Extrusion apparatus with underground transfer tool module

Abstract

The invention relates to an extrusion plant comprising a core position (5) designed to receive a tool module (6) to connect an extruder (4) with the tool module (6) to manufacture a shaped element (2), the core position (5) being located in a first level (11) called "work level" (11) provided with a floor (12) on which an operator can walk to access the core position (5) and the plant (1) comprising means (30) for underground transfer able to respectively transport a tool module (6) from a remote preparation position (40) also located in the work level to the core position (5) and to move a tool module (6) from the core position (5) to a remote preparation position (40) also located in the work level by using a lifting compartment (31, 41) respectively to move the tool module (6) through the floor (12) from a second level called "underground level" (32) or to move the tool module (6) through the floor (12) to a second level called "underground level" (32) located below the floor (12).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of extrusion plants, in particular to extrusion plants intended to produce shaped elements from one or more rubber compounds.

[0002] These shaped elements can be used, among other things, to manufacture pneumatic tyres. BACKGROUND

[0003] In a manner known per se, the extrusion plant can comprise a plurality of extruders connected to a tool which can bring together and arrange the various compounds coming from the extruders, the tool having a die for shaping the shaped elements. Thus, by co-extrusion of the various compounds, relatively complex shaped elements can advantageously be obtained.

[0004] However, the plurality of extruders within the same plant, as well as the large and heavy nature of the tool, in particular the need for sufficient solidity to the great pressure stresses generated during the extrusion of the rubber compounds, lead to a relatively bulky production plant, in particular some parts of the plant being very distant from each other and / or sometimes difficult to access.

[0005] This makes the management of the plant complex, in particular when it is necessary to resupply the extruders during the extrusion operation, to ensure the continuous supply of the rubber compounds, or when it is necessary to clean the tool and / or the extruders after the extrusion operation, to restart production.

[0006] Thus, it is not uncommon for a plurality of operators to be mobilized to operate and / or clean the same extrusion plant, each operator being assigned to a single station in the extrusion plant.

[0007] Moreover, in order to switch from the production of a first shaped element to the production of a second shaped element different from the first, the necessary operations to reconfigure the plant, more particularly to change the tool, are often complex and cumbersome, thus requiring a relatively long time, if the masses involved during the replacement of the extruders and / or the tool are particularly great, the operators need to remain highly vigilant to ensure that the replacement is carried out in complete safety.

[0008] Thus, even if the demand for production diversification is increasing, the known extrusion plants are often not very flexible, since they do not adapt well to rapid changes in production, the diversification of production being intended to produce small batches of shaped elements, each element having very specific and different characteristics, in particular in order to produce small batches of corresponding specific tyres, which requires more frequent changes in production. SUMMARY

[0009] The subject of the present invention therefore aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and proposes an extrusion device which is well compact, extremely easy to use and which has excellent ability to be quickly reconfigured completely safely during production changes.

[0010] The subject of the present invention is achieved by an extrusion device intended to produce shaped elements, said device comprising at least one first head module carrying at least one first extruder intended to supply constituent material of shaped elements, said device also comprising a location called "core location" designed to receive a tool module to enable connection of said at least one first extruder with said tool module to shape a shaped element, said device being characterized in that the core location is located in a first layer called "work layer" provided with a floor on which an operator can walk to access said core location located above said floor, and in that the device comprises an underground transfer device enabling respectively the delivery and / or removal of a tool module to and / or from the core location, for which said underground transfer device comprises at least one first lifting compartment designed to respectively move said tool module through the floor from a second layer called "basement" or to move through the floor to a second layer called "basement" located below the floor of the work layer.

[0011] Advantageously, by providing removal and more generally delivery of a tool module through the basement, the device according to the invention enables to clear and reserve a maximum amount of free space on the floor of the work layer for other components of the device, in particular the extruders, which can thus be installed on said work layer, at the same floor level and distributed in multiple directions relative to the core location on said floor, so that said components of the device on the one hand occupy a relatively small total surface area on the ground floor, the device is thus relatively compact, and on the other hand remain easily accessible to the same operator walking on the floor.

[0012] Similarly, as will be detailed hereafter, the implementation of the underground transfer device according to the invention enables to connect the core location with a remote preparation location for cleaning and preparing a tool module and which is advantageously offset relative to the core location, while still being accessible to the operator walking on the work layer.

[0013] Therefore, advantageously, the same operator, by remaining on the same level, in particular on the floor of the work level, can operate the plant during the production cycle of the shaped element, always having all the necessary space for them next to the core position and around the extruder, and in parallel operation, i.e. during the extrusion operation, can clean and prepare a new tool module in the nearby preparation position, in this process anticipating the next production cycle, and then, when it is necessary to change production, can quickly replace the used tool module with a new one by means of the underground transfer device according to the application. Therefore, it is possible to significantly reduce the downtime of the plant between two consecutive production cycles.

[0014] Furthermore, it is necessary to point out that since the transfer of the tool module takes place underground, the aforementioned transfer is completely safe since the path of the tool module never crosses one or more routes walked by the operator on the floor in the work level. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Further subjects, features and advantages of the application will become more apparent by reading the following description, provided purely by way of non-limiting example, and by examining the annexed drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 a general perspective view of an exemplary plant according to the application is shown.

[0017] Figure 2 a top view of the plant of Figure 1 is shown.

[0018] Figure 3 a cross-sectional front view of the plant of Figure 1 and Figure 2 in the closed configuration, showing both the work level and the basement.

[0019] Figure 4 a cross-sectional front view of the plant of Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 in the open configuration, on the same cross-sectional plane as Figure 4 .

[0020] Figure 5 a cross-sectional side view of the plant of Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 , showing the core position and the remote preparation station, both above the floor, and the lifting car, making it possible to transfer the tool module from the preparation station to the core position, and vice versa, by means of the conveyor located in the basement (below the floor).

[0021] Figure 6A cross-sectional side view is shown, displaying Figures 1 to 5 The equipment has a working layer and a basement, in which a first tool module located in the core position is used for the first production cycle, and a second tool module is cleaned and prepared at a distant preparation position located in the working layer.

[0022] Figure 7 In Figure 6 In the same side view, the second tool module is shown descending into the basement, moving from the preparation position to the core position via a second lift car provided in the floor, and being received vertically aligned with the preparation position on a conveyor of a transfer device that extends in the basement to connect the second lift car and the first lift car, and includes a first container for the first tool module and a second container for receiving the second tool module.

[0023] Figure 8 The side view shows the displacement of the conveyor container in the basement, which brings the second tool module and the first elevator car together and from there to the core location, and places the first container of the conveyor in a waiting position below the first elevator car, vertically aligned with the core location.

[0024] Figure 9 The side view shows the first tool module, which has been used, being lowered from a core location above the floor to a first container on a conveyor via a first elevator box. The first container is located in a waiting position in the basement and ensures the collection of the first tool module intended to be delivered to a ready position.

[0025] Figure 10 The side view shows the second container of the conveyor and the second tool module contained therein, positioned opposite the first lifting box.

[0026] Figure 11 The side view shows the second tool module in the first elevator box rising through the floor from the basement conveyor to the core location, and the installation of the second tool module at the core location to replace the first tool module for the purpose of a second production cycle.

[0027] Figure 12 The side view shows the first tool module being transported on a conveyor in the basement to the second elevator car, such that the first container and the used first tool module contained therein are placed vertically aligned with the ready position below the second elevator car.

[0028] Figure 13 The side view shows the first tool module, after use, being raised from a basement conveyor to a ready position via a second lift-up compartment for cleaning. The second container of the conveyor then returns vertically below the second lift-up compartment, anticipating the next tool module replacement.

[0029] Figure 14 、 Figure 15 and Figure 16 shows a perspective detail of the successive steps of implementing a locking mechanism comprising a first jaw and a second jaw, each jaw being engaged on a first head module intended to carry at least one first extruder and on a second head module intended to carry at least one second extruder, the first and second head modules being located on either side of a core position, such that the jaws force the first and second head modules to come closer, the tool module being clamped between the first and second head modules. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The present invention relates to an extrusion device 1 intended to produce shaped elements 2.

[0031] From Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 it is clear that the device 1 comprises at least one first head module 3 carrying at least one first extruder 4 for supplying the constituent material of the shaped elements 2.

[0032] The constituent material of the shaped elements, or "compound", is preferably based on rubber.

[0033] The device 1 also comprises a position 5, called "core position" 5, designed to receive a tool module 6 in order to enable the connection of the at least one first extruder 4 with the tool module 6, so as to shape the shaped elements 2.

[0034] Thus, as a matter of routine, when the tool module 6 is in use, during the cycle of production of the shaped elements 2, and when the tool module 6 is moved in the vicinity of the first extruder 4 (and, if appropriate, of each extruder of the device, if the device has several extruders 4, 104, 4_2, 4_3, 104_2, 104_3), the core position 5 will correspond to the spatial area occupied by the tool module 6.

[0035] Preferably, the device 1 comprises a roller 7 mounted so as to be able to rotate with respect to the core position 5, so that, when the tool module 6 is located in the core position 5, the tool module 6 interacts with the roller 7, as Figure 3 illustrated, forming a gap 8 enabling the shaping of the shaped elements 2, more particularly defining the thickness of the shaped elements 2.

[0036] Said roller 7, preferably metallic, for example made of steel, is preferably motorized and drives itself in rotation about its central axis Y7 so as to accompany the longitudinal advancement of the shaped element 2 while it is generated in the gap 8. The diameter of the roller 7 is preferably comprised between 15 cm and 300 cm, more preferably between 90 cm and 300 cm.

[0037] Said roller 7 advantageously serves, on the one hand, to define the gap 8, which corresponds to the space contained (in radial direction with respect to the central axis Y7 of the roller 7) between the radially external surface of said roller 7 and the end face of the tool module 6 (opposite to said roller 7) and covers a predetermined angular sector about the central axis Y7, and on the other hand, after the shaped element 2 has exited the gap 8, to cool and dimensionally stabilize the shaped element 2.

[0038] The central axis Y7 of the roller 7 is preferably horizontal, especially for compactness and mechanical stability of the extrusion process.

[0039] In a manner known per se, the first extruder 4 preferably comprises a screw which drives in rotation about its longitudinal axis in a barrel 9 which is fixed to the first head module 3.

[0040] The barrel 9 is preferably provided, at the upstream portion, with a feeding zone 9_in comprising an inlet aperture (for example in the form of a hopper) for introducing the material to be processed (for example in the form of rubber chips or continuous rubber strips) into the barrel 9, and at the downstream portion, with an outlet aperture which allows the material processed (kneaded and heated) by the screw of the extruder to exit said barrel 9.

[0041] The first head module 3 is arranged so as to be able to put in sealed flow communication the outlet aperture of the barrel 9 with one or more respective channels 10 (of the tool module 6) so as to be able to convey the material extruded by the extruder 4 via said one or more channels 10 and then through said tool module 6 to the gap 8. Figure 14 、 Figure 15 、 Figure 16 ) so as to be able to convey the material extruded by the extruder 4 via said one or more channels 10 and then through said tool module 6 to the gap 8.

[0042] In one possible application, the shaped element 2 can be formed by a single layer of only one homogeneous material based on rubber.

[0043] In another possible application, the shaped element 2 is preferably made of a plurality of materials of different compositions based on rubber.

[0044] To this end, the apparatus 1 preferably comprises a plurality of extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3, 104, 104_2, 104_3 (…) so that the above-mentioned plurality of rubber-based materials is each processed by at least one dedicated extruder among the above-mentioned plurality of extruders, then conveyed through the tool module 6, and finally assembled, arranged and shaped according to the desired layout to form the shaped element 2.

[0045] Said extruders, preferably all of the extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3, 104, 104_2, 104_3 (…), can be screw extruders, and each extruder preferably comprises its barrel 9, 9_2, 9_3, 109, 109_2, 109_3 (…) each having a feed zone 9_in, 9_2_in, 9_3_in, 109_in, 109_2_in, 109_3_in (…).

[0046] Of course, the composition of the various materials juxtaposed on the straight cross section of the shaped element 2, as well as the position and size of said materials on the straight cross section of the shaped element, will be predetermined according to the purpose of said shaped element 2.

[0047] In this regard, it is noted that said shaped element 2 is preferably intended to form a constituent part of a pneumatic tire, such as a tread, a sidewall, or even (in particular if said shaped element is formed of a single, particularly thin material) a cushioning layer forming the interface between two superimposed layers within a pneumatic tire.

[0048] The shaped element 2 is advantageously produced continuously in its length direction, said length direction defining a direction called “longitudinal direction” L2.

[0049] According to the invention, the core location 5 is located on a first level 11 called “work level” 11, provided with a floor 12 on which an operator can walk to access said core location 5 located above said floor 12.

[0050] The floor 12 advantageously forms a load-bearing surface on which an adult operator can stand and walk.

[0051] To this end, said floor 12 can be solid, for example made of concrete or metal, and / or possibly perforated, for example by introducing a metal grid type walkway.

[0052] The expression “above the floor” means that the object in question is located in a spatial region on the side of the upper surface of the floor 12 in the vertical direction, so that its elevation is greater than that of said upper surface of said floor 12.

[0053] The floor 12 preferably constitutes a fixed surface, i.e. not movable with respect to the installation reference frame of the apparatus 1.

[0054] The floor 12 preferably forms a flat surface.

[0055] Although it is not excluded that the floor 12, in particular in certain places, has a certain inclination with respect to the horizontal plane, preferably less than 10 degrees, less than 6 degrees, or even less than 3 degrees, said floor 12 preferably forms a horizontal surface.

[0056] In order to provide sufficient vertical clearance to allow the operator to be able to stand, but also to allow the integration and operation of the roller 7, and where appropriate, to allow the unloading of the shaped element 2 by means of the unloading belt 13 placed at the outlet of the roller 7, the free height of the work level 11 above the floor 12 is preferably equal to or greater than 2.00 m, preferably equal to or greater than 2.50 m, or even equal to or greater than 3.00 m. By way of illustration, said free height can be equal to 2.80 m, + / - 20 cm where appropriate.

[0057] The floor 12 comprises a first station PI, also called "core station PI", which faces the core location 5, at a distance of less than 1 m, preferably less than 50 cm (thus within arm's reach) from the closest limit of said core location 5, in order to serve the core location 5.

[0058] Advantageously, when the operator occupies said first station PI, they will be able to visually monitor said core location 5 and / or physically intervene within said core location 5 during the production process and, where appropriate, on the roller 7.

[0059] By convention, the reference level of the floor 12 is considered to be the level of the floor 12 at the level of the first station PI (i.e. substantially at the level of the core location 5).

[0060] Preferably, the core location 5, and therefore the tool module 6 used, is located at a level ranging from 0 cm to 200 cm, preferably from 30 cm to 180 cm, above the floor 12 of the work level 11.

[0061] Thus, advantageously, the core location 5 is located at "human height" with respect to the floor 12 of its surroundings, so that the first station PI offers a certain degree of comfort and good ergonomics for the intervention of the operator within and around the core location 5.

[0062] Advantageously, the floor 12 extends around the plant 1, in particular around the extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3, 104, 104_2, 104_3, so as to be able to serve, in addition to the first station PI, other stations P2, P3, P4 to be described in detail below, including a feeding station or second feeding station P2 (allowing an operator to monitor and intervene at the level of one or more feeding zones 9_in of one or more respective barrels 9, 9_2, 9_3, 109, 109_2, 109_3 of one or more extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3, 104, 104_2, 104_3), one or more third stations P3, P3_103 (for cleaning one or more head modules 3, 103 when the plant 1 is in an open configuration after an extrusion cycle), and at least one preparation station P4 (for preparing and cleaning the tool module 6, 106 in a parallel operation).

[0063] Thus, in particular, the first extruder 4 preferably has a feeding zone 9_in located above the floor 12, which can be accessed by an operator from a second station P2 formed by a portion of the floor 12 of the work level 11, i.e. the same as the floor 21 serving the first station PI of the core location 5.

[0064] In this regard, said feeding zone 9_in is preferably located at human height, i.e. in a range of elevation between 0 cm and 200 cm, preferably between 30 cm and 180 cm, above said floor 12 of the work level 11. From this second station P2, the operator can thus visually monitor and, if appropriate, manually intervene on the feeding of the material to be extruded to the first extruder 4, to ensure that the first extruder 4 is resupplied with material as said material is consumed to produce the shaped elements 2.

[0065] More generally, the plant 1 comprises a plurality of extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3, 104, 104_2, 104_3, which feed the tool module 6, and several of said extruders, preferably all the extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3, 104, 104_2, 104_3 of the plant, have their respective feeding zone 9_in, 9_2_in, 9_3_in, 109_in, 109_2_in, 109_3_in located above the floor 12, more preferably in a range of elevation between 0 cm and 200 cm, or even between 30 cm and 180 cm, so that they can be accessed by an operator on the work level 11 from said floor 12.

[0066] Thus, the operator, without having to leave the floor 12, and therefore without having to change the level of elevation, can easily move from the core station P1 or via the core station P1 to a different feeding station P2 to monitor the feeding zone of a different extruder, if necessary, intervening, for example, to resupply said extruder or to prevent or resolve a blockage.

[0067] Furthermore, the plant 1 preferably comprises coupling means 20 which enable the first head module 3 to be displaced on the floor 12 of the work level 11, so as to alternate the first head module 3 between, on the one hand, a closed configuration (here, mainly shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3 ) in which said first head module 3 is moved close to the core position 5, so as to be in tight contact with the tool module 6 and thereby to put the first extruder 4 (if appropriate, all the extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3 carried by said first head module 3) in communication with said tool module 6, and, on the other hand, an open configuration (here shown in Figure 4 ) in which the first head module 3 is moved away from the core position 5 and therefore from the tool module 6, while remaining accessible to the operator on the work level 11 from the floor 12.

[0068] Advantageously, one or more extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3 carried by the first head module 3, more preferably all the extruders of the plant, are therefore displaced while remaining on the work level 11 and are therefore still accessible to the operator from the floor 12, both in the closed configuration during the production cycle and in the open configuration during production interruptions for maintenance operations or changes in production.

[0069] In particular, in the open configuration, the operator from the floor 12, and more particularly from the portion of said floor 12 which forms the third station P3 (called "maintenance station" P3), can advantageously intervene on the first head module 3 and / or on the extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3 carried by the first head module, in particular to clean any residues of extruded material from the first head module 3, particularly during production changes, especially during changes of tool module 6, 106.

[0070] More particularly, the maintenance station P3 will allow the operator to access and clean the end face of the first head module 3 which, in the closed configuration, is in contact with the tool module 6 to form a sealed joint and which, in the open configuration, can therefore be seen, disengaged from the tool module.

[0071] The operator can advantageously move from one of the first station P1 (core station), or from the second station P2 (feed station), to the third station P3 (maintenance station), while remaining on the same work level 11, without having to leave the floor P12, and therefore preferably while remaining at a constant elevation.

[0072] The alternating movements by the coupling device 20 (advancing the first head module 3 closer to the core position 5, then returning the first head module 3 away from the core position 5) are performed along a first horizontal main direction X (referred to as the “coupling direction” X).

[0073] To this end, the coupling device 20 preferably has a first carriage 21 carrying the first head module 3 and guided for linear translational movement along a first guide rail 22 along said coupling direction X and therefore parallel to the floor 12. The first carriage 21 can be driven by any suitable drive member, for example by a suitable control unit controlled impact device.

[0074] The first guide rail 22 is advantageously carried by and fixed on the upper surface of the floor 12.

[0075] In a possible arrangement as illustrated in Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the guide rail 22 can be placed in a recessed groove 23 formed in the thickness of the floor 12 on one side of the upper surface of said floor 12, so as to hide and fix the guide rail 22 and part of the carriage 21 from an operator standing on the floor 21, in particular from an operator standing at the first core station P1 or at the third maintenance station P3. The bottom of the groove 23 is at an elevation close to the elevation of the floor 12, thus much greater than the elevation of the ground floor of the basement 32, for example at least 1.75 m, preferably at least 1.90 m, or even at least 2.10 m above the ground floor of the basement 32. In this respect, the depth of the groove 23 considered vertically with respect to the upper surface of the floor 12 is preferably less than 50 cm, or even less than 40 cm, for example can be between 10 cm and 50 cm, between 20 cm and 50 cm, or even between 20 cm and 40 cm.

[0076] Preferably, on the work level 11, the device 1 comprises a second head module 103 carrying at least one second extruder 104.

[0077] More preferably, as the first head module 3 carries a plurality of extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3 (......), for example three or four extruders, the second head module 103 will carry a plurality of extruders 104, 104_2, 104_3, for example three or four extruders. Thus, in an absolute sense, each head module 3, 103 can simultaneously deliver to the tool module 6 a plurality of different constituent materials of the shaped element 2, each material specifically coming from at least one of the extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3, 104, 104_2, 104_3.

[0078] As the first head module 3, from Figure 14 As can be seen, the second head module 103 has channels 110, each of which receives one of the extruders 104, 104_2, 104_3 and is designed to be pressed into close contact with one surface of the tool module 6 in order to put into communication with the respective passage in said tool module 6, i.e. with the passage supplied by the channel 110 in question, each extruder it carries.

[0079] Similarly to the first head module 3, the second head module 103 is preferably mounted so as to be movable on a second carriage 121 guided in translational movement on a second guide rail 122 carried by the upper surface of the floor 12, which is preferably rectilinear, horizontal and aligned with the first guide rail 22 along the coupling direction X.

[0080] Thus, preferably, the first and second head modules 3, 103 are mounted so as to be movable on the floor 12 with respect to each other along the first horizontal direction X (called coupling direction X) on either side of the core location 5, so as to be able to adopt alternately an open configuration (here, as Figure 4 illustrated) on the one hand and a closed configuration (here, in particular as Figure 3 illustrated) on the other hand, in said open configuration said first and second head modules 3, 103 are each moved away from the core location 5 along the coupling direction X, so as to put the tool module 6 in the core location 5 or to remove the tool module 6 from said core location 5; in said closed configuration said first and second head modules 3, 103 are moved towards each other along the coupling direction X so as to press against the tool module 6 located in the core location 5 on either side of said tool module 6 along the coupling direction X and to put the first extruders 4 (in the appropriate case, the first group of extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3 carried by the first head module 3) and the second extruders 104 (in the appropriate case, the second group of extruders 104, 104_2, 104_3 carried by the second head module 103) into communication with the tool module 6.

[0081] Advantageously, in order to pass from the closed configuration to the open configuration and vice versa, the first and second head modules 3, 103 are moved alternately away and towards each other along a common coupling direction X and are displaced in substantially symmetrical manner on either side of a vertical median plane perpendicular to the coupling direction X and forming an imaginary partition dividing the core location 5 into two symmetrical halves, in opposite directions, i.e. opposite to each other.

[0082] Advantageously, in the closed configuration, the tool module 6 is thus clamped between the two head modules 3, 103 in a sealed manner, very stable, here preferably on two respective engagement planes forming two vertical flat surfaces perpendicular to the coupling direction X.

[0083] Preferably, as in the case of the first head module 3, the second head module 103, when it is in the open configuration, remains above the floor 12, preferably at a human height in the above-mentioned sense, as Figure 4 indicated, so that an operator at the work level 11 on the floor 12 (in the present case at the maintenance station indicated as P3_103) can access it.

[0084] Therefore, more particularly, in the open configuration, preferably as in the case in the closed configuration, each of the first and second head modules 3, 103 is preferably located at an elevation ranging between 0 cm and 200 cm, preferably between 30 cm and 180 cm, above the floor 12 of the work level 11, so as to be at human height for an operator when the operator is at the maintenance station P3, P3_103.

[0085] Furthermore, the tool module 6 preferably comprises an assembly of parallel slabs stacked one on top of the other in the thickness direction, here along the coupling direction X.

[0086] The various passages for conveying one or more materials coming from the extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3, 104, 104_2, 104_3, advantageously formed in the thickness of each slab in question on the surface of the various slabs, so that the sealed superimposition of two adjacent slabs delimits the passage cross section of the channel in question. If necessary, and in the present case, when the tool module 6 comprises more than two superimposed slabs, a straight-through duct (here oriented along the coupling direction (X)) is provided to convey the one or more compounds entering from the visible surface of the end slab towards the slab located at the deepest level of the stack.

[0087] This modular and compact tool module 6, composed of slabs, can advantageously be easily reconfigured by modifying the arrangement of all or part of the slabs, while still otherwise maintaining the arrangement of the extruders and of the head modules 3, 103 intended to supply the constituent materials of the shaped elements to the tool module 6.

[0088] Furthermore, the effect of clamping the tool module 6 between the two head modules 3, 103 is to press the panels against each other in their thickness direction, thus contributing to the stability and sealing of the tool module 6.

[0089] According to the application, the plant 1 comprises an underground transfer device 30 which can respectively bring the tool module 6 to the core location 5 and / or remove the tool module 6 from said core location 5, for which purpose it comprises at least one first lifting compartment 31 designed to respectively move said tool module 6 away from or towards a second level 32, called “underground”, 32 below the floor 12 of the work level 11, through the floor 12.

[0090] The underground 32 extends in vertical direction, with respect to the floor 12, from the side opposite the work level 11, below said work level 11, opposite the lower surface of said floor 12, so that the underground 32 occupies a spatial area corresponding to an elevation range strictly smaller than the elevation range occupied by the work level 11, and the elevation range occupied (and filled) by the floor 12 itself, which forms a physical separation between the work level 11 and the underground 32.

[0091] Advantageously, according to the application, by virtue of the arrangement of the two levels 11, 32 and of the underground transfer device 30, it is possible to introduce the tool module 6 into the core location 5 for production, and then to remove the same tool module 6 from the core location 5 below the plant 1 and through the floor 12, which makes it possible in particular to avoid that the transfer device 30 occupies the space of the work level 11, or that the route taken by the tool module 6 during the handling operations intersects one or more routes taken by the operators on the floor 12, more particularly the routes connecting the various stations Pl, P2, P3, P4 on the floor 12 to each other.

[0092] This contributes to the operating safety and compactness of the plant 1.

[0093] It is noted that, in an absolute sense, although it is conceivable that the passage through the underground provided by the transfer device 30 can be dedicated to bringing the tool module 6 to the core location 5, or vice versa to removing the tool module 6 from the core location 5, particular attention will be paid, for safety, compactness and minimization of installation costs, to the transfer device 30 using the underground 32 both to bring the tool module 6 and to remove it.

[0094] The first lifting compartment 31 provides a passage in the thickness of the floor 12 separating the work floor 11 from the basement 32, thereby forming a well which partially interrupts the floor 12 to put the work floor 11 in communication with the basement 32.

[0095] The transfer device 30, and more particularly the first lifting compartment 31, preferably comprises a first lifting column 33 designed to provide the vertical transfer of the tool module 6 between the top of the floor 12 and the basement 32 located below said floor 12, i.e. to lower it, and vice versa, to raise it.

[0096] By way of illustration, the free height H32 of the basement, i.e. the height delimited by the floor of the basement 32 on the one hand and the ceiling of said basement constituting the lower face of the floor 12 of the work floor 11 on the other hand, is preferably equal to or greater than 1.90 m, preferably between 2.00 m and 2.50 m, for example equal to 2.10 m + / - 10 cm.

[0097] Such a free height H32 in the basement is advantageously sufficient on the one hand to enable the passage of the tool module 6 and on the other hand preferably to enable an adult operator to move about standing up in said basement 32, thereby being able to check and, if necessary, intervene on the underground part of the transfer device 30, i.e. the part of said transfer device 30 located in the basement 32.

[0098] The operator preferably passes from the floor 12 of the work floor 11 to the basement 32 and vice versa by means of a staircase comprising, for example, between 8 and 12 steps having an individual height of between 16 cm and 22 cm.

[0099] Preferably, the above-mentioned roller 7 is mounted so as to be able to rotate in vertical alignment with the first lifting compartment 31 above the core location 5.

[0100] Such a vertical segmentation advantageously improves the compactness of the installation 1, since it enables the extruded profiled element 2 to be ejected from the top of the core location 5 and discharged onto the outlet conveyor 3, whereas the operations of installing the tool module 6 and thus determining the gap 8, and the subsequent operations of removing and replacing the tool module 6, are carried out from the bottom of said core location 5, without it being necessary to modify the position of the roller 7.

[0101] With reference to what has been described above, the installation 1 is preferably such that, in the open configuration, the first head module 3, and if necessary the second head module 103, are moved away from the core location 5 along the coupling direction X, respectively, thereby allowing the above-mentioned underground transfer device 30 to place the tool module 6 in the core location 5 and / or to remove the tool module 6 from said core location 5.

[0102] Furthermore, the device 1 preferably has a preparation location 40 separate and remote from the core location 5 and arranged so as to enable the preparation, in particular the cleaning, of the tool module 6 outside the core location 5.

[0103] The underground transfer device 30 is then arranged so as to be able to transport the tool module 6 from the preparation location 40 to the core location 5, and vice versa, from the core location 5 to the preparation location 40, by moving through the floor 12 by means of the first lifting car 31.

[0104] Advantageously, this spatial separation of the core location 5 and the preparation location 40, and the preferably motorized and preferably automatic link provided by the transfer device 30 between these locations 5, 40, makes it possible to prepare a second tool module 106 in a parallel operating mode while a first tool module 6 is in production, then, during a production change, to bring the first tool module 6 back to the preparation location 40 and to replace it with the second tool module 106 at the core location 5, so that it is possible to clean, reconfigure or replace said first tool module 6 in a parallel operating mode while the second tool module 106 is in production.

[0105] The preparation location 40 is advantageously designed to allow an operator to clear the tool module 6 of residues of compound resulting from production, to dismount the constituent panels of the tool module 6 to clean them, where appropriate, and to reassemble them in the same way to reconstitute the same tool module 6, or to reconfigure the tool module 6 by possibly replacing all or part of the panels with other panels having a different passage arrangement, in order to produce a different shaped element 2.

[0106] In an absolute sense, the preparation location 40 can be in the basement 32.

[0107] However, preferably, from an absolute sense, the preparation location 40 is located on the work floor 11, above the floor 12, more preferably at human height, i.e. in the range of elevations mentioned above, between 0 cm and 200 cm above the floor 12, preferably between 30 cm and 180 cm, so as to be accessible to a user walking on the floor 12. Figure 1 and Figure 5 It can be seen in particular in Figs. 1 and 2 that the preparation location 40 is located on the work floor 11, above the floor 12, more preferably at human height, i.e. in the range of elevations mentioned above, between 0 cm and 200 cm above the floor 12, preferably between 30 cm and 180 cm, so as to be accessible to a user walking on the floor 12.

[0108] Thus, the floor 12 of the device 1 preferably comprises a fourth station P4, called the “preparation station” P4, from which an operator can intervene on the tool module 6, 106 present in the preparation location 40 without having to change the level associated with the core station PI and / or with one of the feed P2 and / or maintenance station P3.

[0109] To this end, the underground transfer device 30 preferably comprises a second lifting compartment 41 which is at a distance from the first lifting compartment 31 and is connected to the first lifting compartment 31 by means of a conveyor 42 located in the basement 32, and which is designed to move (more particularly lower) the tool module 6 from a preparation position 40 located above the floor 12, in the work level 11, to the conveyor 42 located below the floor 12, in the basement 32, and vice versa.

[0110] Similarly to the first lifting compartment 31, the second lifting compartment 31 provides a through opening in the thickness of the floor 12 separating the work level 11 from the basement 32, thus forming a second shaft separate and distant from the first lifting compartment 31, which locally communicates the work level 11 with the basement 32.

[0111] Similarly, the transfer device 30 (more particularly the second lifting compartment 41) preferably comprises a second lifting column 43, here separate and distant from the first lifting column 33 present in the first lifting compartment 31, designed to ensure the vertical transfer (preferably rectilinear translation movement in the vertical direction Z) of the tool module 6 within the second lifting compartment 41 between the basement 32 located below the floor 12 and the top of the floor 12, and vice versa.

[0112] It is noted that, in Figure 1 , for ease of description, around the preparation position 40 the floor 12 has been transparentized, thus making the details of the basement 32, the second lifting compartment 41, the conveyor 42 and the second lifting column 43 visible.

[0113] Considering the horizontal direction, the distance D30 (called "escape distance" D30) separating the second lifting compartment 41 from the first lifting compartment 31 is of course sufficient to avoid any interference or any obstruction between the core position 5 and the preparation position 40, while still being small enough to limit the cost of the transfer device 30, more generally of the plant 1. In this regard, said escape distance D30 is preferably between 1.50 m and 10 m, preferably between 1.80 m and 5 m.

[0114] In particular, as can be seen in Figure 5 , the conveyor 42 present in the basement 32 can have a transfer track 44 connecting the first lifting compartment 3 and the second lifting compartment 41, and on which at least one container 45, 46 of tool modules 6 circulates.

[0115] Preferably, said conveying track 44 is horizontal, so as to simplify the arrangement of the conveyor 42 and limit the energy to be provided for the displacement of the containers 45, 46. Said conveying track 44 is preferably rectilinear, so as to be as short as possible in terms of the disengagement distance D30 to be covered and to provide a simple and stable transport for the containers 45, 46.

[0116] By way of example, the travel D44 afforded by the conveying track 44, between, on the one hand, a vertical line passing through the centre of the core position 5 in the first lifting chamber 31 and, on the other hand, a vertical line passing through the centre of the preparation position 40 in the second lifting chamber 41, can be between 2.00 m and 12 m, for example between 2.50 m and 6 m, or even between 3 m and 5 m.

[0117] Advantageously, the transfer of the tool module 6 between the preparation position 40 and the core position 5, via the basement 32, said tool module 6 entering the basement 32 via one of the lifting chambers 41, 31, then travelling on the conveyor 42 through said basement 32 for the disengagement distance D30 separating said lifting chambers 31, 41 from one another, and more particularly after moving through the above-mentioned travel D44, exiting the basement 32 via the other lifting chamber 31, 41, and vice versa, advantageously makes it possible to avoid the tool module 6 moving within the work level 11, at the height of the operators present on the floor 12, or passing above the operators in the form of a load suspended from a crane or mobile crane vertically aligned with the floor 12. By making the transfer outside the work level 11, below said work level 11, any risk of collision of the tool module 6 with the operators, the floor or one of the components of the plant 1 present above said floor 12, or of the tool module 6 falling thereon, is avoided.

[0118] Preferably, the difference in elevation between the first station PI, i.e. the core station PI allowing the operator to work at the core position 5, and the fourth station P4, i.e. the station allowing the operator to work at the preparation position 40, is less than 50 cm, preferably less than 25 cm, more preferably zero, so that the first station PI and the fourth station P4 are substantially or even completely at the same elevation.

[0119] The installation of the first station PI and the fourth station P4 at the same work level 11, more preferably at the same elevation, advantageously allows the same operator to easily manage the production at the height level of the core position 5, on the one hand, more particularly the closure of the head module 3, 103 on the tool module 6 to carry out the production, then the start and monitoring of the production, and, on the other hand, by moving to the preparation position 40, to prepare the tool module 6, 106, preferably during the production of the shaped element 2.

[0120] In this regard, it should be noted that, preferably, on the floor 12 of the work level 11 there is at least one substantially or even completely horizontal passage that allows the operator to travel from the first station Pl to the fourth station P4, preferably by walking, without having to change elevation, in particular without having to go up or down stairs.

[0121] In the preferred arrangement, the first lifting cabin 31 is located below the core location 5 and is vertically aligned with the core location 5 and the roller 7.

[0122] This simplifies the structure and improves the compactness of the plant 1 and of the first lifting cabin 31 and of the associated first lifting column 33.

[0123] Similarly, the second lifting cabin 41 is preferably located below the preparation location 40 and is vertically aligned with said preparation location 40.

[0124] In Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 It can be clearly seen in that the preparation location 40 and the corresponding second lifting cabin 41 are preferably offset with respect to the core location 5 and the first lifting cabin 31 along a second horizontal direction Y, which is transverse to (preferably perpendicular to) the coupling direction X, and that the conveyor 42 arranged in the basement 32 is oriented along said second horizontal direction Y. Therefore, the detachment distance D30 is preferably measured along said second horizontal direction Y.

[0125] Therefore, the basement 32 forms an underground passage, which is covered by the floor 12 and extends along the horizontal direction Y to allow the circulation of one or more tool modules 6, 106 hidden below the floor 12, between the first lifting cabin 31 and the second lifting cabin 41, and more generally between the core location 5 and the preparation location 40.

[0126] Preferably, the floor 12 of the work level 11 extends along a horizontal plane that is large enough to allow an operator standing on said floor 12 to access, in turn, the core location 5, the preparation location 40 and the first and second head modules 3, 103, both when said first and second head modules 3, 103 are in the closed configuration and when said first and second head modules 3, 103 are in the open configuration, without leaving the work level 11.

[0127] In other words, on the floor 12 of the work level 11, the total change in elevation (horizontal height) of at least one route that serves all the stations of at least the maintenance stations P3, P3_103, including the first core station Pl, the fourth preparation station P4 and the first and second head modules 3, 103, is substantially zero, typically less than 50 cm, preferably less than 25 cm, more preferably zero.

[0128] Preferably, this same route also serves the feed station P2 of the first extruder 4 and of the second extruder 104, more preferably all the feed stations P2 of all the extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3, 104, 104_2, 104_3 of the apparatus 1, which are in communication with the tooling modules through one or the other of the first and second head modules 3, 103.

[0129] Therefore, preferably, the operator can advantageously access all the stations useful for managing production and production changes without having to leave the floor 12, even without having to change level while they are walking along their route from one station to another.

[0130] In a preferred implementation possibility, the underground transfer device 30 comprises a first container 45 able to receive the first tool block 6 and a second container 46 able to receive the second tool block 106, as shown in Figures 6 to 13 it is evident.

[0131] Then, said underground transfer device 30 is designed to be able to alternate the facing of the first container 45 and of the second container 46 towards the first lifting compartment 31, as shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10 so as to be able to carry out the replacement operations, during which the underground transfer device 30 accommodates, through the first lifting compartment 31, the used first tool block 6 from the core position 5 in the first container 45 Figure 9 and then transfers, through said first lifting compartment 31, the new second tool block 106 from the second container 46 to the core position 5 as a replacement for the first tool block 6 Figure 11 .

[0132] By “new” it is meant that the second tool module 106 has been previously suitably prepared, cleaned and configured, in this case at the preparation position 40, so that it is ready to be introduced into the core position 5 for the production of a shaped element 2.

[0133] Advantageously, the use of two containers 45, 46 makes it possible to place one after the other, in alternation, at the bottom of the first lifting column 33, in vertical alignment with the first lifting compartment 31 (i.e. in the area corresponding to the vertical projection on the horizontal plane of the volume of the first lifting compartment 31), so that, after the first production cycle of the first shaped element 2, it is possible to replace the used first tool module 6 very quickly with the new second tool module 106 (for the next production cycle of another shaped element 2).

[0134] From Figures 4 to 15As can be seen, the first and second containers 45, 46 are conveyed by the conveyor 42, preferably along a rectilinear horizontal transfer track 44, so as to be able to move back and forth in the basement 32, from the first lifting compartment 31 (which here serves the core position 5) to the second lifting compartment 41 (which here serves the preparation position 40) and vice versa, from the second lifting compartment 41 to the first lifting compartment 31.

[0135] The first and second containers 45, 46 can possibly form two mutually independent carriages and each be able to displace independently of the other along the transfer track 44. However, in order to make the conveyor 42 and the plant 1 more simple, the two containers 45, 46 can be combined into a single conveying train carried by the transfer track 44.

[0136] Furthermore, in order to ensure the closure and clamping of the first and second head modules 3, 103 on the tool module 6, the plant 1 preferably comprises (as shown in Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 illustrated) a first jaw 50 and a second jaw 51 mounted so as to be able to move in translational motion along a second horizontal direction Y perpendicular to the coupling direction X.

[0137] The branches of these jaws 50, 51 are provided with bevels 52 which engage with counter-bevels 53 provided in the head modules 3, 103, so that the first jaw 50 and the second jaw 51 move towards each other along the second horizontal direction Y, forcing the first and second head modules 3, 103 to move towards each other along the coupling direction X on either side of the core position 5, so that the tool module 6 is clamped between said head modules 3, 103, as can be seen in Figure 15 and Figure 16 .

[0138] Advantageously, it should be noted that the plant 1 exhibits excellent compactness and optimizes the space it occupies in a final sense, since it takes into consideration the different functions, according to an orthogonal system of axes centred on the core position 5, exploiting the six spatial directions around the core position 5, specifically, in the work level 11: extruding the elements through the upper horizontal plane of the core position 5, bringing and removing the tool module 6 through the lower horizontal plane, applying the head modules 3, 103 carrying the extruder through the lateral plane perpendicular to the coupling direction X, the movement of the jaws 50, 51 being opposite to the front plane perpendicular to the second horizontal direction Y; and, in the basement 32: transferring the tool block 6 along this same second horizontal direction Y to and from the preparation position 40; while also making all the useful stations PI, P2, P3, P4 directly accessible to the operator on the same work level 11.

[0139] It should be noted that the plant 1 can comprise an elevated platform 60, at an elevation higher than that of the floor 12, typically at an elevation between 1.40 m and 1.80 m above the floor 12, which is accessed by means of a staircase and enables access to the upper surface of the discharge belt 13, which is at human height, more preferably at a height between 40 cm and 1.20 m for an operator standing on said elevated platform 60. In this case, this is the only elevated station of the plant 1, which is preferably unique.

[0140] Reference will now be made to the drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the application. Figures 6 to 13 The method for changing the tool modules 6, 106 according to the application will now be described briefly.

[0141] At least part of the following steps, preferably all, can advantageously be managed by a suitable control unit, preferably automatically.

[0142] Initially ( Figure 6 ), the first tool module 6 is in production, in the core position 5, while the second tool module 106 ready to be sent into production is waiting in the preparation position 40, which has been previously cleaned and / or assembled by the operator at the preparation station P4. As Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 indicate, the plant 1 is in the closed configuration.

[0143] At the end of the production cycle, the operator at the core station P1 interrupts production and initiates the change, in principle.

[0144] As Figure 4 indicates, the jaws 50, 51 are manoeuvred backwards to unlock the head modules 3, 103, which are moved away from the core position 5 so as to be in the open configuration, thus releasing the first tool module 6.

[0145] At the height level of the second lifting compartment 41, the second lifting column 43 makes the second head module 106 pass through the floor 12 ( Figure 7 ) from the preparation position 40 to the second container 46 waiting on the conveyor 42 in vertical alignment with the preparation position 40.

[0146] The transport queue of the first container 45 and the second container 46 is then displaced in the basement 32 along the conveyor 42 so as to exit the second lifting compartment 41 and reach the first lifting compartment 31 and place the empty first container 45 vertically aligned with the first lifting column 33 below the core position 5 ( Figure 8). It should be noted that the operations of lowering the second tooling module 106 onto the conveyor 42 and of conveying the containers 45, 46 and hence the second tooling module 106 towards the first lifting compartment 31 and of placing it in a waiting condition there can advantageously be carried out in a parallel manner while the production cycle implementing the first tooling module 6 is running.

[0147] Then, the first tooling module 6, after use, is ejected from the core position 5 by the first lifting column 33 which lowers it through the floor 12 and retracts it through the first lifting compartment 31 until it places the worn first tooling module 6 from the work level 11 in the first container 45 waiting in the basement 32 Figure 9 ).

[0148] Then, the conveyor 42 removes the first container 45, replacing it in the first lifting compartment 31 at the bottom of the first lifting column 33 with the second container 46 containing the new second tooling module 106, for the core position 5 Figure 10 ).

[0149] Then, the first lifting column 33 lifts the second tooling module 106 in the first lifting compartment 31 through the floor 12 Figure 11 ) from the second container 46 in the basement 32 below the floor 12 up to the core position 5 at the work level 11 above the floor 12.

[0150] In due course, the operator, preferably the same operator, or possibly another operator, reaches the maintenance station P3, P3_103 in succession without leaving the floor 12 or therefore without changing level, to flush the extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3, 104, 104_2, 104_3 and to clean the head module 3, 103.

[0151] Then the operator, in principle, returns to the core station P1 to trigger and monitor the closure of the head module 3, 103 on the second tooling module 106. Then, the operator, after moving to the feed station P2 to check and / or reconfigure the feed of the material to be extruded to the various extruders, in due course starts a new production cycle.

[0152] In the meantime, or after the operator triggers this new production cycle, the conveyor 42 brings the containers 45, 46 back through the basement 32 to the second lifting compartment 41 and places the first container 45 containing the worn first tooling module 6 from the core position 5 opposite the second lifting column 43 below the preparation position 40 Figure 12 ).

[0153] Then, the second lifting column 43 lifts the first tool module 6 from the first container 45 through the floor 12 Figure 12 and Figure 13 ) until said first tool module 6 reaches the preparation position 40, where the operator, preferably the same operator who has moved to the preparation station P4 without having to leave the floor 12, can clean and possibly reconfigure the first tool module 6, or even simply replace it with a third tool module, while the second tool module 106 is in production.

[0154] Of course, the present application is in no way limited to the above-described variants, and the person skilled in the art is able to obviously separate the above-described features, or to freely combine them with each other, or to replace them with equivalents.

[0155] In particular, it is conceivable that the operator issues all or part of the commands to close and open the head module 3, 103 from a station other than the core station PI.

Claims

1. An extrusion apparatus (1) designed to produce a molded element (2), the extrusion apparatus comprising at least one first die head module (3) carrying at least one first extruder (4) designed to supply constituent materials of the molded element, the extrusion apparatus further comprising a location referred to as a "core position" (5) designed to receive a tool module to enable the at least one first extruder (4) to be connected to the tool module to form the molded element (2), the extrusion apparatus characterized in that the core position (5) is located in a first layer referred to as a "working layer" (11), the first layer having a floor (12) through which an operator can... The extrusion equipment (1) is able to move on the floor (12) to approach the core location (5) located above the floor (12), and the extrusion equipment (1) includes an underground transfer device (30) that enables the tool module to be transported to or removed from the core location (5). For this purpose, the underground transfer device includes at least one first lift box (31) that is designed to allow the tool module to be moved from a second level, referred to as the "basement" (32), through the floor (12) or through the floor (12) to a second level, referred to as the "basement" (32), which is located below the floor (12) of the working level (11).

2. The extrusion equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extrusion equipment includes a coupling device (20) that allows the first die head module (3) to be moved on the floor (12) of the working layer (11), thereby alternating between a closed configuration on one side and an open configuration on the other. In the closed configuration, the first die head module (3) is moved closer to the core position (5) to press against the tool module and thereby connect the first extruder (4) to the tool module. In the open configuration, the first die head module (3) is moved away from the core position (5) and thereby away from the tool module, while the operator remaining on the floor (12) of the working layer (11) can still access it.

3. The extrusion equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The core location (5) is located at an elevation range of 0cm to 200cm above the floor (12) of the working layer (11).

4. The extrusion equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The core location (5) is located at an elevation range of 30cm to 180cm above the floor (12) of the working layer (11).

5. The extrusion equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extrusion equipment has a preparation position (40) that is separate from and away from the core position (5) and is configured to prepare the tool module outside the core position (5), and the underground transfer device (30) is arranged to transport the tool module from the preparation position (40) to the core position (5) by moving it through the floor (12) via a first lift box (31) and vice versa.

6. The extrusion equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The preparation position (40) is located on the working floor (11), above the floor (12), so that it can be accessed by an operator walking on the floor (12), and the underground transfer device (30) includes a second elevator car (41) which is a certain distance away from the first elevator car (31) and connected to the first elevator car (31) via a conveyor (42) located in the basement (32), and the second elevator car (41) is designed to move the tool module across the floor (12) from the preparation position (40) located above the working floor (11) and the floor (12) to the conveyor (42) located below the basement (32) and the floor (12), and vice versa, to move the tool module from the conveyor (42) located below the basement (32) and the floor (12) to the preparation position (40) located above the floor (12).

7. The extrusion equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The underground transfer device (30) includes a first container (45) capable of receiving used tool modules and a second container (46) capable of receiving new tool modules. The underground transfer device (30) is designed to alternately face the first container (45) and the second container (46) toward the first elevator box (31) to enable a replacement operation. During this replacement operation, the underground transfer device (30) receives the used tool module from the core location (5) in the first container (45) via the first elevator box (31) and then transfers a new tool module from the second container (46) to the core location (5) via the first elevator box (31) as a replacement for the used tool module.

8. The extrusion equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The underground transfer device (30) includes a first container (45) capable of receiving used tool modules and a second container (46) capable of receiving new tool modules. The underground transfer device (30) is designed to alternately face the first container (45) and the second container (46) toward the first elevator box (31) to enable a replacement operation. During this replacement operation, the underground transfer device (30) receives used tool modules from the core location (5) in the first container (45) via the first elevator box (31) and then transfers new tool modules from the second container (46) to the core location (5) via the first elevator box (31) as a replacement for the used tool modules. The first container (45) and the second container (46) are transported by a conveyor (42) so that they can move back and forth between the first elevator box (31) and the second elevator box (41) in the basement (32) and vice versa.

9. The extrusion equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extrusion equipment includes a roller (7) mounted to rotate vertically aligned with the first lifting box (31) above the core position (5), such that when the tool module is in the core position (5), the tool module interacts with the roller (7) to form a gap (8) for forming the forming element (2).

10. The extrusion equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preparation position (40) is located on the working floor (11), above the floor (12), so that it is accessible to an operator walking on the floor (12). The underground transfer device (30) includes a second elevator car (41) which is a certain distance away from the first elevator car (31) and connected to the first elevator car (31) via a conveyor (42) located in the basement (32). The second elevator car (41) is designed to move the tool module across the floor (12) from the preparation position (40) above the working floor (11) and the floor (12) to the conveyor (42) below the basement (32) and the floor (12), and vice versa. The extrusion equipment includes a roller (7) mounted to rotate vertically aligned with the first lifting chamber (31) above the core position (5), such that when the tool module is in the core position (5), the tool module interacts with the roller (7) to form a gap (8) for forming the molding element (2). The extrusion equipment includes a second die head module (103) in the working layer (11) that carries at least one second extruder. The first die head module and the second die head module are mounted on the floor and are movable relative to each other on both sides of the core position (5) along a first horizontal direction called the connection direction (X) so that they can alternately adopt an open configuration on one side and a closed configuration on the other side. In the open configuration, the first die head module (3) and the second die head module (103) each move away from the core position (5) along the connection direction (X) so that the underground transfer device (30) can place the tool module in the core position (5) or remove the tool module from the core position (5). In the closed configuration, the first die head module (3) and the second die head module (103) move closer to each other along the connection direction (X) so that the tool module located in the core position (5) is pressed against both sides of the tool module along the connection direction (X) and the first extruder (4) and the second extruder are connected to the tool module; and the first lift The lowering box (31) is located below the core position (5) and vertically aligned with the core position (5) and the roller (7). The second lifting box (41) is located below the preparation position (40) and vertically aligned with the preparation position (40). The preparation position (40) and the corresponding second lifting box (41) are offset relative to the core position (5) and the first lifting box (31) along a second horizontal direction (Y). The second horizontal direction (Y) is transverse to the connection direction (X), and the conveyor (42) located in the basement (32) is oriented along the second horizontal direction (Y). The floor (12) extends along a horizontal plane sufficient to allow an operator standing on the floor (12) to approach the core position (5), the preparation position (40), and the first head module (3) and the second head module (103) in turn without leaving the working layer (11), whether the first head module (3) and the second head module (103) are in a closed configuration or in an open configuration.

11. The extrusion equipment according to claim 10, characterized in that, The tool module comprises an assembly of parallel plates stacked together in the thickness direction along the connection direction (X).

12. The extrusion equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The free height of the working floor (11) above the floor (12) is equal to or greater than 2.00m, and the free height of the basement (H32) is equal to or greater than 1.90m.

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