Production machines with control programs

Abstract

The invention relates to a production machine (1) with a control program (4) for visualizing machine parts, a method (100) for optimizing process parameters of a production machine with such a control program, and a data carrier with such a control program, the control program comprising an interactive user interface embodied as a visualization unit (5) and adapted to visualize at least one machine part in terms of its functionality on the visualization unit in the form of a display for each of these machine parts, and to provide a corresponding switching panel (51) for inputting process parameters related to the corresponding visualized machine part, the display comprising at least one parameter-time diagram (52) with a motion curve (53) of a part (21) of the corresponding machine part, wherein at least one motion curve (53) is subdivided into motion segments (53a, 53b, 53c) that are appropriately visualized in different ways, and for each motion segment a process parameter of a defined process of the motion segment is visualized, which parameter can be changed by means of the provided switching panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a production machine having a control program for visualizing machine parts, a method for optimizing process parameters of a production machine having such a control program, and a data carrier having such a control program. Background Art

[0002] Production machines with a number of machine parts are used in many areas of manufacturing. For example, in plastics processing, blow molding machines and thermoforming machines are used. In thermoforming machines, which according to the prior art can be adapted to various configurations of molds for the production of molded parts of different shapes, different molding programs have to be used to produce different molded parts. In order to achieve good quality in the production of various molded parts, different sets of process parameters are usually required, which have to be entered into the molding program. In this case, it may even be necessary to adapt the process parameter sets that are actually known about the molded parts to the respective production and machine conditions. During the optimization of the manufacturing process, when the operator changes the machine parameters, it may be desirable to indicate the basic timing processes of the machine in a visual manner so that the operator can adapt his actions to the current timing processes of the machine without much effort.

[0003] It is known from the prior art that control programs display schematic diagrams of individual machine parts in addition to input fields in order to better illustrate the corresponding process steps to the operator. Sometimes, the machine display is supplemented with motion curves of the machine parts. However, based on such a display alone, the operator cannot infer the optimal set of parameters and must rely on his personal experience.

[0004] Therefore, it is expected to provide a more objective basis for the optimization of the process parameter set and provide the user with process visualization, whereby the user can obtain a process parameter set that is more suitable for production without relying on experience. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a control program for a production machine, whereby a set of process parameters can be optimized on a more objective basis and a process visualization can be provided to the user, whereby the user can obtain a set of process parameters that is more suitable for production without relying on experience.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention proposes a production machine for plastic processing, which includes multiple machine components and a machine controller for controlling the production machine, the machine controller including a control program and an interactive user interface in the form of a visualization unit, the control program being adapted to visualize at least one, preferably all, machine components on the visualization unit in terms of their functions in production in a manner in which each of these machine components is displayed, and to provide a corresponding switching panel for inputting process parameters related to the corresponding visualized machine component, the display including at least one parameter time diagram having motion curves of one or more parts of the corresponding machine component, at least one motion curve being divided into motion segments appropriately visualized in different ways, and for each motion segment, a process parameter of a definition process of the motion segment being visualized, the process parameter can be changed through the provided switching panel.

[0007] Production machines for plastics processing can be, for example, blow molding machines or thermoforming machines. Blow molding machines produce film hoses from heated plastic materials. Thermoforming machines are used to produce deep-drawn molded parts and include a conveying unit for thermoplastic film webs and a molding station for molding molded parts from the preheated film webs. Such machines are characterized in that they include a plurality of individual machine parts that must work together appropriately in order to guide the individual film hoses or individual film webs through the entire production facility, respectively, and the machine parts must therefore be matched to one another in terms of their efficiency and cycle time in order to achieve a good overall process. The machine parts of a thermoforming machine include, for example, a conveying unit for feeding from a film roll, a preheating station for preheating the film web, a heating station for heating the film web to the process temperature, a molding station for molding products from the film web, a cutting station for cutting molded products from the film web, a stacking station for stacking the finished products, and a recycling station for film webs that have not yet been processed.

[0008] The machine controller can be arranged on the production machine or separately from the production machine, the machine controller being connected to the corresponding machine components via suitable data lines so that the process parameter inputs can be converted into corresponding machine settings. The machine controller additionally comprises a processor in which a control program can be installed and executed and a data memory for storing process parameters or is at least connected to such a memory. The data line can be embodied as a data cable or wireless. For example, the machine controller can also be implemented as a cloud solution connected to the production machine via a WLAN or an Internet connection.

[0009] The visualization unit can be any unit suitable for this, such as a touch screen. By means of the visualization unit, the operator can obtain a process visualization via the control program, with the help of which the operator can obtain an optimal set of production process parameters more quickly without relying on experience. The process parameter set includes the process settings that must be implemented in order to produce on the production machine. The individual process parameter sets can be stored as a production formula for a specific product in the machine controller or on an external storage medium and can be loaded into the control program. Switch panels can be provided as software fields for the user to enter parameters via the visualization unit.

[0010] A parameter-time diagram is a two-dimensional representation of an XY coordinate diagram, with time usually displayed on the abscissa and the relevant parameter (e.g., path or distance) displayed on the ordinate. In the case of a path or distance, the parameter-time diagram is called a path-time diagram. The motion curve presented in the parameter-time diagram shows the corresponding motion of the part of the corresponding machine component by means of a parameter as a function of time. The term "motion curve" refers only to the parameter characterizing the motion of the part. The parameter does not necessarily have to be the path or distance covered by the part during the motion. However, in one embodiment, the parameter-time diagram is a path-time diagram, because the motion can be well presented as a change in position over time, and therefore as a change in path or distance over time. The parts of the machine component are called subcomponents of the machine component. For example, if the production machine is a thermoforming machine, the machine component "molding station" can, for example, include the upper and lower molds of the part that tension the film web during the molding process, and may include a pre-stretching mold that pre-stretches the film material during the molding process. Since the part motion and thus the motion curve can, for example, include an acceleration path, a constant speed path and a braking path, these paths can be divided into different motion paths of the motion curve, which are visualized differently for the sake of clarity. By visualizing the process-defining parameters on the individual motion paths, the operator can specifically adapt the process parameters that have the greatest influence on the motion profile in this motion section, so that, for example, the processing time of this machine position can be shortened if this machine component determines the overall processing time in the production machine. In particular, by means of this visual input guidance provided by the control program, process settings that have no substantial influence or even a negative influence on the process, process quality and / or process speed are avoided.

[0011] The motion segments can be suitably visualized in different ways, for example by adding the parameters defining the process to or into the respective motion segments, for example as symbols or numbers of the respective switch panels for inputting the parameters, in plain text or by highlighting the motion segments, for example if the motion curves are presented as lines in the parameter-time diagram in the visualization unit, by different line thicknesses, different line brightnesses, different line shapes or line formats, different colors, different line flashing patterns, different colors or markings of the area below the lines, etc., or two or more of the above possible combinations in the respective motion segments.

[0012] Therefore, the present invention can provide a production machine or a control program for a production machine, which can optimize the process parameter set from a more objective basis and provide the user with process visualization, so that the user can obtain the most suitable process parameter set for production more quickly without relying on experience.

[0013] In one embodiment, the entire motion curve of the parameter-time diagram is divided into motion segments that are appropriately visualized in different ways. Therefore, the operator obtains detailed information about which process parameters define which motion time point or which motion area of ​​the process corresponding to the motion curve for all parts of the corresponding machine component; thus, the operator is shortened in the time required to optimize the process parameter set to achieve the desired effect, without falling into modifying insignificant process parameters or moving to undesirable settings in the process even if the correct parameters are adjusted.

[0014] In another embodiment, the length of the motion segment depends on the process parameters input via the switching panel, wherein the control program adapts the length of the motion segment and the process parameters of the definition process of the corresponding visualization to the corresponding input. For example, the setting of process parameters such as the final velocity and acceleration of the upper and lower mold movements in the molding station causes the previous motion segment dominated by the final velocity to disappear at the defined selected acceleration. For example, in the case of a fixed motion path defined by the maximum motion stroke in the molding station, the selection of a low acceleration at a predefined high final velocity may cause the motion path with the leading final velocity to disappear, because the final velocity is not reached at all by the available motion path at the selected low acceleration. If the visualization according to the invention is not performed, i.e. the individual motion segments are appropriately visualized in different ways, the operator will not be able to see these conditions from the pure motion curve. In this case, by making the motion segment dominated by the final velocity disappear, and increasing the length of the motion segment dominated by the acceleration in order to fill the entire motion path, the operator is prompted by the instructions of the control program to modify the input values ​​of the acceleration and the final velocity, in this case, for example, increasing the acceleration value, so that a certain length of the motion segment dominated by the final velocity appears again in the motion curve. In this way, the cycle time of the machine component can also be shortened, since the operator is indicated the correct process parameters for the operation.

[0015] In another embodiment, the motion curve is subdivided into different motion segments by means of different colors. In this way, the different motion segments can be displayed in a very instructive manner. By using a variety of colors, it is particularly possible to avoid confusion or neglect of smaller motion segments on the motion curve. For example, for the indication, complementary colors can be used to distinguish adjacent motion segments particularly clearly.

[0016] In another embodiment, the switch panels defining the process parameters of the process, which process parameters define the process, are indicated by the same color as the corresponding motion segments. This clearly shows the operator which process parameters he has to change in order to influence the motion profile and which switch panel he has to use for this. Thus, the operator is prevented from being confused about the switch panel for setting the desired process parameters, even if he has already realized the parameters he has to change. This helps to prevent invalid inputs into the control program. The switch panels can be marked with the same color as the motion segments of the motion profile, for example by marking the corresponding switch panels with a colored bar on one side, enclosing these switch panels in a colored frame or partially or completely highlighting their respective color.

[0017] In another embodiment, the corresponding motion segment of the motion curve is highlighted during the input of the process parameters defining the process via the corresponding switch panel. This input visualization provided by the control program enables the operator to immediately check whether he has indeed modified the target motion segment using the selected switch panel or has mistakenly modified a different motion segment. In this way, the optimization of the process parameters can be accelerated and the operation is safer. For example, the motion segment can be highlighted by brightening or widening the line thickness in this area of ​​the motion curve.

[0018] In another embodiment, the indication is a multiple indication, including, in addition to the parameter-time diagram, a part image of the machine component associated with the motion curve. By visualizing the actual motion path of the part, which has been displayed as a motion curve, the operator can obtain important additional information, which he can use in addition to the information from the parameter-time diagram. For example, in a molding station, the upper mold can be controlled to approach and partially embed the lower mold in a very plastic way through the image, which may not be clear from the two-dimensional parameter-time diagram. In addition, based on the image of the machine component, the operator can obtain direct information about the process that is being visualized for him.

[0019] In another embodiment, the part image of the machine component is a three-dimensional perspective part image. In this way, the operator can clearly understand the machine component. The perspective view allows the display of complex arrangements of parts, some of which may be hidden under the two-dimensional display of other parts in the previous table.

[0020] In another embodiment, only those parts that move according to the motion curve in the parameter-time diagram are shown in the part image of the machine component. This simplifies the correlation of the motion curve with the image, thereby becoming clearer for the operator. In addition, static parts do not have motion curves, so only the images of active parts are displayed on the visualization display, which helps to avoid operator misunderstanding.

[0021] In another embodiment, the part image of the machine component passing through the control program is arranged in the visualization unit next to the parameter time diagram. This improves the display clarity of the visualized machine component and allows a direct association of the motion curve with the displayed part of the machine component.

[0022] In yet another embodiment, the switch panel for inputting process parameters affecting a specific motion curve is arranged separately from other switch panels affecting other motion curves on the visualization unit by the control program. This helps to avoid invalid input due to similar markings of the switch panels of different motion curves. For example, if some motion segments of motion curve 1 are displayed in green, and other motion segments of the motion curve are also displayed in green or similar colors, and if the corresponding switch panel contains similar green markings in this regard, then if the switch panels of motion curves 1 and 2 are not sufficiently separated in space, the operator may perform input for the motion segment of motion curve 1 in the switch panel of motion curve 2. Due to the separate arrangement of the switch panels on the visualization unit, such invalid input is avoided.

[0023] In another embodiment, the switch panels that affect the specific motion curve are arranged on the visualization unit in one or more areas horizontally close to the parameter time diagram, while the switch panels that have a general effect on the motion curve are arranged on the visualization unit above and / or below the parameter time diagram. In this way, the operation is further improved intuitively, in particular by the spatial separation between the parameter inputs that act generally and the switch panels that directly affect the specific motion curve.

[0024] In another embodiment, the control program for each visualized machine component provides a separate visualization page on the visualization unit, and a suitable switching panel is provided to change between the various visualization pages. This improves the display clarity on the visualization display and reduces the risk of invalid input.

[0025] In another embodiment, the control program allows tracking the motion curve of the parameter-time diagram on the visualization unit, which tracking is associated with a corresponding motion image of the part of the machine component in its corresponding position at any point in time in the parameter-time diagram. The displayed animated progression of the motion of the part of the machine component provides the operator with good possibilities to control whether the process parameters are set appropriately. In addition to the indication of the parameters defining the process, the displayed progression in the corresponding machine component provides further insight into the process. Through the moving part image of the machine component, the necessity of changing other process parameters below the parameters defining the process can become visible.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the control program is configured so that the operator can interrupt and resume tracking at any point in time on the parameter-time diagram, where the moving image of the part stops at the position at the point in time when the tracking is interrupted and resumes tracking accordingly. Stopping at a specific position allows visual and specific control of the correctness of the machine position at any point in time on the motion curve. Tracking can be stopped and / or resumed, for example by a stop button or by clicking on the motion curve or the parameter-time diagram. In a preferred embodiment, for this purpose, the control program provides a slider on the visualization unit, by means of which the tracking can be stopped, started, fast-forwarded and rewound and / or the tracking of the parameter-time diagram can be performed in slow motion or in single steps with the corresponding associated part image.

[0027] In another embodiment, the control program is embodied as a flow chart for calculating the entire production machine from the motion profiles of the individual machine parts and is displayed on a visualization unit, preferably as a bar chart with individual lines assigned to the individual machine parts. For example, the slowest machine part can be marked here. If the overall cycle time of the production machine is to be reduced, the throughput of the slowest machine part must be optimized. This can be done by the visualization according to the invention.

[0028] In another embodiment, the control program is configured to display switching labels assigned to individual parts of the machine component visualized by the visualization page on at least one separate visualization page, whereby in addition to displaying the parts assigned to the corresponding switching labels, other parts can optionally be displayed as additional motion curves in a parameter time diagram and / or in a part image.

[0029] In yet another embodiment, the control program is configured to perform the functions of visualizing machine components in production and inputting process parameters into corresponding switch panels when the production machine is not actually in operation. Thus, the process in the production machine can be set "offline" and optimized, so that production can actually start under the optimized process parameters.

[0030] The invention also relates to a method for optimizing process parameters of a production machine, the production machine comprising a plurality of machine components and a machine controller for controlling the production machine, the machine controller comprising a control program and an interactive user interface embodied as a visualization unit, preferably a touch screen, the method comprising the following steps:

[0031] - visualizing at least one, preferably all, machine components on the visualization unit in terms of their functional aspects in production in the form of a multiple display for each of these machine components, and providing a corresponding switch panel for inputting process parameters associated with the respective visualized machine component via the control program, the multiple display comprising at least one parameter-time diagram with movement curves of parts of the respective machine component and associated part images of the machine component;

[0032] - calculation of the motion profile by the control program based on the process parameters of the corresponding machine component which are entered via the switching panel or which are already present in the control program;

[0033] - subdividing at least one movement curve by means of a control program into movement segments which are suitably visualized in different ways;

[0034] - Visualization of process parameters of the defined process of the corresponding motion segment by the control program;

[0035] - Define the process parameters of the process based on the visualization of the corresponding motion segments and change the process parameters via the switch panel;

[0036] - adapting the respective motion profile based on process parameters modified by the control program, including visualizing the process parameters of the definition process of the respective motion segment by the control program; and

[0037] - Repeat the previous steps to optimize the process parameters of the production machine.

[0038] By using the method according to the present invention, the process parameter set of the production machine can be optimized on a more objective basis, and process visualization can be provided to the user, whereby the user can obtain a process parameter set that is more suitable for production more quickly without relying on experience.

[0039] In one embodiment of the method, the length of the movement segment depends on process parameters input via the switch panel, and the control program adapts the length of the movement segment and the process parameters of the corresponding process definition to the corresponding input.

[0040] In another embodiment, the method comprises the additional step of marking the switch panels of the process parameters of the respective process definition by the same color as the corresponding motion segments, wherein the process parameters define the process, the motion curve being subdivided into different motion segments by different colors.

[0041] In another embodiment, the method comprises the additional step of tracking the motion curve of the parameter-time diagram on the visualization unit, the tracking being associated with a corresponding moving image of the parts of the machine component at their respective positions at any point in time in the parameter-time diagram. The presented progress in the respective machine component provides additional insight into the process and an indication of the parameters defining the process. By presenting the moving parts of the machine component, the need for changes to other process parameters below the parameters defining the process can be seen.

[0042] In another embodiment, the method comprises the following additional steps:

[0043] - calculation of the flow chart of the entire production machine based on the motion profiles of the individual machine components; and

[0044] - presenting the flow chart on the visualization unit, preferably as a bar chart with individual lines assigned to the individual machine components.

[0045] In another embodiment, the method for optimizing process parameters of a production machine may be performed by visualizing the function of machine components in production and entering the process parameters into corresponding switchboards outside of the actual operation of the production machine.

[0046] The invention further relates to a data carrier on which a control program is stored, which is suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention or for controlling a production machine according to the invention.

[0047] It should be understood that the features of the solutions described above or in the claims may also be combined as necessary to cumulatively achieve feasible advantages and effects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] In addition, other features, effects and advantages of the present invention are explained by using the drawings and the following description. In each figure, components that substantially correspond to each other at least in function are marked with the same reference numerals, and these components are not necessarily cited and explained in all the drawings.

[0049] In the figure:

[0050] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a production machine according to the invention;

[0051] Figure 2 An embodiment of a visualization of a machine component on a visualization unit according to the invention is shown;

[0052] Figure 3 Show Figure 2 A detail diagram of the motion curve, wherein the motion segments are indicated;

[0053] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing a flow chart according to the present invention;

[0054] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a data carrier according to the invention with a control program according to the invention;

[0055] Figure 6 An embodiment of a method according to the invention for optimizing process parameters of a production machine is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a production machine 1 for plastics processing according to the present invention is shown, which comprises a plurality of machine components 2 (here five machine components, such as a preheating station, a heating station, a molding station, a cutting station and a stacking station of a thermoforming facility for deep drawing from heated plastic film webs) and a machine controller 3 for controlling the plastics processing machine 1. The machine controller 3 comprises a control program 4 and an interactive user interface, the interactive user interface being embodied as a visualization unit 5, preferably as a touch screen, the control program 3 being embodied in a way that at least one, preferably all, of the machine components 2 are visualized on the visualization unit 5 in terms of their functions in production in such a way that each of these machine components presents at least one display, and a corresponding switching panel 51 is provided for inputting process parameters associated with the corresponding visualized machine component 2. For details of the visualization unit 5, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 The control program 4 may be embodied so as to be able to perform, outside of the actual operation of the production machine 1, a visualization of the functions of the machine components 2 during production and the input of process parameters into the corresponding switching panels 51. The control program 4 may provide a separate visualization page 55 for each visualized machine component 2 on the visualization unit 5, providing suitable switching panels 51 for changing between the individual visualization pages 55.

[0057] Figure 2 An embodiment of the visualization of machine parts 2 on a visualization unit 5 according to the invention is shown, wherein preferably all machine parts, here taking a separate visualization page 55 as an example, the "molding stations" of a thermoforming machine as machine parts 2 are visualized in terms of their functions in production in such a way that each of these machine parts is presented with a display, and a corresponding switching panel 51 is provided for inputting process parameters related to the respective visualized machine part 2. The display here is a multiple display and comprises a parameter-time diagram 52 with motion curves 53, in this case three parts 21 of the molding station 2, namely the upper mold 21, the lower mold 21 and the film web 21, between which the molded part will subsequently be molded. The molding station 2 is shown here in the open state. The two motion curves 53 assigned to the upper mold and the lower mold 21 are subdivided into different visualized motion segments 53a, 53b, 53c, as shown in FIG. Figure 3Detailed description. Here, process parameters of the definition process of the motion segments 53a, 53b, 53c are visualized, which process parameters can be changed by means of the provided switching panel 51. Moreover, in addition to the parameter time diagram 52, the multiple display also includes a part image 54 of the machine component 2 (in this case a molding station) associated with the motion curve. The part image 54 of the machine component takes the form of a three-dimensional perspective view of the part 21, in which only those parts 21 that are active according to the motion curve 53 in the parameter time diagram 52 are shown. Moreover, the part image 54 of the machine component is arranged on the visualization unit 5 immediately to the right of the parameter time diagram 52 by the control program 4. The switching panel 51 for inputting process parameters that affect a specific motion curve 53 and other switching panels 51 that affect other motion curves 53 are arranged separately on the visualization unit 5 by the control program 4. Here, the switching panels 51 affecting the specific motion curve 53 are arranged on the horizontal right and left sides of the parameter time diagram 52 in several areas of the visualization unit 5, while the switching panels 51 affecting the motion curve 53 as a whole are arranged above and / or below the parameter time diagram 52 on the visualization unit 5. The control program 4 also allows the motion curve 53 of the parameter time diagram 52 to be tracked on the visualization unit 5, and the tracking is associated with the corresponding active image 54 of the part of the machine component at its corresponding position at each time point in the parameter time diagram 52. The control program 4 is embodied so that the operator can appropriately interrupt and continue the tracking at any time point on the parameter time diagram 52, wherein the active image 54 of the part stops at the position of the tracking interruption time point, and if the tracking is resumed, it is continued from this position accordingly. For this purpose, the control program 4 provides a slider 56 on the visualization unit 5, through which the tracking can be stopped, started, fast forward and fast reversed, and / or the tracking of the parameter time diagram 52 can be performed in slow motion or in single steps with the corresponding associated part image 54.

[0058] In another embodiment not shown in the present figure, the visualization page "molding station" can additionally display the pre-stretching die as a further part 21 of the upper die 21 and / or as an addition or alternative to the upper and lower dies 21 in the image 54 in the form of an additional movement curve 53 in the parameter time diagram 52. Therefore, in this alternative embodiment, the separate visualization page 55 "molding station" can include an additional switch panel in the form of switch tabs 57, a first switch tab 57 being assigned to the display of the upper and lower dies 21 in the parameter time diagram 52 and / or in the image 54, and another switch tab 57 being assigned to the display of the pre-stretching die 21 in the parameter time diagram 52 and / or in the image 54. In this way, the movement of the pre-stretching die 21 relative to the upper and lower dies 21 displayed in the form of a sheet can be visualized. By switching the switch tabs, it can be visualized that in the switch tabs 57 for the upper and lower dies 21, the pre-stretching die can optionally be displayed in the parameter time diagram 52 and / or in the image 54. If the "pre-stretching die" switch tab is activated, the upper and lower dies are optionally displayed.

[0059] Figure 3 Show Figure 2 , in which the motion segments 53a, 53b, 53c of the motion curve 53 are indicated. In this figure, the two motion curves 53 of the parameter time diagram 52 (here the path time diagram) are subdivided into motion segments 53a, 53b, 53c that are appropriately visualized in different ways. The length of the motion segments 53a, 53b, 53c depends on the process parameters input via the switching panel 51, wherein the control program 4 adapts the length of the motion segments 53a, 53b, 53c and the process parameters of the corresponding visualization definition process to the corresponding input. Here, the motion curve 53 is subdivided into the individual motion segments 53a, 53b, 53c by different colors, and the switching panel 51 defining the process parameters of the process is indicated by the same color as the corresponding motion segments 53a, 53b, 53c, wherein these process parameters define the process. In addition, if the process parameters defining the process are input via the corresponding switching panel 51, the corresponding motion segments 53a, 53b, 53c are highlighted on the motion curve 53.

[0060] Figure 4 The process according to the present invention is shown Figure 6 The control program 4 is adapted to calculate the process flow of the entire production machine 1 based on the motion curves 53 of the individual machine parts 2. Figure 6 and displayed on the visualization unit 5 as a bar graph with individual lines assigned to the individual machine parts 2. For this purpose, for example, the expected length 61 (duration) of the overall process on the production machine 1 can be predefined so that it is clear from the flow chart which process or which machine part 2 must be optimized for the expected length 61 of the production process to be maintained.

[0061] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a data carrier 7 according to the invention is shown with a control program 4 according to the invention for carrying out a method according to the invention or for controlling a production machine according to the invention, respectively.

[0062] Figure 6An embodiment of a method 100 for optimizing process parameters of a production machine 1 according to the present invention is shown, the production machine 1 comprising a plurality of machine components 2 and a machine controller 3 for controlling the production machine 1, the machine controller 3 comprising a control program 4 and an interactive user interface embodied as a visualization unit 5, preferably a touch screen; the method 100 comprises the following steps: visualizing 110 at least one, preferably all, machine components 2 in terms of their functions in production on the visualization unit 5 in the form of multiple displays for each of these machine components 2, and providing a corresponding switching panel 51 for inputting process parameters related to the corresponding visualized machine component 2 through the control program 4, the multiple displays comprising at least one parameter time diagram 52, wherein there are motion curves 53 of one or more parts 21 of the corresponding machine component 2 and related part images 54 of the machine component; based on the control program 4 Calculate 120 a motion curve based on process parameters of the corresponding machine part 2, which parameters are input via the switching panel 51 or already exist in the control program 4; subdivide 130 at least one motion curve 53 into motion segments 53a, 53b, 53c that are appropriately visualized in different ways via the control program 4; visualize 140 the process parameters of the definition process of the corresponding motion segments 53a, 53b, 53c via the control program 4; change 150 the process parameters via the switching panel 51 based on the process parameters of the visualized definition process of the corresponding motion segments 53a, 53b, 53c; adapt 160 the corresponding motion curve 53 based on the process parameters changed by the control program 4, including visualizing the process parameters of the definition process of the corresponding motion segments 53a, 53b, 53c via the control program 4; repeat 170 the previous steps to optimize the process parameters of the production machine. Here, the length of the motion segments 53a, 53b, 53c may depend on the parameters input via the switching panel 51, and the control program 4 adjusts 180 the length of the motion segments 53a, 53b, 53c and the process parameters of the corresponding visualization definition process to the corresponding input. The method 100 may also include the following steps: the switching panel 51 indicates 190 the process parameters of the corresponding definition process by the same color as the corresponding motion segments 53a, 53b, 53c, wherein these parameters define the process; the motion curve 53 is divided into different motion segments 53a, 53b, 53c by different colors. The method 100 may also include the following steps: tracking 200 the motion curve 53 of the parameter time diagram 52 on the visualization unit 5, the tracking being associated with a corresponding active image 54 of the parts of the machine component at their corresponding positions at each time point in the parameter time diagram 52. The method 100 may also include the following additional steps: calculating 210 the process flow of the entire production machine 1 based on the motion curves 53 of the individual machine components 2 Figure 6 , and displaying 220 the process on the visualization unit 5 Figure 6, which is preferably displayed as a bar graph with individual lines assigned to the individual machine parts 2. The method 100 for optimizing process parameters of a production machine 1 can be carried out by visualizing the machine parts 2 with regard to their function in production and entering the process parameters into the corresponding switchboard 51 outside of the actual operation of the production machine 1.

[0063] In this regard it is explicitly pointed out that, if necessary, features of the solutions described above or in the claims and / or the drawings can also be combined in order to cumulatively achieve or realize the features, effects and advantages mentioned.

[0064] It should be understood that the above embodiment is only the first embodiment of the present invention, but the embodiments of the present invention should not be limited to this example.

[0065] Reference numerals list

[0066] 1 Production machines, such as thermoforming machines or blow molding machines

[0067] 2 Machine parts

[0068] 21 Parts of machine components

[0069] 3 Machine Controller

[0070] 4 Control procedures

[0071] 5 Visualization Unit

[0072] 51 Switch Panel

[0073] 52 Parameter Time Diagram

[0074] 53 Motion curve

[0075] 53a-53c Motion section of motion curve

[0076] 54 Parts images of machine components

[0077] 55 Individual visualization pages for each visualized machine part

[0078] 56 Sliders to influence the tracking of the motion curve

[0079] 57 Switch Tags

[0080] 6 Flowchart

[0081] 61 Expected length of process

[0082] 7 Data carrier

[0083] 100 Methods for optimizing process parameters of production machines

[0084] 110 Visualize at least some machine parts

[0085] 120 Calculate motion curve

[0086] 130 Subdividing motion curves into motion segments that can be appropriately visualized in different ways

[0087] 140 Visualization of process parameters for the definition of the corresponding motion segment

[0088] 150 Change process parameters via switch panel

[0089] 160 Adjust motion profile based on changed process parameters

[0090] 170 Repeat the previous steps to optimize the process parameters

[0091] 180 Adjust the length of the motion segment

[0092] 190 Switch panel indicating the process parameters of the corresponding defined process

[0093] 200 Tracking parameter time diagram motion curve

[0094] 210 Flow chart for calculating the entire production machine based on the motion curves of the individual machine parts

[0095] 220 Displaying a flowchart on a visualization unit

Claims

1. A production machine (1) for plastic processing, comprising a plurality of machine components (2) and a machine controller (3) for controlling the production machine (1), the machine controller (3) comprising a control program (4) and an interactive user interface adapted as a visualization unit (5); the control program (4) being adapted to visualize at least one machine component (2) on the visualization unit (5) in terms of the function of the machine component in production in such a way that each machine component presents at least one display, and to provide a corresponding switching panel (51) for inputting process parameters related to the visualized machine component (2); The display comprises at least one parameter-time diagram (52) with a motion curve (53) of one or more parts (21) of the corresponding machine component (2); at least one of the motion curves (53) is subdivided into motion segments (53a, 53b, 53c) suitably visualized in different ways, process parameters of a process definition of the motion segment (53a, 53b, 53c) being visualized for the motion segment (53a, 53b, 53c), said parameters being able to be changed via a provided switching panel (51); The display is a multiple display, which includes, in addition to the parameter-time diagram (52), part images (54) of the machine components associated with the motion curves; The length of the motion segments (53a, 53b, 53c) depends on the process parameters input via the switching panel (51), and the control program (4) adjusts the length of the motion segments (53a, 53b, 53c) and the process parameters of the corresponding visualization definition process to the corresponding input; The control program (4) allows tracking of the motion curve (53) of the parameter-time diagram (52) on the visualization unit (5), the tracking being associated with a corresponding moving part image (54) at a corresponding part position of the machine component at any time point in the parameter-time diagram (52); The control program (4) is adapted to enable the operator to appropriately interrupt and continue the tracking process at any time point on the parameter time diagram (52), wherein the active part image (54) stops at the position of the tracking interruption time point and continues from this position when the tracking is resumed.

2. The production machine (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The visualization unit (5) is a touch screen.

3. The production machine (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The control program (4) is adapted to visualize all machine components (2) on the visualization unit (5) in the form of at least one display per machine component with respect to their function in production.

4. The production machine (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The entire movement curve (53) of the parameter-time diagram (52) is subdivided into movement segments (53a, 53b, 53c) that are suitably visualized in different ways.

5. A production machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that The movement curve (53) is subdivided into different movement segments (53a, 53b, 53c) by different colors.

6. Production machine (1) according to claim 5, It is characterized in that A switch panel (51) indicates process parameters of the respective process definition by the same color as the corresponding motion segments (53a, 53b, 53c), wherein the process parameters define the process.

7. The production machine (1) according to claim 5, It is characterized in that When the process parameters of the definition process are input via the corresponding switching panel (51), the corresponding motion segments (53a, 53b, 53c) are highlighted on the motion curve (53).

8. Production machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that The part image (54) of the machine component is a three-dimensional stereogram of the part (21).

9. Production machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that In the component image (54) of the machine component, only those components (21) are shown which move according to the motion curve (53) in the parameter-time diagram (52).

10. Production machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that The control program (4) arranges a part image (54) of the machine component on the visualization unit (5) in close proximity to the parameter-time diagram (52).

11. Production machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that A switch panel (51) for inputting process parameters affecting a specific motion curve (53) and other switch panels (51) affecting other motion curves (53) are separately arranged on the visualization unit (5) by the control program (4).

12. Production machine (1) according to claim 11, It is characterized in that The switch panel (51) affecting the specific motion curve (53) is arranged on the visualization unit (5) in one or more areas horizontally close to the parameter time diagram (52), while the switch panel (51) having a general effect on the motion curve (53) is arranged on the visualization unit (5) above and / or below the parameter time diagram (52).

13. Production machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that The control program (4) provides a separate visualization page (55) for each visualized machine component (2) on the visualization unit (5), and provides a suitable switching panel (51) for changing between the various visualization pages (55).

14. Production machine (1) according to claim 13, It is characterized in that The control program (4) provides a slider (56) on the visualization unit (5), through which the tracking and / or slow motion execution or single-step execution of the tracking of the parameter time diagram (52) can be stopped, started, fast-forwarded and rewound along with the corresponding associated part image (54).

15. Production machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that The control program (4) is adapted to calculate a flow chart (6) of the entire production machine (1) based on the motion curves (53) of the individual machine components (2) and to display the flow chart (6) on the visualization unit (5).

16. Production machine (1) according to claim 15, It is characterized in that The flow chart (6) is displayed on the visualization unit (5) as a bar chart, with individual lines being assigned to the individual machine parts (2).

17. Production machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that The control program (4) is adapted to display, on at least one separate visualization page (55), switching labels (57) assigned to individual parts (21) of the machine component (2) visualized by the visualization page (55), whereby, in addition to displaying the part (21) assigned to the corresponding switching label (57), another part (21) can optionally be highlighted as an additional motion curve (53) in the parameter time diagram (52) and / or in the part image (54) of another part (21).

18. Production machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that The control program (4) is adapted to perform a visualization of functional aspects of the machine component (2) during production and to input process parameters into corresponding switch panels (51) without actually operating the production machine (1).

19. A method (100) for optimizing process parameters of a production machine (1), the production machine (1) comprising a plurality of machine components (2) and a machine controller (3) for controlling the production machine (1), the machine controller (3) comprising a control program (4) and an interactive user interface embodied as a visualization unit (5); the method comprising the following steps: Visualizing (110) at least one of the machine components (2) in terms of the function of the machine component in production on the visualization unit (5) in the form of a multiple display for each of these machine components (2), and providing a corresponding switch panel (51) for inputting process parameters associated with the respective visualized machine component (2) via the control program (4), the multiple display comprising at least one parameter-time diagram (52) with movement curves (53) of one or more parts (21) of the respective machine component (2) and associated part images (54) of the machine component; Calculating (120) the motion profile by the control program (4) based on process parameters of the corresponding machine component (2), the parameters being input via the switching panel (51) or already present in the control program (4); subdividing (130) at least one of the movement curves (53) into movement segments (53a, 53b, 53c) that are suitably visualized in different ways by means of the control program (4); Visualizing (140) process parameters of a defined process of the corresponding movement segments (53a, 53b, 53c) by means of the control program (4); Based on the visualization of the corresponding motion segments (53a, 53b, 53c) defining process parameters of the process, changing (150) the process parameters via the switching panel (51); Adapting (160) the respective motion profile (53) based on process parameters modified by the control program (4), including visualizing the process parameters defining the process of the respective motion segment (53a, 53b, 53c) by the control program (4); and repeating (170) the previous steps to optimize the process parameters of the production machine, in, The length of the motion segments (53a, 53b, 53c) depends on the process parameters input via the switching panel (51), and the control program (4) adjusts the length of the motion segments (53a, 53b, 53c) and the process parameters of the corresponding visualization definition process to the corresponding input; The method further comprises the following steps: Tracking the motion curve (53) of the parameter-time diagram (52) on the visualization unit (5) by means of the control program (4), wherein the tracking is associated with a corresponding moving part image (54) at a corresponding part position of the machine component at any time point in the parameter-time diagram (52); Through the control program (4), the operator can appropriately interrupt and continue the tracking process at any time point on the parameter time diagram (52), wherein the active part image (54) stops at the position of the tracking interruption time point, and when the tracking is resumed, it continues from this position accordingly.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: All of the machine parts (2) are visualized (110) on the visualization unit (5) in the form of a multiple display of each of the machine parts (2) with respect to their function in production.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, comprising the following further steps: a switch panel (51) indicating (190) process parameters of the corresponding process definition by the same color as the corresponding movement segments (53a, 53b, 53c), wherein these parameters define the process; the movement curve (53) is divided into different movement segments (53a, 53b, 53c) by different colors.

22. The method (100) according to claim 19 or 20 comprises the following further step: tracking (200) the motion curve (53) of the parameter-time diagram (52) on the visualization unit (5), wherein the tracking is associated with a corresponding active part image (54) at a corresponding part position of the machine component at each time point in the parameter-time diagram (52).

23. The method (100) according to claim 19 or 20, comprising the following additional steps: a flow chart (6) for calculating (210) the entire production machine (1) based on the motion curves (53) of the individual machine parts (2); and The flow chart (6) is displayed (220) on the visualization unit (5).

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein: The flow chart (6) is displayed on the visualization unit (5) as a bar chart, with individual lines being assigned to the individual machine parts (2).

25. The method (100) according to claim 19 or 20, wherein: The method (100) for optimizing process parameters of a production machine (1) is carried out in the following manner: the machine component (2) is visualized with respect to its function in production and the process parameters are entered into a corresponding switch panel (51) outside of the actual operation of the production machine (1).

26. A data carrier (7) storing a control program (4) suitable for carrying out a method (100) according to any one of claims 19 to 25 or for controlling a production machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

Images