Method and exchange device for the automated exchanging of an outer mould of a forming station for an interchangeable mould

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for the automated exchanging of an outer mould of a forming station for an interchangeable mould, wherein the forming station is part of a forming machine for producing containers from preforms and has a mould receptacle for releasably receiving the outer mould and the interchangeable mould, wherein the outer mould and the interchangeable mould are each made of a plurality of parts consisting of a first side part and a second side part and optionally a base part, said method characterised in that when the mould receptacle is moved into a partially open state, the first side part is moved relative to the second side part in order, for the purpose of easier removal, to prepare the mould receptacle that is to be removed. The present invention also relates to an exchange device for exchanging an outer mould of a forming station for a interchangeable mould in order to carry out the method.

Description

[0001] Hamburg, March 1, 2023

[0002] Our reference: KH 411-02WO NHF / CSp

[0003] Applicant / Owner: KHS GmbH

[0004] Official file number: New registration

[0005] KHS GmbH

[0006] Juchostraße 20, 44143 Dortmund,

[0007] Method and exchange device for the automated exchange of an outer mold of a forming station with an interchangeable mold

[0008] The present invention relates to a method for the automated replacement of an outer mold of a forming station with an interchangeable mold. The present invention also relates to an exchange device for exchanging an outer mold of a forming station with an interchangeable mold. Blow molds are generally known and are usually formed from two side parts and a base part. The blow mold can also be regarded as an outer mold or forming tool. Blow molds are used in blow molding machines to produce containers, such as bottles, in a blow molding process. In the blow molding process, the blow mold forms a negative for the container to be produced. If a different product, e.g. a bottle with a different bottle shape, is to be produced in the blow molding process with the blow molding machine, it is necessary to exchange or change the blow molds. Blow molding machines have a large number of blow molds that can be exchanged.For example, blow molding machines with 16 individual blow molding stations are known, in each of which a three-part blow mold is arranged and a corresponding number of parts have to be replaced.

[0009] In addition to blow molding, other methods are also known for producing containers in a molding process. For example, there are forming machines for containers that simultaneously form and fill the containers. For this reason, the general terms forming machine, outer mold, and forming station are used below. These terms can include, for example, blow molding machines, blow molds, and blow molding stations. Blow molding machines, blow molds, and blow molding stations are also synonymous with other methods for producing containers in a molding process.

[0010] In practice, the replacement or change of the outer molds is done manually. Manually changing molds is time-consuming, so efforts have been made to automate this mold change process.

[0011] To enable faster mold replacement, blow molding machines with changeover robots are known from the state of the art. These changeover robots are also known as industrial robots or industrial manipulators. Multi-axis pivoting industrial robots with gripping devices are used to retool the blow molds of a blow molding machine, which are arranged in a so-called blow molding station. Blow molding machines with changeover robots are known, for example, from documents EP 2 878 423 B1 and DE 20 2012 013 536 U1.

[0012] From the prior art EP 2 878 423, it is known that either an entire blow mold or only parts of the mold can be replaced. For example, it may happen that a bottom part of a blow mold is not replaced, but only the side parts of the mold.

[0013] The problem with automated mold changeover systems using robots is that gripping the molds is laborious, and there is limited space inside the molding station. Removing and gripping the molds from the molding station is cumbersome. Therefore, there is a need to prepare the molds for easier removal.

[0014] The object of the present invention is therefore to address one of the above-mentioned problems, to improve the general state of the art, or to provide an alternative to what is previously known. In particular, a solution is to be provided with which the blow molds to be changed can be removed more easily from a blow molding station. As a solution, a method for the automated replacement of an outer mold of a forming station with an interchangeable mold according to claim 1 is proposed.

[0015] The proposed method can be understood as a conversion process in which a forming machine is converted or retooled from one product to another. Therefore, the process is not carried out in a production facility where containers are produced in a forming process, but rather in a conversion facility where the forming machine is converted. "Exchanging" can also be understood as "changing" or "retooling."

[0016] Automated replacement is proposed, for example, replacement with a robot-assisted changing device, as known from the prior art.

[0017] The forming station is part of a forming machine for producing containers from preforms. Forming machines for producing containers are generally known, such as blow molding machines for producing PET bottles. Examples of containers include plastic bottles, plastic canisters, water containers, fuel tanks, and the like. A forming machine typically has a plurality of forming stations in which the containers are formed from a preform into a container. For example, forming machines with a plurality of forming stations arranged circumferentially on a forming wheel are known. The forming wheel is rotatably mounted so that the forming stations arranged on the forming wheel can be gradually rotated into an exchange area.The exchange zone is defined as a local area in which the outer mold is exchanged for an interchangeable mold. The containers can be reshaped using a stretching rod, for example.

[0018] The forming station also has a mold holder for releasably holding the outer mold and the interchangeable mold. The mold holder is therefore a holder for the outer mold and the interchangeable mold and is intended and configured to releasably hold the outer mold. The outer mold and the interchangeable mold are therefore releasably connected to the mold holder, for example via a releasable connection. The outer mold and / or the interchangeable mold can therefore be detached or removed from the mold holder. The mold holder, which can also be understood synonymously as the mold carrier, is therefore a technical unit that carries the outer mold or the interchangeable mold. The releasable connection can, for example, be hydraulically, electrically or mechanically releasable and can be designed as a controllable fixing means. During production, the outer mold is firmly clamped in the mold holder and secured against movement.To exchange the outer mold for the interchangeable mold, the fixation is released, for example automatically with a control unit that is designed to release the mechanical connection between the parts of the outer mold and the mold holder.

[0019] The outer mold and the interchangeable mold are each made up of several parts, consisting of a first side part and a second side part, and optionally a base part. An example of an outer mold and interchangeable mold is a blow mold, which is used in a blow molding process to produce containers. The outer mold and interchangeable mold can also be considered a forming tool. The outer mold and the interchangeable mold are made of aluminum, for example. The outer mold and the interchangeable mold are therefore multi-part (three-part) tools and have a negative mold of the container to be finished on their inside.

[0020] The method according to the invention comprises the step of moving the mold holder into a partially open state. It is therefore proposed that the mold holder of the forming station is opened, for example by pivoting it open. For this purpose, the forming station has an opening and closing system which is designed to move the mold holder from a closed state to an open state and which is designed to move the mold holder from an open state to a closed state. The mold holder of the forming station can therefore be opened and closed. A partially open state is a state in which the mold holder cannot be removed from the mold holder. It is understood that the mold holder was previously closed, i.e. positioned in a closed state. The mold holder is therefore partially moved from the closed state towards a fully open state.In the fully open state, referred to as the open state, the outer mold can be removed from the mold holder of the forming station. In addition to the closed state and the open state of the mold holder, there is also a partially open state, which can also be considered an intermediate state. Moving the mold holder to a partially open state can also be considered partially opening the mold holder. In the partially open state, the outer mold cannot be removed from the mold holder.

[0021] This is followed by a further step in which the first and second side parts of the outer mold are gripped. The wording "thereafter" should not be interpreted as immediately afterward. The wording "thereafter" expresses that other steps may be provided between the steps. However, "thereafter" should be understood as specifying the chronological order of the process steps.

[0022] With regard to gripping, the wording “afterwards” therefore expresses that the first and second side parts of the outer mold are gripped after the mold holder has been partially opened. In between, however, other steps can take place, such as releasing a connection between the first side part and the mold holder and releasing a connection between the second side part and the mold holder. The side parts are gripped automatically by means of a gripping device, for example with an industrial robot that can be pivoted in multiple axes. The first and second side parts of the outer mold are preferably gripped simultaneously, but can also be gripped one after the other. The side parts can be gripped in different ways, for example by gripping around, suctioning, clamping parts of the side parts or the like.Gripping, therefore, refers to the gripping of the external form and / or the interchangeable form, making it movable. Gripping can occur mechanically, pneumatically, magnetically, or adhesively, depending on the design of the gripping system.

[0023] After the side parts of the outer mold have been gripped, the next step is to move the mold holder into a more widely open state. It is therefore proposed that after the side parts have been gripped, the mold holder is moved into a more widely open state, for example as described above, automatically using the opening and closing system of the mold holder. After it has been moved into the partially open state and the side parts have been gripped, the mold holder is opened even further, for example to a fully open state. It is provided that the mold holder is opened so wide that the gripped side parts can be moved out of an inner area surrounded by the mold holder. The more widely open state differs from the partially open state in that in the more widely open state it is possible for the gripped mold parts to be moved out.

[0024] After the mold holder has been moved into the further open state, the next step is to move the gripped side parts out of an inner area surrounded by the mold holder. Optionally, the base part of the outer mold is then gripped and the gripped base part is moved out of the inner area surrounded by the mold holder. It is therefore proposed that after the side parts have been gripped and the mold holder has been further opened, the side parts are moved out of the forming station, namely by means of the gripping device. The mold holder therefore encloses the outer mold and the interchangeable mold and an interior space is formed within the mold holder in which the outer mold and the interchangeable mold are or will be arranged. It is also proposed that the side parts and a base part are gripped separately from one another and moved out of the mold holder of the forming station.For this reason, it is proposed as an optional step that after the side parts have been moved out, the base part of the outer mold is then grasped and moved out of the interior of the mold holder using the gripping device if the base part also needs to be changed. If the base part does not have to be replaced when a product is changed, only the side parts can be grasped and automatically removed from the mold holder. If the base mold is also to be replaced, this can be done after the side parts have been grasped and moved out. It is therefore proposed that, even if the base part is to be removed, the side parts and the base part are removed separately. It is known in the prior art to remove the side parts and base parts simultaneously. In the present case, however, the side parts and the base part are removed separately and one after the other.

[0025] Furthermore, it should be understood that after removing the side panels, the open state does not need to be maintained before grasping the base part. The open state of the mold holder can therefore also be changed between removing the side panels and the base part.

[0026] After the previously described removal, the next step is to place the gripped mold parts in a mold magazine. A mold magazine is a magazine that is intended and configured to receive the outer mold and / or provide interchangeable molds. The mold magazine can have receiving and holding means for securely storing the outer mold and / or the interchangeable mold. It is therefore proposed that a magazine, which can also be understood as a storage area or depot, be used to deposit the parts of the outer mold that have been gripped and moved out of the mold holder. It is understood that the gripping device is arranged such that it can grip the outer molds of the molding station and deposit them in the mold magazine. The gripping device and the mold magazine can be stationary.The forming stations of the forming station can, for example, be arranged circumferentially distributed on a rotatably mounted forming wheel, and the forming stations can be moved within a replacement area of ​​the gripping device by rotating the forming wheel. The replacement area of ​​the gripping device is defined as a local area in which the outer mold can be exchanged for an interchangeable mold using the gripping device.

[0027] The method also comprises the step of gripping the first and second side parts of an interchangeable mold provided in the mold magazine and optionally gripping the base part of the interchangeable mold provided in the mold magazine. It is therefore proposed that interchangeable molds, or the side parts and optionally the base part of the interchangeable mold, are also provided in the mold magazine. First, the parts of the outer mold are gripped from the mold holder, moved out of the mold holder, and placed in a mold magazine. In addition, the parts of the interchangeable mold that are provided in the mold magazine are gripped. In contrast to the steps described above, the sequence of the step of gripping the first and second side parts of an interchangeable mold provided in the mold magazine does not necessarily have to be followed in this order.The interchangeable mold can, for example, be gripped before the mold holder is moved into the partially open state if the gripper has multiple gripping devices, for example. The interchangeable mold can therefore be gripped first, for example, and only then the outer mold can be gripped and moved out, to give one example. However, the interchangeable mold can also be gripped after the mold parts of the outer mold have been deposited. This is advantageous when an industrial robot with only one pivoting arm is used. Furthermore, it is again proposed that, if the base part is also to be replaced, the optional step of gripping a base part of an interchangeable mold provided in the mold magazine can be carried out.

[0028] In a further step, the gripped mold parts of the interchangeable mold are inserted into the inner area surrounded by the mold carrier after the mold parts of the outer mold have been removed. It is therefore proposed that, after the parts of the outer mold have been removed from the mold holder, the interchangeable mold be inserted into the mold holder. This is also done automatically using a gripping device.

[0029] Furthermore, it is proposed that the above-described steps of gripping, removing, depositing, and inserting the molded parts be carried out using a gripping device. Thus, an automated change is carried out using a gripping device, rather than a manual change. The gripping device can, for example, be designed as an industrial robot with a multi-axis pivoting gripper arm. Such systems are known, as described above in the prior art.

[0030] According to the invention, it is further proposed that when the mold holder is moved into the partially opened state, the first side part is moved relative to the second side part. It is therefore proposed that the side parts of the outer mold be moved relative to one another in the mold holder, for example, by being pivoted open or moved parallel to one another, i.e., by pivoting open or parallel displacement of the side parts.

[0031] The two side parts are therefore moved relative to one another in time before the gripping device grips the side parts. In contrast, in the prior art EP 2 878 423 B1, the two side parts of the outer mold are moved apart and / or together with the gripping device. This has the disadvantage that the gripping device must be very complex. In the present invention, however, the already existing pivoting mechanism of the forming station is utilized to not only open the forming station, but also to move the side parts of the outer mold relative to one another. In this way, the side parts of the outer mold are prepared for easier removal by the gripping device. It is therefore proposed not only to open the mold holder alone, but also to pivot the side parts open or to move them parallel. Furthermore, the side parts can be separated from the base part by pivoting them open or by the parallel displacement of the base mold.

[0032] The relative movement of the side parts to one another is therefore also carried out in order to detach the side parts from the base part, since the side parts and the base part are usually mechanically connected to one another via a connecting groove. The relative movement of the side parts means that the side parts no longer engage with the base mold and can no longer be detached from it. The movement of the two side parts towards one another can therefore also be understood as a displacement of the mold parts into an unjoined state. When the mold holder is closed, the side parts and the base part engage with one another in a form-fitting manner. The relative movement of the side parts releases this form-fitting connection and the side parts and the base mold no longer engage with one another in a form-fitting manner. The outer mold and / or the interchangeable mold is therefore in a joined state when the side parts and the base part are joined and a form-fitting connection is formed.An unjoined state of the outer form and / or alternating form exists when the form closure does not develop, for example when the side parts have been or are moving away relatively from the base form.

[0033] It was discovered in this case that the relative movement of the side parts to one another makes them easier to grip with the gripping device and to remove from the mold holder. The side parts are moved not by the gripping device, but by the existing opening mechanism of the mold holder. This prepares the molded parts for easier removal from the interior of the mold holder, and the gripping device can be designed more simply.

[0034] It is understood that the proposed method can also be performed multiple times in succession, namely at least once for each forming station of the forming machine. It is therefore preferably proposed to perform the method multiple times in succession for each forming station. For this purpose, for example, the rotation of a forming wheel is controlled automatically, so that the method can be repeated multiple times for each forming station. It is therefore proposed to further rotate the forming stations automatically and position them in an exchange area.

[0035] The method preferably comprises the additional step of releasing a connection between the first side part and the mold holder and releasing a connection between the second side part and the mold holder and optionally the step of releasing a connection between the base part and the mold holder, wherein the release of the connection between the mold parts and the mold holder takes place before the mold parts are moved out. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the releases of the connections between the first and second side parts of the mold holder take place after the first and second side parts of the outer mold have been gripped. It is therefore proposed that the connection between the side parts and the mold holder is only released after the first and second side parts have been gripped with the gripping device. The side parts are thus always mechanically secured and cannot fall off.Until the side parts are gripped, the side parts are secured and mechanically fixed in the mold holder. This fixation is only released when the side parts are gripped by the gripping device. Since the first and second side parts of the outer mold are gripped before the mold is fully opened, namely at a time when it is partially open, releasing the fixation at this time allows the gripping device to come to a standstill or remain stationary, while the mold holder is then moved into the fully open state. In this way, the mold holder and the side parts held by the gripper move away from each other, creating a gap between the outer mold and the mold carriers. The side parts are then free and can then be removed.In the optimal case, the partially opened state is selected such that the side parts and the base mold no longer engage with each other, i.e. have assumed an unjoined state, and the side parts can be moved out of the mold holder, which has then been transferred to the fully opened state, when held in this state by the gripping means without further movement of the side parts towards each other.

[0036] Preferably, the first and second side parts of the outer mold or the interchangeable mold are gripped simultaneously. It is therefore proposed that the side parts be gripped simultaneously, rather than one after the other. The removal of the side parts therefore takes place in pairs. For this purpose, a gripping device can be provided, for example, that is configured to grip both side parts simultaneously. Gripping the side parts simultaneously has the advantage that the interchangeable process is faster.

[0037] Preferably, moving the first side part relative to the second side part comprises setting an opening angle between the first side part and the second side part, wherein the opening angle lies in an angular range of 3° to 20°, particularly preferably the opening angle lies in an angular range of 5° to 10°, in a particularly advantageous embodiment the opening angle lies in an angular range of 8° + 1°. It is therefore proposed that the side parts are pivoted open relative to one another. The opening angle is adjusted with respect to the pivot axis of the side parts. An opening angle in the proposed angular range is particularly advantageous since the side parts can be detached from the base mold with such an opening angle and the molded parts can be detached from one another, for example by a vertical movement of the side parts or the base mold.In addition, the existing pivoting mechanism of the mold holder can be used for pivoting open. Setting the opening angle can also be understood as opening the side parts like a book. Preferably, the first and second side parts of the provided interchangeable mold are provided in the mold magazine with a predetermined opening angle to one another, wherein the opening angle lies in an angular range of 3° to 20°, preferably the opening angle lies in an angular range of 5° to 10°, in particular the opening angle lies in an angular range of 8° ± 1°. It is therefore proposed that the spread-out interchangeable molds be provided with an opening angle. It is also proposed that the side parts of the interchangeable mold are already pivoted open relative to one another so that they can be inserted into the mold holder in the pivoted-open state.As previously described regarding the removal of the outer mold, it was recognized that the interchangeable mold can be inserted more easily into the forming station or the mold holder if the interchangeable mold is already pivoted open and ready. The gripping device can therefore be designed more simply and no additional means are required on the gripping device to pivot the side parts relative to one another or to move them parallel to one another. The interchangeable molds, which have already been pivoted open and ready, can thus be inserted more easily into the mold holder and lowered onto the base part with a vertical movement. The mold holder can then be closed in order to adjust the joined state of the interchangeable mold inside the mold holder.

[0038] Preferably, after the step of inserting the gripped mold parts of the interchangeable mold into the inner region surrounded by the mold carrier, the further steps of moving the mold holder into a partially closed state, establishing a connection between the first side part and the mold holder and establishing a connection between the second side part and the mold holder, and detaching the gripped first and second side parts of the interchangeable mold, and moving the mold holder into a completely closed state are carried out. It is therefore proposed that after the interchangeable mold has been introduced into the inner region of the mold holder, the mold holder is closed again. By closing the mold holder, the side parts join with the base part, so that a positive connection is formed and the interchangeable mold is arranged in the joined state in the mold holder.The previously loosened connection between the side parts and the mold holder is then restored in order to firmly clamp the side parts in the mold holder and to secure them against unwanted movement. The side parts are also detached from the gripping device. Only then is the mold holder completely closed. The order of these steps is arbitrary. The steps are preferably carried out in the following chronological order: moving the mold holder into a partially closed state, then establishing a connection between the first side part and the mold holder and establishing a connection between the second side part and the mold holder, then detaching the gripped first and second side parts of the interchangeable mold from the gripping device, then moving the mold holder into a completely closed state.

[0039] According to a further aspect of the invention, an exchange device for exchanging an outer mold of a forming station for an interchangeable mold is proposed, wherein the forming station is part of a molding machine for producing containers from preforms, and the forming station has a mold holder for receiving the outer mold and the interchangeable mold, wherein the outer mold and the interchangeable mold are each formed in several parts from a first side part and a second side part and optionally from a base part.

[0040] The exchange device comprises an opening and closing system configured to move the mold holder from a closed state to an open state, and an opening and closing system configured to move the mold holder from an open state to a closed state. The opening and closing system is configured, for example, with a mold curve or it has electrical or hydraulic means for moving the mold holder from the closed to the open state and vice versa.

[0041] The exchange device also comprises a multi-axis pivotable gripping device, which is equipped with a first gripping means for gripping the first and second side parts of the outer mold, and which is optionally equipped with a second gripping means for gripping the bottom part of the outer mold. The gripping device is, for example, an industrial robot or the like, as known from the prior art. The gripping means refer to the means for gripping the side parts or the bottom part. For example, gripping means for mechanically, pneumatically, magnetically, or adhesively gripping the mold parts can be provided, such as pincer grippers, magnetic grippers, or the like.

[0042] The exchange device also comprises a mold magazine for receiving molded parts of an outer mold removed from a molding station and / or for providing interchangeable molds for insertion into a molding station. It is particularly proposed that the exchange device, with the opening and closing system, the mold magazine, and the gripping device, be configured to carry out the method according to one of the preceding embodiments. For this purpose, it can have a control device that controls the devices for carrying out the method steps.

[0043] The previously described advantages, explanations and definitions of the above method apply analogously to the previously described replacement device.

[0044] The first gripping means is preferably a gripping means that is designed to positively grip a part of the outer mold or the interchangeable mold, wherein the first gripping means is preferably pneumatically, electrically, hydraulically and / or magnetically actuated. It is therefore proposed that the first gripping means be a positive-locking gripping means that positively grips a part of the side parts to be gripped. The manner in which the first gripping means is actuated is fundamentally arbitrary. The gripper can preferably be pneumatically, electrically, hydraulically and / or magnetically actuated. A pneumatically actuated first gripping means is particularly advantageous because it is robust and durable. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the part to be gripped is a gripper connection means that can be engaged from behind and is gripped in a positive-locking manner.Particularly preferably, the gripper connection means that can be engaged from behind is a pin, wherein the pin is formed from a structurally stable metal and / or is mushroom-shaped. It is understood that the pin is part of the outer mold or the interchangeable mold. The ability to engage from behind can be implemented, for example, with a projection or the like. For this purpose, the first gripping means has a receptacle for the gripper connection means that can be engaged from behind and, after the gripping means has received the connection means, is actuated pneumatically, electrically, hydraulically, and / or magnetically to establish a secure connection between the gripped side parts and the gripping means.

[0045] Preferably, the second gripping means is additionally or alternatively designed with a pincer gripper, and the base part of the outer mold or the interchangeable mold is gripped with the pincer gripper. Pincer grippers are generally known, but they are particularly well suited for gripping the base part of the outer mold or the interchangeable mold. A mounting projection for the side parts is provided on the base part, which the pincer gripper can hold without much effort. The side parts, on the other hand, have a groove for receiving the mounting projection. It is understood that the groove and projection can also be interchanged.According to a further aspect of the invention, an outer mold and / or interchangeable mold suitable for use in the method according to one of the preceding embodiments is proposed, wherein the outer mold and / or the interchangeable mold are each formed from at least a first side part and a second side part, wherein the first side part and the second side part each have a gripper connection means in the form of a pin that can be engaged behind, wherein the pin is formed from a structurally stable metal and / or is mushroom-shaped.

[0046] Preferably, one or more control units are provided to control the opening and closing system and / or to control controllable fixing means for fixing the side parts and / or the base part, and / or to control a rotary movement of the forming wheel of the forming machine and thus of the forming stations and / or to control the gripping device and / or to trigger the method steps.

[0047] The present invention will now be explained in more detail below by way of example using embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar components:

[0048] Fig. 1 shows schematically a plan view of an exchange device in an embodiment according to the invention and a mold magazine.

[0049] Fig. 2 shows schematically a perspective view of a closed forming station of a forming machine with a forming wheel in one embodiment.

[0050] Fig. 3 shows schematically a perspective view of an opened forming station in one embodiment and a partially removed outer mold.

[0051] Fig. 4 shows schematically a perspective view of an outer mold which has been pivoted open by an opening angle a.

[0052] Fig. 5 shows a schematic side view of an exchange device with a multi-axis pivotable gripping device.

[0053] Fig. 6 schematically shows a sectional view of an outer mold in a mold holder of a forming station. Fig. 7 schematically shows a side part of an outer mold with a gripper connection means in the form of a pin that can be engaged behind it, wherein the side part is received in a mold holder.

[0054] Fig. 8 shows a flow chart of the method for the automated replacement of an outer mold of a forming station with an interchangeable mold in one embodiment.

[0055] Figure 1 schematically shows a plan view of an exchange device 10 in an embodiment according to the invention. The exchange device 10 is configured to exchange an outer mold of a forming station 310 with an interchangeable mold, wherein the forming station 310 is part of a molding machine 300 for producing containers from preforms. The outer mold 100 and the interchangeable mold 200 are shown, for example, in Figures 3 or 6.

[0056] The forming station 310 has a mold holder 320 for receiving the outer mold 100 and the interchangeable mold 200. The mold holder 320 of an interchangeable station 310 is illustrated, for example, in Figure 2 or 3.

[0057] The outer mold 100 and the interchangeable mold 200 are each formed in multiple parts, comprising a first side part 110, 210 and a second side part 120, 220, and optionally a base part 130, 230. This is illustrated, for example, in Figure 6. Figure 6 shows a joined outer mold 100 or interchangeable mold 200 in a mold holder 320.

[0058] The exchange device 10 comprises at least one opening and closing system 330 configured to move the mold holder 320 from a closed state to an open state and to move the mold holder 320 from an open state to a closed state. An opening and closing system 330 is shown schematically in Figure 3. The opening and closing system 330 is configured to pivot parts of the mold holder 320 to provide access to the interior area 350 within the mold holder.

[0059] The exchange device 10 shown in Figure 1 also comprises a multi-axis pivotable gripping device 500, which is equipped with a first gripping means 510 for gripping the first and second side parts 110, 210, 120, 220 of the outer mold 100 and / or the interchangeable mold 200, and which is optionally equipped with a second gripping means 520 for gripping the bottom part 130, 230 of the outer mold 100 and / or the interchangeable mold 200. A gripping device 500 is shown, for example, in Figure 1 or Figure 5 and is designed as an industrial robot.

[0060] The exchange device 10 in Figure 1 also includes a mold magazine 400 for receiving molded parts 110, 120, 130 of an outer mold 100 removed from a forming station 310 and / or for providing interchangeable molds 200 for insertion into a forming station 310. The mold magazine 400 is shown, for example, in Figure 1 or 5. The parts of the outer mold removed from the forming station are deposited therein, and the parts of the interchangeable mold are provided.

[0061] Figure 2 schematically shows a perspective view of a closed forming station 310 of a forming machine 300 with a forming wheel in one embodiment. Only one forming station is shown in Figure 2. However, a plurality of forming stations 310 can be arranged circumferentially distributed on the forming wheel 340, for example, 16. The forming wheel is designed to be rotatable, as illustrated by the double arrow. The forming wheel 340 can be controlled by a control unit and can be set in rotation to continue rotating the forming stations once the replacement process for an individual forming station has been completed.

[0062] Figure 3 schematically shows a perspective view of an open molding station 310 and a partially removed outer mold 100. The two double arrows illustrate that the side parts 110, 120 are removable and should be or can be exchanged for the side parts 210, 220 of the interchangeable mold. In addition, the base part 130 can also be exchanged if necessary, which is also illustrated by a double arrow. Figure 3 also illustrates that the mold holder 320 is positioned in an open state. In the open state, the side parts and optionally the base parts can be exchanged. This cannot be done in a partially open state or in a closed state, as shown in Figure 2.

[0063] Figure 4 schematically shows a perspective view of an outer mold 100 that has been pivoted open by an opening angle α. The two side parts 110 and 120 are shown isolated, i.e. the mold receptacle is not shown. The two side parts are pivoted open in a book-like manner. Moving the first side part 110 relative to the second side part 120 therefore comprises setting an opening angle α between the first side part 110 and the second side part 120, wherein the opening angle α lies in an angular range of 3° to 20° and is, for example, 8°. At this opening angle, the two side parts 110 and 120 can be separated from the base part 130 because there is no longer any positive connection between the side parts and the base part.By a vertical downward movement of the base part 130 or a vertical upward movement of the two side parts 110 and 120, the side parts can be separated from the base part, allowing the side parts and the base part to be removed separately. The joined state is clearly visible in Figure 6, for example. It is schematically shown there that the side parts have a groove, and the base mold has a projection that is received by the grooves of the side parts.

[0064] Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of an exchange device with a multi-axis pivotable gripping device 500. The gripping device 500 comprises first gripping means 510, which is designed with a magnetic gripper to grip the side parts 110, 120, 210, 220 of the outer mold and / or the interchangeable mold. Furthermore, the gripping device 500 comprises a second gripping means 520, which is designed with a pincer gripper to grip the base part 130, 230 of the outer mold and / or the interchangeable mold. The gripping device 500 is designed with multi-axis pivotability. It is therefore proposed to provide two gripping means for separately gripping the side parts and the base parts.The gripper device 500 thus removes the side parts 110 and 120 and optionally the side part 130 from the mold holder 320, then places them in the mold magazine 400, and inserts the side parts 210, 220 and optionally the base part 230 into the mold holder 320, which are provided in the mold magazine 400. It is understood that the gripper device 500 is designed to be pivotable in multiple axes for this purpose.

[0065] Figure 6 schematically shows a sectional view of an outer mold 100 in a mold receptacle 320 of a molding station 310. The outer mold 100 can also be an interchangeable mold 200. The outer mold is formed in three parts, comprising two side parts 110, 120 and a base part 130. In order to fix the side parts in the mold receptacle 320, controllable fixing means 360 are preferably provided. In addition, holding means 370 can be provided to hold the side parts after the side parts are no longer fixed. The base part 360 can also be fixed with a controllable fixing means. This is not shown in Figure 6, however. In Figure 6, it can also be clearly seen that the base part 130 has a fastening projection and the side parts have a groove for receiving the fastening projection. As can be seen, the side parts and the base part form a positive connection, ie the side parts and base part are positively connected in the joined state.This form fit can be released by pivoting the side parts open or moving them parallel. Figure 7 schematically shows a side part 110 of an outer mold 100 with a gripper connection means 140 in the form of a pin that can be engaged from behind, wherein the side part is received in a mold receptacle. As can be seen, a grippable metal pin with a mushroom shape is arranged on the front side of the side part 110. The pin thus faces the gripping device, and the gripping device can receive the grippable metal pin with its gripping means. In addition, an alignment means 150 in the form of another pin can be provided to prevent unwanted twisting of the side parts when moving the side parts with the gripping device.

[0066] Figure 8 shows a flowchart of the method for the automated replacement of an outer mold of a forming station with an interchangeable mold in one embodiment. The forming station is part of a forming machine for producing containers from preforms and has a mold holder for releasably receiving the outer mold and the interchangeable mold. The outer mold and the interchangeable mold are each formed in several parts, comprising a first side part and a second side part, and optionally a base part, as shown, for example, in Figure 3 or 6. The method comprises steps S1 to S7, namely:

[0067] Step S1 is: moving the mold holder to a partially opened state.

[0068] Figure 2 shows a closed mold holder 320, and Figure 3 shows an open mold holder 320. Although the partially open state of the mold holder 320 is not shown in the figures, it describes an opening state that lies between the two aforementioned states. The partially open state of the mold holder 320 occurs, for example, when the closed mold holder 320 shown in Figure 2 is opened a small amount, but the mold holder 320 is not yet opened far enough for the side parts 110, 120 to be removable, as shown in Figure 3.

[0069] This is followed in step S2: gripping the first and second side parts of the outer mold. Gripping is carried out automatically using a gripping device, as shown, for example, in Figures 1 and 5. At least the side parts 110 and 120 of the outer mold 100 are gripped, which are arranged in the mold receptacle 320 of the forming station 300, as shown, for example, in Figures 2 and 6. For example, the gripping device 500 grips the grippable gripper connection means 150, as shown, for example, in Figures 4 or 7, with a first gripping means 510, as shown in Figure 5. Preferably, both side parts 110 and 120 are gripped simultaneously, as shown in Figures 3 or 4, which are arranged at an opening angle α to one another in the mold receptacle 320, as illustrated in Figure 4. The gripping device 500 thus simultaneously grips, for example, the side parts 110 and 120 pivoted up in the mold holder.

[0070] This is followed in step S3: moving the mold holder into a further open state, as shown, for example, in Figure 3. Preferably, the gripper device 500 remains immobile in its gripping position according to step S2 and also holds the side parts in the position assumed in step S2, whereby the mold holder moves away from the side parts upon further pivoting.

[0071] Step S4 is: moving the gripped side parts out of an inner region surrounded by the mold receptacle and optionally subsequently gripping the bottom part of the outer mold and moving the gripped bottom part out of the inner region surrounded by the mold receptacle, as shown, for example, in Figure 3. A double arrow illustrates that the side parts 110 and 120 of the outer mold are moved out and the side parts 210 and 220 are inserted into the inner region 350 of the mold receptacle 320.

[0072] Next, in step S5, the gripped molded parts are deposited in a mold magazine. The mold magazine 400 is shown, for example, in Figure 1 or 5. It serves as a storage area for the removed side parts 110 and 120 and optionally for the base part 130 of the outer mold 100, and it serves to provide the side parts 210, 220 and optionally the base part 230 of the interchangeable mold 200.

[0073] Step S6 involves gripping the first and second side parts of an interchangeable mold provided in the mold magazine and optionally gripping the bottom part of the interchangeable mold provided in the mold magazine. For this purpose, the interchangeable mold can also be designed with a gripper connection means, and the gripping device can grip the parts of the interchangeable mold with a first and second gripping means, analogous to the outer mold.

[0074] Step S7 involves inserting the gripped mold parts of the interchangeable mold into the inner area surrounded by the mold holder after the mold parts of the outer mold have been moved out. The steps of gripping S2, S6, moving out S4, depositing S5, and inserting S7 of the mold parts are carried out using a gripping device. Furthermore, when the mold holder is moved into the partially open state in step S1, the first side part is moved relative to the second side part, which can be a pivoting or parallel displacement of the side parts.

[0075] List of reference symbols

[0076] 100 external form

[0077] 110 first side part of the outer form

[0078] 120 second side part of the outer form

[0079] 130 Bottom part of the outer mold

[0080] 140 gripper connection device

[0081] 150 alignment tools

[0082] 200 change form

[0083] 210 first side part of the interchangeable form

[0084] 220 second side part of the interchangeable mold

[0085] 230 Bottom part of the interchangeable mold

[0086] 300 forming machine

[0087] 310 Forming station

[0088] 320 mold holder

[0089] 330 opening and closing system

[0090] 340 forming wheel

[0091] 350 indoor area

[0092] 360 controllable fixative

[0093] 370 holding devices

[0094] 400 mold magazine

[0095] 500 gripping device

[0096] 510 first gripping device

[0097] 520 second gripping device

Claims

Claims 1. Method for the automated exchange of an outer form (100) of a forming station (310) for an interchangeable form (200), wherein the forming station (310) is part of a forming machine (300) for the production of containers from preforms and has a form holder (320) for the detachable reception of the outer form (100) and the interchangeable form (200), wherein the outer form (100) and the interchangeable form (200) are each formed in multiple parts consisting of a first side part (110, 210) and a second side part (120, 220) and optionally a bottom part (130, 230), comprising the steps: Moving (S1) the mold holder (320) into a partially open state; then grasping (S2) the first and second side parts (110, 120) of the outer mold; then moving (S3) the mold holder (320) into a further open state; then moving (S4) the grasped side parts (110, 120) out of an inner area (350) surrounded by the mold holder (320) and optionally subsequently grasping the bottom part (130) of the outer mold and moving the grasped bottom part (130) out of the inner area surrounded by the mold holder (320); then placing (S5) the grasped mold parts (110, 120, 130) into a mold magazine (400); Grasping (S6) the first and second side parts (210, 220) of an interchangeable mold (200) provided in the mold magazine (400) and optionally grasping the bottom part (230) of the interchangeable mold (200) provided in the mold magazine (400); and Insertion (S7) of the gripped mold parts (210, 220, 230) of the interchangeable mold (200) into the interior area (350) surrounded by the mold holder (320), wherein the previous steps gripping (S2, S6), moving out (S4), placing (S5) and inserting (S7) the mold parts are carried out by means of a gripping device (500), characterized in that when the mold holder (320) is moved into the partially opened state, the first side part (110) is moved relative to the second side part (120).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprises the additional step of: releasing a connection (360) between the first side part (110) and the mold holder (320) and Releasing a connection (360) between the second side part (120) and the mold holder (320), Optionally, a connection between the bottom part (130) and the mold holder (320) is released, wherein the release of the connection between the mold parts (110, 120, 130) and the mold holder (320) takes place before the mold parts are moved out, preferably the release of the connections (360) between the first and second side parts (110, 120) of the mold holder (320) takes place after grasping (S2) the first and second side parts (110, 120) of the outer mold.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the grasping of the first and second side part (110, 120, 210, 220) of the outer form and / or the interchangeable form takes place simultaneously.

4. Method according to claim one of the preceding claims, wherein moving the first side part (110) relative to the second side part (120) comprises setting an opening angle (a) between the first side part (110) and the second side part (120), wherein the opening angle (a) is in an angular range of 3° to 20°, preferably the opening angle (a) is in an angular range of 5° to 10°, in particular the opening angle is in an angular range of 8° + 1°.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second side parts (210, 220) of the provided interchangeable mold are provided in the mold magazine (400) with a predetermined opening angle (a) to each other, the opening angle (a) being in an angular range of 3° to 20°, preferably the opening angle (a) being in an angular range of 5° to 10°, in particular the opening angle (a) being in an angular range of 8° ± 1°.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein after the step of inserting the gripped mold parts (210, 220, 230) of the interchangeable mold (200) into the inner area (350) surrounded by the mold carrier, the following further steps are carried out: Moving the mold holder (320) into a partially closed state; Establishing a connection between the first side part (210) and the mold holder (320) and Establishing a connection between the second side part (220) and the mold holder (320); Detachment of the seized first and second side parts (210, 220) of the alternating form; and Moving the mold holder (320) into a fully closed state.

7. Exchange device (10) for exchanging an outer mold (100) of a forming station (310) for an interchangeable mold (200), wherein the forming station is part of a forming machine (300) for producing containers from preforms, and the forming station (310) has a mold holder (320) for receiving the outer mold (100) and the interchangeable mold (200), wherein the outer mold (100) and the interchangeable mold (200) are each formed in multiple parts consisting of a first side part (110, 210) and a second side part (120, 220) and optionally a bottom part (130, 230), wherein the exchange device comprises: an opening and closing system (330) which is configured to move the mold holder (320) from a closed state to an open state and which is configured to move the mold holder (320) from an open state to a closed state;a multi-axis pivotable gripping device (500) equipped with a first gripping means (510) for gripping the first and second side parts (110, 210, 120, 220) of the outer mold (100) and / or the interchangeable mold (200), and optionally equipped with a second gripping means (520) for gripping the bottom part (130, 230) of the outer mold (100) and / or the interchangeable mold (200); and a mold magazine (400) for receiving mold parts (110, 120, 130) of an outer mold (100) removed from a molding station (310) and / or for providing interchangeable molds (200) for insertion into a molding station (310); characterized in that the exchange device with the opening and closing system (330), the form magazine (400) and the gripping device (500) is configured to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8.

8. Exchange device according to claim 7, wherein the first gripping means (510) is a gripping means configured to grip a part of the outer shape (100) or the interchangeable shape (200) in a form-fitting manner, wherein the first gripping means (510) is preferably pneumatically, electrically, hydraulically and / or magnetically actuated, and wherein the part of the outer shape or interchangeable shape is further preferably a grippable connection means (140) that is gripped in a form-fitting manner, in particular the grippable connection means is a pin, wherein the pin is made of a structurally rigid metal and / or is mushroom-shaped; and / or wherein the second gripping means (520) is designed with a pincer gripper and the bottom part (130, 230) of the outer shape and / or the interchangeable shape is gripped with the pincer gripper.

9. Outer shape (100) and / or interchangeable shape (200) suitable for use in the Method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein the outer form (100) and / or the interchangeable form (200) are each formed from at least one first side part (110, 210) and a second side part (120, 220), wherein the first side part (110, 210) and the second side part (120, 220) each have a grippable gripper connection means (140) in the form of a pin, wherein the pin is formed from a structurally rigid metal and / or is mushroom-shaped.

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