System for producing at least one particle foam molding

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (1) for producing at least one particle foam molded part from expandable or expanded particle foam material, comprising: a detection device (6) configured to detect resource information, which describes the current and / or future consumption of at least one resource, in particular a process fluid or an energy carrier, in the current and / or future operation of an automatic molding machine (2‑4) and / or a functional module (5); and a control device (7) configured to control the operation of the automatic molding machine (2‑4) and / or the functional module (5) based on the resource information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a system for producing at least one particle foam molding from an expandable or expanded particle foam material. Background Art

[0002] In the field of processing expandable or expanded particle foam materials to produce particle foam moldings, corresponding systems are basically known from the prior art.

[0003] A typical component of such a system is an automated forming machine, which includes at least one mold device, for processing an expandable or expanded particle foam material to produce a particle foam component.

[0004] The respective automatic forming machines are usually assigned functional modules, such as a steam generator, which have specific functions in connection with the processing of expandable or expanded particle foam material which can be carried out by the respective automatic forming machine.

[0005] The configuration of the corresponding system, in particular the functional connection between the individual automatic forming machines and / or the individual functional modules, generally does not enable an optimized management of resources such as energy carriers, process fluids, etc. required for processing expandable or expanded particle foam materials, so that during the operation of the corresponding system, high peak loads may occur, for example due to the simultaneous consumption of resources by multiple automatic forming machines.

[0006] This shows a situation where improvement is needed in the efficient use of resources in the corresponding system. Summary of the invention

[0007] Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of providing a system for producing at least one particle foam molding which is improved in particular with regard to the possibilities for efficient utilization of resources.

[0008] This object is achieved by a system for producing at least one particle foam molding from an expandable or expanded particle foam material according to claim 1. The dependent claims relate to possible embodiments of the system.

[0009] A first aspect of the invention relates to a system for producing at least one particle foam molding from an expandable or expanded particle foam material, which particle foam molding may also be referred to as a particle foam molding. The system is therefore configured to process expandable or expanded particle foam material to produce a particle foam molding and comprises a device for this purpose, which is used to respectively carry out one or more working processes for processing plastic particles from at least one particle foam material, such as expandable or expanded polystyrene, expandable or expanded polyolefin, etc., to produce a particle foam molding.

[0010] The term "working process" basically includes any process that can be performed by the system, which directly or indirectly relates to the processing of plastic particles from at least one expandable or expanded particle foam material to produce a particle foam molding. Thus, a working process can be, for example, a manufacturing process, in which the (actual) processing of the corresponding plastic particles takes place, in particular the corresponding plastic particles are connected to form the particle foam molding to be produced. Alternatively or additionally, a working process can be a supply process, in which, for example, a certain amount of corresponding plastic particles, in particular a certain amount of corresponding plastic particles to be processed in a processing step, and / or a certain amount of process fluid, in particular a certain amount of process fluid to be processed in a processing step, is supplied. Alternatively or additionally, a working process can be a supply process, in which, for example, a certain amount of corresponding plastic particles, in particular a certain amount of corresponding plastic particles to be processed in a processing operation, and / or a certain amount of process fluid, in particular a certain amount of process fluid to be processed in a processing operation, is conveyed along a conveying path. Alternatively or additionally, the working process can be, for example, a filling process, in which, for example, a certain amount of corresponding plastic granules, in particular a certain amount of corresponding plastic granules to be processed in a processing operation, is filled into a mold cavity of a mold device of an automatic molding machine. Alternatively or additionally, the working process can be, for example, a treatment process, in which, for example, a process fluid such as steam, compressed air, water, etc. is treated, which process fluid is used in particular in the processing step.

[0011] The system comprises at least one first automatic forming machine and at least one further automatic forming machine and / or at least one functional module which is or can be assigned to the at least one first automatic forming machine and / or the at least one further automatic forming machine.

[0012] The at least one first automatic forming machine is configured to perform one or more processing steps for processing plastic particles from at least one particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part. Therefore, the at least one first automatic forming machine can also be referred to or regarded as a device for processing plastic particles from at least one expandable or expanded particle foam material. The at least one first automatic forming machine generally includes at least one mold device for processing plastic particles from at least one expandable or expanded particle foam material, optionally in a steam-based manner, to produce a particle foam molded part. The at least one mold device generally includes at least one mold cavity, which is defined or can be defined by one or more mold elements, and in which plastic particles of at least one expandable or expanded particle foam material can be processed to form a corresponding particle foam molded part. The at least one automatic forming machine can have a structure such as a shell, a frame or a frame, and the at least one mold device is at least arranged or formed on or in the structure.

[0013] The at least one further automatic forming machine, if present, is configured to perform one or more processing steps for processing plastic particles from at least one particle foam material, optionally in a steam-based manner, to produce a particle foam molding. The at least one further automatic forming machine is generally configured similarly to the at least one first automatic forming machine, so that the above descriptions relating to the at least one first automatic forming machine also apply similarly to the at least one further automatic forming machine.

[0014] The at least one first automatic shaping machine (the same applies to the at least one further automatic shaping machine) may have at least one interface for the functional and / or constructive connection, in particular, of at least one functional module, which is assigned to or can be assigned to the at least one first automatic shaping machine. The at least one interface may be a functional and / or constructive interface, respectively. Thus, the corresponding interface may be configured to establish a functional and / or constructive connection of at least one first automatic shaping machine with at least one functional module, which is functionally assigned to or can be assigned to the at least one first automatic shaping machine, in particular in the case of forming a separately configured or configurable automatic shaping machine functional module arrangement. The corresponding interface on the side of the automatic shaping machine is particularly configured to interact with the corresponding interface on the side of the functional module. The interface on the side of the at least one automatic shaping machine particularly enables the optional direct connection of at least one functional module; in particular, so that the structure or housing structure on the side of the automatic shaping machine is directly connected to or can be connected to the structure or housing structure of the corresponding functional module. This in turn also applies to the at least one further automatic shaping machine (if present).

[0015] As described above, the system may further comprise at least one functional module, which is assigned to or can be assigned to the at least one first automatic forming machine and / or the at least one additional automatic forming machine. The at least one functional module is configured to perform one or more processing steps for processing plastic particles from at least one particle foam material to produce particle foam moldings. According to its specific functions, the at least one functional module comprises at least one functional unit, which is configured to perform one or more working processes for processing plastic particles from at least one particle foam material to produce particle foam moldings. In the corresponding working process, it may be, for example, a corresponding supply process, a corresponding conveying process, a corresponding filling process or a corresponding preparation process. The at least one functional module may be, for example, a shell, a rack or a frame-like structure, and the at least one functional unit is arranged or formed on or in the structure.

[0016] The at least one or at least one functional module may be formed as or may include a supply device for supplying at least one resource, such as a process fluid or an energy carrier, to the at least one first automatic forming machine and / or the at least one further automatic forming machine and / or the at least one further functional module. The term "supply" may include the generation or storage of resources. Resources in the form of energy carriers may in particular be electrical energy carriers, such as carriers of current or voltage, and / or pneumatic energy carriers, such as carriers of pressure, and / or thermal energy carriers, such as carriers of heat. Resources in the form of process fluids may be, for example, steam, compressed air and / or water.

[0017] A specific embodiment of a corresponding functional module may be, for example, a supply device for supplying a process fluid, such as cooling water, for temperature control of at least one automatic molding machine. Another specific embodiment of a corresponding functional module may be, for example, a supply device for supplying a process fluid, such as steam, for connecting plastic particles from at least one expandable or expanded particle foam material located in a mold cavity of the at least one automatic molding machine and thereby associated with the formation of the respective particle foam molding. Another specific embodiment of a corresponding functional module may be, for example, a supply device for supplying a pressurized gas, such as compressed air, for example for drying the at least one mold cavity of the automatic molding machine.

[0018] Another specific embodiment of the corresponding functional module may be, for example, a storage device for temporarily storing resources, such as process fluids or energy sources. A specific embodiment of the corresponding functional module may be, for example, a storage device for temporarily storing resources, such as a steam storage device, a compressed air storage device, a water storage device as examples of storage devices for storing process fluids, or an electric power storage device, a pressure storage device, a heat storage device as examples of storage devices for storing energy carriers.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one functional module or at least one functional module can be configured as a supply device for supplying expandable or expanded particle foam material or corresponding plastic particles that can be processed or to be processed by at least one automatic molding machine. A specific embodiment of the corresponding functional module can be, for example, a conveying device for conveying expandable or expanded particle foam material or corresponding plastic particles that can be processed or to be processed by at least one automatic molding machine into at least one mold cavity of at least one automatic molding machine.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one functional module or at least one functional module may be configured as or include a processing device for processing a process fluid of at least one automatic forming machine and / or at least one further functional module. The term "processing" may include changing at least one chemical and / or physical parameter of the respective process fluid.

[0021] The at least one functional module may include at least one interface, in particular for functional and / or structural connection with the at least one first automatic forming machine and / or the at least one other automatic forming machine. The at least one interface may be a functional and / or structural interface, respectively. Therefore, the corresponding interface may be configured to produce a functional and / or structural connection between the at least one functional module and the at least one automatic forming machine, in particular in the case of forming a separately configured automatic forming machine / functional module arrangement. The interface on the corresponding functional module side is particularly configured to interact with the interface on the corresponding automatic forming machine side. The at least one functional module side interface in particular enables direct connection of at least one automatic forming machine; in particular, enables the structure or housing structure on the functional module side to be directly connected or can be connected to the structure or housing structure of each automatic forming machine.

[0022] Of course, it is conceivable that a plurality of automatic forming machines are or will be connected to each other via corresponding automatic forming machine interfaces. It is also conceivable that a plurality of functional modules are or can be connected to each other via corresponding functional module side interfaces. It is also conceivable that a plurality of automatic forming machines connected to each other are connected to a plurality of functional modules connected to each other.

[0023] Therefore, in principle, the system can have a plurality of identical or different configuration automatic forming machines and / or a plurality of identical or different configuration functional modules, i.e. in particular with identical or different functionality. In this case, the individual automatic forming machines and / or the individual functional modules can be arranged, for example, in parallel and / or in series.

[0024] Resources are usually consumed as part of the operation of the system. The respective resources may be, for example, process fluids, in particular steam and / or compressed air and / or water, and / or energy sources required for operating the first automatic forming machine and / or the at least one further automatic forming machine and / or the at least one functional module, in particular electrical, pneumatic and / or thermal energy carriers.

[0025] The system further comprises at least one detection device implemented in hardware and / or software. The detection device is used to detect the current and / or future consumption of at least one resource, i.e. resource information, which describes in particular process fluids or energy carriers in the current and / or future operation of the first automatic forming machine and / or the at least one further automatic forming machine and / or the at least one functional module. Indications or knowledge in the form of corresponding resource information about the current or future consumption of one or a resource consumed during the operation of the system or a component of the system, i.e. the at least one first automatic forming machine and / or the at least one further automatic forming machine and / or the at least one functional module, can be generated by the detection device.

[0026] Therefore, the detection device may include one or more detection elements arranged or distributed in the system, i.e., for example, sensor elements, consumption meter elements, etc., whose detection information can be processed by the detection device, i.e., in particular, the corresponding processing algorithm of the detection device, into corresponding resource information. For example, the components of the system can each be assigned at least one corresponding detection element, through which detection information describing the current and / or future consumption of one or more resources required for the operation of each component or one or more resources within the operating range of each consumed resource component (consumption detection information) can be generated, on the basis of which the detection device generates resource information.

[0027] In order to generate the corresponding resource information, the detection device can generally process any information, which can, as described above, be provided, for example, by the at least one automatic shaping machine and / or the at least one further automatic shaping machine and / or the at least one functional module assigned or assignable to the detection element, by means of which the consumption of one or more resources in the current and / or future operation of the system can be described. In principle, for example, current consumption values ​​of one, several or all resources used in the operation of the system and / or future consumption values ​​of one, several or all resources consumed during the operation of the system, for example taking into account an operation plan of the system, and which are processed accordingly to form the resource information.

[0028] The detection device can be configured to generate specific resource information for a specific resource, i.e., resource information describing the current and / or future consumption of one or more specific resources. For example, specific resource information can be generated for a specific process fluid and / or a specific energy carrier. Thus, a specific example is resource information describing the current and / or future consumption of steam or compressed air or water as a corresponding example of a specific process fluid. Another specific example is resource information describing the current and / or future consumption of electrical energy, pneumatic or thermal energy as a corresponding example of a specific energy carrier.

[0029] Alternatively, the detection device can be configured to generate specific resource information for specific components of the system, i.e., resource information describing the current and / or future consumption of one or more specific components of the system. For example, specific resource information can be generated for a specific automatic forming machine and / or a specific functional module. Therefore, a specific example is resource information describing the current and / or future resource consumption of at least one specific automatic forming machine or a group of specific automatic forming machines, in particular a group of automatic forming machines configured in the same or similar manner. Another specific example is resource information describing the current and / or future resource consumption of at least one specific functional module or a group of specific functional modules, in particular a group of functional modules configured in the same or similar manner.

[0030] Of course, the resource information may also describe specific resource information of specific resources and specific resource information of specific components of the system. Therefore, very detailed information about current and / or future resource consumption or resource requirements within the system may be described by the corresponding resource information.

[0031] In principle, the term “resource consumption” may also include resource demand, or the term “resource consumption” may also be understood as the term “resource demand”.

[0032] Therefore, the corresponding resource information can be used to obtain qualitative or quantitative knowledge, optionally resolved in terms of location and / or time, about the current and / or future consumption of one or more resources required for the operation of the system or of resources consumed within the scope of the operation of the system, which as described below can be used as a basis for controlling the operation of the system, for example, regarding the most efficient use of the corresponding resources.

[0033] Therefore, specific resource consumption of the system or individual functional modules of the system can be discussed preventively by means of corresponding resource information, which makes it possible to effectively control the system, for example with regard to the use of the corresponding resources mentioned and, for example, with regard to reducing downtimes of specific functional modules.

[0034] For example, the current or future resource consumption within the system required for the operation of at least one first automatic forming machine and / or at least one first functional module can be transmitted to at least one additional automatic forming machine and / or at least one additional functional module, so that the resources required for the operation of the at least one first automatic forming machine and / or the at least one first functional module can be obtained in a timely manner through the at least one additional automatic forming machine and / or through the at least one additional functional module.

[0035] In other words, the corresponding resource information can be used to preventively determine information about an increase or decrease in demand for at least one specific resource within the system and used as a basis for controlling the system or individual, multiple or all components of the system.

[0036] The corresponding resource information can be generated continuously, quasi-continuously or discontinuously. The detection device can therefore be configured to generate the corresponding resource information continuously, quasi-continuously or discontinuously.

[0037] Furthermore, the system comprises at least one control device implemented in hardware and / or software. The control device may be a central control station of the system, the control device being used to control the system, i.e. in particular the operation of the first automatic forming machine and / or the at least one further automatic forming machine (if present) and / or the at least one functional module, the system being configured on the basis of the corresponding resource information. Controlling the operation of the system may also influence the consumption of one, several or all resources used in the current and / or future operation of the system. In this way, an optimized operation of the system may be achieved, e.g. with respect to target criteria such as the consumption of resources as explained in more detail below.

[0038] A control device which communicates with the components of the system via a data connection in the form of a hub can use current consumption values ​​of individual, several or all components of the system, etc. as a basis for optimized control of the operation of the system. Of course, suitable control of the operation of the system can also have a positive influence on the quality of the particle foam moldings that can be produced or have been produced by the system and their reproducibility.

[0039] By the interaction of the detection device and the control device, and thereby by the possibility of specifically controlling the operation of the system based on appropriate resource information, i.e. in particular controlling the operation of the system or specific components of the system in accordance with the corresponding resource information, the possibility of controlling the operation of the system in terms of efficient use of resources is provided. This also includes the possibility of controlling and optionally optimizing the consumption of resources, particle foam material, etc. with respect to the current and / or future operating situation of the system or of individual, multiple or all components of the system, and / or the possibility of compensating for functional failures or limitations of specific components of the system.

[0040] In summary, an improved system is therefore provided for producing at least one particle foam moulding. As an alternative or in addition to the corresponding resource information, the detection device can also be configured to detect current and / or future operating information of one, more or all components of the system and to generate operating information describing the current and / or future operation of one, more or all components of the system. The current and / or future processing of the individual components of the system can be detected by means of the corresponding operating information.

[0041] As an alternative or in addition to the corresponding resource information, the detection device can also be configured to detect current and / or future status information of a single, multiple or all components of the system and generate status information describing the current and / or future status of a single, multiple or all components of the system. Current and / or future service or repair work on individual components of the system or related functional units (such as molds) can be detected in the sense of "predictive maintenance".

[0042] The control device can be configured to process resource information using artificial intelligence or machine learning to achieve a self-optimizing system. In this way, active "behavior" of the system can be achieved, for example, as part of planning the operation of the system.

[0043] As described above, the control device may be configured to control the operation of the first automatic forming machine and / or the at least one further automatic forming machine (if present) and / or the at least one functional module based on at least one target criterion. Thus, the control device may be configured to control the operation of the system on the basis of the corresponding resource information, but taking into account at least one target criterion. The corresponding target criterion may be defined, for example, on the side of the operator of the system, or automatically where appropriate, or by means implemented in hardware and / or software. The corresponding means may include means of artificial intelligence and / or machine learning, which may be "trained" accordingly.

[0044] The respective target criterion may for example define a specific energy consumption of the system or at least a specific part of the system, in particular a minimum or maximum energy consumption. Thus, the control device may be configured to control the operation of the system or at least a specific part of the system on the basis of the respective resource information, but taking into account at least one target criterion defining a specific energy consumption of the system or at least a specific part of the system. In this way, the energy consumption of the system or at least a specific part of the system, such as an automatic forming machine and / or a functional module, for example the consumption of electrical, pneumatic or thermal energy, may be influenced.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, the respective target criterion may define a specific process fluid consumption of the system or at least a specific component of the system, in particular a minimum or maximum process fluid consumption. Thus, the control device may be configured to control the operation of the system or at least a specific component of the system on the basis of the respective resource information, but taking into account at least one target criterion defining a specific process fluid consumption of the system or at least a specific component of the system. In this way, the consumption of a process fluid, for example steam, compressed air or water, of the system or at least a specific part of the system, such as an automatic forming machine and / or a functional module, may be influenced.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, a corresponding target criterion can define a specific efficiency of the system or at least a specific component of the system, in particular a minimum or maximum efficiency. Thus, the control device can be configured to control the operation of the system or at least a specific component of the system on the basis of the corresponding resource information, but taking into account at least one target criterion defining a specific efficiency of the system or at least a specific component of the system. In this way, the efficiency of the system or at least a specific component of the system, such as an automatic shaping machine and / or a functional module, can be influenced. The efficiency of the system can in particular relate to a relative consideration (relative Betrachtung) of the particle foam shaping parts that can be produced by means of the system in terms of reference values, such as the resource consumption of the system.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, the corresponding target criterion can define a specific productivity of the system or at least a specific component of the system, in particular a minimum or maximum productivity. Thus, the control device can be configured to control the operation of the system or at least a specific component of the system on the basis of the corresponding resource information, but taking into account at least one target criterion defining a specific productivity of the system or at least a specific component of the system. In this way, the productivity of the system or at least a specific component of the system, such as an automatic molding machine and / or a functional module, can be influenced. The productivity of the system can in particular relate to an absolute consideration of the particle foam moldings that can be produced by means of the system.

[0048] As described above, the control device may be configured to control the operation of at least one specific component of the system, ie, for example, at least one automatic forming machine and / or at least one functional module, based on corresponding resource information.

[0049] Thus, the control device can be configured in particular to control at least one operating parameter, in particular the power or power consumption of the at least one first automatic forming machine and / or the at least one further automatic forming machine (if present) and / or the at least one functional module, based on the resource information. Controlling at least one operating parameter of the first automatic forming machine and / or the at least one further automatic forming machine and / or the at least one functional module represents a convenient possibility to control the operation of the system with respect to target criteria. In particular, a coordinated, i.e. in particular time-staggered, power consumption of the first automatic forming machine and / or the at least one further automatic forming machine and / or the at least one functional module is possible. In this way, peak load situations of specific components of the system or of the entire system can be coordinated in terms of control technology, in particular thereby being avoided.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, the control device can be configured in particular to control at least one start time and / or one end time of the operation of the at least one first automatic forming machine and / or the at least one further automatic forming machine (if present) and / or the at least one functional module. Controlling the start time and / or end time of the operation of the first automatic forming machine and / or the at least one further automatic forming machine and / or the at least one functional module also represents a convenient possibility to control the operation of the system in terms of target criteria. In particular, the start time and / or end time of the operation of the at least one first automatic forming machine and / or the at least one further automatic forming machine and / or the at least one functional module can be determined in a coordinated manner, i.e. in particular staggered. In this way, peak load situations of specific components of the system or of the entire system can be coordinated in terms of control technology, in particular thereby being avoided.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, the control device can be configured to control at least one start time and / or at least one end time of at least one specific working process of the at least one first automatic forming machine and / or the at least one further automatic forming machine and / or the at least one functional module on the basis of the resource information. Controlling the start time and / or end time of the working process of the first automatic forming machine and / or the at least one further automatic forming machine and / or the at least one functional module also represents a convenient possibility to control the operation of the system in terms of target criteria. In particular, the start time and / or end time of the working process of the at least one first automatic forming machine and / or the at least one further automatic forming machine and / or the at least one functional module can be determined in a coordinated manner, i.e. in particular staggered manner. In this way, peak load situations of specific components of the system or the entire system can be coordinated in terms of control technology, in particular thereby being avoided.

[0052] The control device can also be configured to distribute resources, i.e., in particular process fluids, in particular pre-treated process fluids, within the system, i.e., in particular between corresponding automatic forming machines and / or functional modules of the system, based on the resource information. In this way, peak load situations of specific components of the system can be coordinated in terms of control technology and, in particular, can be avoided.

[0053] In particular, the control device may be configured to allocate resources based on at least one target criterion. The control device may thus be configured to control the allocation of resources such as energy carriers and / or process fluids within the system taking into account the at least one target criterion. The respective target criterion may be defined, for example, on the side of an operator of the system, or automatically where appropriate, or by means implemented in hardware and / or software. The respective means may include means of artificial intelligence and / or machine learning which may be "trained" accordingly.

[0054] The corresponding target criteria may define a uniform or non-uniform distribution of resources within the system. A corresponding uniform or non-uniform distribution of resources within the system may generally also influence the resource consumption during operation of the system, so that a corresponding uniform or non-uniform distribution of resources within the system also leads to measures for at least temporarily uniform or non-uniform resource consumption within the system. In particular, situations may be avoided in which specific components of the system, for example, have too few resources in view of their given capacity, i.e. for example too few process fluids, too few plastic granules, etc., and / or specific components of the system, for example, have too many resources in view of their given capacity, i.e. for example too many process fluids, too many plastic granules, etc., so that an overall efficient distribution of resources may be achieved within the system.

[0055] The control device may also be configured to compare the resource information with the reference resource information and to generate comparison information describing the corresponding comparison result. In this case, the control device may be configured to evaluate the corresponding comparison information or the corresponding comparison result with respect to at least one evaluation criterion, for example, thereby identifying current and / or future deviations from the corresponding reference resource information. The control device may also be configured to control at least one measure for compensating for the deviation between the resource information and the reference resource information, in particular beyond a predefined or predefined limit value. The corresponding measure may be, for example, an active measure to change the current and / or future resource consumption, for example by temporarily deactivating or debugging specific components of the system in a targeted manner.

[0056] In all embodiments, the system may include a data transmission device configured to transmit one or more resource information to the control device. For this purpose, the data transmission device may be configured to implement a specific local or network-wide wired or wireless data transmission protocol, such as a LAN or WLAN protocol, so as to transmit appropriate resource information to the control device.

[0057] The data transmission device may comprise one or more data transmission elements communicating with the control device. In particular, it is possible that at least one data transmission element is assigned or can be assigned to each component of the system, so that data from each component of the system, in particular data processed at the component, can be transmitted to the control device, in particular in real time.

[0058] In all embodiments, the system may further comprise at least one output device for outputting the corresponding resource information. The corresponding resource information may be supplied to an operator of the system via the output device, for example in the form of an alphanumeric and / or graphical representation, the output device may for example be configured as a display device or include such a display, so that the operator may obtain an overview of the current and / or future consumption of at least one resource in the current and / or future operation of the system. Of course, the corresponding output device may alternatively or additionally be integrated in a terminal of an operator of the system, such as a computer, a smartphone, smart glasses, a smart watch, a tablet computer, etc.

[0059] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling the operation of a system for producing at least one particle foam molding. The method comprises the following steps:

[0060] - detecting and / or generating resource information describing the current and / or future consumption of at least one resource, in particular a process fluid or an energy carrier, in the current and / or future operation of at least one first automatic forming machine and / or at least one further automatic forming machine and / or at least one functional module of the system,

[0061] - controlling the operation of the at least one first automatic forming machine and / or the at least one further automatic forming machine and / or the at least one functional module of the system based on the detected resource information.

[0062] A third aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing at least one particle foam molding from an expandable or expanded particle foam material. The method is distinguished in that it is performed using a system according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0063] All descriptions relating to the system according to the first aspect apply analogously to the method according to the second aspect of the invention and to the method according to the third aspect of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] The invention is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments in the drawings. The drawings show:

[0065] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for producing particle foam moldings according to an embodiment;

[0066] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a system for producing particle foam moldings according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system 1 for producing particle foam moldings according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0068] The system 1 is configured for processing plastic particles from at least one expandable or expanded particle foam material, i.e., for example, plastic particles made of expandable or expanded polyolefins, expandable or expanded polystyrene, etc., for the production of particle foam moldings or particle foam parts, and for this purpose comprises a device for carrying out one or more working processes for processing the corresponding plastic particles to produce particle foam moldings.

[0069] The term “working process” comprises essentially any process which can be carried out by the system 1 which is directly or indirectly connected with the processing of plastic particles from at least one expandable or expanded particle foam material to produce a particle foam moulding.

[0070] The system 1 includes a plurality of automatic forming machines 2-4. In particular, Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, three automatic forming machines 2 - 4 are shown purely by way of example.

[0071] Each of the automatic forming machines 2-4 is configured to perform one or more processing steps for processing plastic particles from at least one particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part. Therefore, the automatic forming machine 2 can also be referred to or regarded as a device for processing plastic particles made of at least one expandable or expanded particle foam material. Each automatic forming machine 2-4 includes a mold device 2.1-4.1 for processing plastic particles from at least one expandable or expanded particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part or molded part. Each mold device 2.1-4.1 includes a mold cavity (also not shown in detail), which can be defined or defined by one or more mold elements or mold halves (not shown in detail), and plastic particles made of at least one expandable or expanded particle foam material can be processed in the mold cavity to form a corresponding particle foam molded part. Each automatic forming machine 2-4 can have a structure (not specified) such as a housing, a frame or a frame, and at least the respective mold device 2.1-4.1 is arranged or formed on or in the structure.

[0072] The system 1 further comprises at least one functional module 5. The functional module 5 is configured to perform one or more working processes for processing plastic particles from at least one particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part. According to its specific function, the functional module 5 comprises at least one functional unit 5.1, which is configured to perform one or more working processes for processing plastic particles from at least one particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part. The corresponding working process can be, for example, a supply process, a conveying process, a filling process or a preparation process. The functional module 5 can have, for example, a housing, a rack or a frame-like structure (not specified), on which or in which at least one functional unit 5.1 is arranged or formed.

[0073] The functional module 5 can in particular, for example, be formed as a supply device for supplying at least one resource, such as a process fluid or an energy source, to at least one automatic forming machine 2-4 and / or at least one further functional module, or comprises such a device. The term "supply" can include the generation or storage of a resource. A resource in the form of an energy carrier can in particular be an electrical energy carrier, such as a carrier of current or voltage, and / or a pneumatic energy carrier, such as pressure, and / or a thermal energy carrier, such as heat. A resource in the form of a process fluid can be, for example, steam, compressed air and / or water.

[0074] Another specific embodiment of the corresponding functional module 5 can be, for example, a storage device for temporarily storing and, when appropriate, supplying resources such as process fluids or energy sources. A specific embodiment of the corresponding functional module 5 can be, for example, a storage device for storing process fluids, such as a steam storage device, a compressed air storage device, or a water storage device, or a storage device for storing energy, such as an electric power storage device, a pressure storage device, or a heat storage device.

[0075] Alternatively or additionally, the functional module 5 may be configured as a supply device for supplying expandable or expanded particle foam material or corresponding plastic particles that can be processed or to be processed by at least one automatic molding machine 2-4, or may include such a device. A specific embodiment of the functional module 5 may be, for example, a conveying device for conveying expandable or expanded particle foam material or corresponding plastic particles that can be processed or to be processed by at least one automatic molding machine 2-4 to at least one mold cavity of at least one automatic molding machine 2-4.

[0076] Alternatively or additionally, the functional module 5 may be configured as a processing device for processing a process fluid of at least one automatic forming machine 2-4 and / or at least one further functional module, or may include such a device. The term "processing" may include changing at least one chemical and / or physical parameter of the respective process fluid.

[0077] Figure 1The block shown by the dashed line schematically indicates that the system 1 may also include further automatic forming machines 2'-4' and / or functional modules 5'. In principle, any configuration of the corresponding automatic forming machines and / or functional modules is possible.

[0078] Both the respective automatic forming machine 2-4 and the functional module 5 can have an interface (not shown) for functionally and / or constructively connecting in particular to at least one further automatic forming machine 2-4 and / or at least one additional functional module. The corresponding interface can accordingly become a functional and / or constructive interface. Therefore, a suitable interface can be configured to produce a separate functional and / or constructive connection of the automatic forming machine 2-4 and / or the functional module 5, 5'. In particular, the interface enables the automatic forming machine 2-4 and / or the functional module to be directly connected to or connected to each other, in particular so that the respective automatic forming machine side or functional module side structure or housing structure can be directly connected or connected to each other or connected.

[0079] Resources are consumed within the scope of operation of the system 1. The resources are in particular process fluids, such as steam and / or compressed air and / or water, and / or energy carriers required for the operation of the first automatic forming machine and / or at least one further automatic forming machine and / or at least one functional module, such as electrical, pneumatic and / or thermal energy sources.

[0080] The system 1 further comprises a detection device 6 implemented in hardware and / or software. The detection device 6 is configured to detect resource information describing the current and / or future consumption of at least one resource, i.e. in particular a process fluid or an energy source, in the current and / or future operation of a single, multiple or all automatic forming machines 2-4 and / or a single, multiple or all functional modules 5. Thus, an indication or knowledge in the form of one or more currently or future consumed resource information items within the operating scope of the system 1 or at least one component of the system 1, i.e., for example, the automatic forming machines 2-4 and the functional modules 5, can be generated by the detection device 6.

[0081] In the exemplary embodiment, the detection device 6 comprises a plurality of detection elements 6.1, i.e., for example, sensor elements, consumption meter elements, etc., whose detection information can be processed by the detection device 6 into corresponding resource information, i.e., in particular, corresponding processing algorithms of the detection device 6. Figure 1 From the exemplary embodiments, it can be seen that the components of the system 1 can each be assigned at least one corresponding detection element 6.1, through which the current and / or future consumption of resources or one or more detection information (consumption detection information) describing one or more resources or resources required for the operation of each component can be determined in the operating context of the respective component, on the basis of which the detection device 6 generates resource information.

[0082] In order to generate the corresponding resource information, the detection device 6 can in principle use any information, which, as described above, can be provided, for example, from a detection element 6.1 which can be assigned or allocated to the automatic forming machine 2-4 and / or the functional module 5, by means of which the consumption of one or more resources in the current and / or future operation of the system 1 can be described. In principle, for example, current consumption values ​​of one, several or all resources used in the operation of the system 1 and / or, for example from an operation plan of the system 1, future consumption values ​​of one, several or all resources consumed in the operation of the system 1 are taken into account and processed accordingly to form the resource information.

[0083] The detection device 6 can be configured to generate specific resource information for a specific resource, i.e., resource information describing the current and / or future consumption of one or more specific resources. For example, specific resource information can be generated for a specific process fluid and / or a specific energy carrier. Thus, a specific example is resource information describing the current and / or future consumption of steam or compressed air or water as respective examples of specific process fluids. Another specific example is resource information describing the current and / or future consumption of electrical energy, pneumatic or thermal energy as respective examples of specific energy carriers.

[0084] Alternatively, the detection device 6 can be configured to generate specific resource information for specific components of the system 1, i.e., resource information describing the current and / or future consumption of one or more specific components of the system 1. For example, specific resource information can be generated for a specific automatic forming machine 2-4 and / or a specific functional module 5. Therefore, a specific example is resource information showing the current and / or future resource consumption of at least one specific automatic forming machine 2-4 or a group of specific automatic forming machines 2-4, in particular a group of automatic forming machines 2-4 of the same or similar configuration. Another specific example is resource information describing the current and / or future resource consumption of at least one specific functional module 5 or a group of specific functional modules 5, in particular a group of functional modules 5 configured in the same or similar manner.

[0085] Of course, the resource information may also describe specific resource information of a particular resource and specific resource information of a particular component of the system 1. Therefore, very detailed information about current and / or future resource consumption within the system 1 may be described by the corresponding resource information.

[0086] By means of the corresponding resource information, if necessary resolved in space and / or time, qualitative or quantitative knowledge can be obtained about the current and / or future consumption of one or more resources required for the operation of the system 1 or corresponding components of the system 1, such as the automatic forming machines 2-4 and / or the functional modules 5, 5' or of the resources consumed in the operation of the system 1, on the basis of which the operation of the system 1 can be controlled, for example with regard to the most efficient use of the corresponding resources.

[0087] The respective resource information can thus predetermine the resource consumption of the system 1 or of individual functional modules 5 , 5 ′ of the system 1 , which makes it possible to control the system 1 efficiently, for example with regard to the use of the respective resources mentioned, but also, for example with regard to reducing dead times of specific functional modules 5 , 5 ′.

[0088] For example, the current or future resource consumption required for the operation of at least one first automatic forming machine 2-4 and / or at least one first functional module 5, 5' within the system 1 can be transmitted to at least one other automatic forming machine 2-4 and / or at least one additional functional module 5, 5', so that the resources required for the operation of at least one first automatic forming machine 2-4 and / or at least one first functional module 5, 5' can be provided in a timely manner by at least one other automatic forming machine 2-4 and / or by at least one other functional module 5, 5'.

[0089] In particular, for example current or future resource consumption (which in principle should be understood as resource demand) for the operation of the automatic forming machine 2-4, that is, for example a supply medium, such as superheated steam, can be transmitted within the system 1 to a steam generator as an example of a functional module 5, 5', so that the steam generator generates or provides a quantity of process fluid having the required properties and required for the operation of the automatic forming machine 2-4, such as a required pressure, a required temperature, etc.

[0090] The detection device 6 may be configured to generate the corresponding resource information continuously, quasi-continuously or discontinuously.

[0091] In principle, a corresponding detection device of the system 1 can be formed only by the respective detection element 6.1, so that, according to Figure 1 Contrary to the exemplary representation of , a separate detection device need not be present. Instead, a non-hierarchical intelligence can be realized by the respective detection elements 6.1, ie a network-like or swarm-like distribution arrangement of the corresponding detection elements 6.1.

[0092] The system 1 further comprises a control device 7 implemented in hardware and / or software. The control device 7 may be a central control station of the system 1, which is configured to control the system 1, i.e. in particular the operation of the automatic forming machines 2-4 and / or the functional modules 5, based on the corresponding resource information. The operation of the control system 1 may also affect the consumption of one, several or all resources used in the current and / or future operation of the system. In this way, an optimized operation of the system 1 may be achieved, for example in terms of target criteria, such as the consumption of resources.

[0093] The control device 6, which communicates with the components of the system 1 via data connections indicated only schematically, can use the current consumption values ​​of individual, several or all components of the system 1 in a pivotal manner, etc. as a basis for optimal control of the operation of the system 1. Of course, appropriate control of the operation of the system 1 can also have a positive influence on the quality of the particle foam moldings that can be produced or are being produced by the system 1, or on their reproducibility.

[0094] By the interaction of the detection device 6 and the control device 7 and the possibility of using appropriate resource information as a basis for targeted control of the operation of the system 1, i.e. in particular controlling the operation of the system 1 or specific components of the system 1 in accordance with the corresponding resource information, it is possible to control the operation of the system 1 in terms of efficient use of resources. This also includes the possibility of controlling the current and / or future operating situation of the system 1 or of individual, multiple or all components of the system 1 and, if necessary, also optimizing the consumption of resources, granular foam material, etc. and / or compensating for functional failures or limitations of specific components of the system 1.

[0095] The detection device 6 can be configured to detect current and / or future operation information items of a single, multiple or all components of the system 1, as an alternative or in addition to the corresponding resource information, and to generate operation information describing the current and / or future operation of a single, multiple or all components of the system 1. By means of the corresponding operation information, for example, the current and / or future processing processes performed by the components of the system 1 can be detected.

[0096] The detection device 6 can also be configured to detect current and / or future status information of a single, multiple or all components of the system 1, as an alternative or in addition to the corresponding resource information, and to generate status information describing the current and / or future status of a single, multiple or all components of the system 1. Through the corresponding status information, current and / or future service or repair work to be performed on the components of the system 1 or related functional units (such as molds) can be detected in the sense of "predictive maintenance".

[0097] The control device 7 may be configured to process the resource information using artificial intelligence or machine learning to implement a self-optimizing system. In this way, proactive "behavior" of the system 1 may be implemented, for example, as part of planning the operation of the system 1.

[0098] As described above, the control device 7 may be configured to control the operation of the automatic forming machines 2-4 and / or the functional modules 5 based on at least one target criterion. Thus, the control device 7 may be configured to control the operation of the system 1 on the basis of the corresponding resource information, but taking into account at least one target criterion. The corresponding target criterion may be defined, for example, on the operator side of the system, or automatically where appropriate, or by means implemented in hardware and / or software. The corresponding means may include means of artificial intelligence and / or machine learning that may be "trained" accordingly.

[0099] The respective target criterion may for example define a specific energy consumption of the system or at least a specific part of the system, in particular a minimum or maximum energy consumption. Thus, the control device 7 may be configured to control the operation of the system 1 or at least a specific part of the system 1 on the basis of the respective resource information, but taking into account at least one target criterion defining a specific energy consumption of the system or at least a specific part of the system 1.

[0100] Alternatively or additionally, the respective target criterion may define a specific process fluid consumption, in particular a minimum or maximum process fluid consumption, of the system 1 or at least a specific component of the system 1. Thus, the control device 7 may be configured to control the operation of the system 1 or at least a specific component of the system 1 on the basis of the respective resource information, but taking into account the at least one target criterion defining a specific process fluid consumption of the system 1 or at least a specific component of the system 1.

[0101] Alternatively or additionally, the respective target criterion may define a specific efficiency, in particular a minimum or maximum efficiency, of the system 1 or at least a specific component of the system 1. Thus, the control device may be configured to control the operation of the system 1 or at least a specific component of the system 1 on the basis of the respective resource information, but taking into account the at least one target criterion defining a specific efficiency of the system 1 or at least a specific component of the system 1.

[0102] Alternatively or additionally, the respective target criterion may define a specific productivity, in particular a minimum or maximum productivity, of the system 1 or at least a specific component of the system 1. Thus, the control device 7 may be configured to control the operation of the system 1 or at least a specific component of the system 1 on the basis of the respective resource information, but taking into account the at least one target criterion defining a specific productivity of the system 1 or at least a specific component of the system 1.

[0103] The control device 7 can be configured to control at least one operating parameter, in particular the power or power consumption, of at least one automatic forming machine 2-4 and / or the functional module 5 on the basis of (the item of) resource information. Controlling at least one operating parameter of at least one automatic forming machine 2-4 and / or the functional module 5 is a convenient possibility to control the operation of the system 1 according to target criteria. In particular, a coordinated, i.e. in particular time-staggered, power consumption of the automatic forming machines and / or the functional modules 5 is possible. In this way, peak load situations of specific components of the system 1 or of the entire system 1 can be coordinated in terms of control technology and thereby in particular can be avoided.

[0104] Alternatively or additionally, the control device 7 can be used to control at least one start time and / or one end time of the operation of at least one automatic forming machine 2-4 and / or one functional module 5. Controlling the start time and / or end time of the operation of one or more automatic forming machines 2-4 and / or one or more functional modules 5 also represents a convenient possibility to control the operation of the system 1 according to target criteria. In particular, the start time and / or end time of the operation of at least one automatic forming machine 2-4 and / or at least one functional module 5 can be determined in a coordinated manner, that is, in particular staggered. In this way, peak load situations of specific components of the system 1 or of the entire system 1 can also be coordinated in terms of control technology and can thus be avoided in particular.

[0105] Alternatively or additionally, the control device 7 can be configured to control at least the start time and / or end time of at least one specific working process of at least one automatic forming machine 2-4 and / or at least one functional module 5 based on the resource information. Controlling the start time and / or end time of a working process of at least one automatic forming machine 2-4 and / or at least one functional module 5 also represents a convenient possibility to control the operation of the system 1 according to target criteria. In particular, the start time and / or end time of a working process of at least one automatic forming machine 2-4 and / or at least one functional module 5 can be determined in a coordinated manner, that is, in particular staggered. In this way, peak load situations of specific components of the system 1 or of the entire system 1 can also be coordinated in terms of control technology and thus in particular can be avoided.

[0106] The control device 7 can also be configured to distribute resources, i.e., in particular process fluids, further in particular pre-treated process fluids, within the system 1, i.e., in particular between the corresponding automatic forming machines 2-4 and / or functional modules 5 of the system 1, based on the resource information. In this way, peak consumption situations of specific components of the system 1 can be coordinated in terms of control technology and thus, in particular, can be avoided.

[0107] The control device 7 may be particularly configured to control the allocation of resources such as energy carriers and / or process fluids within the system 1, taking into account at least one target criterion. The respective target criterion may be defined, for example, by an operator of the system 1, or in an automated manner where appropriate, or by means implemented in hardware and / or software. The respective means may comprise means of artificial intelligence and / or machine learning, which may be "trained" accordingly.

[0108] The respective target criteria may define a uniform or non-uniform distribution of resources within the system 1. A respective uniform or non-uniform distribution of resources within the system 1 may generally also influence the resource consumption during operation of the system 1 in such a way that a respective uniform or non-uniform distribution of resources within the system 1 also leads to at least temporarily uniform or non-uniform resource consumption within the system 1. In particular, situations may be avoided in which specific components of the system 1, for example in view of their given capacity, have too little resources, i.e. for example too little process fluid, too little plastic granules, etc., and / or specific components of the system 1, for example in view of their given capacity, have too much resources, i.e. for example too much process fluid, too many plastic granules, etc., may be avoided so that an overall efficient distribution of resources within the system 1 may be achieved.

[0109] The control device 7 may also be configured to compare the resource information (multiple) with the reference resource information (multiple) and generate (multiple) comparison information describing the corresponding comparison result. In this case, the control device 7 may be configured to evaluate the corresponding comparison information or the corresponding comparison result with respect to at least one evaluation criterion, for example, in order to identify current and / or future deviations from the corresponding reference resource information.

[0110] The control device 7 can also be configured to control measures for compensating for deviations between the resource information and the reference resource information, in particular exceeding predefinable or predefined limit values. The corresponding measures can be, for example, active measures to change the current and / or future resource consumption, for example by targeted temporary deactivation or commissioning of specific components of the system 1.

[0111] The system 1 may comprise the already indicated data transmission means 8, which are configured to transmit one or more resource information to the control means 7. The data transmission means 8 may be configured for this purpose to implement a specific local or global wired or wireless data transmission protocol, such as a LAN or WLAN protocol, to transmit the appropriate resource information to the control means 7.

[0112] The data transmission device 8 comprises a plurality of data transmission elements 8.1 communicating with the control device 8. In particular, Figure 1As shown in the example in , it is possible to assign at least one data transmission element to each component of the system 1 so that data can be transmitted from each component of the system 1 to the control device 7, in particular to be processed there. Thus, the data transmission device 8 can be a data transmission or communication network, or include such a network, via which data to be processed there, i.e. in particular resource information, can be transmitted to the control device 7, in particular in real time.

[0113] In all embodiments, the system 1 may further comprise at least one output device 9 for outputting the corresponding resource information. The corresponding resource information may be displayed to an operator of the system 1 by means of the output device 9, for example in the form of an alphanumeric and / or graphical representation, the output device being for example configured as a display device or comprising such a device, so that the operator may obtain an overview of the current and / or future consumption of at least one resource in the current and / or future operation of the system 1. Of course, the corresponding output device 9 may alternatively or additionally be integrated in a terminal of an operator of the system 1, such as a computer, a smartphone, smart glasses, a smart watch, a tablet computer, etc.

[0114] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a system 1 for producing particle foam moldings according to a further exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0115] Figure 2 The exemplary embodiment shown will serve to explain how the control device 7 controls the operation of the automatic forming machines 2 - 4 (the same applies to the functional modules 5 ) in a coordinated manner in order to coordinate control technology and thus in particular also avoid peak load situations of specific components of the system 1 or of the entire system 1 .

[0116] Figure 2 The two left graphs in FIG. 1 show the temporal demands for process fluid (upper graph) and energy carriers represented by dashed lines (lower graph) in an exemplary operating situation of the system 1. As can be seen, these demands are staggered so that no peak load situations occur.

[0117] The control device 7 controls the operation of the automatic forming machines 2 - 4 (as shown in the three right figures) in such a way that the process fluids and the energy sources are coordinated, ie staggered in time, so that peak load situations do not occur.

[0118] By means of the system 1 according to the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, a method for controlling the operation of the system 1 for producing at least one particle foam molding can be used. The method comprises the following steps:

[0119] - detecting and / or generating resource information describing the current and / or future consumption of at least one resource, in particular a process fluid or an energy carrier, in the current and / or future operation of at least one first automatic forming machine 2-4 and / or at least one functional module 5 of the system 1,

[0120] - Controlling the operation of at least one automatic forming machine 2 - 4 and / or at least one functional module 5 of the system 1 according to the detected resource information.

[0121] By means of the system 1 according to the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, a method for producing at least one particle foam molding from an expandable or expanded particle foam material can also be realized.

Claims

1. A system (1) for producing at least one particle foam molding from an expandable or expanded particle foam material, comprising: a first automatic shaping machine (2-4) for carrying out at least one working process for producing at least one particle foam shaping part from expandable or expanded particle foam material, wherein the first automatic shaping machine (2-4) comprises at least one mold device (2.1-2.4) for processing the expandable or expanded particle foam material to produce the particle foam shaping part; - at least one further automatic shaping machine (2-4) for carrying out at least one working process for producing at least one particle foam shaping part from expandable or expanded particle foam material, wherein the at least one further automatic shaping machine comprises at least one mold device (2.1-2.4) for processing the expandable or expanded particle foam material to produce the particle foam shaping part, and / or at least one functional module (5) which can be assigned to the first automatic forming machine (2-4) and / or to the at least one further automatic forming machine (2-4) and is used for carrying out at least one working process for producing at least one particle foam forming part from expandable or expanded particle foam material; - a detection device (6) configured to detect at least one item of resource information describing a current and / or future consumption of at least one resource in a current and / or future operation of the first automatic forming machine (2-4) and / or of the at least one further automatic forming machine (2-4) and / or of the at least one functional module (5), and - a control device (7) configured to control the operation of the first automatic forming machine (2-4) and / or the at least one further automatic forming machine (2-4) and / or the at least one functional module (5) based on a resource information, wherein the control device (7) is configured to define at least one operating parameter of the at least one first automatic forming machine (2-4) and / or the at least one further automatic forming machine (2-4) and / or the at least one functional module (5) based on the resource information, and / or The control device (7) is configured to at least control the start time and / or end time of the operation of the first automatic forming machine (2-4) and / or the at least one other automatic forming machine (2-4) and / or the at least one functional module (5).

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The resource is a process fluid or an energy carrier.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The operating parameter is power consumption.

4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The control device (7) is configured to control the operation of the first automatic forming machine (2-4) and / or the at least one further automatic forming machine (2-4) and / or the at least one functional module (5) based on at least one target criterion.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that The target criterion defines a specific energy consumption of the system (1), and / or The target criterion or target criteria define a specific process fluid consumption of the system (1), and / or The target criterion or target criteria define a specific efficiency of the system (1), and / or The target criterion or target standard defines a specific productivity of the system (1).

6. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that The specific energy consumption is a minimum or maximum energy consumption, and / or The specific process fluid consumption is a minimum or maximum process fluid consumption, and / or The specified efficiency is a minimum or maximum efficiency, and / or The specific production rate is a minimum or maximum production rate.

7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that A data transmission device (8) is configured to transmit one or more resource information to the control device (7).

8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The control device (7) is configured to allocate resources within the system (1) based on the resource information.

9. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The control device (7) is configured to allocate resources between corresponding automatic forming machines (2-4) and / or functional modules of the system (1) based on resource information.

10. The system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The control means (7) is configured to allocate the resources based on at least one target criterion.

11. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that The target criteria define a uniform or non-uniform distribution of resources within the system.

12. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The control device (7) is configured to compare the resource information with the reference resource information and generate comparison information describing the corresponding comparison result.

13. The system according to claim 12, characterized in that The control device (7) is configured to control at least one measure for compensating for a deviation between the detected resource information and the reference resource information.

14. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that The deviation is a deviation outside predefinable or predefined limit values.

15. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The output device (9) is used for outputting resource information.

16. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one functional module (5) is a supply device for supplying at least one process fluid.

17. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one functional module (5) is configured as or comprises a supply device for supplying expandable or expanded particle foam material, which can be processed or is to be processed by the at least one automatic forming machine (2-4).

18. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one functional module (5) is configured as or comprises a processing device for processing a supply medium of the at least one automatic forming machine (2) and / or of at least one further functional module (5).

19. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The resource is a process fluid.

20. The system according to claim 19, characterized in that The process fluid is steam and / or compressed air and / or water and / or an energy carrier.

21. The system according to claim 20, characterized in that The process fluid is an electrical energy carrier.

22. A method for controlling the operation of a system (1) for producing at least one particle foam molding from expandable or expanded particle foam material according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that Follow these steps: - detecting resource information describing the current and / or future consumption of at least one resource in the current and / or future operation of the first automatic forming machine (2-4) and / or at least one further automatic forming machine (2-4) and / or at least one functional module (5) of the system (1), - controlling the operation of the first automatic forming machine (2-4) and / or the at least one further automatic forming machine (2-4) and / or the at least one functional module (5) of the system (1) based on the detected resource information.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The resource is a process fluid or an energy carrier.

24. A method for producing at least one particle foam molding from an expandable or expanded particle foam material, characterized in that The method is performed using a system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

Images