A method for machining, using a machining unit, a ramp between two rail segments, including the machining unit and associated installation.

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for machining, by means of a machining assembly (100), at least one step (26) between at least a first and a second surface (25A, 25B) of two rail segments (325) along a traffic track (W) having a reference longitudinal direction (X), the machining assembly (100) comprising at least one machining tool (200), the machining method comprising at least: a positioning step in which at least a portion of the machining assembly (100) is moved in the longitudinal direction (X) and positioned in a machining zone (Zu) of the step (26) to be machined; and a machining step of the step (26) by the machining tool (200) to machine a ramp (27) between the first and second surfaces (25A, 25B). (Fig. 11)

Description

Title of the invention: Method for machining, by a machining assembly, a ramp between two rail segments, associated machining assembly and installation Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates, in general, to the technical field of rail maintenance along a traffic lane.

[0002] The invention relates in particular to the maintenance of rails along a traffic lane located in particular in a storage gallery, in particular for the storage of radioactive waste packages. It could be applied to other areas of storage.

[0003] The invention relates more specifically to a method of machining, by a machining assembly, a ramp between surfaces of two rail segments along a traffic lane, to a machining assembly configured to be implemented in such a machining method and to an installation configured to implement such a machining method. State of the prior art

[0004] In the context of the storage of concrete packages containing radioactive waste or contaminated elements, it is common to build piles or stacks of packages of standardized dimensions. These piles of packages are then stored in storage corridors, also called galleries or storage cells, these corridors having a tunnel shape, built at great depth.

[0005] With regard to the design of this type of underground storage of long-lived medium and high-level radioactive waste packages, known as "deep geological storage", numerous technical constraints and associated operational safety requirements must be taken into account, including: the radiation of the storage packages; the great diversity of storage packages; the extremely restricted circulation in the underground structures; the detection and measurement of gases likely to be produced by certain packages; the minimization of residual voids in the storage corridors between packages and between the packages and the walls of the structures; and the reversibility of the storage system and therefore the retrievability of the packages where appropriate.

[0006] The handling of packages inside the storage corridors is generally only envisaged by means of overhead cranes installed inside these storage corridors and moving longitudinally along the associated storage corridor.

[0007] In order to optimize the use of the interior volume of the storage corridor, it was proposed to use overhead cranes mounted on a guideway, which have transverse beams running above the packages, except possibly for the top layer of packages. This type of overhead crane has a limited volume, which makes it possible to optimize the use of the internal volume of the storage corridor. Generally, the packages are arranged in groups of several transverse rows adjoining each other on several levels, which are separated from each other.

[0008] A check of these packages must be carried out regularly, both during the filling of the storage corridor, and when the storage corridor has been filled, in order to check that neither the walls of the associated storage corridor, nor the packages, are damaged or have moved.

[0009] All these package handling and package inspection operations are carried out by the movement of the overhead crane and mobile inspection tools. Such storage facilities must have levels of resistance over time to significant constraints. For various reasons, the traffic lane may require maintenance operations such as the repair of worn rails.

[0010] In practice, it has been found that the movement of soils and subsoils acts substantially over time on underground installations and can cause the displacement, even minimal, of certain segments of rails which can then create a step making the use of the traffic lane complicated, or even impossible, and therefore the associated operations of handling and checking the packages. This is all the more so since for this type of application, namely in the context of a radioactive waste storage facility, the rails equipping the traffic lane are generally placed end to end without being welded due to the fact that we are operating in a complex and constrained environment.

[0011] Furthermore, such an environment for storing radioactive waste or contaminated elements requires compliance with certain safety constraints affecting maintenance.

[0012] Finally, such an environment also requires the use of space-saving tools to allow their use in the space possible, often relatively small and confined. Statement of the invention

[0013] The invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the state of the art by proposing in particular a solution making it possible to guarantee the machining of a step between two segments of rail along a traffic lane while guaranteeing the safety of the installation, and limiting maintenance time as much as possible.

[0014] To do this, a method is proposed according to a first aspect of the invention machining, by a machining assembly, on a step between at least a first and a second surface of two rail segments along a traffic lane having a reference longitudinal direction, the machining assembly comprising at least one machining tool, the machining method comprising at least: • a positioning step in which at least a part of the machining assembly is moved in the longitudinal direction and positioned in a machining zone of the step to be machined; and • a step of machining the step by the machining tool to machine a ramp between the first and second surfaces.

[0015] Thanks to such a combination of characteristics, it is possible to deploy at least part of a machining assembly along a traffic lane and to machine a ramp between the first and second surfaces in order to form a substantially continuous connection between the two rail segments. The deployment of the machining assembly over a machining area makes it possible to avoid the intervention of a team of people on this same machining area, whether for dimensional reasons or because the intervention of physical people is made impossible given the environment of the installation (for example radiologically impossible), the machining operation being implemented in particular by the machining tool. It should be noted that the two rail segments can generally be ends of two separate rails, but can also be portions of the same rail, for example if such a rail were to be damaged or accidentally cut.

[0016] The term "ramp" means an inclined plane between the first and second surfaces. The step which initially exists between the first and second surfaces, that is to say the radial offset which exists between these two surfaces, forms a discontinuity, generally in height, which is machined by the machining assembly in order to reduce the discontinuity forming the step between the segments of the rail(s). In particular, the machining of a ramp forming an inclined plane to connect, ideally continuously, the first and second surfaces makes it possible to erase the step to guarantee the proper functioning of the running track.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the machining step comprises a step of machining by abrasion using an abrasive member, preferably a sanding step, the machining tool being positioned in abutment against at least one of the rail segments among the first and the second rail segment during the machining step.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the step of machining the step by the machining tool to form a ramp between the first and second surfaces comprises a step of forming a bevel on at least one end of one of the two rail segments. Such a bevel forms an oblique edge making it possible to connect the first and second surfaces.

[0019] According to one embodiment, during the step of positioning the machining assembly, said machining assembly is positioned in the machining zone in a position of overlapping the step by at least part of the machining assembly where the machining assembly spans the step to be machined, between the two rail segments. Preferably, the machining assembly is positioned so that the machining tool is located facing, radially, the step. If the step is elevated, the machining tool is thus positioned directly above the step to be machined.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the machining method comprises a step of moving the machining tool between the positioning step and the machining step so as to position the machining tool in a machining position.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the step of moving the machining tool to the machining position comprises at least one step of tilting the machining tool relative to the reference longitudinal direction. This tilt preferably corresponds to the tilt of the ramp that it is desired to obtain. This tilt may depend on various parameters, in particular a function of an initial step value to be corrected and a maximum acceptable residual step value so that it no longer constitutes an obstacle once the machining is finished.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the machining assembly comprises a support carriage configured to be moved along the traffic lane, the machining tool being supported by the support carriage, the method being characterized in that it comprises, prior to the machining step, a step of immobilizing the support carriage by immobilizing means, the immobilizing means preferably comprising jaws configured to locally grip the rail. These immobilizing means preferably have jaws, such as jaws, and allow, when they are engaged with the rail, to counter the force generated by the machining in order to keep the tool immobile.

[0023] According to one embodiment, during the machining step, the machining tool is moved along a trajectory contained in a plane transverse to the reference longitudinal direction, the inclination of the machining tool relative to the longitudinal direction preferably being constant during the machining step. Thus, the longitudinal position of the machining tool is maintained and said machining tool can be moved transversely, for example by right / left back and forth movements.

[0024] According to one embodiment, after a first machining step, in a first given machining position of the machining tool, the machining method comprises a second step of moving the machining tool into a second machining position followed by a second machining step, until the machining of the step is completed.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, the latter relates to a machining assembly re markable in that it is configured to be implemented in a machining process as described above.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the machining assembly comprises a support carriage configured to be moved along the circulation path, the machining tool being supported by the support carriage, the machining tool preferably comprising an abrasive member.

[0027] The invention also relates to an installation comprising a traffic lane having a reference longitudinal direction provided with at least one rail, and an assembly as described above, characterized in that it is configured to implement the machining method described above. brief description of the figures

[0028] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description which follows, with reference to the appended figures, which illustrate: • [Fig.l]: a view of a section of an installation in a storage corridor for packages containing radioactive waste or contaminated elements and comprising a machining assembly according to one embodiment; • [Fig.2]: an isometric perspective view of a machining assembly comprising a support carriage carrying a machining tool; • [Fig.3]: a front view of [Fig.2]; • [Fig.4]: a sectional view AA of [Fig.3]; • [Fig.5]: a view of a detail of [Fig.4] taken from above the machining tool; • [Fig.6]: a side view of the machining tool according to this embodiment; • [Fig.7]: a sectional view BB of [Fig.5]; • [Fig.8]: a sectional view CC of [Fig.3]; • [Fig.9]: a view of a detail of [Fig.4]; • [Fig. 10]: a longitudinal sectional view of the machining assembly in a position moved to the machining area; • [Fig.l 1]: a longitudinal sectional view of the machining assembly of [Fig.10], in a machining position of the machining tool; • [Fig. 12]: a longitudinal sectional view of the machining assembly in a position moved to the machining area, with a reversed step compared to [Fig. 10]; • [Fig. 13]: a view of a detail of [Fig.l] • [Fig. 14]: a view of a detail of [Fig. 12].

[0029] For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference signs throughout the figures.

[0030] In the description and claims, to clarify the description and claims indications, the terminology longitudinal, transverse and vertical will be adopted without limitation in reference to the trihedron X, Y, Z indicated in the figures. DETAILED description of an embodiment

[0031] [Fig.l] shows a section of a storage corridor 3 which forms a sealed longitudinal enclosure buried underground. This storage corridor 3 is intended to receive long-lived intermediate-level radioactive waste. This waste is packaged in the form of packages 2, here packages 2 of a right prismatic shape with a square base.

[0032] Here, several packages 2 have already been stored, namely the packages 2 of a first layer, surmounted by several packages 2 of at least one second layer, in particular here also several packages 2 of a third layer. The packages 2 are further distributed in several rows or stacks transverse to a reference longitudinal orientation of the storage corridor 3, the packages 2 in each row are joined and a space is present between each row. It is understood that the invention is not limited to such a distribution of the packages in the storage corridor 3 and that the number of rows and / or the number of layers of packages 2 may be different, such as for example two rows and / or two layers of packages 2.

[0033] This space between each row or stack of packages 2 makes it possible in particular to ensure ventilation of the packages 2. In order to optimize the use of the internal volume of the storage corridor 3, when the packages 2 are stored, a minimum space is left between the packages 2 and the walls of the storage corridor 3. This space is preferably the space necessary to carry out the loading of the packages 2 in the storage corridor 3 since after the three layers of a row are deposited, there is no need to handle the packages 2 located further back in the storage corridor 3, except in the event of deterioration thereof.

[0034] The loading of the packages 2 into the storage corridor 3 is ensured by means of a mobile bridge (not shown in detail) which comprises in particular a transverse beam and a trolley for gripping the packages 2. The trolley is mounted so as to slide transversely along the beam and it comprises means for gripping the packages 2 which make it possible to raise and lower the packages 2 to place them in the required location. Each end of the beam is mounted on a rolling base allowing the movement of the mobile bridge in the storage corridor 3.

[0035] The storage corridor 3 is delimited by a base 31 on the ground, two side walls 32 and a ceiling 33. Each side wall 32 of the storage corridor 3 comprises a longitudinal cavity 320 delimited by a vertical bottom face 322, a horizontal lower face 321 and a horizontal upper face 323. Each cavity 320 opens out at the level of the associated side wall 32 on the side of the interior space of the storage corridor 3. To guide the movement of each rolling bed base, each cavity 320 comprises at least one longitudinal rail 325 which is arranged on the horizontal lower face 321 of the cavity 320. The cross-section of the longitudinal guide rail 325 comprises several different portions, here three in number. Each of these portions of the rail 325 is intended to provide a particular guidance function, namely for example the support of the weight of the mobile bridge, the transmission of the drive force, or the indexing for the longitudinal location of the rolling bed base. Each cavity 320 is intended to receive a rolling bed base, each rolling bed base moving on the longitudinal rails 325 of a longitudinal cavity 320 associated with it.

[0036] The packages 2 emit radiation throughout their lifetime and they are likely to deteriorate during the duration of their storage in the corridor 3. Also, the base 31, the walls 32 and the ceiling 33 of the storage corridor 3 are likely to deteriorate or deform over time, in particular because of the radiation coming from the packages 2. All this has the particular consequence that the packages 2 can move in the storage corridor 3. Similarly, it cannot be ruled out that the packages can be positioned with play.

[0037] The installation 1 of the storage corridor 3 also comprises inspection means (not illustrated) intended in particular to carry out an inspection and a check of the packages 2. The inspection means can also make it possible to carry out a check of the walls 32 and the ceiling 33 of the storage corridor 3.

[0038] In these figures, the installation 1 comprises a set of beams to ensure its structural strength. It is understood that depending on the use, such a design may be different. For example, for a storage corridor 3 buried underground, the structure of the installation may rest directly on the rock or the earth. Segments may also form vaults of the corridor 3.

[0039] These inspection means are designed to use the existing layout of the storage corridor 3 to move, that is to say in particular the longitudinal rails 325 on which the rolling beams of the mobile bridge move. Finally, this inspection instrument is designed to carry out the control between the different rows or stacks of packages and possibly between the ceiling of the storage corridor 3 and the packages 2 of the upper layer.

[0040] It is clear that such an installation 1 is particularly restrictive in terms of space and that each of the traffic lanes housed in the dedicated cavities 320 make it possible to ensure the movement of both the mobile bridge in the storage corridor 3 for handling the packages 2 and the movement of the inspection means to ensure control of the packages 2 and the infrastructure surrounding it. It is therefore essential that the traffic lane remains in working order.

[0041] For various reasons, the traffic lane W may require maintenance operations such as the repair of worn rails, which may hinder or even make impracticable the use of the corresponding traffic lane. To overcome such a constraint, the installation 1 is equipped with means for maintaining and repairing the traffic lanes.

[0042] As previously mentioned, in practice it has been found that the movement of soils and subsoils acts over time in a substantial manner on underground installations and can cause the displacement, even minimal, of certain segments of rails which can then create a step making the use of the traffic lane complicated, or even impossible, and therefore the associated operations of handling and checking the packages. This is all the more so since for this type of application, namely in the context of a radioactive waste storage facility, the rails equipping the traffic lane are generally placed end to end without being welded due to the fact that we are operating in a complex and constrained environment.

[0043] Figures 2 to 14 show in particular figures of a detailed embodiment of a machining assembly 100 configured to be moved along the corresponding traffic lane and capable of being deployed in the associated longitudinal cavity 320 to locally machine at least one rail segment there in order to erase a pre-existing step between two axially successive and adjacent rail segments.

[0044] Generally speaking, the repair carried out by the machining assembly 100 begins in particular during a positioning step during which the machining assembly 100 is moved in the longitudinal direction X of the corridor 3, in particular here along the longitudinal rails 325 which are the same as those on which the rolling beams of the mobile bridge usually move for the storage of the packages 2, this in order to position itself at the level of a machining zone Zu of the corridor 3 to carry out the maintenance.

[0045] The machining assembly 100 comprises a support carriage 101 forming a rolling base and configured to be moved along the circulation track W and to move along the longitudinal rails 325. The support carriage 101 of the machining assembly 100 forms a support 101 carrying a machining tool 200 and which connects the machining assembly 100 with the rails 325 to allow the movement of the machining assembly 100 in the corridor 3, up to the machining zone Zu of the step 26 where maintenance must take place. The support carriage 101 comprises wheels and rollers 1010 which cooperate in part with the rails 325 of the circulation track W of one or other of the lateral cavities 320 of the storage corridor 3.

[0046] The wheels and rollers 1010 of the support carriage 101 which cooperate with the circulation track are idler wheels in contact with the rail 325 ensuring the rolling of the machining assembly 100. The support carriage 101 also comprises wheels 1010' of stabilizing supports placed on each side of the rail 325 in order to stabilize the machining assembly 100.

[0047] More precisely, the machining assembly 100 has two sets of stabilizing wheels or rollers 1010', located on either side of the rolling rail 325.

[0048] Two casters 1010' are located at the rear AR of the support carriage 101, to ensure that the support carriage 101 does not tilt when it is moved in the cavity 320 of the cell 3. A clearance present between the floor of the cavity 320 on which these casters 1010 rest and a lower part of the support carriage 101 carried by said stabilizing casters allows the support carriage 101 to pass in this example a step of more or less 8 mm (i.e. 8 mm in absolute value, descending or ascending step). Of course, a different clearance can be provided.

[0049] Two wheels 1010' are also located at the front AV of the support carriage 101, also placed on either side of the rail 325 and thus guarantee the stability of the support carriage 101.

[0050] The rear AR of the support carriage 101 is supported by an idler wheel 1013 resting on an upper face of the rail 325. In order not to be hindered by the steps to be machined, the front AV of the support carriage 101 does not roll on the rail, but only on the floor of the cavity 320. For this purpose, the front AV wheels 1010' have a diameter greater than the wheels 1010' of the rear AR anti-tilt wheels 1010'.

[0051] An anti-derailment system (see [Fig. 13]) is also fixed to the rear of the chassis of the support carriage 101 so that the latter cannot be unexpectedly extracted from the rail 325. The anti-derailment system notably comprises lugs 1012 which are positioned laterally on either side of each side of the rail to participate in guiding the support carriage 101 along the running track W. When the support carriage 101 is inserted on the rail 325, the anti-derailment lugs 1012 are spread apart. Once the support carriage 101 is installed, said anti-derailment lugs 1012 are brought together until they are in contact with a central stop which guarantees their correct positioning. Fixing screws or pins of the anti-derailment lugs 1012 ensure their locking. The anti-derailment system can be implemented manually or controlled by control means.Each of the anti-derailment brackets 1012 comprises a lateral guide roller 1011 (see [Fig. 13]) making it possible to avoid any friction between the associated bracket and the rail 325. These lateral guide rollers 1011 participate in guiding the machining assembly 100 along the running track W.

[0052] A residual clearance is present between the rail 325 and the lateral guide rollers 1011. designed to allow the tool to adapt to a slightly deformed rail or to a slight lateral offset between two sections of 325 rails.

[0053] The support carriage 101 may comprise a second pair of anti-slip legs rally 1012 on either side of the rail 325, each of them carrying lateral guide rollers 1010”. In this case, a clearance is provided so as to compensate for slight defects in the shape of the rail 325 and slight defects in the horizontal alignment of two successive sections. A fixed wedge located in the center of the support block carriage 101 of the machining assembly 100 guarantees the correct spacing value between the lugs in order to avoid any risk of jamming. In this case also, on each lug is mounted one or more lateral guide rollers 1011, making it possible to maintain the correct alignment of the machining assembly 100 with the rail 325. Also in this case, these anti-derailment lugs 1012 can be spread apart and tightened to install or remove the support carriage 101 from the rail 325.

[0054] The support carriage 101 also supports an electrical box 102 and an inverter 103. The support carriage 101 generally supports any energy source useful for its use. For example, the support carriage 101 comprises a pneumatic energy source for implementing at least part of the actuators, in particular the jacks on board the support carriage 101. The support carriage 101 of the machining assembly 100 may comprise a control unit (not illustrated) configured to be controlled by remotely located control means.

[0055] The support carriage 101 is not here completely autonomous from the point of view of its control and its movement. Similarly, the support carriage 101 might not be energy autonomous. For this reason, the step of positioning the machining assembly 100 includes a step of coupling to a complementary self-propelled carriage (not illustrated). The support carriage 101 of the machining assembly 100 is then towed or pushed by the self-propelled carriage. This self-propelled carriage may in particular carry means for storing additional or non-additional energy, such as electric batteries and pneumatic energy sources. The electrical energies are in this case transmitted to the machining tool 200 by a set of connectors 102 0 whose connection is made when the support carriage 101 of the machining assembly 100 is coupled to the self-propelled carriage.The support carriage 101 of the machining assembly 100 thus has at least a mechanical coupling with the self-propelled carriage allowing it, on the one hand, to be towed or pushed into the longitudinal cavity 320 by the self-propelled carriage and, on the other hand, if necessary, an electrical coupling. Independent electrical and / or pneumatic connectors may also be provided.

[0056] The mechanical coupling comprises a connection zone 1020 located here at the rear AR of the support carriage 101 provided with a mechanical connection interface.

[0057] In this way, the movement of the support trolley 101 on the traffic lane W is carried out by the self-propelled trolley, the connection interface making it possible to secure said support trolley 101 to the front of the self-propelled trolley. The positioning of the two interfaces facing each other is carried out using three pins 1021 located at the rear AR of the support trolley 101 which are inserted into centering cones fixed on the self-propelled trolley. A lashing mechanism present on the self-propelled trolley then makes it possible to mechanically lock, by electrical control or manually, the pins of the support trolley 101 in position. The two trolleys are then linked together.

[0058] Optionally and as mentioned, an electrical connection zone can be provided, located in this case at the level of the mechanical connection zone 1020, the associated connection zone being at the same location, the connectors being here distinct or shared. In this case, the power supply is then distributed by a control command of the support block carriage 101 to the various actuators and sensors of the machining assembly 100. The self-propelled carriage also includes wireless communication means (not illustrated). Thus, the machining assembly 100 with the self-propelled carriage is entirely autonomous, which makes it possible to have no cables in the storage corridor 3 when the machining assembly 100 moves in the storage corridor 3, which could interfere with the return of the machining assembly 100.

[0059] The self-propelled trolley also includes instrumentation for controlling the rails 325, such as an encoder independent of the traction wheels in order to know the position of the support trolley 101 of the machining assembly 100 in the storage corridor 3.

[0060] When in use, the machining assembly 100 is thus positioned at the level of a step 26 to be machined, that is to say that the support carriage 101 is deployed during a deployment step up to a machining zone Zu of the step 26 to be machined then, during a machining step by the machining tool 200 is implemented to machine a ramp 27 between first and second surfaces 25A, 25B of the pre-existing step 26 to be machined (see [Fig. 14]).

[0061] A step 26 is characterized between two rail segments 325 by the fact that there is a discontinuity due to an abrupt difference in level between the two rail segments 325: each rail segment thus carries a first and second surface 25A, 25B which are radially distant from each other: one of the first and second surfaces being further radially distant than the other with respect to the longitudinal reference axis of the rail 325 forming an offset between a so-called “high” step, the furthest away, and a “low” step, the least distant. Note that this step can be in height, in particular if this radial offset is vertical, or other, for example transverse, in this case the radial offset is horizontal.

[0062] The machining of a ramp 27 forms an inclined plane to progressively, ideally continuously, connect the first and second surfaces, this making it possible to erase the step to guarantee the proper functioning of the rolling track.

[0063] To carry out such a machining step, once the support carriage 101 is po located in the machining zone Zu, the machining tool 200 comprises an abrasive member 210 which is positioned in contact and in abutment against at least one of the rail segments 325 among the first and second rail segments 325. At the level of the step 26, the tool 200 machines a bevel on one of the end portions at least of one of the two rail segments, namely the end of the rail projecting or forming the “high” step. Such a bevel forms an oblique edge making it possible to connect the first and second surfaces. The sharp edge of the “high” step is thus removed to be beveled and replaced by a bevel making it possible to reduce or even eliminate the step 26.The ramp 27 forms a support for a connecting surface extending longitudinally between a first edge and a second edge of the first and second rail segments 325, respectively, such that the first edge of the connecting surface is located flush (radially) with the first surface 25A and the second edge of the connecting surface is located flush (radially) with the second surface 25B. The angle inclination a of the ramp 27 is chosen as a function in particular, but not exclusively, of the value of the radial offset.

[0064] Preferably the angle inclination a in absolute value of the ramp 27, or of the connecting surface, is chosen as a function of at least an initial step value to be corrected, a maximum acceptable residual step value so that it no longer constitutes an obstacle once the machining is finished, or even also a longitudinal spacing value between two rail segments if necessary. Indeed, the step is not always perfectly radial, in particular if one of the rail segments is not perfectly straight. Depending on the objective, a maximum acceptable residual step value can be defined as a function of the rolling elements on the traffic lane. In this example, a maximum acceptable residual step value would be less than or equal to 5 mm. In this case, machining is considered to be finished once a step value obtained is less than or equal to this residual step value.

[0065] The abrasive member 210 comprises in this embodiment a belt sander so that the inclination of the ramp 27 is obtained by adjusting the orientation or inclination of the abrasive member 210.

[0066] To proceed with the machining of step 26, the positioning step is broken down more precisely into: • a step of positioning the support carriage 101 in the machining zone Zu: a part of the machining assembly 100 being moved in the longitudinal direction X and positioned in a machining zone Zu of the step 26 to be machined, said machining assembly 100, in particular the support carriage 101 is positioned in the machining zone Zu in a position of overlapping the step 26 by the support carriage 101 where it straddles the step 26 to be machined, between the two rail segments 325; and • a step of moving the machining tool 200 between the positioning step and the machining step so as to position the machining tool 200 in a machining position: during this step, the machining tool 200 is moved relative to the support carriage 101 and the abrasive member 210 is positioned to bear against one of the rail segments 325 among the first and second rail segments 325. During the movement of the tool, the support carriage 101 is kept fixed relative to the traffic lane, and in particular relative to the corresponding rail 325.

[0067] The machining assembly 100 comprises means 250 for positioning the machining tool 200 opposite the defect, namely the step 26. In this way, the horizontal positioning of the machining tool 200 relative to the defect is achieved via the advancement of the support carriage 101 along the rolling rail 325. These positioning means 250 comprise in particular a light device 251 such as a laser for projecting a mark onto the rail 325, for example a line. These positioning means 250 also comprise at least two cameras 252 preferably placed on either side of the rail 325 making it possible to view the mark projected by the light device 251, namely the laser line, and the sides of the rail(s) 325. Each camera 252 is mounted on a support plate 253 fixed laterally on the support carriage 101 (see [Fig.9] and [Fig.4] in particular). The light marking device is also secured to one of these support plates 253..

[0068] The support carriage 101 is thus positioned longitudinally on the running track W by aligning the laser line with the step 26 to be machined. Note that all the cameras used incorporate infrared lighting which allows the operator to view the progress of the machining assembly 100 in the dark. In particular, the machining assembly 100 comprises a front camera and a rear camera to view the advance of the machining assembly 100 on the running track W. If a self-propelled carriage is used, a rear camera on board the self-propelled carriage can be used to view the cavity 320 of the cell 3.

[0069] The support carriage 101 comprises at least one integral camera positioned on each side of the support carriage 101 so as to view each side of the rail(s) during the machining operations.

[0070] Once the machining assembly is in position in the machining zone Zu, in particular the support carriage 101, and the machining tool 200 is positioned opposite the step 26, a step of immobilizing the support carriage 101 by immobilizing means 111 is implemented. The immobilizing means 111 preferably comprise jaws 112 forming jaws and are configured to locally grip the rail 325

[0071] The jaws 112 or jaws are metallic, preferably made of steel, and each exerts pressure on the side of the rail 325. This steel is preferably grooved to increase the coefficient of friction. The jaws 112 are sized to counter the force generated by the machining in order to keep the support carriage 101 stationary.

[0072] Actuators such as jacks 113 are provided to actuate each jaw 112. These actuators 113 are preferably spring-returned, so that the jaws 112 open automatically in the event of a failure of the supply circuit, in particular pneumatic. In this case, the machining is interrupted and the machining member 210 is also moved away from the rail 325 by spring-returning.

[0073] The machining of the ramp 27 on the step 26 is carried out by the machining member 210, namely here a belt sander.

[0074] The inclination of the machining member 210 is adjusted either upstream of the machining operation according to the size of the defect previously noted during an inspection phase, or by adjustment means controlled by control means. The adjustment comprises at least the adjustment of the desired slope and the direction of the defect, the slope being able to be upward (see for example [Fig. 10] and 11) or downward (see for example [Fig. 12]). To allow this adjustment, the machining member 210 is articulated relative to a frame 220 secured to the support carriage 101. Thus the machining member 210 is supported by the frame and movable relative to it so as to allow the adjustment of its orientation. In this embodiment, the machining member 210 is movable in rotation about a horizontal axis Y perpendicular to the longitudinal reference axis X.In one embodiment, the machining member 210 can be movable in rotation around each of the longitudinal X, transverse Y and vertical Z axes.

[0075] In this embodiment, the machining member 210 is a manual belt sander. That is to say, it is a machining member 210 removable from the frame 220 which supports it and which can be used manually. Alternatively (not shown here) the machining member 210 can be specific and integrated into the frame 220. In this case, a mechanism is provided to allow a change of an abrasive paper or an abrasive belt of the machining member 210. the machining member 210.

[0076] Once the machining member 210 is in the oriented position and clamped in this position, the machining member 210 is activated and moved, in particular in translation, to be pressed against the rail 325 by primary actuators 221, here two pneumatic cylinders. Thus, the machining member 210 is moved during a movement step, between the positioning step and the machining step so as to position the machining member 210 in a machining position. The machining member 210 is thus movable between a raised position (see [Fig. 10]) and a lowered position (see [Fig. 11]) for machining. This translation of the machining member 210 implemented by at least one primary cylinder 221 is guided by guide shafts 225 erected vertically and secured to the frame 220 of the machining tool 200 (see [Fig.8]).

[0077] During machining, the machining position of the machining member 210 may change.

[0078] In order for the machining member 210 to be able to reach the entire surface of the rail 325 even in the event of a lateral positioning defect of the machining member 210, the latter is put into translation by at least one secondary actuator 222, here a pneumatic cylinder, making it possible to alternate the machining member 210 between two successive positions, one right and one left. To keep a uniform rail throughout the machining, this is carried out by alternating right-left abrasive passes of the machining member 210.

[0079] In one configuration, the orientation of the machining member 210 can also change during machining. Thus, several steps of moving the machining tool 200 to a machining position among a succession of predetermined positions can be implemented.

[0080] In one embodiment, the machining of the ramp 27 by the machining tool 200 follows the following diagram: • activation, i.e. starting of the machining member 210, here the sander; • transverse movement of the machining member 210 in a first direction (for example to the right), • movement of the machining member 210 until it comes to bear against the portion of rail to be machined in a first machining position, in particular a bringing together (lowering) of the machining member 210 by the primary actuators 221 towards the step 26; • abrasion machining; • movement of the machining member 210 away from the rail portion machined at least in part by the primary actuators 221; • transverse movement of the machining member 210 in a second direction, opposite to the first direction (for example to the left); • movement of the machining member 210 until it comes to bear against the portion of rail to be machined in a second machining position, in particular a bringing together (lowering) of the machining member 210 by the primary actuators 221 towards the step 26; • etc.

[0081] In a particular configuration, these displacement steps may be accompanied by steps of adjusting the orientation of the machining member 210.

[0082] The machining tool 200, in particular the machining member 210, is moved along a trajectory contained in a plane Pt transverse to the longitudinal direction X of reference. In other words, during the machining of the ramp 27 by the machining tool 200, the machining member 210 is not moved longitudinally.

[0083] Machining continues until a limit switch 223 signifying the end of machining is triggered, or until the machining member 210 becomes worn, in particular here until the belt of the belt sander is worn.

[0084] If the strip is worn before the end of the machining, the machining assembly 100 is moved from the machining zone Zu until it returns to a handling zone for a strip change or any other necessary maintenance. The machining can then resume after a new step of positioning the machining assembly 100 in the machining zone Zu of the step 26 for its machining.

[0085] The movement of displacement by primary actuators 221 (here translation up and down) of the machining member 210 is carried out by spring return actuators (see [Fig.8]). Thus, the primary actuator 221 is accompanied by springs 221' so that the machining member 210 returns to the raised position from the lowered machining position and thus moves away from the step 26: the machining member 210 thus automatically returns to the raised position in the event of failure of the pneumatic network and does not hinder the movement of the machining assembly 100.

[0086] In this configuration, the position of the machining assembly 100 on the longitudinal reference axis X is given by the self-propelled carriage. In combination or alternatively, the support carriage 101 may comprise a dedicated position sensor.

[0087] The positioning of the machining member 210 on the transverse and vertical axes can be recorded, either by sensors, or not be recorded. These data are not necessary for the proper functioning of the machining process. Indeed, a visual check could also be implemented.

[0088] Advantageously, the machining assembly 100 comprises at least one end-of-travel sensor, present for example on a primary actuator, here a pneumatic cylinder, in order to avoid over-machining of the step.

[0089] The machining assembly 100 comprises brushes 226, preferably located under the support carriage 101 and on all or part of the periphery of a lower opening of said support carriage 101 provided for the passage of the machining member 210, this in order to prevent the machined material from leaving the machining zone. In this way, the brushes 226 are placed around the machining member 210 in the machining position. Preferably, as is the case in this embodiment, brushes 226 are located at least upstream and downstream longitudinally relative to the machining member 210.

[0090] The machining assembly 100 comprises a receptacle such as a recovery bin for the machined material. Preferably, this receptacle is placed at the rear of the machining member 210 relative to a machining direction to easily recover the projections. from the abrasion of the material. The receptacle is equipped with magnets in order to recover a large majority of the removed metallic material with greater efficiency.

[0091] The materials and equipment chosen for the machining assembly 100, in particular for the support carriage 101, are adapted to the temperatures encountered in the environment in which it operates. Waterproof protections may also be fitted to the support carriage 101 to guarantee its operation in the presence of water mist, in particular in the event of a fire.

[0092] Naturally, the invention is described in the above by way of example. It is understood that those skilled in the art are able to carry out different variant embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0093] It is emphasized that all features, as they emerge for a person skilled in the art from the present description, the drawings and the attached claims, even if concretely they have only been described in relation to other determined features, both individually and in any combinations, can be combined with other features or groups of features disclosed herein, provided that this has not been expressly excluded or that technical circumstances make such combinations impossible or meaningless.

Claims

Claims

1. A method of machining, by a machining assembly (100), on a step (26) between at least a first and a second surface (25A, 25B) of two rail segments (325) along a traffic lane (W) having a reference longitudinal direction (X), the machining assembly (100) comprising at least one machining tool (200), the machining method comprising at least: - a positioning step in which at least a portion of the machining assembly (100) is moved in the longitudinal direction (X) and positioned in a machining zone (Zu) of the step (26) to be machined; and - a step of machining the step (26) by the machining tool (200) to machine a ramp (27) between the first and second surfaces (25A, 25B).

2. Machining method according to claim 1, characterized in that the machining step comprises a step of machining by abrasion by an abrasive member (210), preferably a sanding step, the machining tool (200) being positioned in abutment against at least one of the rail segments (325) among the first and the second rail segment (325) during the machining step.

3. Machining method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that during the step of positioning the machining assembly (100), said machining assembly (100) is positioned in the machining zone (Zu) in a position of overlapping the step (26) by at least part of the machining assembly (100) where the machining assembly spans the step (26) to be machined, between the two rail segments (325).

4. Machining method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a step of moving the machining tool (200) between the positioning step and the machining step so as to position the machining tool (200) in a machining position.

5. Machining method according to claim 4, characterized in that the step of moving the machining tool (200) to the machining position comprises at least one step of tilting the machining tool (200) relative to the reference longitudinal direction (X).

6. Machining method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the machining assembly (100) comprises a support carriage (101) configured to be moved along the circulation track (W), the machining tool (200) being supported by the support carriage (101), the method being characterized in that it comprises, prior to the machining step, a step of immobilizing the support carriage (101) by immobilizing means (111), the immobilizing means (111) preferably comprising jaws (112) configured to locally grip the rail (325).

7. Machining method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the machining step, the machining tool (200) is moved along a trajectory contained in a plane transverse (Pt) to the reference longitudinal direction (X), the inclination of the machining tool (200) relative to the longitudinal direction (X) preferably being constant during the machining step.

8. Machining method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, after a first machining step, in a first given machining position of the machining tool (200), the machining method comprises a second step of moving the machining tool (200) into a second machining position followed by a second machining step, until the machining of the step (26) is completed.

9. Machining assembly (100) characterized in that it is configured to be implemented in a machining method according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. Machining assembly (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a support carriage (101) configured to be moved along the circulation path (W), the machining tool (200) being supported by the support carriage (101), the machining tool (200) preferably comprising an abrasive member.

11. Installation (1) comprising a traffic lane having a longitudinal reference direction (X) provided with at least one rail (325), and a machining assembly (100) according to one of claims 9 or 10 characterized in that it is configured to implement the machining method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images