Automated system for changing a mold of a molding unit with which a machine for manufacturing containers is provided

An automated system (1) for changing a mold of a molding unit (24) with which a machine (10) for manufacturing containers is provided, said molding unit (24) comprising:

• at least two mold holders (26) which are fitted such as to be mobile between an open position and a closed position of the molding unit (24), and a mold which comprises at least two molding elements (28) which are each secured in a removable manner on an associated mold holder (26) by securing means (42);
• a device (82) for opening and closure of the molding unit (24), comprising at least one control member (84) which can displace at least one of the mold holders (26) between said open and closed positions;
• and
• a locking device (90) of the molding unit (24) comprising at least one control member (92) which can actuate locking means (98, 100) which are fitted such as to be mobile between:
• a locked position in which the mold holders (26) of the molding unit (24) are kept in the closed position by said locking means;
• and
• an unlocked position in which the mold holders (26) are free to be displaced between the closed and open positions,
• characterized in that the system (1) comprises at least one control module (M) comprising at least:
• a first actuating device (122) which, associated with the locking device (90) of the molding unit (24), comprises first maneuvering means (124) which, when the molding unit (24) occupies a predetermined reference position relative to said module (M), co-operate with the control member (92) of the locking device (90), in order to control the locking means (98, 100) selectively between said locked and unlocked positions, said first maneuvering means (124) being fitted such as to be mobile relative to the module (M), between at least:
• a first position (PV1) corresponding to the locked position of the locking means;
• and
• a second position (PV2) corresponding to the unlocked position of the locking means;
• a second actuating device (126) which, associated with the device (82) for opening and closure of the molding unit (24), comprises second maneuvering means (128) which are distinct from the first maneuvering means (124) of the first actuating device (122) and which, when the molding unit (24) occupies said predetermined reference position relative to said module (M), co-operate with the control member (84) of the device (82) for opening and closure in order to control selectively the opening and closure of the molding unit (24), said second maneuvering means (128) being fitted such as to be mobile relative to the module (M), between at least:
• a first position (PL1) corresponding to the closed position of the molding unit (24);
• and
• a second position (PL2) corresponding to the open position of the molding unit (24).