Workstation for a thermoforming packaging machine and method for removing a tool base from a workstation of a thermoforming packaging machine

Abstract

Workstation (19) for a thermoforming packaging machine (1), comprising a tool upper part (21), a tool lower part (22) removable from the workstation (19) in a reversible direction (37), a first changing device (36) for removing the tool lower part (22) from the workstation (19), characterized in that the first changing device (36) has a first lever (38) with a first lever arm (39), wherein the first lever (38) is detachably attachable to the workstation (19), wherein the first lever (38) is rotatable in its position (45) attached to the workstation (19) about a first axis of rotation (42) arranged on the workstation (19), wherein the first changing device (36) has a first lifting device (40), wherein the first lifting device (40) is configured to exert a lifting force on the tool lower part (22) when the first lever arm (39) is actuated. to exert the tool lower part (22).

Description

The present invention relates to a workstation for a thermoform packaging machine and to a method for removing a lower tool part from a workstation of a thermoform packaging machine.Thermoform packaging machines are generally provided with a forming station and a sealing station, which each comprise format-dependent replaceable lower tool parts. The lower tool parts or a mold plate or a sealing plate weigh up to 250 kg and their removal from the thermoform packaging machines can be problematic, in particular because of the high weight.U.S. Pat. No. 7,340,871 B1 discloses a packaging device with a forming station. The forming station has a lower tool part which is mounted on a base plate so as to be vertically movable together with the base plate. U.S. Pat. No. 7,340,871 B1 discloses that it is ergonomically disadvantageous for the maintenance personnel to lift a heavy lower tool part upward for a tool change. Changing several large heavy tool bottoms therefore requires a hoist to remove them from the packaging apparatus. Here, there is a risk of damage to the conveyor chains and chain clamps due to the proximity of the heavy tool lower part to the conveyor chains and chain clamps during the upward pull. U.S. Pat. No. 7,340,871 B1 proposes a solution for removing the lower tool part from the apparatus without a hoist. For this purpose, a guide rail arrangement is provided which is rotatably mounted on the packaging device next to the base plate and on which the lower tool part can be pulled laterally out of the device without raising the lower tool part.Nevertheless, the lower tool parts can, in the installed state in the thermoform packaging machines, rest on a seal or a round cord. When the lower tool part rests on a seal, the friction between the lower tool part and the seal is sometimes so great that the lower tool part cannot be laterally displaced in order to remove it from the thermoform packaging machine. Here, there is also the risk that the seal will be broken if the lower tool part is not moved upwards before it is laterally displaced. Consequently, in a work station in which the tool lower part rests on a seal or is surrounded by a seal, the tool lower part must be raised in order to separate the tool lower part from the seal or to separate it from the seal. Lifting devices with pneumatic cylinders are known from the prior art for lifting the lower tool part before it is taken out laterally from the work station. Such lifting devices include complex components and require control equipment for operation. Thus, such lifting devices are cost-intensive and construction-intensive.Accordingly, the object of the invention is to eliminate the above mentioned drawbacks. This object is achieved in each case by a workstation for a thermoform packaging machine according to claim 1 or a method for removing a lower tool part from a workstation of a thermoform packaging machine according to claim 13.The invention relates to a work station for a thermoform packaging machine, comprising an upper tool part, a lower tool part which can be removed from the work station in a changing direction, and a first changing device for removing the lower tool part from the work station. The first change-over device has a first lever with a first lever arm. The first lever arm can be detachably attached to the work station, preferably without tools. The first lever arm is rotatable in its position attached / arranged at the work station about a first axis of rotation arranged at the work station. The first change-over device has a first lifting arrangement. The first lifting arrangement is configured to exert a lifting force on the tool lower part upon actuation of the first lever arm. The first lifting arrangement can likewise be detachably attachable to the work station, then preferably together with the first lever arm. Or the first lifting arrangement can be permanently attached (i.e. only detachable by dismantling) to the workstation or mounted in the workstation.The first lifting arrangement can be configured, for example, to transmit force to the tool lower part in its operating position by a rotational movement of the first lever, in particular of the first lever arm. The first lever arm and the first lifting arrangement may be arranged with each other such that the first lever arm actuates the first lifting arrangement to apply force to the tool bottom part. The first lever arm and the first lifting arrangement may be arranged with each other such that the first lever arm actuates the first lifting arrangement to lift the tool lower part. The lifting arrangement can be coupled to the first lever arm, preferably in its position arranged at the work station. The first lever arm and the lifting arrangement can be formed in one piece or be non-detachably connected to one another. The first lever arm and the lifting arrangement can be two separate components of the change device. The first lever arm and the lifting arrangement can be mechanically coupled to each other to exert the lifting force on the tool lower part.The alternating direction can be perpendicular to a transport direction of a film web to be processed in the work station. The lower tool part can lie on or against a seal in its operating position.By virtue of the invention, the first changeover device functions as an operator-force-intensifying element or as a lever. By means of the lever transmission, the lower tool part can be raised with little exertion of force or at least a part or a side of the lower tool part can be tilted upward. This can allow simple and user-friendly changing of the lower tool part.Furthermore, the first changeover device according to the invention has a dual function. The first changing device may serve as a lever for lifting the lower tool part and as a tool for removing the lower tool part from the work station in the changing direction. As a result, a need for a system with pneumatic cylinders for lifting the lower tool part can be dispensed with. Consequently, not only is the changing of the lower tool part made more user-friendly, but the device for changing the lower tool part is also configured to be simple and cost-effective to produce.Moreover, the invention enables better protection for the seals in the work station, since the raising of the lower tool part prevents the lower tool part from rubbing too strongly on the seal.The lower tool part can be arranged in the work station on a frame element, preferably on a base plate, on a yoke or on a carrier of the work station. Below the frame element, a lifting device can be provided in order to move the frame element vertically upward together with the lower tool part for a working process, for example for a shaping and sealing process, toward the upper tool part.In one embodiment, the first lever can be detachably attachable to the work station. The first lever can be rotatably attachable, for example, to the frame element or to a machine frame of the workstation. As a result, the first lever can be attached to the work station only for the exchange of the lower tool part. Prior to the start of operation of the work station, the first lever can be removed from the work station or from the frame element.In one embodiment, the first lifting arrangement can comprise a second lever arm of the first lever or of the first changing device. The first lever arm may be integrally formed with the second lever arm (and thus "coupled" to the second lever arm). The first lever arm can protrude from the work station in the position of the first lever arranged at the work station. The second lever arm can project into the work station below the lower tool part in the position of the first changing device arranged at the work station. By virtue of this arrangement of the first lever with two lever arms, the first changeover device can be formed integrally and accordingly in a simple and cost-effective manner.In one embodiment, the first lifting arrangement may comprise a lifting element. The lifting element can be formed separately from the first lever arm. The lifting element may be a cam. A shaft of the cam may be rotated by rotating the first lever arm. By a rotational movement of the cam, the lower tool part can be at least partially raised or can be tilted laterally upwards. The cam can be arranged below the lower tool part. As a result, the first changing device can be configured to be more stable.In one embodiment, the first lifting arrangement may comprise a gear. The gear can be formed separately from the first lever arm. The transmission may be a mechanical or electrical transmission.The first lifting arrangement may comprise a gear wheel. The gearwheel can be formed separately from the first lever arm. The gear wheel can be rotated by rotating the first lever arm. The gear wheel can contact the tool lower part directly or via a toothed rack in order to transmit force to the tool lower part and raise it. As a result, the first changing device can be configured to be more stable.In one embodiment, the first lever arm can be designed as a rail or comprise a rail on which the lower tool part can preferably be displaced in the alternating direction. As a result, the lower tool part can be pulled out of the work station by displacement onto the first lever arm.Advantageously, by a rotational movement of the first lever about the first axis of rotation, the lower tool part can be brought from its operating position to a second position within the work station. In the second position, at least one side of the lower tool part can be tilted upward.Expediently, the first lever can have a first receiving opening for receiving the first axis of rotation, e.g. at a first end of the first lever or of the first lever arm. The first lever may have a first receiving opening between the first lever arm and the second lever arm for receiving the first rotation axis. The first lever can be releasably attached to the work station by the first receiving opening. The first axis of rotation can be a pin fixedly installed on the frame element or on the machine frame of the workstation. The first axis of rotation can be a shaft, preferably a camshaft, arranged on the frame element or on the machine frame of the workstation.In one embodiment, the first lever can have a second receiving opening, for example between the first lever arm and the second lever arm, for receiving an edge of the lower tool part, in particular when the first lever is in a first working position. As a result, the second lever arm can project into the work station below the lower tool part. This can enable a force transmission to the lower tool part from below.Expediently, the first lever can be rotated about the first axis of rotation by exerting force on the first lever arm and can thereby be brought from a first working position of the first lever to a second working position of the first lever. In the first working position, the first lever arm can be tilted upward. In the first working position, the first lever can extend at least partially between the lower tool part and the upper tool part. In the first working position, the first lever can be positioned at the work station without securing or locking, preferably only by receiving the first axis of rotation in the receptacle. In the first working position, an angle which can be between 20 degrees and 45 degrees can be present between the first lever or the first lever arm and a vertical pull rod of the work station. The vertical pull rod can extend between the upper tool part and the lower tool part. The vertical pull rod may be a guide rod.Advantageously, the lower tool part can be displaceable on the first lever arm in the alternating direction when the first lever is in the second working position. In the second working position, the first lever or the first lever arm can be located in a horizontal plane.In one embodiment, the second lever arm can be U-shaped or L-shaped. Due to the U-shaped or L-shaped configuration, a first contact part of the second lever arm can move through a first opening of the frame element for contacting the lower tool part from below and for lifting the lower tool part, in particular during the attachment of the first lever from the first working position to the second working position.In one embodiment, the lower tool part can be arranged on a support element arranged within the work station. The lower tool part can be raised together with the support element. The support element can facilitate a displacement of the lower tool part, in particular within the work station.In one embodiment, the lower tool part can be displaceable on the carrying element. The support element can be a guide rail. The support element may comprise a rail. This can simplify a displacement of the tool lower part from a first position inside the workstation to a second position outside the workstation, preferably on the same horizontal plane. In the first position, the lower tool part can be located on the supporting element. In the second position, the lower tool part can be located on the first lever arm.The support element can have a horizontal part on which the lower tool part is arranged. A first vertical portion may extend from the horizontal portion. The first vertical portion may be a first guide pin. The first vertical portion may be positioned in the first opening of the frame member when the support member is in an operating position. A second vertical portion may extend from the horizontal portion. The first vertical portion may be a second guide pin. The first vertical portion and the second vertical portion may be spaced apart from each other. The second vertical portion may have the same configuration and function as the first vertical portion. The second vertical portion may be positioned in the second opening of the frame member when the support member is in an operating position. The support element can be in the operating position when the lower tool part is in its operating position.Advantageously, the second lever arm can be configured to transmit force to the lower tool part and / or the support element, preferably from below, by the rotational movement of the first lever or of the first lever arm. The first contact part of the second lever arm can contact the lower tool part and / or the support element from below.The work station can have a first locking unit comprising e.g. a screw or a clamp for fixing the support element in the change position. The work station can have a second locking unit comprising e.g. a screw or a clamp for fixing the first lever or the first lever arm in the change position. As a result, the support element and / or the first lever can be fixed in each case in their changing position and changing position. After the lower tool part has been raised, the supporting element or the rail of the supporting element and the first lever or the rail of the first lever can contact one another on the same plane. As a result, the lower tool part can easily be pulled from the support element onto the first lever or onto the first lever arm.In one embodiment, the workstation can have a second changeover device. By the cooperation of the first and the second changing devices, the lower tool part can be brought from its operating position to a changing position provided within the work station. The lower tool part can be located on a horizontal plane when the lower tool part is in the operating position and / or changing position. By the cooperation of the first and the second changing devices, the support element can be brought from the operating position to a first changing position within the work station, wherein the support element is located on a horizontal plane when the support element is in the operating position and / or in the changing position. A movement of the lower tool part between its operating position and the changing position can be translatory, in particular if both changing devices are actuated simultaneously. It would also be possible to actuate the first changing device first and then the second changing device in order to raise the lower tool part.The first changing device and the second changing device can each be configured identically. The first changing device and the second changing device can be arranged on an operator side of the workstation, preferably on the same operator side of the workstation. The first changing device and the second changing device can be arranged symmetrically to one another on the operator side. The first changing device and the second changing device can be arranged on the operator side one behind the other in the production direction, preferably perpendicular to the changing direction. The first changing device and the second changing device can be arranged spaced apart from one another in the production direction on the operator side. The second change device can have a second lever with a third lever arm. The third lever arm may comprise a second rail. The second lever can be rotatable in its position arranged at the work station about a second axis of rotation arranged at the work station. The second changing device can have a second lifting arrangement which can be coupled to the third lever arm. The second lifting arrangement, in its position arranged at the work station, can be configured to transmit force to the tool lower part in its operating position by a rotational movement of the second lever. The second lifting arrangement may be a fourth lever arm of the second lever. The third lever arm and the fourth lever arm can be formed in one piece. It would also be possible for the third lever arm and the second lifting arrangement to be separate from one another but coupled to one another in such a way that the third lever arm actuates the second lifting arrangement by a rotational movement in order to exert force on the tool lower part and lift it. A second axis of rotation can be arranged on the frame element. The second lever can be attached to the work station for changing the lower tool part by the second axis of rotation being accommodated in a third receiving opening of the second lever. The third receiving opening can be provided at a second end of the third lever arm. The second lever can be rotatable about the second axis of rotation in its position arranged at the work station. The second lever may have a fourth receiving opening between the third lever arm and the fourth lever arm for receiving a second edge of the lower tool part (or an edge of the frame element). By exerting force on the third lever arm, the second lever can be rotated about the second axis of rotation and can thereby be brought from a third working position to a fourth working position. In its fourth working position of the second lever, the third lever arm can be positioned in a horizontal plane. In the third working position, the third lever arm can be tilted upward. The third lever arm may comprise a rectilinear part. The fourth lever arm may have an L-shaped part. A first portion of the L-shaped part may be located in a parallel plane with respect to the rectilinear part of the third lever arm when the second lever is in its fourth working position. A second portion of the L-shaped portion may extend perpendicularly from the first portion. The second region can be configured such that the second region is moved into the second opening of the frame element during the rotational movement of the third lever and thereby pushes the first vertical section of the support element upward.Advantageously, by raising the lower tool part by means of the first changing device and / or the second changing device from its operating position to the changing position, the lower tool part can be detached from a seal arranged under the lower tool part in the operating position and in contact with the lower tool part. As a result, the lower tool part can be removed from the work station without rubbing (or at least without too much friction) on the seal by displacement on the first lever arm.The invention further relates to a workstation for a thermoform packaging machine, comprising a tool upper part, a tool lower part which can be removed from the workstation in a changing direction, a first changing device for attaching to an operator side of the workstation and a second changing device for attaching to the operator side of the workstation. The first changing device and the second changing device can be arranged symmetrically to one another on the operator side. The first changing device and the second changing device can be arranged on the operator side one behind the other in the production direction, preferably perpendicular to the changing direction. The first changing device and the second changing device can be arranged spaced apart from one another in the production direction on the operator side. The first changing device and / or the second changing device is / are provided for lifting the lower tool part from a horizontal operating position of the lower tool part to a horizontal changing position of the lower tool part. Furthermore, the first changing device and / or the second changing device is / are provided for removing the lower tool part from the work station, preferably by a displacement in each case on the first changing device and / or on the second changing device. The first change-over device has a first lever with a first lever arm. The first lever is rotatable in its position arranged at the work station about a first axis of rotation arranged at the work station. The first change-over device has a first lifting arrangement which can be or is coupled to the first lever arm. The first lifting arrangement, in its position arranged at the work station, is configured to contact the tool lower part in its operating position and to transmit force to the tool lower part by a rotational movement of the first lever. The second change-over device has a second lever with a third lever arm. The second lever is rotatable in its position arranged at the work station about a second axis of rotation arranged at the work station. The second change-over device has a second lifting arrangement which can be or is coupled to the third lever arm. The second lifting arrangement, in its position arranged at the work station, is configured to contact the tool lower part in its operating position and to transmit force to the tool lower part by a rotational movement of the second lever.The invention further relates to a thermoform packaging machine comprising the workstation according to one of the above-described embodiments. The thermoform packaging machine can have a forming station, a sealing station or an evacuating and sealing station, a cutter device, which are arranged in this order on a machine frame in a production direction. The workstation can be the forming station and / or the sealing station. The work station can have a lifting device for moving the lower tool part relative to the upper tool part. In the thermoform packaging machine, a film web can be introduced into the machine from an inlet side. In the forming station, containers can be formed from the film web. After products have been filled in a filling station, the containers can be sealed with an upper film in the sealing station and finally separated from one another by means of the cutting device. The lower die part or lower die part can be provided below the film web. The mold base may be movable between a raised position and a lowered position. In its raised position, the mold base may act on the film web to deform the film web downward to form a product cavity in the product carriers or troughs. The mold base in its lowered position can be moved away from the film web to allow for forward movement of the film web with the product cavity formed therein. In its raised position, the upper ends of the side walls of the mold bottom can come into contact with the underside of the film web. Negative pressure can be supplied to the interior of the die base through a vacuum line and a series of air passages formed in the bottom of the die base. As a result, the film web can be deformed downward into the interior of the lower tool part. The sealing station may comprise a sealable chamber in which the atmosphere in the wells may be replaced prior to sealing, for example by evacuation or gas flushing with an exchange gas or with a gas mixture. The lifting device can move format-dependent sealing glasses with a base plate up and down. The sealing station can have at the top a sealing tool upper part in which a sealing plate is arranged. A group of troughs which are formed in the film web during a working cycle in the forming station and then intermittently transported in the production direction can be defined as a format. A format can have a plurality of packages or troughs both in the production direction of the thermoform packaging machine or film running direction and transversely thereto, for example 4 x 4 troughs. In the case of a format change from 4 x 4 to 3 x 3 troughs, for example, both parts of the forming station or lower mold part and parts of the sealing station or lower seal mold part (the sealing glasses or a sealing plate) can be changed.The invention further relates to a method for removing a lower tool part from a work station of a thermoform packaging machine, wherein the method comprises the following method steps: exerting a force on a first lever arm of a first lever of a first changing device outside the work station, rotating the first lever about a first axis of rotation arranged at the work station, transmitting a force from the first lever arm to the lower tool part by means of a first lifting arrangement of the first changing device coupled to the first lever arm, and lifting the lower tool part at least partially or completely inside the work station.The method can furthermore comprise the following method steps: exerting a force on a third lever arm of a second lever of a second changing device outside the work station, rotating the second lever about a second axis of rotation arranged on the work station, transmitting a force to the tool lower part by means of a second lifting arrangement of the second changing device coupled to the third lever arm, and lifting the tool lower part at least partially or completely inside the work station.The method may further comprise the step of: raising the tool bottom from a first horizontal plane to a second horizontal plane within the work station.The method can furthermore comprise the following method steps: transmitting the force to a support element carrying the lower tool part by means of the first lifting arrangement of the first changing device coupled to the first lever arm, lifting the support element together with the lower tool part at least partially within the work station.The method can furthermore comprise the following method steps: displacing the tool lower part on the first lever arm of the first changing device to a position outside the work station, or displacing the tool lower part in each case on the support element and the first lever arm of the first changing device to a position outside the work station.All features and advantages disclosed in connection with the workstation for a thermoform packaging machine can be used individually or together in the method for removing a lower tool part from a workstation of a thermoform packaging machine. All features disclosed in connection with the method for removing a lower tool part from a workstation of a thermoform packaging machine can be used individually or together in the workstation for a thermoform packaging machine.The following figures show: FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a thermoform packaging machine, FIG. 2 is a schematic partial view of a work station of the thermoform packaging machine, FIG. 3 is a schematic partial view of the work station of the thermoform packaging machine according to an embodiment of the invention, FIG. 4 shows a schematic partial view of the work station of the thermoform packaging machine according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3.Identical components are provided with identical or corresponding reference numerals throughout the figures.FIG. 1 shows a thermoform packaging machine 1. thermoform packaging machine 1 has a forming station 2, a sealing station 3, a cross-cutting device 4 and a longitudinal cutting device 5, which are arranged in this order on a machine frame 6 in a production direction R. Between the forming station 2 and the sealing station 3 an insertion station 7 is provided. In the insertion station 7, food products are inserted, for example, into product carriers 8 formed by the forming station 2.The forming station 2 and the sealing station 3 are each a work station 19 of the thermoform packaging machine 1. a first changing device 36, 36' and a second changing device 54, 54' are provided at the respective work stations 19. The first change device 36, 36' and the second change device 54, 54' are of identical design.On the input side, a feed roller 9 is located on the machine frame 6, from which a film web 10 is drawn off. In the region of the sealing station 3, a material storage unit 11 is provided from which a cover film 12 is removed. On the output side, a conveying device 13 is provided on the thermoform packaging machine 1, with which finished packages 14 with individual product carriers 8 are transported away. Furthermore, the thermoform packaging machine 1 has a feed device 15 which grasps the film web 10 and transports it further in the production direction R per main operating cycle. The feed device 15 can be embodied, for example, by clamp chains 16 arranged on both sides. A user interface 17 in the form of a display device is arranged on the thermoform packaging machine 2. The user interface 17 has operating elements 18.FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the workstation 19 of the thermoform packaging machine 1 in order to describe the component of the workstation 19 in more detail. The work station 19 has a base part 20. The work station 19 has a tool upper part 21 connected to the base part 20. The work station 19 has a lower tool part 22 which can be moved relative to the upper tool part 21. The base part 20 and the tool upper part 21 are connected to one another via rods 23 or tie rods or guide rods. A lifting device 24 is provided for moving the lower tool part 22 and a frame element 25 carrying the lower tool part 22 (the frame element 25 can be a plate) relative to the upper tool part 21. Below the lower tool part 22, a seal 26 is provided.FIG. 3 shows a schematic partial view of an embodiment of the work station 19 of the thermoform packaging machine 1. FIG. 3 shows the lower tool part 22 in its operating position 29. FIG. 3 shows the support element 27 in its operating position 30, and the support element 27 can have a horizontal part 31 on which the lower tool part 22 is arranged. A first vertical section 32 and a second vertical section 33 extend from the horizontal part 31. The second vertical portion 33 is received in the first opening 35 of the frame member 25.The lower tool part 22 must be changed depending on the product carrier format. The first changing device 36 and the second changing device 54 are provided for lifting the lower tool part 22 and subsequently for removing the lower tool part 22 from the work station 19 in a changing direction 37. The first changing device 36 is arranged on an operator side 55 of the workstation 19. The alternating direction 37 is transverse to the production direction R of the thermoform packaging machine or a running direction of the film web 10.The first change device 36 has a first lever 38 with a first lever arm 39. The first lever arm 39 has a first rail 39 a. The first change device 36 further comprises a first lifting arrangement 40. The first lifting arrangement 40, in its position S arranged at the work station 19, is configured to transmit force to the tool lower part 22 in its operating position 29 by the first lever arm 39.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the first lifting arrangement 40 is formed as a second lever arm 41 of the first lever 38. The first lever arm 39 and the second lever arm 41 are formed in one piece. (It is also possible that the first lever arm 39 and the first lifting arrangement 40 are separate from each other but mechanically or functionally coupled to each other such that the first lever arm 39 actuates the first lifting arrangement 40 by a rotational movement in order to exert force on the tool lower part 22 and lift it up).A first axis of rotation 42 is arranged on the frame element 25. The first lever 38 can be attached to the work station 19 for the exchange of the lower tool part 22 by the first rotational axis 42 being received in a first receiving opening 43 of the first lever 38. The first receiving opening 43 is provided at a first end 44 of the first lever arm 39. The first lever 38 is rotatable about the first axis of rotation 42 in its position 45 arranged at the work station 19.The first lever 38 has a second receiving opening 46 between the first lever arm 39 and the second lever arm 41 for receiving a first edge 47 of the lower tool part 22 (or an edge of the frame element 25). By exerting force on the first lever arm 39, the first lever 38 is rotated about the first axis of rotation 42 and is thereby brought from a first working position 48 to a second working position 49. The first working position 48 of the first lever 38 is the position of the first lever 38 indicated in FIG. 3, and as a result, an edge of the supporting element 27 and the first edge 47 of the tool lower part 22 are tilted or raised upwards (not shown).The first lever arm 39 has a rectilinear part 50, the second lever arm 41 has an L-shaped part 51, a first portion 52 of the L-shaped part 51 is located in a parallel plane with respect to the rectilinear part 50 of the first lever arm 39 when the first lever 38 is in its second working position 49 (not shown). A second portion 53 of the L-shaped part 51 extends perpendicularly from the first portion 52, and the second portion 53 is configured such that the second portion 53 moves into the first opening 34 of the frame member 25 during the rotational movement of the first lever 38 and thereby pushes the first vertical portion 32 of the support member 27 upward.In FIG. 3, only the first changing device 36 is shown. The second changing device 54 of the work station 19 is not shown here. The second changing device 54 is arranged along the production direction R, perpendicular to the changing direction 37, at a distance from the first changing device 36.FIG. 4 shows a schematic partial view of an embodiment of the work station 19 of the deep-draw packaging machine 1. In its second working position 49 of the first lever 38, the first lever arm 39 is positioned in a horizontal plane.By the cooperation of the first changing device 36 and the second changing device 54, when both changing devices 36, 54 are operated, the support element 27 and the lower tool part 22 are lifted upward. As a result, the lower tool part 22 is moved from its operating position 29 (see FIG. 3 ) to a changing position 73 within the work station 19. The lower tool part 22 is located in a horizontal plane when it is in the operating position 29 and / or in the changing position 73. In order to bring the lower tool part 22 from its changing position 73 within the work station 19 to a position 74 outside the work station 19, the lower tool part 22 is displaced laterally in the changing direction 37 first on the rail 28 of the support element 27 and then on the first rail 39 aof the first lever arm 39 or on the second rail 58 aof the third lever arm 58.

Claims

Workstation (19) for a thermoform packaging machine (1) comprising an upper tool part (21), a lower tool part (22) which can be removed from the workstation (19) in a changing direction (37), a first changing device (36) for removing the lower tool part (22) from the workstation (19), characterized in that the first changing device (36) has a first lever (38) with a first lever arm (39), wherein the first lever (38) can be releasably attached to the workstation (19), wherein the first lever (38), in its position (45) attached to the workstation (19), is rotatable about a first axis of rotation (42) arranged on the workstation (19), wherein the first changing device (36) has a first lifting device (40), wherein the first lifting device (40) is configured to, Upon actuation of the first lever arm (39), a lifting force is exerted on the lower tool part (22).Workstation according to claim 1, characterised in that the first lifting arrangement (40) comprises a second lever arm (41) of the first lever (38), wherein in the position (45) of the first lever (38) attached to the workstation (19), the first lever arm (39) protrudes from the workstation (19) and the second lever arm (41) protrudes into the workstation (19) below the lower tool part (22).Workstation according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the first lever arm (39) comprises a first rail (29a), on which the lower tool part (22) can be displaced.Workstation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first lever (38) has a first receiving opening (43) for receiving the first axis of rotation (42), preferably at a first end (44) of the first lever arm (39) or between the first lever arm (39) and the second lever arm (41).Workstation according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the first lever (38) has a second receiving opening (46) between the first lever arm (39) and the second lever arm (41) for receiving an edge (47) of the lower tool part (22), in particular when the first lever (38) is in a first working position (48).Workstation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first lifting arrangement (40) comprises a cam or a gear, preferably a toothed gear.Workstation according to claim 6, characterised in that the lower tool part (22) is displaceable on the first lever arm (39) in the alternating direction (37) when the first lever (38) is in a second working position (49).Workstation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second lever arm (41) is U-shaped or L-shaped.Workstation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower tool part (22) is displaceable on a support element (27) arranged within the workstation (19).Workstation according to claim 9, characterised in that the second lever arm (41) is configured to transmit force from below to the lower tool part (22) and / or the support element (27) by a rotational movement of the first lever (38).Workstation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the workstation (19) has a second changing device (54), wherein the second changing device (54) is designed identically to the first changing device (36), and the first changing device (36) and the second changing device (54) are arranged on an operator side (55) of the workstation (19).Thermoform packaging machine (1) comprising a workstation (19) according to one of claims 1 to 11.Method for removing a lower tool part (22) from a work station (19) of a thermoform packaging machine (1), wherein the method comprises the following method steps: exerting a force on a first lever arm (39) of a first lever (38) of a changing device (36) outside the work station (19), rotating the first lever (38) about a first axis of rotation (42) arranged at the work station (19), transmitting a force from the first lever arm to the lower tool part (22) by means of a first lifting arrangement (40) of the first changing device (36) coupled to the first lever arm (39), lifting the lower tool part (22) at least partially inside the work station (19).Method according to claim 13, further comprising the following method steps: transmitting the force to a support element (27) carrying the lower tool part (22) by means of the first lifting arrangement (40) of the first changing device (36) coupled to the first lever arm (39), lifting the support element (27) together with the lower tool part (22) within the work station (19).Method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising the following method step: displacing the lower tool part (22) on the first lever arm (39) of the first changing device (36) to a position (74) outside the work station (19), or displacing the lower tool part (22) in each case on the support element (27) and the first lever arm (39) of the first changing device (36) to a position (74) outside the work station (19).

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