Method for Replacing a Component in an Automatic Machine

A method for replacing a working component (A) with a replacement working component (B) in an automatic machine (2);

• the method comprising a mapping phase and a working phase, said mapping phase including:
• defining a first reference point (25) fixed relative to said automatic machine (2);
• defining a position in machine (21) of said working component (A) relative to said first reference point (25) by means of a machine coordinate system;
• and said working phase including:
• stopping the automatic machine (2);
• starting a procedure of configuration change in said automatic machine (2) by means of a control unit (22), which procedure prepares said stopped automatic machine (2) for picking up said working component (A) from said position in machine (21);
• detecting said first reference point (25) by means of a detecting system (11);
• determining said position in machine (21) as a function of said machine coordinate system by means of an electronic processor (13);
• positioning a gripping device (9) at said position in machine (21);
• picking up said working component (A) by means of said gripping device (9);
• releasing said working component (A) in a storing position (51) by means of said gripping device (9);
• picking up the replacement working component (B) from a stocking position (52) by means of said gripping device (9);
• positioning said gripping device (9) at said position in machine (21);
• and
• inserting and fixing said replacement working component (B) in said position in machine (21) while the automatic machine (2) is still stopped.