Method, computer program product and system for assisting process transformation

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for assisting an extrusion device (10) in at least one 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 process changeover. 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 a process limit 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, it is desirable to further reduce material waste. 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 process changeover of extrusion plants in order to shorten the required changeover time and / or reduce material waste during process changeovers.

[0006] The above object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1, a computer program product having the features of claim 17 and a system having the features of claim 18. 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 for assisting an extrusion device in performing at least one process change from a processing process for producing a first film material to a subsequent process for producing a second film material is provided. The method comprises in particular the following method steps:

[0008] - controlling the extrusion device to perform the processing process using at least one set of process parameters, in particular by means of a control system,

[0009] - identifying, in particular by means of a control system, at least one target subsequent parameter set of said subsequent process corresponding to said process parameter set,

[0010] - planning, in particular by means of a control system, a preparation process for preparing a subsequent process, comprising at least one preparation measure for at least partially or completely adjusting said process parameter set in dependence on a corresponding target subsequent parameter set,

[0011] Preparatory measures are carried out during the machining process, in particular by means of a control system, in order to prepare for a process change from the machining process to a subsequent process.

[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 can include respective production orders. It is preferred that the process change can be 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 parameter set may include one or more process parameters for the process technology, which come from actual machine data and / or target machine data of the extrusion device, in particular 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, in particular in the form of conveying speed 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 process technology is implemented by the process parameter set. To this end, the process parameter set can be transmitted by the control system to the extrusion device, in particular to the components of the extrusion device.

[0016] The target subsequent parameter set may include one or more subsequent process parameters for the subsequent process, which come from target machine data of the extrusion device, in particular in the form of control data and / or adjustment data. In particular, the target subsequent parameter set may include temperature data of the extrusion device and / or material conveying data of the extrusion device, in particular in the form of conveying speed 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 assigned to the process parameter set, but involve the subsequent process. When determining the target subsequent parameter set, the target subsequent parameter set can be called, for example, from a memory unit and / or a database. However, it is also conceivable that the target subsequent parameter set is obtained by user input, in particular at the extrusion device.

[0017] The preparation process may include the time course of the processing technology, in particular from the control of the extrusion device to the process end point of the processing technology. Here, it can be determined whether and / or when at least one process parameter (preferably each process parameter) of the process parameter set is at least partially adjusted to adapt to the corresponding subsequent parameters of the subsequent parameter set. But it is also conceivable that the next preparation measure is determined only when planning the preparation process. In this case, the planning of the preparation process can preferably be repeated after the execution of the preparation measures. The adjustment of the process parameter set can include adjusting one or more (preferably all) process parameters of the process parameter set at least partially or completely to be consistent with the corresponding subsequent process parameters of the target subsequent parameter set. Preferably, the influence of the adjustment on the processing technology is evaluated in the preparation process, and the preparation measures are determined based on the influence of the adjustment on the processing technology. For example, the adjustment can be changed to optimize the preparation process in particular with respect to the influence of the adjustment on the processing technology. Preferably, the planning of the preparation process is performed based on the target parameters that need to be optimized in particular, in particular, wherein the target parameters include material consumption, the change time of the process change, the quality standard of the first film material and / or the second film material, and / or the process safety when the process change is performed. The material dosage may relate to the material composition of the first and / or second film material, ie in particular the raw material. However, it is also conceivable that the target parameter comprises the material dosage of the film material processed by the extrusion device, ie in particular the finished material.

[0018] The preparatory measures are preferably determined during the preparatory process and / or are automatically implemented in accordance with the planned preparatory process. The preparatory measures are carried out in particular during the machining process, i.e. before a process change and / or a process end point of the machining process. The preparatory measures can be designed to automatically carry out and / or assist in adjusting the process parameter set at least partially to a target subsequent parameter set. It is conceivable that the preparatory measures include outputting one or more operational suggestions for adjusting the process parameter set at least partially to a corresponding target subsequent parameter set.

[0019] It is found within the scope of the present invention that certain measures for preparing subsequent processes can be taken during the processing process (i.e. before the process end point of the processing process) without adversely affecting the processing process. For example, it can be stipulated that a higher temperature of the extrusion equipment components is required in the subsequent process to produce the second film material, but the temperature increase (especially within a specific range) can still produce the first film material with the desired film quality. Therefore, the process parameters suitable for adjustment during the processing process can be determined in the preparation process. Here, the extrusion equipment can be continuously controlled to perform the processing process. Therefore, the planning of the preparation process and the execution of the preparation measures are carried out especially during the processing process. As a result, the process boundary between the processing process and the subsequent process becomes blurred and / or partially extends into the processing process. Therefore, when the preparation has been at least partially completed in the ongoing processing process that is still producing the first film material, the material waste during the process change and / or the changeover time during the process change can be reduced accordingly.

[0020] It is also conceivable in the method of the present invention that a limit parameter set for defining the adjustment of the process parameter set is determined for the process parameter set of the processing technology when planning the preparation process. The limit parameter set can be defined, for example, based on the quality standard of the first film material. Here, it is preferably possible to set a limit parameter and / or a limit range for each process parameter. The limit parameter set can be determined when planning the preparation process. For example, the limit parameter set can be provided and / or the limit parameter set can be called from a memory unit. However, it is also conceivable that the limit parameter set is calculated, for example, based on a calculation model of an extrusion device and / or a processing technology. The limit parameter set can ensure that the adjustment of the process parameter set determined when planning the preparation process has no effect or only a slight effect on the film quality of the first film material during the processing technology.

[0021] It is also conceivable in the method of the present invention that the process parameter set includes temperature data of the extrusion device and / or material conveying data of the extrusion device, in particular in the form of conveying speed and / or extruder speed, the adjustment of which is determined during the preparation process. Setting a specific process temperature for a subsequent process generally requires a certain preheating time to heat the extrusion device components (such as a film blowing head). For example, the temperature can be adjusted at a rate of no more than 20°C / hour. At the same time, the processing technology may be insensitive to process temperature differences of a few degrees, so good product production can still be achieved during the heating period. Therefore, by transferring the heating process to the processing technology, the process boundary between the processing technology and the subsequent process can be blurred. When the processing technology is blown film extrusion, the adjustment of the material conveying data can, for example, have a positive effect on the stability of the film bubble. Therefore, the material conveying data can be used to compensate for the adverse effects that may be caused by the adjustment of other process parameters. In addition, the purging process of one or more extruders of the extrusion equipment can be prepared by adjusting the material conveying data.

[0022] It is also conceivable within the scope of the present invention that, when planning the preparation process, the process endpoint of the processing technology is pre-calculated based on the process parameter set, especially wherein the execution of the preparation measures depends on the process endpoint in terms of time. The process endpoint can refer to a node of the processing technology, in particular a point in time, from which the production of good products of the first film material ends. After the process endpoint, a conversion process and / or a subsequent process can be started. In order to pre-calculate the process endpoint, the order data of the processing technology can be taken into account. In addition, the process endpoint can be pre-calculated by determining the number of first film materials that have been produced by the processing technology. By pre-calculating the process endpoint, the time schedule of the adjustment can be optimized. For example, the time point of the preparation measures can be set so that the completion of the adjustment of the process parameter set coincides with the process endpoint in terms of time and / or material consumption.

[0023] Furthermore, it is conceivable in the method according to the invention that the method comprises in particular the following method steps:

[0024] - determining the process objectives of the processing technology for producing the first film material, in particular by means of the control system,

[0025] Wherein, the process endpoint is pre-calculated according to at least a partial adjustment of the process target and the process parameter set. The process target may, for example, include a target yield of the first film material. In addition, the process target may be associated with one or more quality standards of the first film material and / or the process stability of the processing technology. Therefore, it is conceivable that the process target includes a specific number of first film materials with a first film quality and a specific number of first film materials with a second film quality. The number of first film materials may, for example, be set by weight and / or production roll. Preferably, in order to identify the process parameter set, material data of the processing technology for producing the first film material are obtained. The material data may include input data of the raw materials and / or output data of the number of first film materials produced. In addition, the material data may include material type, material composition (especially including the percentage content of the material components) and / or material properties (such as the viscosity of the material components). The material component may refer in particular to the raw materials of the processing technology. When the process parameter set is compared with the target subsequent parameter set, the process endpoint can be pre-calculated according to the order. Therefore, when pre-calculating the process endpoint, the adjustment of the process parameter set and the remaining process of the processing technology can be taken into account.

[0026] It is also conceivable within the scope of the invention to determine the material flow in the process change within the extrusion device based on the process parameter set and the target process parameter set, wherein the planning of the preparation process is implemented based on the material flow. When determining the material flow, the material flow can advantageously be calculated and / or determined empirically, especially in analytical and / or numerical form. For example, it is conceivable to extrapolate the material flow observed within a certain period of time. In order to determine the material flow, information about boundary conditions and / or material components can be provided by the process parameter set and the target process parameter set. For example, it can be determined based on the process parameter set and the target process parameter set whether certain operations, such as a purge process, are required for the process change in order to set the subsequent process based on the target process parameter set. These operations can determine the material flow, such as the flow of the purge material. It is also conceivable that based on the process parameter set, material data can be determined in order to describe in particular the material properties of at least one first material component used in the processing process, and based on the target process parameter set, subsequent material data can be determined in order to describe in particular the material properties of at least one second material component used in the subsequent process instead of the first material component. Therefore, it is particularly possible to simulate the material change process in order to at least partially predict the achievement of the process goal in advance. This allows for better preparation of comparative data and / or operational recommendations.

[0027] It is also conceivable within the scope of the invention that the preparatory measures include automatic control of the extrusion device during the processing process (especially before the end of the process) to achieve at least partial adjustment of the process parameter set. When the automatic control is carried out according to the preparatory process, the control system can send control and / or adjustment signals for the processing process of the extrusion device to the extrusion device. The control signal may include an adjustment of the process parameter set, especially in the form of target process parameters and / or target variation curves of process parameters. High precision of the adjustment of the process parameter set can be achieved by automatic control. In addition, time intervals can be created for the operator, so that he can use the time intervals to implement other preparatory measures, such as material purchases.

[0028] It is also conceivable in the method according to the invention that the material supply of at least one extruder and / or a feed device of the extrusion device is automatically changed in order to prepare for the process end point (especially during the processing process and / or before and / or during the implementation of preparatory measures), especially depending on the process end point. When changing the material supply, the material supply of a first material component of the processing process can be reduced, so that at the process end point, no or only a small amount of the first material component is present in the extrusion device. Preferably, when changing the material supply, the material supply of the first material component of the processing process can be interrupted and / or the material supply of a second material component of a subsequent process can be started. The change in the material supply can ensure that only the material remaining in the extruder and / or the feed device is consumed, so that material waste is reduced when the process is changed.

[0029] In addition, it can be advantageously provided in the method of the present invention that the first film material output and / or the amount of material components input into the extrusion device are preferably calculated from the outside or inside, in particular, wherein the calculation of the preparation process and / or the process end point is performed based on the calculation. The calculation can be performed for the executed processing technology part. In particular, the processing technology can be divided into a plurality of process stages, and separate calculations are performed for these process stages respectively. For example, the process stage can include a start-up phase for starting the processing technology, good product production, defective product production and / or a phase of different film quality. In particular, the first film material quantity and / or the amount of material components input can be measured for calculation. The first film material quantity and / or the amount of material components input 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 amount of material components input 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 performed based on one or more user inputs. For this purpose, an input request can be output to the user during the preparation process.

[0030] It is also conceivable within the scope of the invention that, for the calculation, the material segments of the produced first film material are evaluated with respect to the quality standard of the first film material, and which of the material segments meet the quality standard in order to predict the achievement of the process goal. The material segments may relate to different stages of the processing technology. For example, the stages of the processing technology may include the start-up process of the processing technology (for example in the form of preheating of the extruder) and / or the production of good products. In addition, the material segments can be divided into different batches of the first film material. In order to evaluate the quality standard, the film quality of the first film material can preferably be measured. The quality standard can, for example, include the relaxation of the produced first film material, the film thickness, the printing quality and / or the transparency of the printed words on the first film material. In addition, when evaluating the material segments, local deviations of the quality standard can be identified, which are manifested as irregularities in the processing technology and / or the first film material. Irregularities can be excluded in the calculation process. Therefore, by evaluating the material segments, it can be ensured that only material segments that meet the quality standard are included in the calculation process. A detailed overview of the number of first film materials produced can thus be obtained in order to achieve the process goals and plan the preparation process.

[0031] Preferably, it can be advantageously provided in the method of the present invention that, preferably for planning the preparation process and / or determining the preparation measures, a process inflection point is determined according to the calculation and / or according to the process end point, from which the processing process cannot be continued while complying with the quality standard and / or process stability standard of the first film material. The quality standard can be the quality standard of the material section. Preferably, after the process inflection point, the process change to the subsequent process is enforced in an electronic form. For example, the extension of the processing process can be automatically and / or initiated by the operator before the process inflection point, and / or it can be prevented in an electronic manner after the process inflection point. The process inflection point can be output to the operator as information. In particular, the process inflection point can be used to prevent, for example, the unknowing production of defective products due to artificial user interaction during the processing process, which is then converted to good product production by extending the processing process. It can also be provided that before executing the preparation measures, the operator is required to confirm the process inflection point. This can prevent the process inflection point from being reached, especially by preparation measures, without the consent of the operator.

[0032] It is also conceivable within the scope of the present invention that the method comprises:

[0033] - the acquisition of sensor data, in particular by the control system, in order to detect changes in the machining process due to preparatory measures,

[0034] Wherein, the sensor data is monitored to determine the process conditions of the processing technology, especially wherein the process conditions include the quality standard of the first film material and / or the process stability standard of the processing technology. Preferably, when it is determined based on the sensor data that the process conditions 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 shape of the film bubble. For example, the process conditions may include maintaining the bubble shape to prevent the film from breaking and thus causing the interruption of the processing technology. Therefore, it can be monitored by sensor data so that the influence of the preparatory measures on the processing technology can be controlled.

[0035] Preferably, it can be provided in the method according to the invention that the method comprises:

[0036] - According to the process set for producing different film materials, the subsequent process is determined by analyzing the process set according to the process parameter set of the processing technology (especially with respect to at least partial adjustment of the process parameter set).

[0037] In particular, target parameters for determining the subsequent process can be set, such as material consumption to be minimized, process change time to be minimized, quality standards of the first and / or second film materials, and / or process stability standards. It is conceivable that multiple target parameters are considered when determining the subsequent process. The process set can include multiple planned processing processes, for example in the form of an order list of the film material to be processed. 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. The process change can thus be simplified. When analyzing the process set, the process parameter set of the ongoing processing process can be compared with the parameter set 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, the process set can be sorted to determine the subsequent process, thereby determining 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 during the process change can be reduced, especially when it is necessary to achieve the greatest possible similarity between the processing process and the subsequent process.

[0038] It is also conceivable within the scope of the invention to provide reference data of at least one reference transformation and / or reference data of a process history record of a previous process for the ongoing process, wherein the planning of the preparation process and / or the calculation of the process endpoint are implemented based on the reference data. The reference transformation can be in particular a recorded process transformation, in particular there is a recipe that is identical or similar to the current process transformation. For example, the reference transformation can be manually implemented by an experienced operator (e.g. a so-called chief operator) for recording. Thus, other operators with less experience in process transformations can be guided to implement the process transformation based on the reference transformation. The control system can preferably have artificial intelligence, in particular in the form of an artificial neural network. Here, the reference data can form training data for the artificial intelligence. Preferably, the process parameter set and the target subsequent parameter set can be provided as input data to the artificial intelligence to obtain the planning and / or preparation measures of the preparation process as output data. The reference data can provide a favorable initial basis for the preparation process, thereby allowing the personal experience accumulated when operating the extrusion equipment and / or implementing various film recipes to be incorporated into the preparation process. Thus, the proprietary technical knowledge can be taken into account in the method.

[0039] In addition, it can be advantageously provided in the method according to the invention that the execution data of the preparatory measures, in particular based on the sensor data, are stored as part of the process history record 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 the operation of the extrusion plant. 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 and evaluated. In particular, the evaluation can be based on the sensor data stored together with the execution data. The method can therefore be designed to be self-learning.

[0040] Preferably, it can be provided in the method of the invention that an artificial intelligence is provided, and the process parameter set and the target subsequent parameter set and preferably the process target are provided to the artificial intelligence as input data to obtain the planning of the preparation process and / or preparation measures as output data, and / or the execution data and / or the process history record together with the sensor data, the process parameter set and the target subsequent parameter set and preferably the process target are provided to the artificial intelligence as training data, so as to provide the artificial intelligence with input data and obtain output data, especially in other subsequent processes. In addition or alternatively, it is conceivable to provide the preparation process as input data to the artificial intelligence to obtain preparation measures as output data. Preferably, the control system (especially the control unit of the control system) can have artificial intelligence, especially 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 artificial intelligence to optimize process changes.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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).

[0043] According to another aspect of the present invention, a user-guided system for process changeover is provided. The system comprises an extrusion device for performing a process for producing a first film material. In addition, the system comprises a control system for performing the method of the present invention.

[0044] 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

[0045] 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:

[0046] Figure 1 The system of the present invention when implementing the method of the present invention is shown,

[0047] Figure 2a and 2b The components of the extrusion equipment of the system are shown when the process is changed,

[0048] Figure 3 Shows the process progress when the process changes.

[0049] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of preparatory measures for a process change,

[0050] Figure 5 The method is illustrated schematically in the form of method steps.

[0051] 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

[0052] Figure 1A system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown, the system 1 comprising an extrusion device 10 for assisting in at least one 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 the method 100 according to the present invention. The processing process 200 for producing the first film material 201 is performed by the 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.

[0053] 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 processing 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 includes 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 5 is schematically shown in FIG.

[0054] In order to carry out the processing technology 200, in the method 100, the extrusion device 10 is first controlled 101 using at least one process parameter set 202. The process parameter set 202 comprises, in particular, one or more process parameters 202.1 for the processing technology 200, which 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 process parameter set 202 can be determined, in particular at least in part, on the basis of a recipe for the first film material 201. The current state of the extrusion device 10 and the processing technology 200 is preferably reflected by the process parameter set 202. When controlling 101 the extrusion device 10, the first film material 201 can be produced at least in sections.

[0055] In addition, the method 100 includes identifying 103 at least one target subsequent parameter set 212 for the subsequent process 210 corresponding to the process parameter set 202. The target subsequent parameter set 212 includes in particular one or more subsequent process parameters 212.1 for the subsequent process 210, which are derived from machine data of the extrusion device 10, in particular in the form of control data and / or adjustment data. The process parameter set 202 can be defined in particular according to the recipe of the second film material 211 and / or called up from the memory unit 21 of the control system 20 when identifying 103 the target subsequent parameter set 212.

[0056] It can be provided that in the process set 240 there are a plurality of orders for producing different film materials, which orders should 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 102 according to the process set 240 in the following way, that is, the process set 240 is analyzed according to the process parameter set 202 of the processing technology 200, with a view to at least partial adjustment of the process parameter set 202 during the process change. In the analysis, for example, it can be determined which of the processing technologies 210.1 planned according to the process set 240 requires the least adjustment and / or has the highest consistency with the processing technology 200 being carried out.

[0057] In accordance with the corresponding target subsequent parameter set 212, the method 100 also implements planning 105 of a preparation process 220 for preparing the subsequent process 210, so as to at least partially adjust the process parameter set 202. The preparation process 220 Figure 3 200 , and includes at least one preparatory measure 230 for at least partially adjusting the process parameter set 202. Here, the planning 105 of the preparatory process 220 extends from a part of the processing technology 200 to the beginning of the subsequent process 210. Various manual and / or automatic transformation operations 236 need to be performed here to achieve the process transformation. The preparatory measures 230 can, for example, include at least one or more transformation operations 236 for a purging process 236.1, an adjustment 236.2 of a process parameter 202.1 in the form of the temperature of the extrusion device 10 and / or a change 236.3 of the process parameter set 202 for maintaining the stability of the film bubble (especially during the temperature adjustment). It is also conceivable that the preparatory measures 230 include a change in the material reserve 12.1 and / or a start-up process of the intermediate process 200.3.

[0058] It is therefore found within the scope of the invention that certain transformation operations 236 can be implemented and / or prepared before the end of the processing process 200. For this purpose, at least one preparatory measure 230 for implementing the preparatory process 220 for the process transformation can be defined when planning 105 the preparatory process 220. In particular, the process parameter set 202 can be at least partially adjusted to adapt to the corresponding target subsequent parameter set 212. It is therefore conceivable that the process parameter set 202 includes temperature data of the extrusion device 10 and / or material conveying data of the extrusion device 10 (especially in the form of conveying speed and / or extruder speed), the adjustment of which data is determined in the preparatory process 220. In particular, the following fact is used here: the production of the film product and the realization of the film product recipe are in principle carried out within the tolerance range and / or according to the mutual relationship of the process parameters 202.1. Therefore, even if certain process parameters 202.1 have changed, the first film material 201 can still be produced. Therefore, when planning 105 the preparation process 220 for the process parameter set 202 of the processing technology 200, it is preferable to determine a limit parameter set 222 for limiting the adaptive adjustment with the target subsequent parameter set 212. The limit parameter set 222 can be obtained from the predetermined process data of the processing technology 200, for example.

[0059] Furthermore, when planning 105 the preparation process 220, the process end point 204 of the processing technology 200 is preferably precalculated based on the process parameter set 202. It is thereby possible, for example, to determine at which point in time the adjustment of the process parameter set 202 should be terminated in order to start the next process change phase and / or the subsequent process 210 after the adjustment. To this end, a process target 205 of the processing technology 200 for producing the first film material 201 can first be determined 104. The process target 205 can be identified, for example, based on order data of the processing technology 200. Subsequently, the process end point 204 can be precalculated based on the process target 205 and the process parameter set 202 based on at least partial adjustment of the target subsequent parameter set 212. In particular, the process end point 204 can be dynamically adapted to order-related boundary conditions (in the form of the process target 205) and / or process-related planning of the adjustment of the process parameter set 202.

[0060] In order to determine the current state of the processing technology 200 and / or to pre-calculate the process end point 204, the method 100 also includes a calculation 224 of the output of the first film material 201 and / or the amount of the material component 206 fed into the extrusion device 10. Figure 2a and 2bAs shown, for this purpose, material data, in particular weight data, volume data, conveying data, etc., can be measured on the extrusion device 10. When planning 105 the preparation process 220, special consideration is given to the calculation 224 in order to achieve the time coordination of the adjustment and / or determine the best adjustment time. The product-related analysis of the calculated quantity can also be achieved in that, for the calculation 224, the material segments of the first film material 201 produced are evaluated with respect to the quality standard of the first film material 201, and which material segments meet the quality standard are checked in order to predict the achievement of the process target 205. In order to plan 105 the preparation process 220, the material flow 225 in the process change within the extrusion device 10 can also be determined based on the process parameter set 202 and the target subsequent parameter set 212. For example, the material flow 225 can represent the movement of the material dividing line between two continuous raw materials 206 in the extrusion device 10. In this way, at least partial material control of the process change can be achieved. In particular, in order to plan 105 the preparation process 220 according to the calculation 224 and / or the process end point 204, a process inflection point 209 is determined, after which the processing process 200 cannot be continued while satisfying the quality standard of the first film material 201. The process inflection point 209 can be output via the display device 22.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown, reference data 223 of at least one reference transformation 251 can also be provided for the currently performed manufacturing process 200. The reference transformation 251 can be a process transformation that is or has been performed by an experienced operator (especially a chief operator). The reference data 223 can in particular include a record of the reference transformation 251. Additionally or alternatively, the reference data 223 can include a process history record 250 of a previous processing process 200 called from the memory unit 21. The planning 105 of the preparation process 220 and / or the calculation of the process endpoint 204 are implemented based on the reference data 223.

[0062] like Figure 4As shown, one or more preparatory measures 230 are then executed 106 in accordance with the preparation process 220 to prepare for the process change from the processing process 200 to the subsequent process 210. The preparatory measures 230 preferably include an automatic control 230.1 of the extrusion device 10 for performing at least partial adjustments of the process parameter set 202 during the processing process 200. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the preparation process 220 requires a user interaction 233, and the preparatory measures 230 include outputting an operation suggestion 232 to the operator for performing the user interaction 233, in particular via a display device 22 of the control system 20. The execution 106 of the preparatory measures 230 is preferably carried out in time in accordance with the process end point 204, so as to achieve a timing coordinated with the process end point 204. In addition, for the preparation of the process end point 204, in particular before the execution 106 of the preparatory measures 230, the material supply of at least one extruder 11 and / or the feed device 12 of the extrusion device 10 can be automatically changed.

[0063] After or during the execution 106 of the preparatory measures 230, such as Figure 2a and 2b As shown, sensor data 207 are collected 107 by one or more sensors 13 of the extrusion device 10 to identify 103 changes in the processing technology 200 that occur due to the preparation measures 230. The sensor data 207 are monitored with respect to process conditions 208 of the processing technology 200. The process conditions 208 include quality standards of the first film material 201 and / or process stability standards of the processing technology 200.

[0064] Furthermore, in particular based on the sensor data 207, the execution data 252 of the preparation measures 230 (in particular as part of the process history record 250) are preferably stored in the memory unit 22 of the control system 20 for use in other subsequent processes 210, so that learning effects and improvements can be achieved based on the execution data 252, in particular the improvement of the company's internal know-how. In particular, the control unit 23 can have an artificial intelligence 24, into which the process parameter set 202 and the target subsequent parameter set 212 are input as input data in order to obtain the planning of the preparation process 220 and / or the preparation 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 parameter set 202 and the target subsequent parameter set 212 can be input into the artificial intelligence 24 together as training data for the artificial intelligence 24.

[0065] 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.

[0066] Reference numerals list

[0067] 1 System

[0068] 10 Extrusion equipment

[0069] 11 Extruder

[0070] 12 Feeding device

[0071] 13 Sensors

[0072] 14 Film blowing head

[0073] 20 Control System

[0074] 21 Memory Cells

[0075] 22 Display device

[0076] 23 Control unit

[0077] 100 Methods

[0078] 101 10 Control

[0079] 102 210 Determination

[0080] Identification of 103 202

[0081] 104 205 Determination

[0082] Planning of 105 220

[0083] 106 230 Execution

[0084] 200 Processing Technology

[0085] 200.1 Planning Process

[0086] 200.2 Prior Processing Technology

[0087] 200.3 Intermediate Process

[0088] 201 First Film Material

[0089] 202 Process parameter sets

[0090] 202.1 Process parameters

[0091] 204 Process Endpoint

[0092] 205 Process Target

[0093] 206 Material composition

[0094] 207 Sensor data

[0095] 208 Process conditions

[0096] 210 Subsequent Process

[0097] 210.1 Planning Process

[0098] 211 Second film material

[0099] 211.1 Intermediate Materials

[0100] 212 Target subsequent parameter set

[0101] 212.1 Subsequent process parameters

[0102] 220 Preparation

[0103] 222 Boundary parameter set

[0104] 223 Reference Data

[0105] 224 Accounting

[0106] 225 Material Flow

[0107] 230 Preparatory Measures

[0108] 232 Operational Suggestions

[0109] 233 User Interaction Operations

[0110] 236 Transformation Operations

[0111] 236.1 Purge process

[0112] 236.2 Temperature Adjustment

[0113] 236.3 Changes to 202 to maintain bubble stability

[0114] 240 Craft Collection

[0115] 250 Process History

[0116] 251 Reference Transformation

[0117] 252 Execution Data

Claims

1. A method (100) for assisting an extrusion device (10) in performing at least one 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: - controlling (101) the extrusion device (10) to perform the processing process (200) using at least one set of process parameters (202), - identifying (103) at least one target subsequent parameter set (212) of the subsequent process (210) corresponding to the process parameter set (202), - planning (105) a preparation process (220) for preparing the subsequent process (210), comprising at least one preparation measure (230) for at least partially adjusting the process parameter set (202) according to the corresponding target subsequent parameter set (212), - during the machining process (200), performing (106) the preparatory measures (230) to prepare for a process change from the machining process (200) to the subsequent process (210).

2. The method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: When planning (105) the preparation process (220), a limit parameter set (222) for defining an adjustment of the process parameter set (202) is determined for the process parameter set (202) of the processing technology (200).

3. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The process parameter set (202) includes temperature data of the extrusion device (10) and / or material conveying data of the extrusion device (10), in particular in the form of conveying speed and / or extruder rotation speed, the adjustment of which is determined in the preparation process (220).

4. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that When planning (105) the preparation process (220), the process end point (204) of the processing process (200) is precalculated based on the process parameter set (202), in particular, the execution (106) of the preparation measure (230) is time-dependent on the process end point (204).

5. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The method (100) comprises: - determining (104) a process target (205) of the processing technology (200) for producing the first film material (201), The process endpoint (204) is pre-calculated based on at least a partial adjustment of the process parameter set (202) and the process target (205).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The material flow (225) in the process change within the extrusion device (10) is determined based on the process parameter set (202) and the target process parameter set (212), wherein the planning (105) of the preparation process (220) is implemented based on the material flow (225).

7. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The preparatory measures (230) include automatically controlling (230.1) the extrusion device (10) for performing at least partial adjustments of the process parameter set (202) during the processing process (200).

8. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that In order to prepare for the process end point (204), in particular before carrying out the preparatory measures (230), the material supply of at least one extruder (11) and / or a feed device (12) of the extrusion system (10) is automatically changed.

9. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The output of the first film material (201) and / or the quantity of the material component (206) input into the extrusion device (10) is calculated (224), in particular, the calculation of the preparation process (220) and / or the process endpoint (204) is performed based on the calculation (224).

10. The method (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that For the calculation (224), each material segment of the first film material (201) produced is evaluated with respect to the quality standard of the first film material (201), and in order to predict the achievement of the process goal (205), it is checked which material segments meet the quality standard.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that In order to determine (105) the preparatory measures (230), a process inflection point (209) is determined based on the calculation (224) and / or the process endpoint (204), from which the processing process (200) can no longer be continued while satisfying the quality standards of the first film material (201).

12. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The method (100) comprises: - collecting (107) sensor data (207) in order to identify changes in the processing technology (200) due to the preparatory measures (230), Wherein, the sensor data (207) is monitored regarding the process conditions (208) of the processing technology (200), and in particular, wherein the process conditions (208) include the quality standards of the first film material (201) and / or the process stability standards of the processing technology (200).

13. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The method (100) comprises: - Based on a process set (240) for producing different film materials (211, 241), the subsequent process (210) is determined (102) in the following manner, that is, based on the process parameter set (202) of the processing process (200), the process set (240) is analyzed with respect to at least partial adjustment of the process data set (202).

14. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A process history record (250) of a previous process (200.2) and / or reference data (223) of at least one reference transformation (251) are provided for a currently performed process (200), wherein planning (105) of the preparation process (220) and / or calculation of the process endpoint (204) are carried out based on the reference data (223).

15. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The execution data (252) of the preparatory measures (230) are stored, in particular based on the sensor data (207), as part of the process history record (250) in order to be made available to further subsequent processes (210).

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that An artificial intelligence (24) is provided, the process parameter set (202) and the target subsequent parameter set (212) are provided as input data to the artificial intelligence (24) to obtain the planning of the preparation process (220) and / or the preparation measures (230) as output data, and / or the execution data (252) and / or the process history record (250) are provided to the artificial intelligence (24) together with the sensor data (207), the process parameter set (202) and the target subsequent parameter set (212) as training data.

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

18. 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 16.

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