Tool changing device

1. A tool changing device for a work station of a thermoform packaging machine, said tool changing device comprising a tool insert and a chain guide for conveying a web-shaped material through the work station, characterized in that the chain guide is vertically movable relative to the tool insert so that the tool insert can be displaced laterally relative to the production direction.

2. A tool changing device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the chain guide is movable relative to the tool insert to a changing position and to a working position.

3. A tool changing device according to claim 2 , characterized in that the movement of the chain guide is relative to a tool upper part or a tool lower part.

4. A tool changing device according to claim 2 , characterized in that the chain guide is movable by means of at least one actuator.

5. A tool changing device according to claim 4 , characterized in that the least one actuator is a pneumatic cylinder or a servo motor.

6. A tool changing device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the tool insert is a heating plate or a sealing plate.

7. A tool changing device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the tool insert is in contact with a cooling plate of a forming station, when said forming station is in operation.

8. A tool changing device according to claim 1 , the tool changing device being implemented with a thermoform packaging machine.

9. A method of operating a tool changing device of a work station in a thermoform packaging machine, wherein a chain guide is provided for conveying a web-shaped material through the work station, and the chain guide is, at least in the area of the work station, moved vertically relative to a tool insert to a changing position so as to laterally displace the tool insert relative to the production direction for the purpose of changing.

10. A method according to claim 9 , characterized in that the movement of the chain guide to the changing position takes place simultaneously with or after opening of the work station, wherein, during opening of the work station, a tool which is positioned on the side of the web-shaped material facing away from a product is moved relative to and away from the tool insert, which is positioned on the side of the web-shaped material facing the product.

11. A method according to claim 9 , characterized in that the movement of the chain guide to a working position takes place before or simultaneously with the closing of the work station, wherein, during closing of the work station, a tool which is positioned on the side of the web-shaped material facing away from a product is moved relative to and towards the tool insert, which is positioned on the side of the web-shaped material facing the product.

12. A method according to claim 9 , characterized in that the chain guide is moved by a tool upper part or a tool lower part of the respective work station.

13. A method according to claim 9 , characterized in that the movement of the chain guide is executed by means of an actuator.

14. A method according to claim 13 , characterized in that the actuator is a pneumatic cylinder or a servo motor.

15. A method according to claim 9 , characterized in that the movement of the chain guide takes place while the web-shaped material is standing still.

16. A method according claim 9 , characterized in that the tool insert is cooled indirectly by means of a cooling plate of a forming station.

17. A method according to claim 9 , characterized in that power lines between the tool insert and a tool carrier are, by means of plug connections, automatically disconnected when the tool insert is being pulled out, and automatically connected when the tool insert is being pushed in.

18. A method according to claim 9 , characterized in that the tool insert is automatically unlocked for removal from the work station and/or automatically locked after insertion in the work station.