Actuating device and method for controlling the outlet thickness of a nozzle outlet gap

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuating device (100) for a control, in particular a control and / or regulation, of a production of an extrusion plant, preferably a film extrusion plant (200), comprising: - a plurality of adjusting units (10) for adjusting the outlet thickness (AD), wherein the adjusting units (10) act directly or indirectly on a nozzle lip (L1, L2), wherein the adjusting units (10) have at least one or more drive elements (12), in particular in the form of thermocouples, preferably each comprising a heating bolt and each comprising a heating cartridge, and wherein the adjustment units (10) have corresponding insulations (13) with active and / or passive cooling for the at least one or more drive elements (12), - a control device (20) which is configured to control the at least one or more drive elements (12) such that the adjustment units (10) assume and / or maintain predetermined positions, wherein the control device (20) is configured to control the insulation (13) and cooling devices for the at least one or more drive elements (12) in a controlled manner in order to effectively achieve and / or maintain the predetermined positions of the at least one or more drive elements (12), in particular to reduce energy consumption for driving the at least one or more drive elements (12) and / or to increase a control speed when driving the at least one or more drive elements (12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an actuating device for monitoring, in particular controlling and / or regulating, the production of an extrusion plant, for example, comprising monitoring the gap profile of a die exit gap and / or a profile for operating parameters at the die exit gap of the extrusion plant and / or a thickness profile of a film to be produced. The extrusion plant can be, for example, a film extrusion plant, a laminating plant, a coating plant, a sheet extrusion plant, a blown film plant, or the like. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding method for monitoring, in particular controlling and / or regulating, the production of an extrusion plant using a corresponding actuating device.Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding computer program product and a corresponding computer-readable data carrier with a corresponding computer program product and a corresponding control device for carrying out a corresponding method.

[0002] In flat film applications, as well as laminating, coating, and sheet production lines, adjusting devices with multiple adjustment units or elements are used along a die exit gap during film manufacturing. This allows for setting a desired gap profile and subsequently achieving a desired film thickness profile. The die exit gap has a first and a second die lip that form the exit gap. A plurality of adjusting elements, each with corresponding drive elements, are arranged on the first die lip. These drive elements position or adjust the adjusting elements on the first die lip, causing it to deform at the corresponding point, for example, becoming narrower or wider.

[0003] The drive elements can be controlled by a control device in such a way that, by positioning actuating elements on the first nozzle lip, an adjustment of the gap profile of the nozzle exit gap (and thus the exit thickness of the flowing melt, which becomes a film after exiting the nozzle exit gap) can be achieved by means of a mechanical force applied by the respective actuating element to the first nozzle lip.

[0004] By adjusting the actuators on the first nozzle lip, the gap profile of the nozzle exit gap is adapted. This adjustment of the nozzle exit gap profile, in turn, adjusts the exit thickness of the flowing melt and thus the thickness profile of the produced film after exiting the nozzle exit gap.

[0005] The thickness profile of the film is essential for subsequent processes, such as winding film webs for storage or further processing of the film.

[0006] Profile control of the film often employs drive elements in the form of thermocouples, which include expansion bolts that expand or contract via thermal mechanisms. Profile control is used in plastics processing to control and / or adjust the profile of cast, laminating, and coating films, as well as blown films, during the manufacturing process.

[0007] After the profile control with drive elements, e.g., in the form of thermocouples, each comprising a heating bolt and a heating cartridge, is started, the setpoint of the heating bolt changes due to heat losses through convection and radiation. When heating bolts are heated, this increases energy consumption. When cooling heating bolts, the control speed suffers due to the thermal inertia of the heating bolts.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome at least one of the disadvantages described above, at least partially. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved positioning device for controlling, in particular: a control and / or regulation, the production of an extrusion plant, e.g., including controlling a gap profile of a die exit gap and / or a profile for operating parameters at the die exit gap of the extrusion plant and / or a thickness profile of a film.Preferably, the object of the invention is to provide an improved actuating device that enables improved control, in particular steering and / or regulation, that delivers fast and precise results, that makes it possible to reduce energy consumption for driving the drive elements and / or to increase a control speed when driving the drive elements, that enables optimal positioning or adjustment of actuating elements on the nozzle lip in order to, for example, set a desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap and / or a desired profile of the nozzle lip and / or to set a desired profile for operating parameters at the nozzle exit gap and / or to achieve a desired thickness profile of the film.Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a corresponding method for controlling, in particular controlling and / or regulating, the production of an extrusion plant, preferably a film extrusion plant, using a corresponding positioning device. It is also an object of the invention to provide a corresponding computer program product and a corresponding computer-readable data carrier containing a corresponding computer program product and a corresponding control device for carrying out a corresponding method.

[0009] The foregoing problem is solved by an adjusting device with the features of the independent device claim, as well as by a corresponding method, a corresponding computer program product, and a corresponding data carrier with the features of the dependent claims. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with different embodiments and / or aspects of the invention naturally also apply in connection with other embodiments and / or aspects of the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure relating to the individual embodiments and / or aspects of the invention always includes, or can include, reciprocal references.

[0010] The invention provides for: an actuator for a control, in particular a control and / or regulation, a production of an extrusion plant.

[0011] The inspection can include, for example: an inspection of a gap profile of a nozzle exit gap and / or a profile for operating parameters at the nozzle exit gap of the extrusion plant and / or a thickness profile of a film to be produced.

[0012] The extrusion plant could, for example, be a film extrusion plant.

[0013] The nozzle exit gap can be formed, for example, by a first and a second nozzle lip.

[0014] The adjusting device includes: - a multitude of adjusting units (adjusting units can also be referred to as actuating elements; the adjusting units can be assigned to specific actuating positions on the nozzle outlet gap) for adjusting the outlet thickness, whereby the adjusting units act directly or indirectly (e.g. via corresponding actuating bolts and / or levers and / or transmission mechanisms) on, for example, the first, nozzle lip, wherein at least one drive element (e.g. common to all adjustment units) is assigned to the adjustment units or wherein the adjustment units have several (e.g. individual) drive elements, where, in particular, several (e.g., individual) drive elements can be designed in the form of electric motors, piezo drives, thermocouples, pneumatic drives, hydraulic drives, etc. wherein preferably a (e.g. common) drive element can be designed in the form of a screw device, wherein in particular the screw device can move the adjusting units individually in order to adjust corresponding adjusting bolts / screw bolts of the adjusting units.

[0015] In one possible example, all adjustment units can be assigned a (shared) drive element, for example, in the form of a screw mechanism. This drive element can actuate the adjustment units individually to adjust, for example, corresponding adjusting bolts / screws of the adjustment units. The (single) drive element can be used for starting or changing production, in particular for controlled presetting or basic adjustment of the adjustment units, especially their adjusting bolts / screws. The (single) drive element can also be used during ongoing production, in particular for controlled (fine) adjustment of the adjustment units, especially their adjusting bolts / screws. In this case, the (single) drive element can be used both for starting or changing production and for (fine) adjustment during ongoing production.

[0016] In another possible example, all adjustment units can be assigned a single (e.g., common) drive element, such as a screw mechanism. This drive element can actuate the adjustment units individually to adjust, for example, corresponding adjusting bolts / screws. This single drive element can be used at the start of production, particularly for controlled presetting or basic adjustment of the adjustment units, especially their adjusting bolts / screws. Simultaneously, the adjustment units can have multiple (e.g., individual) drive elements, such as electric motors, piezoelectric actuators, thermocouples, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, etc. These multiple (individual) drive elements can be used during ongoing production, particularly for controlled (fine) adjustment of the adjustment units.

[0017] In another possible example, the adjustment units can have several (e.g., individual) drive elements, such as electric motors, piezoelectric actuators, thermocouples, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, etc. These multiple (individual) drive elements can be used at the start of production, particularly for controlled presetting or basic adjustment of the adjustment units. The same multiple (individual) drive elements can also be used during ongoing production, especially for controlled (fine) adjustment of the adjustment units. In this case, the same multiple (individual) drive elements can be used both for starting / changing production and for (fine) adjustment during ongoing production.

[0018] The start / change of production as well as (fine-tuning) during ongoing production can be carried out in an automated manner.

[0019] The adjusting device includes: - a control device designed to control the at least one or more drive elements in such a way that the adjusting units (directly or indirectly, e.g. via corresponding adjusting bolts or levers of the adjusting units) assume and / or hold predetermined positions in order to, for example, set a desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap, a desired profile of the nozzle lip, a desired profile for operating parameters at the nozzle exit gap and / or to achieve a desired thickness profile of a film.

[0020] The control device is designed to to control the insulation and / or cooling devices for the at least one or more drive elements: - to effectively reach and / or maintain the specified positions of at least one or more drive elements, - in particular to reduce energy consumption for driving the at least one or more drive elements and / or to increase a control speed when driving the at least one or more drive elements.

[0021] The design of driveable drive elements, particularly in the form of thermocouples, is advantageously extended: - to provide insulation, e.g., circumferentially or in a cylindrical shape around the heating bolts and / or heating cartridges, e.g., along the entire length or only partially along the heating bolts and / or heating cartridges, and / or - for at least passive cooling and optionally for active cooling.

[0022] The thickness, length, and type of insulation and / or cooling devices may vary. For example, insulation and / or cooling devices with a smaller thickness and / or length, and possibly made of different (e.g., less expensive) materials, may be used between individual drive elements than at other locations, such as the ends of the nozzle exit gap.

[0023] To prevent the cooling of the heating bolts, e.g. for adjusting a thin spot, from taking too long and to increase the adjustment speed, the heating bolts and / or heating cartridges can be actively or passively cooled.

[0024] In one embodiment, passive cooling can be achieved by opening a cover to allow free convection. In another embodiment, the insulation can be opened or even folded away, thus allowing heat loss through thermal radiation and / or convection.

[0025] Active cooling can accelerate heat loss through thermal radiation and / or convection. For simplicity, active cooling can be achieved with air pressure, either directly or indirectly. Alternatively, active cooling can be provided via other media, also directly or indirectly. For example, cooling with oil is conceivable, possibly via a heat exchanger mounted on the respective heating element. In another embodiment, thermal radiation can be significantly increased by cooling a surface within the insulation.

[0026] A combination of active and passive cooling is conceivable.

[0027] It is also conceivable that the waste heat could be used for other processes in the extrusion plant or another plant.

[0028] The proposed actuator allows for both an increase in control speed and a significant reduction in energy consumption. Advantageously, the proposed actuator can achieve a reduction in power consumption of at least one-third.

[0029] The control can advantageously be carried out using drive elements, particularly in the form of thermocouples. Thermocouples can have corresponding heating studs and / or heating cartridges with the proposed thermal insulation. Heating studs can expand or contract by thermal mechanisms.

[0030] The positioning device can be used in plastics processing to precisely control and adjust the thickness profile of cast, laminated, sheet and laminated films during the manufacturing process.

[0031] However, thermocouples can also be used as drive elements in blown film extrusion to control the local film thickness of the bubble.

[0032] Firstly, it is conceivable that the control device is designed to control the insulation and / or cooling devices for the at least one or more drive elements in such a way as to limit heat losses, e.g., through convection and / or thermal radiation, when the at least one or more drive elements are driven towards a closed position (meaning the closed position for reducing the gap profile of the nozzle outlet gap), or when the thermocouples are warmed up. In this way, heat losses through thermal radiation and / or convection can be reduced.

[0033] On the other hand, it is conceivable that the control device is configured to control the insulation and / or cooling devices for the at least one or more drive elements in such a way as to cause cooling of the at least one or more drive elements when the at least one or more drive elements are driven towards an opening position (meaning the opening position for increasing the gap profile of the nozzle exit gap), or when the thermocouples are cooled. This can facilitate targeted cooling of the at least one or more drive elements.

[0034] As mentioned above, the insulation and / or cooling devices can incorporate passive cooling. Passive cooling can be provided, for example, by openable (or to be opened) covers and / or flaps, or even by folding away the insulation. Preferably, the control device can be configured to open the covers and / or flaps, or even fold away the entire insulation and / or cooling devices, when the at least one or more drive elements are actuated towards an open position, in order to cool the at least one or more drive elements.

[0035] As mentioned above, the insulation and / or cooling devices can incorporate active cooling. Active cooling can be provided by a cooling medium, such as compressed air, oil, or coolant, which can operate, for example, through contact or without contact. Furthermore, corresponding heat exchangers can be provided for active cooling. The heat exchangers can capture excess waste heat and transfer it to another functional system inside and / or outside the extrusion plant. The removal of the excess waste heat can preferably be controlled by the control device. Preferably, the control device can be configured to temper the cooling medium and / or activate the corresponding heat exchangers when the at least one or more drive elements are driven towards an opening position, in order to cool the at least one or more drive elements.

[0036] It can also be advantageous if the insulation and / or cooling devices can have active and passive cooling capabilities.

[0037] Advantageously, the control device can be configured to supply the waste heat generated by the cooling of one or more drive elements to another functional system of the extrusion plant. In this way, the energy efficiency of the entire extrusion plant can be increased.

[0038] Geometrically speaking, the insulation and / or cooling devices can be designed to circumferentially and / or cylindrically enclose corresponding drive elements, in particular comprising a heating bolt and / or a heating cartridge.

[0039] In principle, it is conceivable that the insulation and / or cooling devices can be designed in such a way as to provide cooling either by contact or without contact (meaning at a contact surface between the cooling medium and the heating bolt or heating cartridge).

[0040] Furthermore, it can be provided that the insulation and / or cooling devices, particularly in a central area of ​​the nozzle exit gap (meaning the area at the nozzle exit gap that corresponds to a net area of ​​the film), are of identical design, e.g., with a smaller thickness, than in peripheral areas (meaning areas at the nozzle exit gap that correspond to the edge sections of the film, which are usually cut off). This offers the advantage that the at least one or more drive elements are easier to control with regard to temperature than the at least one or more drive elements that are, for example, located in the peripheral areas of the nozzle exit gap and transfer heat to other components of the nozzle.

[0041] Furthermore, it may be provided that the insulation and / or cooling devices, particularly in the edge region of the nozzle exit gap, preferably compared to a central region of the nozzle exit gap, have different lengths along the at least one or more drive elements and / or different material thicknesses and / or different materials on the circumference of the at least one or more drive elements. In principle, the insulation and / or cooling devices in the central region of the nozzle exit gap can be designed more simply and cost-effectively than in the edge regions of the nozzle exit gap.

[0042] Actuators, particularly in the form of thermocouples, are key components of the actuator. They execute the instructions / control commands of the control device.

[0043] The control device can implement the control. It processes the data collected by sensors and makes decisions about how the at least one or more drive elements, in particular in the form of thermocouples, should be controlled in order to, for example, set a desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap and / or achieve a desired thickness profile of a film.

[0044] The control device can also function as an interface between sensors and drive elements. It can coordinate the flow of information, ensure real-time data processing, and control the at least one or more drive elements, particularly in the form of thermocouples, accordingly.

[0045] Advantageously, the control device can be configured to monitor operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, in particular mechanical operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, preferably a preload force and / or position of the at least one or more drive elements, electrical and / or thermal operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, preferably an electric current, an electric voltage and / or a temperature of the at least one or more drive elements, a gap profile of the nozzle exit gap, a profile of the nozzle lip, etc., which may be characteristic of the action of the at least one or more drive elements on the nozzle lip.

[0046] In this way, the control can be extended, in particular to include information about operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, especially mechanical operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, preferably a preload force and / or position of the at least one or more drive elements, electrical and / or mechanical operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, preferably an electrical current, an electrical voltage and / or a temperature, a gap profile of the nozzle exit gap, a profile of the nozzle lip, etc. Such information can provide further insights into the results of the control.

[0047] Monitoring allows for the direct or indirect measurement of a force applied to a corresponding component, such as the first nozzle lip (the so-called preload force). Furthermore, monitoring can also measure deformation or stress within the nozzle exit gap.

[0048] Measurements are conceivable on both nozzle lips and / or at different positions, e.g. via a traversing sensor and / or via several sensors, e.g. one sensor each for a drive element.

[0049] Possible sensors: ◯ Measurement of a preload force with an ultrasonic sensor (e.g. by means of a time-of-flight measurement), ◯ Measurement of the tension between the nozzle lip and a counter bearing / a bracket (for the adjustment units) using strain gauges (possibly with temperature compensation), ◯ Measurement of a voltage between nozzle lip and a counter bearing / a bracket (for the adjustment units) using piezoelectric sensors (possibly with temperature compensation) ◯ Measurement of electrical resistance at contact surfaces (between nozzle lip and a counter bearing / a bracket) Electromagnetic sensors, ◯ Pressure sensor, ◯ Load cell, ◯ Hydraulic pressure measuring system, etc.

[0050] Additionally, the nozzle gap can be directly measured using ultrasound (e.g., by means of reflection at material interfaces). Measurement methods can be selected analogously to non-destructive material testing, e.g., of weld seams.

[0051] Knowing the force applied by the drive element(s) (always meaning one in each case) allows for an advantageous model-based inference about the actual nozzle exit gap.

[0052] A model for the nozzle exit gap, preferably nozzle-specific, can be determined. Various process points can be visited for this purpose. At each process point, the respective force applied to the nozzle lip by the at least one or more drive elements can be recorded along with a nozzle exit gap measured, for example, manually and / or by sensors. In the simplest case, the current nozzle lip gap can be determined from the recorded data by interpolation. In a further embodiment, recorded data can be combined with other measured values.

[0053] The proposed actuator can be used for more advanced automation solutions. With the help of the proposed actuator, further conclusions can be drawn about the flow behavior of the melt.

[0054] The proposed actuator enables intelligent drive elements to provide feedback on the current actuator position. Combined with a model and / or additional sensors, this allows for valuable conclusions to be drawn about the current nozzle exit gap and thus the actual extension ratio.

[0055] Advantageously, the control device is designed to use the operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements for production control, in order to obtain, for example, desired production parameters.

[0056] Desired production parameters may include: - a desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap, - a desired profile of the operating parameters of at least one or more drive elements, - a desired thickness profile of a film, etc.

[0057] The control device can receive a desired thickness profile of the film as an input variable and use operating parameters of at least one or more drive elements as control parameters.

[0058] In principle, operating parameters of at least one or more drive elements can be used as control parameters.

[0059] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to determine production parameters depending on the monitoring, in particular including: - Foil parameters, - Machine parameters and / or - Process parameters, optionally without measuring the thickness profile of a film.

[0060] In this way, an inherently intelligent control, in particular a control and / or regulation, of a gap profile can be provided, preferably using or within the adjustment units.

[0061] It is recognized that the gap profile of the nozzle exit gap or a profile of the nozzle lip and / or force profile at the nozzle exit gap and the material flow through the nozzle exit gap can influence each other.

[0062] For example, the gap profile of the nozzle exit gap can be adjusted to alter the material flow through the nozzle exit gap, thus producing a thicker or thinner film. In turn, the material flow can exert certain forces on the nozzle lips. A stronger material flow can cause the nozzle lips to bend outwards, while a weaker material flow can cause them to contract.

[0063] By recording the operating parameters within or on the drive elements, it is possible to dispense with measuring the film thickness, which takes place far after the nozzle exit gap.

[0064] The operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements are advantageously not only set but can also be monitored. The monitoring results can be used for control, in particular to enable self-contained control, especially regulation, of the nozzle exit gap profile or the melt exit thickness, preferably by means of or within the adjustment units.

[0065] Thus, at least with pre-centering or basic setting of the actuating elements, a cumbersome, lengthy and computationally intensive coordination between remote thickness measuring devices for measuring the film thickness and the control of the at least one or more drive elements can be avoided.

[0066] The acquisition of actual values ​​(mechanical, electrical and / or thermal operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements: e.g., actual profile of the nozzle exit gap, actual profile for force, electrical current, electrical voltage and / or temperature of the at least one or more drive elements, actual profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements) and the control of manipulated variables (electrical operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements: e.g., electrical (heating) current, (heating) voltage, etc.) to a location, namely in or on adjustment units, preferably in or on the drive element(s).

[0067] Advantageously, the actual variables and the manipulated variables can differ. The actual variables can be, for example, mechanical and / or thermal operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements: the actual profile of the nozzle exit gap, the actual profile for force and / or temperature of the at least one or more drive elements, the actual profile for the positions of the at least one or more drive elements, etc., which vary depending on the force with which the melt acts on the nozzle lips. The manipulated variables can be, for example, electrical operating parameters, such as electrical (heating) current, (heating) voltage, etc., of the at least one or more drive elements.

[0068] The proposed actuator enables timely feedback between actual values ​​and control variables, thus increasing control quality.

[0069] In principle, any production parameter can serve as a control variable or regulated variable, in particular: - Foil parameters, - Machine parameters and / or - Process parameters.

[0070] Advantageously, a gap profile of the nozzle exit gap and / or a profile of the nozzle lip, a thickness profile of the film, a profile for operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, e.g. a force profile, an electrical (heating) current profile, an electrical (heating) voltage and / or temperature profile of the at least one or more drive elements and / or a profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements, etc., can serve as a control or regulation variable.

[0071] Thus, an improved positioning device is provided for a control, in particular a control and / or regulation, of the production of an extrusion plant, preferably a film extrusion plant, which enables improved control, which delivers fast and precise results, which enables optimal positioning or adjustment of positioning elements or adjustment units in order to set a desired gap profile of the die exit gap and / or a desired profile of the die lip and / or to achieve a desired thickness profile of a film.

[0072] As mentioned above, the control device can be configured to determine a model of the nozzle exit gap. Advantageously, various process points of the at least one or more drive elements can be accessed for this purpose. Preferably, specific operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, e.g., electrical, thermal, and / or mechanical, can be applied at each process point. Preferably, a gap profile of the nozzle exit gap can be recorded at each process point, whereby the gap profile can be acquired manually and / or by sensors.

[0073] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to monitor at least one of the following (electrical, thermal and / or mechanical) operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements: - Preload force, especially at the nozzle lip and / or within the adjustment units, preferably: ◯ by ultrasound measurement, e.g. with at least (or each) one ultrasonic sensor, e.g. using a time-of-flight measurement of an ultrasound, e.g. within a force-applying element of the at least one or more drive elements, and / or ◯ by measuring force and / or pressure, e.g. with at least (or each) one strain gauge, piezo sensor, pressure transducer and piston manometer, e.g. within or on a surface of a counter bearing of the at least one or more drive elements, - electrical resistance, especially at contact surfaces between the first nozzle lip and the adjustment units or at two contact surfaces within the adjustment unit, - Positioning profile for the positions of at least one or more drive elements, especially with regard to the nozzle lip, preferably: ◯ by position and / or displacement measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) one linear motion sensor, one linear displacement transducer and / or one linear potentiometer, and / or ◯ by optical measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) one camera, preferably using a triangulation method, and / or a laser, preferably using electro-optical distance measurement, and / or ◯ by inductive measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) one inductive sensor, - Gap profile of the nozzle outlet gap and / or profile of the nozzle lip, ◯ through optical, capacitive, inductive and / or ultrasound-based measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) one camera, e.g. using a triangulation method, and / or a laser, e.g. using electro-optical distance measurement, and / or ◯ through inductive measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) one inductive sensor, [Here, direct gap measurement and indirect measurement via the nozzle lip positions are conceivable. The nozzle lip positions can be detected, for example, via distance measurements (optical, ultrasonic, capacitive, inductive, etc.) or by feedback from an actuator (e.g., encoder). The nozzle lip gap can also be measured directly via ultrasonic measurement in the nozzle lip (similar to non-destructive component testing.] - Measurement of pressure conditions, especially within the extrusion plant and / or a feed block of the extrusion plant. - Temperature, especially within the extrusion plant, within a feed block of the extrusion plant and / or within the adjustment units, and / or - Vibrations, especially within the adjustment units, on a housing and / or a bearing of the adjustment units.

[0074] For example, if a pressure / force on the nozzle lip is monitored as an actual value, then a counter-pressure / counter-force from the material flow can provide feedback from the melt to the nozzle lip.

[0075] Such measurements enable flexible acquisition of actual values ​​for monitoring purposes. This allows for improved utilization of existing sensor equipment on the extrusion line. Furthermore, it enables flexible sensor design and / or positioning, adaptable to the specific conditions of different extrusion lines. This also facilitates flexible monitoring with various sensor configurations.

[0076] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to determine the operating parameters of at least one or more drive elements using at least one sensor (e.g., one specifically designed for this purpose). This enables targeted acquisition of actual values ​​for monitoring purposes.

[0077] Advantageously, the control device can have a communication link to the drive elements and / or to associated sensors on the drive elements in order to obtain, query, and / or request the operating parameters of the one or more drive elements, and / or to control associated sensors on the drive elements to detect the operating parameters of the one or more drive elements. In this way, improved control can be achieved with short transmission paths, reduced latency, simplified calculations, and improved results.

[0078] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to determine at least one of the following foil parameters and / or its fluctuations, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements: - Width, - Thickness, - Number of layers, - Material composition, - Shift distribution, - Layer thickness ratio, - Temperature distribution, especially in a transverse direction and / or in a production direction optionally using a temperature measurement of the film and / or using a model that, for example, maps the thickness profile of the film as a function of film parameters, machine parameters and / or process parameters, - Melting behavior, - Material properties, - Quality characteristics, - Layer breaks in the melt and / or film.

[0079] In this way, improved control with expanded objectives can be enabled, flexibly providing different desired slide parameters.

[0080] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to determine at least one of the following machine parameters and / or its fluctuations, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements: - Engine parameters, - Motor speed, motor step count, - Engine speed, - Drive power, - Drive pressure, - Flow behavior within the nozzle exit gap and / or a feed block of the extrusion system, - Measurement of the clamping force of decklings, which are specifically designed to set a desired width of the film by blocking parts on both sides of the nozzle exit gap, - Determination of minimum and / or maximum positions of the adjustment units, - Actual position of adjusting bolts, which are located particularly against the nozzle lip to adjust the gap profile of the nozzle outlet gap, wherein preferably the adjusting bolts are coupled with associated drive elements that act mechanically on the adjusting bolts, - real nozzle lip gap, - Profile of the nozzle lip.

[0081] In this way, stable production with precisely controllable machine parameters can be achieved.

[0082] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to determine at least one of the following process parameters and / or its fluctuations, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements: - Move-out ratio, - Loss of contact of an adjusting bolt and / or a drive element, - Flow behavior, - Viscous elasticity of the melt and / or film, - Viscosity, - Melt pressure, - Thickness variations, e.g. caused by temperature fluctuations within the nozzle exit gap and / or a feed block of the extrusion plant, in particular by detection of pressure fluctuations in the melt pressure within the nozzle exit gap and / or a feed block of the extrusion plant.

[0083] In this way, improved production with specifically controllable process parameters can be enabled.

[0084] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to adjust the control, in particular the actuation of the at least one or more drive elements and / or the insulation and / or cooling devices, depending on the specific production parameters, in order to obtain the desired production parameters. In this way, flexible control can be enabled that can be directed at different control variables in the form of different production parameters.

[0085] Firstly, it is conceivable that the control device could be configured to determine an actual profile (or current gap profile) of the nozzle exit gap based on the monitoring of the operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, whereby, in particular, the at least one or more drive elements are controlled by the control device in such a way as to adapt the determined actual profile of the nozzle exit gap to the desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap. Thus, the control can be carried out with regard to the desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap.

[0086] On the other hand, it is conceivable that the control device could be configured to determine an actual profile for force, electrical current, electrical voltage, and / or temperature of the at least one or more drive elements, depending on the monitoring of their operating parameters. In particular, the control device could actuate the at least one or more drive elements in such a way as to adapt the determined actual profile to a desired profile. Thus, monitoring can be carried out with regard to the desired profile of selected operating parameters.

[0087] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the control device could be configured to determine an actual position profile of the at least one or more drive elements based on the monitoring of their operating parameters. In particular, the control device could actuate the at least one or more drive elements in such a way as to adapt the determined actual position profile to a desired position profile. Thus, monitoring can be performed with regard to the desired position profile of the at least one or more drive elements.

[0088] The invention further provides for: A method for controlling, in particular controlling and / or regulating, a gap profile, a die exit gap of an extrusion plant, preferably a film extrusion plant, wherein the die exit gap has a first and a second die lip for controlled adjustment of a gap profile of the die exit gap, wherein the method is carried out using an adjusting device which can be designed as described above. demonstrating the procedure: - Controlling insulation and / or cooling devices for the at least one or more drive elements in order to effectively achieve and / or maintain the predetermined positions of the at least one or more drive elements, in particular to reduce energy consumption for driving the at least one or more drive elements and / or to increase control speed when driving the at least one or more drive elements.

[0089] Furthermore, the procedure can exhibit: - Controlling the insulation and / or cooling devices in such a way that, when driving the at least one or more drive elements towards a closing position, heat losses, e.g. through convection and / or thermal radiation, are reduced, - Controlling the insulation and / or cooling devices in such a way that, when the at least one or more drive elements are driven in the direction of an opening position, cooling of the at least one or more drive elements (12) is effected.

[0090] The same advantages described above in connection with the actuating device can be achieved using this method. These advantages are fully referenced here.

[0091] Advantageously, the procedure can also feature: - Monitoring of operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements by the control device, in particular mechanical operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, preferably a preload force and / or position, electrical and / or thermal operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, preferably an electric current, an electric voltage and / or temperature, a gap profile of the nozzle exit gap and / or a profile of the nozzle lip, etc., which are characteristic of the action of the at least one or more drive elements on the first nozzle lip, - Using the operating parameters for production control, especially to obtain desired production parameters, - Determining production parameters, in particular including film parameters, machine parameters and / or process parameters, depending on the monitoring of operating parameters by the control device, preferably without measuring the thickness profile of a film, - Adjusting the control or actuation of the at least one or more drive elements and / or the insulation and / or cooling devices by the control device in order to set a desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap and / or a desired profile of the nozzle lip and / or to achieve a desired thickness profile of a film and / or to provide desired operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, e.g. depending on the specific production parameters, in order to preferably obtain desired production parameters.

[0092] In this way, flexible control can be enabled, which can be directed towards different control variables in the form of different production parameters.

[0093] In principle, any production parameter can serve as a control variable or regulated variable, in particular: - Foil parameters, - Machine parameters and / or - Process parameters.

[0094] Advantageously, a gap profile of the nozzle exit gap and / or a profile of the nozzle lip, a thickness profile of the film, a profile for operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, e.g. a force profile, an electrical (heating) current profile, an electrical (heating) voltage and / or temperature profile of the at least one or more drive elements and / or a profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements, etc., can serve as a control or regulation variable.

[0095] Furthermore, the procedure may include at least one of the following procedural steps: - Storing the operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, in particular as a function of time, and / or - Storing specific production parameters and / or deviations between specific production parameters and desired production parameters depending on, in particular, electrical, thermal and / or mechanical, operating parameters.

[0096] In this way, the results of monitoring and control can be observed and evaluated over time and used to develop the control system. This allows for the provision of a learning control system that evolves over time.

[0097] Firstly, the procedure can include at least one of the following procedural steps: - Determining the actual profile of the nozzle outlet gap, - Controlling at least one or more drive elements and / or insulation and / or cooling devices to adapt the detected actual profile of the nozzle exit gap to the desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap.

[0098] This allows for the control of the desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap.

[0099] Secondly, the procedure may include at least one of the following procedural steps: - Determining an actual profile for force, electrical current, electrical voltage and / or temperature of at least one or more drive elements, - Controlling the at least one or more drive elements and / or the insulation and / or cooling devices in order to adapt the recorded actual profile to a desired profile of the at least one or more drive elements.

[0100] Thus, the control with regard to the desired profile of selected operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements can be carried out.

[0101] Furthermore, the procedure may include at least one of the following procedural steps: - Determining an actual profile for the positions of at least one or more drive elements, - Controlling the at least one or more drive elements and / or the insulation and / or cooling devices in order to adapt the detected actual profile for positions to a desired profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements.

[0102] Thus, the control with regard to the desired profile can be carried out for positions of at least one or more drive elements.

[0103] The invention further provides for: A computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the procedure that can proceed as described above. The same advantages described above in connection with the actuator and the procedure can be achieved with the computer program product. These advantages are fully referenced herein.

[0104] The invention further provides for: A computer-readable data carrier containing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause it to carry out the procedure described above. The same advantages described above in connection with the actuator and the procedure can be achieved using this computer-readable data carrier. These advantages are fully referenced here.

[0105] The invention also provides for: A control device comprising a storage unit in which a code is stored, and an arithmetic unit, wherein, upon execution of the code by the arithmetic unit, the procedure is executed which can proceed as described above. The same advantages can be achieved that were described above in connection with the actuator and the procedure. These advantages are fully referenced here.

[0106] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which several embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The drawings schematically illustrate: Fig. 1 An exemplary adjusting device in a front view of a nozzle exit gap formed by a first and a second nozzle lip, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. 8 an exemplary adjusting device in a sectional view through a nozzle, comprising a first and a second nozzle lip and Fig. 9 an exemplary sequence of a proposed procedure.

[0107] In the following figures, identical reference numerals are used for the same technical features, even for different embodiments.

[0108] As it is Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. Figure 8 illustrates that an actuating device 100 is proposed for controlling, in particular controlling and / or regulating, a gap profile SP of a nozzle exit gap 201 of an extrusion plant, preferably a film extrusion plant 200, wherein the nozzle exit gap 201 is formed by a first nozzle lip L1 and a second nozzle lip L2.

[0109] The production plant is used to produce a film 101. The width direction B of the film 101 corresponds to the width direction of the nozzle exit gap 201. The length direction L of the film 101 corresponds to the production direction.

[0110] The positioning device 100 has, firstly, the following features: - a large number of adjustment units 10 (adjustment units can also be referred to as actuating elements) for adjusting the outlet thickness AD, as required by the Fig. 1 suggests.

[0111] The adjusting units 10 can act directly or indirectly (e.g., via corresponding adjusting bolts 11) on a corresponding nozzle lip L1, L2, e.g., on the first nozzle lip L1, as shown by the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 indicate.

[0112] The adjusting units 10 can have at least one or more drive elements 12, in particular in the form of thermocouples, electric motors, piezo drives, pneumatic drives, hydraulic drives, etc., as shown by the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. 8 indicate.

[0113] Furthermore, the adjustment units 10 can have corresponding insulations 13 with active and / or passive cooling for the at least one or several drive elements 12.

[0114] The actuator 100 also features: - a control device 20 which is configured to control the at least one or the several drive elements 12 in such a way that the adjusting units 10 (directly or indirectly, e.g. via corresponding adjusting bolts 11 of the adjusting units 10) assume and / or hold predetermined positions, to, for example, set a desired gap profile SP* of the nozzle exit gap 201 and / or a desired profile of the nozzle lip L1, L2 and / or a desired profile of operating parameters BP at the nozzle exit gap 201 and / or to achieve a desired thickness profile DP* of a film 101, in particular, fundamentally different control objectives can be pursued using the invention.

[0115] The control device 20 is designed to control the insulation 13 and / or cooling devices for the at least one or more drive elements 12 in a controlled manner: - to effectively reach and / or maintain the specified positions of the at least one or more drive elements 12, - in particular to reduce energy consumption for driving the at least one or more drive elements 12 and / or to increase a control speed when driving the at least one or more drive elements 12.

[0116] As mentioned above, the at least one or several drive elements 12 can preferably be in the form of thermocouples, preferably each comprising a heating bolt and a heating cartridge.

[0117] As it is Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. As illustrated in Figure 8, the structure of the at least one or more drive elements 12 is advantageously extended by an insulation 13, which can, for example, extend around the heating bolts and / or heating cartridges and along their entire length or only partially along them. The insulation 13 can also be extended by at least passive cooling and optionally by active cooling.

[0118] The thickness, length, and type of insulation 13 and / or cooling devices may differ. For example, insulation 13 with a smaller thickness and / or length and possibly made of different (e.g., less expensive) materials may be used between the individual drive elements 12 than at other locations, e.g., at the ends of the nozzle exit gap 201.

[0119] To prevent the heating bolts from cooling down too long, for example, when adjusting a thin spot in film 101, and to increase the adjustment speed, the heating bolts and / or heating cartridges can be actively or passively cooled. Alternatively, a robot can move actuators at thin spots and / or open a lid. Thick spots could be adjusted simultaneously using actuators. Furthermore, it is conceivable to use a combination of robot and actuators.

[0120] In one embodiment, passive cooling can be achieved by opening a cover to allow free convection. In another embodiment, the insulation 13 can be folded away, thereby allowing heat loss through thermal radiation and / or convection.

[0121] Active cooling can actively accelerate heat loss through thermal radiation and / or convection. For simplicity, active cooling can be achieved with air pressure, either contact or non-contact. Furthermore, active cooling can be provided via other media, either contact or non-contact. For example, cooling with oil is conceivable, possibly via a heat exchanger mounted on the respective heating element. In another embodiment, thermal radiation can be significantly increased by cooling a surface within the insulation 13.

[0122] A combination of active and passive cooling is conceivable.

[0123] It is also conceivable that the waste heat could be used for other processes inside and / or outside the extrusion plant.

[0124] The proposed actuator 100 allows for both an increase in control speed and a significant reduction in energy consumption. Advantageously, the proposed actuator 100 can achieve a reduction in power consumption of at least one-third.

[0125] As it is Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. As indicated in 8, the control device 20 can be configured to control the insulation 13 and / or cooling devices for the at least one or more drive elements 12 in such a way as to limit heat losses, e.g. by convection and / or thermal radiation, when driving the at least one or more drive elements 12 in the direction of a closing position (meaning the closing position to reduce the gap profile SP of the nozzle outlet gap 201), or when heating the thermocouples.

[0126] As it is Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. As indicated in 8, the control device 20 can be configured to control the insulation 13 and / or cooling devices for the at least one or more drive elements 12 in such a way as to cause cooling of the at least one or more drive elements 12 when driving the at least one or more drive elements 12 in the direction of an opening position (meaning the opening position for increasing the gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201), or when cooling the thermocouples.

[0127] As it is Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, the insulation 13 and / or cooling devices can be designed to circumferentially and / or cylindrically enclose corresponding drive elements 12, in particular comprising a heating bolt and / or a heating cartridge.

[0128] In principle, the insulation 13 and / or cooling devices can provide cooling either by contact or without contact (meaning contact or without contact at a contact surface between a cooling medium and a respective heating bolt or heating cartridge).

[0129] Furthermore, the insulation 13 and / or cooling devices, in particular in a central area of ​​the nozzle exit gap 201 (meaning the area corresponding to a net area of ​​the film 101), can be of identical construction, e.g. with a smaller thickness than in the edge areas (meaning areas corresponding to the edge sections of the film 101, which are usually cut off).

[0130] Furthermore, the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. 8 indicates that the control device 20 may be configured to - Operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, in particular mechanical operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, e.g. a preload force and / or position of the at least one or more drive elements 12 on the first nozzle lip L1, electrical and / or thermal operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, e.g. electrical current / electrical voltage and / or a temperature, - to monitor a gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201 and / or a profile of the nozzle lip L1, L2, etc.

[0131] In other words, the control device 20 is designed to monitor such parameters as may be characteristic of the action of the at least one or more drive elements 12 on the first nozzle lip L1.

[0132] The control can advantageously be carried out using drive elements 12, in particular in the form of thermocouples. Thermocouples can have corresponding heating studs. Heating studs can expand or contract by thermal mechanisms.

[0133] The positioning device 100 can be used in plastics processing to precisely control and adjust a thickness profile DP of cast, laminating and coating films as well as in blown film plants during the manufacturing process.

[0134] The at least one or more drive elements 12, in particular in the form of thermocouples, can implement the instructions / control commands of the control device 20. The control device 20 can collect monitoring data and make decisions about how the at least one or more drive elements 12 should be controlled, for example, to set a desired gap profile SP* of the nozzle exit gap 201 and / or a desired profile of the nozzle lip L1, L2 and / or to achieve a desired thickness profile DP* of a film 101 and / or to control a desired profile for the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12. The control device 20 can also function as an interface between sensors and drive elements 12.

[0135] The control is extended, in particular to include information about operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, especially mechanical operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, such as a preload force and / or position of the at least one or more drive elements 12, and / or electrical and / or thermal operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, such as electrical current / electrical voltage and / or temperature, a gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201, a profile of the nozzle lip L1, L2, etc.

[0136] As it is Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. As illustrated in section 9, monitoring can enable direct or indirect measurement of a force applied to the first nozzle lip L1, the so-called preload force. Furthermore, monitoring can also measure the deformation of the nozzle exit gap 201 or the stress / pressure within the nozzle exit gap 201.

[0137] With the knowledge of a force applied by the drive elements 12 (always meaning one in each case), a model-based conclusion can be advantageously drawn about a real gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201.

[0138] As it is Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. As indicated in point 8, the control device 20 may be configured to determine production parameters PP depending on the monitoring, e.g., including: - Foil parameters FP, - Machine parameters MP and / or - Procedure parameters VP, optionally without measuring the thickness profile DP of a film 101.

[0139] Advantageously, the control device 20 can be configured to adjust the control, in particular the actuation of the at least one or more drive elements 12, and / or the insulation 13 and / or cooling devices, depending on the specific production parameters PP, in order to obtain the desired production parameters PP*. In this way, a self-contained or autonomous control, in particular a control and / or regulation, of a gap profile SP can be provided by means of or within the adjustment units 10, which preferably eliminates the need for separate and spaced measuring devices for measuring film thickness FD.

[0140] In this way, a self-contained or autonomous control, in particular a control and / or regulation, of a gap profile SP can be provided using or within the adjustment units 10, which preferably eliminates the need for separate and spaced measuring devices for measuring foil thickness FD.

[0141] The gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201 and the material flow through the nozzle exit gap 201 can influence each other. The gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201 is generally adjusted to modify the material flow through the nozzle exit gap 201, thus producing a thicker or thinner film 101. In turn, the material flow can exert certain forces on the nozzle lips L1, L2. A stronger material flow can cause the nozzle lips L1, L2 to bend upwards. A weaker material flow can cause the nozzle lips L1, L2 to contract.

[0142] The control device 20 is advantageously designed not only to set but also to monitor the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12. The results of the monitoring can be used for control purposes.

[0143] The actuating device 100 enables the acquisition of actual values ​​(mechanical, electrical and / or thermal operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12: e.g., actual profile of the nozzle outlet gap 201, actual profile for force, electrical current / voltage and / or temperature of the at least one or more drive elements 12, actual profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements 12, etc.) and the control of manipulated variables (electrical operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements 12: e.g., electrical (heating) current I, (heating) voltage U, etc.) to a location, namely in or on adjustment units 10, preferably in or on the drive element(s) 12.

[0144] The proposed actuator 100 enables timely feedback between the actual values ​​and the control variables, which can increase the quality of control.

[0145] In principle, any production parameter PP can serve as a control variable or regulated variable, in particular including: - Foil parameters FP, - Machine parameters MP and / or - Procedure parameters VP.

[0146] Preferred examples of control variables or regulated variables include: - a gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201 and / or a profile of the nozzle lip L1, L2, - a thickness profile DP of film 101, - a profile for operating parameters BP of at least one or more drive elements 12, - a force profile, electrical current profile, electrical voltage profile and / or temperature profile of the at least one or more drive elements 12, - a profile for positions of at least one or more drive elements 12 etc.

[0147] As it is Fig. As illustrated in section 3, the control device 20 can be configured to monitor at least one of the following (mechanical, electrical and / or thermal) operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12: - Preload force, especially at the first nozzle lip L1 and / or within the adjustment units 10, preferably: ◯ by ultrasound measurement, e.g. with at least (or each) one ultrasonic sensor SU, e.g. using a time-of-flight measurement of an ultrasound, e.g. within a force-applying element of the at least one or more drive elements 12.

[0148] A dashed double arrow indicates the control of the at least one or more drive elements 12 by the control device 20, e.g. by means of electrical (heating) current I and / or (heating) voltage U.

[0149] A dashed arrow from the ultrasonic sensor SU to the control device 20 indicates that the ultrasonic sensor SU sends sensor signals to the control device 20.

[0150] As it is Fig. As illustrated in section 4, the control device 20 can be configured to monitor at least one of the following (mechanical, electrical and / or thermal) operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12: - Preload force, especially at the first nozzle lip L1 and / or within the adjustment units 10, preferably: ◯ by force and / or pressure measurement, e.g. with at least (or each) one appropriate sensor SK: e.g. a strain gauge, piezo sensor, pressure transducer and with a piston manometer, e.g. within or on a surface of a counter bearing of the at least one or more drive elements 12.

[0151] A dashed double arrow indicates the control of the at least one or more drive elements 12 by the control device 20, e.g. by means of electrical (heating) current I and / or (heating) voltage U.

[0152] A dashed arrow from sensor SK to control device 20 indicates that sensor SK sends sensor signals to control device 20.

[0153] As it is Fig. As illustrated in section 5, the control device 20 can be configured to monitor at least one of the following (mechanical, electrical and / or thermal) operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12: - electrical resistance, especially at contact surfaces between the first nozzle lip L1 and the adjustment units 10 or at two contact surfaces within the adjustment unit 10.

[0154] A corresponding sensor SW can be designed as an electrical resistance meter.

[0155] A dashed double arrow indicates the control of the at least one or more drive elements 12 by the control device 20, e.g. by means of electrical (heating) current I and / or (heating) voltage U.

[0156] A dashed arrow from sensor SW to control device 20 indicates that sensor SW sends sensor signals to control device 20.

[0157] As it is Fig. As illustrated in section 6, the control device 20 can be configured to monitor at least one of the following (mechanical, electrical and / or thermal) operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12: - Positioning profile for the positions of at least one or more drive elements 12, especially with regard to the first nozzle lip L1, preferably: ◯ by position and / or distance measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) one corresponding sensor SL: e.g. a linear motion sensor, a linear displacement sensor and / or a linear potentiometer.

[0158] A dashed double arrow indicates the control of the at least one or more drive elements 12 by the control device 20, e.g. by means of electrical (heating) current I and / or (heating) voltage U.

[0159] A dashed arrow from sensor SL to control device 20 indicates that sensor SL sends sensor signals to control device 20.

[0160] As it is Fig. As illustrated in Figure 7, the control device 20 can be configured to monitor at least one of the following (mechanical, electrical and / or thermal) operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12: - Positioning profile for the positions of at least one or more drive elements 12, especially with regard to the first nozzle lip L1, preferably: ◯ by optical measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) a corresponding sensor SO: e.g. a camera, preferably using a triangulation method, and / or a laser, preferably using electro-optical distance measurement, and / or ◯ through inductive measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) one inductive sensor SI,

[0161] A dashed double arrow indicates the control of the at least one or more drive elements 12 by the control device 20, e.g. by means of electrical (heating) current I and / or (heating) voltage U.

[0162] A dashed arrow from sensor SO / SI to control device 20 indicates that sensor SO / SI sends sensor signals to control device 20.

[0163] As it is Fig. As illustrated in section 8, the control device 20 can be configured to monitor at least one of the following (mechanical, electrical and / or thermal) operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12: - Gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201, ◯ by optical measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) a corresponding sensor SO: e.g. a camera, e.g. using a triangulation method, and / or a laser, e.g. using electro-optical distance measurement, and / or ◯ through inductive measurements, e.g. with at least one inductive sensor SI each,

[0164] A dashed double arrow indicates the control of the at least one or more drive elements 12 by the control device 20, e.g. by means of electrical (heating) current I and / or (heating) voltage U.

[0165] A dashed arrow from sensor SO / SI to control device 20 indicates that sensor SO / SI sends sensor signals to control device 20.

[0166] Not shown in the figures (solely for the sake of simplicity) but conceivable in the context of the invention are the following measurements: - Measurement of pressure conditions, especially within the extrusion plant and / or a feed block of the extrusion plant. - Temperature, especially within the extrusion plant, within a feed block of the extrusion plant and / or within the adjustment units 10, and / or - Vibrations, especially within the adjustment units 10, on a housing and / or a bearing of the adjustment units 10.

[0167] As it is Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. As illustrated in Figure 8, 12 special sensors SU, SK, SW, SL, SO, SI can be provided to monitor the operating parameters BP of at least one or more drive elements.

[0168] In principle, the control device 20 can have a communication link to the drive elements 12 and / or to associated sensors on the drive elements 12 in order to obtain, query and / or request the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, and / or to control associated sensors on the drive elements 12 to detect the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12.

[0169] As it is Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 indicate that, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, at least one of the following foil parameters FP and / or its fluctuations can be determined: - Width, - Thickness, - Number of layers, - Material composition, - Shift distribution, - Layer thickness ratio, - Temperature distribution, especially in a transverse direction and / or in a production direction optionally using a temperature measurement of film 101 and / or using a model which, for example, maps the thickness profile DP of film 101 as a function of film parameters FP, machine parameters MP and / or process parameters VP, - Melting behavior, - Material properties, - Quality characteristics, - Layer breaks in the melt and / or foil 101.

[0170] As it is Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 indicate that, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, at least one of the following machine parameters MP and / or its fluctuations can be determined: - Engine parameters, - Motor speed, motor step count, - Engine speed, - Drive power, - Drive pressure, - Flow behavior within the nozzle exit gap 201 and / or a feed block of the extrusion system, - Measurement of the clamping force of decklings, which are specifically designed to set a desired width of the film 101 by blocking parts on both sides of the nozzle exit gap 201, - Determination of minimum and / or maximum positions of the adjustment units 10, - Actual position of adjusting bolts 11, which are located in particular on the first nozzle lip L1 to adjust the gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201, wherein preferably the adjusting bolts 11 are coupled with associated drive elements 12 which act mechanically on the adjusting bolts 11, - Real nozzle lip gap.

[0171] As it is Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 indicate that, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, at least one of the following process parameters VP and / or its fluctuations can be determined: - Move-out ratio, - Loss of contact of an adjusting bolt 11 and / or a drive element 12, - Flow behavior, - Viscose elasticity of the melt and / or film 101, - Viscosity, - Melt pressure, - Thickness variations, e.g. caused by temperature fluctuations within the nozzle exit gap 201 and / or a feed block of the extrusion plant, in particular by detection of pressure fluctuations in the melt pressure within the nozzle exit gap 201 and / or a feed block of the extrusion plant.

[0172] Firstly, it is conceivable that the control device 20 could be configured to determine an actual profile or current gap profile SP of the nozzle outlet gap 201, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, wherein, in particular, the at least one or more drive elements 12 are controlled by the control device 20 in such a way as to adapt the determined actual profile of the nozzle outlet gap 201 to the desired gap profile SP* of the nozzle outlet gap 201. Thus, the control can be carried out with regard to the desired gap profile SP* of the nozzle outlet gap 201.

[0173] On the other hand, it is conceivable that the control device 20 could be configured to determine an actual profile for force, electrical current, electrical voltage, and / or temperature of the at least one or more drive elements 12, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, wherein, in particular, the at least one or more drive elements 12 are controlled by the control device 20 in such a way as to adapt the determined actual profile to a desired profile. Thus, monitoring can be carried out with regard to the desired profile of selected operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements 12.

[0174] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the control device 20 can be configured to determine an actual profile for the positions of the at least one or more drive elements 12, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, wherein, in particular, the at least one or more drive elements 12 are controlled by the control device 20 in such a way as to adapt the determined actual profile for positions to a desired profile for the positions of the at least one or more drive elements 12. Thus, the control can be carried out with regard to the desired profile for the positions of the at least one or more drive elements 12.

[0175] The invention further provides a corresponding method, namely: a method for controlling, in particular controlling and / or regulating, a gap profile SP of a nozzle exit gap 201 of an extrusion plant, preferably a film extrusion plant 200, wherein the nozzle exit gap 201 has a first and a second nozzle lip L2 for controlled adjustment of a gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201, wherein the method is carried out using an adjusting device 100, which can be designed as described above.

[0176] As it is Fig. As indicated in point 9, the procedure may include: 110 Controlling insulation for the at least one or more drive elements 12 in order to effectively achieve and / or maintain the predetermined positioning positions of the at least one or more drive elements 12, in particular to reduce energy consumption for driving the at least one or more drive elements 12 and / or to increase control speed when driving the at least one or more drive elements 12.

[0177] In particular, the procedure can exhibit: 111 Controlling the insulation 13 in such a way that, when driving the at least one or more drive elements 12 in the direction of a closing position, heat losses, e.g. through convection and / or thermal radiation, are reduced, 112 Controlling the insulation 13 in such a way that, when driving the at least one or more drive elements 12 in the direction of an opening position, cooling of the at least one or more drive elements 12 is effected.

[0178] As it is Fig. As indicated in section 9, the procedure may include at least one of the following procedural steps: 120 Monitoring of operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12 by the control device 20, in particular of mechanical operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, preferably a preload force and / or position, of electrical and / or thermal operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, preferably an electric current, an electric voltage and / or temperature, of a gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201 and / or of a profile of the nozzle lip L1, L2, which are characteristic for the action of the at least one or more drive elements 12 on the first nozzle lip L1.

[0179] As it is Fig. As indicated in section 9, the procedure may include at least one of the following procedural steps: 130 Determining production parameters PP, in particular comprising film parameters FP, machine parameters MP and / or process parameters VP, depending on monitoring by the control device 20, preferably without measuring the thickness profile DP of a film 101.

[0180] As it is Fig. As indicated in section 9, the procedure may include at least one of the following procedural steps: 140 Adjusting the control or actuation of the at least one or more drive elements 12 and / or the insulations 13 and / or cooling devices by the control device 20 in order to set a desired gap profile SP* of the nozzle exit gap and / or a desired profile of the nozzle lip L1, L2 and / or to achieve a desired thickness profile DP* of a film 101 and / or to provide a desired profile for operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12.

[0181] As it is Fig. As indicated in section 9, the procedure may include at least one of the following procedural steps: 150 Controlling the at least one or more drive elements 12 and / or insulations 13 and / or cooling devices, e.g. depending on the specific production parameters PP, in order to preferably obtain desired production parameters PP*.

[0182] The method can be used advantageously at the start of production, in particular for the controlled presetting of the adjustment units 10.

[0183] Furthermore, the method can be used advantageously in ongoing production, in particular for the controlled (fine) adjustment of the adjustment units 10.

[0184] In this way, flexible control can be enabled, which can be directed at different control variables in the form of different production parameters PP, e.g.: - Foil parameters FP, - Machine parameters MP and / or - Procedure parameters VP.

[0185] Advantageously, a gap profile of the nozzle exit gap and / or a profile of the nozzle lip, a thickness profile of the film, a profile for operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, e.g. a force profile, an electrical (heating) current profile, an electrical (heating) voltage and / or temperature profile of the at least one or more drive elements and / or a profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements, etc., can serve as a control or regulation variable.

[0186] The check in step 140 can be carried out, for example, with regard to the desired gap profile SP* of the nozzle exit gap 201 (variant 1): 130.1 Determining an actual profile of the nozzle outlet gap 201, 140.1 Controlling the at least one or more drive elements 12 to adapt the detected actual profile or the current gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201 to the desired gap profile SP* of the nozzle exit gap 201.

[0187] The check in step 140 can be carried out, for example, with regard to the desired force profile of the at least one or more drive elements 12 (variant 2): 130.2 Determining an actual profile for force, electrical current, electrical voltage and / or temperature of the at least one or more drive elements 12, 140.2 Controlling the at least one or more drive elements 12 to adapt the recorded actual profile to a desired profile of the at least one or more drive elements 12.

[0188] The check in step 140 can be carried out, for example, with regard to the desired profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements 12 (variant 3): 130.3 Determining an actual profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements 12, 140.3 Controlling the at least one or more drive elements 12 to adapt the recorded actual profile for positions to a desired profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements 12

[0189] For the purpose of determination, various process points of the at least one or more drive elements 12 can be accessed. At each process point, specific (electrical, thermal and / or mechanical) operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12 can be applied. At each process point, a gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201 can be recorded. The gap profile SP can be acquired manually and / or by sensors.

[0190] As mentioned above, different control objectives or regulation objectives can be prioritized using the actuator 100 and the method.

[0191] A corresponding computer program product and a corresponding data carrier with a corresponding computer program product also represent aspects of the invention.

[0192] The preceding explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention solely by way of examples. Naturally, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided this is technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Reference symbol list 100 Actuating device Slide 101 10 Adjustment unit, actuating element 11 adjusting bolts 12 Drive element 20 Control device 200 film extrusion plant 201 Nozzle outlet gap L1 first nozzle lip L2 second nozzle lip AD Exit thickness of a melt FD film thickness SP gap profile of the nozzle exit gap SP* desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap DP film thickness profile DP* desired thickness profile of the film BP operating parameters PP production parameters PP* desired production parameters FP film parameters MP machine parameters VP process parameters f function t time I el. Strom U el voltage SU Sensor SK Sensor SW Sensor SL Sensor SO Sensor SI Sensor AI methods for machine learning KNN neural network

Claims

Actuating device (100) for controlling, in particular controlling and / or regulating, the production of an extrusion plant, preferably a film extrusion plant (200), comprising: - a plurality of adjusting units (10) for adjusting the exit thickness (AD), wherein the adjusting units (10) act on a die lip (L1, L2), wherein the adjusting units (10) comprise at least one or more drive elements (12), in particular in the form of thermocouples, preferably each comprising a heating bolt and each comprising a heating cartridge, and wherein the adjusting units (10) comprise corresponding insulation (13) and / or cooling devices with active and / or passive cooling for the at least one or the several drive elements (12), - a control device (20) configured to actuate the at least one or the several drive elements (12) in such a manner,that the adjusting units (10) assume and / or maintain predetermined positions, wherein the control device (20), which is configured to control the insulation (13) and / or cooling devices for the at least one or more drive elements (12) in a controlled manner, in order to effectively achieve and / or maintain the predetermined positions of the at least one or more drive elements (12), in particular to reduce energy consumption for driving the at least one or more drive elements (12) and / or to increase a control speed when driving the at least one or more drive elements (12). Actuating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (20) is configured to control the insulation (13) and / or cooling devices for the at least one or more drive elements (12) in such a way as to limit heat losses, e.g. by convection and / or thermal radiation, when driving the at least one or more drive elements (12) in the direction of a closing position, and / or wherein the control device (20) is configured to control the insulation (13) and / or cooling devices for the at least one or more drive elements (12) in such a way as to cause cooling of the at least one or more drive elements (12) when driving the at least one or more drive elements (12) in the direction of an opening position. Actuating device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the insulation (13) and / or cooling devices have passive cooling, wherein in particular the passive cooling is provided by openable covers and / or flaps, wherein preferably the control device (20) is configured to open the covers and / or flaps when the at least one or more drive elements (12) are driven in the direction of an opening position in order to cause cooling of the at least one or more drive elements (12). Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insulation (13) and / or cooling devices have active cooling, wherein in particular the active cooling is provided by a cooling medium, e.g. compressed air, oil, coolant, etc., and / or corresponding heat exchangers, wherein preferably the control device (20) is configured to temper the cooling medium and / or control the corresponding heat exchangers when driving the at least one or more drive elements (12) in the direction of an opening position in order to cause cooling of the at least one or more drive elements (12). Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insulation (13) and / or cooling devices have active cooling and passive cooling. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to provide the waste heat generated by cooling the at least one or more drive elements (12) to a further functional system of the extrusion plant. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insulations (13) and / or cooling devices are designed to circumferentially and / or cylindrically enclose at least one or more corresponding drive elements (12), in particular comprising one heating bolt and / or one heating cartridge, and / or wherein the insulations (13) and / or cooling devices are designed to provide cooling by contact or without contact. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insulations (13) and / or cooling devices, in particular in a central region of the nozzle outlet gap (201), are of identical design, and / or wherein the insulations (13) and / or cooling devices, in particular in the edge region of the nozzle outlet gap (201), preferably compared to a central region of the nozzle outlet gap (201), have different lengths along the at least one or more drive elements (12) and / or different material thicknesses and / or different materials on the circumferential side of the at least one or more drive elements (12). Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to monitor operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), in particular mechanical operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), preferably a preload force and / or position of the at least one or more drive elements (12) on the nozzle lip (L1, L2), electrical and / or thermal operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), preferably an electric current, an electric voltage and / or a temperature, a gap profile (SP) of the nozzle exit gap (201) and / or a profile of the nozzle lip (L1, L2), which are characteristic for the action of the at least one or more drive elements (12) on the first nozzle lip (L1). Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine production parameters (PP), in particular comprising: film parameters (FP), machine parameters (MP) and / or process parameters (VP), depending on the monitoring of operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), optionally without measuring the thickness profile (DP) of a film (101), and / or wherein the control device (20) is configured to adjust the control of the at least one or more drive elements (12) and / or the insulation (13) and / or cooling devices in such a way as to achieve a desired gap profile (SP*) of the nozzle exit gap and / or a desired profile of the nozzle lip (L1,L2) to set and / or to achieve a desired thickness profile (DP*) of a film (101) and / or to provide a desired profile for operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12). Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to monitor at least one of the following operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12): - Preload force, in particular at the first nozzle lip (L1) and / or within the adjusting units (10), preferably: ◯ by ultrasonic measurement, e.g. with at least (or each) one ultrasonic sensor (SU), e.g. by means of a time-of-flight measurement of an ultrasound, e.g. within a force-applying element of the at least one or more drive elements (12), and / or ◯ by force and / or pressure measurement, e.g. with at least (or each) one strain gauge, piezo sensor, pressure transducer and with a piston manometer, e.g.within or on a surface of a counter bearing of the at least one or more drive elements (12), - electrical resistance, in particular at contact surfaces between the first nozzle lip (L1) and the adjustment units (10) or at two contact surfaces within the adjustment unit (10), - actuation profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements (12), in particular with respect to the first nozzle lip (L1), preferably: ◯ by position and / or displacement measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) one linear motion sensor, one linear displacement transducer and / or one linear potentiometer, and / or ◯ by optical measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) one camera, preferably using a triangulation method, and / or a laser, preferably using electro-optical distance measurement, and / or ◯ by inductive measurements, e.g.with at least (or each) one inductive sensor (SI),- gap profile (SP) of the nozzle exit gap (201) and / or profile of the nozzle lip (L1, L2),◯ by optical measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) one camera, e.g. using a triangulation method, and / or a laser, e.g. using electro-optical distance measurement, and / or◯ by inductive measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) one inductive sensor (SI),- measurement of pressure conditions, in particular within the extrusion system and / or a feed block of the extrusion system.- temperature, in particular within the extrusion system, within a feed block of the extrusion system and / or within the adjustment units (10), and / or- vibrations, in particular within the adjustment units (10), on a housing and / or a bearing of the adjustment units (10). Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12) using at least one sensor. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine at least one of the following film parameters (FP) and / or its fluctuations depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12): - width, - thickness, - number of layers, - material composition, - layer distribution, - layer thickness ratio, - temperature distribution, in particular in a transverse direction and / or in a production direction, optionally by means of a temperature measurement of the film (101) and / or by means of a model which, for example, maps the thickness profile (DP) of the film (101) depending on film parameters (FP), machine parameters (MP) and / or process parameters (VP), - melting behavior, - material properties, - quality properties, and / or - layer delamination in the melt and / or film (101). Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), at least one of the following machine parameters (MP) and / or its fluctuations: - Motor parameters, - Motor speed, motor step count, - Motor velocity, - Drive power, - Drive pressure, - Flow behavior within the die exit gap (201) and / or a feed block of the extrusion system, - Measurement of the clamping force of coverlings, which are designed in particular to set a desired width of the film (101) by blocking parts on both sides of the die exit gap (201), - Determination of minimum and / or maximum positions of the adjusting units (10), - Actual position of adjusting bolts (11), which in particular bear against the first die lip (L1),to adjust the gap profile (SP) of the nozzle outlet gap (201), wherein preferably the adjusting bolts (11) are coupled with associated drive elements (12) which act mechanically on the adjusting bolts (11), - Real nozzle lip gap. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine at least one of the following process parameters (VP) and / or its fluctuations depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12): - pull-out ratio, - loss of contact of an actuating bolt (11) and / or a drive element (12), - flow behavior, - viscous elasticity of the melt and / or film (101), - viscosity, - melt pressure, - thickness variations, e.g. caused by temperature fluctuations within the die exit gap (201) and / or a feed block of the extrusion plant, in particular by detection of pressure fluctuations in the melt pressure within the die exit gap (201) and / or a feed block of the extrusion plant. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to adjust the control of the at least one or more drive elements (12) and / or the insulations (13) and / or cooling devices depending on the specific production parameters (PP), e.g. depending on the specific production parameters (PP), in particular to obtain desired production parameters (PP*), preferably to set a desired gap profile (SP*) of the nozzle exit gap and / or a desired profile of the nozzle lip (L1, L2) and / or to achieve a desired thickness profile (DP*) of a film (101) and / or to provide a desired profile for operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12). Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine an actual profile of the nozzle outlet gap (201) depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), wherein in particular the at least one or more drive elements (12) are controlled by the control device (20) in such a way as to adapt the determined actual profile of the nozzle outlet gap (201) to the desired gap profile (SP*) of the nozzle outlet gap (201). Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine an actual profile for force, electric current, electric voltage and / or temperature of the at least one or more drive elements (12) depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), wherein in particular the at least one or more drive elements (12) are controlled by the control device (20) in such a way as to adapt the determined actual profile for force, electric current, electric voltage and / or temperature to a desired force profile and / or a desired profile for an electric current profile, electric voltage profile and / or temperature profile of the at least one or more drive elements (12). Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine an actual profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements (12) depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), wherein in particular the at least one or more drive elements (12) are controlled by the control device (20) in such a way as to adapt the determined actual profile for positions to a desired profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements (12). Method for controlling, in particular controlling and / or regulating, the production of an extrusion plant, preferably a film extrusion plant (200), wherein the method is carried out using an actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: - actuating insulation (13) and / or cooling devices for the at least one or more drive elements (12) in order to effectively reach and / or maintain the predetermined actuating positions of the at least one or more drive elements (12), in particular to reduce energy consumption for driving the at least one or more drive elements (12) and / or to increase a control speed when driving the at least one or more drive elements (12). Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - Controlling the insulation (13) and / or cooling devices such that when driving the at least one or more drive elements (12) in the direction of a closing position, heat losses, e.g. by convection and / or thermal radiation, are reduced, - Controlling the insulation (13) and / or cooling devices such that when driving the at least one or more drive elements (12) in the direction of an opening position, cooling of the at least one or more drive elements (12) is effected. A method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: - monitoring operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), in particular mechanical operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), preferably a preload force and / or position, electrical and / or thermal operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), preferably an electric current, an electric voltage and / or a temperature, a gap profile (SP) of the nozzle exit gap (201) and / or a profile of the nozzle lip (L1, L2) by the control device (20), which are characteristic of the action of the at least one or more drive elements (12) on the first nozzle lip (L1), - using the operating parameters (BP) for production control, in particular to obtain desired production parameters (PP*),- Determining production parameters (PP), in particular comprising film parameters (FP), machine parameters (MP) and / or process parameters (VP), depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters (BP) by the control device (20), optionally without measuring the thickness profile (DP) of a film (101), - Adapting the control or actuation of the at least one or more drive elements (12) and / or the insulation (13) and / or cooling devices by the control device (20), e.g. depending on the determined production parameters (PP), in particular to obtain desired production parameters (PP*), preferably to obtain a desired gap profile (SP*) of the nozzle exit gap and / or a desired profile of the nozzle lip (L1,L2) to set and / or to achieve a desired thickness profile (DP*) of a film (101) and / or to provide a desired profile for operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12). Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - Determining an actual profile of the nozzle outlet gap (201), - Controlling the at least one or more drive elements (12) and / or the insulations (13) and / or cooling devices by the control device (20) in order to adapt the detected actual profile of the nozzle outlet gap (201) to the desired gap profile (SP*) of the nozzle outlet gap (201). Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - Determining an actual profile for force, electric current, electric voltage and / or temperature of the at least one or more drive elements (12), - Controlling the at least one or more drive elements (12) and / or the insulations (13) and / or cooling devices by the control device (20) in order to adapt the detected actual profile for force, electric current, electric voltage and / or temperature to a desired force profile and / or a desired profile for electric current, electric voltage and / or temperature of the at least one or more drive elements (12). Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - Determining an actual profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements (12), - Controlling the at least one or more drive elements (12) and / or the insulations (13) and / or cooling devices by the control device (20) in order to adapt the detected actual profile for positions to a desired profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements (12). Computer program product comprising instructions which, when the computer program product is executed by a computer, cause it to perform the method according to one of the preceding method claims. A computer-readable data carrier in which instructions are stored which, when executed by a computer, cause it to carry out the method according to one of the preceding method claims. Control device (20) comprising a storage unit in which a code is stored and a computing unit, wherein when the code is executed by the computing unit, the method according to one of the preceding method claims is carried out.

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