherwise, the stop circuit 14 occupies its inactive state. When the active state of the stop circuit 14 is occupied, the action that occurs is identical to that obtained by closing the stop contactor 11.

[0093] If the stop switch 11 is a normally closed switch directly electrically controlled by the manual stop button 10 (the open state of the stop switch 11 being obtained when a request from the manual stop button 10 is present).

[0094] In this case, the electronic control unit receives the information that the stop switch is open, and forces the drive motor 6 to stop (for example by inhibiting the electrical supply to the spark plug(s) of the drive motor 6).

[0095] As can be seen in [Fig.3A], the stop circuit 14 can comprise in series: - a first switch 101 (for example directly electrically connected to the determination device 12 as can be seen in [Fig.2]), which occupies an open state when the disassembled configuration is adopted and which occupies a closed state when the assembled configuration is adopted, - a second switch 102 (for example directly electrically connected to the acceleration control 5 as can be seen in [Fig.2]), varying between an open state when the acceleration control 5 is activated by the user's hand, and a closed state when the acceleration control 5 is not activated.

[0096] Thus, it follows from the above that the stop circuit 14 occupies its active state when the following two conditions are simultaneously verified: - the first switch 101 is in its open state, - the second switch 102 is in its open state.

[0097] Otherwise, the stop circuit 14 occupies its inactive state. When the active state of the stop circuit 14 is occupied, the action that occurs is identical to that obtained by opening the stop switch 11.

[0098] It remains possible, however, that the stop circuit 14 can be replaced by a control member intended to perform the same function as the stop circuit 14.

[0099] [Fig.4] shows a possible flowchart for the operation of the cutting system 1.

[0100] The cutting system 1 is first of all in its initial configuration E0 in which the drive motor 6 is in the second operational mode or in the third operational mode.

[0101] Then in a step E1 it is checked whether the determination device 12 occupies the second state, in other words it is checked whether the cutting system 1 is in its dismantled configuration.

[0102] In the case where the determination device 12 occupies the second state in step El, then it is considered that the condition Cl is satisfied and we then move on to a step E2 in which it is verified whether the acceleration command 5 is requested.

[0103] In the case where the acceleration command 5 is requested, then it is considered that the condition C2 is satisfied and we then move on to the step E4 already mentioned consisting of placing the cutting system 1 in the second operating mode E4 in which the drive motor 6 is stopped or running at idle.

[0104] On the other hand, in the case where the acceleration command 5 is not requested in step E2, then it is considered that the condition C3 is satisfied and we then move on to the step E3 already mentioned, consisting of placing the cutting system 1 in the first operating mode E3 in which the drive motor 6 is running at idle.

[0105] In the case where the determination device 12 does not occupy the second state in step E1 and it appears that the determination device 12 on the contrary occupies the first state, then it is considered that the condition C4 is verified and we then move on to a step E5 in which we verify whether the acceleration command 5 is requested.

[0106] In the case where the acceleration command 5 is requested in step E5, then it is considered that the condition C5 is satisfied and we then move on to step E6 in which the cutting system 1 is placed in the third operating mode where the drive motor 6 is placed by the control component 8a, 8b in the third operational mode.

[0107] On the other hand, in the case where the acceleration command 5 is not requested in step E5, then it is considered that the condition C6 is satisfied and we then move on to step E7 in which the cutting system 1 is placed in the fourth mode of operation where the drive motor 6 is placed by the control component 8a, 8b in the second operational mode.

[0108] In the above, according to one embodiment, steps E0 to E7 may in particular be operated by the electronic control unit 8a, with a possible action on or by the carburetor, depending on the information received by them from (or the states occupied by) the determination device 12, the acceleration control 5 and the manual stop button 10 (for example by means of the stop switch 11, the first switch 101 and the second switch 102 already described).

Claims

1. Claims Cutting system (1) suitable for cutting profiles (P) such as railway track rails, the cutting system (1) comprising a cutting machine (2) and a support device (3), the support device (3) being adapted to ensure, by clamping, a reversible hold of the support device (3) on the profile (P) intended to be cut by the cutting machine (2), the cutting system (1) varying between an assembled configuration in which the cutting machine (2) is secured to the support device (3), and a disassembled configuration in which the cutting machine (2) and the support device (3) are separated, the cutting machine (2) comprising: - a rotating cutting disc (4), - an acceleration control (5) capable of being activated by the hand of a user of the cutting system (1), - a thermal energy drive motor (6), capable of occupying a first operational mode in which the drive motor (6) is stopped, a second operational mode in which the drive motor (6) rotates at an idle speed, and a third operational mode in which the drive motor (6) rotates at a rotation speed strictly higher than that adopted in the second operational mode and depending on the stress applied to the control (5) during acceleration, - a transmission mechanism (7) converting a rotational movement of the drive motor (6) into a rotational movement of the cutting disc (4) and capable of rotating the cutting disc (4) when the drive motor (6) occupies the third operational mode, - a control component (8a, 8b) controlling the drive motor (6) and taking as input data representative of the stress applied to the control (5) in acceleration, the cutting system (1) comprising a safety system comprising a determination device (12) capable of automatically occupying a first state as soon as the cutting system (1) adopts the assembled configuration and to automatically occupy a second state as soon as the cutting system (1) adopts the disassembled configuration, the safety system comprising electrical and / or software means associated with the control component (8a, 8b) configured so that from an initial configuration (E0) where the drive motor (6) is in the second operational mode or in the third operational mode, the cutting system (1) is selectively placed in: - a first operating mode (E3) in which the drive motor (6) is maintained by the control component (8a, 8b) in the second operational mode, the first operating mode (E3) being automatically applied when the following two conditions are simultaneously verified: - the determination device (12) occupies the second state, - an absence of solicitation of the command (5) in access education, - a second operating mode (E4) in which the control component (8a, 8b) prohibits any transition to the third operational mode, the second operating mode (E4) being automatically applied when the following two conditions are simultaneously verified: - the determination device (12) occupies the second state, - the presence of a request from the control (5) in acceleration.

2. Cutting system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cutting machine (2) and the support device (3) comprise, respectively, a first fixing element (9a) and a second fixing element (9b) of the same fixing mechanism (9), the assembled configuration being occupied when the first fixing element (9a) and the second fixing element (9b) cooperate with each other so that the fixing mechanism (9) secures the cutting machine (2) on the support device (3), the disassembled configuration being occupied when the first fixing element (9a) and the second fixing element (9b) do not cooperate with each other.

3. Cutting system (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein in the second operating mode (E4), the drive motor (6) is placed by the control component (8a, 8b) in the second operational mode.

4. Cutting system (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein in the second operating mode, the drive motor (6) is placed by the control component (8a, 8b) in the first operational mode.

5. Cutting system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the safety system comprises a stop circuit (14) configured to vary between an active state in which the drive motor (6) is placed in the first or second operational mode and an inactive state in which the drive motor (6) occupies the third operational mode, the active state preventing the drive motor (6) from occupying the third operational mode.

6. Cutting system (1) according to claim 5, in which the stop circuit (14) comprises in series: - a first switch (101), which occupies a first state when the disassembled configuration is adopted and which occupies a second state when the assembled configuration is adopted - a second switch (102) varying between a first state when the acceleration control (5) is activated by the user's hand, and a second state when the acceleration control (5) is not activated, the stop circuit (14) occupying its active state when the following two conditions are simultaneously verified: - the first switch (101) is in its first state, - the second switch (102) is in its first state, the stop circuit (14) occupying its inactive state otherwise.

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