Device and system for holding a molding tool segment, handling device for a molding tool segment, and method for changing a molding tool segment

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for holding a molding tool segment (12) on a molding station (72), comprising at least one molding tool segment (12) which has at least one contact surface (14) for resting against another molding tool segment (12), at least one support element (16) with a receiving region (18) for the molding tool segment (12), and at least one locking element (20) for locking the molding tool segment (12) to the support element (16), wherein the locking element (20) can be switched between a first functional state, which fixes the molding tool segment (12) to the support element (16), and a second functional state, which releases the molding tool segment (12). The invention is characterized in that the molding tool segment (12) has a first holding partner (22) for interacting with a second holding partner (44) of a handling device (40) for the molding tool segment (12), said first holding partner (22) being provided on the contact surface (14). By virtue of the device (10), an exchange of the molding tool segments is simplified, thus reducing costs and the amount of time required.

Description

[0001] Device and system for holding a mold segment, handling device for a mold segment and method for changing a mold segment

[0002] The invention relates to a device and a system for holding a mold segment, a handling device for a mold segment and a method for changing a mold segment.

[0003] Forming tools can be used to produce containers, in which preforms are formed into containers. The forming tools have a negative mold of the outer contour of the container to be produced. Furthermore, the forming tools can be divided into segments in outer shells and inserted into machines that can accommodate the forming tools. The machines can have a large number of forming stations, each of which can have at least one forming tool. When the container shape to be produced changes, a so-called format change, the forming tools at the forming stations must be replaced. For this purpose, the forming tools can be removed from the forming stations using a robot, for example, and placed in a magazine. The forming tools to be used for the new container shape can be inserted from a magazine into the forming stations and installed.

[0004] EP 3 156 205 A1 discloses a robotic changer with a gripping device that can remove all molds from a forming station at once. To separate the molds, in particular to remove a base mold from the mold, the removed mold can be opened and closed again with the gripping device.

[0005] Furthermore, EP 3 231 577 A2 discloses a locking mechanism for a blow mold, in which locking elements are attached to a blow mold shell. The engagement elements can secure a blow mold that is placed in the blow mold shell. The engagement elements can be automatically pressed into a locking position by means of a spring element. To remove the blow mold, the spring element must first be preloaded so that the engagement elements can be moved out of the locking position.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a device and a method that facilitates the exchange of mold tools and thus reduces costs and time.

[0007] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0008] In one aspect, the invention relates to a device for holding a forming tool segment at a forming station, comprising at least one forming tool segment which has at least one contact surface for contacting another forming tool segment, at least one carrier element with a receiving area for the forming tool segment and at least one locking element for locking the forming tool segment to the carrier element, wherein the locking element is interchangeable between a first functional state which fixes the forming tool segment to the carrier element and a second functional state which releases the forming tool segment, wherein according to the invention it is provided that the forming tool segment has a first holding partner for interacting with a second holding partner of a handling device for the forming tool segment, wherein the first holding partner is arranged on the contact surface.

[0009] By providing the first holding partner on the contact surface, the device can be used both in manual operation and in automated operation, for example by means of a robot arm to which a handling device is mounted. In manual operation, the mold segment can be manually unlocked and removed from the carrier element. In automated operation, a second holding partner, in particular from a handling device, can interact with the first holding partner in order to remove the mold segment from the carrier element. The carrier element can preferably be pivotally mounted on the forming station. When the first holding partner and the second holding partner interact, the mold segment can be carried by the second holding partner. To remove the mold segment, the locking element can first be unlocked, i.e. moved into the second functional state.Furthermore, the second holding partner can cooperate with the first holding partner simultaneously or subsequently to support the unlocked mold segment. The supported mold segment can then be removed from the carrier element of the forming station. By using a first holding partner on the contact surface of the mold segment, the mold segment change process can be easily automated. This reduces costs and time both during the implementation of the device and during operation of the change process.

[0010] The forming tool segment can only comprise part of an entire outer contour of a mold for a posed object. The entire shape of the outer contour can be created by supplementing the forming tool segment with further forming tool segments. In order to represent the entire shape, the forming tool segment must be brought together with the other forming tool segments, with the other forming tool segments resting against the forming tool segment on the contact surface. In forming stations that can be opened and closed, the forming tool segments can be separated or brought together by opening and closing. When brought together, the contact surfaces of the forming tool segments are placed against one another. This means that when a forming station is closed, the contact surfaces with the first holding partners are inaccessible.Access to the first holding partner can only be created by opening the forming station and separating the contact surfaces of the various forming tool segments from one another.

[0011] The locking element can be switched between the first functional state and the second functional state, for example, by a translational movement. The translational movement can be performed parallel to the contact surface and, for example, can be designed as a guided movement. Thus, the locking element can be moved parallel to the contact surface, for example, to switch between the first functional state and the second functional state.

[0012] According to some embodiments, it is conceivable that the first holding partner can be designed as a first chamber for a second holding partner, in particular designed as a mushroom head.

[0013] In particular, the first holding partner can have a keyhole-shaped opening to the first chamber. The keyhole-shaped opening can have an elongated hole part and a round part. The round part can have a larger diameter than the elongated hole part. The mushroom head can be inserted through the round part into the first chamber and then guided along the elongated hole with a neck region of the mushroom head. The mushroom head of the second holding partner can then be hooked into the elongated hole part of the opening and undercut the contact surface on the elongated hole part. The second holding partner can thus interact with the first holding partner with little effort to hold the mold segment.

[0014] According to some embodiments, it is conceivable that the locking element can have at least one actuating surface for applying an actuating element for switching between the first and second functional state.

[0015] The actuating surface can, for example, be designed such that a force directed onto the actuating surface can cause the locking element to change from the first functional state to the second functional state, or vice versa. Furthermore, the actuating surface can have a cylindrical outer surface, so that, for example, a bolt whose outer surface rests against the actuating surface can cause the change between the two functional states upon movement perpendicular to the actuating surface. According to some embodiments, it is conceivable that the device can further comprise a locking element for releasably locking the locking element in the first functional state.

[0016] The locking element can be fixed in the first functional state with the locking element. This prevents the locking element from accidentally switching from the first functional state to the second functional state. The locking element can, for example, reduce the translational movement described above through a positive fit. The positive fit can, for example, be achieved in a direction parallel to the contact surface between the locking element and the locking element.

[0017] According to some embodiments, it is conceivable that the locking element can be adjacent to the actuating surface in the first functional state, wherein preferably the locking element and the actuating surface can form a positive connection in an alternating direction of the locking element in the second functional state.

[0018] Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, a positive connection can be achieved between the locking element and the actuating surface in the first functional state when the locking element is in a locked position. The actuating surface can thus have a dual function. The first function can be the actuation of the locking element to switch between the two functional states. The second function of the actuating surface can be the interaction with the locking element to fix the locking element in the first functional state. This can reduce the effort involved in manufacturing the locking element. Furthermore, a possible handling device can be simplified, and manual actuation can be made easier.

[0019] According to some embodiments, it is conceivable that the locking element can be designed as at least one locking rocker arranged on the carrier element.

[0020] With the locking rocker, the locking element can be positioned on the support element in such a way that it can be pushed into the support element, for example, to unlock the locking element. One arm of the locking rocker can be pushed into the support element, while the other arm can be pushed out of the support element, following the rocker principle. The locking element can thus be positioned on the device in a space-saving manner.

[0021] In some embodiments, the other arm can be pushed back into the support element to bring the locking element into the locking position.

[0022] According to some embodiments, it is conceivable that the blocking element can at least partially protrude through an opening of the locking element in the first functional state, wherein the blocking element can be actuated through the opening to release the locking of the locking element.

[0023] The locking element can have an opening away from an edge of the locking element. The opening can, for example, be arranged transversely to the contact surface of the mold segment when the mold segment is received in the support element. The blocking element can be arranged at least partially in the opening in the first functional state. The edge of the opening can, for example, be the actuating surface explained above. By arranging the blocking element in the opening of the locking element, the blocking element can be arranged on the support element in a further space-saving manner.

[0024] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a plant for producing containers from preforms, comprising at least one forming station for forming a preform into a container and at least one device according to the preceding description, wherein the carrier element is fastened to the forming station.

[0025] The system can have a plurality of forming stations, which can be attached to a forming wheel that can be rotatably mounted about a vertical axis of rotation. Each forming station can have at least one device according to the description given above. Furthermore, each forming station can have at least one forming tool segment, preferably two forming tool segments, which can be attached to a support element by means of the device explained above. The forming station can also have at least one support element for each forming tool segment, which can be attached by means of the device explained above. The forming stations can also be attached to a rotary machine and be designed, for example, as blow molding stations. Furthermore, the forming station can have further forming tool segments, for example forming tool segments for forming the bottom of a container.

[0026] Further advantages and effects, as well as further developments of the system, arise from the advantages and effects, as well as further developments of the device described above. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the previous description in this regard.

[0027] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a handling device for handling at least one mold segment in the region of a forming station, comprising at least one actuating element for actuating a locking element for locking the mold segment to a carrier element, wherein it is provided according to the invention that the handling device further has at least one second holding partner for interacting with a first holding partner of a device for holding a mold segment at a forming station, wherein the second holding partner and the actuating element extend at least partially in the same direction from the handling device.

[0028] With the handling device, for example, an automatic change of the tool can be carried out by means of a robot arm. The second holding partner and the actuating element can, for example, protrude from one side of the handling device partially in the same direction. In this case, a mold segment can first be removed from a carrier element by the handling device and a new mold segment, which is used to produce a different container format, can be inserted into the carrier element. The handling device can, for example, be attached to the end of a robot arm. With the second holding partner, the handling device can then hold a mold segment that has a first holding partner.With the actuating element, the handling device can further transfer the locking element into the second functional state by receiving the mold segment which is held by the handling device.

[0029] According to some embodiments, it is conceivable that the second holding partner can be designed as a mushroom head.

[0030] A mushroom-shaped retaining element can also have a neck area. The mushroom-shaped retaining element can then be inserted, for example, into a keyhole-shaped opening to hook into a slotted part of the keyhole.

[0031] According to some embodiments, it is conceivable that the handling device can further comprise a clamping device for clamping the second holding partner to the first holding partner.

[0032] The second holding partner can thus be firmly braced with the first holding partner.

[0033] This can increase the security of the holder or the interaction of the first holding partner with the second holding partner. If the second holding partner is designed as a mushroom head, for example, and the first holding partner has a keyhole shape, the mushroom head can be clamped to the first holding partner in the elongated hole part by shortening the neck region. For this purpose, the mushroom head can be movably mounted on the handling device, for example. The direction of movement can be designed along the direction of extension of the neck region to the mushroom head region. The clamping device can further comprise, for example, a wedge element that can interact with a flange of the mushroom head, which can be arranged at a distance from the mushroom head region. If the wedge element is wedged with the flange, the mushroom head can thus be pulled in the direction of the handling device, such that the neck region is shortened.According to some embodiments, it is conceivable that the actuating element can be designed as a driver, preferably as a bolt.

[0034] The actuating element, which is designed as a driver and in particular as a bolt, can, for example, be inserted into an opening in the locking element arranged transversely to the change direction. Thus, the driver or bolt can switch the locking element between the first functional state and the second functional state during movement in the change direction. In further embodiments, the driver can simultaneously serve in the first functional state to actuate the locking element explained above in order to unlock the locking element.

[0035] According to some embodiments, it is conceivable that the actuating element can be designed to engage an actuating surface of the locking element.

[0036] For example, if the actuating surface is formed as the edge of an opening or recess in the locking element, the actuating element can have a shape that can be inserted into the opening or recess. The actuating element can then be moved in the reversing direction, for example, by moving the handling device. This can cause it to be applied to the actuating surface and the locking element to switch between the first functional state and the second functional state.

[0037] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a system for holding a mold segment on a support element of a forming station, comprising at least one handling device according to the preceding description, at least one robot arm to which the handling device is movably mounted, and at least one device according to the preceding description or a system according to the preceding description. Advantages and effects as well as further developments of the system arise from the advantages and effects as well as further developments of the device described above or the system described above or the handling device described above. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made to the preceding description in this regard.

[0038] According to some embodiments, it is conceivable that the system further comprises at least one sensor element for determining a position and orientation of the handling device.

[0039] The sensor element can also be attached to the handling device and / or to the device for holding the mold segment explained above. The sensor can be used, for example, to determine whether the handling device has the required position and orientation to effect interaction between the first holding partner and the second holding partner.

[0040] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for changing a mold segment at a forming station by means of a handling device according to the preceding description and a device or a system according to the preceding description, or by means of a system according to the preceding description, comprising at least the following steps: opening the forming station such that at least two mold segments are separated; arranging the handling device between the two separated mold segments; changing the locking element into the second functional position; connecting the second holding partner to the first holding partner; and separating the mold segment from the carrier element.

[0041] Advantages and effects, as well as further developments of the method, arise from the advantages and effects, as well as further developments of the device or system described above, or the handling device or system described above. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made to the preceding description in this regard. The invention is described below using an exemplary embodiment with the aid of the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0042] Figure 1 ac is a schematic representation of a device for holding a forming tool segment at a forming station;

[0043] Figure 2a-c shows a schematic representation of a handling device;

[0044] Figure 3a-c is a schematic representation of a system for holding a forming tool segment on a support element of a forming station;

[0045] Figure 4a, b shows a schematic representation of a plant for producing containers from preforms; and

[0046] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a method for changing a forming tool segment at a forming station.

[0047] The device for holding a forming tool segment at a forming station is designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 10 in accordance with Figure 1a.

[0048] The device 10 has at least one mold segment 12, which is arranged and fastened in a carrier element 16. The carrier element 16 has a receiving area 18 for the mold segment 12. The mold segment 12 is fastened to the carrier element 16 by a locking element 20. Furthermore, the carrier element 16 can be pivotally mounted on a forming station 72. The forming station 72 can have at least two carrier elements 16, which can be pivoted relative to one another such that they have a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, mold segments 12, which are received in the carrier elements 16, are arranged such that they complement one another to form at least part of a mold for an object to be produced. In the closed position, contact surfaces 14 of the mold segments 12 abut one another.

[0049] The locking element 20 can be movably mounted on the support element 16. The locking element 20 can be moved between a first functional state and a second functional state. For this purpose, the locking element 20 can have an actuating surface 24 to which an actuating element 42, 46 can be applied. The actuating surface 24 can be oriented such that a force acting on the actuating surface 24 can cause the locking element 20 to change between the first functional state and the second functional state. For example, the force acting on the actuating surface 24 can cause the locking element 20 to move.

[0050] In the first functional state, the locking element 20 fixes the mold segment 12 to the carrier element 16. The mold segment 12 is thus firmly connected to the carrier element 16 in the first functional state of the locking element 20.

[0051] In the second functional state, the locking element 20 releases the mold segment 12. The mold segment 12 can then be removed from the carrier element 16.

[0052] In this example, the locking element 20 is designed as a rail having tabs 21 that hold the mold segment 12 in the first functional state by means of a positive connection with the contact surface 14 on the support element 16. The locking element 20 can be transferred to the second functional state by displacement parallel to the contact surface 14. For this purpose, the locking element 20 can have elongated holes through which fastening elements, such as screws or rivets with retaining heads, protrude. The tabs 21 of the rails then no longer form a positive connection with the contact surface 14.

[0053] The mold segment 12 can be further secured to the support element 16 by a further immovably mounted rail 58. Furthermore, the mold segment 12 can have a base segment region 13 for a base mold. At least a portion of the base mold can be arranged in the base segment region 13.

[0054] The mold segment 12 further has a first holding partner 22 on the contact surface 14.

[0055] In this embodiment, the first holding partner 22 is formed as a first chamber 34 in the mold segment 12. An opening of the first chamber 34 is arranged on the contact surface 14.

[0056] Figure 1b shows a detailed representation of the first retaining partner 22. The opening can be designed in the shape of a keyhole. The keyhole can have a round part 30 and an elongated hole part 32. The round part 30 can have a diameter that corresponds to a width of the first chamber 34. The elongated hole part 32 can be narrower than a width of the first chamber 34. In a region surrounding the elongated hole part 32, the first chamber 34 can extend below the contact surface 14. The first chamber 34 can therefore form an undercut to the contact surface 14 in the region surrounding the elongated hole part 32.

[0057] The device 10 may further comprise a locking element 28 which can releasably lock the locking element 20 in the first functional state of the locking element 20.

[0058] Once the locking element 20 is locked in the first functional state, the locking element 20 can no longer be switched to the second functional state. Only after the locking is released by means of the locking element 28 can the locking element 20 switch from the first functional state to the second functional state.

[0059] The locking element 28 is shown schematically in the sectional view of Figure 1c. The section is oriented perpendicularly to the plane parallel to the contact surface 14. Shown is the locking element 20, which can be mounted on the support element 16 for longitudinal displacement. A chamber in which the locking element 28 can be arranged can be formed in the support element 16. The locking element 28 can be designed as a locking rocker, which can be pivotably mounted about a rotation axis 38.

[0060] Optionally, at least one spring element 39 can be provided that presses the blocking element 28 into a blocking position when the locking element 20 is in the first functional state. In the blocking position, the blocking element 28 can extend through an opening 27 of the locking element 20. The blocking element 28 can rest against an edge of the opening 27. The edge of the opening 27 can be the actuating surface 24 of the locking element 20.

[0061] The locking element 20 can have further openings 26 for coupling further actuating elements 46.

[0062] To unlock the locking element 20 in the first functional state, the locking element 28 can be moved through the opening 27 into the second chamber 29. The locking rocker then performs a pivoting movement about the rotation axis 38. This allows the optional spring element 39 to be preloaded. A rocker head 36 opposite the locking element 28 can be pushed through a further opening 25 on the support element 16 when the locking element 28 is pivoted into the second chamber 29.

[0063] In particular, if no spring element 39 is provided, the locking element 28 can be returned to the locking position with the rocker head 36 in the first functional state by pivoting the rocker head 36 through the opening 25 into the chamber.

[0064] In Figures 2a to 2c, a handling device 40 is shown schematically.

[0065] According to Figure 2a, the handling device 40 has at least one second holding partner 44. In this exemplary embodiment, the second holding partner 44 is designed as a mushroom head 45. The second holding partner 44 can be attached to a base body 48.

[0066] Furthermore, the handling device 40 has at least one actuating element 42, 46. In this exemplary embodiment, the actuating element 42, 46 can be designed as a bolt that can be firmly connected to the base body 48.

[0067] Figure 2b shows the side of the handling device 40 which is oriented downwards in Figure 2a.

[0068] The second holding partners 44 can have flanges 52 on this side of the handling device 40. Furthermore, the second holding partners 44 can protrude through the base body 48 and be movably mounted on the base body 48. The mobility can extend in a direction that is aligned from a neck region 54 of the second holding partner 44 to a mushroom head 45 of the second holding partner 44.

[0069] A clamping device 50 of the handling device 40 can be designed to clamp the at least one second holding partner 44, in particular the mushroom head 45. Furthermore, the base body 48 can have a guide channel 51 for the clamping device 50. The clamping device 50 can be mounted in the guide channel 51 and arranged to be movable along the guide channel 51. Furthermore, the clamping device 50 can have a drive (not shown) that can drive the clamping device 50 to move along the guide channel 51.

[0070] The clamping device 50 can further comprise at least one wedge region 56. The at least one wedge region 56 can be arranged between the base body 48 and the flange 52. When the wedge region 56 is displaced transversely to the flange 52, the flange 52 can be pushed away from the base body 48. This can cause the mushroom head 45 of the second holding partner 44 to be moved toward the base body 48. If the mushroom head 45 of the second holding partner 44 protrudes through a slotted hole portion 32 of a second holding partner 22, the second holding partner 44 can thereby be preloaded.

[0071] Figure 2c shows a partial section through the handling device 40, illustrating that the second holding partner 44 has a neck region 54 below the mushroom head 45, which extends to the flange 52. The mushroom head 45 and the flange 52 can be arranged on two opposite sides of the neck region 54. The second holding partner 44 can extend with the neck region 54 through the base body 48 to the guide channel 51. The flange 52 of the second holding partner 44 is arranged on the guide channel 51.

[0072] The wedge region 46 of the clamping device 50 is arranged between the flange 52 and the base body 48. When the wedge region 46 is displaced, to the left in the illustration in Figure 2c, the flange 52 is pressed downward. This causes the mushroom head 45 of the second holding partner 44 to be pulled toward the base body 40. The second holding partner 44 can thus be pre-tensioned if the mushroom head 45 is arranged on the elongated hole part 32 of the first holding partner 22 and undercuts the elongated hole part 32 with respect to the contact surface 14.

[0073] Figure 3a shows the system 60 for holding a mold segment 12 on a support element 16 of a forming station. The system 60 comprises at least one handling device 40 as explained above, as well as at least one device 10 as explained above. In Figure 3a, the handling device 40 is arranged on the device 10, with the first holding partner 22 and the second holding partner 44 interacting, and the locking element 20 in the second functional state.

[0074] In this exemplary embodiment, the second retaining partner 44 is designed as a mushroom head 45. The first retaining partner 22 has a keyhole shape, which is arranged above a first chamber 34 of the first retaining partner 22. The mushroom head 45 is arranged in the first chamber 34 behind the elongated hole part 32 of the first retaining partner 22 and undercuts the elongated hole part 32. The neck region 54 of the second retaining partner 44 protrudes through the elongated hole part 32, as schematically shown in the sectional view of Figure 3b.

[0075] In the second functional state, the locking element 28 is released and, in this embodiment, the locking element 20 is displaced upward compared to the first functional state. This is illustrated in the sectional view of Figure 3c. The actuating element 42 engages the actuating surface 24 of the locking element 20. In Figure 3c, the locking element 20 with the actuating element 42 has been displaced over the actuating surface 24 into the second functional state.

[0076] In the second functional state, the locking element 20 can block a passage 31 to the second chamber 29, so that the blocking element 28 is arranged within the second chamber 29 and cannot be moved from the second chamber 29 into the blocking position. This allows the optional spring element 39 to be preloaded. The rocker arm 36 then protrudes through the opening 25 out of the second chamber 29. If no spring element is provided, the rocker arm 36 can be used to actuate the locking rocker in order to return the blocking element 28 to the blocking position if necessary, when the locking element 20 is in the first functional state.

[0077] Figure 4a shows a system 70 for producing containers from preforms. In this exemplary embodiment, the system 70 comprises a forming wheel 76, on which a plurality of forming stations 72 are arranged. Each forming station 72 comprises at least one device 10 according to the above explanations.

[0078] Furthermore, the system 70 can optionally have a feeding transport wheel 78 for preforms and a discharge transport wheel 80 for the formed containers.

[0079] In the event of a format change, i.e., when the contour or size of the containers is to be changed, a changing device 74, which may be designed as a changing robot, may be provided on the system 70. The changing device 74 may have at least one handling device 40.

[0080] According to Figure 4b, the changing device 74 can have a robot arm 84, at the end of which the handling device 40 can be arranged as a hand element. In this exemplary embodiment, the changing device 40 has two handling devices 40.

[0081] The changing device 74 can arrange the handling devices 40 between mold segments 12 of an opened forming station 72, wherein the handling device 40 is arranged on the contact surfaces 14 exposed by the opening in order to connect the second holding partners 44 of the handling devices 40 to the first holding partners 22 of the mold changing segments 12.

[0082] The arrangement shown in Figure 4b can also represent the state that can exist when inserting mold segments 12 into the support elements 16. For this purpose, the support elements 16 are first opened sufficiently so that the mold segments 12 can be arranged between the support elements 16. The support elements 16 are then closed sufficiently so that the mold segments 12 are inserted into the receiving areas 18 of the support elements 16. The connection between the first and second retaining partners 22, 44 can then be released, and the locking element 20 can be moved into the first functional state.

[0083] Furthermore, the system 70 can have at least one sensor element 82, for example, on the robot arm 84. In this exemplary embodiment, the position and / or orientation of at least one of the handling devices 40 can be determined using the sensor element 82. With the determined position or determined orientation, the handling device 40 can be guided to the correct position by means of a control device (not shown) in order to change a mold segment 12. The method 100 for changing at least one mold segment 12 is illustrated as an example in a flowchart in Figure 5.

[0084] The method 100 can be carried out using a handling device 40 as described above in combination with a device 10 as described above. Alternatively to the device 10, a system 70 as described above can also be used. As a further alternative, a system 60 can be used.

[0085] In a first step 102, the forming station 72 can be opened so that the forming tool segments 12 of the forming station 72 are separated. In doing so, the contact surfaces 14 of the forming tool segments 12 are separated from one another.

[0086] The opening is carried out to such an extent that at least one handling device 40 can be arranged between the two contact surfaces 14 of the mold segments 12. This can be carried out in a step 104.

[0087] In a further step, the handling device 40 can be arranged such that the at least one second holding partner 44 of the handling device 40 is connected to and interacts with the at least one first holding partner 22 of one of the mold segments 12 according to step 108. For example, a mushroom head 45 of the second holding partner 44 can be inserted through a round part 30 of the first holding partner 22 into a first chamber 34 of the first holding partner 22 and then pushed behind an elongated hole part 32.

[0088] At the same time, an actuating element 42 of the handling device 40 can be arranged on an actuating surface 24 of the locking element 20. For example, an actuating element 42 designed as a bolt can be inserted into an opening 27 of the locking element 20, wherein an edge of the opening 27 can represent the actuating surface 24.

[0089] When the second holding partner 44 is moved into the elongated hole part 32 of the first holding partner 22, the locking element 20 can be actuated. In this example, the handling device 40 is moved upward relative to the mold segment 12 and the support element 16 to move the second holding partner 44 into the elongated hole part 32. At the same time, the actuating element 42 can also be moved and, via the actuating surface of the 24, can carry the locking element 20 along with it. The locking element 20 can thus be transferred to the second functional state according to step 106.

[0090] In a further step, the second holding partner 44 can then be braced to a first holding partner 22.

[0091] Steps 108 and 106 are therefore performed simultaneously in this embodiment. However, they may also be performed sequentially in another embodiment.

[0092] If several handling devices 40 are arranged on the changing device 74, steps 106 and 108 as well as the further optional steps explained above can be carried out for each handling device 40 simultaneously or sequentially.

[0093] In a further step 110, the carrier element 16 can then be separated from the mold segment 12 unlocked from the carrier element 16 by further opening the forming station 72, which is held by the handling device 40.

[0094] The mold segment 12 can then be removed from the forming station 72 and placed, for example, in a magazine. The handling device 40 can then release the mold segment 12.

[0095] In a further step (not shown), another mold segment 12 can be removed by the handling device 40, for example, from a magazine and inserted into a carrier element 16. The above-mentioned steps can be carried out analogously in reverse order. The example described above does not serve to limit the invention in any way. Rather, the invention can be modified in a variety of ways. All of the above-described features of the invention can be essential to the invention alone or in combination with one another.

[0096] List of reference symbols

[0097] 10 Device for holding a mold segment

[0098] 12 mold segment

[0099] 13 Ground segment area

[0100] 14 contact surface

[0101] 16 support element

[0102] 18 Recording area

[0103] 20 locking element

[0104] 21 tab

[0105] 22 first holding partner

[0106] 24 operating surface

[0107] 25 Opening

[0108] 26 Opening

[0109] 27 Opening

[0110] 28 Locking element

[0111] 29 Second Chamber

[0112] 30 round part

[0113] 31 passage

[0114] 32 Slotted hole part

[0115] 34 first chamber

[0116] 36 rocker head

[0117] 38 axis of rotation

[0118] 39 Spring element

[0119] 40 Handling device

[0120] 42 Actuating element

[0121] 44 second holding partner

[0122] 45 Mushroom Head

[0123] 46 Actuating element

[0124] 48 basic bodies

[0125] 50 clamping device

[0126] 51 guide channel

[0127] 52 flange neck area

[0128] wedge area

[0129] rail

[0130] System for holding a mold segment

[0131] Plant for producing containers from preforms

[0132] Forming station

[0133] Exchange device

[0134] Forming wheel

[0135] Transport bike

[0136] Transport bike

[0137] Sensor element

[0138] robot arm

Claims

Claims 1. Device (10) for holding a forming tool segment (12) at a forming station (72), comprising at least one forming tool segment (12) which has at least one contact surface (14) for contacting another forming tool segment (12), at least one carrier element (16) with a receiving area (18) for the forming tool segment (12) and at least one locking element (20) for locking the forming tool segment (12) to the carrier element (16), wherein the locking element (20) fixes the forming tool segment (12) to the carrier element (16) between a first functional state and releases the forming tool segment (12) in a second functional state, characterized in that the forming tool segment (12) has a first holding partner (22) for interacting with a second holding partner (44) of a handling device (40) for the forming tool segment (12), wherein the first holding partner (22) is arranged on the contact surface (14).

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first holding partner (22) is designed as a first chamber (34) for a second holding partner (44), in particular designed as a mushroom head.

3. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking element (20) has at least one actuating surface (24) for applying an actuating element (42, 46) for changing between the first and second functional state.

4. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) further comprises a locking element (28) for releasably locking the locking element (20) in the first functional state.

5. Device (10) according to claim 3 in combination with claim 4, characterized in that the locking element (28) in the first functional state adjoins the actuating surface (24), wherein preferably the locking element (28) and the actuating surface (24) form a positive connection in a direction of change of the locking element (20) to the second functional state.

6. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (28) is designed as at least one locking rocker arranged on the carrier element (16).

7. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blocking element (28) in the first functional state projects at least partially through an opening (27) of the locking element (20), wherein the blocking element (28) can be actuated through the opening (27) to release the locking of the locking element (20).

8. Plant (70) for producing containers from preforms, comprising at least one forming station (72) for forming a preform into a container and at least one device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the carrier element (16) is fastened to the forming station (72).

9. Handling device (40) for handling at least one mold segment (12) in the region of a forming station (72), comprising at least one actuating element (42, 46) for actuating a locking element (20) for locking the mold segment (12) to a carrier element (16), characterized in that the handling device (40) further has at least one second holding partner (44) for interacting with a first holding partner (22) of a device (10) for holding a mold segment (12) at a forming station (72), wherein the second holding partner (44) and the actuating element (42, 46) extend at least partially in the same direction from the handling device (40).

10. Handling device (40) according to claim 9, characterized in that the second holding partner (44) is designed as a mushroom head.

11. Handling device (40) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the handling device (40) further comprises a clamping device for clamping the second holding partner (44) to the first holding partner (22).

12. Handling device (40) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the actuating element (42, 46) is designed as a driver, preferably as a bolt.

13. Handling device (40) according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the actuating element (42, 46) is designed to bear against an actuating surface (24) of the locking element (20).

14. A system (60) for holding a forming tool segment (12) on a support element (16) of a forming station (72), comprising at least one handling device (40) according to one of claims 9 to 13, at least one robot arm (84) to which the handling device (40) is movably attached, and at least one device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7 or a system (70) according to claim 8.

15. System (60) according to claim 14, characterized in that the system (60) further comprises at least one sensor element (82) for determining a position and orientation of the handling device (40).

16. A method (100) for changing a forming tool segment (12) at a forming station (72) by means of a handling device (40) according to one of claims 9 to 13 and a device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7 or a system (70) according to claim 8, or by means of a system (60) according to claim 14 or 15, comprising at least the following steps: Opening (102) the forming station (72) such that at least two forming tool segments (12) are separated; Arranging (104) the handling device (40) between the two separate mold segments (12); Changing (106) the locking element (20) into the second functional position; Connecting (108) the second holding partner (44) to the first holding partner (22); and Separating (110) the mold segment (12) from the carrier element (16).

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