Method for replacing a processing unit for preparing a tire element

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for replacing a processing unit for preparing a tire element, the element being of type P, during an uninterrupted tire production process in a tire manufacturing plant, and a method for modernizing a tire manufacturing plant, comprising replacements of processing units, such replacements being carried out according to said replacement method of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a tire production process using the method according to the present invention and a tire manufacturing plant for implementing said process. Figure to be published with the abstract: [Fig 1]

Description

Title of the invention: Method for replacing a processing unit for preparing a tire element

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for replacing a processing unit for preparing a tire element during an uninterrupted tire production process in a tire manufacturing plant. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for modernizing a tire manufacturing plant, comprising the use of the replacement method of the present invention, a tire production process using the method according to the present invention, and a tire manufacturing plant for implementing said process.

[0002] A tire manufacturing plant generally comprises one or more buildings in which tires are manufactured using several processing units. Plants must be organized to respond quickly to changes in tire orders. Indeed, a plant must be able to switch production lines rapidly to remain competitive while improving tire quality. Furthermore, given new regulations in the automotive sector, new challenges are arising in the tire industry; to meet these new needs, it is necessary to react quickly to adapt production. Therefore, there is a need for new methods to upgrade plants in order to meet regulations and customer requirements.

[0003] In the present invention, it has been found that it is possible to carry out this type of upgrade while keeping the production lines operational. Indeed, thanks to the present invention, it is no longer necessary to destroy factories to upgrade them. This is highly beneficial financially because tire production does not need to be interrupted for upgrading or modernization, but also from an environmental point of view by avoiding complete destruction before reconstruction.

[0004] Thus, the present invention relates to a method for replacing a processing unit for preparing a tire element, the element being of type P, during an uninterrupted tire production process in a tire production plant comprising a processing unit UR, the method comprising

[0005] (i) prepare a PR type P pneumatic element in the UR processing unit, including

[0006] (i.1) direct at least one SE flow comprising at least one E component to the P-type pneumatic element in the UR unit;

[0007] (i.2) process at least one component E in the unit UR, obtaining the element PR of type P;

[0008] (i.3) remove an SPR stream comprising the PR element from the UR unit;

[0009] (ii) prepare a UN processing unit for commissioning, comprising

[0010] (ü. 1) provide the processing unit UN;

[0011] (ii.2) install the UN unit at a location in the production plant pneumatic system allowing the passage of at least one SE flow into UN;

[0012] (ii.3) put the UN unit into a ready-to-operate state;

[0013] (iii) replace at least partially the processing of at least one component E in unit UR by the processing in unit UN, comprising

[0014] (iü.l) redirect at least part of the SE flow, without interrupting it, from unit UR to unit UN;

[0015] (iii.2) process at least a part of the SE stream in unit UN, obtaining an element PN type P;

[0016] (iii.3) remove an SPN stream comprising the PN element from the unit UN;

[0017] in which the unit UR and the unit UN are of the same type.

[0018] Preferably the UR unit and the UN unit are selected from the group consisting of a mixing unit, an extrusion unit, a cutting unit, a bead winding and apex application unit, an assembly unit and a vulcanizing unit.

[0019] Thanks to the method of the present invention, a tire production plant can change all or part of its equipment without having to close the plant and stop production.

[0020] Preferably, replacing a processing unit with another processing unit of the same type according to the present invention, particularly during an uninterrupted tire production process, makes it possible to modernize (and / or upgrade) an entire plant without relocating and destroying existing equipment. This has a very strong societal and environmental impact.

[0021] The method of the present invention avoids the complete closure of a factory and the cessation of production. This allows for continued tire production during modernization, which is a clear economic advantage, and preserves jobs by avoiding relocation to another region or country where building a factory might seem more advantageous.

[0022] Preferably the SE flow directed along (i. 1) is continuous or discontinuous.

[0023] Preferably the SPR flow including the PR element of the UR unit is further directed to a subsequent stage of the uninterrupted pneumatic production process.

[0024] Preferably the UN processing unit supplied according to (ii.1) replacing the UR unit is a unit with more technical features than this UR unit.

[0025] Preferably the processing unit UN supplied according to (ü.l) is a processing unit allowing at least partial automation, more preferably the automation, of said processing.

[0026] Preferably the installation of UN according to (ii.2) is either in an existing zone ZI including UR, or in a zone Z2 of the plant at a location in the tire production plant allowing the passage of at least one SE flow into UN, ZI being different from Z2.

[0027] Optionally, zone Z2 can be a pre-existing zone at the plant prior to the replacement or a new zone created for the replacement. This new zone could be a new building, for example.

[0028] Preferably the method further includes before (i)

[0029] - the supply of the UR treatment unit,

[0030] - the installation of UR in the factory, more preferably in a Zl zone, allowing the passage of at least one SE flow into UR; and

[0031] - putting UR into a ready-to-operate state.

[0032] Preferably put the UN unit in a ready-to-operate state according to (ii.3) includes programming this unit, more preferably for the optimal operation of this unit within the uninterrupted tire production process.

[0033] In the context of the present invention, the term "uninterrupted process" means that the steps of the tire production process are not interrupted.

[0034] Preferably, the programming is done with a computer program and / or by a factory operator.

[0035] Preferably (iii.l) includes the gradual stopping of the direction of the SE flow in UR. Preferably (iii.l) includes redirecting the SE flow, without interrupting it, from the UR unit to the UN unit.

[0036] Preferably, the SE flow is continuous or discontinuous.

[0037] Preferably the SPN flow including the PN element of the UR unit is further directed to a later stage in the uninterrupted pneumatic production process.

[0038] It is possible that the SPN stream and the SPR stream are mixed for or at the later step.

[0039] Preferably, when the unit UR and the unit UN are mixing units, component E comprises at least two chemical compounds, more preferably at least one of the two chemical compounds being natural and / or synthetic rubber.

[0040] Preferably, when unit UR and unit UN are mixing units, the treatment according to (i.2) and (ii.2) in these mixing units comprises mixing component E comprising at least two chemical compounds, more preferably in which at least one of the two chemical compounds is natural and / or synthetic rubber.

[0041] This makes it possible to obtain, with the treatment according to (i.2), an element PR being a mixture of chemical compounds and, with the treatment according to (ii.2), an element PN being a mixture of chemical compounds.

[0042] Preferably, when unit UR and unit UN are extrusion units, component E comprises a mixture of chemical compounds, more preferably comprising natural and / or synthetic rubber.

[0043] Preferably, when unit UR and unit UN are extrusion units, the treatment according to (i.2) and (ii.2) in these extrusion units includes extruding a mixture of chemical compounds, more preferably including natural and / or synthetic rubber.

[0044] This makes it possible to obtain with the treatment according to (i.2) a PR element being an extruded strip and with the treatment according to (ii.2) a PN element being an extruded strip.

[0045] Preferably, when unit UR and unit UN are assembly units, component E comprises tire components, more preferably including a carcass, sidewalls and a tread.

[0046] Preferably, when unit UR and unit UN are assembly units, the processing according to (i.2) and (ii.2) in these assembly units includes assembling tire components on a manufacturing drum, in which more preferably the tire components include a carcass, sidewalls and a tread.

[0047] This makes it possible to obtain, with the treatment according to (i.2), a PR element being an unvulcanized tire and, with the treatment according to (ii.2), a PN element being an unvulcanized tire.

[0048] Preferably, when unit UR and unit UN are vulcanization units, component E is a non-vulcanized tire.

[0049] Preferably, when unit UR and unit UN are vulcanizing units, the treatment according to (i.2) and (ii.2) in these vulcanizing units includes vulcanizing an unvulcanized tire in a mold.

[0050] This makes it possible to obtain, with the treatment according to (i.2), a PR element being a vulcanized tire and, with the treatment according to (ii.2), a PN element being a vulcanized tire.

[0051] Preferably, the quality of the PN element of type P is greater than or equal to the quality of the PR element of type P, more preferably greater than the quality of the PR element of type P.

[0052] Preferably the method further comprises

[0053] (iv) the shutdown of the UR treatment unit and its removal from the plant.

[0054] Preferably the UR treatment unit removed from the plant according to (iv) is recycled.

[0055] The present invention further relates to a method of modernizing a factory of tire production, the method comprising several replacements of processing units used for tire production by other processing units of the same type, wherein said other processing units are connected to each other by a network, wherein the method comprises operating each replacement of processing unit according to the steps of the replacement method according to the present invention.

[0056] Thus, the present invention relates to a method for modernizing a tire production plant, the method comprising several replacements of processing units used in a tire production process with other processing units of the same type, wherein said other processing units are connected to each other by a network, wherein the method comprises operating each replacement of a processing unit according to a method for replacing a processing unit for the preparation of a tire element, the element being of type P, the replacement method comprising

[0057] (i) prepare a PR type P pneumatic element in the UR processing unit, including

[0058] (i.1) direct at least one SE flow comprising at least one E component to the P-type pneumatic element in the UR unit;

[0059] (i.2) process at least one component E in the unit UR, obtaining the element PR of type P;

[0060] (i.3) remove an SPR stream comprising the PR element from the UR unit;

[0061] (ii) prepare a UN processing unit for commissioning, comprising

[0062] (ii. 1) provide the UN processing unit;

[0063] (ii.2) install the UN unit at a location in the production plant pneumatic system allowing the passage of at least one SE flow into UN;

[0064] (ii.3) put the UN unit into a ready-to-operate state;

[0065] (iii) replace at least partially the processing of at least one component E in unit UR by the processing in unit UN, comprising

[0066] (iii. 1) redirect at least part of the SE flow, without interrupting it, from unit UR to unit UN;

[0067] (iü.2) to process at least a part of the SE stream in unit UN, obtaining an element PN type P;

[0068] (iii.3) remove an SPN stream comprising the PN element from the unit UN;

[0069] wherein the unit UR and the unit UN are of the same type and wherein each replacement is done without interrupting the tire production process in the tire production plant including the UR processing unit.

[0070] Preferably, the network is an internal network, for example an intranet, or an external network.

[0071] Indeed, this allows the units to communicate with each other to improve the efficiency of tire production.

[0072] Preferably the replacements are made successively or simultaneously, moreover preferably successively.

[0073] Preferably the replacement steps described in the modernization method are as disclosed herein in the context of the replacement method of the present invention.

[0074] The present invention further relates to a continuous process for producing tires in a tire production plant, comprising a method for replacing a processing unit for preparing a tire element, the element being of type P, according to the present invention.

[0075] Thus, the present invention relates to a continuous process for producing tires in a tire production plant, comprising a method for replacing a processing unit for preparing a tire element, the element being of type P, in the tire production plant comprising a processing unit UR, the method comprising

[0076] (i) prepare a PR type P pneumatic element in the UR processing unit, including

[0077] (i.1) direct at least one SE flow comprising at least one E component to the P-type pneumatic element in the UR unit;

[0078] (i.2) process at least one component E in the unit UR, obtaining the element PR of type P;

[0079] (i.3) remove an SPR stream comprising the PR element from the UR unit;

[0080] (ii) prepare a UN processing unit for commissioning, comprising

[0081] (ü. 1) provide the UN processing unit;

[0082] (ü.2) install the UN unit at a location in the production plant of pneumatic system allowing the passage of at least one SE flow into UN;

[0083] (ii.3) put the UN unit into a ready-to-operate state;

[0084] (iii) replace at least partially the processing of at least one component E in unit UR by the processing in unit UN, comprising

[0085] (iii. 1) redirect at least part of the SE flow, without interrupting it, from unit UR to unit UN;

[0086] (iii.2) process at least a part of the SE stream in unit UN, obtaining an element PN type P;

[0087] (iii.3) remove an SPN stream comprising the PN element from the unit UN;

[0088] in which the unit UR and the unit UN are of the same type.

[0089] Preferably the replacement steps described in the context of the continuous tire production process are as disclosed here in the context of the replacement method of the present invention.

[0090] The present invention further relates to a tire production plant, for implementing a tire production process according to the present invention, the plant comprising a processing unit UR for preparing a tire element PR; a means for directing a flow SE comprising at least one component E for the tire element of type P into the unit UR; a means for removing a flow SPR comprising the element PR from the unit UR; a processing unit UN for preparing a tire element PN; a location for the unit UN allowing the passage of at least one flow SE into UN; a means for redirecting at least a part of the flow SE, without interrupting it, from the unit UR to the unit UN; a means for removing an SPN flow comprising the element PN from the unit UN; wherein the unit UR and the unit UN are of the same type.

[0091] Preferably the UR unit and the UN unit are selected from the group consisting of a mixing unit, an extrusion unit, a cutting unit, a bead winding and apex application unit, an assembly unit and a vulcanizing unit.

[0092] Preferably the plant further comprising at least two other US processing units, these at least two US units being of a different type from UR and UN.

[0093] The present invention is further illustrated by the following set of embodiments and combinations of embodiments resulting from dependencies and back references as indicated. In particular, it should be noted that in each case where a range of embodiments is mentioned, for example in the context of a term such as "The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 3", each embodiment in that range is intended to be explicitly disclosed to the person skilled in the art, i.e., the formulation of that term should be understood by the person skilled in the art as being synonymous with "the method of any one of embodiments 1, 2 and 3".Furthermore, it is explicitly noted that the following set of embodiments represents a suitably structured part of the general description directed to preferred aspects of the present invention and, consequently, appropriately supports, but does not represent, the claims of the present invention.

[0094] According to embodiment 1 of the present invention, a method for replacing a processing unit for preparing a tire element, the element being of type P, during an uninterrupted tire production process in a tire production plant comprising a processing unit UR, the method comprising

[0095] (i) prepare a PR type P pneumatic element in the UR processing unit, including

[0096] (i.1) direct at least one SE flow comprising at least one E component to the P-type pneumatic element in the UR unit;

[0097] (i.2) process at least one component E in the unit UR, obtaining the element PR of type P;

[0098] (i.3) remove an SPR stream comprising the PR element from the UR unit;

[0099] (ii) prepare a UN processing unit for commissioning, comprising

[0100] (ü. 1) provide the processing unit UN;

[0101] (ii.2) install the UN unit at a location in the production plant pneumatic system allowing the passage of at least one SE flow into UN;

[0102] (ii.3) put the UN unit into a ready-to-operate state;

[0103] (iii) replace at least partially the processing of at least one component E in unit UR by the processing in unit UN, comprising

[0104] (iü.l) redirect at least part of the SE flow, without interrupting it, from unit UR to unit UN;

[0105] (iii.2) process at least a part of the SE stream in unit UN, obtaining an element PN type P;

[0106] (iii.3) remove an SPN stream comprising the PN element from the unit UN;

[0107] in which the unit UR and the unit UN are of the same type.

[0108] Embodiment 2: A method according to embodiment 1, in which unit UR and unit UN are selected from the group consisting of a mixing unit, an extrusion unit, a cutting unit, a bead winding and apex application unit, an assembly unit and a vulcanizing unit.

[0109] Embodiment 3: The method according to embodiment 1 or 2, in which the SE flow directed along (it) is continuous or discontinuous.

[0110] Embodiment 4: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the SPR flow comprising the PR element of the UR unit is further directed to a later stage of the uninterrupted pneumatic production process.

[0111] Embodiment 5: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the processing unit UN provided according to (ii.l) replacing the unit UR is a unit having more technical functionalities than that unit UR.

[0112] Embodiment 6: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the processing unit UN provided according to (ii.l) is a processing unit enabling at least partial automation, preferably automation, of said processing.

[0113] Embodiment 7: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the installation of UN according to (ii.2) is carried out either in an existing zone ZI including UR, either in a Z2 zone of the plant at a location in the tire production plant allowing the passage of at least one SE flow into UN, ZI being different from Z2.

[0114] Embodiment 8: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein putting unit UN into a ready-to-operate state according to (ii.3) includes programming this unit, preferably for the optimal operation of this unit within the uninterrupted tire production process.

[0115] Embodiment 9: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein (iii.l) includes redirecting the SE flow, without interrupting it, from unit UR to unit UN.

[0116] Embodiment 10: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the SPN flow comprising the PN element of the UR unit is further directed to a later stage in the uninterrupted pneumatic production process.

[0117] Embodiment 11: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein, where unit UR and unit UN are mixing units, component E comprises at least two chemical compounds, preferably at least one of the two chemical compounds being natural and / or synthetic rubber.

[0118] Embodiment 12: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein, where unit UR and unit UN are mixing units, the treatment according to (i.2) and (ii.2) in these mixing units comprises mixing component E comprising at least two chemical compounds, preferably wherein at least one of the two chemical compounds is natural and / or synthetic rubber.

[0119] Embodiment 13: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein, where unit UR and unit UN are extrusion units, component E comprises a mixture of chemical compounds, preferably comprising natural and / or synthetic rubber.

[0120] Embodiment 14: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10 and 13, wherein, when unit UR and unit UN are extrusion units, the treatment according to (i.2) and (ii.2) in these extrusion units comprises extruding a mixture of chemical compounds, preferably comprising natural and / or synthetic rubber.

[0121] Embodiment 15: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein, when unit UR and unit UN are assembly units, component E comprises tire components, preferably including a carcass, sidewalls and a tread.

[0122] Embodiment 16: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10 and 15, wherein, where unit UR and unit UN are assembly units, the processing according to (i.2) and (ii.2) in these assembly units comprises assembling tire components on a manufacturing drum, in which preferably the tire components comprise a carcass, sidewalls and a tread.

[0123] Embodiment 17: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein, when unit UR and unit UN are vulcanization units, component E is an unvulcanized tire.

[0124] Embodiment 18: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10 and 18, wherein, where unit UR and unit UN are vulcanizing units, the treatment according to (i.2) and (ii.2) in these vulcanizing units comprises vulcanizing an unvulcanized tire in a mold.

[0125] Embodiment 19: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18, further comprising

[0126] (iv) the shutdown of the UR treatment unit and its removal from the plant.

[0127] Embodiment 20: The method according to embodiment 19, in which the UR treatment unit removed from the plant according to (iv) is recycled.

[0128] Embodiment 21: A method for modernizing a tire production plant, the method comprising several replacements of processing units used for tire production by other processing units of the same type, wherein said other processing units are connected to each other by a network, wherein the method comprises operating each replacement of processing unit according to the steps of the replacement method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20.

[0129] Embodiment 22: The modernization method according to embodiment 21, in which the replacements are made successively or simultaneously, preferably successively.

[0130] Embodiment 23: A continuous process for producing tires in a tire production plant, comprising a method for replacing a processing unit for preparing a tire element, the element being of type P, according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20.

[0131] Embodiment 24: A tire production plant for implementing a tire production process according to embodiment 23, the plant comprising a processing unit UR for preparing a tire element PR; a means for directing a flow SE comprising at least one component E for the tire element of type P into the unit UR; a means for withdrawing a flow SPR comprising the element PR from the unit UR; a unit of UN treatment for the preparation of a PN tire element; a location for the UN unit allowing the passage of at least one SE flow into UN; a means for redirecting at least a part of the SE flow, without interrupting it, from the UR unit to the UN unit; a means for removing an SPN flow including the PN element from the UN unit; wherein the UR unit and the UN unit are of the same type.

[0132] Embodiment 25: A plant according to embodiment 24, in which unit UR and unit UN are selected from the group consisting of a mixing unit, an extrusion unit, a cutting unit, a bead winding and apex application unit, an assembly unit and a vulcanizing unit.

[0133] Embodiment 26: A plant according to embodiment 24 or 25, wherein the plant further comprises at least two other US processing units, these at least two US units being of a different type than UR and UN. Description of the figures

[0134] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate certain steps in embodiments of the replacement method of the present invention. Figure 1 represents the operation of the UR unit before the start of the processing unit replacement, during the uninterrupted tire manufacturing process in a tire production plant 1, for the preparation of a PR element of type P. The SE flow comprising at least one component E for the P-type tire element is directed into the UR unit, the component E is then processed in the UR unit to obtain the P-type PR element, and finally the SPR flow comprising the PR element is withdrawn from the UR.

[0135] Optionally, the SPR flow, including PR, is directed to another processing unit (UFS) to obtain a type P tire product. Figure 2 illustrates the operation of unit UR during the uninterrupted tire manufacturing process in a tire production plant 1 for the preparation of a type P PR element, and the operation of unit UN during the uninterrupted tire manufacturing process in a tire production plant 1 for the preparation of a type P PN element. These two units operate in parallel for a certain period. For this purpose, a portion of SE is directed to UN and a portion of SE is directed to UR. Optionally, both the SPN and SPR flows are directed to another processing unit (UFS) to obtain a type P tire product.

[0136] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate certain steps in embodiments of the replacement method of the present invention. Figure 3 illustrates the gradual shutdown of the operation of unit UR after UN has been brought to operation and the start of the replacement of UR by UN, during the uninterrupted tire manufacturing process in a tire production plant 1, for the pre Preparation of a type P PN tire element. A portion and then the entire SE flow, including at least one component E for the type P tire element, is directed to UN. Component E is then processed in unit UN to obtain the type P PN element. Finally, the SPN flow, including the PN element, is withdrawn from UN. Optionally, SPN is directed to another processing unit UFS to obtain a type P tire product. According to [Fig. 4], the uninterrupted tire production process continues with the processing unit UN.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for replacing a processing unit for preparing a tire element, the element being of type P, during an uninterrupted tire production process in a tire production plant comprising a processing unit UR, the method comprising (i) preparing a tire element PR of type P in the processing unit UR, comprising (i) directing at least one SE stream comprising at least one component E for the tire element of type P into the unit UR; (i.2) processing the at least one component E in the unit UR, obtaining the PR element of type P; (i.3) removing an SPR stream comprising the PR element from the unit UR; (ii) preparing a processing unit UN for operation, comprising (ii.1) supplying the processing unit UN; (ii.2) installing the unit UN at a location in the tire production plant permitting the passage of at least one SE stream into UN; (ii.(3) put unit UN into a ready-to-operate state; (iii) replace at least partially the processing of at least one component E in unit UR with the processing in unit UN, including (iii.1) redirecting at least part of the SE stream, without interrupting it, from unit UR to unit UN; (iii.2) processing at least part of the SE stream in unit UN, obtaining a PN element of type P; (iii.3) removing an SPN stream including the PN element from unit UN; in which unit UR and unit UN are of the same type.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the UR unit and the UN unit are selected from the group consisting of a mixing unit, an extrusion unit, a cutting unit, a bead winding and apex application unit, an assembly unit and a vulcanizing unit.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing unit UN provided according to (ii.l) is a processing unit enabling at least partial automation, preferably automation, of said processing.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the installation of UN according to (ii.2) is either in an existing zone ZI comprising UR, or in a zone Z2 of the plant at a location in the tire production plant allowing the passage of at least one SE flow into UN, ZI being different from Z2.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein putting unit UN into a ready-to-operate state according to (ii.3) includes programming such unit, preferably for optimal operation of such unit within the uninterrupted process of tire production.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, where unit UR and unit UN are mixing units, component E comprises at least two chemical compounds, preferably at least one of the two chemical compounds being natural and / or synthetic rubber; wherein preferably, where unit UR and unit UN are mixing units, the treatment according to (i.2) and (ii.2) in these mixing units comprises mixing component E comprising at least two chemical compounds, preferably wherein at least one of the two chemical compounds is natural and / or synthetic rubber.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, when unit UR and unit UN are assembly units, component E comprises tire components, preferably including a carcass, sidewalls and a tread; wherein preferably, when unit UR and unit UN are assembly units, the processing according to (i.2) and (ii.2) in these assembly units comprises assembling tire components on a manufacturing drum, wherein preferably the tire components comprise a carcass, sidewalls and a tread.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, when unit UR and unit UN are vulcanizing units, component E is an unvulcanized tire; wherein preferably, when unit UR and unit UN are vulcanizing units, the treatment according to (i.2) and (ii.2) in these vulcanizing units comprises vulcanizing an unvulcanized tire in a mold.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising in addition (iv) the shutdown of the UR treatment unit and its removal from the plant.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the UR processing unit removed from the plant according to (iv) is recycled.

11. A method for modernizing a tire production plant, the method comprising several replacements of processing units used for tire production by other processing units of the same type, wherein said other processing units are connected to each other by a network; wherein the method comprises operating each replacement of a processing unit according to the steps of the replacement method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A continuous process for producing tires in a tire manufacturing plant, comprising a method for replacing a processing unit for preparing a tire element, the element being of type P, according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A tire production plant, for implementing a tire production process according to claim 12, the plant comprising a processing unit UR for preparing a tire element PR; a means for directing a flow SE comprising at least one component E for the tire element of type P into the unit UR; a means for removing a flow SPR comprising the element PR from the unit UR; a processing unit UN for preparing a tire element PN; a location for the unit UN allowing the passage of at least one flow SE into UN; a means for redirecting at least a portion of the flow SE, without interrupting it, from the unit UR to the unit UN; a means for removing an SPN flow comprising the element PN from the unit UN; wherein the unit UR and the unit UN are of the same type.

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