A repair method, involving a maintenance assembly for a defect in a section of rail by injection, including associated maintenance and installation.

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for repairing, by means of a maintenance assembly (100), at least one surface (S) of a section of rail (325) along a track (W) having a reference longitudinal direction (X), the maintenance assembly comprising at least one injection tool, the repair method comprising at least: a positioning step in which at least a portion of the maintenance assembly (200) is moved in the longitudinal direction (X) and positioned in a repair zone (Zr) of the section of rail (325) where a defect (D) having an orifice (D') is located; and a step of injecting a filler material (201) into the orifice (D') by an injection tool (200). (Fig. 12)

Description

Title of the invention: Method for repairing, by a maintenance assembly, a defect in a portion of rail by injection, associated maintenance 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 repairing, by a maintenance assembly, at least one surface of a portion of rail along a traffic lane, such a maintenance assembly and an associated installation. 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 internal volume of the storage corridor, it has been proposed to use overhead cranes mounted on a guideway, which comprise transverse beams running above the packages, except possibly in the case of of the top layer of parcels. This type of overhead crane has a limited volume, which allows for optimal use of the internal volume of the storage corridor. Generally, parcels are arranged in groups of several transverse rows placed side by side 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 may be observed that certain portions of rails deteriorate, even if minimal, and may then create defects located on the upper face of the running rail in particular, generally of the type of cracks and non-opening flakes, making it difficult, or even impossible, to use the track and therefore the associated operations of handling and checking packages. Furthermore, this causes premature wear of the elements running on the associated rail.

[0011] Furthermore, such an environment for storing radioactive waste or contaminated elements requires compliance with certain safety constraints impacting 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 repair of defects present on a rail along a traffic lane, in particular defects located on the upper face of the running rail in particular, and by limiting the maintenance time as much as possible. Another objective of the invention is to limit the propagation of said defects over time.

[0014] To do this, according to a first aspect of the invention, a method of repairing, by a maintenance assembly, at least one surface of a portion of rail along a traffic lane having a reference longitudinal direction is proposed, the maintenance assembly comprising at least one injection tool, the repair method comprising at least: • a positioning step in which at least a portion of the maintenance assembly is moved in the longitudinal direction and positioned in a repair zone of the rail portion where a defect comprising an orifice is located; and • a step of injecting a filling material into the orifice by the injection tool.

[0015] Thanks to such a combination of characteristics, it is possible to deploy at least part of a maintenance assembly along a traffic lane and to repair a defect while limiting its propagation over time. The deployment of the maintenance assembly on the repair zone makes it possible to avoid the intervention of a team of people on this same repair zone, 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 injection operation being implemented in particular by the injection tool.

[0016] According to one embodiment, prior to the injection step, the repair method comprises a step of preparing the repair zone of the rail portion, the preparation step preferably comprising at least one degreasing step using degreasing means.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the degreasing step is implemented by degreasing means preferably comprising at least one nozzle connected to a reservoir of degreasing product so as to spray a predetermined quantity of degreasing product onto the portion of rail to be repaired.

[0018] According to one embodiment, after the preparation step, preferably the degreasing step, the maintenance assembly is moved in the longitudinal direction so as to exit the repair zone, then is moved in an opposite direction to return to position itself in the repair zone of the rail portion, a waiting step during a predetermined time interval being interposed between said movement steps.

[0019] According to one embodiment, prior to the injection step, the injection tool positions a mold against a surface to be repaired of the portion of rail to be repaired located in the repair zone, preferably against an upper surface of this portion of rail, the mold being movable between an open position in which it is distant from the rail and a closed position in which said mold defines with the surface to be repaired of the portion of rail an injection chamber.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the mold comprises: • a peripheral wall which peripherally delimits the injection chamber and which includes at least one evacuation vent; and • central walls which together delimit a network of injection channels to delimit at least in part the injection chamber; the peripheral wall and the central walls each having a contact surface configured to come into contact and bear against the rail portion in the closed position of the mold.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the repair method comprises mold moving means configured to move the mold from the open position to the closed position, these moving means preferably comprising at least one actuator such as a jack and guide means, the step of moving the mold between the open and closed positions preferably being a translational movement, more preferably a vertical translational movement.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the maintenance assembly comprises a support carriage configured to be moved along the traffic lane, the injection tool being supported by the support carriage, the method being characterized in that it comprises, prior to the injection step, a step of immobilizing the support carriage by immobilization means, the immobilization means preferably comprising jaws configured to locally grip the rail. In this case preferably, the support carriage is configured to be movable along the traffic lane and to be controlled by control means remote from said support carriage.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the orifice is a non-opening orifice.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the filling material preferably comprises consisting of a resin, preferably a thermosetting resin.

[0025] According to one embodiment, during the step of positioning the maintenance assembly, said maintenance assembly is positioned in the repair zone in a position of overlapping the defect by at least part of the maintenance assembly where the maintenance assembly spans the defect to be repaired. Preferably, the maintenance assembly is positioned so that the injection tool, preferably the mold, is located opposite, radially and preferably vertically, the defect. If the defect is located on the upper surface of the portion of rail to be repaired, the injection tool is thus positioned directly above said defect.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the maintenance assembly comprises means for detecting a fault.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, it relates to a maintenance assembly characterized in that it is configured to be implemented in a repair method as described above.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the maintenance assembly comprises a support carriage configured to be moved along the traffic lane, the injection tool being supported by the support carriage.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the injection tool comprises a mold configured to come against a surface to be repaired of the portion of rail to be repaired, the mold being movable between an open position in which it is distant from the rail and a closed position in which said mold defines with the surface to be repaired of the portion of rail an injection chamber, the mold preferably comprising: • a peripheral wall which peripherally delimits the injection chamber and which includes at least one evacuation vent; and • central walls which together delimit a network of injection channels to delimit at least in part the injection chamber; the peripheral wall and the central walls each having a contact surface configured to come into contact and bear against the rail portion in the closed position of the mold.

[0030] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to an installation comprising a traffic lane having a reference longitudinal direction provided with at least one rail, and a maintenance assembly as described above, remarkable in that it is configured to implement the repair method described above. brief description of the figures

[0031] 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 maintenance assembly according to one embodiment; • [Fig.2]: an isometric perspective view of a maintenance unit comprising a support carriage carrying an injection tool; • [Fig.3]: an isometric perspective view of a support trolley of the maintenance assembly of [Fig.2], coupled to a self-propelled trolley; • [Fig.4]: a longitudinal vertical sectional view of the support carriage of the [Fig.2], in an open position of a mold of an injection tool; • [Fig.5]: a sectional view similar to [Fig.4], in a closed position of the injection tool mold; • [Fig.6]: a longitudinal horizontal sectional view of the support carriage of [Fig.2]; • [Fig.7]: a vertical cross-sectional view of the support carriage of the [Fig.2] ; • [Fig.8]: a detailed view of the support trolley, taken at the level of the degreasing means for preparing the repair area; • [Fig.9]: an isometric perspective view of a means of injecting the maintenance assembly according to this embodiment, • [Fig. 10]: a sectional view of the injection means of [Fig.9]; • [Fig.l 1]: an isometric perspective view of the injection tool on which are visible in particular means for moving a mold of the injection tool of the maintenance assembly according to this embodiment • [Fig. 12]: an isometric perspective view, taken from below, of the mold of the injection tool according to this embodiment; • [Fig. 13]: a longitudinal horizontal sectional view of the support carriage of the [Fig.2] in a position of overlapping the defect to be repaired by the support carriage where the support carriage straddles said defect to be repaired; • [Fig.14]: a view of a detail of [Fig.13]; • [Fig. 15]: a view of the mold where an example of defect in the section of rail to be repaired, the defect being of the crack type; • [Fig. 16]: a view of the mold where an example of defect in the portion of rail to be repaired, the defect being of the flake type; • [Fig. 17]: a longitudinal vertical sectional view of the support carriage on according to this embodiment shown on a rail of a traffic lane, in a closed position of the mold; • [Fig. 18]: a sectional view AA of [Fig. 17]: • [Fig. 19]: a view of a detail of [Fig. 18].

[0032] For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference signs throughout the figures.

[0033] In the description and the claims, to clarify the description and the claims, the terminology longitudinal, transverse and vertical will be adopted without limitation with reference to the trihedron X, Y, Z indicated in the figures, DETAILED description of an embodiment

[0034] [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 medium-level radioactive waste with a long life. This waste is packaged in the form of packages 2, here packages 2 of a right prismatic shape with a square base.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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. Each cavity 320 is intended to receive a rolling bed, each rolling bed moving on the longitudinal rails 325 of a longitudinal cavity 320 which is associated with it.

[0039] 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 packages 2. One consequence of this is that packages 2 can move in storage corridor 3. Similarly, it cannot be ruled out that the packages can be positioned with play.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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 makes 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] As previously mentioned, in practice, deterioration, even minimal, of certain portions of rails has been observed, which can then create defects located on the upper face of the running rail. Such defects can also result from natural wear of the rail itself or even other events linked to the environment of the traffic lane. Some of these defects are generally of the non-opening crack and flake type, making it difficult, or even impossible, to use the traffic lane and therefore the associated operations of handling and checking packages. Furthermore, this causes premature wear of the elements running on the associated rail.

[0046] Figures 2 to 19 show in particular figures of a detailed embodiment of a maintenance assembly 100 configured to be moved along the corresponding traffic lane and capable of being deployed in the associated longitudinal cavity 320 to locally repair a defect in at least one portion of rail in order to fill, by injection of a predetermined material, an interior space of the previously detected defect.

[0047] Generally speaking, the repair implemented by the maintenance assembly 100 begins in particular during a positioning step during which the maintenance 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 repair zone Zr of the corridor 3 to carry out the maintenance.

[0048] The maintenance assembly 100 comprises a support carriage 101 forming a rolling base and configured to be moved along the traffic lane W and to move along the longitudinal rails 325. The support carriage 101 of the maintenance assembly 100 forms a support 101 carrying an injection tool 200 and which connects the maintenance assembly 100 with the rails 325 to allow the movement of the maintenance assembly 100 in the corridor 3, up to the repair zone Zr of the defect D where the maintenance must take place. The support carriage 101 comprises wheels and rollers 1010 which cooperate in part with the rails 325 of the traffic lane W of one or other of the lateral cavities 320 of the storage corridor 3.

[0049] The wheels and rollers 1010 of the support carriage 101 which cooperate with the traffic lane are idle wheels in contact with the rail 325 ensuring the rolling of the maintenance assembly 100. The support carriage 101 also comprises stabilizing support wheels 1010' placed on each side of the rail 325 in order to stabilize the maintenance assembly 100.

[0050] More precisely, the maintenance assembly 100 has two sets of stabilizing wheels or casters 1010', located on either side of the rolling rail 325.

[0051] 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 + / - 8 mm. Of course, a different clearance can be provided.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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 defects to be repaired, 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'.

[0054] An anti-derailment system (see figures 7 and 18) is also fixed to the rear of the chassis of the support carriage 101 so that the latter cannot be extracted unexpectedly 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 operated 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 maintenance assembly 100 along the traffic track W.

[0055] A residual clearance is present between the rail 325 and the lateral guide rollers 1011 and is provided in order to allow the tool to adapt to a slightly deformed rail or to a slight lateral offset between two sections of rails 325.

[0056] The support carriage 101 may comprise a second pair of anti-derailment lugs 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 maintenance assembly 100 guarantees the correct spacing value between the lugs in order to avoid any risk of jamming. In this case also, one or more lateral guide rollers 1011 are mounted on each lug, making it possible to maintain the correct alignment of the maintenance 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.

[0057] The support carriage 101 also supports an electrical box 102 and an inverter 103. The support carriage 101 can generally support any energy source useful for its use. For example, the support carriage 101 can comprise a pneumatic energy source for implementing at least part of the actuators, in in particular the jacks mounted on the support trolley 101. The support trolley 101 of the maintenance assembly 100 may comprise a control unit (not shown) configured to be controlled by remotely located control means.

[0058] The support carriage 101 is not completely autonomous here from the point of view of its control and its movement. Similarly, the support carriage 101 is not autonomous in energy here. For this reason, the step of positioning the maintenance assembly 100 comprises a step of coupling to a complementary self-propelled carriage 400 (see [Fig. 3]). The support carriage 101 of the maintenance assembly 100 is then towed or pushed by the self-propelled carriage 400. This self-propelled carriage 400 notably carries main or even complementary energy storage means, such as electric batteries and pneumatic energy sources. The electrical energies are in this case transmitted to the injection tool 200 by a set of connectors 1020 whose connection is made when the support carriage 101 of the maintenance assembly 100 is coupled with the self-propelled carriage.The support trolley 101 of the maintenance assembly 100 thus has at least a mechanical coupling, but also a pneumatic coupling here, with the self-propelled trolley 400 allowing it, on the one hand, to be towed or pushed into the longitudinal cavity 320 by the self-propelled trolley 400 and, on the other hand, an electrical coupling. Independent electrical and / or pneumatic connectors can also be provided.

[0059] 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.

[0060] In this way, the movement of the support trolley 101 on the traffic lane W is carried out by the self-propelled trolley 400, the connection interface making it possible to secure said support trolley 101 to the front of the self-propelled trolley 400. The positioning of the two interfaces opposite 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 securing 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.

[0061] As mentioned, an electrical connection zone is also provided, located in this case at the mechanical connection zone 1020, the associated connection zone being in the same place, the connectors being separate or shared. In this case, the power supply is then distributed by a control command of the support block trolley 101 to the various actuators and sensors of the maintenance assembly 100. The self-propelled trolley also includes wireless communication means (not shown). Thus, the maintenance assembly 100 with the trolley motor 400 is entirely autonomous, which means that there are no cables in the storage corridor 3 when the maintenance assembly 100 100 is moving in the storage corridor 3, which could interfere with the return of the maintenance assembly 100 100.

[0062] 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 maintenance assembly 100 in the storage corridor 3.

[0063] During its use, the maintenance assembly 100 is thus positioned at the level of a defect D to be repaired, that is to say that the support carriage 101 is deployed during a deployment step up to a repair zone Zr of the defect D to be repaired then, during an injection step by the injection tool 200 is implemented to fill an orifice D' of the defect D in order to guarantee the continuity of material of the traffic lane W (see for example figures 18 and 19).

[0064] During the step of positioning the support carriage 101 in the repair zone Z r, a part of the maintenance assembly 100 is moved in the longitudinal direction X and positioned in a repair zone Zr of the defect D, said maintenance assembly 100, in particular the support carriage 101 is positioned in the repair zone Zr in a position of overlapping the defect D by the support carriage 101 where it straddles the defect D to be repaired.

[0065] The maintenance assembly 100 comprises means for detecting a defect D so as to be able to position the support carriage 101 as a function of the defect D. These detection means comprise in particular at least one camera for viewing the rail 325. In this embodiment, the detection means comprise two cameras, in particular cameras placed on either side of the mold 230 making it possible to view the rolling rail 325 during advancement.

[0066] A target superimposed on the flow of video images from the cameras makes it possible to target the defect D with the cameras.

[0067] According to one embodiment, an operator positions the support carriage 101 by aligning the target with the defect D. The control interface makes it possible to finely adjust the position of the support carriage 101 along the rail 325. According to another embodiment, the control means of the maintenance assembly 100 can be configured to process the data from the cameras and automatically control the movement of the support carriage 101 accordingly.

[0068] Note that all the cameras used incorporate infrared lighting which makes it possible to visualize the progress of the maintenance assembly 100 despite the fact that it can move in the dark. The maintenance assembly 100 further comprises a front camera and a rear camera to visualize the progress of the maintenance assembly 100 on the rolling track W. If a self-propelled trolley is used, a rear camera mounted on the self-propelled trolley can be used to view the cavity 320 of cell 3.

[0069] To repair the defect D, a first preparation step is implemented. This preparation step consists of degreasing at least part of the repair zone, located at a surface S of the portion of the rail 325 comprising the defect D. Generally speaking, cleaning the surface S of the rail 325 located at the defect D allows for a better quality repair. In this example, the cleaning phase includes a degreasing step allowing better retention of the material which will be injected into the defect D to fill a space in said defect.

[0070] This degreasing step is implemented by degreasing means 210 supported by the support carriage 101 (see for example figures 4, 5? 6 and 8). These degreasing means 210 comprise nozzles 211 connected to a reservoir 212 of degreasing product so as to spray a predetermined quantity of degreasing product onto the portion of rail 325 to be repaired.

[0071] The cleaning product, in particular here the degreasing product, is contained in the reservoir 212 carried by the support trolley 101, therefore integrated into the rolling base.

[0072] The nozzles 211 are arranged in a row of nozzles to distribute the degreaser evenly over the targeted area. A solenoid valve 213 controls the nozzles 211. The degreasing means 210 are arranged on the support carriage 101 in a working area Z210 located longitudinally at the front of the support carriage 101 and in particular at the front of a working area Z200 comprising the injection tool 200. For the implementation of this preparation or cleaning step, the working area Z210 is positioned directly above the surface S of the rail 325 located at the level of the defect D, that is to say that this surface S is located directly above this working area Z210 of the support carriage 101, thanks to the means for detecting the defect D relative to the support carriage 101.

[0073] In this embodiment, the cleaning product is a degreaser and the cleaning step consists of a degreasing step. Alternatively or in addition, different cleaning steps could be implemented. For example, one or more air spray nozzles could be considered to remove any dust that may be on the surface S at the defect D to be repaired.

[0074] Once the cleaning product, here the degreaser, has been poured, the support carriage 101 moves back to allow the degreaser to evaporate freely. Thus, after the degreasing step, the maintenance assembly is moved in the longitudinal direction X so as to exit the repair zone Zr, more precisely, so as to no longer overlap or straddle the surface S of the defect D to be repaired. The support carriage 101 is then advanced, that is to say moved in an opposite direction to return to position itself in the repair zone Zr of the rail portion 325, a waiting step during a predetermined time interval being interposed between said movement steps in order to allow the sprayed product(s) to dry, namely here the degreaser.

[0075] Once the support carriage 101 has been repositioned in the repair zone Zr of the rail portion 325 where a defect D comprising an orifice D' is located, a step of injecting a filling material 201 into the orifice D' by an injection tool 200 is implemented.

[0076] In particular, the support carriage 101 forming a mobile base of the injection tool 200 is positioned so as to place a mold 230 opposite the defect D. Indeed, the injection tool 200 comprises a mold 230 configured to come against the surface S to be repaired of the rail portion 325 to be repaired. The mold 230 is movable between an open position in which it is distant from the rail 325 and a closed position in which said mold 230 defines with the surface S to be repaired of the rail portion 325 an injection chamber 231. The mold 230 comprises an injection orifice 236 through which an injection material flows to enter the injection chamber 231. The mold 230 comprises: • a peripheral wall 232 which peripherally delimits the injection chamber 231 and which comprises at least one evacuation vent 233; and • central walls 234 which together delimit a network of injection channels 235 to delimit at least in part the injection chamber 231; the peripheral wall 232 and the central walls 234 each having a contact surface 232', 234' configured to come into contact and bear against the rail portion 325 in the closed position of the mold 230.

[0077] The mold 230 is moved between its open and closed positions by displacement means 240 comprising in particular at least one actuator 241 such as an actuating cylinder, at least one guide shaft 242, here four guide shafts 242.

[0078] The actuator 241 is a double-acting actuator so that it is able to ensure the movement of the mold 230 both towards the open position and towards the closed position. The mold 230 is here guided by the guide shafts 242 so that the mold 230 is guided in vertical translation, the actuator 241 making it possible to move the mold 230 up and down. For the implementation of this injection step, the mold 230 is positioned directly above the surface S of the rail 325 located at the level of the defect D, that is to say that this surface S is located directly above the mold 230, thanks to the means for detecting the defect D relative to the support carriage 101.

[0079] The actuator 241 is a spring return actuator, that is to say that it is accompanied of springs 243 so that the mold 230 returns to the open position from the closed position and thus moves away from the rail 325: the mold 230 thus automatically returns to the open position in the event of a failure of the pneumatic network and does not hinder the movement of the support carriage 101. Alternatively, it is possible to consider replacing the double-acting cylinder with two single-acting cylinders.

[0080] The mold 230 is integral with a support to which it is fixed. The actuator 241 is connected to said support to move it relative to a frame of the support carriage 101, and therefore to move the mold 230 relative to the frame of the support carriage 101. Fastening means, preferably removable, allow the mold to be changed easily. In this way, the removable mold 230 can be interchanged on the support at will, or even simply removed for cleaning. The mold 230 comprises, preferably is constituted by, a part made of plastic material(s). This part is preferably surrounded, more preferably overmolded, with a layer of silicone. In this way, the mold 230 comes into contact with the rail at the central walls 234 and the peripheral wall 232. Of course, the part can be surrounded by another sealing material making it possible to improve the sealing of the mold 230 with the rail 325 in the closed position.

[0081] Each of the contact surfaces 232', 234' associated respectively with the peripheral wall 232 and with the central walls 234 come into contact and bear against the rail portion 325 in the closed position of the mold 230 and together delimiting a network of injection channels 235 to delimit at least in part the injection chamber 231

[0082] In the closed position of the mold 230, the injected material is injected through the injection orifice 236 and then flows into the injection channels 235 delimited laterally by the peripheral wall 232 and the central walls 234 in contact with the surface S of the rail 325. Vertically, the injection channels 235 are delimited on one side by the mold 230 itself, the injection channels 235 being formed by grooves formed in the mold 230 itself, and by the surface S of the rail 325. If at least one of the injection channels 235 intersects with the defect D, then the injected material will naturally flow into an interior space of the defect D through an orifice opening onto the surface S of the rail 325.

[0083] The overmolded silicone layer creates a seal between the surface S of the rail 325 and the mold 325 during injection. It also limits the adhesion between the rail 325 and the mold 230 in the event that the injected material sets before the folding or removal of the mold 230. The silicone wall of the mold 230 also includes the series of channels allowing the injected material to travel through the entire network of channels against the surface S of the rail where the defect D to be injected is located until it exits through the evacuation vents 233 connecting the injection chamber 231 and the exterior. These vents evacuation vents 233 are located laterally at ends of the mold 230. When injected material is detected leaking through these evacuation vents 233, the injection can be stopped.

[0084] The network of injection channels 235 is configured to form a frame of injection channels 235 intersecting with each other. Here the network of injection channels 235 forms a frame of rectangular patterns, the network of injection channels 235 comprising a plurality of first injection channels 235 extending parallel to each other in a first direction and second injection channels 235 extending parallel to each other in a second direction, these first and second injection channels 235 being connected by a peripheral injection channel following a closed contour, here a rectangular contour bordered externally by the peripheral wall 232 inside which the first and second injection channels 235 are located. In this embodiment the first and second injection channels 235 are oriented so that the first direction is orthogonal to the second direction.The space between each adjacent channel of a plurality of first channels, as well as the space between each adjacent channel of a plurality of second channels, delimit a pitch of the network. The smaller the pitch of the mesh, the more certain it is that the mold 230 in the closed position will have at least one injection channel 235 intersecting with the defect D. Figures 15 and 16 illustrate examples of a mold 230 where an example of defect D of the rail portion 325 to be repaired is shown in transparency, the defect being of the crack type ([Fig. 15]) or of the flake type ([Fig. 16]).

[0085] Such a mesh of the network of injection channels 235 makes it possible to ensure that a surplus of injected material is not discharged that is disproportionate to the defect D to be filled. This mesh can vary depending on the size of the defects to be repaired. Preferably, the mold 230 is interchangeable, in this way it is possible to use several molds 230 alternately, each comprising meshes of different dimensions. A mesh adapted to a defect makes it possible to use an injection chamber 231 that is not oversized and therefore to limit the consumption of product to be injected, in particular resin. Furthermore, this makes it possible to limit the residual resin that could remain on the surface of the rail 325 once the injection is complete. In a particular configuration (not shown) the support carriage 101 of the maintenance assembly 100 may comprise a magazine of molds 230 that can be automatically interchanged by a dedicated mechanical system.

[0086] The mold 230 is here configured to cover the entire width (transverse dimension) of the rail portion 325 of the running track and makes it possible to fill any type of benign defect D found there and for which the length along the longitudinal reference axis X does not exceed 80 mm.

[0087] Injection means 250 are illustrated in more detail in Figures 9 and 10. The injected material 255 is here a resin is contained in a standard two-component cartridge 252. This cartridge 252 can be easily replaced in a handling cell of the support carriage 101. A mixture between the two components of the cartridge 252 is here carried out by a static mixer 253 integrated into the injection cartridge. The injection is carried out by an actuator 251, here a pneumatic cylinder simultaneously pushing two pistons 254 integrated into the injection cartridges 252. An injection nozzle 256 located at the outlet of the cartridge 252 and connected to the injection orifice 236 of the mold 230 makes it possible to supply the injection chamber 231 with material to be injected. The injection nozzle 256 can form, or even constitute, the static mixer 253. The cartridge(s) 252 is(are) housed in a thermally insulated enclosure and delimited by a protective casing 257.The insulated enclosure is maintained at an ideal injection temperature by means of regulation such as a heating resistor controlled by a temperature sensor and by the control means.

[0088] A predetermined injection speed can be set beforehand by a flow limiter, for example on the injection cylinder.

[0089] Preferably, the injected material 255, namely the resin here, is chosen so as to have a predetermined viscosity compatible with its flow in the injection channels 235. This viscosity must be relatively low to flow easily in said injection channels 235 but not too low to gain in speed of hardening or drying of the resin. Furthermore, the injected material 255, namely the resin here, is also chosen so as to have stable behavior when exposed to radioactivity. In this example, the epoxy resin has, once injected and hardened (dried), a hardness of 90, shore D. Such a resin has significant hardness and good compressive strength and abrasion resistance. The injected material 255, formed here from the resin-hardener mixture, has a viscosity of 19 mPa.s.This viscosity can be different, and chosen for example according to several parameters such as the passage section of the injection channels 235, the hardening speed of the resin once injected, the power of the mold actuators, etc.

[0090] 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 injection operations. An operator stops the injection when he can observe, via the cameras, that the resin is coming out through the vents 233. Alternatively or in addition, sensors can be positioned at these vents to automatically stop the injection.

[0091] The method described here is particularly advantageous if the orifice D' is a non-opening orifice so that the resin easily lodges in the defect D and can dry easily. In the case where the orifice D' is an open-ended orifice, it is possible to provide heating means so that the resin sets more easily. Similarly, depending on the nature of the resin, preferably a thermosetting resin, catalytic means may be used to accelerate the hardening of the resin. These catalytic means may include, for example, a source of ultraviolet (UV) and / or infrared radiation, a heat source, etc.

[0092] Once the maintenance assembly is in position in the repair zone Zr, in particular the support carriage 101, a step of immobilizing the support carriage 101 by immobilizing means can be implemented. Such an immobilizing step is advantageously implemented prior to the injection step, and in particular before the mold 230 is pressed into the closed position against the rail 325. The immobilizing means preferably comprise jaws forming jaws and configured to locally grip the rail 325. The jaws or jaws are metallic, preferably made of steel, and each exerts pressure on the side of the rail 325. This steel is preferably ribbed to increase the coefficient of friction. The jaws are sized to counter the force generated by the injection tool in particular and in particular during the pressing of the mold against the rail 325 in order to keep the support carriage 101 immobile.Actuators such as cylinders are provided to actuate each jaw. These actuators are preferably spring-loaded, so that the jaws open automatically in the event of a failure of the supply circuit, particularly pneumatic. In this case, the injection is interrupted and the mold 230 is also moved away from the rail by spring-loaded operation.

[0093] The maintenance assembly 100 preferably comprises scrapers configured to scrape the surface S of the rail 325 in the vicinity of the repaired defect D. In other words, the scrapers make it possible to scrape the surface S of the rail 325 at the level of which the injection step took place, that is to say at the level of which the defect D was repaired and where the mold 230 was pressed. The scrapers are integral with the support carriage 101. The scrapers can be static, for example by scraping the surface S of the rail 325 when the support carriage 101 moves, in particular just after the injection of resin. Alternatively or in addition, the scrapers can be dynamic and be movable relative to the support carriage 101 by being driven by displacement means.

[0094] The maintenance assembly 100 comprises at least one receptacle such as a recovery tank configured to recover injected material in the event of overflow in particular. When scrapers are used, the receptacle is preferably also configured to collect the scraped material. The receptacle is secured to the support carriage 101. The receptacle may be equipped with magnets in order to recover any pieces of metallic material, which may for example come from residues or rail dust or even rail scales.

[0095] The materials and equipment chosen for the maintenance assembly 100, in particular for the support trolley 101, are adapted to the temperatures encountered in the environment in which it operates. Waterproof protections may also be fitted to the support trolley 101 to guarantee its operation in the presence of water mist, in particular in the event of a fire.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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. Method for repairing, by a maintenance assembly (100), at least one surface (S) of a portion of rail (325) along a traffic lane (W) having a reference longitudinal direction (X), the maintenance assembly comprising at least one injection tool, the repair method comprising at least: - a positioning step in which at least a part of the maintenance assembly (100) is moved in the longitudinal direction (X) and positioned in a repair zone (Zr) of the rail portion (325) where a defect (D) comprising an orifice (D') is located; and - a step of injecting a filling material (201) into the orifice (D') by an injection tool (200), the repair method being characterized in that, prior to the injection step, the injection tool (200) positions a mold (230) against a surface (S) to be repaired of the rail portion (325) to be repaired located in the repair zone (Zr), preferably against an upper surface of this rail portion (325), the mold (230) being movable between an open position in which it is distant from the rail (325) and a closed position in which said mold (230) defines with the surface (S) to be repaired of the rail portion (325) an injection chamber (231), and in that the mold (230) comprises: - a peripheral wall (232) which peripherally delimits the injection chamber (231) and which comprises at least one evacuation vent (233); and - central walls (234) which together delimit a network of injection channels (235) to delimit at least in part the injection chamber (231); the peripheral wall (232) and the central walls (234) each having a contact surface (232', 234') configured to come into contact and bear against the rail portion (325) in the closed position of the mold.

2. Repair method according to claim 1, characterized in that, prior to the injection step, the repair method comprises a step of preparing the repair zone (Zr) of the rail portion (325), the preparation step preferably comprising at least one degreasing step by degreasing means (210).

3. Repair method according to claim 2, characterized in that the degreasing step is implemented by the degreasing means (210) preferably comprising at least one nozzle (211) connected to a reservoir (212) of degreasing product so as to spray a predetermined quantity of degreasing product onto the portion of rail (325) to be repaired.

4. Repair method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that after the preparation step, preferably the degreasing step, the maintenance assembly is moved in the longitudinal direction (X) so as to leave the repair zone (Zr) and then is moved in an opposite direction to return to position itself in the repair zone (Zr) of the rail portion (325), a waiting step during a predetermined time interval being interposed between said movement steps.

5. Repair method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (240) for moving the mold (230) configured to move the mold (230) from the open position to the closed position, these means of movement (240) preferably comprising at least one actuator (241) such as a jack and guide means (242), the step of moving the mold (230) between the open and closed positions preferably being a translational movement, more preferably a vertical translational movement.

6. Repair method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maintenance assembly (100) comprises a support carriage (101) configured to be moved along the traffic lane (W), the injection tool (200) being supported by the support carriage (101), the method comprising, prior to the injection step, a step of immobilizing the support carriage (101) by immobilizing means, the immobilizing means preferably comprising jaws configured to locally grip the rail (325).

7. Repair method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the orifice (D') is a non-opening orifice.

8. A repair method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling material comprises, preferably consists of, a resin, preferably a thermosetting resin.

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

10. Maintenance assembly (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a support carriage (101) configured to be moved along the traffic lane (W), the injection tool (200) being supported by the support carriage (101).

11. Maintenance assembly (100) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the injection tool (200) comprises a mold (230) configured to come against a surface (S) to be repaired of the rail portion (325) to be repaired, the mold (230) being movable between an open position in which it is distant from the rail (325) and a closed position in which said mold (230) defines with the surface (S) to be repaired of the rail portion (325) an injection chamber (231), the mold (230) preferably comprising: - a peripheral wall (232) which peripherally delimits the injection chamber (231) and which comprises at least one evacuation vent (233); and - central walls (234) which together delimit a network of injection channels (235) to delimit at least in part the injection chamber (231);the peripheral wall (232) and the central walls (234) each having a contact surface (232', 234') configured to come into contact and bear against the rail portion (325) in the closed position of the mold.;

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

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