Plant for producing a coextruded multilayer film, device for coextruding a multilayer coextrusion composite and method for coextrusion, as well as method for operating such a plant and / or device

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for coextruding a multi-layer coextrusion composite, a corresponding system and a corresponding method.

[0002] It is known from the prior art to manipulate cross sections of material melt channels by manually driven adjustment elements of a coextrusion adapter in order to be able to produce different individual layer thicknesses or individual layer profiles on individual layers of a multi-layer coextrusion composite.

[0003] For example, EP 1 621 320 A1 discloses a coextrusion adapter for an extrusion system, which is characterized by a central channel and several coextrusion channels, wherein a plurality of adjusting elements are provided in the coextrusion adapter, which can be controlled from outside by means of manually operable adjusting elements in such a way that cross-sectional manipulation of channels of the coextrusion adapter can be achieved with these adjusting elements.

[0004] Furthermore, from DE 42 03 755 A1 a method for controlling individual layer thicknesses of several layers of a multi-layer plastic sheet to be produced by coextrusion is known, in which individual melt streams guided through channels are combined within a coextrusion adapter of a coextrusion tool to form a strand of individual layers, and in which the respective total layer thickness of the individual layers is determined before they emerge from a nozzle part of the coextrusion tool, and in which the measured data determined in this way are compared with setpoint values, the result being used in the event of a deviation from the setpoint-actual value comparison to change a total channel cross-section of one of the channels for the individual melt streams to produce the layers.

[0005] Furthermore, EP0418681A1, DE19802646C1 and JPH08112852A disclose devices according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0006] A particular disadvantage of the current state of the art is the inadequate and usually lengthy adjustment options for a layer thickness or a layer thickness profile on individual layers in a multi-layer coextrusion composite during the extrusion of the multi-layer coextrusion composite, in particular due to temperatures prevailing directly at a coextrusion adapter.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of further developing the generic state of the art for producing multilayer films and, in particular, of overcoming known disadvantages.

[0008] The present problem is solved with the features of the independent claims.

[0009] It was recognized that it is advantageous to measure layer thicknesses or layer thickness profiles of an extruded multi-layer coextrusion composite or a coextruded multi-layer film only downstream of a die part of a coextrusion tool or the like, since the layer material there has already cooled down significantly compared to a layer melt that is still plasticized and is located in the die part, so that the measured data obtained are not distorted or are only distorted to a negligible extent by shrinkage or the like.

[0010] This allows the adjustment elements to be adjusted more precisely depending on these more precisely determined measurement data, so that layer thicknesses or layer thickness profiles can be generated more accurately.

[0011] In particular, this allows for an advantageous inline comparison between the setting elements and the measurement data.

[0012] This means that the system can be operated much more effectively.

[0013] First of all, it should be noted that in the context of this patent application, indefinite articles and indefinite numerical expressions such as "one...", "two...", etc., should generally be understood as "at least one...", "at least two...", etc., unless it is clear from the context or the specific text of a particular passage that only "exactly one...", "exactly two...", etc., are meant.

[0014] At this point, it should be noted that, in the context of this patent application, the term "in particular" should always be understood as introducing an optional, preferred feature. The term should not be understood as "and indeed" or "namely."

[0015] The term "layer thickness" in this case describes that a single layer or combinations of such single layers have a constant layer thickness across their entire width, i.e. transverse to their longitudinal extension in the machine direction.

[0016] In contrast, the term "layer thickness profile" describes that an individual layer or combination of such individual layers has a profiled layer thickness or layer thickness profile across its entire width, i.e., transverse to its longitudinal extension in the machine direction. This is achieved in particular by a large number of adjustment elements per coextrusion channel, which are arranged next to one another across the channel width and can preferably be operated individually.

[0017] The present drive unit can be designed in a variety of ways, preferably with actuators for driving the adjustment devices, whereby the term "actuator" is to be understood as a drive device which, in the simplest case, can convert electrical signals into mechanical movements or cause changes in physical quantities, such as pressure, temperature or the like.

[0018] The drive unit can, for example, comprise individual drives, piezo actuators, linear cylinders, pneumatics, or the like. Furthermore, an alternative drive unit can also comprise a manipulator or an articulated-arm robot.

[0019] The term "controller unit" in the sense of the invention describes a device which is designed to control or regulate the operation of the system depending on data or data links of individual system components, whereby the data can be present in the system as electronic or digital data records or the like, whether online, calculated, read in and / or stored.

[0020] Furthermore, the term "coextrusion adapter" in the sense of the invention describes a device by means of which different material melts from different extruders are combined as a multi-layer material strand, which is then fed to a die section or an extrusion nozzle. Using the coextrusion adapter, an overall profile of profiled individual layers can be created, preferably in adapter areas where the individual material melts converge, by adjusting or modifying one or more melt channel profiles. After flowing through the die section or the extrusion nozzle and exiting an extrusion die gap of the die section, a multi-layer coextrusion composite with a desired overall and individual layer distribution is obtained. Such a coextrusion adapter is often also referred to as a "feedblock."

[0021] The term "central channel" in this case refers to a channel arranged within a coextrusion adapter for producing the middle layer of a multi-layer coextrusion composite.

[0022] In contrast, the term "coextrusion channel" refers to a secondary channel within the coextrusion adapter for producing a further layer of a multi-layer coextrusion composite, which is arranged next to the middle layer.

[0023] The term "adjustment elements" in the context of the invention describes any device by means of which channel cross-sections of material-carrying channels (central channel and / or coextrusion channels) of a coextrusion adapter can be manipulated. Typically, the adjustment elements are arranged within the coextrusion adapter and at least partially within a channel of the coextrusion adapter.

[0024] For example, such an adjustment element is designed as a slide element that can be inserted transversely into a material-carrying channel, to name just one possibility. Alternatively, such an adjustment element can be pivoted about a rotational axis within a material-carrying channel.

[0025] In particular, a large number of adjustment elements assigned to a channel make it possible to influence the channel cross-sections of a channel present on a coextrusion channel very individually, be it with regard to the width and / or the height of the respective channel, whereby profiled individual layers can also be produced.

[0026] In this respect, such adjustment elements are often also referred to as "profilers".

[0027] For example, several adjustment elements or profilers are arranged over the entire width of a channel in the coextrusion adapter, for example 3 to 10 or more such adjustment elements, whereby individually profiled individual layers can be produced on the coextrusion composite.

[0028] The term "adjustment device" in this context describes devices by means of which an adjustment element arranged in the coextrusion adapter can be actuated from outside the coextrusion adapter. Typically, such an adjustment device comprises an adjusting element rotatably mounted in a partially threaded bore, which has a receptacle for a tool at its external drive-side end. In addition, the adjustment device usually also includes a measuring pin with markings, which can be used to determine how far an adjustment element extends into a corresponding channel or which channel cross-section is ultimately set on the channel. Alternatively, the existing channel cross-section can also be measured based on the distance of an index pin from a reference plane or reference surface. If necessary, additional measuring tools or measuring devices are used.

[0029] The present object is achieved according to a second aspect of the invention by a plant for producing a coextruded multilayer film with at least one extruder device for providing material melts from thermoplastic materials, with a device comprising a coextrusion adapter and a nozzle part for coextruding a multilayer coextrusion composite from interconnected individual layers, wherein the coextrusion adapter has a central channel for producing a central layer of the coextrusion composite, at least one coextrusion channel for producing at least one further layer of the coextrusion composite that interacts with the central layer, a plurality of displaceable adjusting elements for adjusting layer thicknesses and / or layer thickness profiles on individual layers of the coextrusion composite and adjusting devices for actuating the adjusting elements, with a drive unit for driving the adjusting devices,with a measuring device for measuring layer thicknesses and / or layer thickness profiles on individual layers of the multi-layer coextrusion composite, and with a system control for controlling the system, wherein the system control comprises a controller unit which is designed to automatically adjust relative positions of adjustment elements depending on recipes for thermoplastic materials for individual layers of a coextruded multi-layer film read in and / or stored on the system.

[0030] The present system can also be operated very effectively if settings on the system can be made automatically using stored recipes for thermoplastic materials for individual layers of a coextruded multilayer film.

[0031] In particular, the controller unit can also be used to manipulate the extruder devices of the system depending on the available measurement data of the measuring device arranged downstream of the nozzle part and / or depending on the recipes.

[0032] The present object is achieved according to a third aspect of the invention by a plant for producing a coextruded multilayer film with at least one extruder device for providing material melts from thermoplastic materials, with a device comprising a coextrusion adapter and a nozzle part for coextruding a multilayer coextrusion composite from interconnected individual layers, wherein the coextrusion adapter has a central channel for producing a central layer of the coextrusion composite, at least one coextrusion channel for producing at least one further layer of the coextrusion composite that interacts with the central layer, a plurality of displaceable adjusting elements for adjusting layer thicknesses and / or layer thickness profiles on individual layers of the coextrusion composite and adjusting devices for actuating the adjusting elements, with a drive unit for driving the adjusting devices,with a measuring device for measuring layer thicknesses and / or layer thickness profiles on individual layers of the multi-layer coextrusion composite, and with a system control for controlling the system, wherein the system comprises an output unit which is configured to visualize relative positions of adjustment elements and / or extrusion channel cross-sections within the coextrusion adapter, in particular within an extrusion channel of the coextrusion adapter, and / or channel cross-sections within the coextrusion adapter, in particular to represent them using a graphic model.

[0033] The proposed visualization or graphic representation allows a system operator to visually grasp existing settings more quickly. In particular, errors or misalignments are detected more quickly, which means that the system as a whole can be operated more effectively.

[0034] In particular, designated settings or setting sequences can be simulated on a coextrusion adapter and cumulatively displayed visually to a system operator on the output unit.

[0035] The output unit can be implemented by a stationary or preferably mobile display device or the like.

[0036] At this point, it should also be mentioned that it is advantageous if the system comprises a controller unit which is designed so that the drive unit, in particular actuators thereof, and / or in particular adjustment devices and / or channel cross sections of channels of the coextrusion adapter and / or ultimately also individual layer thicknesses and / or individual layer thickness profiles of a coextrusion composite or a multilayer film can be automatically manipulated depending on one or more of the features explained here.

[0037] It is also expedient if the system has an input unit which is designed to program, in particular, layer thicknesses and / or layer thickness profiles, and / or combinations thereof.

[0038] For example, such an input unit can be a display device or a data interface.

[0039] A preferred embodiment, which is also advantageous independently of the other features of the invention, provides that the system comprises a storage device for storing data regarding recipes for thermoplastic materials for individual layers, wherein the storage device has a memory data interface to the system control system. This makes it possible to maintain any number of recipes on the system and ideally combine these with settings, particularly of adjustment elements of the coextrusion adapter.

[0040] In this respect, it is advantageous if the system has a storage device for storing data regarding relative positions of adjustment elements with respect to recipes for thermoplastic materials for respective individual layers.

[0041] In this context, it is advantageous if the system has a storage device for storing data regarding layer thickness settings depending on an associated coextrusion composite.

[0042] A further advantageous embodiment provides that the system control system has electrical data interfaces, in particular electronic or digital data interfaces, for communicating with the existing controller units and / or storage devices, in particular also with regard to operating data provided by other systems. This allows data already obtained from other manufacturing processes to be automatically used for the current system settings.

[0043] Furthermore, it is expedient if the system comprises a device according to one of the features disclosed here.

[0044] The object of the invention is achieved according to a fourth aspect by a device for coextruding a multi-layer coextrusion composite made of interconnected individual layers of thermoplastic materials, in particular a coextruded multi-layer film, with a coextrusion adapter which has a central channel for producing a central layer of the coextrusion composite, at least one coextrusion channel for producing at least one further layer of the coextrusion composite interacting with the central layer, a plurality of displaceable adjusting elements for adjusting layer thicknesses or layer thickness profiles on the individual layers of the coextrusion composite and adjusting devices for actuating the adjusting elements, and with a nozzle part through which the multi-layer coextrusion composite is discharged,wherein a measuring device for automatically measuring layer thicknesses or layer thickness profiles of the multi-layer coextrusion composite is arranged downstream of the nozzle part, and wherein the device is designed to automatically manipulate the plurality of displaceable adjustment elements by means of measurement data obtained from the measuring device.

[0045] By measuring layer thicknesses or layer thickness profiles on individual layers downstream of the die section, the achieved layer thicknesses or layer thickness profiles can be determined with particular precision. More precise measurement data obtained from this can be used to adjust the adjustment elements on the coextrusion adapter more quickly and precisely based on these measurement data. In particular, further calculation steps or the like for calculating shrinkage of the layer thicknesses or related profiles due to further cooling or the like can preferably be completely dispensed with, which not only leads to faster adjustment of the adjustment elements.

[0046] As a result, the device according to the invention can carry out a layer thickness change or profiling on the coextrusion adapter with significantly reduced effort.

[0047] The object of the invention is achieved according to a fifth aspect by a device for coextruding a multi-layer coextrusion composite made of interconnected individual layers of thermoplastic materials, in particular a coextruded multi-layer film, with a coextrusion adapter which has a central channel for producing a central layer of the coextrusion composite, at least one coextrusion channel for producing at least one further layer of the coextrusion composite interacting with the central layer, a plurality of displaceable adjusting elements for adjusting layer thicknesses or layer thickness profiles on the individual layers of the coextrusion composite and adjusting devices for actuating the adjusting elements, and with a nozzle part through which the multi-layer coextrusion composite is discharged,wherein the device comprises one or more actuators arranged at a distance from the coextrusion adapter for automatically driving the adjusting devices, wherein the actuators are permanently or only temporarily operatively connected to the adjusting devices.

[0048] If the device has one or more actuators arranged at a distance from the coextrusion adapter, by means of which the adjustment devices can be automatically driven, particularly depending on determined and / or stored data, the actuators are better protected from critical heat influences on the coextrusion device. On the other hand, a large number of actuators can be combined into a drive unit in a much more compact manner if they are arranged at a distance from the coextrusion adapter.

[0049] If the actuators are spaced apart but permanently connected to the adjustment devices, the actuators can interact with the adjustment devices without delay, for example in the sense of a permanent direct drive, possibly with the interposition of a gearbox or the like.

[0050] If, however, the actuators are only temporarily connected to the adjustment devices, they can easily be stored in a standby position at a greater distance from the adjustment devices when not in use, thus advantageously protecting them from permanent heat exposure. In this case, a single actuator can be moved closer to the adjustment devices as needed and one after the other, or several actuators can be temporarily connected to the adjustment devices.

[0051] The term "distance" describes a temporarily created gap between the adjustment devices or the coextrusion adapter and the actuators, in particular between a solid block of the coextrusion adapter provided with channels and the actuators.

[0052] It is advantageous if a distance of more than 50 mm, preferably more than 100 mm or more than 200 mm, exists between an actuator and the coextrusion adapter, whether permanent or temporary. This not only provides good heat protection for the actuators, but also opens up new design possibilities, particularly with regard to the coextrusion adapter or the drive unit. For example, force and / or torque-transmitting functional parts of the adjustment devices can be arranged structurally closer together on the coextrusion adapter, allowing the latter to be provided in a more compact manner.

[0053] In order to ensure that the coextrusion device does not have an overly large overall design despite the proposed spaced actuators, the distance described above is preferably less than 500 mm or less than 400 mm.

[0054] In this context, it is advantageous if adjustment devices arranged directly next to one another with a component spacing of less than 100 mm, preferably less than 70 mm and particularly preferably less than 50 mm, are arranged at a distance from one another on the coextrusion adapter.

[0055] In particular, it is advantageous if rigid rod elements of the adjusting devices are arranged on the coextrusion adapter at a distance of less than 100 mm, preferably less than 70 mm and particularly preferably less than 50 mm, from one another.

[0056] The component distance is defined as the orthogonal distance between two components or groups of components of immediately adjacent adjustment devices which are arranged within the coaxial adapter.

[0057] Furthermore, it is particularly expedient if a flexible bridging element, in particular a flexible heat bridging element, is arranged between an adjusting device and an actuator, in particular between an input-side drive element of an adjusting device and an output-side output element of an actuator.

[0058] Typically, the adjustment devices installed on a coextrusion adapter comprise rigid rod elements as input-side drive elements. It is also common practice in the state of the art to use rigid rod elements as output-side output elements of actuators.

[0059] In this case, the relevant drive and output elements are located on a common spatial axis or rotation axis, so that in known coextrusion adapters, distances between adjustment devices on the one hand and between actuators on the other hand are mutually dependent.

[0060] Often, output-side output elements and input-side drive elements are even designed as a single component.

[0061] By interposing flexible bridging elements, spatial arrangement constraints between adjustment devices and actuators are largely eliminated and further advantageous arrangement options are available.

[0062] This flexible bridging element can be considered a type of cardan joint and can be designed in various ways; for example, as a jointed part with one or more joints. Alternatively, the flexible bridging element can be designed as a flexible shaft with a flexible base body.

[0063] The term "heat bridging element" describes even more clearly that the possibility of spacing according to the invention also provides heat protection for the actuators.

[0064] It has proven advantageous if an input-side drive element of an adjusting device and an output-side output element of an actuator have different axes of rotation, wherein the axes of rotation are arranged offset from one another.

[0065] If the corresponding drive and output elements have different alignments, further advantageous design options open up for the implementation of a coextrusion adapter. For example, the drive and output elements can be arranged at an angle to each other with a common intersection point, or skewed to each other. It is also conceivable for them to be arranged parallel to each other.

[0066] In any case, the present flexible bridging element provides a particularly good bridging capability of a gap (distance) between an adjustment mechanism installed on the coextrusion adapter and an actuator interacting therewith, while simultaneously decoupling heat.

[0067] It is also advantageous if input-side drive elements of an adjustment device are arranged closer together than output-side output elements of an actuator, since this allows the coextrusion adapter in particular to be realized more compactly.

[0068] If several actuators are combined to form a drive unit, in particular an actuator package, the present coextrusion device and in particular also its coextrusion adapter can be constructed more compactly.

[0069] An alternative embodiment provides that at least one manipulator with one or more actuators is present, by means of which at least one actuator can be temporarily brought into operative contact with the adjusting devices of the coextrusion adapter or by means of which at least one actuator can be temporarily spaced apart from the adjusting devices of the coextrusion adapter.

[0070] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the present drive unit can be manipulated automatically depending on a measured layer thickness and / or a measured layer thickness profile, a calculated layer thickness and / or a calculated layer thickness profile, and / or a designated layer thickness and / or a designated layer thickness profile. This makes it particularly advantageous to adjust cross-sections of material melt channels arranged in the coextrusion adapter.

[0071] Cumulatively or alternatively, it is advantageous if the drive unit can be manipulated automatically depending on a predicted layer thickness and / or a predicted layer thickness profile.

[0072] Furthermore, it should be noted that, for the purposes of the invention, the terms "control" and "regulation," and thus also "control" and "regulate," are used synonymously, unless expressly stated otherwise. In this respect, the system control device also refers to a system control device.

[0073] According to a sixth aspect, the object of the invention is also achieved by a method for coextruding a multi-layer coextrusion composite for a multilayer film consisting of several individual layers, in which layer thicknesses and / or layer thickness profiles of individual layers of the multilayer film are measured after exiting a die section of a coextrusion device and corresponding measurement data are generated, and in which, depending on these measurement data, layer thicknesses and / or layer thickness profiles of the multi-layer coextrusion composite are corrected upstream of the die section, in particular corrected inline. Thickness measurements downstream of the die section provide significantly more precise measurement data about the actual layer thicknesses or layer thickness profiles of the end product. In this respect, the coextrusion device can be adjusted more quickly and precisely using this measurement data. This allows the method to be carried out more effectively.

[0074] According to a seventh aspect, the object of the invention is also achieved by a method for coextruding a multi-layer coextrusion composite for a multilayer film consisting of several individual layers, in which layer thicknesses and / or layer thickness profiles of individual layers of the multilayer film are measured after exiting a die section of a coextrusion device, and corresponding measurement data are generated, and in which, depending on these measurement data, adjustment elements for adjusting coextrusion channels of the coextrusion device are manipulated, in particular manipulated inline. Thickness measurements behind the die section provide significantly more precise measurement data about the actual layer thicknesses or layer thickness profiles of the final product. In this respect, the adjustment elements of the coextrusion device can be adjusted more quickly and precisely using these measurement data. This allows the method to be carried out more effectively.

[0075] The object of the invention is also achieved according to an eighth aspect by a method for coextruding a multilayer coextrusion composite for a multilayer film consisting of several individual layers, in which layer thicknesses and / or layer thickness profiles on the multilayer coextrusion composite are manipulated by means of adjustment elements for adjusting coextrusion channels of the coextrusion device, wherein relative positions of adjustment elements within the coextrusion channels are manipulated depending on recipes for thermoplastic materials for individual layers stored in a system control system. This also allows the method to be carried out more effectively.

[0076] According to a ninth aspect, the object of the invention is also achieved by a method for coextruding a multilayer coextrusion composite for a multilayer film consisting of several individual layers, in which layer thicknesses and / or layer thickness profiles on the multilayer coextrusion composite are manipulated by means of adjustment elements for adjusting coextrusion channels of the coextrusion device, and in which relative positions of adjustment elements within the coextrusion channels, in particular absolute gaps of extrusion channel cross-sections, are optically displayed on an optical output unit, in particular by means of a graphic model of the coextrusion device. This allows settings to be grasped intuitively and thus more quickly by operating personnel, so that the method can be carried out more effectively.

[0077] According to a tenth aspect, the object of the invention is also achieved by a method for coextruding a multilayer coextrusion composite for a multilayer film consisting of several individual layers, in which layer thicknesses and / or layer thickness profiles on the multilayer coextrusion composite are manipulated by means of adjustment elements for adjusting coextrusion channels of the coextrusion device, and in which simulations of relative positions of adjustment elements within the coextrusion channels are visually displayed on an optical output unit, in particular by means of a graphic model of the coextrusion device. This allows settings to be grasped intuitively and thus more quickly by operating personnel, so that the method can be carried out more effectively.

[0078] According to an eleventh aspect, the object of the invention is also achieved by a method for operating a plant for producing a coextruded multilayer film, in particular the present plant according to one of the features described here, and / or a device for coextruding a multilayer coextrusion composite, in particular the present device according to one of the features described here, using one of the methods explained above. This allows the corresponding plant or device to be operated more effectively.

[0079] A particularly advantageous further process variant is one in which, by means of automatic data analysis, settings for optimizing a coextrusion process and / or a process for operating the system are automatically made and / or automatically suggested for selection. In particular, settings for the existing adjustment elements, actuator settings, extruder settings, or the like can be made automatically or suggested to a system operator, thereby enabling the production of coextruded multilayer films to be realized even more efficiently.

[0080] At this point, it should also be claimed that the described methods can also be supplemented by further technical features described here, in particular by features of a system and / or a device, in order to advantageously further develop the methods or to be able to represent or formulate method specifications even more precisely.

[0081] In addition, it is also advantageous if the system is characterized by digital single-layer adjustment options with absolute gap measurement and / or digital data acquisition and / or digital data collection and / or digital evaluation.

[0082] The present invention can advantageously reduce the workload of plant operators. Typically, a plant operator must have considerable experience and extensive basic knowledge to be able to make the necessary adjustments to ensure that a coextrusion plant, especially a coextrusion adapter, can be set up sufficiently accurately.

[0083] It is understood that features of the solutions described above or in the claims may also be combined if necessary in order to be able to implement the advantages and effects that can be achieved in this case in a cumulative manner.

[0084] Further features, effects and advantages of the present invention are explained with reference to the attached drawing and the following description, in which a plant for producing a coextruded multilayer film and plant components thereof are shown and described by way of example.

[0085] Components which are at least substantially identical in terms of their function in the individual figures can be identified by the same reference numerals, although the components do not have to be numbered and explained in all figures.

[0086] The drawing shows: Figure 1 schematically shows a reduced partial view of a system for producing a coextruded multilayer film with a coextrusion device comprising essentially a coextrusion adapter and a nozzle part, with a measuring device arranged behind the nozzle part, with a drive unit for the coextrusion adapter, with a system control comprising an output unit and with a controller unit; Figure 2 schematically shows a further partial view of the Figure 1 shown system; Figure 3 schematically shows a sectional view through a system formed by the Figures 1 and 2coextruded multilayer film produced in the system shown with a central layer and three further layers extruded onto it; Figure 4 schematically shows a sectional view of the coextrusion adapter of the Figures 1 and 2 shown system; Figure 5 schematically shows a perspective partial view of the Figure 4 shown coextrusion adapter with the partially shown drive unit flanged to it; and

[0087] The particularly in the Figures 1 and 2 The system 1 shown as a first possible embodiment is designed to produce a coextruded multilayer film 2, which consists of a multilayer coextrusion composite 3 (cf. for example Figure 4 ) is generated.

[0088] While the exemplary ones in the Figures 1 and 3 The coextruded multilayer film 2 shown consists of an extruded central layer 5 and three further coextruded layers 6, Figure 4The multi-layer coextrusion composite 3, also shown only as an example, has an extruded central layer 5 with a total of four further coextruded layers 6.

[0089] The system 1 has a machine direction 7 in which the multilayer coextrusion composite 3 or the coextruded multilayer film 2 is conveyed along a processing section 8 through the system 1.

[0090] According to the representations after the Figures 1 and 2In particular, a coextrusion device 10 for coextruding the multi-layer coextrusion composite 3 with a frame 11 on which a coextrusion adapter 12 with its block base body 13 is arranged, a drive unit 15, a system control 17, which in particular has a controller unit 18, a storage unit 19, an output unit 20 and a digital network connection 21, which has a plurality of digital interfaces 22, 23 (shown and numbered only as examples) for a data connection of all data processing-relevant system components (not numbered again), and a measuring device 24 are shown, the latter being equipped with an infrared apparatus 25 in this exemplary embodiment.

[0091] Especially in the presentation after the Figure 4The coextrusion device 10 is shown more clearly with the coextrusion adapter 12, to which a channel package part 30 with a distributor plate 31 attached to it is fixed at the head end for flanging extruder devices (not shown here) to produce different material melts 32 (numbered only as an example). Attached to the foot end of the coextrusion adapter 12 is a nozzle part 33, which is flanged to the coextrusion adapter 12 by means of a nozzle connection flange 34 for supporting the nozzle part 33. The nozzle part 33 is designed as a slot die 35.

[0092] In any case, the measuring device 24 already mentioned above is arranged in particular behind the slot die or the die part 33, i.e. downstream of this die part 33, as seen in the machine direction.

[0093] The coextrusion adapter 12 shown here as an example has a central channel 40 for producing the central layer 5 of the multi-layer coextrusion composite 3 and a total of four further coextrusion channels 42 (numbered only as an example) for producing four further layers 6 of the coextrusion composite 3, namely two further layers 6 located further inside, which interact directly with the central layer 5, and two further layers 6 located further outside, which interact or are connected indirectly with the central layer 5 via the further layers 6 located further inside.

[0094] Furthermore, the coextrusion adapter 12 has a plurality of adjustment elements 47 (numbered only as an example), by means of which not only different layer thicknesses 50 (see Figure 3), but also across the width of the multi-layer coextrusion composite 3, different layer thickness profiles (not shown) can be individually adjusted. Since such adjustment elements 47 are already known from the prior art, they will not be described in more detail here. In any case, several such adjustment elements 47 are arranged next to one another per channel 40 or 42 in the width direction 52 of the coextrusion adapter 12, so that in particular in this exemplary embodiment with regard to the four further coextrusion channels 42, not only their channel cross-sections (not separately numbered) and thus also their overall layer thicknesses 50 can be individually manipulated, but in addition channel cross-section profiles (not shown) and thus also layer thickness profiles can be individually adjusted.

[0095] To actuate the adjustment elements 47 located deep within the coextrusion adapter 12, the coextrusion adapter 12 also has a corresponding number of adjustment devices 53, which, with their input-side drive elements 55, extend beyond the outer side 56 of the coextrusion adapter 12 or are at least accessible from the outside, so that the drive unit 15 can drive the adjustment devices 53, whereby the adjustment elements 47 can ultimately also be actuated by the drive unit 15. The adjustment devices 53 also have index pin elements 57, by means of which the relative positions (not numbered) of the adjustment elements 47 arranged in the coextrusion adapter 12 can be determined and checked.For this purpose, the index pin elements 57 and the input-side drive elements 55 assigned to them are firmly connected to one another, so that each movement of an input-side drive element 55 is synchronized with the movement of the associated index pin element 57.

[0096] Here, the respective relative position of an adjustment element 47 is determined by means of an index dimension X 1 , X 2 , or X 3 shown as an example. Such an index dimension Xi, X 2 , or X 3 can be measured, for example, with respect to a reference surface (not separately numbered), such as the outer side 56 of the coextrusion adapter 12. Alternatively, such a measurement can also be performed using an eddy current sensor, an inductive, capacitive, or optical distance or displacement sensor, a measuring probe, or the like.

[0097] According to the presentation after the Figure 5The coextrusion adapter 12 and the drive unit 15 are shown at least partially without a housing, and it is clearly visible that a plurality of actuators 58 (numbered only as an example) are, on the one hand, grouped very close together to form an actuator package 59, and, on the other hand, are arranged at a distance 62 from the coextrusion adapter 13 or its block base body 13 by means of a heat shield device 60. Thus, the individual actuators 58 are better protected from heat emanating from the coextrusion adapter 13 not only by the gap 63 caused by the distance 62, but also by a heat shield 64 of the heat shield device 60, wherein, within the meaning of the invention, a simple metal sheet is considered to be a heat shield 64.

[0098] In order to be able to bridge the gap 63 between the actuators 58 or in particular their output-side output elements 65 and the input-side drive elements 55 of the adjusting devices 53 in terms of drive technology, a bridging element 66 in the form of a flexible cardan shaft 67 is arranged between each output-side output element 65 of an actuator 58 and each input-side drive element 55 of an associated adjusting device 53.

[0099] In this respect, by means of such a flexibly designed bridging element 66, an offset between an output-side output element 65 of an actuator 58 and an associated input-side drive element 55 of an adjusting device 53 can also be compensated.

[0100] In this respect, the output-side output elements 65 and an associated input-side drive element 55 can have different or offset axes of rotation (not numbered) to one another, whereby it is particularly possible to arrange the input-side drive elements 55 closer together than can be the case with the output-side output elements 65 of the actuators 58 due to the dimensions of the actuators 58.

[0101] For an alternative embodiment (not shown) of a different coextrusion adapter 12 in combination with a different drive unit 15 for the system 1 for producing a coextruded multilayer film 2 or for its device 10 for coextruding a multilayer coextrusion composite 3, only the differences to the one shown in the Figures 1 to 5described in the first embodiment shown to avoid repetition. While the other coextrusion adapter 12 according to the alternative embodiment is essentially identical in construction to the coextrusion adapter 12 of the first embodiment, the other drive unit 15 of the alternative embodiment differs by a manipulator 70, on which a single actuator 58 is arranged.

[0102] By means of the manipulator 70, each individual actuator 58 can be moved spatially in such a way that each adjustment device 53 on the same side of the coextrusion adapter 12 can be approached individually one after the other.

[0103] For this purpose, the output-side output element 65 of the actuator 58 is brought into operative contact with the input-side drive element 55, so that the respective adjusting device 53 is driven, and thereby the associated adjusting element 47 can be manipulated accordingly with regard to its relative position on or in the respective extrusion channel 5, 6.

[0104] In this case, the respective associated index pin element 57 is also displaced accordingly. A sensor device 71 additionally arranged on the actuator 58 can determine the respective index dimension Xi, X 2 , or X 3 , which can be used to determine the relative position of the respective adjustment element 47. In this alternative embodiment, the sensor device 71 has a laser displacement sensor. However, confocal displacement measurements using optical sensors or laser sensors for 2D and / or 3D measurements are also possible. List of reference symbols used

[0105] 1System 2Co-extruded multi-layer film 3Multi-layer co-extrusion composite 5Extruded central layer 6Further co-extruded layers 7Machine direction 8Processing section 10Co-extrusion device 11Frame 12Co-extrusion adapter 13Block base body 15Drive unit 17System control 18Controller unit 19Storage unit 20Output unit 21Network connection 22Digital interface of the drive unit 23Digital interface of the measuring device 24Measuring device 25Infrared apparatus 30Channel package part 31Distribution plate 32Material melts 33Die part 34Die connection flange 35Wide-slot die 40Central channel 42Further co-extrusion channels 47Adjustment elements 50Layer thicknesses 52Width direction 53Adjustment devices 55Input-side drive elements 56Exterior 57Index pin elements 58Actuators 59Actuator package 60Heat shield device 62Distance 63Gap 64Heat shield 65Output-side drive elements 66Bridging element 67Flexible cardan shaft 70Manipulator 71Sensor device X 1 first index measure X 2 second index measure X 3 third index measure

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for coextruding a multi-layered coextrusion composite (3) made of interconnected individual layers (5, 6) made of thermoplastic materials, in particular a coextruded multi-layer film (2), having a coextrusion adapter (12) which has a central channel (40) for generating a central layer (5) of the coextrusion composite (3), at least one coextrusion channel (42) for generating at least one further layer (6) of the coextrusion composite (3) interacting with the central layer (5), a plurality of displaceable setting elements (47) for setting layer thicknesses (50) or layer thickness profiles on the individual layers (5, 6) of the coextrusion composite (3) and adjusting devices (53) for actuating the setting elements (47), and having a nozzle part (33) through which the multi-layered coextrusion composite (3) is discharged, wherein a measuring device (24) for automatically measuring layer thicknesses (50) or layer thickness profiles of the multi-layered coextrusion composite (3) is arranged downstream of the nozzle part (33), wherein the apparatus (10) is set up to manipulate the plurality of displaceable setting elements (47) automatically by means of measurement data obtained from the measuring device (24), characterized in that an inlet-side drive element (55) of an adjusting device (53) and an outlet-side output element (65) of an actuator (58) have different axes of rotation, wherein the axes of rotation are arranged offset from one another.

2. The apparatus (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that there is a distance (62) of more than 50 mm, preferably of more than 100 mm or more than 200 mm, between an actuator (58) and the coextrusion adapter (12).

3. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a flexible bridging element (66), in particular a flexible heat bridging element, is arranged between an adjusting device (53) and an actuator (58), in particular between an inlet-side drive element (55) of an adjusting device (53) and an outlet-side output element (65) of an actuator (58).

4. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that multiple actuators (58) are combined to form a drive unit (15), in particular an actuator package (59).

5. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one manipulator having one or more actuators (58), by means of which at least one actuator (58) can be brought temporarily into operative contact with the adjusting devices (53) of the coextrusion adapter (12) or by means of which at least one actuator (58) can be temporarily spaced apart from the adjusting devices (53) of the coextrusion adapter (12).

6. A plant (1) having an apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims for producing a coextruded multi-layer film (2) having at least one extruder device for providing material melts (32) made of thermoplastic materials, having a device (10) comprising a coextrusion adapter (12) and a nozzle part (33) for coextruding a multi-layered coextrusion composite (3) made of interconnected individual layers (5, 6), wherein the coextrusion adapter (12) has a central channel (40) for generating a central layer (5) of the coextrusion composite (3), at least one coextrusion channel (42) for generating at least one further layer (6) of the coextrusion composite (3) interacting with the central layer (5), a plurality of displaceable setting elements (47) for setting layer thicknesses (50) and / or layer thickness profiles on individual layers (5, 6) of the coextrusion composite (3), as well as adjusting devices (53) for actuating the setting elements (47), having a drive unit (15) for driving the adjusting devices (53), having a measuring device (24) for measuring layer thicknesses (50) and / or layer thickness profiles on individual layers (5, 6) of the multi-layered coextrusion composite (3), wherein the measuring device (24) is set up to measure the layer thicknesses (50) and / or the layer thickness profiles downstream of the nozzle part (33), and having a plant controller (17) for controlling the plant (1), wherein the plant controller (17) comprises a controller unit (18) which is set up so that relative positions of setting elements (47) can be manipulated automatically, preferably iteratively, by means of the drive unit (15) as a function of layer thicknesses (50) and / or layer thickness profiles measured on the coextruded multi-layer film (2) already leaving the nozzle part (33), wherein an inlet-side drive element (55) of an adjusting device (53) and an outlet-side output element (65) of an actuator (58) have different axes of rotation, wherein the axes of rotation are arranged offset from one another.

7. The plant (1) according to Claim 6, wherein the plant (1) has an input unit which is set up to program in particular layer thicknesses (50) and / or layer thickness profiles, and / or combinations thereof.

8. The plant (1) according to any one of Claims 6 or 7, wherein the plant controller (17) has electrical data interfaces (22, 23), in particular electronic or, respectively digital data interfaces (22, 23), for communicating with the present controller units (18) and / or storage devices (19), in particular also in relation to provided operating data of other plants (1).

9. The plant (1) according to any one of Claims 6 to 8, wherein the plant (1) comprises an apparatus (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 5.

10. A method for operating a plant according to any one of Claims 6 to 9, and / or a plant having an apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, for producing a coextruded multi-layer film (2) consisting of multiple individual layers (5, 6), in which layer thicknesses (50) and / or layer thickness profiles of individual layers (5, 6) of the multi-layer film (2) are measured after they emerge from a nozzle part (33) of a coextrusion device (10) and measurement data are correspondingly generated in the process, and in which layer thicknesses (50) and / or layer thickness profiles of the multi-layered coextrusion composite (3) are corrected in front of the nozzle part (33), in particular corrected inline, as a function of said measurement data.

11. The method according to Claim 10, wherein by means of automatic data analysis settings for optimizing a method for coextruding and / or a method for preparing the plant (1) are automatically performed and / or automatically suggested for selection.