Method for controlling operation of apparatus for manufacturing particle foam part

Abstract

To provide a method for controlling an operation of an apparatus for manufacturing a particle foam part.SOLUTION: A method includes: a step of selecting a control parameter set from a data storage unit (6) in which a plurality of control parameter sets are stored according to at least one selection criterion, each of the plurality of control parameter sets including at least one control parameter for controlling, with respect to at least one target value, an operation of at least one functional unit of an apparatus (1) having at least one functional unit which is controllable during the operation with respect to at least one target value; and a step of adapting at least one selected control parameter set to control the operation of the functional unit of the apparatus (1) that, in particular, is influenced by a corresponding control parameter set to control the operation of the apparatus (1).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The invention relates to a method for controlling the operation of an apparatus for manufacturing at least one particle foam part, the apparatus comprising at least one functional unit which is controllable during operation with respect to at least one setpoint value. [Background technology]

[0002] Methods and devices for producing particle foam parts by processing expandable or expanded plastic particles consisting of an expandable or expanded plastic particle material are basically known from the prior art in a number of different embodiments.

[0003] Up to now, the control of operations relating to typical devices has essentially been based on a standardized control parameter set, which contains at least one predefined control parameter for controlling the operation of at least one functional unit of a corresponding device, such as a pressure control device or an actuator assigned to such a device, with respect to at least one setpoint value, which is determined independently of the concrete plant or process engineering configuration, i.e., independently of the size of the mold for the corresponding device, independently of specific process parameters such as pressure, temperature, etc., and which is then used to control the operation of the corresponding device.

[0004] Although a standardized preferred control parameter set is typically selected for use with a variety of molds and process steps, control of the operation of a typical machine is periodically performed using control parameters that can be improved upon based on the standardized preferred control parameter set, for example to take into account various mold sizes, process parameters, etc., since, for example, the control process is performed with a substantial delay.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to identify a comparatively improved method for the operation control of an apparatus for manufacturing particle foam parts. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims, namely in particular by a method according to independent claim 1. The dependent claims relate to possible embodiments of the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0007] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling the operation of an apparatus for producing a particle foam part, the apparatus being equipped with at least one functional unit that is controllable with respect to at least one setpoint during operation. The method is therefore a control method allowing the control of the operation of at least one functional unit of an apparatus for producing a particle foam part that is controllable with respect to at least one setpoint during operation.

[0008] The apparatus, which is controllable or controlled according to the method, is configured to process expandable or expanded plastic particles ("plastic particles") of at least one expandable or expanded plastic particle material ("plastic particle material"), such as, for example, expandable and / or expanded polypropylene (PP or EPP), expandable and / or expanded polyamide (PA or EPA), expandable and / or expanded polystyrene (PS or EPS), and expandable and / or expanded thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), for producing a particle foam part. Such an apparatus can in particular be implemented to perform one or more work processes for processing plastic particles of at least one plastic particle material for producing a particle foam part. For performing a particular work process, the apparatus comprises one or more functional units which are controllable with respect to at least one setpoint value during operation.

[0009] A specific example of a functional unit of the device which is controllable with respect to at least one setpoint during operation is an actuation device which comprises at least one actuator element which is transferable to a first state, in particular to a first orientation and / or position, and which is transferable to at least one further state, in particular to at least one further orientation and / or position. The associated actuation device can constitute a pressure limiting device or a valve device or a component of such a device.

[0010] The term "work process" basically includes any process which can be carried out using the device, which directly or indirectly relates to the processing of plastic particles consisting of at least one plastic particle material for producing a particle foam part. As indicated below, work processes are in particular processing steps in which a (real) processing of plastic particles, in particular a bonding of plastic particles, is carried out to form a particle foam part to be produced, or a providing process in which a large amount of plastic particles is provided, in particular a large amount of plastic particles to be processed in a processing step, or a conveying process in which a large amount of plastic particles, in particular a large amount of plastic particles to be processed in a processing step, is conveyed along a conveying line, or a filling process in which a large amount of plastic particles, in particular a large amount of plastic particles to be processed in a processing step, is poured into a moulding cavity of a mould.

[0011] As part of the treatment step, at least one working or process medium can be applied or used, which can be, inter alia, a liquid, vapor or gas energy carrier medium, i.e., for example, a fluid, in particular water, vapor, in particular superheated vapor, or gas, etc., which absorbs or releases energy, in particular thermal energy, kinetic energy, in the course of the operation of the device.

[0012] In all embodiments of the method, control is essentially to be understood as the execution of a control loop in which target value information (reference variables) describing target values ​​are compared with actual value information (control variables) describing actual values, and from the comparison of the actual values ​​described by the respective actual value information with the target values ​​described by the respective target value information, difference information describing the difference between a particular actual value and a particular target value is determined, from which difference information manipulated variable information is further determined describing the manipulated variables, and this manipulated variable information minimizes the difference between the actual value and a particular target value described by the difference information.

[0013] Controlling the operation of the device here has the aim of influencing operating parameters or control variables of the device to be controlled or being controlled, i.e. for example plant engineering parameters or process engineering parameters, so that one or more target values ​​are observed and / or one or more target values ​​are possible even under the influence of disturbances or disturbance variables.

[0014] Examples of such operating parameters or such control variables are for example the internal pressure of a process chamber, through which a process fluid can flow and / or which can be filled with a process fluid and / or the internal pressure of a process chamber, through which plastic particles can flow and / or which can be filled with plastic particles. Of course, other plant or process engineering parameters can also be used as operating parameters or control variables.

[0015] The control of the operation of such an apparatus according to the method is typically performed by a controller implemented in hardware and / or software. A suitable controller is therefore configured to control the operation of such an apparatus. A suitable controller may perform the control based on one or more control parameters and may therefore have one or more control parameters. An example of a controller is a PID controller (PID controller) having a P component, a D component, an I component, or having a P parameter, a D parameter, an I parameter as control parameters.

[0016] Each step of the method is described in detail below.

[0017] In a first step of the method, a selection of a control parameter set from a data storage unit is performed according to at least one selection criterion, said control parameter set comprising at least one control parameter for controlling the operation of at least one functional unit of the apparatus with respect to at least one target value, a plurality of control parameter sets being stored or stored in the data storage unit, each of said plurality of control parameter sets comprising at least one control parameter for controlling the operation of at least one functional unit of the apparatus with respect to at least one target value. In a first step of the method, a selection of at least a particular control parameter set is performed from a plurality of control parameter sets stored or stored in the data storage unit using at least one selection criterion, each of said plurality of control parameter sets comprising at least one control parameter for controlling the operation of at least one functional unit of the apparatus with respect to at least one target value.

[0018] According to the method, a plurality of control parameter sets are thus provided from a suitable data storage unit, and from the control parameter sets stored or stored in the data storage unit, at least a certain control parameter set can be selected according to one or more selection criteria. The control parameter sets stored or stored in the data storage unit and thereby provided from the data storage unit usually each include a predetermined number of predetermined control parameters, thus defining a certain control response for at least one variable to be controlled. In particular, each of the control parameter sets stored or stored in the data storage unit includes at least three control parameters, which can be, for example, a P component, a D component, and an I component, or a P parameter, a D parameter, and an I parameter.

[0019] It is possible to select at least one dedicated set of control parameters for each work process of the device, but it is also conceivable to select at least one set of control parameters for several work processes of the device.

[0020] The selection of the at least one preferred control parameter set is therefore usually performed prior to executing a particular work process of the corresponding apparatus, in particular, the selection of the at least one preferred control parameter set can be performed during the setup of the corresponding apparatus.

[0021] In a second step of the method, the operation of the device 1 is controlled by adapting the at least one control parameter set selected, in particular the operation of the functional units of the device which are influenced by the corresponding control parameter set. In the second step of the method, therefore, the operation of the device 1 is controlled by adapting the at least one control parameter set selected in the first step, in particular the operation of the functional units of the device which are influenced by the corresponding control parameter set, so that said at least one selected control parameter set can be taken as a basis for controlling the operation of the functional units of the device which are influenced by the corresponding control parameter set. This can be performed, for example, in such a way that the at least one selected control parameter set is processed by a control device for controlling the operation of each functional unit of the device in order to control the operation of the functional units of the device which are influenced by the corresponding control parameter set.

[0022] The method is therefore characterized in that the control parameter set or control parameters are intentionally selectable for at least one plant or process engineering configuration, i.e. for example for a specific mould size, specific process parameters etc. and in that at least a predefined control parameter set is selected from the data storage unit on the basis of a selection criterion usually defined for at least one plant or process engineering configuration and this is taken as a basis for the operation of the (one or more) functional units of the device 1 which are influenced by the corresponding control parameter set. According to the method, by the intentional selection of a specific control parameter set, an individual or tailor-made control response can be realized for a specific plant or process engineering configuration. The response behaviour, i.e. how the control device behaves in particular in relation to a specific control task of the device which is or is to be controlled according to the method or of a specific control task of a functional unit of such a device, can be significantly improved by the intentional selection of at least one control parameter set suitable for a specific plant or process engineering configuration and by the corresponding adaptation of the selected control parameter set, so that an overall improved method for controlling the operation of a device for producing particulate foam parts is now present.

[0023] According to the method, at least one selection criterion can be provided or formulated before the selection of the control parameter set. For example, selection criteria can be used here, i.e., in particular can be provided or formulated, for parameters of the apparatus and / or for parameters of the manufacturing process to be carried out with the apparatus and / or for parameters of the plastic particle material to be processed with the apparatus. The selection of the at least one control parameter set in the first step can thus be carried out, for example, taking into account the parameters of the apparatus and / or the parameters of the manufacturing process to be carried out with the apparatus and / or the parameters of the plastic particle material to be processed with the apparatus. This allows the control of the operation of the apparatus, i.e., in particular the operation of one or more specific functional units of the apparatus that are influenced by the corresponding control parameter set, which control is realized in an adapted manner with respect to a specific plant engineering or process engineering configuration.

[0024] For example, the mass and / or inertia of the device or the mass and / or inertia of a mould associated with the device can be used as a parameter of the device. Thus, the selection of the predetermined control parameter set can be made based on the mass and / or inertia of the device or the mould associated with the device. Alternatively or additionally, for example, the thermal properties, in particular the heat capacity, of the device or the mould associated with the device can be used as a parameter of the device. Thus, the selection of the predetermined control parameter set can be made based on the thermal properties, in particular the heat capacity, of the device or the mould associated with the device. Alternatively or additionally, for example, the volume of the process chamber of the device can be used as a parameter of the device. Thus, the selection of the predetermined control parameter set can be made based on the volume of the process chamber of the device. Alternatively or additionally, the geometry of the process chamber of the device (which is adapted in particular in terms of the inflow and / or throughflow and / or outflow properties into, through or out of the process chamber of the device) can also be used as a parameter of the device. Thus, the selection of the predetermined control parameter set can be made based on the geometry of the process chamber of the device. The process chamber of the apparatus in all embodiments may be, for example, a molding cavity of a mold associated with the apparatus, a process fluid supply device, such as a steam chamber, associated with the corresponding mold and capable of introducing a process fluid into the molding cavity of the mold, or a plastic particle introduction device and / or a plastic particle line and / or a process fluid line associated with the apparatus, and in particular associated with the mold of the apparatus.

[0025] At least one chemical and / or physical process parameter, inter alia the process temperature, the process pressure, the process humidity, the process atmosphere and / or the number of cycles, can be used as a parameter of the manufacturing process to be carried out with the device. Thus, the selection of the predetermined set of control parameters can be performed based on the at least one chemical and / or physical process parameter and / or the number of cycles.

[0026] At least one chemical and / or physical material parameter, in particular the chemical composition, the size and / or shape of the particles, the density, the temperature, the moisture content, the flow properties, in particular the flow properties in a conveying or transport stream, can be used as parameters of the plastic particles to be processed with the device. Thus, the selection of the predetermined control parameter set can be made based on the at least one chemical and / or physical material meter.

[0027] According to the method, before at least one control parameter set is selected, and possibly before at least one selection criterion is provided, a data storage unit can be provided, in which a plurality of control parameter sets are saved or stored, each of the plurality of control parameter sets including at least one control parameter for controlling the operation of at least one functional unit of the apparatus with respect to at least one target value.

[0028] The method may also include modifying or adapting at least one control parameter set stored or saved in the data storage unit. According to the method, the at least one control parameter set stored or saved in the data storage unit can be modified or adapted and / or the modified or adapted control parameter set can be saved or stored in the data storage unit. Thus, for example, a suitable modification or adaptation can be made based on or taking into account measured values ​​or sensor values ​​of certain process parameters, wear indications of certain functional units, etc. Suitable measured values ​​or sensor values ​​can be obtained from the operation of the apparatus to be controlled according to the method or from another apparatus for manufacturing particle foam parts, in particular a particle foam part manufacturing apparatus configured identically or similarly to the apparatus to be controlled according to the method. It is also conceivable that suitable measured values ​​or sensor values ​​can be obtained from at least one local or global database unit, possibly also using external data, to modify or adapt the at least one control parameter set stored or saved in the data storage unit. Thus, there are no limitations regarding the realization of individual or tailored control responses for several plant engineering or process engineering configurations.

[0029] According to the method, at least one control parameter set can be saved or stored and selected or adapted accordingly, which set relates to operating parameters as control parameters for at least one functional unit of the device and / or to process parameters as control parameters (hereinafter first control parameter set) for at least one work process to be carried out with the device. Depending on the concrete implementation of the functional units of the device to be controlled during operation, suitable operating parameters can be, for example, forces or forces which can be generated by the functional units or the resulting movements of the functional units. Thus, for example, the generation of forces and / or forces or the movements of the functional units of the device can be specifically controlled on the basis of the first control parameter set. Thus, at least one movement parameter or movement function or, for example, a ramp-like growing characteristic curve of a movably mounted functional unit or a functional part of such a unit and / or a drive parameter or, for example, a ramp-like growing drive function, in particular an actual position parameter, of the functional unit or of a drive device of such a unit can be used as the operating parameter of the at least one functional unit of the device. The suitable drive parameters or suitable drive functions may also involve a predefined power or power consumption for the controllable functional units during operation. In this connection, for example a drive or output of a drive or output device, for example a screw conveyor, a delivery pump, etc., which can be controlled by a corresponding first control parameter set, in which an initial ramp between two power levels, for example between two speeds, is performed.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, according to the method at least one control parameter set for high-level target value settings (hereinafter second control parameter set) can be saved or stored in the data storage unit and selected and adapted accordingly, such control parameter set thus not serving to control the actual operation of the functional units of the device, but rather the high-level target value settings obtained as a basis for actually controlling the operation of the functional units of the device.

[0031] Thus, an example of a pressure control in a molding cavity of a mold of the device of the present invention is such that, in the case of a pressure difference between the actual value and the target value, a high-level target value setting is defined for a pressure limiting device as an example of a functional unit of the device, in particular using a second control parameter set based only on software, and the actual control of the operation of the pressure limiting device, i.e. for example the operation of a movably attached pressure limiting part of the pressure limiting device, can be performed using the first control parameter set. In relation to the above example of a functional unit of the device in the form of a drive or delivery device that is controllable during operation, the motion states in which the control is performed from the actual value to the target value can be defined at a high level, for example using the corresponding second control parameter set, and the actual control of the drive or delivery device can be defined at a high level, for example by the corresponding second control parameter set, and the actual operation of the drive or delivery device can be controlled using the corresponding first control parameter set on the basis of the dynamic state set using the initial second control parameter set.

[0032] In principle, the method can therefore include the setting of at least one item of setpoint information which influences the operational control of at least one functional unit of the apparatus that is controllable during operation and describes at least one setpoint, in particular in the form of, for example, a pressure-dependent, temperature-dependent or time-dependent setpoint function or curve, and adaptation of the setpoint information for operating or controlling the operation of the functional unit of the apparatus that is affected by this particular setpoint information. For some work processes, for example where speed is important, such as, for example, the rapid filling of a moulding cavity of a mould of the apparatus with plastic particles and / or process fluid, a temporary bypass of the control is possible. This can be carried out in particular for repetitive work processes, such as, for example, suitable filling processes.

[0033] The relevant items of setpoint information can, for example, be determined based on information determined by a measurement process of the setpoint described by the particular setpoint information, and / or can be determined based on information determined by a calculation process and / or simulation process of the setpoint described by the particular setpoint information, and / or can be determined based on information obtained from an external database. Suitable calculation and / or simulation processes can be performed based on plant engineering parameters or process engineering parameters.

[0034] As mentioned above, an actuation device can be used which comprises at least one actuator element which can be transferred to a first state, in particular a first orientation and / or position, and which can be transferred to at least one other state, in particular at least one other orientation and / or position. Such an actuation device can for example be or form part of a drive device, can be or form part of a pressure limiting device such as a valve device, can be or form part of a tool device, etc.

[0035] For all embodiments of the method, it is adapted that the selection, in particular by the user, of at least one control parameter set can be performed manually and / or in an at least partly automated, possibly fully automated manner, by means of a selection device implemented by hardware and / or software. A preferably partly automated, possibly fully automated, selection of the corresponding control parameter set is therefore also possible for an at least partly automated, possibly fully automated operation of the corresponding device. For the appropriate selection of a particular control parameter set, a user interface and / or a data interface implemented by hardware and / or software can be used. The corresponding user interface and / or data interface can form part of the control device, the data storage unit or an external data processing device. For example, a mobile terminal of the user, such as a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, etc., can also be understood as an external data processing device.

[0036] It is further adapted for all embodiments of the method that the adaptation of the user selected control parameter set can be performed manually and / or in an at least partly automated, possibly fully automated manner, using a selection device implemented in hardware and / or software. A preferably partly automated, possibly fully automated, adaptation of the corresponding control parameter set is therefore also possible for an at least partly automated, possibly fully automated operation of the device.

[0037] Furthermore, it is adapted for all embodiments of the method that the control parameter sets can be or will be saved or stored in the data storage unit classified according to at least one classification criterion. The control parameter sets can be present in the data storage unit classified according to at least one classification criterion in the sense of a database according to at least one classification criterion, which allows easy identification of suitable control parameter sets for a particular plant and process engineering configuration, so that one or more control parameter sets can be easily selected. The classification can be based on one or more classification criterions. In this case, for example, classification criteria for the parameters of the device and / or classification criteria for plant engineering parameters and / or process engineering parameters for the manufacturing process to be carried out with the device and / or classification criteria for parameters of the particle foam material to be processed with the device can be used (similar to the selection criteria). Work process information and / or target value information can be used similar to the classification criteria.

[0038] Furthermore, for all embodiments of the method, a suitable data storage unit can be any local or global data storage unit, such as a cloud storage. According to the method, an internal data storage unit can be used. Such a data storage unit is usually at least fixedly associated with a given device, and the control parameter set stored in the internal data storage unit can be directly assigned to the device. Alternatively or additionally, an external data storage unit can be used. Such an external data storage unit is usually not fixedly associated with a given device, and the control parameter set stored in the external data storage unit can be assigned to the device via a data connection between the device and the external data storage unit. The data storage unit can comprise one or more volatile or non-volatile data memories in all embodiments.

[0039] A second aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing particle foam parts, which may also be called a molding machine, comprising at least one functional unit controllable in operation with respect to at least one setpoint value, at least one data storage unit in which a plurality of control parameter sets are stored, each of which contains at least one control parameter for controlling the operation of at least one functional unit of the apparatus with respect to at least one setpoint value, and at least one control device for adapting at least one control parameter selected from the data storage unit for controlling the operation of the apparatus, and in particular for controlling the operation of a functional unit of the apparatus that is affected by the corresponding control parameter set. As mentioned above, an external data storage unit can also be used as a data storage unit, which may represent an optional component of the apparatus.

[0040] A third aspect of the invention relates to a system for controlling the operation of an apparatus for manufacturing a particle foam part, said apparatus comprising at least one functional unit controllable with respect to at least one target value during operation, said system comprising at least one apparatus for manufacturing a particle foam part and comprising at least one functional unit controllable with respect to at least one target value during operation, at least one data storage unit in which a plurality of control parameter sets are stored, each of said plurality of control parameter sets comprising at least one control parameter for controlling the operation of at least one functional unit of said apparatus with respect to at least one target value, and at least one control device for adapting at least one control parameter set selected from said data storage unit for controlling the operation of said apparatus and for controlling the operation of said apparatus, in particular for controlling the operation of a functional unit of said apparatus that is influenced by a corresponding control parameter set.

[0041] The apparatus may be configured to perform operational control of multiple devices, or to perform operational control of individual functional units, some functional units, or all functional units of various devices. The operational control of particular devices or functional units may be performed independently or dependently of one another.

[0042] All embodiments relating to the method according to the first aspect of the invention apply equally to the apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention and / or to the system according to the third aspect of the invention and vice versa. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0043] The invention is explained in more detail on the basis of exemplary embodiments in the drawings, which show:

[0044] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment for producing a particle foam part. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the control device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of valve stroke control according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an apparatus 1 according to an embodiment for producing particle foam parts.

[0046] The apparatus 1, also referred to as a molding machine, is configured to process expandable or expanded plastic particles of at least one expandable or expanded plastic particle material for producing a particle foam part. The apparatus 1 is configured here to perform one or more work processes for processing plastic particles of at least one plastic particle material for producing a particle foam part.

[0047] The term "work process" basically includes all processes which can be carried out using the apparatus 1, which directly or indirectly relate to the processing of plastic particles of at least one plastic particle material in order to produce a particle foam part. A work process is in particular a processing step in which a (real) processing of plastic particles, in particular a bonding of plastic particles, is carried out to form a particle foam part to be produced, or a providing process in which a large quantity of plastic particles is provided, in particular a large quantity of plastic particles to be processed in a processing step, or a conveying process in which a large quantity of plastic particles, in particular a large quantity of plastic particles to be processed in a processing step, is conveyed along a conveying line, or a filling process in which a large quantity of plastic particles, in particular a large quantity of plastic particles to be processed in a processing step, is poured into the moulding cavity 2.3 of the mould 2 of the apparatus 1.

[0048] As part of the treatment step, at least one working or process medium can be applied or used. The working or process medium can be, inter alia, a liquid, vapor or gas energy carrier medium, i.e. for example a liquid, in particular water, vapor, in particular superheated vapor, or gas, which absorbs or releases energy, in particular thermal energy, kinetic energy, in the operation of the device.

[0049] To carry out a particular work process, the device 1 comprises one or more functional units, which are controllable during operation with respect to at least one setpoint value.

[0050] A specific example of a functional unit of the device 1 which is controllable with respect to at least one setpoint during operation is an actuation device which comprises at least one actuator element which can be put into a first state, in particular a first orientation and / or position, and which can be put into at least one other state, in particular at least one other orientation and / or position. A corresponding actuation device can form a pressure limiting device 2.5 which will be described in detail below, or form part of such a device.

[0051] The device 1 comprises as an exemplary component the above-mentioned mould 2, which comprises two moulding bodies 2.1, 2.2 which are movably mounted relative to one another via a drive (not shown), said drive inversion being intended to transfer the mould 1 into a closed position, shown in Figure 1, and into an open position, not shown in Figure 1. In the closed position, the two moulding bodies 2.1, 2.2 clearly delimit or define a moulding cavity 3.

[0052] The moulding cavity 3 can be filled with expandable or expanded plastic particles consisting of one or more expandable or expanded plastic particle materials which are processed with the present apparatus 1 by means of a filling apparatus 4, which is shown purely diagrammatically, in order to produce a particle foam part.

[0053] The molded bodies 2.1, 2.2 are provided with tubular or tube-like shaped openings 2.4 through which a conventional temperature controlled process fluid, such as steam or hot steam, can be introduced into the mold cavity 2.3 during operation of the apparatus, thereby binding the plastic particles poured into the mold cavity 2.3 to one another and forming the particle foam part to be produced.

[0054] The process fluid is provided to the apparatus 1 from a process fluid generator 8, which may take the form of, for example, a steam generator, as an example of a process chamber of the apparatus 1. The process fluid generator 8 is arranged to provide the generated process fluid to a process fluid supply 3, which may take the form of, for example, a steam chamber associated with the moulding cavity 2.3 of the mould 2, as another example of a process chamber of the apparatus 1. The process fluid supply 3 may at least partially surround the mould 2 and communicate with the opening 2.4. The corresponding process fluid generator 8 may constitute a purely functional or structural part of the apparatus 1.

[0055] The process fluid supply 3 and / or the opening 2.4 are associated with pressure limiting devices 2.5 (which can be specifically formed as or have a valve device, for example), from which a certain pressure level can be set inside the process fluid supply 3 and / or the moulding cavity 2.3. As mentioned above, the pressure limiting device 2.5 represents an exemplary functional unit of the device 1, which is controllable during operation with respect to at least one target value.

[0056] In principle, a suitable pressure limiting device 2.5 can be arranged from here to set the pressure inside at least one subsequent process chamber of the apparatus 1, and it should be understood that the arrangement shown is merely exemplary. In particular, the pressure limiting device 2.5 associated with the opening 2.4 should be understood as optional.

[0057] The device 1 comprises a control device 5 implemented in hardware and / or software. The control device 5 may comprise one or more controllers implemented in hardware and / or software. The control device 5 is arranged to control the operation of the functional units of the device 1, which are controllable in operation with respect to at least one setpoint value on the basis of one or more control parameters. The control device 5 is thus arranged for example to control the operation of the pressure limiting device 2.5, which as mentioned above represents an exemplary functional unit of the device 1 and is controllable in operation with respect to at least one setpoint value.

[0058] The control device 5 can be configured as a PID control device (PID controller), for example, having a P component, a D component, and an I component, or having a P parameter, a D parameter, and an I parameter as control parameters.

[0059] The device 1 shown in FIG. 1 may form part of a system 7 superior to the device 1 for controlling the operation of at least one device 1 for manufacturing particle foam parts.

[0060] With the aid of the configuration of the present device 1 exemplarily depicted in Fig. 1, a method for controlling the operation of the device 1 for manufacturing a particle foam part is carried out. An exemplary embodiment of the corresponding method is explained by the following example.

[0061] The method thus serves to control the operation of an apparatus 1 as shown in Fig. 1 for producing a particle foam part, the apparatus 1 comprising at least one functional unit which is controllable with respect to at least one setpoint during operation. The method is thus a control method capable of controlling the operation of at least one functional unit of an apparatus 1 for producing a particle foam part, the unit being controllable with respect to at least one setpoint during operation.

[0062] The control of the operation of the apparatus 1 here has the aim to influence operating parameters or control variables of the apparatus 1 which are to be controlled or are being controlled, i.e. for example plant or process engineering parameters, so that one or more setpoint values ​​are respected and that setpoint values ​​are possible even under the influence of disturbances or disturbance variables. A specific example of a relevant operating parameter or control variable is, for example, the internal pressure of the process chamber of the apparatus 1, i.e. the internal pressure of the moulding cavity 2.3 of the mould 2 of the apparatus 1. It is of course also possible to use other plant or process engineering parameters as operating parameters or control variables.

[0063] Each step of an exemplary embodiment of the method is described in detail below.

[0064] In a first step of the method, a selection of a control parameter set from the data storage unit 6 is performed according to at least one selection criterion, said control parameter set comprising at least one control parameter for controlling the operation of at least one functional unit of the device 1 with respect to at least one target value, a plurality of control parameter sets being stored or stored in the data storage unit 6, each of said plurality of control parameter sets comprising at least one control parameter for controlling the operation of at least one functional unit of the device 1 with respect to at least one target value. In a first step of the method, a selection of at least a specific control parameter set is performed from a plurality of control parameter sets stored or stored in the data storage unit 6 using at least one selection criterion, each of said plurality of control parameter sets comprising at least one control parameter for controlling the operation of at least one functional unit of the device 1 with respect to at least one target value. According to the method, a plurality of control parameter sets are thus provided from corresponding data storage units 6, and there is the possibility of selecting at least a specific control parameter set from the control parameter sets provided from the data storage unit 6 according to one or more selection criterions. The control parameter sets stored or saved in the data storage unit 6 and thus provided by the data storage unit usually each comprise a predetermined number of predetermined control parameters, thus defining a specific control response for at least one control variable to be controlled, such as, for example, the pressure inside the process chamber of the apparatus 1. For each work process of the apparatus 1, it is possible to select at least one dedicated control parameter set. However, it is also conceivable to select at least one control parameter set for multiple work processes of the apparatus 1.

[0065] The selection of at least one control parameter set, in particular by the user, can be performed manually and / or in an at least partly, possibly fully automated manner by means of a selection device implemented by hardware and / or software. A preferably partly, possibly fully automated selection of the corresponding control parameter set is therefore also possible for an at least partly, possibly fully automated operation of the corresponding device. In order to appropriately select a particular control parameter set, a user interface and / or a data interface implemented by hardware and / or software can in all cases be used. The corresponding user interface and / or data interface can form part of the control device, the data storage unit or an external data processing device. For example, a mobile terminal of the user, such as a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, etc., can also be understood as an external data processing device.

[0066] The selection of the at least one suitable control parameter set is therefore typically performed prior to the execution of a particular work process of the corresponding device 1. In particular, the selection of the at least one suitable control parameter set can be performed during the setup of the corresponding device 1.

[0067] A suitable data storage unit 6 can be any local or global data storage unit, such as a cloud storage. An internal data storage unit 6 that is fixedly associated with the device 1 can be used according to the method, such that the control parameter set stored in the internal data storage unit 6 can be directly assigned to the device 1. Alternatively or additionally, an external data storage unit 6 that is not fixedly associated with any device 1 can be used, such that the control parameter set stored in the external data storage unit 6 can be assigned to the device via a data connection between the device 1 and the external data storage unit 6.

[0068] The control parameter sets can be or will be able to be stored or stored in the data storage unit 6 classified according to at least one classification criterion. The control parameter sets can be present in the data storage unit 6 classified in this way in the sense of a database according to at least one classification criterion, which allows easy identification of suitable control parameter sets for a particular plant and process engineering configuration, so that one or more control parameter sets can be easily selected. The classification can be based on one or more classification criteria. In this case, classification criteria for parameters of the device 1 and / or plant and / or process engineering parameters for the manufacturing process to be carried out with the device 1 and / or classification criteria for parameters of the plastic particle material to be processed with the device 1 can be used (similar to the selection criteria). Work process information and / or target value information can be used similar to the classification criteria.

[0069] In a second step of the method, the operation of the device 1 is controlled by adapting the at least one selected control parameter set, i.e. in particular the operation of the functional units of the device 1 which are influenced by the corresponding control parameter set. In the second step of the method, therefore, the operation of the device 1 is controlled by adapting the at least one control parameter set selected in the first step, i.e. in particular the operation of the functional units of the device 1 which are influenced by the corresponding control parameter set, and thus the at least one selected control parameter set can be taken as a basis for controlling the operation of the functional units of the device 1 which are influenced by the corresponding control parameter set. This can be performed, for example, in such a way that the at least one selected control parameter set is processed by the control device 5 for controlling the operation of the functional units of the device 1 which are influenced by the corresponding control parameter set.

[0070] The selected control parameter set can be adapted manually by a user and / or in an at least partly, possibly fully automated manner using a hardware and / or software implemented selection device. A preferably partly, possibly fully automated adaptation of the corresponding control parameter set is therefore also possible for an at least partly, possibly fully automated operation of the device 1.

[0071] The method is therefore characterized in that the control parameter sets or control parameters are intentionally selectable for at least one plant or process engineering configuration, i.e. for example for a specific mould size, specific process parameters etc. and in that at least one predefined control parameter set is selected from the data storage unit 6 on the basis of selection criteria usually defined for the at least one plant or process engineering configuration and is received as a basis for the operation of the (one or more) functional units of the device 1 which are influenced by the respective control parameter set. By intentionally selecting a specific control parameter set according to the method, an individual or tailor-made control response can be realised for a specific plant or process engineering configuration. The response behaviour, i.e. in particular how the control device behaves in relation to a specific control task of a functional unit which is or is to be controlled according to the method, can be significantly improved by intentionally selecting at least one control parameter set suitable for the specific plant or process engineering configuration and by adapting the selected control parameter set accordingly.

[0072] According to the method, at least one selection criterion can be provided or formulated before the selection of the control parameter set. Here, for example, selection criteria can be used, i.e., inter alia, selection criteria can be provided or formulated, relating to parameters of the apparatus 1 and / or to parameters of the manufacturing process to be carried out with the apparatus 1 and / or to parameters of the plastic particle material to be processed with the apparatus 1. The selection of the at least one control parameter set in the first step can thus be carried out, for example, taking into account parameters of the apparatus 1 and / or to parameters of the manufacturing process to be carried out with the apparatus 1 and / or to parameters of the plastic particle material to be processed with the apparatus 1. This facilitates the realization of a control of the operation of the apparatus 1, i.e., in particular the operation of one or more specific functional units of the apparatus 1 that are influenced by the corresponding control parameter set, which control is adapted with respect to a specific plant or process engineering configuration.

[0073] For example, the mass and / or inertia of the device 1 or of the mould 2 associated with the device 1 can be used as a parameter of the device. Thus, a selection of a certain set of control parameters can be made on the basis of the mass and / or inertia of the device 1 or of the mould 2 associated with the device 1. Alternatively or additionally, for example, thermal properties, in particular the heat capacity, of the device 1 or of the mould 2 associated with the device 1 can be used as a parameter of the device 1. Thus, a selection of a certain set of control parameters can be made on the basis of the thermal properties, in particular the heat capacity, of the device 1 or of the mould 2 associated with the device 1. Alternatively or additionally, for example, the volume of the process chamber, i.e. for example the volume of the moulding cavity 2.3 of the device 1 can be used as a parameter of the device 1. Thus, a selection of a certain set of control parameters can be made on the basis of the volume of the process chamber of the device 1. Alternatively or additionally, the geometry of the process chamber of the device 1 (in particular adapted in terms of the inflow and / or through-flow and / or outflow characteristics into, through or out of the process chamber of the device 1) can also be used as a parameter of the device 1. A selection of a certain set of control parameters can therefore be made based on the geometry of the process chamber of the device 1. The process chamber of the device 1 can in all embodiments be, for example, a moulding cavity 2.3 of a mould 2 associated with the device 1, a process fluid supply device 3 such as a steam chamber associated with the mould of the device 1 or a plastic particle guiding device and / or a plastic particle line and / or a process fluid line associated with the process fluid guiding device associated with the mould of the device 1.

[0074] At least one chemical and / or physical process parameter, inter alia the process temperature, the process pressure, the process humidity, the process atmosphere and / or the number of cycles, can be used as a parameter of the work process or the manufacturing process to be carried out with the device 1. Thus, a selection of a certain set of control parameters can be made based on the at least one chemical and / or physical process parameter and / or the number of cycles.

[0075] At least one chemical and / or physical material parameter, in particular the chemical composition, the size and / or shape of the particles, the density, the temperature, the moisture content, the flow properties, in particular the flow properties in a conveying or transport stream, can be used as parameters of the plastic particles to be treated with the device 1. Thus, a selection of a certain set of control parameters can be made based on the at least one chemical and / or physical material parameter.

[0076] According to the method, before at least one control parameter set is selected, and possibly before at least one selection criterion is provided, a suitable data storage unit 6 can be provided in which a number of control parameter sets, each comprising at least one control parameter for controlling the operation of at least one functional unit of the device 1 with respect to at least one target value, are saved or stored.

[0077] The method may also include modifying or adapting at least one control parameter set stored or saved in the data storage unit 6. According to the method, the at least one control parameter set stored or saved in the data storage unit 6 can be modified or adapted and / or the modified or adapted control parameter set can be saved or stored in the data storage unit 6. Thus, a suitable modification or adaptation can be made, for example, on the basis of or taking into account measured values ​​or sensor values ​​of certain process parameters, wear indications of certain functional units of the device 1, etc. Suitable measured values ​​or sensor values ​​can be obtained from the operation of the device 1 to be controlled according to the method, or from the operation of another device for manufacturing particle foam parts, in particular a device for manufacturing particle foam parts configured identically or similarly to the device 1 to be controlled according to the method. It is also conceivable that suitable measured values ​​or sensor values ​​can be obtained from at least one local or global database unit, possibly using external data, making it possible to modify or adapt the at least one control parameter set stored or saved in the data storage unit 6. Thus, there is no limitation with regard to the realization of individual or tailored control responses for some plant or process engineering configurations.

[0078] According to the method, at least one control parameter set can be saved or stored in the data storage unit 6 and can be selected or adapted accordingly, which set relates to operating parameters as control parameters for at least one functional unit of the device and / or to process parameters as control parameters (hereinafter first control parameter set) for at least one work process to be carried out with the device 1. Depending on the concrete implementation of the functional units of the device 1 controlled during operation, the corresponding operating parameters can be, for example, forces or forces which can be generated by the functional units or the resulting behavior of the functional units. As a result, for example, the generation of forces and / or forces or the behavior of the functional units of the device 1 can be specifically controlled on the basis of the first control parameter set. Thus, at least one motion parameter or motion function or, for example, a ramp-like growing characteristic curve of a movably mounted functional unit or a functional part of such a unit and / or a drive parameter or, for example, a ramp-like growing drive function, in particular an actual position parameter, of the functional unit or of a drive device of such a functional unit can be used as the operating parameter of at least one functional unit of the device 1. The corresponding drive parameters or corresponding drive functions may also entail a specific power or power consumption for the controllable functional units during operation. In this connection, for example a drive or output of a drive or output device, for example a conveyor screw, a delivery pump, etc., which can be controlled by a corresponding first control parameter set, in which an initial ramp between two power levels, for example between two speeds, is performed.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, at least one control parameter set for high-level target value settings (hereinafter second control parameter set) can be saved or stored in the data storage unit according to the method and selected and adapted accordingly. In contrast to the first control parameter set, the second control parameter set therefore does not serve to control the actual operation of the functional units of the device 1, but rather to implement high-level target value settings which are obtained as a basis for actually controlling the operation of certain functional units of the device 1.

[0080] Thus, an example of pressure control in the molding cavity 2.3 of the mould 2 of the device 1 is such that, in the case of a pressure difference between the actual value and the setpoint value, a high-level setpoint value setting for the pressure limiting device 2.5 as an example of a functional unit of the device 1 is defined by a second control parameter set, in particular based solely on software, and the operation of the pressure limiting device 2.5, i.e. for example the operation of a movably mounted pressure limiting part of the pressure limiting device 2.5, can be performed via the first control parameter set. In relation to the above example of a functional unit of the device 1 in the form of a drive or delivery device, which is controllable during operation, the motion states, in which the control is performed from the actual value to the setpoint value, can for example be defined at a high level via the corresponding second control parameter set, and the actual control of the drive or delivery device can for example be defined at a high level by the corresponding second control parameter set, and the actual operation of the drive or delivery device can be controlled by the corresponding first control parameter set on the basis of the dynamic state set by the initial second control parameter set.

[0081] In principle, the method can therefore include the setting of at least one item of setpoint information, which influences the control of the operation of the functional units of the apparatus 1 that are controllable during operation and describes at least one setpoint, in particular in the form of a setpoint function or a setpoint curve, and adaptation of the setpoint information for controlling the operation of the functional units of the apparatus 1 that are influenced by this particular setpoint information. For some work processes in which, for example, only speed is decisive, such as the rapid filling of the moulding cavity 2.3 of the mould 2 of the apparatus 1 with plastic particles and / or process fluid, a temporary bypass of the control is possible in this way. This can be carried out in particular for repetitive work processes, such as the corresponding filling processes.

[0082] The relevant items of setpoint information can for example be determined based on information determined by a measurement process of the setpoints described by the particular setpoint information and / or based on information determined by a calculation and / or simulation process of the setpoints described by the particular setpoint information and / or based on information obtained from an external database. The corresponding calculation and / or simulation process can be carried out based on plant or process engineering parameters. The corresponding setpoint information can be saved or stored in the data storage unit 6, especially after sequential application, if applicable.

[0083] 2 and 3 each show a schematic diagram of a controller 5 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0084] From the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2 it is first clear that the control device 5 can comprise a first controller 5.1 implemented by hardware and / or software, in which case, referring in this context to the pressure limiting device 2.5 by way of example, the first controller 5.1 obtains a corresponding second control parameter set relating to high-level target value settings as a basis for controlling the operation of the functional unit of the device 1, and the control device 5 can comprise a second controller 5.2 implemented by hardware and / or software, in which case, referring in this context to the position of the movably mounted pressure limiting part of the pressure limiting device 2.5 by way of example, the second controller 5.2 obtains a corresponding first control parameter set as control parameters related to the operating parameters of the functional unit of the device 1 as a basis for controlling the operation of the corresponding functional unit of the device 1.

[0085] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 2, the output of a first controller 5.1 is connected to the input of a second controller 5.2, the output of which is connected to a box representing the controlled system.

[0086] Arrow P1 indicates that a signal representative of the actual position of the pressure limiting part of the pressure limiting device 5, the operation of which is to be controlled, is returned to the input of the second controller 5.2.

[0087] Arrow P2 indicates that a signal representative of the actual pressure resulting from the control of the pressure limiting device 5 is returned to the input of the first controller 5.1.

[0088] The disturbance variables are represented by arrows P3 and P4, for example, with arrow P3 representing a disturbance variable relating to the actual pressure, for example caused by a leak in the process chamber of the apparatus 1, and arrow P4 representing a disturbance variable relating to a mechanical failure, for example caused by wear of the pressure limiting device 2.5.

[0089] Based on the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 3, it is clear that the controller 5.1 can be temporarily stopped when setting the target value, which as mentioned above can be a function of certain parameters, such as time, pressure, temperature, etc. The temporary stopping of the controller 5.1 is therefore performed at the time when the setting of the target value takes place. This temporary stopping of the controller 5.1 is illustrated in Fig. 3 by showing a box representing the controller 5.1 with a dotted line.

[0090] For this purpose, FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of the control of the valve stroke of a movably mounted pressure limiting part of a pressure limiting device 2.5 according to an exemplary embodiment, using two graphs.

[0091] In the upper graph, the internal pressure curve of a process chamber of the apparatus 1, for example the internal pressure curve of the moulding cavity 2.3 of the mould 2 of the apparatus 1, is plotted on the x-axis and time is plotted on the y-axis, where the dotted line represents the target value setting for the pressure and the solid line represents the actual pressure value as usual.

[0092] In the lower graph, the stroke curve of the movably mounted pressure limiter of the pressure limiting device 2.5, which correlates with the internal pressure of the process chamber of the apparatus 1, i.e. for example the internal pressure of the moulding cavity 2.3 of the mould 2 of the apparatus 1, is plotted on the x-axis and time is plotted on the y-axis, where the dotted line represents the target value setting for the stroke of the pressure limiter and the solid line represents, as usual, the actual stroke value of the pressure limiter.

[0093] In this case, the operation of the pressure limiting device 2.5 is controlled in a first time period defined by times t1 and t2, firstly on the basis of setpoint information representative of at least one setpoint value, in particular on the basis of information in the form of a setpoint function or setpoint curve. A rapid increase in the internal pressure of a particular process chamber of the apparatus 1 can be achieved in this way. Therefore, in this first time period, the operation of the pressure limiting device 2.5 is temporarily omitted.

[0094] During a second time period between times t2 and t3, the operation of the pressure limiting device 2.5 is controlled based on a set of control parameters.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the operation of an apparatus (1) for producing a particle foamed part, said apparatus (1) comprising at least one functional unit that is controllable during operation with respect to at least one target value, - providing selection criteria for parameters of the device (1), for parameters of a manufacturing process to be carried out using the device (1) and for parameters of a plastic particle material to be processed using the device (1); - selecting a control parameter set from a data storage unit (6) according to provided selection criteria, said control parameter set comprising a plurality of control parameters for controlling the operation of at least one functional unit of said device (1) with respect to at least one target value, a selecting step, in which a plurality of control parameter sets are stored in the data storage unit, each of which includes parameters of the device (1), parameters of a manufacturing process to be carried out using the device (1), and parameters of a plastic particle material to be processed using the device (1), and each of the plurality of control parameter sets includes a plurality of control parameters for controlling the operation of at least one functional unit of the device (1) with respect to at least one target value; - adapting at least one selected set of control parameters for controlling the operation of functional units of said device (1) that are influenced by a corresponding set of control parameters for controlling the operation of said device (1); Including, Each of the plurality of control parameters included in the control parameter set is any one of a P parameter, a D parameter, and an I parameter of a PID controller, Each of the plurality of control parameter sets includes a predetermined number of predetermined control parameters and defines a specific control response for at least one variable to be controlled. method.

2. the mass and / or inertia of the device (1) or the mass and / or inertia of a mould (2) associated with the device (1), and / or the thermal properties, in particular the heat capacity, of said device (1) or of a mould (2) associated with said device (1), and / or the volume of the process chamber of said device (1), in particular the volume of the moulding cavity (2.3) of the mould (2) associated with said device (1), and / or the geometry of the process chamber, and in particular of the molding cavity (2.3) of the mould (2) associated with said device (1); 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: is used as a parameter of the device (1).

3. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one chemical and / or physical process parameter is used as a parameter of the manufacturing process to be carried out with the device (1), in particular a process temperature, a process pressure, a process humidity, a process atmosphere and / or a number of cycles.

4. 4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that as parameter of the plastic particles to be treated with the device (1) at least one chemical and / or physical material parameter is used, in particular the chemical composition, the size and / or shape of the particles, the density, the temperature, the moisture content, the flow properties, in particular the flow properties in the transport stream.

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by modifying or adapting at least one set of control parameters stored in said data storage unit (6).

6. The at least one control parameter set: selected with respect to an operating parameter as a control parameter for at least one functional unit of the device (1); and / or Selected with respect to process parameters as control parameters, which relate to the manufacturing process to be carried out using the device (1), 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

7. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one control parameter set is selected for a high-level target value setting.

8. 8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that movement parameters of movably mounted functional parts of the functional units and / or drive parameters, in particular actual position parameters, of a drive device of at least one functional unit of the device (1) are used as operating parameters of the at least one functional unit of the device (1).

9. 9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that an actuation device is used as a functional unit of the device (1) comprising at least one actuator element which is transferable into a first state, in particular a first orientation and / or position, and which is transferable into at least one other state, in particular at least one other orientation and / or position.

10. 10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that an actuating device is used which forms a pressure limiting device (2.5) for introducing a process medium, possibly in a pressurized manner, into a process chamber of the device (1), in particular into a moulding cavity of the device (1) or of a mould (2) associated with such a device.

11. 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein a control parameter set is selected for the control of a chemical and / or physical parameter to be controlled with respect to a setpoint value, in particular the pressure and / or temperature and / or humidity in a process chamber of the device (1).

12. 12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the selection, in particular the user selection, is performed manually and / or at least partly automatically by means of a selection device implemented in hardware and / or software.

13. 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the adaptation of the set of control parameters selected by the user is performed manually and / or at least partly automatically by means of a selection device implemented in hardware and / or software.

14. - specifying target value information relating to the control of the operation of at least one functional unit of the device (1) and describing at least one target value, in particular in the form of a target value function or a target value curve; - adapting said target value information for controlling the operation of said device (1), in particular for controlling the operation of said functional units of said device (1) that are influenced by the corresponding target value information; The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by:

15. 15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the target value information is determined on the basis of information determined by a measurement process of the target value described by the corresponding target value information and / or on the basis of information determined by a calculation process and / or a simulation process of the target value described by the corresponding target value information and / or on the basis of information obtained from an external database.

16. 16. The method according to claim 1, further comprising generating an adapted control parameter set by adapting at least one control parameter of at least one control parameter set during operation of the device (1) and storing the adapted control parameter set in the data storage unit (6).

17. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control parameter sets are stored in the data storage unit (6) classified according to at least one classification criterion.

18. An apparatus (1) for producing a particle foam part, comprising: At least one functional unit that is controllable during operation with respect to at least one setpoint value; at least one control device (5) for adapting at least one control parameter set selected from a data storage unit (6) for controlling the operation of said device (1), in particular for controlling the operation of said functional units of said device (1) influenced by a corresponding control parameter set; Equipped with each of said at least one control parameter set includes parameters of said device (1), parameters of a manufacturing process to be carried out using said device (1), and parameters of a plastic particle material to be processed using said device (1); the at least one control parameter set includes a plurality of control parameters, each of which is a P parameter, a D parameter, and an I parameter of a PID controller; the at least one control parameter set includes a predetermined number of predetermined control parameters and defines a specific control response for at least one variable to be controlled. Device (1).

19. A system for controlling the operation of an apparatus (1) for manufacturing a particle foam part, comprising: at least one device (1) for producing particle foam parts, comprising at least one functional unit that is controllable during operation with respect to at least one target value; at least one data storage unit (6) in which a plurality of control parameter sets are stored, each of which includes parameters of the device (1), parameters of a manufacturing process to be carried out with the device (1), and parameters of a plastic particle material to be processed with the device (1), each of which includes a plurality of control parameters for controlling the operation of at least one functional unit of the device (1) with respect to at least one target value; at least one control device (5) for adapting at least one control parameter set selected from said data storage unit (6) to control the operation of said device (1), in particular to control the operation of a functional unit of said device (1) that is influenced by the corresponding said control parameter set; Equipped with Each of the plurality of control parameters included in the control parameter set is any one of a P parameter, a D parameter, and an I parameter of a PID controller, each of the plurality of control parameter sets includes a predetermined number of predetermined control parameters and defines a particular control response associated with at least one variable to be controlled; A system characterized by:

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