Adjusting device and method for controlling an exit thickness of a nozzle exit gap

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjusting device (100) for controlling, in particular for open-loop and / or closed-loop control of, a production process of an extrusion system, preferably a film extrusion system (200), said adjusting device comprising: - a plurality of adjusting units (10) for adjusting the exit thickness (AD), wherein the adjusting units (10) act directly or indirectly on a nozzle lip, wherein the adjusting units (10) have at least one or more drive elements (12), in particular in the form of electric motors, piezo drives, thermocouples, compressed air drives, hydraulic drives, etc., -a control device (20) which is designed to control the at least one or more drive elements (12) in such a way that the adjusting units (10) assume and / or hold predefined adjustment positions, wherein the control device (20) is designed to monitor operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12).

Description

[0001] ßols & Vogel

[0002] Windmöller & Hölscher KG Dept. VO-PAT

[0003] Münsterstr. 50 49525 Lengerich

[0004] Actuating device and method for controlling the outlet thickness of a nozzle outlet gap

[0005] Description

[0006] The invention relates to an actuating device for monitoring, in particular controlling and / or regulating, the production of an extrusion plant, for example, comprising monitoring the gap profile of a die exit gap and / or a profile for operating parameters at the die exit gap of the extrusion plant and / or a thickness profile of a film to be produced. The extrusion plant can be, for example, a film extrusion plant, a laminating plant, a coating plant, a sheet metal plant, a blown film plant, or the like. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding method for monitoring, in particular controlling and / or regulating, the production of an extrusion plant using a corresponding actuating device.Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding computer program product and a corresponding computer-readable data carrier with a corresponding computer program product and a corresponding control device for carrying out a corresponding method.

[0007] In flat film applications, as well as laminating, coating, and sheet production lines, adjusting devices with multiple adjustment units or elements are used along a die exit gap during film manufacturing to set a desired gap profile and thus achieve a desired film thickness profile. The die exit gap has a first and a second die lip that form the exit gap. A plurality of adjusting elements, each with corresponding drive elements, are arranged on the first die lip. The ßols & Vogel

[0008] Drive elements cause the positioning or adjustment of actuating elements on the first nozzle lip, which allows it to deform at the corresponding point, e.g. becoming narrower or wider.

[0009] The drive elements can be controlled by a control device in such a way that, by positioning actuating elements on the first nozzle lip, an adjustment of the gap profile of the nozzle exit gap (and thus the exit thickness of the flowing melt, which becomes a film after exiting the nozzle exit gap) can be achieved by means of a mechanical force applied by the respective actuating element to the first nozzle lip.

[0010] By adjusting the actuators on the first nozzle lip, the gap profile of the nozzle exit gap is adapted. This adjustment of the nozzle exit gap profile, in turn, adjusts the exit thickness of the flowing melt and thus the thickness profile of the produced film after exiting the nozzle exit gap.

[0011] The thickness profile of the film is essential for subsequent processes, such as winding film webs for storage or further processing of the film.

[0012] In well-known extrusion plants, thickness measuring devices, e.g. ultrasonic or infrared sensors, are used to monitor the thickness profile of the film. These measure the film thickness after it exits the die exit gap in order to avoid deviations from a target profile of the film and to prevent so-called piston rings on the film roll.

[0013] The control system uses deviations in film thickness from a target profile to adjust the control of the drive elements. The target profile can, for example, use an average of all measured values ​​as a setpoint for all measurement positions (viewed in a transverse direction of the film). The control system can advantageously serve to maintain a uniform film thickness.

[0014] Thus, the film thickness can first be measured, and then feedback can be provided via the control system to regulate the drive elements. ßols & Vogel

[0015] This feedback can cause a time delay, which can negatively impact control quality. Furthermore, the control system relies on the accuracy of the thickness gauges, which can also negatively affect control performance. In addition, the thickness gauges are positioned in locations across the film that may differ from the positions of the actuators along the die exit gap (due to the so-called neck-in effect, as the width of the produced film is smaller than the width of the die exit gap). This necessitates additional calculations and / or empirical considerations to identify an actuator where a deviation in the die exit gap has occurred, leading to a deviation in film thickness. Cross-interference can also arise, further complicating the identification of the responsible actuator.

[0016] It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome at least one of the disadvantages described above, at least partially. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved positioning device for monitoring, in particular: control and / or regulation, of the production of an extrusion plant, e.g., including monitoring of a gap profile of a die exit gap and / or a profile for operating parameters at the die exit gap of the extrusion plant and / or a thickness profile of a film. Preferably, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved positioning device that enables improved monitoring, in particular control and / or regulation, that delivers fast and precise results, that may even dispense with film thickness gauges or at least with their additional measured values, and that allows for optimal positioning or...The invention enables the adjustment of actuating elements on a die lip to, for example, set a desired gap profile of the die exit gap and / or a desired profile of the die lip and / or a desired profile for operating parameters at the die exit gap and / or to achieve a desired thickness profile of the film. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a corresponding method for controlling, in particular controlling and / or regulating, the production of an extrusion plant, preferably a film extrusion plant, using a corresponding actuating device. It is also an object of the invention to provide a corresponding computer program and a corresponding computer-readable data carrier with a corresponding [unclear - possibly "Osols & Vogel"].

[0017] To provide a computer program product for carrying out a corresponding procedure and a corresponding control device.

[0018] The foregoing problem is solved by an adjusting device with the features of the independent device claim, as well as by a corresponding method, a corresponding computer program product, and a corresponding data carrier with the features of the dependent claims. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with different embodiments and / or aspects of the invention naturally also apply in connection with other embodiments and / or aspects of the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure relating to the individual embodiments and / or aspects of the invention always includes, or can include, reciprocal references.

[0019] The invention provides for: an actuating device for a control, in particular a control and / or regulation, of the production of an extrusion plant.

[0020] The inspection can include, for example: an inspection of a gap profile of a nozzle exit gap and / or a profile for operating parameters at the nozzle exit gap of the extrusion plant and / or a thickness profile of a film to be produced.

[0021] The extrusion plant could, for example, be a film extrusion plant.

[0022] The nozzle exit gap can be formed, for example, by a first and a second nozzle lip.

[0023] The adjusting device comprising: a plurality of adjusting units (adjusting units can also be referred to as actuating elements; the adjusting units can be assigned specific actuating positions at the nozzle outlet gap) for adjusting the outlet thickness, wherein the adjusting units act directly or indirectly (e.g. via corresponding actuating bolts and / or levers and / or transmission mechanisms) on a, e.g., the first, nozzle lip, wherein at least one (e.g., common for all adjusting units) drive element is assigned to the adjusting units, or wherein the adjusting units have several (e.g., individual) drive elements, wherein in particular several (e.g., individual) drive elements can be in the form of electric motors, piezoelectric drives, thermocouples, pneumatic drives, hydraulic drives, etc., wherein preferably one (e.g.,common) drive element can be designed in the form of a screw device, wherein in particular the screw device can move the adjustment units individually in order to adjust corresponding adjusting bolts / screw bolts of the adjustment units.

[0024] In one possible example, all adjustment units can be assigned a (shared) drive element, for example, in the form of a screw mechanism. This drive element can actuate the adjustment units individually to adjust, for example, corresponding adjusting bolts / screws of the adjustment units. The (shared) drive element can be used for starting or changing production, particularly for controlled presetting or basic adjustment of the adjustment units, especially their adjusting bolts / screws. The (shared) drive element can also be used during ongoing production, particularly for controlled (fine) adjustment of the adjustment units, especially their adjusting bolts / screws. In this case, the (shared) drive element can be used both for starting or changing production and for fine adjustment during ongoing production.

[0025] In another possible example, all adjustment units can be assigned a (e.g., common) drive element, for example in the form of a screw device. The drive element can move the adjustment units individually to, for example, adjust corresponding adjusting bolts / screw bolts of the adjustment units. This (a common) ßols & Vogel

[0026] A drive element can be used at the start of production, particularly for the controlled presetting or basic setting of the adjustment units, especially the adjusting bolts / screw bolts of the adjustment units. The adjustment units can also have multiple (e.g., individual) drive elements, such as electric motors, piezoelectric actuators, thermocouples, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, etc. These multiple (individual) drive elements can be used during ongoing production, particularly for the controlled (fine) adjustment of the adjustment units.

[0027] In another possible example, the adjustment units can have several (e.g., individual) drive elements, such as electric motors, piezoelectric actuators, thermocouples, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, etc. These multiple (individual) drive elements can be used at the start of production, particularly for controlled presetting or basic adjustment of the adjustment units. The same multiple (individual) drive elements can also be used during ongoing production, especially for controlled (fine-tuning) of the adjustment units. In this case, the same multiple (individual) drive elements can be used both for starting / changing production and for (fine-tuning) during ongoing production.

[0028] The start / change of production as well as (fine-tuning) during ongoing production can be carried out in an automated manner.

[0029] The adjusting device comprising: a control device configured to actuate the at least one or more drive elements such that the adjusting units (directly or indirectly, e.g., via corresponding adjusting bolts or levers of the adjusting units) assume and / or maintain predetermined positions in order to, for example, set a desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap, a desired profile of the nozzle lip, a desired profile for operating parameters at the nozzle exit gap, and / or to achieve a desired thickness profile of a film, wherein the control device is configured to control operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements (electrical operating parameters, e.g., electric current, electric voltage, etc., and / or mechanical operating parameters, e.g.,to monitor the preload force and / or position of at least one or more drive elements on the nozzle lip, the gap profile of the nozzle exit gap, the gap profile of a nozzle lip, etc.

[0030] Advantageously, the control device is designed to use the operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements for production control, in order to obtain, for example, desired production parameters.

[0031] Desired production parameters may include: a desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap, a desired profile of the operating parameters of the one or more drive elements, a desired thickness profile of a film, etc.

[0032] The control device can receive a desired thickness profile of the film as an input variable and use operating parameters of at least one or more drive elements as control parameters.

[0033] In principle, operating parameters of at least one or more drive elements can be used as control parameters.

[0034] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to determine production parameters depending on the monitoring, in particular including:

[0035] Foil parameters

[0036] Machine parameters and / or

[0037] Process parameters, preferably without measuring the thickness profile of a film. ßols & Vogel

[0038] The idea is that a self-contained control, in particular a control and / or regulation, of the production is provided, preferably by means of or within the adjustment units.

[0039] The idea utilizes the insight that the gap profile of the nozzle exit gap, a profile of the nozzle lip and / or force profile at the nozzle exit gap and the material flow through the nozzle exit gap can influence each other.

[0040] For example, the gap profile of the nozzle exit gap and / or the force profile at the nozzle exit gap can be adjusted to alter the material flow through the nozzle exit gap and thus obtain a thicker or thinner film. In turn, the material flow can exert certain forces on the nozzle lips. A stronger material flow can cause the nozzle lips to bend outwards. A weaker material flow can cause the nozzle lips to contract.

[0041] The idea takes advantage of this knowledge and can even make it possible, at least in the case of pre-centering or basic setting of the adjusting elements, to do without measuring the film thickness, which takes place far after the nozzle exit gap.

[0042] The idea proposes that the operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements are not only set but also monitored. The monitoring results can be used for control, in particular to enable self-contained control, especially regulation, of the nozzle exit gap profile or the melt exit thickness, preferably using or within the adjustment units.

[0043] Thus, at least with pre-centering or basic setting of the actuating elements, a cumbersome, lengthy and computationally intensive coordination between remote thickness measuring devices for measuring the film thickness and the control of the at least one or more drive elements can be avoided.

[0044] The idea shifts the acquisition of actual values ​​(mechanical operating parameters of at least one or more drive elements: e.g., actual profile of the nozzle exit gap, actual profile for force of at least one or more ßols & Vogel)

[0045] Drive elements, actual profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements, etc.; and / or electrical operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements: e.g., electrical current, voltage, etc.) and the control of manipulated variables (electrical operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements: e.g., electrical current, voltage, etc.) to a location, namely in or on the adjustment units, preferably in or on the drive element(s).

[0046] The actual values ​​and the manipulated values ​​can coincide. For example, an electrical operating parameter of one or more drive elements (manipulated value), such as an electrical current specified by the control device for a particular actuator and subsequently monitored (e.g., for changes), could be the same as the actual value being measured. If, for instance, a specific electrical current is specified as the manipulated value for controlling a particular actuator, this current can change depending on the intensity of the melt's action on the nozzle lips. The altered values ​​of the electrical current resulting from the melt's action on the nozzle lips can thus be used as actual values.

[0047] Furthermore, the actual values ​​and the manipulated values ​​can differ. The actual values ​​can be, for example, mechanical operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements: the actual profile of the nozzle exit gap, the actual force profile of the at least one or more drive elements, the actual position profile of the at least one or more drive elements, etc., which vary depending on the force exerted by the melt on the nozzle lips. The manipulated values ​​can be, for example, electrical operating parameters, such as electrical current, voltage, etc., of the at least one or more drive elements.

[0048] The proposed actuator enables timely feedback between the actual values ​​and the control variables, thus increasing the quality of control.

[0049] In principle, any production parameter can serve as a control variable or regulated variable, in particular:

[0050] Foil parameters, ßols & Vogel

[0051] Machine parameters and / or process parameters.

[0052] Advantageously, a gap profile of the nozzle exit gap and / or a profile of the nozzle lip, a thickness profile of the film, a profile for operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, e.g. a force profile and / or a profile for an electrical (drive) current and / or an electrical (drive) voltage of the at least one or more drive elements and / or a profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements, etc., can serve as a control or regulation variable.

[0053] Thus, an improved positioning device is provided for a control, in particular a control and / or regulation, of the production of an extrusion plant, preferably a film extrusion plant, which enables improved control, which delivers fast and precise results, which enables optimal positioning or adjustment of positioning elements or adjustment units on the die lip in order to, for example, set a desired gap profile of the die exit gap and / or a desired profile of the die lip and / or a desired profile of operating parameters at the die exit gap and / or to achieve a desired thickness profile of a film.

[0054] The adjustment units of the proposed positioning device can, in one example, be equipped with (one common or several individual) motorized drive elements. The die exit gap can also be referred to as a slot die. Motorized drive elements advantageously enable precise and dynamic adjustment of the die exit gap. Therefore, motorized drive elements allow for fine adjustment of the exit width during the extrusion process. Motorized drive elements can act directly on the die lip. Additionally, the force transmission can be achieved via a corresponding lever, bolt, or screw. Motorized adjustment of the positioning unit advantageously provides feedback on the current position.

[0055] The proposed positioning device can be used in extrusion lines for the production of cast or blown film, as well as in laminating, coating, and sheet forming lines. ßols & Vogel

[0056] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to monitor at least one of the following (electrical and / or mechanical) operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements: electrical current, electrical voltage, electrical resistance,

[0057] torque,

[0058] Number of revolutions,

[0059] Pressure (exerted on the nozzle lip by at least one or more drive elements),

[0060] force (with which at least one or more drive elements act on the nozzle lip),

[0061] Position, e.g. comprehensive:

[0062] Position of the at least one or more drive elements (e.g., if the drive elements are in the form of electric motors), location of the at least one or more drive elements with respect to the nozzle lip,

[0063] Distance of the at least one or more drive elements to the nozzle lip,

[0064] Length of the at least one or more drive elements (e.g. if the drive elements are designed in the form of thermobolts),

[0065] temperature, and / or

[0066] Vibrations, especially on a housing and / or a bearing (of the at least one or more drive elements).

[0067] Adjustment units with at least one or more, e.g. motorized, drive elements can advantageously be extended to include a direct or indirect measurement of the applied force on the nozzle lip.

[0068] Possible measurement techniques include:

[0069] • Current consumption of a motor of a motorized drive element during adjustment, ßols & Vogel o where optionally a follow-up measurement via short forward and backward movement of the adjustment units can be provided, and / or

[0070] • Use of an additional sensor to measure the force applied to the nozzle lip by a drive element, e.g. a motor.

[0071] Possible sensors: o Measurement of a preload force with an ultrasonic sensor (e.g., using time-of-flight measurement), o Measurement of a tension between the nozzle lip and a counter bearing / holder (for the adjustment units) using strain gauges (possibly with temperature compensation), o Measurement of a tension between the nozzle lip and a counter bearing / holder (for the adjustment units) using piezoelectric sensors (possibly with temperature compensation), o Measurement of electrical resistance at contact surfaces (between the nozzle lip and a counter bearing / holder), o Electromagnetic sensors, o Pressure transducer, o Force transducer, o Hydraulic pressure measuring system, etc.

[0072] Additionally, the nozzle gap can be directly measured using ultrasound (e.g., by means of reflection at material interfaces). Measurement methods can be selected analogously to non-destructive material testing, e.g., of weld seams.

[0073] Knowledge of the active forces of the at least one or more drive elements enables advantageous intelligent automation solutions in the control of the splat profile of the nozzle exit gap.

[0074] If, for example, an electrical current / voltage is monitored as a live value, then the currently measured electrical voltage / current can provide feedback from the melt to the nozzle lip and from the nozzle lip to the drive element. This is from ßols & Vogel.

[0075] Feedback can be used to adjust a corresponding control variable, the electrical current / voltage.

[0076] For example, if a pressure / force on the nozzle lip is monitored as a real-time variable, then a counter-pressure / counter-force from the material flow can provide feedback from the melt to the nozzle lip. This feedback can be used to adjust a corresponding control variable, in this case a corresponding electrical operating parameter of at least one or more drive elements, such as electrical current / voltage, etc.

[0077] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to measure the operating parameters of at least one or more drive elements by moving the adjustment units forward and / or backward. This can be advantageous when the forces at the nozzle exit gap have reached a state of equilibrium. In such cases, even a slight forward and / or backward movement of the adjustment units can provide feedback on the opposing forces (from the melt to the nozzle lips). Thus, the control system can enable flexible verification and / or refinement of the control quality.

[0078] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to determine the operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements using at least one of the following measurements:

[0079] Measurement of a preload force on the nozzle lip by ultrasonic measurement, e.g. with an ultrasonic sensor, in particular by means of a time-of-flight measurement of an ultrasound, preferably within a force-applying element of the at least one or more drive elements,

[0080] Measurement of a preload force on the nozzle lip by force and / or pressure measurement, e.g. with a strain gauge and / or piezo sensor, preferably inside or on a surface of a counter bearing of the at least one or more drive elements,

[0081] Measurement of the voltage between the nozzle lip and the adjustment units, e.g. with a strain gauge and / or with a piezoelectric sensor, possibly with temperature compensation, ßols & Vogel

[0082] Measurement of electrical resistance at contact surfaces between the first nozzle lip and the adjustment units or at two contact surfaces within the adjustment unit,

[0083] Measurement of a deformation of the nozzle lip, e.g. by optical measurements, e.g. with at least one camera, preferably using a triangulation method, and / or a laser, preferably using an electro-optical distance measurement,

[0084] Measurement of the nozzle exit gap, e.g. by optical measurements, e.g. with at least one camera, preferably using a triangulation method, and / or a laser, preferably using an electro-optical distance measurement,

[0085] Measurement of pressure conditions, preferably within the extrusion plant and / or a feed block of the extrusion plant, etc.

[0086] Such measurements enable flexible acquisition of actual values ​​for monitoring purposes. This allows for improved utilization of existing sensor equipment on the extrusion line. Furthermore, it enables flexible sensor design and / or positioning, adaptable to the specific conditions of different extrusion lines. This also facilitates flexible monitoring with various sensor configurations.

[0087] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to determine the operating parameters of at least one or more drive elements using at least one sensor (e.g., one specifically designed for this purpose). This enables targeted acquisition of actual values ​​for monitoring purposes.

[0088] Furthermore, the control device may be configured to: record the operating parameters as a function of time when monitoring the operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, and / or to determine changes in the operating parameters.

[0089] In this way, improved control can be achieved with enhanced control mechanisms and / or improved verification functions, which can also enable improved quality with simple hardware and computational means. For example, changes to operating parameters can be used to assess the ßols & Vogel.

[0090] The quality and / or responsiveness of the control are used, in particular to avoid abrupt control actions, to ensure stability in the control, to improve the quality characteristics of the film, to avoid film tears, etc.

[0091] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to monitor the operating parameters of at least one or more drive elements:

[0092] To detect correlations between the operating parameters of individual drive elements, in particular using a machine learning method, preferably using a neural network and / or a mathematical model, and to take these into account during control, for example to set a desired thickness profile of the film, and / or to equalize the operating parameters of individual drive elements by appropriately controlling the at least one or more drive elements and / or to adapt them to a possible bending curve of the nozzle lip.

[0093] In this way, enhanced control mechanisms (e.g., prevention of cross-interference, etc.) and / or improved functions (e.g., stable control, etc.) can be enabled during the control process. Correlations can be easily detected using a machine learning method, both in terms of hardware and computation. These correlations can provide insights into cross-interference between adjacent adjustment units and significantly improve control results. By standardizing the operating parameters of individual drive elements, stability during the control process can be ensured, allowing, for example, the quick and reliable setting of a desired nozzle exit gap profile and thus achieving improved results when setting a desired film thickness profile.

[0094] Advantageously, the control device can have a communication link to the drive elements and / or to associated sensors on the drive elements in order to obtain, query, and / or request the operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, and / or to control associated sensors on the at least one or more drive elements to detect the operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements. ßols & Vogel

[0095] In this way, improved control can be achieved with short transmission paths, reduced latencies, simple calculations and improved results.

[0096] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to determine at least one of the following foil parameters and / or its fluctuations, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements:

[0097] Width,

[0098] Thickness,

[0099] Number of layers,

[0100] Material composition,

[0101] Shift distribution

[0102] Layer thickness ratio,

[0103] Temperature distribution, particularly in a transverse direction and / or in a production direction, optionally using a temperature measurement of the film and / or using a model that, for example, maps the thickness profile of the film as a function of film parameters, machine parameters and / or process parameters,

[0104] Melting behavior,

[0105] Material properties,

[0106] Quality characteristics,

[0107] Layer breaks in the melt and / or film.

[0108] In this way, improved control with expanded objectives can be enabled, flexibly providing different desired slide parameters.

[0109] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to determine at least one of the following machine parameters and / or its fluctuations, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements:

[0110] Motor parameters, e.g. of an extruder motor,

[0111] Motor speed, motor step count, e.g. of an extruder motor,

[0112] Motor speed, e.g. of an extruder motor, ßols & Vogel

[0113] Drive power,

[0114] Drive pressure

[0115] Flow behavior within the nozzle exit gap and / or a feed block of the extrusion system,

[0116] Measurement of the clamping force of decklings, which are specifically designed to set a desired width of the film by blocking parts on both sides of the nozzle exit gap,

[0117] Determination of minimum and / or maximum positions of the adjustment units,

[0118] Actual position of adjusting bolts, which in particular bear against a corresponding nozzle lip, in order to adjust a gap profile (SP) of the nozzle exit gap and / or a profile of the nozzle lip, wherein preferably the adjusting bolts are coupled with associated drive elements that act mechanically on the adjusting bolts,

[0119] Real nozzle lip gap,

[0120] Nozzle lip profile.

[0121] In this way, stable production with precisely controllable machine parameters can be achieved.

[0122] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to determine at least one of the following process parameters and / or its fluctuations, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements:

[0123] Exit ratio,

[0124] Loss of contact of an adjusting bolt and / or a drive element,

[0125] Flow behavior,

[0126] Viscous elasticity of the melt and / or film,

[0127] Viscosity,

[0128] Melt pressure,

[0129] Thickness variations, e.g., caused by temperature fluctuations within the die exit gap and / or a feed block of the extrusion system, in particular by detecting pressure fluctuations in the melt pressure within the die exit gap and / or a feed block of the extrusion system. ßols & Vogel

[0130] In this way, improved production with specifically controllable process parameters can be enabled.

[0131] Furthermore, the control device can be configured, for example, depending on specific production parameters, to adjust the production control, in particular the control of the one or more drive elements, in such a way as to obtain desired production parameters. In this way, flexible control can be enabled that can be directed at different control variables in the form of different production parameters.

[0132] Firstly, it is conceivable that the control device could be configured to determine an actual profile (or current gap profile) of the nozzle exit gap based on the monitoring of the operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, whereby, in particular, the at least one or more drive elements are controlled by the control device in such a way as to adapt the determined actual profile of the nozzle exit gap to the desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap. Thus, the control can be carried out with regard to the desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap.

[0133] On the other hand, it is conceivable that the control device could be configured to determine an actual profile for force, electrical current, and / or electrical voltage of the at least one or more drive elements, depending on the monitoring of their operating parameters. In particular, the control device could actuate the at least one or more drive elements in such a way as to adapt the determined actual profile to a desired profile. Thus, monitoring can be carried out with regard to the desired profile of certain operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements.

[0134] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the control device could be configured to determine an actual position profile of the at least one or more drive elements based on the monitoring of their operating parameters. In particular, the control device could actuate the at least one or more drive elements in such a way as to adapt the actual position profile determined by ßols & Vogel to a desired position profile. Thus, the control can be performed with regard to the desired position profile of the at least one or more drive elements.

[0135] Advantageously, a storage device can be provided to store the operating parameters of the one or more drive elements, particularly as a function of time, and / or to store the specific production parameters and / or deviations between the specific production parameters and the desired production parameters as a function of the operating parameters. In this way, the results of the control can be observed and evaluated over time and used to adjust the control. Thus, a learning control system that evolves over time can be provided. The operating parameters used for control can also be used as setpoints for restarting production or after a production interruption.

[0136] The invention further provides: a method for controlling, in particular controlling and / or regulating, the production of an extrusion plant, preferably a film extrusion plant, wherein a nozzle exit gap has a first and a second nozzle lip for controlled adjustment of a gap profile of the nozzle exit gap, and wherein the method is carried out using an adjusting device which can be designed as described above.

[0137] Demonstrating the procedure:

[0138] Monitoring of operating parameters of at least one or more drive elements by the control device.

[0139] The procedure has the following advantages:

[0140] Using operating parameters to control production, especially to obtain desired production parameters.

[0141] Furthermore, the procedure can exhibit: ßols & Vogel

[0142] Determining production parameters, in particular including film parameters, machine parameters and / or process parameters, depending on monitoring by the control device and / or

[0143] Adjusting the control of the at least one or more drive elements by the control device in order to set a desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap and / or to achieve a desired thickness profile of a film and / or to provide a desired profile for operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements.

[0144] The same advantages described above in connection with the actuating device can be achieved using this method. These advantages are fully referenced here.

[0145] The method can be advantageously used at the start of production, particularly for the controlled presetting of the adjustment units. This allows for improved presetting results.

[0146] Furthermore, the method can be advantageously used in ongoing production, particularly for the controlled adjustment of the adjustment units. In this way, improved results can be achieved during continuous production.

[0147] Furthermore, the procedure may include at least one of the following procedural steps:

[0148] Acquisition of operating parameters as a function of time by the control device, and / or

[0149] Determining changes in operating parameters by the control device.

[0150] In this way, enhanced control mechanisms and / or improved verification functions can be enabled, which can also improve control quality with simple hardware and computational means. For example, changes to operating parameters can be used to assess the quality and / or the ßols & Vogel.

[0151] The responsiveness of the control is used, in particular, to avoid abrupt control actions, to ensure stability in the control, to improve the quality characteristics of the film, to avoid film tears, etc.

[0152] Furthermore, the procedure may include at least one of the following procedural steps:

[0153] Detecting correlations between the operating parameters of individual drive elements by the control device, in particular using a machine learning method, preferably using a neural network and / or a mathematical model.

[0154] Correlations can be easily detected using a machine learning method, both in terms of hardware and computation. These correlations can provide insights into cross-influences between adjacent adjustment units and significantly improve control results. This allows for the quick and easy detection of cross-influences between individual adjustment elements or units with minimal computational effort. Some adjustment element settings can have effects at adjacent locations, for example, through material displacement. If, for instance, an adjustment element is lowered to reduce the nozzle exit gap thickness at that point, more melt may exit at adjacent locations than would be expected based on the respective positions of the neighboring adjustment elements.It could then be counterproductive to lower the adjacent actuators to reduce the nozzle thickness at neighboring points. The reverse situation is also conceivable. If, for example, an actuator is raised to increase the nozzle thickness at that point, material might be displaced from neighboring areas towards that actuator. In that case, raising the adjacent actuators to increase the nozzle thickness at neighboring points could be counterproductive.

[0155] Furthermore, the procedure may include at least one of the following process steps: ßols & Vogel

[0156] Taking into account correlations between the operating parameters of individual drive elements during monitoring, for example to set a desired thickness profile of the film,

[0157] Comparing the operating parameters of individual drive elements by means of appropriate control of at least one or more drive elements by the control device, and / or

[0158] Adapting the operating parameters of individual drive elements to a desired bending curve of a corresponding nozzle lip.

[0159] This allows for enhanced control mechanisms (e.g., prevention of cross-interference, etc.) and / or improved verification functions (e.g., stable control, etc.). By standardizing the operating parameters of individual drive elements, stability during monitoring can be ensured, enabling the desired nozzle exit gap profile to be set quickly and reliably.

[0160] Furthermore, the procedure may include at least one of the following procedural steps:

[0161] Adjusting the control and / or actuation of at least one or more drive elements, e.g. depending on the specific production parameters, in order to obtain desired production parameters.

[0162] In this way, flexible control can be enabled, which can be directed towards different control variables in the form of different production parameters.

[0163] In principle, any production parameter can serve as a control variable or regulated variable, in particular:

[0164] Foil parameters

[0165] Machine parameters and / or

[0166] Process parameters.

[0167] Advantageously, a gap profile of the nozzle exit gap and / or a profile of the nozzle lip, a thickness profile of the film, a profile for operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, e.g., a ßols & Vogel, can be used as a control or regulated variable.

[0168] Force profile and / or a profile for an electrical (drive) current and / or an electrical (drive) voltage of the at least one or more drive elements and / or a profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements, etc.

[0169] Furthermore, the procedure may include at least one of the following procedural steps:

[0170] Storing the operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, in particular as a function of time, and / or

[0171] Storing specific production parameters and / or deviations between specific production parameters and desired production parameters depending on the electrical operating parameters.

[0172] In this way, the results of monitoring and control can be observed and evaluated over time and used to develop the control system. This allows for the provision of a learning control system that evolves over time.

[0173] Firstly, the procedure can include at least one of the following procedural steps:

[0174] Determining the actual profile of the nozzle outlet gap,

[0175] Controlling at least one or more drive elements to adapt the detected actual profile of the nozzle exit gap to the desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap.

[0176] This allows for the control of the desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap.

[0177] Secondly, the procedure may include at least one of the following procedural steps:

[0178] Determining an actual profile for force, electrical current and / or electrical voltage of at least one or more drive elements,

[0179] Controlling the at least one or more drive elements to adapt the recorded actual profile to a desired profile of the at least one or more drive elements. ßols & Vogel

[0180] Thus, the control can be carried out with regard to the desired force profile of the at least one or more drive elements.

[0181] Clamping and / or releasing the deckling blades can also be achieved with a defined force. Furthermore, it might be advantageous for all adjustment units in the deckling blade area to exert the same force on the nozzle lip. By selectively extending and / or retracting the deckling blades, the nozzle lip could be cleaned (scratched) by the deckling blades.

[0182] Furthermore, the procedure may include at least one of the following procedural steps:

[0183] Determining an actual profile for the positions of at least one or more drive elements,

[0184] Controlling the at least one or more drive elements to adapt the recorded actual profile for positions to a desired profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements.

[0185] Thus, the control with regard to the desired profile can be carried out for positions of at least one or more drive elements.

[0186] The invention further provides a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method, which can proceed as described above. The same advantages described above in connection with the actuator and the method can be achieved with the computer program product. These advantages are fully referenced herein.

[0187] The invention further provides a computer-readable data carrier containing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause it to carry out the process, which can proceed as described above. The same advantages described above in connection with the actuator and the method can be achieved using the computer-readable data carrier. These advantages are fully referenced herein.

[0188] The invention further provides: a control device comprising a storage unit in which a code is stored, and a processing unit, wherein, upon execution of the code by the processing unit, the method is executed, which can proceed as described above. The same advantages can be achieved as those described above in connection with the actuating device and the method. These advantages are fully referenced herein.

[0189] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which several embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The drawings schematically illustrate:

[0190] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary adjusting device in a front view of a nozzle outlet gap formed by a first and a second nozzle lip,

[0191] Fig. 2 shows an exemplary adjusting device in a sectional view through a nozzle, comprising a first and a second nozzle lip and

[0192] Fig. 3 shows an exemplary sequence of a proposed procedure.

[0193] In the following figures, identical reference numerals are used for the same technical features, even for different embodiments.

[0194] As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, an actuating device 100 is proposed for controlling, in particular controlling and / or regulating, the production of an extrusion plant, preferably a film extrusion plant 200, wherein the nozzle exit gap 201 can be formed by a first and a second nozzle lip.

[0195] The production plant is used to produce a film 101. The width direction B of the film 101 corresponds to the width direction of the nozzle exit gap 201. The length direction L of the film 101 corresponds to the production direction. ßols & Vogel

[0196] The adjusting device 100 has, firstly, a plurality of adjusting units 10 (adjusting units can also be referred to as adjusting elements) for adjusting the outlet thickness AD, as indicated in Fig. 1.

[0197] The adjusting units 10 can act directly or indirectly (e.g. via corresponding adjusting bolts 11) on a nozzle lip, as indicated by a dashed line in Fig. 2.

[0198] The adjusting units 10 can have at least one or more drive elements 12, in particular in the form of electric motors, piezo drives, thermocouples, pneumatic drives, hydraulic drives, etc., as indicated in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0199] The adjusting device 100 also comprises: a control device 20, which is configured to control the at least one or more drive elements 12 in such a way that the adjusting units 10 (directly or indirectly, e.g. via corresponding adjusting bolts 11 of the adjusting units 10) assume and / or hold predetermined positions in order to, for example, set a desired gap profile SP* of the nozzle outlet gap 201 and / or a desired profile of the nozzle lip L1, L2 and / or a desired profile of operating parameters BP at the nozzle outlet gap 201 and / or to achieve a desired thickness profile DP* of a film 101, whereby, in particular, fundamentally different control objectives can be pursued using the invention.

[0200] The control device 20 is configured to monitor and use for control the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12 (electrical operating parameters BP, e.g., electric current, electric voltage, etc., and / or mechanical operating parameters BP, e.g., preload force and / or position of the at least one or more drive elements 12 on the nozzle lip, gap profile SP of the nozzle outlet gap 201, profile of the nozzle lip L1, L2, etc.) in order to obtain, in particular, desired production parameters PP*. ßols & Vogel

[0201] Desired production parameters PP* can include: a desired gap profile SP* of the nozzle exit gap 201, a desired profile of the operating parameters BP of the one or more drive elements 12, a desired thickness profile DP* of a film 101, etc.

[0202] Furthermore, the control device 20 can be configured to determine production parameters PP depending on the monitoring, e.g., including:

[0203] Foil parameters FP,

[0204] Machine parameters MP and / or process parameters VP, preferably without measuring the thickness profile DP of a film 101.

[0205] Advantageously, the control device 20 can be configured, for example, depending on the specific production parameters PP, to adjust the production control, in particular the control of the at least one or more drive elements 12, in such a way as to obtain the desired production parameters PP*. In this way, flexible control can be enabled that can be directed at different control variables in the form of different production parameters PP.

[0206] Advantageously, a self-contained or autonomous control, in particular a control and / or regulation, e.g. of a gap profile SP, can be provided using or within the adjustment units 10, which preferably eliminates the need for separate and spaced measuring devices for measuring foil thickness FD or their additional measured values.

[0207] The idea utilizes the finding that the gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201 (or a profile of the nozzle lip L1, L2) and the material flow through the nozzle exit gap 201 can influence each other.

[0208] The gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201 is adjusted to change the material flow through the nozzle exit gap 201 and thus obtain a thicker or thinner film 101. In turn, the material flow can exert certain forces on the ßols & Vogel

[0209] Nozzle lips exert pressure. A higher material flow can cause nozzle lips to bend outwards. A lower material flow can cause nozzle lips to contract.

[0210] The control device 20 is advantageously designed not only to set but also to monitor the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12. The monitoring results can be used for control purposes, in particular to enable a closed control loop, preferably using or within the adjustment units 10.

[0211] The positioning device 100 enables the acquisition of actual values ​​(mechanical operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements: e.g., actual profile of the nozzle exit gap, actual profile for force of the at least one or more drive elements, actual profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements, etc.; and / or electrical operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements: e.g., electrical current, voltage, etc.) and the control of manipulated variables (electrical operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements: e.g., electrical current, voltage, etc.) to a location, namely in or on adjustment units 10, preferably in or on the drive element(s) 12.

[0212] The actual values ​​and the control variables can be the same. Alternatively, the actual values ​​and the control variables can differ.

[0213] The proposed actuator 100 enables timely feedback between the actual values ​​and the control variables, thus increasing the quality of control.

[0214] In principle, any production parameter PP can serve as a control variable or regulated variable, in particular including:

[0215] Foil parameters FP,

[0216] Machine parameter MP and / or process parameter VP.

[0217] Preferred examples of control variables or regulated variables can be: ßols & Vogel a gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201 and / or a profile of the nozzle lip L1, L2, a thickness profile DP of the film 101, a profile for operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, a force profile, a profile for electrical current and / or electrical voltage of the at least one or more drive elements 12, a profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements 12, etc.

[0218] The operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12 can include the following electrical and / or mechanical quantities: electric current, electric voltage, electric resistance, torque,

[0219] Pressure (exerted on the nozzle lip by at least one or more drive elements),

[0220] force (with which at least one or more drive elements act on the nozzle lip),

[0221] Position,

[0222] temperature, and / or

[0223] Vibrations, especially on a housing and / or a bearing (of the at least one or more drive elements 12).

[0224] In principle, it is conceivable that changes in the operating parameters BP are detected. For this purpose, the control device 20 can be configured to measure the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12 by moving the adjustment units 10 forward and / or backward. Moving the adjustment units 10 forward and / or backward can be advantageous if there is a balance of forces at the nozzle exit gap 201. Then, even a slight forward and / or backward movement of the adjustment units 10 can result in detectable feedback of the opposing forces (from the melt to the nozzle lips). ßols & Vogel

[0225] The following measurements are conceivable for monitoring operating parameters BP of at least one or more drive elements 12:

[0226] Measurement of a preload force on the nozzle lip by ultrasonic measurement, e.g. with an ultrasonic sensor, in particular by means of a time-of-flight measurement of an ultrasound, preferably within a force-applying element of the at least one or the more drive elements 12,

[0227] Measurement of a preload force on the nozzle lip by force and / or pressure measurement, e.g. with a strain gauge and / or piezo sensor, preferably inside or on a surface of a counter bearing of the at least one or more drive elements 12,

[0228] Measurement of a voltage between the nozzle lip and the adjustment units 10, e.g. with a strain gauge and / or with a piezoelectric sensor, possibly with temperature compensation,

[0229] Measurement of electrical resistance at contact surfaces between the nozzle lip and the adjustment units 10 or at two contact surfaces within the adjustment unit 10,

[0230] Measurement of a deformation of the nozzle lip, e.g. by optical measurements, e.g. with at least one camera, preferably using a triangulation method, and / or a laser, preferably using an electro-optical distance measurement,

[0231] Measurement of the nozzle exit gap 201, e.g. by optical measurements, e.g. with at least one camera, preferably using a triangulation method, and / or a laser, preferably using an electro-optical distance measurement,

[0232] Measurement of pressure conditions, preferably within the extrusion plant and / or a feed block of the extrusion plant, etc.

[0233] Measuring the force in a lever that acts on the nozzle lip is also conceivable.

[0234] Advantageously, special sensors can be provided to monitor the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, which are not shown in the figures for the sake of simplicity.

[0235] In principle, the control device 20 can establish a communication link to the

[0236] drive elements 12 and / or associated sensors on the drive elements 12 ßols & Vogel to obtain, query and / or request the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, and / or to control associated sensors on the drive elements 12 to detect the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12.

[0237] Furthermore, when monitoring the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, the control device 20 can: record the operating parameters BP as a function of time, and / or determine changes in the operating parameters BP.

[0238] Changes in the operating parameters BP as a function of time, e.g., first-order (how quickly the parameters change) and / or second-order (with what acceleration or how abruptly the parameters change), can be used to assess the quality and / or responsiveness of the control, in particular to avoid abrupt changes, to ensure stable control, to improve film quality properties, to prevent film tears, etc. For example, fluctuations in film thickness in one direction along the nozzle exit gap 201 can be detected.

[0239] Furthermore, the control device 20 can be configured to monitor the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12:

[0240] To detect correlations between the operating parameters BP of individual drive elements 12, in particular using a machine learning method Kl, preferably using a neural network KNN and / or a mathematical model, and to take them into account during control, for example to set a desired thickness profile DP* of the film 101, and / or to equalize the operating parameters BP of individual drive elements 12 by appropriately controlling the at least one or more drive elements 12 and / or to adapt them to a possible bending curve of the nozzle lip.

[0241] Correlations can be easily detected using a machine learning method, both in terms of hardware and computational technology. These correlations can provide insights into cross-influences between adjacent adjustment units. By standardizing the operating parameters (BP) of individual drive elements 12, stable control can be ensured. (ßols & Vogel)

[0242] Depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, at least one of the following foil parameters FP and / or its fluctuations can be determined:

[0243] Width, thickness, number of layers, material composition, layer distribution, layer thickness ratio, temperature distribution, in particular in a transverse direction and / or in a production direction, optionally using a temperature measurement of the film 101 and / or using a model which, for example, maps the thickness profile DP of the film 101 as a function of film parameters FP, machine parameters MP and / or process parameters VP, melting behavior, material properties, quality properties, layer delamination in the melt and / or film 101.

[0244] Depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, at least one of the following machine parameters MP and / or its fluctuations can be determined:

[0245] Motor parameters, e.g. of an extruder motor,

[0246] Motor speed, motor step count (e.g., of an extruder motor), motor velocity (e.g., of an extruder motor), drive power, drive pressure,

[0247] Flow behavior within the nozzle exit gap 201 and / or a feed block of the extrusion system,

[0248] Measurement of the clamping force of Decklings, ßols & Vogel which are specifically designed to set a desired width of the film 101 by blocking parts on both sides of the nozzle exit gap 201,

[0249] Determination of minimum and / or maximum positions of the adjustment units 10, actual position of adjusting bolts 11, which in particular bear against the nozzle lip to adjust the gap profile SP of the nozzle outlet gap 201, wherein preferably the adjusting bolts 11 are coupled with associated drive elements 12 which act mechanically on the adjusting bolts 11, actual nozzle lip gap.

[0250] Depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, at least one of the following process parameters VP and / or its fluctuations can be determined:

[0251] Exit ratio,

[0252] Loss of contact of an adjusting bolt 11 and / or a drive element 12, flow behavior, viscous elasticity of the melt and / or film 101, viscosity, melt pressure,

[0253] Thickness variations, e.g. caused by temperature fluctuations within the nozzle exit gap 201 and / or a feed block of the extrusion plant, in particular by detection of pressure fluctuations in the melt pressure within the nozzle exit gap 201 and / or a feed block of the extrusion plant.

[0254] Firstly, it is conceivable that the control device 20 could be configured to determine an actual profile or current gap profile SP of the nozzle outlet gap 201 based on the monitoring of the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, wherein, in particular, the at least one or more drive elements 12 are controlled by the control device 20 in such a way as to adapt the determined actual profile of the nozzle outlet gap 201 to the desired gap profile SP* of the nozzle outlet gap 201. Thus, the control can be carried out with regard to the desired gap profile SP* of the nozzle outlet gap 201. ßols & Vogel

[0255] On the other hand, it is conceivable that the control device 20 could be configured to determine an actual profile for force, electrical current, and / or electrical voltage of the at least one or more drive elements 12, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, wherein, in particular, the at least one or more drive elements 12 are controlled by the control device 20 in such a way as to adapt the determined actual profile to a desired profile of the at least one or more drive elements 12. Thus, monitoring can be carried out with regard to the desired profile of certain operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12.

[0256] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the control device 20 can be configured to determine an actual profile for the positions of the at least one or more drive elements 12, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, wherein, in particular, the at least one or more drive elements 12 are controlled by the control device 20 in such a way as to adapt the determined actual profile for positions to a desired profile for the positions of the at least one or more drive elements 12. Thus, the control can be carried out with regard to the desired profile for the positions of the at least one or more drive elements 12.

[0257] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a storage device 30 can be provided to store the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, in particular as a function of time t, and / or to store the specific production parameters PP and / or deviations between the specific production parameters PP and the desired production parameters PP* as a function of the operating parameters BP. In this way, the results of the control can be observed and evaluated over a period of time and used for adjusting the control. Thus, a learning control system that evolves over time t can be provided.

[0258] The invention further provides a corresponding method, namely: a method for controlling, in particular controlling and / or regulating, the production of an extrusion plant, preferably a film extrusion plant. 200. ßols & Vogel

[0259] The nozzle exit gap 201 can have a first and a second nozzle lip for controlled adjustment of a gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201.

[0260] The procedure is carried out using an actuator 100, which can be designed as described above.

[0261] As shown in Fig. 3, the method has:

[0262] 110 Monitoring of operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12 by the control device 20,

[0263] 120 Using the operating parameters BP for production control, e.g., including: determining production parameters PP, in particular including film parameters FP, machine parameters MP and / or process parameters VP, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters BP by the control device 20.

[0264] The method can be used advantageously at the start of production, in particular for the controlled presetting of the adjustment units 10.

[0265] The method can also be used advantageously in ongoing production, in particular for the controlled adjustment of the adjustment units 10.

[0266] As shown in Fig. 3, the process may, for example in step 110, further include:

[0267] Acquisition of operating parameters BP as a function of time t by the control device 20, and / or

[0268] Determining changes df / dt of the operating parameters BP by the control device 20.

[0269] This allows for enhanced control mechanisms and / or improved verification functions. ßols & Vogel

[0270] As shown in Fig. 3, the process may include at least one of the following process steps:

[0271] 130 Adjusting the control or actuation of the at least one or more drive elements 12 by the control device 20, e.g. depending on the specific production parameters PP, in order to obtain in particular desired production parameters PP*, preferably to set a desired gap profile SP* of the nozzle exit gap 201 and / or a desired profile of the nozzle lip L1, L2 and / or to achieve a desired thickness profile DP* of a film 101 and / or to provide desired operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12.

[0272] In this way, flexible control can be enabled, which can be directed at different control variables in the form of different production parameters PP, e.g.:

[0273] Foil parameters FP,

[0274] Machine parameter MP and / or process parameter VP.

[0275] Advantageously, a gap profile of the nozzle exit gap and / or a profile of the nozzle lip, a thickness profile of the film, a profile for operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, e.g. a force profile and / or a profile for an electrical (drive) current and / or an electrical (drive) voltage of the at least one or more drive elements and / or a profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements, etc., can serve as a control or regulation variable.

[0276] As shown in Fig. 3, the process may, for example in step 110, further include:

[0277] Detection of correlations between the operating parameters BP of individual drive elements 12 by the control device 20, in particular using a machine learning method Kl, preferably using a neural network KNN and / or a mathematical model.

[0278] Correlations can be easily detected using a machine learning method (Kl) in terms of hardware and computation. Correlations can provide insights into cross-influences between adjacent adjustment units 10 and improve control (Bols & Vogel). This allows cross-influences between individual adjustment units 10 to be detected easily and quickly with minimal computational effort. Some settings of adjustment units 10 can have effects on adjacent adjustment units 10, for example, through material displacement.

[0279] For example, if an adjustment unit 10 is lowered to reduce the outlet thickness AD from the nozzle outlet gap 201 at that point, it can happen that more melt emerges at points adjacent to this adjustment unit 10 than would be expected from the respective positions of the adjacent adjustment units 10. In that case, lowering the adjacent adjustment units 10 to reduce the outlet thickness AD at those points could be counterproductive.

[0280] A reverse situation is also conceivable. If, for example, an adjustment unit 10 is raised to increase the outlet thickness AD from the nozzle outlet gap 201 at that point, then material from the adjacent areas may be displaced towards this adjustment unit 10. In that case, it could be counterproductive to raise the adjacent adjustment units 10 to increase the outlet thickness AD at those adjacent points.

[0281] Furthermore, Fig. 3 indicates that the process, e.g. in step 130 or during inspection, may include at least one of the following process steps:

[0282] 131 Considering correlations between the operating parameters BP of individual drive elements 12 during control, for example to set a desired thickness profile DP* of the foil 101,

[0283] 132 Comparison of the operating parameters BP of individual drive elements 12 by means of a corresponding control of the at least one or more drive elements 12 by the control device 20, and / or

[0284] 133 Adapting the operating parameters BP of individual drive elements 12 to a desired bending curve of the nozzle lip.

[0285] This allows for enhanced control mechanisms (e.g., prevention of cross-influence, etc.) and / or improved verification functions (e.g., stable control, etc.). ßols & Vogel

[0286] Furthermore, Fig. 3 indicates that the process, e.g. in or after step 130, may include at least one of the following process steps:

[0287] 134 Storing the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, in particular as a function of time t, and / or

[0288] 135 Storing the specified production parameters PP and / or deviations between the specified production parameters PP and desired production parameters PP* depending on the electrical operating parameters BP.

[0289] In this way, the results of monitoring and control over time t can be observed, evaluated, and used for the development of the control system. Thus, a learning control system that evolves over time t can be provided.

[0290] The check in step 130 can be carried out, for example, with regard to the desired gap profile SP* of the nozzle exit gap 201 (variant 1):

[0291] 120.1 Determining an actual profile of the nozzle outlet gap 201,

[0292] 130.1 Controlling the at least one or more drive elements 12 to adapt the detected actual profile or the current gap profile SP of the nozzle outlet gap 201 to the desired gap profile SP* of the nozzle outlet gap 201.

[0293] The check in step 130 can be carried out, for example, with regard to the desired force profile of the at least one or more drive elements 12 (variant 2):

[0294] 120.2 Determining an actual profile for force, electric current and / or electric voltage of the at least one or more drive elements 12,

[0295] 130.2 Controlling the at least one or more drive elements 12 to adapt the recorded actual profile to a desired profile of the at least one or more drive elements 12.

[0296] The check in step 130 can be carried out, for example, with regard to the desired profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements 12 (variant 3):

[0297] 120.3 Determining an actual profile for the positions of the at least one or more drive elements 12, ßols & Vogel

[0298] 130.3 Controlling the at least one or more drive elements 12 to adapt the recorded actual profile for positions to a desired profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements 12. As mentioned above, different control objectives or regulation objectives can be prioritized using the actuator and the method.

[0299] A corresponding computer program product and a corresponding data carrier with a corresponding computer program product also represent aspects of the invention.

[0300] The preceding explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention solely by way of examples. Naturally, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided this is technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0301] ßols & Vogel

[0302] Reference sign list

[0303] 100 Actuating device

[0304] Slide 101

[0305] 10 Adjustment unit, actuating element

[0306] 11 deputy bosses

[0307] 12 Drive element

[0308] 20 Control device

[0309] 200 film extrusion plant

[0310] 201 Nozzle outlet gap

[0311] AD Exit thickness of a melt

[0312] FD film thickness

[0313] SP gap profile of the nozzle exit gap

[0314] SP* desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap

[0315] DP film thickness profile

[0316] DP* desired thickness profile of the film

[0317] BP operating parameters

[0318] PP production parameters

[0319] PP* desired production parameters

[0320] FP film parameters

[0321] MP machine parameters

[0322] VP process parameters f function ßols & Vogel t time

[0323] KL methods for machine learning

[0324] KNN neural network

Claims

ßols & Vogel P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. Actuating device (100) for controlling, in particular controlling and / or regulating, the production of an extrusion plant, preferably a film extrusion plant (200), comprising: a plurality of adjusting units (10) for adjusting the exit thickness (AD), wherein the adjusting units (10) act on a die lip, wherein the adjusting units (10) include at least one or more drive elements (12), in particular in the form of electric motors, piezo drives, thermocouples, pneumatic drives, hydraulic drives, etc., comprising a control device (20) configured to control the at least one or more drive elements (12) such that the adjustment units (10) assume and / or hold predetermined positions, wherein the control device (20) is configured to monitor operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), and wherein the control device (20) is configured to use the operating parameters (BP) for production control in order to obtain, in particular, desired production parameters (PP*).

2. Actuating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine production parameters (PP), in particular comprising: film parameters (FP), machine parameters (MP) and / or process parameters (VP), depending on the monitoring, preferably without measuring the thickness profile (DP) of a film (101), and / or wherein the control device (20) is configured to adjust the control of the at least one or more drive elements (12) in such a way as to set a desired gap profile (SP*) of the nozzle exit gap (201) and / or a desired profile of the nozzle lip (L1, L2) and / or a desired - 42 - ßols & Vogel to achieve a thickness profile (DP*) of a film (101) and / or to provide a desired profile for operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12).

3. Actuating device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device (20) is configured to monitor at least one of the following operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12): electric current, electric voltage, electric resistance, torque, Number of revolutions, Pressure, Power, Position, temperature, and / or Vibrations, especially on a housing and / or a bearing.

4. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to measure the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12) by moving the adjusting units (10) forward and / or backward.

5. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12) using at least one of the following measurements: Measurement of a preload force on the nozzle lip by ultrasonic measurement, e.g. with an ultrasonic sensor, in particular by means of a time-of-flight measurement of an ultrasound, preferably within a force-applying element of the at least one or the several drive elements (12), - 43 - ßols & Vogel Measurement of a preload force on the nozzle lip by force and / or pressure measurement, e.g. with a strain gauge and / or piezo sensor, preferably inside or on a surface of a counter bearing of the at least one or more drive elements (12), Measurement of a voltage between the nozzle lip and the adjustment units (10), e.g. with a strain gauge and / or with a piezoelectric sensor, possibly with temperature compensation, Measurement of electrical resistance at contact surfaces between the nozzle lip and the adjustment units (10) or at two contact surfaces within the adjustment unit (10), Measurement of a deformation of the nozzle lip, e.g. by optical measurements, e.g. with at least one camera, preferably using a triangulation method, and / or a laser, preferably using an electro-optical distance measurement, Measurement of the nozzle exit gap (201), e.g. by optical measurements, e.g. with at least one camera, preferably using a triangulation method, and / or a laser, preferably using an electro-optical distance measurement, and / or Measurement of pressure conditions, preferably within the extrusion plant and / or a feed block of the extrusion plant.

6. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12) using at least one sensor.

7. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to: detect the operating parameters (BP) as a function of time (t) when monitoring the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), and / or determine changes in the operating parameters (BP).

8. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, - 44 - ßols & Vogel wherein the control device (20) is configured to monitor the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12): To detect correlations between the operating parameters (BP) of individual drive elements (12), in particular using a machine learning method, preferably using a neural network (ANN) and / or a mathematical model, and to take these into account during control, for example to set a desired thickness profile (DP*) of the film (101), and / or to equalize the operating parameters (BP) of individual drive elements (12) by appropriately controlling the at least one or more drive elements (12) and / or to adapt them to a possible bending curve of the nozzle lip.

9. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) has a communication link to the drive elements (12) and / or to associated sensors on the drive elements (12) in order to obtain, query and / or request the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), and / or to control associated sensors on the drive elements (12) to detect the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12).

10. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine at least one of the following foil parameters (FP) and / or its fluctuations depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12): Width, Thickness, Number of layers, Material composition, ßols & Vogel Shift distribution Layer thickness ratio, Temperature distribution, in particular in a transverse direction and / or in a production direction, optionally using a temperature measurement of the film (101) and / or using a model which, for example, determines the thickness profile (DP) of the film. (101) maps depending on film parameters (FP), machine parameters (MP) and / or process parameters (VP), Melting behavior, Material properties, Quality characteristics, Layer breaks in the melt and / or film (101).

11. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine at least one of the following machine parameters (MP) and / or its fluctuations depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12): Engine parameters, Motor speed, motor step count, Engine speed, Drive power, Drive pressure Flow behavior within the nozzle exit gap (201) and / or a feed block of the extrusion plant, Measurement of the clamping force of decklings, which are specifically designed to adjust a desired width of the film (101) by blocking parts on both sides of the nozzle exit gap (201), Determination of minimum and / or maximum positions of the adjustment units (10), Actual position of adjusting bolts (11), which in particular bear against the nozzle lip to adjust a gap profile (SP) of the nozzle outlet gap (201) and / or a profile of the nozzle lip, ßols & Vogel wherein preferably the adjusting bolts (11) are coupled with associated drive elements (12) which act mechanically on the adjusting bolts (11), Real nozzle lip gap.

12. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine at least one of the following process parameters (VP) and / or its fluctuations depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12): Exit ratio, Loss of contact of an adjusting bolt (11) and / or a drive element (12), flow behavior, Viscous elasticity of the melt and / or film (101), viscosity, melt pressure, Thickness variations, e.g. caused by temperature fluctuations within the nozzle exit gap (201) and / or a feed block of the extrusion plant, in particular by detection of pressure fluctuations in the melt pressure within the nozzle exit gap (201) and / or a feed block of the extrusion plant.

13. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to adapt the control of the at least one or more drive elements (12) in particular depending on the specific production parameters (PP) in order to obtain desired production parameters (PP*).

14. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine an actual profile of the nozzle outlet gap (201) depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), wherein in particular the at least one or more drive elements (12) are controlled by the control device (20) in such a way as to determine the actual profile of the - 47 - ßols & Vogel to adapt the nozzle exit gap (201) to the desired gap profile (SP*) of the nozzle exit gap (201).

15. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine an actual profile for force, electric current and / or electric voltage of the at least one or more drive elements (12) depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), wherein in particular the at least one or more drive elements (12) are controlled by the control device (20) in such a way as to adapt the determined actual profile to a desired profile of the at least one or more drive elements (12).

16. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine an actual profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements (201) depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), wherein in particular the at least one or more drive elements (12) are controlled by the control device (20) in such a way as to adapt the determined actual profile for positions to a desired profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements (12).

17. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a storage device (30) is provided to store the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or the more drive elements (12), in particular as a function of time (t), and / or to store the determined production parameters (PP) and / or deviations between the determined production parameters (PP) and the desired production parameters (PP*) depending on the operating parameters (BP).

18. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, - 48 - ßols & Vogel wherein the at least one drive element (12), in particular in the form of a screw device, e.g. at the start of production, is designed for controlled presetting of the adjusting units (10), and wherein the at least one drive element (12), in particular in the form of a screw device, e.g. during ongoing production, is designed for controlled adjustment of the adjusting units (10), wherein preferably the at least one drive element (12), in particular in the form of a screw device, is designed to selectively move individual adjusting bolts (11) in the form of screw bolts of the adjusting units (10) in order to adjust the adjusting bolts (11) relative to the nozzle lip (L1, L2), in particular to achieve basic settings and / or to enable fine adjustments of the adjusting bolts (11).

19. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one drive element (12), in particular in the form of a screw device, e.g. at the start of production, is designed for controlled presetting of the adjusting units (10), wherein preferably the at least one drive element (12), in particular in the form of a screw device, is designed to selectively approach individual adjusting bolts (11) in the form of screw bolts of the adjusting units (10) in order to adjust the adjusting bolts (11) relative to the nozzle lip (L1, L2), in particular to achieve basic settings of the adjusting bolts (11), and wherein the multiple drive elements (12), in particular in the form of electric motors, piezo drives, thermocouples, pneumatic drives, hydraulic drives, etc., e.g.during ongoing production, for the controlled adjustment of the adjustment units (10), preferably to enable fine adjustments of the adjustment units (10).

20. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the multiple drive elements (12), in particular in the form of electric motors, piezo drives, thermocouples, pneumatic drives, hydraulic drives - 49 - ßols & Vogel etc., e.g. at the start of production, for the controlled presetting of the adjustment units (10), in particular to achieve basic settings of the adjustment units (10), and wherein the several drive elements (12), in particular in the form of electric motors, piezo drives, thermocouples, pneumatic drives, hydraulic drives etc., e.g. during ongoing production, are designed for the controlled adjustment of the adjustment units (10) in order to enable fine adjustments of the adjustment units (10).

21. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more drive elements (12) are designed for controlled presetting of the adjustment units (10) and for controlled adjustment of the adjustment units (10), or wherein the one drive element (12) is designed for controlled presetting of the adjustment units (10) and the multiple drive elements (12) are designed for controlled adjustment of the adjustment units (10), wherein in particular the one drive element (12) for controlled presetting of the adjustment units (10) and the multiple drive elements (12) for controlled adjustment of the adjustment units (10) have a communication link in order to, for example, coordinate the presetting and the adjustment and / or to enable at least one further function during ongoing production, for example, for cleaning edge areas of the nozzle exit gap (201).

22. Adjusting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a controlled presetting and / or a controlled adjustment of the adjusting units (10) can be carried out in an automated manner, and / or wherein a controlled presetting of the adjusting units (10) can be carried out during commissioning of the extrusion plant, during a changeover of production and / or periodically during ongoing production, - 50 - ßols & Vogel and / or wherein a controlled presetting of the adjustment units (10) is provided for clamping and / or unclamping clamping blades to enable, for example, a format change of the film and / or a cleaning of edge areas of the nozzle exit gap (201).

23. Method for controlling, in particular controlling and / or regulating, the production of an extrusion plant, preferably a film extrusion plant (200), wherein the method is carried out using an actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: Monitoring of operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12) by the control device (20), using the operating parameters (BP) for production control, in particular to obtain desired production parameters (PP*).

24. Method according to the preceding claim, further comprising: Determining production parameters (PP), in particular comprising film parameters (FP), machine parameters (MP) and / or process parameters (VP), depending on the monitoring of operating parameters (BP) by the control device (20), and / or Adjusting the control of the at least one or more drive elements (12) by the control device (20) to set a desired gap profile (SP*) of the nozzle exit gap and / or a desired profile of the nozzle lip (L1 , L2) and / or to achieve a desired thickness profile (DP*) of a film (101) and / or to provide a desired profile for operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12).

25. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, - 51 - ßols & Vogel wherein the method is used for the start of production, in particular for the controlled presetting of the adjustment units (10), and / or wherein the method is used during ongoing production, in particular for the controlled adjustment of the adjustment units (10).

26. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Acquisition of operating parameters (BP) as a function of time (t) by the control device (20), and / or Determining changes in operating parameters (BP) by the control device (20).

27. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Detecting correlations between the operating parameters (BP) of individual drive elements (12) by the control device (20), in particular using a machine learning method (Kl), preferably using a neural network (ANN) and / or a mathematical model; taking into account correlations between the operating parameters (BP) of individual drive elements (12) during control, for example to set a desired thickness profile (DP*) of the film (101); equalizing the operating parameters (BP) of individual drive elements (12) by appropriately controlling the at least one or more drive elements (12) by the control device (20); and / or adapting the operating parameters (BP) of individual drive elements (12) to a desired bending curve of the nozzle lip.

28. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Controlling the at least one or more drive elements (12), in particular depending on the specified production parameters (PP), in order to obtain desired production parameters (PP*).

29. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, - 52 - ßols & Vogel further showing: Storing the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), in particular as a function of time (t), and / or Storing the specified production parameters (PP) and / or deviations between the specified production parameters (FP) and desired production parameters (PP*) depending on the electrical operating parameters (BP).

30. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Determining an actual profile of the nozzle exit gap (201), Controlling the at least one or more drive elements (12) to adapt the detected actual profile of the nozzle exit gap (201) to the desired gap profile (SP*) of the nozzle exit gap (201).

31. Method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: Determining an actual profile for force, electric current and / or electric voltage of the at least one or more drive elements (12), controlling the at least one or more drive elements (12) in order to adapt the recorded actual profile to a desired profile of the at least one or more drive elements (12).

32. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Determining an actual profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements (12), Controlling the at least one or more drive elements (12) to adapt the recorded actual profile for positions to a desired profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements (12). - 53 - ßols & Vogel 33. Computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any of the preceding method claims.

34. Computer-readable data carrier in which instructions are stored which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any of the preceding method claims. Execution by a computer causes it to carry out the method according to one of the preceding method claims.

35. Control device (20) comprising a storage unit in which a code is stored and a computing unit, wherein when the code is executed by the computing unit, the method according to one of the preceding method claims is carried out. - 54 -

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