Method and train for renewing ballast and sleepers of a metropolitan railway track with mechanized installation

Abstract

The invention relates to a mechanized method for renewing the ballast and sleepers of a metropolitan railway track using a train, said method comprising at least the following steps: -) Dismantling the fasteners between old sleepers and the track rails and safety installations (SI); -) Removing the old ballast and debris from the spaces between two old sleepers; -) Removing one of said sleepers; -) Excavating the old ballast and debris to a target depth to form a trench; -) Laying a new sleeper in place of the old one removed; -) Installing the fasteners between the track rails and the new sleeper laid; -) Laying the new ballast in the trench; -) Spreading the new ballast against the new sleeper laid; -) Compacting the ballast under the bearing surfaces of the new sleeper laid;-) Repeating the previous steps in a loop as long as ballast and sleepers need to be renewed; -) Measuring the geometry of the track to be restored and restoring the track to traffic.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of renewing the ballast and sleepers of a railway track.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and a mechanized renewal train for the ballast and sleepers of the railway track of an underground metro, for example in a city such as Paris. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] From the 1970s to 2000, a track renewal machine for ballasted tracks, marketed by the company DROUARD FRERES, was used. This machine comprised six independent work trains: a power train, a cutting train with a ballast cleaner and wagons carrying sleepers, four ballast trains, and a tamping machine. Each of the six trains was coupled to two locomotives known as "self-propelled tractors." For these reasons, the system was very complex and required the implementation of numerous technical resources. It was therefore discontinued.

[0004] Currently, the renewal of ballast and sleepers on an underground metro system requires a large workforce despite the use of advanced technology. The methods employed today are therefore inefficient and carry a significant risk of delays.

[0005] As one can easily understand, the renewal of the ballast and sleepers of an underground metro faces very significant challenges and constraints.

[0006] Firstly, the vast majority of this work is carried out in an underground and confined environment.

[0007] Secondly, this work is carried out when the metro is stopped, namely at night and for a limited time. It is not possible to interrupt metro operations, for example during the day, to carry out such work. Typically, the time window during which such work can be performed is approximately 3 hours.

[0008] Third, the train used for the works cannot exceed a certain predetermined length, for example 120 meters, in order to be parked near the work zone while the metro is in operation, to avoid wasted time during its transport, and to make the best use of the time available for the actual work. Furthermore, it must be energy self-sufficient during the works, meaning it must not rely on the metro's electrical grid (which is shut down during the works), while for operating phases, the train uses power from a third rail (catenary) like the metro.

[0009] Fourth, and this is a crucial constraint, the process and the train must be able to handle both the track for rolling with "iron wheels" and rolling with "tired wheels".

[0010] Fifth, the metropolitan network comprising three types of sleepers: monoblock concrete, biblock concrete and wood, the train must be able to handle these three types of sleepers without modification of the working tools.

[0011] Finally, the train must also comply with certain constraints arising from the fact that it runs on the metro track: for example, axle load and braking performance.

[0012] Furthermore, it is necessary to prepare in advance all the necessary resources to carry out the planned work, such as bringing in the new ballast and sleepers, removing the old ballast and sleepers, and loading everything onto transport vehicles. Once the planned work is completed, the track must be able to operate normally, subject to certain restrictions such as a temporary speed limit on the affected section, and the train must be ready for the next operation, for example, on the section adjacent to the one that has just been renewed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] One aim of the invention is to propose a new mechanized system for renewing ballast and sleepers while fulfilling the conditions stated above.

[0014] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a method and a train by means of which track occupancy time is reduced to a minimum.

[0015] Another objective of the present invention is to propose a mechanized process and system through which machine efficiency is optimized and time losses are reduced or eliminated.

[0016] In the present invention, a complete train is brought to the site as a single, energy-autonomous convoy during the work, transporting all the necessary technical resources, including new ballast and sleepers, to carry out the required work. The train specifically transports the new ballast and the new sleepers to be laid in the order they will be installed. It is capable of carrying the old ballast and the replaced sleepers, and also includes the various devices necessary to carry out the planned work, as described in more detail below.

[0017] Ideally, the train is brought into service between two metro trains and parked in a siding near the predetermined work zone. Once commercial traffic has ceased around 1:00 a.m., and the track is clear for work, the train begins work in the designated area to renew the ballast and sleepers. When the track work is complete, the train is removed from service to a rear depot to prepare it for the next work zone, which is typically scheduled for the following night.

[0018] In embodiments, the invention relates to a method for the mechanized renewal of ballast and sleepers of a metropolitan railway track using a train, said method comprising at least the following steps: ) Dismantling of the fasteners between old sleepers and the track rails and safety installations (SI); ) Removal of the old ballast and debris from the spaces between two old sleepers; ) Removal of one of the sleepers; ) Excavation of the old ballast and debris to a target depth to create a trench; ) Installation of a new sleeper in place of the removed old sleeper; ) Installation of the fasteners between the track rails and the new sleeper; ) Placement of the new ballast in the trench; ) Spreading the new ballast against the new sleeper; ) Compacting the ballast under the bearing surfaces of the new sleeper; ) Repeating the previous steps in a loop as long as ballast and sleepers need to be replaced; ) Finally, measurement of the geometry of the track to be restored and reopening of the track to traffic.

[0019] In some execution modes, the train is in the form of a single, energy-autonomous convoy during the renewal work, said train carrying all the technical means to carry out the predetermined work.

[0020] In some execution methods, removal and excavation are carried out at least by suction of the old ballast and debris.

[0021] In embodiments, the invention relates to a train for implementing the method according to the present invention, said train comprising at least: ) a first locomotive with means for storing energy; ) several silo wagons for transporting new ballast or old ballast into silos; ) a wagon for excavating part of the old ballast comprising at least one ballast vacuum; ) a trailer for excavating another part of the old ballast and depositing the old sleepers, said trailer comprising means for grasping and removing the old sleepers and means for vacuuming the other part of the old ballast and means for forming a pit; ) a tracked wagon forming an intermediate storage area for the deposited old sleepers and comprising at least two tracks running on the bottom of the pit;) a sanitation trailer comprising means for laying new sleepers, means for ballasting a predetermined quantity of new ballast in the trench, and means for compacting the new ballast under the newly laid sleeper; ) means for transporting the new ballast from the silos in the trench and for transporting the old ballast and debris vacuumed from the working area in the silos; ) a second locomotive comprising a storage area for the new and old sleepers and means for measuring the geometry of the track rails.

[0022] In embodiments, the means for forming the excavation include at least excavation chains, rotating vacuum rings, a leveling blade and a support trolley carrying at least said chains.

[0023] In embodiments, the compaction means include at least one mobile plow mounted on a frame, said plow carrying vibrating plates.

[0024] The invention and its embodiments are described in more detail below and by means of the figures included in this application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] THE Figures 1A to 1D illustrates a general view of one embodiment of the train according to the present invention. figures 2 to 9 illustrate a method of execution of the elements forming the train of figures 1A-1D . THE figures 10 to 38 illustrate one method of executing the process according to the invention using the train elements illustrated in the figures 1 to 9 . THE Figures 39 and 40 illustrate in more detail a method of implementing the excavation tools according to the present invention. figure 41 illustrates in more detail a method of implementing the ballasting means according to the present invention. figure 42illustrates in more detail a method of implementing the compaction means according to the present invention. figure 43 illustrates in more detail a method of implementing the means for installing the new sleepers according to the present invention. figures 44 to 46 illustrate in more detail a method of implementing the means for storing sleepers according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] THE Figures 1A to 1D illustrate a general view of the train according to the invention, the direction of operation during said replacement being indicated by an arrow on the left side of the Figure 1A This working direction applies to all figures in this application. For clarity of representation, the train according to the present invention has been presented separated into several parts. Figures 1A to 1D But you have to understand that the train is made up of these Figures 1A to 1D sequenced 1A-1B-1C-1D.

[0027] According to the invention, this train is unitary, that is to say that it transports all the means (tools, ballast, sleepers) necessary for the work planned in the predetermined area and it is energy self-sufficient, that is to say that it does not depend on the electrical network in the work area when the work is carried out.

[0028] This train includes firstly a first end locomotive 100 which includes in particular a driver's cab and means of storing electrical energy such as batteries.

[0029] Next, reference 200 indicates an area of ​​the train comprising means of storing materials, essentially the area in which the new ballast is brought to the work area and in which the old ballast will be stored when it is replaced.

[0030] Reference 300 indicates an area of ​​the train including means for vacuuming the ballast which is renewed.

[0031] Reference 400 indicates an area of ​​the train including handling means for removing the sleepers that are being replaced.

[0032] Reference 500 indicates a train area comprising "track" type means to support the train in an excavated area in which the new ballast and new sleepers will be laid.

[0033] Reference 600 indicates an area of ​​the train including handling equipment for laying sleepers and compacting ballast.

[0034] Reference 700 indicates a second end locomotive with a train driving wagon and sleeper storage (new or old).

[0035] There figure 2 illustrates in more detail a first locomotive 100 with its cab 101, its energy storage means 103 and its bogies 104,105.

[0036] There figure 3illustrates a first silo wagon 201 comprising an energy storage area 202 (for example batteries), a silo 203 divided into compartments (for example three compartments), a lower conveyor 204, an upper conveyor 205. The silo wagon 201 also includes two bogies 207, 208. In the context of the present invention, the conveyors mentioned in this description are, for example, conveyors or transport belts, or other equivalent means.

[0037] There figure 4 illustrates a second silo wagon 210 which includes a silo 211 separated into several compartments (for example into five compartments), two lower transporters 204 and 206, an upper transporter 205 and two bogies 212, 213.

[0038] As we understand it from Figures 1A and 1B According to one embodiment of the invention, the train comprises four successive silo wagons 210 corresponding to the second silo wagon 210 illustrated in the figure 4 .

[0039] According to the invention, the lower conveyors 204 and 206 are used to transport the new ballast NB out of the silos 203, 211 onto the work area (by means of a series of conveyors, as described and illustrated in this application), while the upper conveyor 205 is used to bring the old ballast AB removed from the work area into the silos 203, 211 once they have been emptied of the new ballast NB (also by means of a series of conveyors, as described and illustrated in this application). The lower conveyors 204, 206 and the upper conveyor 205 of each silo wagon are arranged such that the transported new ballast passes from wagon to wagon on the lower conveyors 204 and 206, and similarly the upper conveyors 205 are also arranged such that the old ballast AB passes from wagon to wagon without the flows of new and old ballast being mixed.This method allows all the new NB ballast required to be transported in the train and all the old AB ballast that is removed to be taken away in the same train.

[0040] There figure 5 illustrates a wagon 301 dedicated to dismantling the rail fasteners 1 and excavating the old ballast AB between the sleepers 10. This wagon 301 includes, in particular, an area 302 in which the fasteners are manually removed, two ballast and debris vacuums 303, 304, a first conveyor 305 for the new ballast arriving from the lower conveyor 206 of the neighboring silo wagon 210 (see figure 4 ), a second conveyor 306 designed to collect the old ballast and AB debris that has been vacuumed up and brought to the rotary conveyor 311, which in turn will bring the old ballast and AB debris to the upper conveyor 205 of the neighboring silo wagon 210 (see figure 4 ). This wagon also includes two bogies 307, 308.

[0041] The 311 rotary transporter is pivoting and allows the ballast and debris to be evacuated to the side of the train, for example at the rear base when preparing the train for the next intervention, or onto another train which would be placed on the other track next to the work area.

[0042] As can be seen in this figure, in zone 309 ahead of vacuum sweepers 303 and 304 in the direction of travel, the old AB ballast is present between and under sleepers 10, while in zone 310 behind vacuum sweepers 303 and 304 in the direction of travel, the old AB ballast has been vacuumed between sleepers 10, but these sleepers are still resting on old AB ballast. Once wagon 301 has passed, the track is therefore in the state referenced 310, to the right of the figure 5. In this application, the concept of old ballast AB is understood as covering the ballast to be renewed and all debris that may be present in said ballast and that will be vacuumed up with it.

[0043] There figure 6 illustrates a trailer 401 designed for excavating ballast AB and removing sleepers 10. This trailer includes, in particular, a rotating gripper system 402 for grasping a sleeper 10 and placing it onto a first sleeper 10 conveyor 403. This first conveyor 403 deposits each removed sleeper 10 onto a second sleeper 10 conveyor 404 to transport the sleepers to a storage area, for example, into the tracked wagon 501 (see figure 7) through a third sleeper carrier 410. The trailer 401 also includes excavation equipment with excavation chains 405, two vacuum cleaners 406, and a leveling blade 407. This equipment allows for the formation of a trench C in which all the ballast AB and the desired debris will have been removed. This trench C is then intended to receive the new ballast NB and the new sleepers 11. The vacuum cleaners 406 are emptied onto a carrier 408 (as schematically shown in the figures 19 to 22 (by the vertical arrows) which will bring the ballast and debris into a silo 211 or 203 of wagon 201 or 210 (see the figures 3 and 4 ). The trailer 401 also includes a new ballast carrier 409 which recovers the new ballast from the carrier 305 of the wagon 301 and a bogie 411.

[0044] There figure 7This illustrates a tracked wagon 501, which is also intended to serve as temporary storage for the removed sleepers 10. The two tracks 502 and 503 are powered and steerable, guiding the train along the bottom of trench C. In this area of ​​the work site, wagon 501 is lifted off rails 1, and axles 504-507 are not in contact with rail 1. This wagon 501 also includes a new ballast carrier 508, which retrieves the new ballast from the carrier 409 of trailer 401.

[0045] There figure 8illustrates a rehabilitation trailer 601 designed to lay the new sleepers 11 and compact the new ballast NB. This trailer 601 includes, in particular, a laying system with a trolley 602 for the new sleepers 11, with rotating clamps as the sleepers 11 must undergo a 90° rotation once they are placed under the track 1, a transporter 603 for the new sleepers 11 from a train driving wagon and sleeper storage (see figure 9), means for supplying new ballast NB, this means including in particular a conveyor 604 receiving the new ballast NB from the conveyor 508 of the tracked wagon 501, the conveyor 604 supplying a ballasting system 605 used to pour the desired quantity of new ballast NB onto the trench C. The trailer 601 further includes means for compacting the new ballast NB, the compaction means including a mobile plow 606 with vibrating compaction plates 607. The trailer 601 further includes an axle 608.

[0046] There figure 9Figure 700 illustrates a second end locomotive with a driver's cab (701), a storage area (703) for new sleepers (11) and old sleepers (10). This storage area (703) initially contains only new sleepers (11) and at the end of the work, only old sleepers (10). The new sleepers (11) are brought in trailer 601 for installation during the work, while the old sleepers are brought in wagon 501 and then into storage area 703, depending on available space. Appropriate means are used to unload the new sleepers (11) one by one and in the correct order, as well as to store the old sleepers (10) in storage area 703. These means include a transfer gantry and / or lateral storage areas combined with a central elevator, which allows the new sleepers (11) to be unloaded in a predetermined order.The locomotive 700 also includes a measuring trolley 704 and two bogies 705, 706.

[0047] As can be understood from this description, the first locomotive, 100, which is at the front of the train in the direction of travel, runs on the track with the old sleepers 10 and the old ballast AB (with debris), while the second locomotive, 700, which is at the rear of the train in the direction of travel, runs on the track with the new sleepers 11 and the new ballast NB. The sleeper and ballast renewal work was carried out continuously by the wagons and trailers described above, which are positioned between the two locomotives 100 and 700, as illustrated in the... Figures 1A to 1D .

[0048] In general, the process according to the invention comprises the following steps: 1) Dismantling of the fasteners and Safety Installations (SI); 2) Vacuuming of the old ballast and debris present in the spaces between two old sleepers; 3) Removal of one of said sleepers; 4) Excavation of the old ballast and debris to a target depth to form a trench; 5) Installation of a new sleeper in place of the old sleeper removed; 6) Installation of the fasteners between the track and the new sleeper; 7) Installation of the new ballast in the trench; 8) Distribution of the new ballast against the new sleeper installed; 9) Compaction of the ballast under the bearing areas of the new sleeper installed; 10) Measurement of the geometry of the track to be restored.

[0049] According to the procedure, at least the preceding steps 1 to 9 are repeated continuously in the work area as long as the ballast and sleepers need to be renewed. Preferably, the number of sleepers, their characteristics, and the quantity of ballast to be renewed are predetermined.

[0050] The method according to the invention is described in more detail below with reference to Figures 10 to 38 which illustrate the means and steps implemented according to the invention.

[0051] The process first includes the following preliminary steps: ) the predetermined area in which the work will be carried out is secured, for example by adding lighting and cutting off the electricity in the metro network at least in the area concerned; ) the train is brought to the said work area, in which part of the track does not include old ballast AB or old sleepers 10 forming a trench C, this part having been prepared previously (for example the day before, during the work of the previous day), said part including props 21-24 (for example four props) to support the rails and formwork panels 20,25 at each end of the trench C.

[0052] Next, the following steps are carried out for removing the crossbeams to be replaced: A0) the first props 23, 24 and the first formwork panel 25 are dismantled in the direction of work, see the Figure 10 ; A1) We move the train forward and dismantle the other supports 21, 22 and the other remaining formwork panel 20, see the figure 11 ; A2) Two blocks 26 are installed to support the track, one block per rail 1, to replace the supports and support the train, see the figure 12 ; A3) The train is moved forward and the elements attached to the sleepers to be removed and to rails 1 in zone 302 are manually dismantled, see the figure 13 (the figures illustrating a manual dismantling); A4) a first vacuum cleaner 303 is aligned above a first box 30 of old ballast AB to be removed between the first two sleepers 10 to be replaced and the said first vacuum cleaner 303 is inserted, see the figure 14 ; A5) the old ballast AB is sucked into a part of the said first box 30, see the figure 15; A6) The train is moved in the direction of work to bring the first vacuum cleaner 303 over a second ballast cell 31 to be removed between two sleepers 10 to be replaced, said second cell 31 being separated from the first cell 30 by a sleeper 10, the first vacuum cleaner 303 is inserted into the second cell 31 and at the same time a second vacuum cleaner 304 is inserted into the first cell 30, see the figure 16 ; A7) The ballast AB is vacuumed from one part of the second compartment 31 with the first vacuum cleaner 303 and the ballast AB is vacuumed from another part of the first compartment 31 with the second vacuum cleaner 304, see the figure 16 ; A8) The ballast AB is drawn into successive compartments 30, 31, 32 separated by a cross member 10 in the direction of travel according to the preceding steps A4 to A7 applied continuously, see the figure 17illustrating the result of this suction between successive crossbeams 10; A9) the blocks 26 deposited in step A2 are removed; A10) the crossbeams 10 are removed and changed successively in the direction of work, see the figure 18 In this step, the removed sleeper 10, held by the rotating clamp system 402, is positioned perpendicular to rail 1: consequently, this sleeper 10 is first rotated 90° to be positioned parallel to rail 1, then it is moved to the right in the figure 18 (movement illustrated by the horizontal arrow) and finally moved upwards to be above rails 1 (movement illustrated by the vertical arrow).

[0053] While the train is moving in the direction of work, excavation work is carried out in the area where the sleepers 10 have been removed as described above, said work including in particular the following steps: B1) Excavation tools 405-407 are inserted to the working depth in trench C, see the figure 19 ; B2) 27 blocks are installed, one per rail 1, to support track 1; B3) the debris and remaining old ballast AB are excavated by suction to form trench C, see the figure 19 ; B4) A first group of tracks 502 is placed in the recess C and the wagon 501 containing the first group of tracks 502 is lifted, see the Figure 20 ; B5) a second group of tracks 503 is placed in the hollow C and the wagon 501 is lifted, see the figure 21 ; B6) the train moves forward and the blocks 27, laid down in step B2, are removed, see the figure 22 .

[0054] While the train is moving in the direction of work, remediation work is carried out in the area where trench C was formed, said work including in particular the following steps: C1) A compaction system 602, 606, and a system for laying new sleepers 607 are positioned at the working depth; see the figure 23 ; C2) The ballast NB is compacted under the last sleeper 11 before the groove C and the rails are held in position by means of rail positioners 609, see the figure 24 ; C3) A new sleeper 11 is brought under rail 1 to be put in place using the transporter 603 and rotated 90°, see the figures 25 to 28 In the figure 15 The arrow parallel to the conveyor 603 illustrates the arrival of the new crossbeam 11. In the figure 26 The horizontal arrow illustrates the movement of this cross member 11 in a trolley 602 where it will be held by rotating clamps 615. In the figure 28 The vertical arrow illustrates the downward movement of sleeper 11, below rails 1. Until this point, sleeper 11 remains parallel to rails 1, as illustrated in the... Figures 26 and 27In the figure 28 The "rotating" arrow illustrates the rotation of sleeper 11 to bring it into a position perpendicular to rails 1. C4) Sleeper 11 is brought to its final position against the existing new ballast NB, a predetermined quantity of new ballast NB is dumped into the trench C using a ballast spreader 605, and at least the fasteners of sleeper 11 to rails 1 are manually reattached, see the figure 29 ; C5) the new ballast NB is distributed over the entire width of the trench C using compaction methods 606, 607, 613, see the figure 30 ; C6) the new ballast NB is compacted against and under the new sleeper 11 using compaction equipment 606, 607, 613, see the Figures 31 and 32 .

[0055] The steps C1 to C6 mentioned above are repeated in a loop by advancing the entire train as long as new sleepers 11 are placed in the work area.

[0056] At the end of the work, the tools were put away (see for example the vertical arrows in the figures 33 to 34 ) and we prepare the area for the following work which will be carried out the following night for example.

[0057] The steps in the process implemented at the end of the work include the following: E1) The formwork panels 20, 25 are installed, see the figure 35 ; E2) the supports 21-24 are placed under the rails 1, the rail positioners 609 are detached, figure 36 ; E3) the track is measured with the measuring trolley 704, figure 37 ; E4) the track is possibly corrected and measured again, figure 37 ; E5) The train is moved forward to clear the work zone and free the track. figure 38 .

[0058] Next, the cleared track is put back into service for the metro while the train is moved to the rear base for preparation for the work that will be carried out the following night, on the area adjacent to the one that has just been renewed.

[0059] The preparation at the rear base includes, in particular, the replacement of the old sleepers 10 with new sleepers 11 in storage area 703, the removal of the old ballast and its replacement with new NB ballast in silos 203, 211. In this way, the train is ready for a new intervention and the process described above begins again the following night.

[0060] THE Figures 39 and 40 illustrate in more detail a method of execution of the excavation tools described above with reference to figures 6 And 19 has 22These means include two excavation chains 405, two vacuums 406 with rotating rings 406' which will vacuum the old ballast AB and the debris brought by the chains 405 in front of a leveling blade 407 which forms the bottom of the trench (the flow of materials being schematically represented by the arrows in the figure 40 The tools also include the 408 debris and old AB ballast conveyor, the 406 vacuums emptying onto the 408 conveyor as described in reference to the figures 19 to 22 above. The leveling blade 407 and the excavation chains 405 are, for example, mounted on a support trolley 412 which runs on the rails 1.

[0061] THE Figures 41 and 42 illustrate in more detail a method of implementing the ballasting system and compaction methods described above with reference to figures 8 And 24 has 32 .

[0062] The ballasting system 605 includes, in particular, a ballast container 610 into which the new NB ballast is poured from the conveyor 604, a buffer stockpile 611, and an extendable chute 612 for pouring the new NB ballast at the chosen location. Next, the compaction equipment comes into play, comprising the mobile plow 606 with vibrating plates 607, which are used to compact the new NB ballast under the new sleepers 11. The plow 606 and the vibrating plates 607 are, for example, mounted on a chassis trolley 613 that runs on the rails 1.

[0063] There figure 43 illustrates in more detail a method of implementing the system for laying the new sleepers 11 described above with reference to figures 8 And 24 has 32This system for laying the new sleepers 11 includes, in particular, the trolley 602 which runs on the rails 1, a laying device 614 which allows the sleepers 11 to be rotated and positioned for subsequent compaction of the new ballast NB as described above. The trolley 602 also includes clamps 615 to hold the sleeper 11.

[0064] THE figures 44 to 46 illustrate in more detail a method of implementing the sleeper storage methods described above with reference to figures 9 And 37 The system comprises 75 conveyors arranged in three groups of 25 conveyors, as illustrated in the figure 44 (5 rows and 5 columns in each group). In one execution mode, a 710 gantry is used; see the figures 8 And 45 which can move in two directions as illustrated by the arrows in the figure 45(Y and Z directions) to retrieve the desired new sleeper 11, or to store an old sleeper 10 in storage area 703. Conveyors allow each sleeper 11, 10 to be moved individually within storage area 703 and placed in the desired location, either to be retrieved by the gantry (new sleeper 11) or to be stored (old sleeper 10). As long as there is insufficient space in this storage area, the old sleepers 10 are stored on the tracked wagon 501, see the figures 7 , 21 And 22 .

[0065] Embodiments have been described to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles of structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems and processes described in this application. Several of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings described above. The systems and processes specifically described in this application and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments of the scope of the present invention. Features illustrated or described in relation to one embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. A number of problems with conventional processes and systems are noted herein, and the processes and systems described herein may solve one or more of these problems.Furthermore, while this invention has been described in conjunction with a number of embodiments, the alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variants which are in the spirit and scope of the present invention are also covered by this application.

Claims

1. A method for the mechanized renewal of ballast and sleepers of a metropolitan railway line using a train, said method comprising at least the following steps: - ) Dismantling the fasteners between old sleepers and the track rails and safety installations (SI); - ) Removal of the old ballast and debris from the spaces between two old sleepers; - ) Removal of one of said sleepers; - ) Excavation of the old ballast and debris to a target depth to form a trench; - ) Laying a new sleeper in place of the old sleeper removed; - ) Fitting the fasteners between the track rails and the new sleeper laid; - ) Laying the new ballast in the trench; - ) Spreading the new ballast against the new sleeper laid; - ) Compacting the ballast under the bearing areas of the new sleeper laid;- ) Repeating the previous steps in a loop as long as ballast and sleepers need to be renewed; - ) Finally, measuring the geometry of the track to be restored and restoring the track to traffic.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the train is in the form of a single, energy-autonomous convoy during the renewal work, said train carrying all the technical means to carry out the predetermined work.

3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the removal and excavation are carried out at least by suction of the old ballast and debris.

4. Train for implementing the method according to the preceding claim, said train comprising at least: - ) a first locomotive (101) with energy storage means (103); - ) several silo wagons (201, 210) for transporting new ballast (NB) or old ballast (AB) in silos (203, 211); - ) a wagon (301) for excavating part of the old ballast (AB) comprising at least one ballast vacuum (303, 304); - ) a trailer (401) for excavating another part of the old ballast (AB) and depositing the old sleepers (10), said trailer (401) comprising means (402, 403, 404) for grasping and removing the old sleepers (10) and means (406) for vacuuming the other part of the old ballast (AB) and means (405, 407, 412) for forming a trench (C);- ) a tracked wagon (501) forming an intermediate storage area for the old removed sleepers (10) and comprising at least two tracks (502, 503) running on the bottom of the trench (C); - ) a remediation trailer (601) comprising unloading means (602, 603) for unloading new sleepers (11), ballasting means (605) for unloading a predetermined quantity of new ballast (NB) in the trench (C) and compaction means (606, 607) for compacting the new ballast (NB) under the new unloaded sleeper (11); - ) means of transport (204, 205, 305, 306, 311, 408, 409, 508, 604, 605) to transport the new ballast (NB) from the silos in the trench (C) and to transport the old ballast and debris (AB) sucked from the working area into the silos (203, 211);- ) a second locomotive (700) comprising a storage area (703) for the new sleepers (11) and the old sleepers (10) and means for measuring (704) the geometry of the rails (1) of the track.; 5. Train according to claim 4, wherein the means for forming the excavation (C) comprise at least excavation chains (405), rotating vacuum rings (406'), a leveling blade (407) and a support trolley (412) carrying at least said chains (405).

6. Train according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the compaction means comprise at least one mobile plow (606) mounted on a chassis (613), said plow (606) carrying vibrating plates (607).

Images