Method, computer program product and system for assisting in performing process transformation

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for assisting an extrusion device (10) in carrying out a process change from a processing process (200) for producing a first film material (201) to a subsequent process (210) for producing a second film material (211). The invention also relates to a computer program product and to a system (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method, a computer program product and a system for assisting an extrusion device in executing a process change from a processing process for producing a first film material to a subsequent process for producing a second film material. Background Art

[0002] In principle, it is known to use extrusion equipment in the form of film machines to produce different products. In this case, the products usually differ in different recipes. Thus, a series of different orders are processed in succession with different recipes. To switch between two recipes, a change is made from the currently used recipe to the next subsequent recipe. In known solutions, this change is usually carried out manually based on the experience of the machine operator.

[0003] The disadvantage of such solutions is that the quality and, in particular, the time required for changing from one recipe to a subsequent recipe depends solely on the knowledge of the machine operator. Therefore, especially in the case of inexperienced machine operators, high scrap rates can occur during the changeover between recipes. In particular, it is not possible to achieve clear and consistent quality requirements for all subsequent recipe changes in this way. In particular, the possibility of errors cannot be excluded.

[0004] Thus, it is known from DE 102015108974 A1 to predetermine process limits in the form of the end of a production order and to predetermine a reduced changeover material level in anticipation of the end of the production order. This can reduce material waste due to excess material during process changes. However, the consideration of materials is primarily from the perspective of the raw material. It is also necessary to optimize other aspects of the process changeover. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to at least partially eliminate the above-mentioned known disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the object of the present invention is to improve the planning and / or implementation of process changes in extrusion plants by increasing the prediction accuracy.

[0006] The above object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1, a computer program product having the features of claim 19 and a system having the features of claim 20. Further features and details of the invention are derived from the respective dependent claims, the description and the drawings. Here, the features and details described with respect to the method according to the invention are obviously also applicable in connection with the computer program product according to the invention and / or the system according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosures of the various inventive aspects are always referred to or can be referred to one another.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for an auxiliary extrusion device to perform a process change from a processing process for producing a first film material to a subsequent process for producing a second film material. The method particularly comprises the following method steps:

[0008] - In particular, the control system collects process data of the processing technology,

[0009] - In particular, by means of the control system, the subsequent process data of the subsequent process are collected,

[0010] - predetermining at least one material flow in the extrusion system during the process change, in particular by means of a control system, as a function of the process data and / or subsequent process data,

[0011] - carrying out at least one preparatory measure, in particular by means of a control system, in order to trigger at least one event of the process change as a function of the material flow.

[0012] The extrusion device can preferably be a film making machine, in particular a film injection machine and / or a film blowing machine. Here, the extrusion device can include one or more extruders for heating, mixing and / or conveying raw materials.

[0013] Preferably, the first and second film materials are designed as plastic films, respectively. The first film material and the second film material may preferably differ from each other in terms of formulation (i.e., in particular material composition) and / or specifications. For example, different raw materials and / or different raw material usage shares may be used for the first and second film materials. The specifications may preferably refer to the geometric design of the first and second film materials, such as film width and / or film thickness. The product of the processing technology may include the first film product, such as a tubular film and / or a flat film. The product of the subsequent process may include the second film product, such as a tubular film and / or a flat film. Here, the first and second film products may be produced and / or processed respectively according to individual film segments or in a continuous manner.

[0014] The processing technology and the subsequent process may include respective production orders. It is preferred that the process change is carried out without stopping the extrusion device, so that the processing technology and the subsequent process are connected to each other and / or the film material is produced continuously. The processing technology refers in particular to the good production of the first film material, that is, the production of the first film material meets at least one first film material quality standard, especially with respect to the sale of the first film material. The subsequent process refers in particular to the good production of the second film material, that is, the production of the second film material meets at least one second film material quality standard, especially with respect to the sale of the second film material. A conversion process can be implemented between the processing technology and the subsequent process, during which only material waste is generated, which neither meets the first film material quality standard nor the second film material quality standard. The conversion process is preferably minimized by the method of the present invention.

[0015] The process data may include a process parameter set for the processing technology, which includes one or more process parameters, which come from actual machine data and / or target machine data of the extrusion device, especially in the form of sensor data and / or control data and / or adjustment data. For example, the process parameter set may include temperature data of the extrusion device and / or material conveying data of the extrusion device (especially in the form of conveying speed, pressure in the extruder and / or extruder speed). It can be provided that the continuous or intermittent control and / or adjustment of the extrusion device when controlling the extrusion device during the processing technology is implemented by the process parameter set. For this purpose, the process parameter set can be transmitted to the extrusion device by the control system, especially to the components of the extrusion device.

[0016] Subsequent process data may include a target subsequent parameter set for a subsequent process, which includes one or more subsequent process parameters, which are from the target machine data of the extrusion device, especially in the form of control data and / or adjustment data. The target subsequent parameter set may especially include temperature data of the extrusion device and / or material conveying data of the extrusion device (especially in the form of conveying speed, pressure in the extruder and / or extruder speed). Therefore, the target subsequent parameter set may include one or more subsequent process parameters, which correspond to one or more process parameters of the process parameter set, but are related to the subsequent process. In addition, the subsequent process data may include material data for the subsequent process, such as the material properties of the second film material and / or the second film material component. When collecting the subsequent process data, the subsequent process data can be called, for example, from a memory unit and / or a database. But it is also conceivable that the subsequent process data is obtained by user input, especially at the extrusion device. Based on the process data and the subsequent process data, it can also be identified whether the process transformation includes specification transformation and / or material transformation.

[0017] When the material flow is predetermined, the material flow can advantageously be calculated and / or determined empirically, in particular in analytical and / or numerical form. For example, it is conceivable to extrapolate the material flow observed within a certain time period. The material flow can characterize the movement process of at least one or more material components for the first and / or second film material. In order to predetermine the material flow, boundary conditions and / or relevant information about the material components can be provided by process data and subsequent process data. For example, it can be determined based on process data and subsequent process data whether a process change requires certain operations, such as a purge process, so as to set a subsequent process based on subsequent process data. These operations can determine the material flow, such as the flow of the purge material. It is also conceivable that the process data include material data of at least one first material component used in the processing process, and the subsequent process data include subsequent material data of at least one second material component used in the subsequent process instead of the first material component. The material flow can characterize the movement of the flow interface between the first and second material components. An event refers specifically to a process event. For example, an event can include: a process parameter reaches a specific value, and / or a material component reaches an event position. In particular, it is conceivable that the event includes replacing a first material component with, in particular, a second material component in a certain device section of an extrusion device.

[0018] The preparatory measures are preferably carried out automatically as a function of the material flow. The preparatory measures are carried out in particular during the processing technology, i.e. before a process change and / or the end of the processing technology. The preparatory measures can be designed to automatically implement and / or assist in at least partially adjusting the current process data to the subsequent process data.

[0019] The material flow plays a decisive role in the process change, because the material components involved are moved from the material storage to the outlet of each film material in the extrusion device. Therefore, it is found within the scope of the present invention that this can be used to coordinate the preparatory measures with the material flow, so as to achieve efficient process changes. For example, the material change of the material components of the feed device can be started before the end of the processing technology. Since the preparatory measures are carried out according to a certain material flow, the corresponding event can be triggered, for example, when the subsequent material replaces the original material at a certain position of the extrusion device. The time required for the process change can be shortened. For example, it is conceivable that the preparatory measures have been started during the processing technology so that the processing technology can be preferably kept unaffected for as long as possible during the process change, especially when the subsequent material has entered the extrusion device. Due to the complexity of the film production process, the relevant operations may also affect multiple process parameters. Based on the material flow, the method of the present invention is particularly helpful to regard the process change as an overall process, so that the various sub-processes can be carried out in parallel and / or coordinated with each other, so that the mutual influence between the material flow and at least one event can be fully utilized and / or coordinated.

[0020] It can also be advantageously provided in the method of the present invention that the preparatory measures include automatic control of the extrusion device and / or output of operating suggestions for implementation by the operator. In order to automatically control the extrusion device, the control system can send a signal for controlling and / or adjusting the extrusion device for the processing technology to the extrusion device and / or the extrusion device components. The control signal can include the adjustment of the process parameter set, especially in the form of a target process parameter and / or a process parameter target change curve. Through automatic control, a time interval can be created for the operator, so that it can use the time interval to implement other preparatory measures, such as material purchase. The operating suggestion can, for example, include instructions for implementing manual operation. The output of the operating suggestion can, for example, be by displaying the operating suggestion on a display device, especially in a visual form. Preferably, the visualization of the operating suggestion can be performed according to the process change type. According to the process change type, it can be distinguished whether the process change includes material change and / or specification change. Through the operating suggestion, user guidance can be achieved during the process change to guide the operator of the extrusion device.

[0021] It is also conceivable within the scope of the present invention that the material flow is predetermined based on a calculation model for the material distribution and / or material movement within the extrusion device. The calculation model can be predefined and / or stored, for example, in a memory unit of the control system. The calculation model can be designed to calculate the material flow in analytical and / or numerical form. It is conceivable that the calculation model includes geometric shape data of the extrusion device. Preferably, the calculation model is used to characterize the movement path of the material flow, so that the material flow can be calculated based on the control data of the extrusion device along the movement path. In order to predetermine the material flow, the calculation model can take into account material data, such as viscosity and / or melt flow index. The calculation model can achieve high precision when predetermining the material flow. In particular, a prediction of the material flow can be determined so as to trigger the event based on the material flow and / or coordinate the material flow with the event.

[0022] It is also conceivable in the method of the present invention that an event is triggered or caused by executing preparatory measures at the event position of the extrusion device, and the implementation of the preparatory measures is coordinated with the material flow in time, so that the material flow is associated with the event at the event position in time. The event position particularly includes the equipment section of the extrusion device. For example, the event position may include the material outlet and / or material inlet of the extruder, the melt gap and / or the bubble section. It can be stipulated that when the material flow is predetermined, the conveying time of the second film material component and / or the conveying time before reaching the first film material event position during the purge process are calculated, and the material conversion and / or the purge process are performed according to the conveying time. For example, it can be determined according to the material flow when the material component from the feeding device arrives at the film bubble. Since the preparatory measures are coordinated with the material flow, the film bubble can be stabilized in time by the preparatory measures, and / or it is predetermined how long the first film material can be produced without the material component. Therefore, through better coordination between events and material flows, high precision can be obtained during process change control to minimize conversion time and / or improve process stability.

[0023] In addition, it can be advantageously provided in the method of the present invention that the material flow includes: the movement of the material in the extrusion device until the event position, wherein the event includes: the process parameter reaches the target value, especially at the event position. The target value can include, for example, film bubble uniformity, temperature setting value, extruder speed value and / or extruder pressure. For example, when a certain material component of the second film material reaches a certain equipment section, it may be necessary for this equipment section of the extrusion device to reach a predetermined temperature. Depending on the extrusion device components assigned to this equipment section, the temperature change (especially heating or cooling) of the equipment section may take a certain time. The preparatory measures can include controlling the equipment section to change the temperature to the target value. Here, the preparatory measures can be coordinated with the material flow in time, that is, when the material reaches the equipment section, the temperature change ends, that is, the target value is reached. It can be ensured that there is sufficient material viscosity in the preparatory section so that the material can continue to be conveyed and / or mixed. At the same time, the material previously located in the equipment section can be unaffected by the temperature change for as long as possible or only by the slowly increasing temperature change. As a result, the process change can be arranged very clearly, that is, the first film material is produced as a good product for as long as possible, taking into account the quality standards.

[0024] Furthermore, it can be advantageously provided in the method according to the invention that the preparatory measures at least partially or completely include at least one, a plurality of or all of the following transformation processes:

[0025] - Changes in material reserves, in particular changes in material composition,

[0026] -Adjust the temperature of the extrusion equipment, especially the temperature of the equipment section of the extrusion equipment,

[0027] -Change process data to maintain bubble stability, especially during temperature adjustment and / or

[0028] or by changing the specifications of the membrane produced,

[0029] - Starting an intermediate process to produce intermediate materials, in particular for carrying out a purge process.

[0030] When changing the material reserve, for example, the suction pipe for sucking the material component can be switched between two storage containers to switch the material component. In addition, in order to change the material reserve, the target material level can be set so that when the storage is emptied or nearly emptied, the event is triggered, that is, the predetermined first film material amount is reached. When adjusting the temperature of the extrusion device, for example, the film blowing head of the extrusion device can be heated or cooled so as to be ready for material change. When changing the process data to maintain the stability of the film bubble, the film specifications can be changed, for example, by adjusting the film thickness and / or the tube diameter. This can prevent the extruded material in the film bubble from being too thin, causing the film bubble to rupture. By maintaining the stability of the film bubble, the current process can be maintained and the extrusion device can be avoided from being restarted. It is also conceivable that the material change order for material change of multiple extruders of the extrusion device for material change is determined according to the material flow to maintain the processing technology of the extrusion device. For the startup process of the intermediate process, for example, a purge process can be started. It is also conceivable to design the intermediate process as a transition process between the processing technology and the subsequent process. For example, the material components of the subsequent process can be gradually mixed in the intermediate process and / or the material components of the processing technology can be gradually converted into the material components of the subsequent process. During the startup process, an intermediate process can be started, for example, a first material change can be made. The operations required for the process change can thus be carried out via the changeover process and coordinated with the material flow. This allows the process change to be carried out more efficiently, in particular by shortening the changeover time.

[0031] Preferably, it can be provided in the method of the present invention that the preparatory measures include a plurality of transformation processes for implementing the process change, in particular, wherein these transformation processes are output in priority and / or in sequence when executing the preparatory measures. By executing a plurality of transformation processes in the preparatory measures, the main part of the process change or the entire process change can be executed according to the material flow. When the transformation processes are prioritized, the order of the transformation processes can be determined. The prioritization can be carried out according to the material flow, the process data and / or the subsequent process data. Here, the prioritization can be carried out according to the target parameters, in particular according to the transformation time and / or the quality standard of the first and / or second film material. For example, it can be determined in the prioritization which extruder is to be subjected to the purge process first. The output of the transformation operation can also be implemented in the form of automatic control of the extrusion device and / or the display form of the operation suggestion. Since there are a plurality of transformation processes, the process change can be planned in advance and in an orderly manner to achieve better coordination of the various transformation processes, in particular with respect to the coordination of the material flow and / or events.

[0032] In addition, it is conceivable in the method according to the invention that the preparatory measures (especially the transformation process) are determined based on the record of the reference transformation, especially the transformation record from process data to subsequent process data. The reference transformation can be especially a recorded process transformation, especially there is a recipe that is the same or similar to the current process transformation. For example, the reference transformation can be manually implemented by an experienced operator (for example the so-called chief operator) for recording. As a result, other operators with less experience in process transformations can be guided to implement the process transformation based on the reference transformation. The reference data can provide a favorable initial basis for the preparatory measures, thereby integrating the personal experience accumulated when operating the extrusion equipment and / or implementing various film recipes into the preparatory process. As a result, proprietary technical knowledge can be taken into account in the method.

[0033] Preferably, it can be provided in the method according to the invention that an artificial intelligence is provided, that process data and subsequent process data are provided as input data to the artificial intelligence in order to obtain a material flow and / or preparatory measures as output data, and / or that the execution data and / or the process history record together with the sensor data, process data and subsequent process data are provided as training data to the artificial intelligence in order to provide input data to the artificial intelligence and obtain output data, in particular in other subsequent processes. Preferably, the control system, in particular the control unit of the control system, can have an artificial intelligence, in particular in the form of an artificial neural network. By means of artificial intelligence, a self-learning system can be provided. In addition, large amounts of data can be processed by means of artificial intelligence to optimize process changes.

[0034] Preferably, it can be provided in the method according to the invention that the preparatory measures include a purging process of at least a part of the extrusion device, in particular wherein the material flow includes the movement of the purging material during the purging process. During the purging process, the extrusion device can be at least partially or completely cleaned for material conversion, which is achieved in particular by producing intermediate products using the purging material. Therefore, during the purging process, the residues of the material components of the first film material can be removed from the extrusion device to prevent contamination of the second film material. It can be provided that the material type and / or the purging time of the purging material are determined based on the material flow. This makes it possible, for example, to optimize the purging time and / or the selection of the material type of the purging material.

[0035] It is also conceivable in the method of the present invention that the purge time of the purge process is calculated based on the process data and the material flow, wherein the execution of the preparatory measures depends on the purge time. The purge time may in particular include the time period required for implementing the purge process. Based on the purge time, in particular, the end time of the purge process can be calculated in advance. In addition, a plurality of different purge materials of the purge process can be coordinated based on the material flow and / or the purge time, for example, for purging a plurality of different extruders and / or feeding devices. The preparatory measures may, for example, include: passing the material components of the second film material into the extrusion device, and / or stopping the supply of the purge material to the extrusion device, in particular so that the material components reach the film bubble immediately after the end of the purge process to produce the second film material and / or the intermediate material. This ensures that the purge process is implemented within a sufficient time period, while optimizing the timing of the subsequent addition of the material components.

[0036] It can also be advantageously provided in the method according to the invention that the process end moment of the processing technology is precalculated based on the material flow, in particular, wherein the event can correspond to the end time. The process end moment of the processing technology can refer in particular to the end of the commissioned and / or executed good production of the first film material. Here, the process end moment itself can constitute the event or be related to the event. For example, a material change can be initiated by preparatory measures, which is realized on the film bubble immediately after the process end moment. Based on the material flow, the material amount and / or material speed at the material outlet (for example, the melt gap) at a specific moment can be precalculated for a certain moment. Assuming that the production process remains unchanged or essentially unchanged, for example, a second moment can be calculated from the first moment in the processing technology, when sufficient material flow has been generated to complete the processing technology. Therefore, the material flow can be used to predetermine when the process end moment will occur before the actual completion of the required first film material.

[0037] It can also be imagined in the method of the present invention that the preparatory measures are determined according to the preset extrusion equipment conversion target parameters, in particular, wherein the target parameters include material consumption, the conversion time of the process conversion, the quality standard of the first film material and / or the second film material and / or the process safety when the process conversion is performed. The material consumption can be related to the material composition of the first and / or second film material, that is, in particular the raw material. But it is also conceivable that the target parameter includes the material consumption of the film material (i.e., in particular the finished material) produced by the extrusion equipment. The conversion time can especially refer to the time interval between the good production of the first film material and the good production of the second film material. The quality standard can be a geometric shape standard, such as film thickness and / or film width. But it is also conceivable that the quality standard includes at least one material property, such as relaxation, tensile and / or tear strength and / or film transparency. In addition, the quality standard can be an economic standard, such as material cost. Process safety can, for example, refer to preventing film rupture during process conversion and / or process conversion reproducibility. In order to determine the preparatory measures, an optimization process for the target parameters can be performed based on material flow, process data and subsequent process data. To this end, a change in at least one transformation operation may be performed and / or simulated depending on the target parameter, so that the process transformation can be optimized with respect to the target parameter.

[0038] It can also be advantageously provided in the method of the present invention that the first film material quantity and / or the number of material components put into the extrusion device are calculated, in particular wherein the calculation of the preparatory measures and / or the end time of the process is carried out according to the calculation. The calculation can be carried out for the part of the processing technology that has been implemented. In particular, the processing technology can be divided into a plurality of process stages, and separate calculations are carried out for these process stages respectively. For example, the process stage can include a start-up phase for starting the processing technology, a good product production, a defective product production and / or a phase of different film quality. In particular, the first film material quantity and / or the number of material components put in can be measured for calculation. The first film material quantity and / or the number of material components put in can include weight. The first film material quantity can also be obtained by determining the number of meters of the first film material processed, the area of ​​the first film material processed and / or the number of rolls processed. The number of material components put in can be measured, for example, in and / or before one or more extruders of the extrusion device. But it is also conceivable that the calculation is carried out according to one or more user inputs. For this purpose, an input request can be output to the user. Preferably, in order to determine the preparatory measures, a process inflection point is determined based on the calculation and / or the process end time, from which the processing process cannot be continued while complying with the first film material quality standard. For example, the extension of the processing process can be started before the process inflection point. The process inflection point can be output (especially displayed) to the operator as information. It can also be provided that before the preparatory measures are executed, the operator is required to confirm the process inflection point. This can prevent the process inflection point from being reached without the consent of the operator, especially through preparatory measures.

[0039] It is also conceivable that in the method of the invention, the calculation is implemented based on a prediction of the material flow at a certain time in the future when the calculation is performed. Based on the material flow, the amount of the first and / or second film material that has left the extrusion device at a certain time in the future and / or the amount of one or more material components for the first and / or second film material that will be put into the extrusion device at a certain time in the future can be predetermined. This allows a high-precision prediction of the amount of material produced and / or consumed to design and / or optimize process changes. In addition, the calculation can be used to predict the end time of the process with high precision.

[0040] Furthermore, it can be advantageously provided in the method according to the invention that the method comprises:

[0041] - the acquisition of sensor data, in particular by the control system, in order to detect changes in the machining process due to preparatory measures,

[0042] In particular, sensor data is monitored with respect to target parameters, and / or the measured material flow is updated based on the sensor data. Preferably, when it is determined based on the sensor data that the relevant process conditions of the target parameters are not met, the preparatory measures are interrupted and / or the countermeasures are executed. The sensor data may include, for example, the motor current value of the motor, the temperature value and / or the temperature change curve of the extrusion equipment component, etc. Based on this, the execution progress of the process transformation on the extrusion equipment can be understood at any time. In addition, the sensor data may include image data of the camera, especially for identifying the bubble shape. For example, the process conditions may include maintaining the shape of the bubble to prevent the film from rupturing and thus causing the interruption of the processing technology. In order to detect the stability of the bubble, the vibration and / or swing of the bubble can be evaluated based on the sensor data. Therefore, it can be monitored by sensor data so that the influence of the preparatory measures on the processing technology can be controlled.

[0043] Preferably, provision can be made in the method according to the invention for the material flows and / or preparatory measures to be determined on the basis of a process history record of a previous processing technology. The process history record can include a database in which process data and / or transformation operations of previous process transformations are stored. Based on the process data of the current processing technology and / or subsequent process data of a subsequent process, a similarity analysis can be performed on the database. Furthermore, the database entries in the database can be evaluated with respect to target parameters. Therefore, based on the process history record, the operator himself does not need to master the know-how for carrying out the process transformation. Instead, the in-house know-how accumulated from previous process transformations can be used to determine the preparatory measures.

[0044] It can also be advantageously provided in the method according to the invention that the execution data of the preparatory measures are stored as part of the process history record, in particular based on the sensor data, for use in other subsequent processes. The execution data can include material data, a process parameter set, a target subsequent parameter set, at least one quality standard and / or other process data. The preparatory measures and / or the current process changes can therefore be integrated into a database available to the control system, thereby improving in particular the know-how for operating the extrusion device. In particular, when the sensor data are stored together with the execution data, the response of the system to the preparatory measures can also be identified. The evaluation can in particular be based on the sensor data stored together with the execution data. The method can therefore be designed to be self-learning.

[0045] It is also conceivable within the scope of the present invention that the method comprises:

[0046] - Based on the process set for producing different membrane materials, the subsequent process is determined in the following manner, that is, the process set is analyzed based on the process data and the subsequent process data.

[0047] In particular, the subsequent process can be determined based on the target parameters. It is conceivable that multiple target parameters are taken into account when determining the subsequent process. The process set can include multiple planned processing processes, for example in the form of an order list of film materials to be produced. By determining the subsequent process, the subsequent process can be automatically determined from the planned processing process so that the subsequent process is coordinated with the ongoing processing process. This can simplify process changes. When analyzing the process set, the process data of the ongoing processing process can be compared with the process data of the planned processing process. For example, the similarity between the formula of the planned processing process and the formula of the ongoing processing process can be checked during the priority sorting process. In addition, in order to determine the subsequent process, the process set is sorted to determine the order of the processing process. By determining the subsequent process based on the process set, material waste can be reduced and / or the complexity of the process change faced by the operator when changing the process can be reduced, especially when it is necessary to achieve the greatest possible similarity between the processing process and the subsequent process.

[0048] According to a further aspect of the invention, a computer program product is provided which contains commands which, when executed by a control system, cause the control system to carry out the method according to the invention.

[0049] The computer program product of the present invention thus brings the same advantages as those already described in detail with respect to the method of the present invention. The method may in particular be a computer-implemented method. The computer program product may be implemented as a computer-readable instruction code. Furthermore, the computer program product may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium, such as a data disk, a removable drive, a volatile or non-volatile memory or a built-in memory / processor. Furthermore, the computer program product may be provided or made available in the form of a network (e.g. the Internet), from which the user may download or execute online as required. The computer program product may be implemented not only by means of software, but also by means of one or more dedicated electronic circuits (i.e. in hardware), or in any hybrid form (i.e. by means of software components and hardware components).

[0050] According to another aspect of the present invention, a user-guided system for process changeover is provided. The system includes an extrusion device for performing a process for producing a first film material. In addition, the system includes a control system for performing the method of the present invention.

[0051] Therefore, the system of the present invention brings the same advantages as those already described in detail with respect to the method of the present invention and / or the computer program product of the present invention. The control system can preferably have a control unit, in particular with a processor and / or a microprocessor, for implementing the method. In addition, the control unit can be integrated into a control device and / or a control center of the extrusion device. The control center may include a server and / or a cloud. It is also conceivable that the control system has a plurality of control units, in particular decentralized control units, for implementing the method. In addition, the control system may include a memory unit and / or a database for providing a target subsequent parameter set. The system may also include a display device for displaying information. For example, the display device may have a display and / or a touch screen. Here, the display device can be advantageously integrated into the extrusion device and / or the control center. It is also conceivable that the display device is a mobile terminal device, such as a smartphone or a pager. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Further advantages, features and details of the invention are derived from the following description of embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The accompanying drawings schematically show:

[0053] Figure 1 The system of the present invention when implementing the method of the present invention is shown,

[0054] Figure 2a and 2b The components of the extrusion equipment of the system are shown when the process is changed.

[0055] Figure 3Shows the process progress when the process changes.

[0056] Figure 4 The method is illustrated schematically in the form of method steps.

[0057] In the following description of several embodiments of the present invention, the same technical features are denoted by the same reference numerals even in different embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Figure 1 A system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is used to assist in performing a process change from a processing process 200 for producing a first film material 201 to a subsequent process 210 for producing a second film material 211 when implementing a method 100 according to the present invention. The processing process 200 for producing the first film material 201 is performed by an extrusion device 10. Figure 2a and 2b As shown, the extrusion device 10 comprises a plurality of extruders 11 for extruding plastic material. In addition, the extrusion device 10 has a plurality of feed devices 12, by which different material components 206 are supplied to the extruders 11. Figure 2b As shown, the extrusion device 10 in this embodiment is a film blowing machine, which has a film blowing head 14 for generating film bubbles, in the region of which the first film material 201 is cooled. However, it is also conceivable that the extrusion device 10 of the system 1 is, for example, an injection molding machine.

[0059] When the order for producing the first film material 201 is completed, the process change from the processing process 200 of the first film material 201 to the subsequent process 210 of the second film material 211 is performed without stopping the extrusion device 10. Figure 2b As shown, the process change may include a transition from a first film material 201 to a second film material 211. The transition may be, for example, stepless and / or achieved by implementing an intermediate process 200.3 for producing an intermediate material 211.1 to simplify and / or enable the process change. In order to assist in the process change from the processing process 200 to the subsequent process 210, the system 1 has a control system 20, in particular with a control unit 23 in the form of a processor and / or microprocessor to execute the method 100. Preferably, a computer program product may be provided, which contains commands that, when executed by the control system 20, cause the control system 20 to implement the method 100. The method steps of the method 100 are Figure 4 is schematically shown in FIG.

[0060] In the method 100, process data 202 of a processing process 200 are collected 101, and subsequent process data 212 of a subsequent process 210 are collected 102. The process data 202 include in particular a process parameter set, which includes one or more process parameters 202.1 for the processing process 200, which process parameters come from actual machine data and / or target machine data of the extrusion device 10, in particular in the form of sensor data 207 and / or control data and / or adjustment data. The subsequent process data 212 include in particular a target subsequent parameter set, which includes one or more subsequent process parameters 212.1 for the subsequent process 210, which come from target machine data of the extrusion device 10, in particular in the form of control data and / or adjustment data. The process data 202 and the subsequent process data 212 also include in particular material data.

[0061] It can be provided that in the process set 240 there are a plurality of orders for producing different film materials 211, which orders are to be processed after the production of the first film material 201. In order to make the process change as efficient as possible, the subsequent process 210 can preferably first be determined 103 according to the process set 240 in the following manner, i.e., the process set 240 is analyzed according to the process data 202 and the subsequent process data 212. In the analysis, it can be determined, for example, which of the processing processes 200.1 planned according to the process set 240 requires the least adjustment and / or has the highest consistency with the processing process 200 being carried out. The process set 240 can be stored in the memory unit 21 of the control system 20.

[0062] In addition, at least one material flow 225 for a process change in the extrusion device 10 is predetermined 104 based on the process data 202 and the subsequent process data 212. The material flow 225 is Figure 2a and 2b 225 in the extrusion device 10. Here, for example, the material flow 225 can be calculated based on a calculation model 253 of the material distribution and / or material movement in the extrusion device 10. Therefore, the processing technology 200 and / or process changes can be simulated and / or predicted with high accuracy via the material flow 225.

[0063] Furthermore, at least one preparatory measure 230 is implemented 105 to trigger at least one event 237 for a process change depending on the material flow 225. Figure 1As shown, the preparatory measures 230 include, in particular, an automatic control 232.2 of the extrusion device 10 and / or output of an operating suggestion 232.1 to be performed 105 by the operator. In this case, the extrusion device 10 can be controlled by control data of the control system 20 to realize the automatic control 232.2. The operating suggestion 232.1 can be visually displayed to the operator, for example, via the display device 22 of the control system 20. The event 237 can be triggered, in particular, by performing 105 the preparatory measures 230 at an event position 238 of the extrusion device 10. The performance 105 of the preparatory measures 230 is coordinated 105 with the material flow 225 in time, so that the material flow 225 is associated with the event 237 at the event position 238 in time. In addition, the preparatory measures 230 for switching the extrusion device 10 are preferably determined according to a preset, in particular, target parameter 208 to be optimized. The target parameter 208 can be, for example, a material quantity, a changeover time of a process changeover, a quality standard of the first film 201 and / or the second film 211, and / or a process safety when performing a process changeover.

[0064] For example, material flow 225 may include the movement of material within extrusion apparatus 10 up to event location 238, and event 237 may include reaching a target value for process parameter 202.1. Figure 2a As shown, the temperature control 236.2 of the extruder 11 of the extrusion device 10 is coordinated with the material flow 225 of the material component 206 by the preparatory measure 230 in such a way that the predetermined temperature value is reached when the material component 206 reaches the event position 238. As a result, the predetermined temperature value can be reached at a later time, making the process change as clear as possible. In addition, Figure 2a and 2b As shown together, it is possible to perform a material change, for example, at the feed device 12 of the extrusion device 10, while at the same time the first film material 201 of the processing technology 200 is still being produced in good condition at the film blowing head 14. For this purpose, the amount of the first film material 201 and / or the amount of the material component 206 fed into the extrusion device 10 can be calculated 224 by calculation. For example, the process end time 204 of the processing technology 200 can be calculated in advance for a certain expected time in the future in the calculation 224 based on the material flow 225.

[0065] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, the preparatory measures 230 may include a plurality of transformation processes 236 for implementing a process transformation. For example, the preparatory measures 230 may include a change in the material reserve 12.1, a change 236.3 in the process data 202 (particularly during the temperature adjustment 236.2 to maintain bubble stability) and / or a start-up process of an intermediate process 200.3 for producing an intermediate material. Here, the transformation processes 236 may be outputted in priority and / or in sequence when executing the preparatory measures 230 to guide the process transformation.

[0066] Furthermore, the preparatory measures 230 may include a purging process 236.1 of at least a portion of the extrusion device 10. In this case, a material flow 225 of a purging material for the purging process 236.1 may be determined. Based on the process data 202 and the material flow 225, a purging time for the purging process 236.1 is also calculated in order to implement the preparatory measures 230 based on the purging time. As a result, the purging process 236.1 may end, for example, in the region of the feed device 12, while the end of the purging process 236.1 cannot yet be identified at the film blowing head 14, for example, based on residual particles and / or streak formation.

[0067] Also like Figure 3 As shown, the preparatory measures 230 can be determined based on the record of the reference transformation 251, which preferably reflects the process transformation from the process data 202 to the subsequent process data 212. For example, a plurality of transformation operations can be carried out and recorded by an experienced operator for the record of the reference transformation 251, so that the subsequent operator can refer to the experience of the experienced operator and guide the process transformation through the preparatory measures 230. In this case, it can be determined when the preparatory measures 230 should be performed based on the material flow 225. It is also conceivable that when the calculated material flow 225 differs from the reference transformation 251, the preparatory measures 230 are identified as transformation operations that deviate from the reference transformation 251.

[0068] It can also be provided that sensor data 207 of one or more sensors 13 of the extrusion device 10 are collected 106 in order to detect changes in the processing technology 200 that occur as a result of the preparatory measures 230. In this case, the sensor data 207 are preferably monitored with respect to the target parameters 208. This allows errors in the process change to be detected. In addition, the determined material flow 225 can be updated based on the sensor data 207 in order to dynamically respond to changing process conditions.

[0069] In addition or as an alternative to the reference transformation 251, it can be provided that the material flow 225 and / or the preparatory measures 230 are determined based on a process history record 250 of a previous processing process 200.2. The process history record 250 can, for example, be part of a database and include execution data 252 of the previous processing process 200.2, in particular sensor data 207. Based on the execution data 252 of the process history record 250, the current process transformation can be inferred. In order to provide a self-learning system 1, the execution data 252 of the preparatory measures 230 of the current process transformation can be stored as part of the process history record 250, preferably based on the sensor data 207, for use in other subsequent processes 210. In particular, the control unit 23 can have an artificial intelligence 24, into which the process data 202 and the subsequent process data 212 are input as input data in order to obtain the material flow 225 and / or the preparatory measures 230 as output data. Additionally or alternatively, the execution data 252 and / or the process history record 250 as well as the sensor data 207 , the process data 202 , and / or the subsequent process data 212 may be input into the artificial intelligence 24 together as training data.

[0070] The above description of the embodiments describes the present invention only within the scope of examples. Obviously, the individual features of the embodiments can be combined freely with each other as long as it makes technical sense, without exceeding the scope of the present invention.

[0071] Reference numerals list

[0072] 1 System

[0073] 10 Extrusion equipment

[0074] 10.1 Equipment segment

[0075] 11 Extruder

[0076] 12 Feeding device

[0077] 12.1 Material Reserves

[0078] 13 Sensors

[0079] 14 Film blowing head

[0080] 20 Control System

[0081] 21 Memory Cells

[0082] 22 Display device

[0083] 23 Control unit

[0084] 24 Artificial Intelligence

[0085] 100 Methods

[0086] Collection of 101 202

[0087] 102 212 Collection

[0088] 103 210 Determination

[0089] 104 225 Predetermination

[0090] Implementation of 105 230

[0091] Collection of 106 207

[0092] 200 Processing Technology

[0093] 200.1 Planning Process

[0094] 200.2 Previous Processing

[0095] 200.3 Intermediate Process

[0096] 201 First Film Material

[0097] 201.1 Materials Section

[0098] 202 Process data

[0099] 202.1 Process parameter set

[0100] 204 Process End Time

[0101] 206 Material composition

[0102] 207 Sensor data

[0103] 208 Target Parameters

[0104] 210 Subsequent Process

[0105] 211 Second film material

[0106] 211 Different membrane materials

[0107] 212 Subsequent process data

[0108] 212.1 Subsequent process parameter set

[0109] 224 Accounting

[0110] 225 Material Flow

[0111] 230 Preparatory Measures

[0112] 232.1 Operational Suggestions

[0113] 232.2 Control

[0114] 235 Material Transformation

[0115] 236 Transformation Operations

[0116] 236.1 Purge process

[0117] 236.2 Temperature Adjustment

[0118] 236.3 Changes to 202 to maintain bubble stability

[0119] 237 Events

[0120] 238 Event Location

[0121] 240 Craft Collection

[0122] 250 Process History

[0123] 251 Reference Transformation

[0124] 252 Execution Data

[0125] 253 Computational Model

Claims

1. A method (100) for assisting an extrusion device (10) in performing a process change from a processing process (200) for producing a first film material (201) to a subsequent process (210) for producing a second film material (211), comprising: - collecting (101) process data (202) of the processing technology (200), - collecting (102) subsequent process data (212) of the subsequent process (210), - predetermining (104) at least one material flow (225) for the process change in the extrusion device (10) based on the process data (202) and the subsequent process data (212), - based on the material flow (225), at least one preparatory measure (230) is carried out (105), thereby triggering at least one event (237) of the process change.

2. The method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The preparatory measures (230) include: automatic control (232.2) of the extrusion device (10), and / or outputting operation suggestions (232.1) for an operator to implement.

3. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The material flow (225) is predetermined (104) based on a calculation model (253) of material distribution and / or material movement within the extrusion device (10).

4. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The event (237) can be triggered or caused by implementing (105) the preparatory measure (230) at the event position (238) of the extrusion device (10), and the implementation (105) of the preparatory measure (230) is coordinated in time with the material flow (225), so that the material flow (225) is temporally associated with the event (237) at the event position (238).

5. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The material flow (225) includes: the movement of material in the extrusion device (10) until the event position (238), wherein the event (237) includes: reaching a target value of a process parameter (202.1) at the event position (238).

6. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The preparatory measures (230) at least partially include at least one of the following transformation processes (236): - Change material reserves (12.1), - adjusting (236.2) the temperature of the extrusion device (10), - changing (236.3) the process data (202) to maintain the bubble stability of the bubble, in particular during the temperature adjustment (236.2), - The start-up process of an intermediate process (210.1) for producing intermediate materials.

7. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The preparatory measures (230) include a plurality of changeover processes (236) for carrying out the process changeover, wherein the changeover processes (236) are output according to priority and / or in sequence when the preparatory measures (230) are carried out.

8. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The preparatory measures (230) are determined based on the recording of a reference transformation (251), in particular from the process data (202) to subsequent process data (212).

9. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The preparatory measures (230) include a purging process (236.1) of at least a portion of the extrusion device (10), in particular wherein the material flow (225) includes a movement of purging material of the purging process (236.1).

10. The method (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that A purge time of the purge process (236.1) is calculated as a function of the process data (202) and the material flow (225), wherein the preparatory measures (230) are carried out as a function of the purge time.

11. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The process end time (204) of the manufacturing process (200) is precalculated as a function of the material flow (225), in particular wherein the event (237) is assigned to the process end time (204).

12. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The preparatory measures (230) are determined based on pre-set target parameters (208) for converting the extrusion device (10), in particular, wherein the target parameters (208) include material quantity, change time of process change, quality standards of the first film material (201) and / or the second film material (211) and / or process safety when performing the process change.

13. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The quantity of the first film material (201) and / or the quantity of the material component (206) fed into the extrusion device (10) is calculated (224), in particular, the calculation of the preparation measures (230) and / or the process end time (204) is performed based on the calculation (224).

14. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The calculation (224) is performed based on a pre-determination (104) of the material flow (225) at a certain point in the future in the calculation (224).

15. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The method (100) comprises: - collecting (106) sensor data (207) in order to identify changes in the processing technology (200) caused by the preparatory measures (230), In particular, the sensor data (207) are monitored with respect to the target parameter (208) and / or the determined material flow (225) is updated as a function of the sensor data (207).

16. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The material flow (225) and / or the preparatory measures (230) are determined based on a process history record (250) of a previous processing process (200.1), in particular wherein execution data (252) of the preparatory measures (230) are preferably stored as part of the process history record (250) based on the sensor data (207) for use in other subsequent processes (210).

17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that An artificial intelligence (24) is provided, to which the process data (202) and the subsequent process data (212) are provided as input data in order to obtain the material flow (225) and / or the preparation measures (230) as output data, and / or the execution data (252) and / or the process history record (250) are provided together with the sensor data (207), the process data (202) and / or the subsequent process data (212) as training data to the artificial intelligence (24).

18. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The method (100) comprises: - Based on the process set (240) for producing different film materials (211), the subsequent process (210) is determined (103) in the following manner, that is, based on the process data (202) and the subsequent process data (212), the process set (240) is analyzed.

19. A computer program product comprising commands which, when executed by a control system (20), cause the control system (20) to perform the method (100) according to one of the preceding claims.

20. A system (1), comprising: An extrusion device (10) for performing a process (200) for producing a first film material (201), and A control system (20) for carrying out the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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