Extrusion facility with underground transfer of tool modules

Abstract

The invention relates to an extrusion installation comprising a core site (5) designed to receive tool modules (6) and connect an extruder to it (4) in order to produce profiled elements (2), the core site (5) being located on a first level (11) called "working level" (11) which is provided with a floor (12) on which an operator can move around to access the core site (5), the installation (1) comprising a device (30) for underground transport, which makes it possible to transport the tool modules (6) to the core site (5) using an elevator cage (31, 41) to make the tool modules (6) pass through the floor (120) from or to a second level (32) called "underground" (32) located below the floor (12) and to move the tool modules (6) outside the core site (5) from and to a remote preparation site (40) also located on the working level, respectively.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of extrusion equipment, and more particularly to extrusion equipment intended to produce profiled elements from one or more rubber compounds. [Background technology]

[0002] Such a profiled element may be intended in particular for the production of pneumatic tires.

[0003] In a manner known per se, the extrusion installation may comprise several extruders mounted on a tool that makes it possible to place together the various compounds coming from said extruders and that has a die for shaping the profiled element, i.e. it is advantageously possible to obtain relatively complex profiled elements by co-extrusion of several compounds.

[0004] However, the large number of extruders in one and the same facility and the large nature of the tools, which must be robust enough to withstand the considerable compressive stresses that occur during the extrusion of rubber compounds in particular, often lead to the creation of relatively bulky facilities, some of whose parts are very remote from one another and / or sometimes difficult to access.

[0005] This complicates equipment management, especially when the extruder needs to be refilled during an extrusion run to ensure a continuous supply of rubber compound, or when the tooling and / or extruder needs to be cleaned after an extrusion run to resume production.

[0006] As a result, it is not uncommon to have to mobilize multiple operators to operate and / or clean one and the same extrusion equipment, with each operator being assigned to a separate station within the extrusion equipment.

[0007] Furthermore, the operations required to reconfigure the equipment, and more specifically to change the tools, in order to switch from producing a first type of profiled element to producing a second type of profiled element different from the first type are often complex and cumbersome and therefore take a relatively long time, especially when the weights used during the replacement of the extruder and / or tooling are particularly large and require a lot of vigilance by the operator to ensure that this replacement is carried out in a completely safe manner.

[0008] For this reason, known extrusion equipment is often not very flexible in that they are not well adapted to rapid changes in production despite the ever-increasing demand for diversification of production aimed at producing a small series of profiled elements, each with very specific and varied characteristics, in particular for manufacturing a small series of corresponding specialty tires. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The final goal of the subject of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks and to propose an extrusion installation with good compactness, a high degree of ease of use and excellent possibilities for rapid reconfiguration in total safety during changes in production. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The subject of the present invention is achieved by an extrusion installation intended to produce profiled elements, comprising at least one first head module carrying at least one first extruder intended to supply the constituent material of the profiled elements, the installation also comprising a site called "core site" designed to receive tool modules to enable connection of this at least one first extruder to the tool modules in order to form the profiled elements, the installation being characterized in that the core site is located on a first level called "working level" which is provided with a floor on which operators can move around to access the core site located above it, and the installation being characterized in that it comprises an underground transfer device making it possible to transport the tool modules to the core site and / or remove them, respectively, from the core site 5, the underground transfer device comprising for that purpose at least one first lifting cage designed to move the tool modules through the floor from or respectively to a second level called "basement" located below the floor of the working level.

[0011] Advantageously, by providing for the removal and more generally the transport of tool modules through the basement, the installation according to the invention makes it possible to clear and maintain a maximum amount of free space on the floor at the working level for the other components of the installation, in particular for the extruders, which are thus installed at the working level on the same floor level and which can also be distributed on the floor in multiple directions relative to the core site, so that the components of the installation occupy, on the one hand, a relatively small amount of overall surface area above ground, so that the installation is relatively compact, and on the other hand remain easily accessible to one and the same operators who move around on the floor.

[0012] Similarly, as will be seen in detail below, the implementation of the underground transfer device according to the present invention makes it possible to connect the core site to a remote preparation site intended for cleaning and preparation of tool modules and advantageously offset relative to the core site, while still remaining accessible to operators moving around on the working level.

[0013] As a result, advantageously, one and the same operators can operate the installation during a profiled element production cycle by remaining at one and the same level, in particular on the floor at the working level, while always having available to them all the space they need in the immediate vicinity of the core site and the extruder, and in parallel operation, i.e., while the extrusion operation is taking place, new tool modules can be cleaned and prepared at a nearby positioned preparation site in a process that anticipates the next production cycle, and then, thanks to the underground transfer device according to the invention, the used tool modules can be quickly exchanged for new ones when it is time to change production, i.e., it is possible to significantly reduce the installation downtime between two consecutive production cycles.

[0014] Furthermore, it should be noted that insofar as the transport of the tool module is carried out underground, this transport is made completely safe since the path of the tool module never crosses one or more of the routes taken by the operator when he moves around on the floor within the working level.

[0015] Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more clearly apparent from reading the following description and with the aid of the accompanying drawings, which are provided purely by way of non-limiting example and in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary installation according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the installation of FIG. 1. [Figure 3]1 and 2 in a closed configuration in a cross-sectional front view showing the working level and basement at the same time. [Figure 4] 1, 2 and 3 in an open configuration in the same cross-sectional plane as FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 5] 1, 2, 3 and 4 in a cross-sectional side view showing the core site and remote preparation station, both located above the floor, and a lifting cage that allows tool modules to be transported from the preparation station to the core site and vice versa via a conveyor located in the basement below the floor. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view showing the working level and basement of the facility of FIGS. 1 through 5 cleaned and prepared at a remote preparation site with a first tool module engaged at the core site and a second tool module positioned at the working level for a first production cycle. [Figure 7] 7 illustrates, in the same side view as FIG. 6, the lowering of a second tool module into the basement from the preparation site to the core site by a second lifting cage provided on the floor, and the reception of the second tool module vertically aligned with the preparation site on a conveyor of a transport device that extends into the basement to connect the second lifting cage to the first lifting cage and has a first receptacle intended for the first tool module and a second receptacle for receiving the second tool module. [Figure 8] FIG. 12 is a side view of the basement displacement of the conveyor receptacle, allowing the joining of the second tool module with the first lifting cage and therefore the core site, and the placement of the conveyor's first receptacle in a waiting position below the first lifting cage and vertically aligned with the core site. [Figure 9] 10 is a side view of the descent by the first lifting cage of the used first tool module from the core site located above the floor to the first receptacle of the conveyor that ensures the recovery of the first tool module placed in a waiting position in the basement and intended to be sent to the preparation site. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a side view of positioning the second receptacle of the conveyor, and therefore the second tool module it contains, on the opposite side of the first lifting cage. [Figure 11] FIG. 12 is a side view of the lifting of the second tool module in the first lifting cage through the floor from the basement conveyor to the core site and the installation of the second tool module in the core site to replace the first tool module in view of the second production cycle. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view of the first tool module being transported on a conveyor in the basement to the second lifting cage so that the first receptacle, and therefore the used first tool module it contains, is placed below the second lifting cage in vertical alignment with the preparation site. [Figure 13] A side view of the lifting of a used first tool module from the basement conveyor by the second lifting cage to the preparation site with a view to cleaning the first tool module, and then returning the second receptacle of the conveyor vertically below the second lifting cage with the expectation of the next change of tool module. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are perspective detailed views of successive steps for implementing a locking mechanism comprising a first jaw and a second jaw, each engaging 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 jaws pressing the first and second head modules together and the first and second head modules positioned on either side of a core site such that a tool module is fastened between the first and second head modules. [Figure 15]10A and 10B are perspective detailed views of successive steps for implementing a locking mechanism comprising a first jaw and a second jaw, each engaging 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 jaws pressing the first and second head modules together and the first and second head modules positioned on either side of a core site such that a tool module is fastened between the first and second head modules. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are perspective detailed views of successive steps for implementing a locking mechanism comprising a first jaw and a second jaw, each engaging 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 jaws pressing the first and second head modules together and the first and second head modules positioned on either side of a core site such that a tool module is fastened between the first and second head modules. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The invention relates to an extrusion installation 1 intended to produce profiled elements 2 .

[0018] As can be seen in particular in Figures 1, 3 and 4, this installation 1 comprises at least one first head module 3 carrying at least one first extruder 4 intended to supply the constituent material of the profiled element 2.

[0019] The construction material or "compound" of the contoured element is preferably rubber-based.

[0020] The installation 1 also comprises a site 5 called the "core site" 5 designed to receive a tool module 6 to allow connection of at least one first extruder 4 to the tool module 6 in order to form the profiled element 2.

[0021] As a result, the core site 5 will typically correspond to the area of ​​space occupied by the tool module 6 when it is in use during the cycle of producing the contoured element 2 and therefore when it approaches the first extruder 4 (and, if necessary, to the various extruders of the installation if the installation has extruders 4, 104, 4_2, 4_3, 104_2, 104_3).

[0022] Preferably, the equipment 1 comprises a roller 7 mounted so as to be able to rotate on the opposite side of the core site 5, and when the tool module 6 is positioned at the core site 5, the tool module 6 interacts with the roller 7 to form a gap 8, as can be seen in Figure 3, which allows the shaping of the profiled element 2 and, more specifically, determines the thickness of the profiled element 2.

[0023] The roller 7, which is preferably made of metal, for example steel, is preferably motorized and is itself driven in rotation about its central axis Y7 so as to follow the longitudinal progression of the profiled element 2 as it is produced in the gap 8. The roller 7 preferably has a diameter of between 15 cm and 300 cm, more preferably between 90 cm and 300 cm.

[0024] The roller 7 advantageously defines a gap 8 which, on the one hand, corresponds to the space comprised between the radially outer surface of the roller 7 in a radial direction relative to the central axis Y7 of the roller 7 and the end face of the tool module 6 opposite the roller 7 and covering the angular area defined by the central axis Y7 around the roller 7, and on the other hand serves to allow cooling and dimensional stabilization of the contoured element 2 after it has left the gap 8.

[0025] The central axis Y7 of the roller 7 is preferably oriented horizontally, in particular for reasons of compactness and mechanical stability of the extrusion process.

[0026] In a manner known per se, the first extruder 4 preferably comprises a screw which is driven in rotation about its longitudinal axis in a barrel 9 , this barrel 9 being fixed to the first head module 3 .

[0027] The barrel 9 preferably has an upstream portion having a feeding zone 9_in with an inlet orifice, for example in the form of a hopper, for introducing the material to be processed, for example in the form of rubber pieces or continuous rubber strips, into the barrel 9, and a downstream portion having an outlet orifice through which the material processed (kneaded and heated) by the extruder screw leaves the barrel 9.

[0028] The first head module 3 is positioned to place the outlet orifice of the barrel 9 in sealed flow communication with one or more corresponding channels 10 fabricated in the tool module 6 (FIGS. 14, 15, 16) so that the material extruded by the extruder 4 can be conveyed through the one or more channels 10 and then through the tool module 6 to the gap 8.

[0029] In one possible application, the profiled element 2 can be formed by a single layer of only one homogeneous material based on rubber.

[0030] In another possible application, the profiled element 2 is preferably manufactured from several materials of different rubber-based compositions.

[0031] For that purpose, the installation 1 will preferably comprise a plurality of extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3, 104, 104_2, 104_3 (...), in which the rubber-based materials are each processed by at least one dedicated extruder of the plurality of extruders, then conveyed through a tool module 6 and finally joined, arranged and shaped to form the profiled element 2 according to the desired layout.

[0032] Some of the extruders, preferably all of the extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3, 104, 104_2, 104_3(...), may be screw extruders, preferably each with their own barrels 9, 9_2, 9_3, 109, 104_3(...), each exhibiting a feed zone 9_in, 9_2_in, 9_3_in, 109_in, 109_2_in, 109_3_in(...).

[0033] The composition of the various materials juxtaposed in the straight cross section of the contoured element 2, and the dimensions and positions of the materials in the straight cross section of the contoured element, will of course be predetermined depending on the destination of the contoured element 2.

[0034] In this regard, it is noted that the contoured element 2 is preferably intended to form a component of the pneumatic tire, such as the tread, the sidewall, or, in particular if the contoured element is formed by a single, particularly thin material, also a liner layer intended to form the interface between two superimposed layers within the pneumatic tire.

[0035] The profiled element 2 is advantageously produced continuously along its length, which defines a direction called the "longitudinal direction" L2.

[0036] In accordance with the present invention, the core site 5 is located on a first level 11, referred to as the "working level" 11, which has a floor 12 on which an operator can move around to access the core site 5, and the core site 5 is located above the floor 12.

[0037] The floor 12 advantageously provides a load-bearing surface upon which an adult operator can stand and move about.

[0038] To that end, the floor 12 may be solid, for example made of concrete or metal, and / or potentially open, for example incorporating metal grid-type passageways.

[0039] The expression "above the floor" means that the object in question is located in a region of space positioned vertically to the side of the upper surface of the floor 12, and therefore at a height greater than the height of the upper surface of the floor 12.

[0040] The floor 12 preferably comprises a fixed, i.e. immovable, surface relative to the installation coordinate system of the installation 1 .

[0041] The floor 12 is preferably planar.

[0042] It is preferred that the floor 12 forms a horizontal surface, although it is not excluded that the floor 12 has a certain inclination, preferably less than 10 degrees, less than 6 degrees or less than 3 degrees relative to the horizontal surface, particularly depending on the location.

[0043] The free height of the working 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, in order to provide sufficient vertical clearance for an operator to stand, as well as to allow the integration and operation of the rollers 7 and, if necessary, the discharge of the profiled elements 2 by means of a discharge belt 13 placed at the outlet of the rollers 7. As a guide, this free height is equal to 2.80 m, and can be ±20 cm if necessary.

[0044] The floor 12 comprises a first station P1, also called "core station P1", which faces the core site 5 at a distance of less than 1 m, preferably less than 50 cm (thus within reach) from the closest limit of the core site 5 in order to provide services to the core site 5.

[0045] Advantageously, when occupying the first station P1, the operator is able to visually monitor the core site 5 during production and / or physically intervene within the core site 5 and with the rollers 7 as required.

[0046] By convention, the reference height of the floor 12 is taken to be the height of the floor 12 at the level of the first station P1, ie substantially at the level of the core site 5.

[0047] Preferably, the core site 5 and therefore the tool module 6 in use is positioned at a height in the range of 0 cm to 200 cm, preferably 30 cm to 180 cm above the floor 12 of the working level 11 .

[0048] As a result, the core site 5 is advantageously positioned at "human height" relative to the surrounding floor 12, so that the first station P1 provides the operator with a certain amount of comfort and good ergonomics for engagement within and around the core site 5.

[0049] Advantageously, the floor 12 extends around the installation 1, and in particular around the extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3, 104, 104_2, 104_3, so as to be able to service other stations P2, P3, P4, which will be described in more detail below, including, in addition to the first station P1, one or more second feed stations P2 that allow an operator to monitor and intervene at the level of one or more feed 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 for cleaning one or more head modules 3, 103 when the installation 1 is in an open configuration after an extrusion cycle, and at least one preparation station P4 for preparing and cleaning the tool modules 6, 106 when operating in parallel.

[0050] As a result, it is particularly preferred that the first extruder 4 has a feed zone 9_in located above the floor 12 and accessible to the operator from part of the floor 12 at the working level 11, i.e. the second station P2 formed by the same floor 21 as the first post P1 serving the core site 5.

[0051] In this respect, the feeding zone 9_in is preferably positioned at human height, i.e. above the floor 12 of the working level 11, more particularly in a height range of 0 cm to 200 cm, preferably 30 cm to 180 cm above the height of the floor 12 at the level of the second station P2. From this second station P2, an operator can thus visually monitor the supply of material extruded to the first extruder 4 and intervene manually if necessary, in particular to ensure the replenishment of material to the first extruder 4 as this material is consumed to produce the profiled elements 2.

[0052] More generally, the installation 1 comprises a number of extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3, 104, 104_2, 104_3 that contribute to the supply of the tool module 6, the feed zones 9_in, 9_2_in, 9_3_in, 109_in, 109_2_in, 109_3_in of each of some of these extruders, preferably all of the extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3, 104, 104_2, 104_3 of the installation, being located above the floor 12, more preferably in a height range of 0 cm to 200 cm, or even 30 cm to 180 cm, so that they are all accessible to an operator located above the floor 12 at the working level 11.

[0053] As a result, an operator can easily move from or through core station P1 to different feed stations P2 without leaving floor 12 and therefore without changing height levels, monitor the feed zones of the different extruders and intervene as necessary, for example to refill the extruders or prevent jamming or to correct such jamming.

[0054] Furthermore, the installation 1 preferably comprises a coupling device 20 that allows the first head module 3 to be displaced on the floor 12 of the working level 11, by alternating between a closed configuration, shown in this specification in particular in Figures 1 and 3, in which the first head module 3 is brought closer to the core site 5 and abuts the tool module 6, i.e., the first extruder 4, and optionally all extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3 carried by the first head module, are brought into contact with the tool module 6, and an open configuration, shown in this specification in particular in Figure 4, in which the first head module 3 is moved away from the core site 5 and therefore away from the tool module 6 while remaining accessible to an operator located on the floor 12 of the working level 11.

[0055] Advantageously, one or more extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3 carried by the first head module 3, more preferably all the extruders of the installation, can thus be replaced while remaining at the working level 11 and therefore still remain accessible to the operator from the floor 12, both in a closed configuration during the production cycle and in an open configuration in the event of a production interruption intended for maintenance operations or a change in production.

[0056] In particular, in the open configuration, an operator can advantageously intervene with the first head module 3 and / or the extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3 carried by the first head module from the floor 12 during production changes, in particular during changes of tool modules 6, 106, and more particularly from the part of the floor 12 forming the third station P3, called the "maintenance station" P3, and in particular clean residues of extrusion material coming from the first head module 3.

[0057] More specifically, maintenance station P3 allows an operator to contact the tool module 6 in a closed configuration to form a sealed mating plane, and to disengage from the tool module in an open configuration to access and clean the visible end face of the first head module 3.

[0058] The operator can advantageously move from the first station P1 (core station) or from one of the second stations P2 (supply stations) to the third station P3 (maintenance station) while remaining at the same working level 11 without leaving the floor P12, and therefore preferably at a constant height.

[0059] The alternating movement of the coupling device 20 between moving the first head module 3 forward to move it closer to the core site 5 and moving it back to move it away from the core site 5 is performed along a first horizontal main direction X, referred to as the "coupling direction" X.

[0060] For that purpose, the coupling device 20 preferably comprises a first carriage 21 which carries the first head module 3 and is guided in a linear translation along a first rail 22 along the coupling direction X and thus parallel to the floor 12. The first carriage 21 can be driven by any suitable drive member, for example by a ram, controlled by a suitable command unit.

[0061] The first rail 22 is advantageously carried on the upper surface of the floor 12 and fixed thereto.

[0062] 1, 3, and 4, rail 22 can be placed in a concealed recess 23, potentially manufactured in the thickness of floor 12, on the side of the upper surface of floor 12 to conceal and secure rail 22 and part of carriage 21 from an operator standing on floor 21, particularly from an operator standing at first core station P1 or third maintenance station P3. The bottom of recess 23 is at a height close to floor 12 and therefore much higher than the height of the bottom of basement 32, for example at a height of at least 1.75 m, preferably at least 1.90 m, or even at least 2.10 m above the bottom of basement 32. In this regard, the depth of recess 23, considered perpendicular to the upper surface of floor 12, is preferably less than 50 cm, or even less than 40 cm, and can be, for example, 10 cm to 50 cm, 20 cm to 50 cm, or even 20 cm to 40 cm.

[0063] Preferably, the installation 1 comprises a second head module 103 carrying at least one second extruder 104 at the working level 11 .

[0064] More preferably, the second head module 103, like the first head module 3 carrying several extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3 (...), for example three or four extruders, will carry several extruders 104, 104_2, 104_3, for example three or four extruders, so that each head module 3, 103 can unconditionally deliver several different constituent materials of the profiled element 2 simultaneously to the tool module 6, each material specifically originating from at least one of the extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3, 104, 104_2, 104_3.

[0065] Similar to the first head module 3 and as can be seen in FIG. 14, the second head module 103 will have a channel 110 each for receiving one of the extruders 104, 104_2, 104_3 and will be designed to abut tightly against one face of the tool module 6, connecting each of the extruders it carries with a corresponding passage in the tool module 6, i.e., the passage served by this channel 110.

[0066] Like the first head module 3, the second head module 103 is preferably mounted so that it can move on a second carriage 121 guided in translation on a second rail 122 carried by the upper surface of the floor 12, this second rail 122 being preferably straight, horizontal and aligned with the first rail 22 along the coupling direction X.

[0067] That is, preferably, the first and second head modules 3, 103 are mounted so that they can move on the floor 12 in opposite directions on either side of the core site 5 along a first horizontal direction X, referred to as the coupling direction X, and thus can have, on the one hand, an open configuration, i.e., as shown herein in FIG. 4 , in which the first and second head modules 3, 103 are respectively moved away from the core site 5 along the coupling direction X to allow engagement of the tool module 6 with or removal of the tool module 6 from the core site 5, and, on the other hand, a closed configuration, i.e., as shown herein in FIG. 3, in which the first and second head modules 3, 103 are brought close to each other along the bonding direction X, both sides of the tool module 6 are kept pressed against the tool module 6 positioned at the core site 5 along the bonding direction X, and a closed configuration is alternately adopted in which the first extruder 4 and, if necessary, the first extruder group 4, 4_2, 4_3 carried by the first head module 3 and the second extruder 104 and, if necessary, the second extruder group 104, 104_2, 104_3 carried by the second head module 103 are communicated with the tool module 6.

[0068] Advantageously, to change from a closed configuration to an open configuration and vice versa, the first and second head modules 3, 103 alternately move away from and towards each other along a common bonding direction X, moving substantially symmetrically in opposite directions (i.e., opposite to each other) on either side of a vertical median plane that virtually divides the core site 5 perpendicular to the bonding direction X into two symmetrical halves.

[0069] Advantageously, in the closed configuration, the tool module 6 is thus fastened very stably in a sealed state between the two head modules 3, 103 at two respective joining surfaces which here preferably form two vertical surfaces perpendicular to the joining direction X.

[0070] Preferably, as with the first head module 3, the second head module 103, when in its open configuration, preferably remains at human height above the floor 12, in the sense described above and as can be seen in FIG. 4, so that it is accessible to an operator on the floor 12 at the working level 11, in this case at a maintenance station labeled P3_103.

[0071] That is, more specifically, in the open configuration, and preferably also in the closed configuration, each of the first and second head modules 3, 103 is preferably positioned at a height range of 0 cm to 200 cm, preferably 30 cm to 180 cm above the floor 12 of the working level 11 so as to be at human height relative to the operator when the operator is at the maintenance station P3, P3_103.

[0072] Furthermore, the tool module 6 preferably comprises an assembly of parallel plates stacked on top of one another in the direction of their thickness, in this case along the bonding direction X.

[0073] Advantageously, various paths for conveying one or more materials coming from the extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3, 104, 104_2, 104_3 are produced on the faces of the various plates in the thickness of each plate, so that the sealed overlap of two adjacent plates defines the passage cross section of this path. Optionally, also in this case when the tool module 6 comprises more than two overlapping plates, through-ducts are provided, here oriented along the joining direction (X), for conveying one or more compounds entering from the visible face of the end plate towards the plate located in the innermost layer of the stack.

[0074] Such a modular and compact tool module 6 made up of plates can advantageously be easily reconfigured by modifying all or part of the set of plates, while still maintaining the arrangement of the extruder and head modules 3, 103 intended to supply the tool module 6 with the constituent material of the contoured element.

[0075] Furthermore, the effect of fastening the tool module 6 between the two head modules 3, 103 is to press the plates together in their thickness direction, thus contributing to the stability and leak-tightness of the tool module 6.

[0076] According to the invention, the installation 1 comprises an underground transport device 30 making it possible to transport the tool modules 6 to the core site 5 and / or to remove the tool modules 6 from the core site 5, the underground transport device 30 comprising for that purpose at least one first lifting cage 31 designed to move the tool modules 6 through the floor 12 from or to, respectively, a second level 32 called the "basement" located below the floor 12 of the working level 11.

[0077] The basement 32 extends from the opposite side of the working level 11 relative to the floor 12 vertically below the working level 11 and opposite to the underside of the floor 12, and therefore occupies a spatial area corresponding to a height range strictly lower than that occupied by the working level 11 and the height range occupied (occupied) by the floor 12 itself, forming a physical separation between the working level 11 and the basement 32.

[0078] Advantageously, the arrangement on the two levels 11, 32 and the underground transfer device 30 according to the invention make it possible to introduce a tool module 6 into the core site 5 for production purposes and then remove this same tool module 6 from the core site 5 through the floor 12, passing under the installation 1, thereby avoiding in particular that the transfer device 30 takes up space on the working level 11 and that the route taken by the tool module 6 during handling operations must not cross one or more of the routes taken by the operator on floor 12, more particularly the routes on floor 12 interconnecting the various stations P1, P2, P3, P4.

[0079] This contributes to the safety of operation and compactness of the installation 1.

[0080] It is to be noted that while it is entirely conceivable that the access through the basement provided by the transport device 30 will be dedicated solely to bringing the tool module 6 into the core site 5 or, conversely, removing the tool module 6 from the core site 5, it is preferred that the transport device 30 also use the basement 32 to bring in and remove the tool module 6, particularly for reasons of safety, compactness, and minimizing installation costs.

[0081] The first lifting cage 31 provides a through opening in the thickness of the floor 12 separating the working level 11 from the basement 12, thus locally dividing the floor 12 and forming a well connecting the working level 11 with the basement 32.

[0082] The transport device 30, more particularly the first lifting cage 31, preferably comprises a first lifting mast 33 designed to provide vertical transport of the tool module 6 between the top of the floor 12 and a basement 32 located below the floor 12, i.e., lowering, and vice versa, vertical transport between the basement 32 and the top of the floor 12, i.e., raising, preferably in a linear translational movement along the vertical direction Z.

[0083] As a guideline, the free height H32 of the basement, i.e. the height defined by the basement bottom 32 on the one hand and the basement ceiling with the underside of the floor 12 of the working level 11 on the other hand, will preferably be equal to or higher than 1.90 m, preferably between 2.00 m and 2.50 m, for example equal to 2.10 m ± 10 cm.

[0084] Such a free height H32 of the basement is advantageously sufficient on the one hand to allow the passage of the tool module 6 and on the other hand to allow a preferably adult operator to stand and move around in the basement 32 to inspect the underground part of the transport device 30, i.e. the part of the transport device 30 positioned in the basement 32, and to intervene there if necessary.

[0085] The operator preferably accesses the basement 32 from the floor 12 of the working level 11 and vice versa by means of a staircase, which may comprise, for example, 8 to 12 steps, the steps having an individual height of 16 cm to 22 cm.

[0086] Preferably, the above-mentioned rollers 7 are mounted so that they can rotate vertically alongside the first lifting cage 31 above the core site 5 .

[0087] Such vertical tiering advantageously improves the compactness of the equipment 1, since the tiering allows the profiled elements 2 to be extruded and the profiled elements 2 to be discharged onto the exit conveyor 3 from the top of the core site 5, while the operations of installing the tool module 6 and thus defining the gap 8 and then removing and replacing the tool module 6 are carried out from the bottom of the core site 5 without requiring repositioning of the rollers 7.

[0088] Referring to the above, the facility 1 is preferably configured such that in the open configuration the first head module 3 and, if necessary, the second head module 103 can be moved away from the core site 5 along the coupling direction X, respectively, to allow the above-mentioned underground transfer device 30 to engage with the tool module 6 at the core site 5 and / or remove the tool module 6 from the core site 5.

[0089] Furthermore, the facility 1 preferably has a preparation site 40 which is separate from and remote from the core site 5 and is provided to enable the tool modules 6 to be prepared, in particular cleaned, outside the core site 5.

[0090] The underground transfer device 30 is then positioned so that it can transport the tool module 6 from the preparation site 40 to the core site 5 and vice versa by moving through the floor 12 via the first lifting cage 31.

[0091] Advantageously, this spatial separation of the core site 5 and the preparation site 40, and the preferably motorized and preferably automatic communication provided by the transfer device 30 between these sites 5, 40, makes it possible to prepare the second tool module 106 in parallel operation while the first tool module 6 is in production, and then during a production changeover, return the first tool module 6 to the preparation site 40 and replace it with the second tool module 106 at the core site 5, so that the first tool module 6 can be cleaned, reconfigured or modified in parallel operation while the second tool module is in production.

[0092] Advantageously, the preparation site 40 is designed to allow an operator to remove compound residues resulting from production from the tool module 6, remove and clean the constituent plates of the tool module 6 if necessary, and reassemble them in the same way to again have the same tool module 6, or to replace all or part of the plates with other plates having a different path arrangement and reassemble them, potentially to reconfigure the tool module 6 for the production of different contoured elements 2.

[0093] Optionally, the preparation site 40 can be located in the basement 32 .

[0094] However, preferably, and as can be seen particularly in Figures 1 and 5, the preparation site 40 is at the working level 11, above the floor 12, and more preferably at human height (i.e., at a height range of 0 cm to 200 cm, preferably 30 cm to 180 cm above the floor 12 as described above), so as to be accessible to an operator moving around on the floor 12.

[0095] As a result, the floor 12 of the facility 1 preferably comprises a fourth station P4, called the "preparation station" P4, from which the operator can engage the tool modules 6, 106 present at the preparation site 40 without changing level relative to the core station P1 and / or relative to one of the supply station P2 and / or maintenance station P3.

[0096] For that purpose, the underground transport device 30 preferably comprises a second lifting cage 41 positioned a short distance from the first lifting cage 31, connected to the first lifting cage 31 by a conveyor 42 positioned in the basement 32 and designed to move the tool module 6 through the floor 12, more specifically to lower the tool module 6 from a preparation site 40 positioned at the working level 11 above the floor 12 to the conveyor 42 positioned in the basement 32 below the floor 12, and more specifically to raise the tool module 6 from the conveyor 42 positioned in the basement 32 below the floor 12 to the preparation site 40 positioned above the floor 12, respectively.

[0097] Like the first lifting cage 31, the second lifting cage 31 provides a through opening in the thickness of the floor 12 separating the working level 11 from the basement 12, thus forming a second well separate from and remote from the first lifting cage 31 that locally connects the working level 11 with the basement 32.

[0098] Similarly, the transport device 30, more particularly the second lifting cage 41, here preferably comprises a second lifting mast 43 separate from the first lifting mast 33 present in the first lifting cage 31, this second lifting mast 43 being designed to ensure vertical transport of the tool module 6 within the second lifting cage 41, preferably in a linear translational movement along the vertical direction Z, between the basement 32 positioned below the floor 12 and above the floor 12 and vice versa.

[0099] It should be noted that in Figure 1, for ease of depiction reasons, the floor 12 is made transparent around the preparation site 40 to allow details of the basement 32, the second lifting cage 41, the conveyor 42 and the second lifting mast 43 to be seen.

[0100] The horizontally considered distance D30, called the "disengagement distance" D30 and separating the second lifting cage 41 from the first lifting cage 31, is of course sufficient to avoid any interference or any obstruction between the core site 5 and the preparation site 40, while still being small enough to limit the cost of the transfer device 30 and more generally the cost of the installation 1. In this respect, the disengagement distance D30 is preferably between 1.50 m and 10 m, preferably between 1.80 m and 5 m.

[0101] As can be seen in particular in Figure 5, the conveyor 42 present in the basement 32 may have a transfer rail 44 connecting the first lifting cage 31 to the second lifting cage 41, on which rail circulates at least one receptacle 45, 46 intended to receive the tool module 6.

[0102] Preferably, the transfer rail 44 is horizontal to simplify the arrangement of the conveyor 42 and to limit the energy that needs to be supplied to transfer the receptacles 45, 46. The transfer rail 44 is preferably straight in order to make it as short as possible in terms of the disengagement distance D30 that must be traveled and to provide an easy and stable transport of the receptacles 45, 46.

[0103] As a guideline, the travel length D44 provided by the transfer rail 44 to pass between a vertical line passing through the center of the core site 5 in the first lifting cage 31 on the one hand and a vertical line passing through the center of the preparation station 40 in the second lifting cage 41 on the other hand 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.

[0104] Advantageously, by transporting the tool module 6 between the preparation station 40 and the core site 5 and vice versa through the basement 32, where it enters through one of the lifting cages 41, 31 and exits from there through the other lifting cage 31, 41, after having traveled through the basement 32 and on the conveyor 42 by the disengagement D30 separating the lifting cages 31, 41, more particularly after having traveled the above-mentioned stroke length D44, it is possible to avoid transporting the tool module in the working level 11 to the height of an operator located above the floor 12 or otherwise passing above the operator in the form of a load suspended from a crane or mobile crane perpendicular to the floor 12. By carrying out the transport outside and below the working level 11, any risk of the tool module 6 colliding with or hitting the operator, the floor 12 or one of the components of the installation 1 located above the floor 12 is avoided.

[0105] Preferably, the difference in elevation between the first station P1, i.e. the core station P1 that allows the operator to work at the core site 5, and the fourth station P4, i.e. the station that allows the operator to work at the preparation site 40, is less than 50 cm, preferably less than 25 cm, more preferably zero, so that the first station P1 and the fourth station P4 are substantially or exactly at the same height.

[0106] The provision of the first and fourth stations P1, P4 at the same working level 11, more preferably at the same height, advantageously enables the same operator to easily manage, on the one hand, production, more specifically the closing of the head module 3 with respect to the tool module 6 for production purposes, then starting and monitoring production, also at the level of the core site 5, and, on the other hand, the preparation of the tool module 6, 106 by moving to the preparation station 40, preferably while the production of the profiled element 2 is in progress.

[0107] In this regard, it should be noted that there is preferably at least one substantially or even strictly horizontal path on the floor 12 of the working level 11 that allows the operator to move from the first station P1 to the fourth station P4, here preferably by walking, without changing height and in particular without using stairs.

[0108] In a preferred arrangement, the first lifting cage 31 is positioned below the core site 5 and vertically aligned with the core site 5 and rollers 7 .

[0109] This simplifies the construction of the installation 1, the first lifting cage 31 and the associated first lifting mast 33 and improves their compactness.

[0110] Similarly, a second lifting cage 41 is preferably positioned below and vertically aligned with the preparation site 40 .

[0111] 1, 2, and 5, the preparation site 40 and the corresponding second lifting cage 41 are preferably offset relative to the core site 5 and the first lifting cage 31 along a second horizontal direction Y that is transverse to, and preferably perpendicular to, the joining direction X, along which the conveyor 42 placed in the basement 32 is oriented. Accordingly, the disengagement distance D30 is preferably measured along the second horizontal direction Y.

[0112] The basement 32 is therefore covered by the floor 12 to form an underground corridor extending along the horizontal direction Y, allowing the concealed circulation of one or more tool modules 6, 106 below the floor 12 between the first and second lifting cages 31, 41 and therefore more generally between the core site 5 and the preparation site 40.

[0113] Preferably, the floor 12 of the working level 11 extends along a horizontal plane large enough to allow an operator standing on the floor 12 to alternately access the core site 5, the preparation site 40, and the first and second head modules 3, 103 without leaving the working level 11, whether the first and second head modules 3, 103 are in a closed configuration or an open configuration.

[0114] In other words, there is at least one route on the floor 12 of the working level 11 that serves all stations comprising the first core station P1, the fourth preparation station P4 and the maintenance stations P3, P3_103 of at least the first and second head modules 3, 103 with a total height change (level change) of substantially zero, typically less than 50 cm, preferably less than 25 cm and more preferably zero.

[0115] Preferably, this same route also serves the supply stations P2 of the first and second extruders 4, 104, more preferably all supply stations P2 of all extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3, 104, 104_2 of the installation 1 connected to the tool module through one or the other of the first and second head modules 3, 103.

[0116] As a result, preferably, an operator can advantageously access all stations that help manage production and changes thereto without leaving the floor 12 or changing heights as he or she travels the route from one station to another.

[0117] In a preferred embodiment, the underground transfer device 30 comprises a first receptacle 45 capable of receiving a first tool block 6 and a second receptacle 46 capable of receiving a second tool block 106, as can be seen particularly in Figures 6 to 13.

[0118] The underground transfer device 30 is then designed to alternately face the first receptacle 45 and the second receptacle 46 to the first lifting cage 31, as can be seen in Figures 9 and 10, and therefore the underground transfer device 30 can receive a used first tool block 6 coming from the core site 5 through the first lifting cage 31 into the first receptacle 45 (Figure 9), and then perform an exchange operation of transporting a new second tool block 106 from the second receptacle 46 to the core site 5 through the first lifting cage 31 as a replacement for the first tool block 6 (Figure 11).

[0119] "New" means that the second tool module 106 has been properly prepared, cleaned, and configured in advance, in this case at the preparation site 40, and is ready to be introduced into the core site 5 for use in producing the contoured element 2.

[0120] Advantageously, the use of two receptacles 45, 46 which can be arranged one after the other vertically alongside the first lifting cage 31 at the foot of the first lifting mast 33 (i.e. in an area corresponding to the vertical projection of the volume of the first lifting cage 31 in a horizontal plane) makes it possible to very quickly replace, following a first production cycle for a first contoured element 2, a used first tool module 6 with a new second tool module 106 for the next production cycle for another contoured element 2.

[0121] As can be seen in Figures 4 to 15, the first and second receptacles 45, 46 are transported by a conveyor 42, preferably along a linear horizontal transfer rail 44, and can thus move within the basement 32 from the first lifting cage 31 serving the core site 5 to the second lifting cage 41 serving the preparation site 40 and vice versa.

[0122] The first and second receptacles 45, 46 could conceivably form two independent carriages, each capable of being displaced independently of the other along the transfer rail 44. However, to further simplify the conveyor 42 and the installation 1, the two receptacles 4, 46 could be combined into one and the same convoy carried by the transfer rail 44.

[0123] Furthermore, to ensure the closing and fastening of the first and second head modules 3, 103 to the tool module 6, the installation 1 will preferably comprise a first jaw 50 and a second jaw 51 mounted so as to be able to translate along a second horizontal direction Y perpendicular to the coupling direction X, as shown in Figures 14, 15 and 16.

[0124] The branches of these jaws 50, 51 are provided with ramps 52 which engage with mating ramps 53 provided on the head modules 3, 103, so that when the first and second jaws 50, 51 come together along the second horizontal direction Y, a wedge effect forces the first head module 3 and the second head module 103 to come together along the coupling direction X on either side of the core site 5, thereby clamping the tool module 6 between the head modules 3, 103, as can be seen in Figures 15 and 16.

[0125] Advantageously, it should be noted that the installation 1 consequently exhibits a decidedly great compactness, optimizing the space it occupies in terms of utilizing six directions of the space under consideration around the core site 5, specifically on the working level 11, according to orthogonal axes centered on the core site 5, for different functions, namely the extrusion of the profiled elements through the upper horizontal surface of the core site 5, the introduction and removal of the tool modules 6 through the lower horizontal surface, the application of the head modules 3, 103 carrying the extruders through the sides perpendicular to the joining direction X, the movement of the jaws 50, 51 opposite the front side perpendicular to the second horizontal direction Y, and the transport of the tool blocks 6 to and from the preparation site 40 in the basement 32 along this same second horizontal direction Y, while still making all useful stations P1, P2, P3, P4 directly accessible to the operators present in 1 and on the same working level 11.

[0126] It should be noted that the installation 1 can be equipped with an elevated platform 60, potentially at a height above the level of the floor 12, typically at a height of 1.40 m to 1.80 m above the floor 12, which elevated platform 60 can be accessed by a staircase to allow access to the upper surface of the discharge belt 13, which upper surface would be positioned at a height of a person's height, more preferably 40 cm to 1.20 m, for an operator standing on the elevated platform 60. In this case, this is preferably the only elevated station of the installation 1.

[0127] A method for exchanging tool modules 6, 106 according to the present invention will now be briefly described in conjunction with FIGS.

[0128] Advantageously, at least some, preferably all, of the following steps can be managed by a suitable command unit and preferably performed automatically.

[0129] Initially (FIG. 6), the first tool module 6 is positioned at the core site 5 during production, while the second tool module 106, ready to be sent to production, waits at the preparation site 40, where for this reason an operator at the preparation station P4 pre-cleans and / or assembles the second tool module 106. The facility 1 is in the closed configuration as shown in FIGS.

[0130] At the end of the production cycle, an operator, who is in principle at core station P1, interrupts production and triggers the replacement.

[0131] The jaws 50, 51 are operated rearward to unlock the head module 3, 103, which moves the head module 3, 103 away from the core site 5 and positions it in the open configuration as shown in FIG.

[0132] At the level of the second lifting cage 41, the second lifting mast 43 lowers the second head module 106 through the floor 12 (Figure 7) from the preparation site 40 to a second receptacle 46 waiting on the conveyor 42 vertically aligned with the preparation station 40.

[0133] The convoy of first and second receptacles 45, 46 is then displaced within basement 32 along conveyor 42, thus leaving second lifting cage 41 and reaching first lifting cage 31, positioning empty first receptacle 45 vertically aligned with first lifting mast 33 below core site 5 (FIG. 8). It should be noted that the operation of lowering second tool module 106 onto conveyor 42 and transporting receptacles 45, 46, and thus second tool module 106, towards first lifting cage 31, where they are placed in a waiting state, can advantageously be performed in parallel operation while the production cycle implementing first tool module 6 is being carried out.

[0134] The first tool module 6 is then, after use, ejected from the core site 5 through the first lifting mast 33, which lowers and retracts the first tool module 6 through the first lifting cage 31 and through the floor 12 until the worn first tool module 6 coming from the working level 11 is placed in the first receptacle 45 waiting in the basement 32 (Figure 9).

[0135] The conveyor 42 then moves the first receptacle 45 away to replace it, and replaces the first receptacle 45 with a second receptacle 46 containing a new second tool module 106 for the core site 5 at the foot of the first lifting mast 33 within the first lifting cage 31 (Figure 10).

[0136] The first lifting mast 33 then raises the second tool module 106 in the first lifting cage 31 through floor 12 ( FIG. 11 ) from the second receptacle 46 located in the basement 32 below floor 12 until the second tool module 106 reaches the core site 5 located at the working level 11 above floor 12.

[0137] If necessary, an operator (preferably the same operator or potentially a different operator) can reach the maintenance stations P3, P3_103 in succession without leaving the floor 12 or consequently changing height to wash the extruders 4, 4_2, 4_3, 104, 104_2, 104_3 and clean the head modules 3, 103.

[0138] The operator then returns to core station P1 in principle to trigger and monitor the closure of head module 3, 103 to second tool module 106. The operator then moves to supply station P2 to inspect and / or reconfigure the supply of material extruded to the various extruders, if necessary, before starting a new production cycle.

[0139] During this time, or after the operator triggers this new production cycle, the conveyor 42 returns the receptacles 45, 46 through the basement 32 to the second lifting cage 41, and positions the first receptacle 45 containing the worn first tool module 6 coming from the core site 5 on the opposite side of the second lifting mast 43 below the preparation site 40 (Figure 12).

[0140] The second lifting mast 43 then raises the first tool module 6 from the first receptacle 45 through the floor 12 until the first tool module 6 reaches the preparation site 40 (Figures 12 and 13), where an operator (preferably the same operator who for that purpose moved to the preparation station P4 without leaving the floor 12) can clean, and in some cases reconfigure, or quite simply replace the first tool module 6 with a third tool module while the second tool module 106 is in production.

[0141] Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the variants described above, and the skilled person is in particular able to separate the features described above, combine them freely with one another or replace them with equivalents.

[0142] In particular, it is conceivable that the operator may issue all or some of the commands to close and open the head modules 3, 103 from a station other than the core station P1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 1. Extrusion equipment 5 Core Site 11 First Level / Working Level 12 beds 30 Underground Transfer Device D30 Disengagement distance

Claims

1. An extrusion installation (1) intended to produce a profiled element (2), comprising at least one first head module (3) carrying at least one first extruder (4) intended to supply the constituent material of the profiled element, as well as a site (5) called a "core site" (5) designed to allow connection of said at least one first extruder (4) to a tool module (6) and to receive said tool module (6) in order to shape the profiled element (2), The core site (5) is located on a first level (11) called the "working level" (11) which has a floor (12) on which an operator moves around to access the core site (5) located above the floor (12); and the installation (1) comprises an underground transfer device (30) making it possible to transport the tool modules (6) to the core site (5) and / or to remove them, respectively, from the core site (5), the underground transfer device (30) comprising for that purpose at least one first lifting cage (31) designed to move the tool modules (6) through the floor (12) from or respectively to a second level (32) called a "basement" (32) located below the floor (12) of the working level (11); An extrusion installation (1).

2. 2. The installation according to claim 1, further comprising a coupling device (20) that allows the first head module (3) to be displaced on the floor (12) of the working level (11) so as to alternate between a closed configuration in which the first head module (3) is moved close to the core site (5) and thus pressed into contact with the tool module (6), i.e., placing the first extruder (4) in communication with the tool module (6), and an open configuration in which the first head module (3) is moved away from the core site (5) and thus from the tool module (6) while remaining accessible to an operator located on the floor (12) at the working level (11).

3. 3. The installation according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the core site (5) is located within a height range between 0 cm and 200 cm above the floor (12) of the working level (11).

4. a preparation site (40) separate from and remote from said core site (5) and provided to enable preparation, in particular cleaning, of said tool module (6) outside said core site (5); the underground transfer device (30) is arranged to be able to transport the tool module (6) from the preparation site (40) to the core site (5) and vice versa by moving through the floor (12) via the first lifting cage (31); 4. The installation according to claim 1, wherein the installation is a casing.

5. the preparation site (40) is located above the floor (12) at the working level (11) so as to be accessible to an operator moving about on the floor (12); the underground transfer device (30) comprises a second lifting cage (41) positioned at a distance from the first lifting cage (31), the second lifting cage being connected to the first lifting cage (31) by a conveyor (42) positioned in the basement (32) and designed to move the tool module (6) through the floor (12) from the preparation site (40) positioned on the working level (11) above the floor (12) to the conveyor (42) positioned in the basement (32) below the floor (12) and vice versa; 5. The installation according to claim 4.

6. The underground transfer device (30) comprises a first receptacle (45) capable of receiving a first tool block (6) and a second receptacle (46) capable of receiving a second tool block (106); The underground transfer device (30) is designed to be able to alternately place the first receptacle (45) and the second receptacle (46) face-to-face on the first lifting cage (31), so that the underground transfer device (30) can receive a used first tool block (6) coming from the core site (5) through the first lifting cage (31) into the first receptacle (45), and then perform an exchange operation of transferring a new second tool block (106) as a replacement for the first tool block (6) from the second receptacle (46) to the core site (5) through the first lifting cage (31).

6. The installation according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. 6. The installation according to claim 5, characterized in that the first and second receptacles (45, 46) are transported by the conveyor (42) so as to be able to move within the basement (32) from the first lifting cage (31) to the second lifting cage (41) and vice versa.

8. 6. The installation according to claim 5, characterized in that the rollers (7) are mounted so as to be able to rotate above the core site (5) in vertical alignment with the first lifting cage (31), so that when the tool module (6) is positioned at the core site (5), it interacts with the rollers (7) to form a gap (8) for shaping the profiled element (2).

9. a second head module carrying at least one second extruder (104, 104_2, 104_3) is provided at said working level (11), the first and second head modules are mounted so as to be displaceable on the floor along a first horizontal direction (X), referred to as the binding direction (X), in opposite directions on either side of the core site (5), and can therefore alternately adopt an open configuration in which, on the one hand, each of the first and second head modules (3, 103) is moved away from the core site (5) along the binding direction (X) to allow the underground transfer device (30) to engage with and / or remove the tool module (6) at the core site (5), and, on the other hand, a closed configuration in which the first and second head modules (3, 103) are moved closer to each other along the binding direction (X) to be held pressed against the tool module (6) positioned at the core site (5) on either side of the tool module (6) along the binding direction (X), placing the first extruder (4) and the second extruder (4) in communication with the tool module (6); the first lifting cage (31) is positioned below the core site (5) in vertical alignment with the core site (5) and the rollers (7); the second lifting cage (41) is positioned below the preparation site (40) in vertical alignment with the preparation site (41); the preparation site (40) and the corresponding second lifting cage (41) are offset relative to the core site (5) and the first lifting cage (31) along a second horizontal direction (Y), which is transverse to the joining direction (X) and along which the conveyor (42) positioned in the basement (32) is oriented; the floor (12) extends along a horizontal plane large enough to allow the operator standing on the floor (12) to alternately access the core site (5), the preparation site (40), and the first and second head modules (3, 103) both when the first and second head modules (3, 103) are in the closed configuration and when the first and second head modules (3, 103) are in the open configuration, without leaving the working level (11); 9. The installation according to claim 8.

10. 10. Installation according to claim 9, characterized in that the tool module (6) comprises an assembly of parallel plates stacked against each other in the direction of their thickness along the joining direction (X).

11. the free height of the working level (11) above the floor (12) is equal to or greater than 2.00 m; The free height (H32) in the basement is equal to or greater than 1.90 m; 11. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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