Application unit with a powder feed device for feeding a powdery material and coating device

Abstract

Application unit (101; 101') with a powder feed device (700; 700') for feeding a powdery material (004; 004'), wherein the application unit (101; 101') comprises a first roller (102; 102') and a second roller (103; 103') forming a roller gap (104; 104') with the first roller (102; 102'), wherein in the region of the gusset above the roller gap (104; 104') a filling and / or supply space (126) is provided and / or formed, into which powdery material (004; 004') can be fed via a powder feed device (700; 700'), wherein the powder feed device (700; 700') comprises a dispensing device (701), from which powdery material (004; 004') can be delivered directly or indirectly to a conveying device (702; 702.1, 702.2) driven by at least one drive means (712; 712.1; 712.2), wherein the conveying device (702; 702.1, 702.2) arranged directly upstream of the filling and / or storage space (126)2) is designed to be only partially wide over its entire conveying length or at least in the region of its downstream end or outlet relative to the width of the filling and / or supply chamber (126), characterized in that the conveying device (702; 702.1, 702.2) as a whole or at least with its outlet-side end or outlet can be moved in both directions by a drive means (771) over a feed width relevant for the powder feed, wherein at least one drive means (771) synchronous to the conveying device (702; 702.1, 702.2) or at least its output-side end or outlet, a sensor (713) is provided which is moved along with the powdered material (004; 004') present in the filling and / or storage chamber (126) for detecting or monitoring the fill level, or a sensor system with at least one sensor (761) by means of which a fill level can be monitored or determined continuously or at intervals across the width of the filling and / or storage chamber (126).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an applicator with a powder feed device for feeding a powdery material and coating device according to claim 1 and 10 respectively.

[0002] DE 10 2017 208 220 A1 discloses a device and method for coating a carrier substrate, wherein a dry film is formed in a gap between a first and a second roller and, in one embodiment, is transferred to the carrier substrate in a gap with another roller. The rollers are operated at a differential speed to form fibrils.

[0003] US 2015 / 0224529 A1 discloses a device for coating an object to be coated with a coating material, wherein the coating material contains, among other things, 20 to 65 vol.% water. The layer is formed between a first and a second roller, wherein the first roller has improved transfer properties, e.g., a rougher surface, for better application, and the rollers can be operated at different speeds.

[0004] In WO 2020 / 150254 A1, a film is produced by calendering a powder mixture and wound onto a roll to be fed as such to a further process in which it can be laminated to a collector. In one embodiment, the powder mixture is applied to a belt and guided along it into the nip between two rollers.

[0005] JP 57 72 427 B2 relates to a powder rolling device for producing an electrode material from powder. In one embodiment, powder is conveyed into a central area of ​​a feed hopper by a central vibrating conveyor and into the peripheral areas by two outer vibrating conveyors. In another embodiment, the feed hopper comprises five sections.

[0006] WO 01 / 32312 A1 discloses a roller mill for grinding granular materials, in particular grain, comprising a feed device with an opening through which the grain can be discharged into a grinding mechanism formed by two rollers. The feed device comprises a vibration drive for generating a vibratory movement of the feed device.

[0007] WO 2016 / 002139 A1 relates to the production of a lithium-ion battery electrode, wherein powder is applied to the current collector from a powder feed device via a guide element and excess powder is removed by a roller doctor.

[0008] JP 2012-254422 A discloses a coating device comprising two rollers for coating a coating material, a hopper for feeding a coating material into the gap between the two rollers, and a sensor for measuring the height of the upper surface of the coating material in the hopper. A ratio of the peripheral speed of the two rollers is varied depending on the measured height of the upper surface of the coating material in the hopper.

[0009] DE 10 2011 119 529 A1 relates to coating an object with a powdery material, in particular with a powder or granulate containing color pigments, with a dosing device which has a chamber for receiving the material, a dosing element formed by a rotating roller having depressions, and an application element formed by a rotating brush which is in contact with the dosing element.

[0010] The invention is based on the object of creating an application unit with a powder feed device for feeding a powdery material and a coating device.

[0011] The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 and 10 respectively.

[0012] The advantages achievable with the invention are, in particular, that a coated carrier substrate with an active material layer that is as uniform and / or as free from defects as possible can be produced continuously and reliably by means of the application unit or the coating device.

[0013] By feeding material in sections, in contrast to feeding it across the entire width, sections with, for example, an insufficient fill level can be filled specifically and a level can be achieved across the entire width.

[0014] In an embodiment of an applicator particularly suitable for the invention, comprising a powder feed device for feeding a powdery material, wherein the applicator comprises a first roller and a second roller forming a gap with the first roller, a filling and / or supply chamber with a width extending in the axial direction of the second roller is formed and / or provided in the region of the gusset above the gap, into which filling and / or supply chamber powdery material can be fed directly or indirectly via a metering device included in the powder feed device. The powder feed device comprises a dispensing device, from which powdery material can be dispensed directly or indirectly to a conveyor device driven by at least one drive means.The conveyor device arranged directly upstream of the filling and / or storage chamber is designed to be only partially wide over its entire conveying length or at least in the region of its downstream end or outlet relative to the width of the filling and / or storage chamber, wherein the conveyor device as a whole or at least with its outlet-side end or outlet can be moved in both directions by a drive means over a feed width relevant for the powder feed, and wherein at least one sensor is provided which moves synchronously with the conveyor device or at least with its outlet-side end or outlet and which is directed from above onto the powdery material present in the filling and / or storage chamber for the purpose of detecting or monitoring the fill level, or a sensor system with at least one sensor by means of which a fill level can be monitored or determined continuously or at intervals across the width of the filling and / or storage chamber.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the conveyor device, which is partially wide at least at the end or outlet, is designed as a conveyor belt system and has a plurality of conveyor belts which are coupled to one another in the conveying direction and which can be operated in particular at a controllable speed.

[0016] The conveyor device is preferably coupled with its downstream end to a linear drive running at a height above the roller gap in the direction of the gap length and can be moved back and forth by this between two lateral end positions determining the feed width.

[0017] A particularly preferred coating device for dry coating a carrier substrate with a powder composite film comprises at least one application unit in an above-mentioned embodiment, by means of which powdery material can first be processed into a dry film by applying a pressing force and subsequently this dry film can be applied to a first side of the carrier substrate, in particular by pressing and / or applying a pressing force, as a powder composite film.

[0018] A preferred device for coating, in particular dry coating, a carrier substrate, in particular a web-shaped one, with an above-mentioned material layer, e.g. in the form of a dry film, in particular for coating with a powder composite film, comprises at least a first application unit, by means of which a powder mixture, in particular a solvent-free and / or dry powder mixture, can first be processed into a dry film, in particular by pressing and / or applying a pressing force, and this dry film can subsequently be applied to a first side of the carrier substrate, in particular by pressing and / or applying a pressing force.

[0019] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the machine, a dry film can be produced on both sides of the carrier substrate in the same machine.

[0020] In a first advantageous embodiment of an application stage, application units with a respective laminating roller are provided on both sides of the substrate path, forming a two-sided application or laminating gap between their lateral surfaces. The two laminating rollers forming the gap act as mutual counterpressure rollers. The carrier substrate passed between these laminating rollers can thus be exposed on both sides to the dry film formed in the respective application unit.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment variant for an application stage, a dry film can be produced on both sides of the carrier substrate in the same machine by a respective application unit, independently of the production of the other. This can be achieved, for example, by a device for coating, in particular dry coating, a web-shaped carrier substrate with a powder composite film, having at least one first application unit, by means of which a dry powder mixture can first be processed into a dry film and this dry film can subsequently be applied in an application orLaminating gap between a laminating roller of the first application unit and a first counter-pressure roller can be applied to a first side of the carrier substrate, and wherein a second application unit is provided in the substrate path, by means of which a dry powder mixture can first be processed into a second dry film and can be applied to the other side of the carrier substrate, the second application unit comprises a second counter-pressure roller which is different from the first counter-pressure roller and which, with a laminating roller of the second application unit, forms a second application or laminating gap in which the second dry film can be applied to a second side of a carrier substrate guided through the second laminating gap.

[0022] In addition to this or alternatively, in another particularly advantageous embodiment for the device for coating, in particular dry coating, a carrier substrate with a material layer forming, for example, a powder composite film, with at least one first application unit, which comprises a first roller and a second roller, which form a first gap serving for film formation between their lateral surfaces in the nip, through which a dry powder mixture can be conveyed in order to form a first dry film, and with a first counter-pressure roller, which forms a second gap with the second roller or with a further roller arranged between the second counter-pressure roller and the second roller, through which a carrier substrate to be coated can be guided and can be acted upon by the dry film formed in the first gap, the first gap between the first and second rollers can be adjusted on the basis of a position-based actuator, ieadjustable to a constant and / or defined gap width, and the second gap between the counter-pressure roller and the second or an intermediate further roller of the first application unit adjustable on the basis of a force-based actuator, i.e. adjustable to a constant and / or defined contact or line force.

[0023] A particularly preferred device for feeding powdery material into a roller gap, which is formed, for example, on one side by an above-mentioned roller or by two rollers different therefrom, comprises a dispensing device having a vibrating conveyor, by means of which powdery material to be conveyed into the roller gap can be dispensed on a dispensing width viewed parallel to the roller gap, wherein downstream of the dispensing device and upstream of the roller gap in the conveying path of the powdery material there is provided a conveying device formed by a conveyor belt, via which powdery material can be fed directly or indirectly to the roller gap or to an insertion aid provided above it, or via one or more further conveying devices on a feed width running transversely to the conveying direction.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, a particularly preferred device for feeding powdered material into a roller gap comprises a dispensing device by means of which powdered material to be conveyed into the roller gap can be dispensed to a conveyor device, wherein a removal device is provided above the conveyor device in the conveying direction between the point of material feed onto the conveyor device and a dispensing point to another conveyor device or into the roller gap or into an insertion aid provided above it, said removal device extending horizontally over at least one conveyor width and adjustable in distance from the conveyor device.

[0025] Alternatively or in addition to one or more of the above embodiments, a particularly preferred device for feeding powdery material into a roller gap comprises a powder feed device, from which powdery material can be fed to the roller gap or to an introduction aid provided above it on a feed width running transversely to the conveying direction, wherein the powdery material leaving the powder feed device downstream can be fed to the roller gap or to the introduction aid provided above it via a drop section, and wherein a sensor system with an impact element arranged in the drop path is provided on the drop section of the powder flow emerging from the powder feed device and to be fed to the roller gap or to the introduction aid arranged above it, which impact element is operatively connected to a sensor designed as a force transducer for recording the force exerted on the impact element by the powder flow.Alternatively, a sensor system can be provided on the drop section which is directed towards the fall path of the powder stream emerging from the powder feed device and to be fed to the roller gap or the insertion aid arranged above it.

[0026] In an advantageous development, a device for determining the density of a layer of material conveyed on a circumferential surface of the roller is provided, which device comprises a removal device which can be or is positioned against the circumferential surface for removing at least part of the layer of material at a point on the circumference of the roller over at least part of a usable working width of the roller during rotation, a weighing device on which at least part of the removed layer of material can be collected and by means of which its mass can be determined, and a measuring device by means of which a layer thickness of the material layer conveyed on the roller can be determined at at least one point. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a sensor system is also provided which is directed towards the circumferential surface of the roller and by means of which a width of an edge strip to be removed or a profile of the width or at least of the side edge can be determined.

[0027] In order to determine the density of the material layer conveyed on a lateral surface of a roller, in an advantageous further development the roller carrying the material layer on its lateral surface is rotated about its axis of rotation, at a point on the circumference between a receiving means and a downstream discharge of the material layer to a further roller or to a carrier substrate the material layer is removed from the lateral surface over at least part of its width by a removal device over an angular range during rotation, a mass of the part of the material layer removed over the angular range is determined by weighing, a layer thickness of the material layer is determined by a measuring device, preferably before removal, an area of ​​the material layer removed or to be removed in the angular range on the roller is determined and finally using the area, the mass and the layer thickness orFrom the values ​​determined, a value for the density of the material layer conveyed on the roller is obtained. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the material layer is removed only over a portion of its width as a material strip, in particular as an edge strip.

[0028] A preferred coating device for coating a carrier substrate with a material layer having at least one applicator, by means of which powdery material can first be processed into a material layer by applying a pressing force and subsequently this material layer can be applied to a first side of a carrier substrate, in particular by pressing and / or by applying a pressing force, wherein a first roller and a second roller of the applicator are arranged such that they form a first roller gap between their outer surfaces in the nip, through which the powdery material can be conveyed to form the dry film, comprises a measuring arrangement, in particular in the manner of an above-mentioned device for determining a density, by means of which a density of the material layer conveyed on a outer surface of the second or a further downstream roller of the applicator can be determined.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment of such a coating device, the second roller or a roller which interacts directly with the second roller or indirectly via one or more further rollers and acts as a laminating roller forms a second roller gap in the nip between its outer surface and the outer surface of a roller acting as a counter-pressure roller, through which the carrier substrate can be guided and can be subjected to the dry film formed via the first roller gap.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment of a machine comprising one of the above-mentioned coating devices for coating a web-shaped carrier substrate on at least one of its sides with a dry film formed from a powder mixture, said machine comprises a substrate unwinder through which the web-shaped carrier substrate can be fed to the machine on the input side, an application stage through which at least one dry film can be produced from the powder mixture and applied to at least one side of the carrier substrate at at least one application gap through which the carrier substrate passes, a calendering unit with a calendering gap through which the carrier substrate provided with the dry film on at least one side can be passed as a product strand under the application of pressure and / or elevated temperature, and a roll winder in which the carrier material provided with the dry film on at least one side can be wound up on a roll as a product strand.In particular, both in a first substrate path section located between the location of unwinding from the substrate roll in the substrate unwinder to the entry into the single or first application gap of the application stage, and in a second substrate path section located between the location of the exit of the carrier substrate web from the single or downstream last application gap of the application stage and the entry into the calendering gap between the two calendering rollers, at least one positively driven pull roller and at least one measuring roller for determining a web tension are provided.

[0031] In a further development of such a machine, a single-part or multi-part pretreatment station is provided in the first substrate path section, by means of which the carrier substrate is or can be freed from surface contaminants and / or electrical charge carriers on one or both sides in a contactless or contacting process, and / or a measuring station by means of which the material thickness of the carrier material can be checked for its thickness and / or homogeneity in the thickness and / or for contaminants.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, a calendering unit with two calendering rollers is preferably provided in the second substrate path section downstream of the application stage, at least one of which is heatable and / or between which a pressure with an adjustable line force of, for example, at least 5.0 kN / cm can be applied, and / or a cooling device by means of which a product strand passed through can be cooled.

[0033] This allows, for example, inline production of the product, which ensures particularly good adhesion and / or damage-free product delivery. The former is achieved, for example, through additional heat and / or pressure treatment; the latter, for example, through temperature control, particularly cooling, before collection in the container, especially the roll.

[0034] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are described in more detail below.

[0035] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a product to be manufactured; Fig. 2 a schematic diagram for the production and application of a dry film; Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a machine for producing a multi-layer product with a dry film applied to a carrier substrate, with an application stage according to an embodiment of a first group of embodiments; Fig. 4 an enlarged view of the order stage of first execution Fig. 3; Fig. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of an embodiment of the first group of embodiments; Fig. 6 shows a further alternative embodiment of the embodiment of a first group of embodiments; Fig. 7 shows a further alternative embodiment of the embodiment of a first group of embodiments; Fig. 8 a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a second group of embodiments; Fig. 9 a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of a second group of embodiments; Fig. 10 shows an embodiment of a machine for producing a multi-layer product with a dry film applied to a carrier substrate, with an application stage according to an embodiment of the second group of embodiments; Fig. 11 an enlarged view of the order stage Fig. 10 with pairwise coupling of two rollers in a first embodiment; Fig. 12 an enlarged view of the order stage Fig. 10 with pairwise coupling of two rollers in a second embodiment; Fig. 13 a view from diagonally below with removal devices; Fig. 14 an oblique view of a product section with slight lateral primer overhang; Fig. 15 shows a further embodiment of a machine for producing a multi-layer product with a dry film applied to a carrier substrate, with an application stage according to an embodiment of the second group of embodiments; Fig. 16 shows a further embodiment of a machine for producing a multi-layer product with a dry film applied to a carrier substrate, with an application stage according to an embodiment of the second group of embodiments; Fig. 17 a schematically illustrated applicator with a first embodiment of a device for feeding powdery material into the roller gap; Fig. 18 a schematically illustrated application unit with a sensor system provided in the fall path in a first embodiment; Fig. 19 a schematically illustrated application unit with a sensor system provided in the fall path in a second embodiment; Fig. 20 a) a schematically illustrated application unit with a further advantageous embodiment of the device for feeding powdery material into the roller gap in an oblique view and b) in a detailed view from a); Fig. 21 is a schematic sectional view of an applicator with a further advantageous embodiment of the device for feeding powdery material into the roller gap; Fig. 22 a schematically illustrated oblique view of an applicator with a further advantageous embodiment of the device for feeding powdery material into the roller gap; Fig. 23 is a schematic oblique view of an applicator with a further advantageous embodiment of the device for feeding powdery material into the roller gap; Fig. 24 a schematically illustrated application unit with a further advantageous embodiment of the device for feeding powdery material into the roller gap a) in a side view and b) from above; Fig. 25 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device for determining the density of a material layer conveyed on a lateral surface of a roller.

[0036] The devices and machines described below are used for the production of electrode units of electrochemical storage devices, as they are used in particular in batteries or accumulators, such as lithium-sulfur, sodium-ion or in particular lithium-ion batteries, as well as in solid-state batteries.

[0037] A product 001; 002 to be manufactured by a machine mentioned below can, for example, be formed by an intermediate product that is still to be cut, e.g., in web form, e.g., a product strand 002 formed as an electrode strand, or by arc-shaped end products that have already been cut in the machine, e.g., product sections 001 formed as electrode units, or electrodes for short.

[0038] For the production of such products 001; 002 with a material layer 003; 003', in particular an active material layer, preferably applied as a dry film 003; 003', applied to one or both sides of a carrier substrate 006, preferably a carrier substrate web 006, e.g. a current collector substrate formed by, for example, a current collector foil, a device for coating, in short coating device 100; 100*, in particular for dry coating, of a carrier substrate 006, in particular in web form, e.g. the above-mentionedA material layer 003; 003', preferably a dry film 003; 003', in particular a powder composite film, is provided, which comprises at least one first application unit 101, by means of which powdery, preferably dry, material 004; 004', in particular a preferably solvent-free and / or dry powder mixture 004; 004', can initially be processed into a dry film 003, in particular by pressing and / or applying a pressing force, and this dry film 003; 003' can subsequently be applied to a first side of the carrier substrate 006, in particular by pressing and / or applying a pressing force. A dry film 003; 003' to be applied should, for example, have a thickness of 20 µm to 240 µm, preferably of 40 µm to 100 µm, after application and pressing.

[0039] An above-mentioned powder mixture 004; 004', in particular in the form of a dry powder, comprises - in particular for the production of electrode units 001 for lithium-ion batteries or accumulators - for example more than ninety percent by weight of an active material such as one or more of the lithium compounds lithium iron phosphate, lithium manganese oxide, nickel-rich lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide, lithium cobalt oxide, lithium manganese nickel oxide and / or lithium titanate, a few, for example three percent by weight of a conductive additive, for example graphite or so-called CNTs, i.e. multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and a few, for example two percent by weight of a plastic which acts as a binder in the subsequent powder composite, for example polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0040] The carrier substrate 006, for example, simultaneously represents the current-conducting layer of the electrode unit 001 and is formed, for example, by an electrically conductive material in the form of a foil, fleece, or fabric, e.g., a metal. It is formed, for example—in particular for the production of electrode units 001 for lithium-ion batteries or accumulators—from aluminum or copper and / or has, for example, a thickness d006 of 5 to 16 µm. In the case of the production of an anode, it is made, in particular, from aluminum with, for example, a thickness d006 of, for example, in the range of 5 to 13 µm, and in the case of the production of a cathode, it is made, in particular, from aluminum with, for example, a thickness d006 in the range of 7 to 16 µm.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the carrier substrate 006 has, at least in the surface area to be coated with the dry film 003; 003', a surface coating with a bond-supporting or bond-inducing agent 007; 007', e.g., a binder, a primer, or an adhesive. Such an agent 007; 007' can be formed by a thermoplastic or reactive binder or primer and, e.g., comprise a thermoplastic component and / or have a thickness d007 of only a few µm, e.g., at most 5 µm, in particular at most 3 µm.

[0042] A thickness d003; d003' of the material layer 003; 003' of the product 001; 002, i.e. of the electrode unit or the electrode strand, is, for example, at most 240 µm, in particular at most 150 µm, preferably at most 100 µm and / or is, for example, at least 20 µm, in particular at least 30 µm, preferably at least 40 µm.

[0043] A total thickness of the product 001; 002, which is coated on both sides, amounts to up to 500 µm, in particular up to 320 µm, preferably up to 220 µm and / or at least 50 µm, in particular at least 70 µm, preferably at least 90 µm.

[0044] To ensure an effective manufacturing process, preferably, web-shaped carrier substrate 006 is processed into the aforementioned final or intermediate product, which, for example, has a width of at least 500 mm, in particular at least 600 mm, and in a particularly advantageous embodiment, even at least 1,200 mm. In this case, the carrier substrate 006 is not coated with the dry film 003; 003' across its entire width, for example, but only up to a free edge region in which the surface of the metallically conductive carrier substrate 006 remains free and accessible, e.g., for connecting lines.

[0045] For the above-mentioned production of a dry film 003, a first roller 102, in particular a metering roller 102, and a second roller 103, in particular a laminating roller 103 of the first application unit 101 are provided in such a way that they form a first roller gap 104, in particular a first film-forming gap, between their lateral surfaces in the nip, through which the powder mixture 004, which is conveyed into the nip, for example by a device for supplying powdery material, in short powder supply device 700, can be conveyed to form the dry film 003 (see e.g. Fig. 2). A clear width of the first gap 104 at its narrowest point determines the thickness of the dry film 003—which may be even greater than the thickness in the subsequent product 001; 002—before it passes an application site where it is applied—in particular under pressure—to the carrier substrate 006.

[0046] The application point is preferably formed here directly by a nip of the second roller 103, which in this case acts as a laminating roller 103, with a roller 106; 103' acting as a counter-pressure roller, or by a roller which interacts directly with the second roller or indirectly via one or more further rollers and acts as a laminating roller, with a roller 106; 103' acting as a counter-pressure roller (not shown here). The second or further roller acting as a laminating roller 103 and the roller 106; 103' acting as a counter-pressure roller form a second roller nip 107 between their outer surfaces in the nip, in particular an application nip 107, hereinafter also referred to as a laminating nip, for example, through which the carrier substrate 006 can be guided and, in particular, on the roller 106; 103 acting as a counter-pressure roller. 103' side facing away, with the film formed over the first film forming gap, e.g. at least 40 µm thick, e.g.between 50 µm to 200 µm, in particular 60 to 120 µm thick dry film 003 can be applied.

[0047] The coating device 100; 100* forming an application stage 100; 100* comprises, in a preferred embodiment, a second application unit 101' (see, for example, Fig. 3 to Fig. 13), by means of which a powder mixture 004', in particular a solvent-free and / or dry powder mixture, conveyed into the nip, e.g. by a second device for supplying powdery material, in short powder supply device 700', can first be processed, in particular by pressing and / or applying a pressing force, into a second dry film 003'; 003, and subsequently this second dry film 003'; 003 can be applied to the other, second side of the carrier substrate 006, in particular by pressing and / or applying a pressing force. In principle, this can be the same powder mixture 004' as or a different powder mixture from the first powder mixture 004'.

[0048] Also in the second application unit 101', a first roller 102', in particular metering roller 102', and a second roller 103', in particular laminating roller 103', are preferably provided in such a way that they form a first roller gap 104', in particular second film-forming gap, between their outer surfaces, through which the powder mixture 004' can be conveyed to form the second dry film 003'.

[0049] Here too, the second roller 103' of the second application unit 101' can form a roller gap 107'; roller gap 107 with a roller 106'; 103 acting as a counter-pressure roller in the nip between its outer surfaces, either directly or indirectly with the second roller 103' or via one or more further rollers and acting as a laminating roller (not shown here), through which the carrier substrate 006 can be guided and, in particular on the second side facing away from the second roller 106'; 103 acting as a counter-pressure roller, can be subjected to the second dry film 003' formed via the second film-forming gap.

[0050] In a first group of embodiments for the coating device 100 (see e.g. Fig. 3 to Fig. 7) a second roller nip 107' is formed by a second application nip 107', e.g., a laminating nip, which is different from the first application nip 107 or laminating nip, with a second roller 106', in particular a second counterpressure roller 106', which acts as a counterpressure roller 106 and is different from the first counterpressure roller 106, through which roller the carrier substrate 006 can be guided and, in particular on the second side facing away from the second counterpressure roller 106', can be subjected to the second dry film 003' formed via the second film-forming nip. In this embodiment, two independent applicators 101; 101' are provided for the two sides of the carrier substrate 106. It is therefore possible to set different conditions for the respective application in the respective laminating nip independently of one another. For example, a different pressing or line force and / or, if applicable, temperature can be set.

[0051] For such an embodiment - e.g. with regard to a large wrap - in the respective application unit 101; 101' the metering roller 102; 102, the laminating roller 103; 103' and the counter-pressure roller 106; 106' forming the laminating gap with the latter can be arranged in a first embodiment such that the planes connecting the rotation axes R102; R103; R106; R102'; R103' of the respectively adjacent rollers 102; 103; 106; 102'; 103'; 106' intersect at an angle α which is, for example, between 40° and 130°, in particular between 70° and 110°, preferably between 80° and 100°. A large wrap can result in better heat transfer from a possibly temperature-controlled counter-pressure roller 106; 106' and / or improved - e.g. flutter-free - running up and down (see e.g. Fig. 3 to Fig. 5).

[0052] For example, the respective counterpressure roller 106; 106' can be arranged below the laminating roller 103; 103' in such a way that the plane connecting the rotation axes R103; R106; R103' of the two rollers 103; 103'; 106; 106' deviates from the vertical by a maximum of ± 30°, in particular a maximum of ± 15°. In this case, the pressing force in the laminating gap and gravity act predominantly in the same direction.

[0053] In a second embodiment variant, which is advantageous, for example, with regard to the effective forces and load directions, the metering roller 102; 102, the laminating roller 103; 103' and the counter-pressure roller 106; 106' forming the application gap 107; 107' with the latter are arranged in relation to one another in the respective application unit 101; 101', for example, in such a way that the planes connecting the rotation axes R102; R103; R106; R102'; R103' of the adjacent pairs of rollers 102; 103; 106; 102'; 103'; 106' intersect at most at an acute angle α, which is at most 20°, in particular at 0°, so that the rotation axes R102; R103; R106; R102'; R103' of the three rollers 102; 103; 106; 102'; 103'; 106' of the same application unit 101; 101' lie in the same plane. This makes the arrangement very rigid, since the forces and counterforces are at least predominantly opposite to each other.

[0054] The two application units 101; 101' with their laminating rollers 103; 103' are located on different sides of the substrate path and can be arranged one above the other such that the two application gaps 107; 107' are located vertically directly above one another in one embodiment (see e.g. Fig. 6) or in another embodiment are offset horizontally, in particular by at least half and at most one and a half laminating roller diameters (see e.g. Fig. 7). Based on Fig. 7, for example, also shows a substrate guide that can be transferred to other designs, indicated by a dashed line, which allows for a larger wrap angle and thus better heat transfer and / or more stable run-up. For this purpose, the substrate path is deflected by an additional substrate guide element 121, e.g., a guide roller or deflection roller, such that the transport direction Ts runs at an angle of at least 45° to the transport direction Ts of the outgoing carrier substrate 006 when running onto the subsequent roller 106; 106'.

[0055] In addition to the metering roller 102; 102', the second roller 103; 103' or a roller that interacts directly with the second roller or indirectly via one or more further rollers and acts as a laminating roller, in an advantageous further development a further roller 118; 118' (see e.g. as an example for all embodiments of the first group in Fig. 5) which can be adjusted in a circumferential section between the metering gap 104; 104' and the application gap 107; 107' of the laminating roller 103; 103' in the manner of a calender roller 118; 118' to a dry film 003; 003' fed or guided on the laminating roller 103; 103' during operation, ie during production.

[0056] For the above-mentioned designs, variants and forms, in a first configuration for the roller bearing, the laminating roller 103; 103' of the respective application unit 101; 101' with its rotation axis R103; R103' can be mounted in an operationally stationary manner, although its position can be adjusted if necessary, and the metering roller 102; 102' and the counter-pressure roller 106; 106' can be mounted via respective actuators 109; 109'; 111; 111' each in one direction with at least one movement component towards and / or away from the associated laminating roller 103; 103'.Here and in the following, the term actuator 109; 109'; 111; 111' is to be understood as the entirety of the means that effect and / or enable the direct or indirect positioning of a roller 102; 102'; 103; 103'; 106; 106', which are also referred to below as adjusting means 109; 109'; 111; 111' and comprise at least one adjusting mechanism 112; 112'; 113; 113' that guides the roller 102; 102'; 103; 103'; 106; 106' along an adjusting movement, as well as one or more drive means that effect the positioning.

[0057] In a first embodiment, a position-based actuator 109; 109' or actuating means 109; 109' for position-based actuation is provided for the actuation of the respective dosing roller 102; 102' to the second roller 103; 103', i.e. an actuator 109; 109' or actuating means 109; 109', via which a defined position for the component to be actuated can be approached. Such a position-based actuator 109; 109' can, for example, be implemented in that a drive means, e.g. a drive motor, can itself assume a defined and predeterminable position, as is possible for example for a position-controllable servo drive or motor, or in that an actuating path is limited at least on the relevant side by a stop which can be adjusted via drive means, which defines the end position and against which the component to be actuated with regard to the position can be pushed by means of a stop, e.g. B.is or can be adjusted by a force-based or non-positionally accurate drive means. The roller 102; 102' is mounted, for example, in or on an adjusting mechanism 112; 112'; 113; 113', which is formed by a bearing mechanism that implements the adjustment path, for example, with precise positioning. Such a bearing mechanism is advantageously provided, for example, by a bearing comprising an eccentric, e.g., a three-ring bearing, particularly for small adjustment paths with large forces. However, with regard to, for example, a position parallel to the adjustment direction and therefore more direct with regard to the adjustment path, a linear bearing running in the adjustment direction can also be advantageous instead.

[0058] For adjusting the respective counter-pressure roller 106; 106', in this first, advantageous embodiment, a force-based actuator 111; 111 or adjusting means 111; 111' for force-based adjustment is provided, i.e. an actuator 111; 111' or adjusting means 111, via which adjustment with a defined force to the abutment can be achieved. Such a force-based actuator 111; 111' - in particular at least on one side - can be realized, for example, in that a drive means, e.g. a drive motor, can itself apply a defined and predeterminable force, as is possible, for example, for a torque-adjustable or controllable, in particular torque-adjustable or controllable servo drive or motor, or in that an adjusting force is applied to the relevant side by a drive means actuated by means of a pressure medium, e.g.by a pneumatically or hydraulically actuated cylinder-piston system, can be adjusted against the other roller 103; 103', wherein the pressure of the drive means is preferably adjustable. The counter-pressure roller 106; 106' is mounted, for example, in or on an adjusting mechanism 112; 112'; 113; 113', which is formed by a bearing mechanism that implements the adjusting force in a force-based manner, i.e., without additional mechanical limitation of the adjustment path. As such, it can advantageously be formed, for example, - at least on one side, but preferably on both sides - by a bearing mechanism designed as a linear bearing.

[0059] In a second embodiment, however, the metering roller 102; 102' can be adjusted in a force-based manner and the counterpressure roller 106; 106' can be adjusted in a position-based manner. For this purpose, the above-mentioned provisions must be transferred and applied accordingly.

[0060] In a third embodiment, however, both rollers 102; 102'; 106; 106' can be force-based, and in a fourth embodiment, both rollers 102; 102'; 106; 106' can be position-based. For this purpose, the above-mentioned provisions must be transferred and applied accordingly.

[0061] In a particularly advantageous fifth embodiment, a combined adjusting mechanism 112; 113; 112'; 113' and / or a combined actuator 109; 109'; 111; 111' or combined adjusting means 109; 109'; 111; 111' is provided for adjusting at least the metering roller 102; 102' and / or at least for adjusting the counter-pressure roller 106; 106', which allows optionally a position-based adjustment of the respective roller 102; 102'; 106; 106' or a force-based adjustment. Such a combined actuator 109; 109'; 111; 111' can, for example, be implemented by an actuator 109, 111; 109', 111' or actuating means 109, 111; 109', 111' may be formed with a drive means controllable with respect to force, e.g. a cylinder-piston system pressurized with pressurized fluid, and with an actuating mechanism 112; 112'; 113; 113', in whose actuating path one or more stop means positionable via actuating means can be optionally introduced to limit the position.Alternatively or additionally, an actuator 109, 111; 109', 111' may be advantageous, which comprises as drive means a motor, in particular a servo motor, which can be operated in a position-controlled or torque-controlled manner.

[0062] In a second configuration for the roller bearing, the counter-pressure roller 106; 106' of the respective application unit 101; 101' with its rotation axis R106; R106' can be operationally stationary, although adjustable if necessary, and the laminating rollers 103; 103' with each associated metering roller 102; 102' can be mounted in pairs via respective common bearing mechanisms and / or actuators 111; 111' in one direction with at least one movement component towards and / or away from the associated counter-pressure roller 106; 106', and in addition to this, the respective metering rollers 102; 102' can be mounted via bearing mechanisms and / or actuators 109; 109'; 111; 111' in one direction with at least one movement component towards the respectively associated laminating roller 103; 103' and / or away from it.

[0063] In a first, advantageous embodiment, a position-based actuator 109; 109' in the above sense, e.g., a bearing mechanism formed by a three-ring bearing or a linear bearing on one or both sides, can be provided for positioning the respective metering roller 102; 102'. A force-based actuator 111; 111' in the above sense can be provided for positioning the laminating rollers 103; 103' in pairs, each with its associated metering roller 102; 102'.

[0064] In a second embodiment, however, the metering roller 102; 102' can be adjusted force-based and the roller pair 103, 102; 103', 102' can be adjusted position-based. For this purpose, the above-mentioned provisions must be transferred and applied accordingly.

[0065] In a third embodiment, however, the metering roller 102; 102' and the roller pair 103, 102; 103', 102' can be force-based, and in a fourth embodiment, the metering roller 102; 102' and the roller pair 103, 102; 103', 102' can be position-based. For this purpose, the above-mentioned provisions must be transferred and applied accordingly.

[0066] In a particularly advantageous fifth embodiment, a combined adjusting mechanism 112; 113; 112, 113 is provided for adjusting at least the metering roller 102; 102' and / or at least for adjusting the roller pair 103, 102; 103', 102' in the above sense and / or in the above embodiment, which allows optionally a position-based or force-based adjustment of the pair towards the counter-pressure roller 106; 106'; 103'; 103.

[0067] In a second group of embodiments for the coating device 100* (see e.g. shown in Fig. 8 to Fig. 12, Fig. 15, Fig. 16, Fig. 21 and Fig. 22) the second roller 103' of the second application unit 101' or a roller of the second application unit 101' cooperating directly with the second roller 103' or indirectly via one or more further rollers, together with the second or further roller 103 of the first application unit 101 acting as a laminating roller 103, form a common roller nip 107 acting as a two-sided application nip 107 in a nip between their lateral surfaces, wherein the two laminating rollers 103; 103' forming the roller nip 107 between them act mutually as counterpressure rollers. The carrier substrate 006 can be guided through between the latter and, in particular on both sides, can be subjected to the dry films 003', 003' formed via the first and second film-forming nips. Such an arrangement of two application units 101; 101' cooperating for simultaneous application on both sides is also referred to below as a double application unit 101, 101'.

[0068] In this case, the planes formed by the rotation axes R102; R103; R102'; R103' of the metering roller 102; 102' and the laminating roller 103; 103' in the respective application unit 101; 101' intersect, for example, at most at an acute angle α, which is, for example, a maximum of 20°, advantageously a maximum of 5°, in particular 0°, so that in the latter case the rotation axes R102; R103; R106; R102'; R103' of the rollers 102; 103; 106; 102'; 103'; 106' of the two application units 101; 101' interacting in a two-sided application gap 107 lie in the same plane or run parallel but vertically offset from one another.

[0069] In a first embodiment, the two levels run in a common horizontal plane or horizontally but vertically offset from each other (see e.g. Fig. 8).

[0070] In a second embodiment, which is advantageous, for example, with regard to a small wrap, the two planes run in a common plane inclined relative to the horizontal or in two planes inclined relative to the horizontal but vertically offset from one another. The common plane or the two offset planes are inclined relative to the horizontal by an acute angle β of 2° to 15°, in particular 3° to 10° (see, for example, Fig. 9).

[0071] In addition to the respective metering roller 102; 102' and the second roller 103; 103', in an advantageous further development, a further roller 118; 118' in the above-mentioned type of a calender roller 118; 118' can also be provided here (see, for example, exemplary for all versions of the second group shown in dashed lines in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9).

[0072] For the above-mentioned design variants and forms, in a first configuration for the roller bearing, a first of the two laminating rollers 103 or a further roller of a first of the two application units 101 acting as a laminating roller can be mounted with its rotation axis R103 in an operationally stationary manner, although possiblyadjustable, while the second of the laminating rollers 103' or a further roller acting as a second laminating roller with the associated metering roller 102; 102' via a common bearing mechanism and / or a common actuator 109; 109'; 111; 111' in pairs in one direction with at least one movement component towards and / or away from the associated counter-pressure roller 106; 106', and in addition to this, the respective metering rollers 102; 102' via bearing mechanisms and / or actuators 109; 109'; 111; 111' in one direction with at least one movement component towards and / or away from the respectively associated laminating roller 103; 103' or further roller. In the case of one or more further rollers between the metering roller 102; 102' and the roller acting as a laminating roller are e.g.These can also be adjusted jointly in one direction with at least one movement component towards and / or away from the associated counter-pressure roller 106; 106' via the common bearing mechanism and / or the common actuator 109; 109'; 111; 111'.

[0073] In a first advantageous embodiment, a position-based actuator 109; 109' in the above sense and / or in an above-mentioned embodiment is provided for adjusting the respective metering roller 102; 102'. For adjusting the second laminating roller 103' with the associated metering roller 102' in pairs, a force-based actuator 111; 111' in the above sense can be provided for force-based adjustment in the above sense and / or in an above-mentioned embodiment.

[0074] In a second embodiment, however, the metering roller 102; 102' can be adjusted in a force-based manner, and the roller pair 103, 102; 103', 102 can be adjusted in a position-based manner. The above-mentioned provisions must also be transferred and applied accordingly.

[0075] In a third embodiment, however, both rollers 102; 102'; 106; 106 can be force-based, and in a fourth embodiment, both rollers 102; 102'; 106; 106 can be position-based. For this purpose, the above-mentioned provisions must be transferred and applied accordingly.

[0076] In a particularly advantageous fifth embodiment, a combined adjusting mechanism 112; 113; 112; 113 is provided for adjusting at least the metering roller 102; 102' and / or at least for adjusting the roller pair 103, 102; 103', 102 in the above sense and / or in the above embodiment, which optionally allows a position-based adjusting of the pair against the laminating roller 103'; 103 acting as a counter-pressure roller via a position-based actuator 109; 109' and a force-based adjusting via a force-based actuator 111; 111'.

[0077] For all versions of the two groups of embodiments with jointly adjustable rollers 103'; 102'; 103; 102, these can be mounted on both sides in supports 122'; 122, in particular in side parts of a base frame, which in turn are mounted via bearing mechanisms formed by linear bearings in a frame receiving the application units 101; 101'.

[0078] Alternatively, the two jointly adjustable rollers 102; 103; 102; 102' can be mounted on both sides in supports, in particular in side parts of a base frame, which in turn are pivotally mounted about a pivot axis parallel to the rotation axis of the first, stationary laminating roller 103; 103' (see e.g. Fig. 12).

[0079] As already mentioned, in a respective application unit 101; 101', at least one further roller acting as a laminating roller and forming the application gap 107; 107' with the roller 106; 103' acting as the counterpressure roller 106 can be provided between the second roller 103; 103' and the nip point to the roller 106; 103' acting as the counterpressure roller.

[0080] For all versions of the two groups of embodiments, in a particularly advantageous development, a material removal device 127; 127' is provided in the respective application unit 101; 101', for example, with a removal device 114; 114', in particular a cleaning blade 114; 114', that can be selectively positioned on and off the outer surface of the first roller 102; 102' for cleaning purposes. This extends, for example, at least over the width of the roller outer surface effective for film formation.

[0081] Instead, or advantageously in addition to this, the material removal device 127; 127' in the respective application unit 101; 101' comprises, viewed axially parallel to the second roller 103; 103', two removal devices 116; 116', in particular a side edge doctor blade 116; 116', which can be adjusted axially parallel and positioned or positioned against the second roller 103; 103', spaced apart from one another, and by means of which a dry film 003; 003' conveyed over the second roller 103; 103' can be removed in the region of its lateral edges and, for example, deposited into a collecting device 117; 117'. This removal device serves, for example, as so-called edge trimming to obtain a straight edge and / or a desired width b003; b003' of the dry film 003; 003'. The collected quantity can, for example, be returned to the powder mixture supply 004; 004'. Such a removal device 116; 116' can also be used to remove an edge strip 008; 008', which, for example,in the determination of a density ρ of the material layer 003; 003' are used, as for example below in connection with e.g. the . Fig. 25.

[0082] For cleaning purposes, a removal device 129; 129', in particular a cleaning blade 129; 129', which can be adjusted to and from the outer surface of the second roller 103; 103', can advantageously also be provided, which extends, for example, at least over the width of the roller outer surface effective for film formation, and optionally a suction or collecting device (not shown).

[0083] For the supply or introduction of the powder mixture 004; 004' into the first roller gap 104; 104, in a particularly advantageous development in the applicator 101; 101' above the first gap 104; 104', two limits 124, in particular side plates, are provided which are spaced apart from one another axially parallel to the first roller 102; 102' and adjustable in the axially parallel direction, each of which seals off a region of the upper gusset formed between the lateral surfaces of the first and second rollers 102; 103; 102'; 103' towards both end faces of the applicator 101; 101' and thereby form an intermediate filling and / or storage space 126, preferably variable in width, for receiving the powder mixture 004; 004'. Depending on the desired width and / or position of the dry film 003; 003', the filling and / or supply space 126 can be varied on at least one, preferably on both sides in the position of its lateral boundary 124.be variable. As an alternative to a filling and / or storage space 126 directly delimited in the lower region by the lateral surfaces, a filling and / or storage space 126 in the form of a filling or storage funnel, e.g. comparable to an insertion aid mentioned below, could in principle also be provided directly in or above the gusset - at least where not contradictory to other design features of the applicator 101; 101' or the powder feed device 700; 700'.

[0084] For all of the above-mentioned designs, variants, configurations, embodiments, or refinements, the bearing mechanism and / or the actuator 109; 109'; 111; 111' of the first roller 102; 102 is preferably designed such that a gap width for the first roller gap 104; 104' can be adjusted during operation to a variable clear width at the narrowest point of at least 15 µm, advantageously of at least 30 µm, in particular of at least 50 µm, and / or that the gap width of the first gap 104; 104' can be adjusted at least via the above-mentioned position-based drive means and / or via at least one-sided stop means which limit an adjustment position in the direction of the nip point and are adjustable in position. Alternatively or additionally, the bearing mechanism and / or the actuator 109; 109'; 111; 111' are advantageously designed to have a line force of e.g.at least 5.0 kN / cm, advantageously at least 7 kN / cm, preferably a line force between 5 kN / cm and 30 kN / cm, to be set and / or applied between the rollers 102; 102'; 102; 103' forming the first roller gap 104; 104'.

[0085] As mentioned above, a combined adjusting mechanism 112; 113; 112; 113 can be provided for adjusting the metering roller 102; 102' to the second roller 103; 103', which optionally allows a position-based adjustment via a position-based actuator 109; 109' and a force-based adjustment via a force-based actuator 111; 111'.

[0086] For all of the above-mentioned designs, variants, configurations, embodiments or configurations and, for example, independently of the above-mentioned implementation of the coating device 100; 100* with individual discharge units 101; 101' with respective counter-pressure rollers 106; 106' or with combined discharge units 101; 101' with laminating rollers 103'; 103 acting mutually as counter-pressure rollers, in a particularly advantageous embodiment the metering gap 104; 104' between the first and second rollers 102; 102'; 103; 103' is adjustable on the basis of a position-based actuator 109; 109' in the above sense, i.e., for example, adjustable to a constant and / or defined gap width, and / or the laminating gap between the second roller 103; 103' and the roller 106 acting as a counter-pressure roller 106'; 103'; 103 can be adjusted on the basis of a force-based actuator 111; 111' in the above sense, i.e., for example, can be adjusted to a constant and / or defined actuating or line force.Without limiting the above-mentioned specific embodiments, in principle any of the two rollers 102; 102'; 103; 103'; 106; 106' involved in the relevant roller gap 104; 104'; 107; 107' can be adjusted by the corresponding actuator 109; 109'; 111; 111' and / or mounted on corresponding adjusting mechanisms 112; 112'; 113; 113' in the above sense. This also applies to embodiments wherein one of the rollers 102; 102'; 103; 103'; 106; 106' involved in the relevant roller gap 104; 104'; 107; 107' can be adjusted together with another roller involved in this roller gap 104; 104'; 107; 107' non-participating roller 102; 102'; 103; 103'; 106; 106' is mounted together in such a way that it can be adjusted.

[0087] Likewise, for example, independently of the above-mentioned implementation of the coating device 100; 100* with individual discharge units 101; 101' with respective counter-pressure rollers 106; 106 or with combined discharge units 101; 101' with laminating rollers 103'; 103 acting mutually as counter-pressure rollers, in an embodiment which is particularly advantageous with regard to optimal adjustability, the metering gap 104; 104' between the first and second rollers 102; 102'; 103; 103' of the same application unit 101; 101' and / or the laminating gap between the second roller 103; 103' and the cooperating roller 106; 106'; 103' acting as counter-pressure roller 106; 106' 103 - for example, not only position-based or force-based, but - on the basis of a combined actuator 109; 109'; 111; 111', optionally position-based or force-based adjustable and / or one of the rollers 102; 102'; 103; 103'; 106; involved in the relevant roller gap 104; 104'; 107; 107'106' in a combined adjusting mechanism 112; 113; 112; 113, optionally adjustable in a position-based or force-based manner, and / or the respective roll gap 104; 104'; 107; 107' is optionally adjustable to a constant and / or defined gap width or to a constant and / or defined contact or line force. Here too, without limitation to the above-mentioned specific embodiments, any of the two rolls 102; 102'; 103; 103'; 106; 106' involved in the respective roll gap 104; 104'; 107; 107' can in principle be adjusted in this way by the corresponding combined actuator 109; 109'; 111; 111' and / or connected to corresponding combined adjusting mechanisms 112; 112'; 113; 113' must be mounted accordingly. This also applies to designs in which one of the rollers 102; 102'; 103; 103'; 106; 106' involved in the respective roller gap 104; 104'; 107; 107' is mounted together with another roller 104; 104'; 107;107' non-participating roller 102; 102'; 103; 103'; 106; 106' is mounted together in such a way that it can be adjusted.;

[0088] The first roller 102; 102' can be mounted via a bearing mechanism and / or a position-based or force-based, or optionally position- or force-based, actuator 109; 109'; 111; 111', for example, in a direction with at least one movement component toward and / or away from the respectively associated second roller 103; 103'. Additionally or instead, the roller 106; 106'; 103'; 103 acting as a counter-pressure roller can be mounted via a bearing mechanism and / or a position-based or force-based, or optionally position- or force-based, actuator 109; 109'; 111; 111', for example, in a direction with at least one movement component toward and / or away from the second or an intermediate further roller 103; 103'.

[0089] Alternatively, the first roller 103; 103' with the associated second roller 102; 102' can be mounted in pairs via a common bearing mechanism and / or a common, e.g., position-based or force-based or optionally position- or force-based actuator 109; 109'; 111; 111' so that they can be moved towards and / or away from the associated counter-pressure roller 106; 106' in one direction with at least one movement component, and in addition to this, the respective first roller 102; 102' can be mounted via a bearing mechanism and / or a, e.g., position-based or force-based or optionally position- or force-based actuator 109; 109'; 111; 111' so that they can be moved towards and / or away from the respectively associated second roller 103; 103' in one direction with at least one movement component.

[0090] For all the above-mentioned designs, variants, configurations, embodiments or configurations, the first roller 102; 102' and the second roller 103, 103' forming the first roller gap 104; 104' with it are operable in opposite directions and at different circumferential speeds and / or by different drive motors, in particular at least speed-adjustable or controllable servo motors, mechanically independently of each other.

[0091] In this case, the first roller 102; 102' is operated at a lower speed, wherein the first roller 102; 102', in particular metering roller 102; 102', and the associated second roller 103; 103', in particular laminating roller 103; 103', are or can be operated, for example, in a ratio V102(102') : V103(103') of their peripheral speed of the first to the second roller 102, 102'; 103; 103', which lies in a range between 1:5 and 3:5, in particular 1:4.

[0092] The rollers 103; 106; 103; 103' forming the second roller gap 107; 107' are preferably driven or can be driven mechanically independently of one another at the same peripheral speed by a common drive motor, in particular a servo motor, or preferably by different drive motors, in particular servo motors.

[0093] In an advantageous embodiment, the mechanically independent drive motors can be operated from a drive control system via an electronic, in particular virtual, master axis.

[0094] Of particular advantage is a further development in which the first roller 102; 102' has, in the region of its lateral surface contributing to film formation, a surface which is more material-repellent with respect to the powder mixture and / or has a less adhesively effective lateral surface than the second roller 103; 103' in the region of its lateral surface contributing to film formation.

[0095] At least the second roller 102; 102'; 103; 103' can have a polished and / or chrome-coated or ceramic-coated surface, at least in the region of its outer surface contributing to film formation. The first roller 102; 102' can have a structured or material-repellent surface, at least in the region of its outer surface contributing to film formation.

[0096] For all of the above-mentioned designs, variants, configurations, embodiments or refinements, the first and / or the second roller 102; 102'; 103; 103' is heatable, in particular such that its outer surface can be heated to at least 80°C, advantageously to at least 100°C, preferably to at least 120°C, at an ambient temperature of 25°C.

[0097] Instead of this, or preferably in addition to this, the roller 106; 106' of the first group of embodiments, which only acts as a counter-pressure roller 106; 106', can also be heated, in particular in such a way that its outer surface can be heated to at least 80°C, advantageously to at least 100°C, preferably to at least 120°C, at an ambient temperature of 25°C.

[0098] The temperature control or heating can in principle be carried out electrically, but in an advantageous embodiment, it is realized here by passing a temperature control or heating fluid through the roller 102; 102'; 103, 103'; 106; 106' to be temperature controlled. The temperature control fluid, e.g., appropriately tempered water, is fed into and removed from the respective roller 102; 102'; 103, 103'; 106; 106' to be temperature controlled via a temperature control fluid line and, e.g., a rotary union.

[0099] For all of the above-mentioned designs, variants, configurations, embodiments, or refinements, the two applicators 101; 101', together with one or more substrate guide elements 121, possibly arranged directly before, after, or between them, are mounted in a common frame, e.g., two end-face side walls of the same frame. This allows for a compact and / or inherently rigid and / or mutually defined arrangement of the applicators 101; 101' in a laminating unit configured as an aggregate, e.g., a laminating aggregate.

[0100] In the event that a calendering unit 600; 600*, for example as described below, is provided immediately downstream in the substrate path, rollers 601; 601'; 602; 602* encompassed by the calendering unit 600; 600* can, in an advantageous development, also be mounted in this frame 603 or, in an advantageous variant, e.g. as a separate unit, e.g. calendering unit, in side walls of a separate frame 603 arranged directly on and / or above the frame 128 carrying the application units 101; 101'.

[0101] In a e.g. Fig. In the advantageous embodiment of the machine shown in Figure 15, which may be somewhat longer but in which, for example, the risk of vibration transmission between the units, in particular at least the above-mentioned laminating unit and the above-mentioned calendering unit, is reduced, the laminating unit and calendering unit are provided horizontally next to one another, preferably even in separate frames 128; 603, which are separated from one another, for example, in terms of vibration technology.

[0102] For all of the above-mentioned designs, variants, configurations, embodiments or refinements, the bearing mechanism and / or the actuator 109; 109'; 111; 111' of the rollers 103; 103'; 106; 106' forming the second roller gap 107; 107' are preferably designed to form a gap width of at least 15 µm, advantageously of at least 30 µm, in particular of at least 50 µm, at the narrowest point during operation and / or, in particular at least within the limits defining the maximum travel, a gap extending between the two rollers 103; 103'; 106; 106' via a product strand 002; 002' to be formed and / or by at least one adjusting mechanism 112; 112' and / or at least one actuator 109; 109', and / or in the second roller gap 107; 107', at least in the area of ​​its width contributing to film formation, a line force of e.g.at least 5.0 kN / cm, advantageously at least 7 kN / cm, preferably a line force between 5 kN / cm and 30 kN / cm, between the rollers 103; 103'; 106; 106' forming the second roller gap 107; 107' and / or to enable a desired line force to be kept constant even with fluctuating dry film thickness by automatic or controlled tracking of at least one of the two rollers 103; 106; 103; 103'.

[0103] For all of the above-mentioned designs, variants, configurations, embodiments or configurations, in a particularly advantageous further development, an extraction system 123; 123' is provided above the respective application unit 101; 101' or the application units 101; 101', through which any escaping gases or vapors that may arise can be extracted.

[0104] The rollers 102; 102'; 103; 103'; 106; 106' of the above-mentioned applicators 101; 101' are preferably designed with a width in the range of 400 mm to 800 mm, in particular 500 mm to 700 mm, which can be used for film formation and / or application.

[0105] Although in principle any device of any design can be provided for feeding powdery material, by means of which powder mixture 004 can be fed to the application unit 101; 101' into the first roller gap 104; 104' formed between the first and the second roller, a powder feed device 700; 700' is particularly preferably provided, by means of which a defined and / or controllable stream of powder mixture 004 can be fed evenly over the entire discharge width to the roller gap 104; 104' directly or indirectly via an introduction aid 711 provided above the roller gap 104; 104', e.g. in the form of a hopper trough 711.For this purpose, particularly advantageous embodiments for the powder feed device 700; 700' are provided below in various respects, which can be provided individually or advantageously in conjunction with any embodiment or configuration of the described applicators 101; 101' and / or coating devices 100; 100* and / or machine configurations. The powder feed devices 700; 700' shown in the figures for the embodiments of the applicators 101; 101' and / or coating devices 100; 100* and / or machine configurations can be understood merely schematically and can be formed by one of the following embodiments.

[0106] In this case, the device for supplying the powdered material can, in a preferred embodiment, have at least one dispensing device 701 which controls and / or defines the dispensed quantity and which is designed, for example, in the manner of a dosing device 701 or at least comprises a dosing device 704; 721. In this case, a dispensing device 701 designed as a dosing device 701 or comprising a dosing device 704; 721 can in principle be designed in a wide variety of ways such that a controlled flow of material 004; 004' can be dispensed in the manner described above. In a preferred embodiment, the flow of powdered material 004; 004' can be dispensed by means of the dispensing device 701 to a downstream conveying device 702, for example a linear conveyor 702 preferably designed as a conveyor belt. The powdered material 004; 004' - e.g. B. on a plane transverse to the conveying direction T.P extending conveying width - in the manner of a powder bed or layer downstream and on the output side preferably directly or indirectly, e.g. via one or more further conveying devices, directly to the nip 104; 104' or the possibly provided insertion aid 711 on a transverse to the conveying direction T P extending feed width. The conveyor device 702, in particular a roller 705 wrapped by the conveyor belt, e.g., deflection roller 705, in particular drive roller 705, is preferably variable with respect to the conveying speed and can be driven, for example, by a drive means 712 variable with respect to the speed, e.g., a drive motor 712, in particular a servo motor 712. To facilitate transport, the surface of a conveyor device 702 designed as a conveyor belt can preferably be rough and / or can have a Phave a sloping inclination. The feed width here corresponds exactly or at least approximately, i.e. with, for example, a maximum deviation of ± 10%, to a feed width of a filling and / or feed chamber 123 which is limited in width on both sides and receives the material 004; 004' directly in the roller gap 104; 104' or in an insertion aid provided above it, if applicable.

[0107] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, e.g. with regard to a defined and / or uniform introduction into the conveying path of the powder feed device 700; 700', the powder feed device 700; 700' comprises a dispensing device 701, 701' designed in the manner of a dosing device 701; 701', which dispensing device comprises a linear conveyor 704 as a dosing device 704, in particular relating to the conveying speed, which is preferably designed as a vibration conveyor 704 - in particular electromagnetically operated or operable - and by means of which powdery material 004, 004' can be dispensed in a dosed manner to a downstream conveying device 702, e.g. a linear conveyor 702, in particular a downstream conveyor belt. The delivery to or loading onto the conveyor belt does not take place only at a specific point in a narrowly defined location, but in sections or continuously over a delivery width which - at least in operating position - e.g.B. preferably exactly or at least approximately, i.e. with, for example, a maximum deviation of ± 10%, which ultimately corresponds to the feed width relevant for feeding into the nip 104; 104'. Preferably—e.g., for adaptation to different product formats or for correction purposes—the discharge width for discharging the material 004; 004' by the dosing device 701 or feeding it onto the conveyor belt 704 is transverse to the conveying direction T. P viewed in width and / or lateral position, e.g., manually or advantageously remotely controlled by drive means. In addition, e.g., on the vibration table 706 - for example, manually or, in a further automatable form, remotely controlled by drive means, transverse to the conveying direction T PMovable lateral boundaries 717, e.g., lateral guides 717, are provided. This eliminates the need for a significant change in the flow width on the downstream conveyor 702, which could otherwise have a disruptive influence on the height profile running across the width.

[0108] In an advantageous further development, the conveying width on the conveyor belt can also be adjusted in width and / or lateral position - e.g., for the reasons mentioned above. For this purpose, for example, manually or, in a further automatable form, remotely operated by drive means, transverse to the conveying direction T PDisplaceable lateral limits 716, e.g., lateral guides 716, are provided, which can be varied in their lateral position via a corresponding mechanism, e.g., a respective threaded spindle or threaded spindle sections. The discharge width corresponds—at least in the operating position—for example, preferably exactly or at least approximately, i.e., with, e.g., a maximum deviation of ± 5%, to the ultimately relevant and desired feed width for feeding into the nip 104; 104'. The discharge and conveying widths can be adjustable mechanically independently of one another, mechanically coupled, or coupled by control technology.

[0109] The dispensing device 701 designed or effective as a dosing device 701 or the at least one dosing device 704; 721 is preferably so finely adjustable in the powder flow that in the relevant range for the specific, ie width-related, dispensing rate, a constant and / or, in particular with an accuracy in the dispensing quantity of a maximum of 3%, in particular a maximum of 2% deviation from the target dispensing quantity, controllable flow of powder mixture 004 can be dispensed to a or the downstream following conveying device 702, in particular the conveyor belt, which can be operated in particular at a constant and / or controlled speed.

[0110] In a e.g. Fig. 17, which is particularly advantageous, for example with regard to a defined and / or equalizing transport in at least a first part of the conveying path of the powder feed device 700; 700', an above-mentioned, preferably electromagnetic, linear conveyor 704, in particular designed as a vibration conveyor 704, is provided as a first or only metering device 704. This extends in the width running in the axial direction of the rollers 102, 103; 102'; 103', e.g. over a discharge width which, for example, preferably corresponds exactly or at least approximately, i.e. with e.g. a maximum deviation of ± 5%, to the ultimately relevant and desired feed width for the feed into the nip 104; 104'. The discharge width is preferably adjustable. Above this vibration conveyor 704, an outlet of a provision device 703, e.g. B. a supply line 703 or, as in Fig. 17, a supply container 703, via which powdered material can be delivered to the linear conveyor 704. A supply device 703 designed as a supply container 703 can, for example, be located in at least the lower part of a funnel-shaped container, e.g., in the manner of a supply funnel 703, and can be filled, for example, manually or via a line system. It can advantageously comprise a fluidizing device, such as, for example, a device for blowing in a gaseous medium, in particular air. In the illustrated and advantageous embodiment, the dosing device 701 comprises the vibration conveyor 704 and a supply device 703 that holds at least a certain amount of material 004; 004', and can be referred to here, for example, as a dosing device with vibration drive 707 or, for short, as a dosing vibrator, and, for example,form a unit that represents an assembly and can be obtained as such, which can be refilled, for example, manually or via a supply line from a supply.

[0111] The vibration conveyor 704 comprises, for example, a vibration table 706 and a drive means 707 driving the same, in particular a vibration or shaking drive 707 driving the same, in particular an electromagnetically excited vibration or shaking drive 707, wherein the term vibration or shaking drive 707 is understood to mean the same as a drive device 707 driving a shaking or vibration device. The vibration or shaking drive 707 or a control controlling this vibration drive 707 is preferably variable in vibration frequency and / or amplitude and / or the vibration table 706 is variable with respect to its in the conveying direction T P considered gradient manually or by means of a drive means 715, e.g. actuator 715.

[0112] In addition to the above-mentioned metering device 704 formed by a vibrating conveyor 704, a metering device 721 can be provided which varies the discharge flow at the outlet and thus the feed flow to the conveyor device 702, for example with regard to a particularly well-defined feed flow and / or for example for pre-metering. Such a metering device can be provided, for example, by a Fig. 17 only schematically indicated adjusting mechanism 721, by means of which by means of associated drive means 722, e.g. by one or more servomotors 722; 722.x, in conjunction with a metering device 721 relating to the feed level on the conveyor device 702, e.g. a distance between the outlet and the top of the linear conveyor 704 and / or in conjunction with a metering device 721 relating to the discharge flow at the outlet, e.g. a free flow cross-section from or in the supply device 703 can be varied.

[0113] As a metering device 721 relating to the discharge flow at the outlet, a controllable actuating mechanism 721 which varies the outlet cross-section via one or more associated drive means 722; 722.x, e.g. one or more servomotors 722, can be arranged in front of or in front of the outlet of the supply device 703. Such a device can be Fig. 17 exemplary and merely symbolically indicated adjusting element 723 comprises a flap or slide extending over the outlet width and actuated by the drive means 722, or by several adjusting elements 723.x arranged next to one another over the outlet width and independently adjustable by several drive means 722.x, such as flap or slide segments (see e.g. exemplary in Fig. 18 and Fig. 19). In the case of several actuating elements 723.x adjustable by drive means 722.x, the flow cross-section or discharge flow can, for example, be varied and / or individually corrected across the discharge width.

[0114] As a metering device 721 relating to the feed level on the conveyor device 702, provided in addition to or instead of this, one or more associated drive means 722; 722.x, e.g., one or more servomotors 722, can be provided, which, via a corresponding adjusting mechanism, e.g., a gear, vary the distance between the outlet of the supply device 703 and the top of the linear conveyor 704, in particular raise or lower the supply device 703 or the part comprising the outlet.

[0115] Basically, regardless of the design of the dispensing device 701 with a metering device 704 designed as a vibration conveyor 704 and the presence and / or design of an above-mentioned further metering device 721, but preferably in conjunction with a metering device 704 designed as a vibration conveyor 704 and / or e.g. at least one above-mentioned further metering device 721, in a particularly advantageous design of the powder feed device 700; 700', e.g. with regard to a uniform material flow, above the or a linear conveyor 702 arranged downstream of the dispensing device 701 in the conveying direction T PBetween the point of material feed onto the linear conveyor 702 and a delivery point to the roller gap 104; 104' or the optionally provided insertion aid 711 or optionally to a further downstream conveyor device, a removal device 708 is provided which extends horizontally over at least the conveyor width and is adjustable in distance from the top side of the linear conveyor 704.

[0116] By means of such a removal device 708 - assuming parallelism between the underside of the removal device 708 and the top side of the linear conveyor 704 over at least the effective length - a desired and uniform layer height of the material 004; 004' to be conveyed on the linear conveyor 702 or conveyor belt can be determined or achieved across the conveying width. If material 004; 004' is applied to the entire conveying width upstream of the removal device 708 with a thickness that corresponds at least to the distance between the removal device 708 and the top side of the linear conveyor 704, a material flow with a uniform layer thickness of the powdery material 004; 004' defined by the position of the removal device 708 is ensured downstream of the removal device 708.

[0117] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the removal device 708 is designed as - preferably transverse to the conveying direction T Poscillating - removal doctor blade 708 is formed, which during operation, for example, performs an oscillating or iridescent back and forth movement. For this purpose, the removal doctor blade 708 is mounted, for example, so as to be axially movable and is driven in an oscillating or iridescent manner by a drive means 709, e.g., a drive motor 709. This drive motor 709 can be designed directly as a linear motor or as a rotary motor driving the removal doctor blade 708 via an oscillating gear. In an advantageous development, the removal device 708 is designed by a - e.g., in Fig. 17 only schematically indicated drive means 719, e.g. an actuator 719, for example remotely controlled via a signal connection S6, adjustable in distance to the conveyor device 702.

[0118] In an alternative embodiment, the removal device 708 can be a PA rotatable or rotating roller, in particular a so-called roller doctor, may be provided. In a further development, this roller may additionally be adjustable in the above manner via appropriate drive means and a corresponding bearing.

[0119] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of a powder feed device 700; 700', which is applicable, for example, to all embodiments, configurations and variants of the powder feed device 700; 700' presented here, at least one sensor system with a preferably contactless sensor 713; 714 is provided, which, for example, provides information on a vertical position of a powder layer surface and / or which, for example, is based on a contactless measuring principle, e.g.using sound waves or electromagnetic radiation and / or which, together with a control and / or regulating device 724 connected via a signal connection S1; S3, in particular with a control logic or electronic control circuit comprised by the control and / or regulating device 724, and with a drive means 712; 722; 707 assigned to the or a dosing or conveying device 702; 704; 721 for varying the dispensing or conveying rate, forms a control circuit R11; R14; R15; R17; R34; R35; R37 via a respective signal connection S2; S4; S5; S7.

[0120] In a particularly advantageous embodiment applicable to all embodiments, configurations, and variants of the powder feed device 700; 700' presented here, a sensor system, in particular a fill level sensor system, is provided as a sensor system providing information about the height of a powder layer, comprising a sensor 713, in short fill level sensor 713, which provides information about the fill level in the roller gap 104; 104' or in the insertion aid 711, which is directed - in particular from above - into the gusset of the roller gap 104; 104' or into the interior of an insertion aid 711 possibly provided above the roller gap 104; 104' onto the powder layer, in particular the powder layer surface, and thereby provides information corresponding to a fill level in the roller gap 104; 104 or in the insertion aid 711 - at least at the location under consideration.

[0121] An advantageously provided control circuit R11; R14; R15; R17 comprises the above-mentioned fill level sensor system with the sensor 713 for detecting information representing a fill level of powdery material 004; 004' in the roller gap 104; 104 or in the insertion aid 711. In such a control circuit R1; R1', for example, the sensor 713 providing the information on the fill level in the roller gap 104; 104' or in the insertion aid 711 is signal-connected to a control logic or circuit comprised of an above-mentioned control and / or regulating device 724, which in turn is signal-connected S2; S4; S5; S7 to the control means of one or more drive means 712; 722; 715; 707 of one or more of the above-mentioned conveying and / or dosing devices 702; 704; 721 for varying the conveying and / or discharge or feed rate of powdery material 004, 004'.

[0122] In one embodiment, which is particularly advantageous for phases of changing machine speeds, such as a start-up phase, a control circuit R12 relating to the conveying speed of the conveying device 702 is provided, in which control circuit the fill level sensor system is in signal communication with a drive means 712 driving the conveying device 702, here, for example, the discharge device 701 driving the conveyor belt, via the control and / or regulating device 724 or a control logic or circuit comprised thereof and configured accordingly to form a control circuit R12 relating to the conveying rate. For this purpose, the conveying speed is controlled by the drive means 712 in question, for example, depending on the fill level, for example in such a way that the conveying speed increases when a defined lower limit for the fill level is undershot and decreases when a defined upper limit is exceeded.

[0123] Instead of the fill-level-dependent variation, or in addition thereto, the drive of the conveyor device 702 can be subjected to a control system that correlates to a variable V representing the machine speed via a stored relationship, by which the conveyor device 702 is operated, for example, faster when the machine speed increases and slower when the machine speed decreases. The above-mentioned fill-level-dependent control can be underlying this control system as a basis.

[0124] Instead of or in addition to the above-mentioned control circuit R12 relating to the conveying rate and / or the machine speed-dependent control of the conveying device 702, in an advantageous embodiment, a control circuit R15; R14; R17 relating to the dispensing device 701, in particular the dispensing rate of the dispensing device 701 to the conveying device 702, can be provided, in which control circuit the fill level sensor system is in signal connection S4; S5; S7 via the control and / or regulating device 724 or a control logic or circuit comprised thereby and configured accordingly with one or more drive means 722; 722.x; 707; 715 comprised by the dispensing device 701 for dosing purposes, e.g. in a control circuit R15 relating to the dispensing device 701 with a drive means 722; 722.x of the adjusting mechanism 721 upstream of or assigned to the outlet and / or in another control circuit R14 relating to the dispensing device 701, the vibration drive 707 and / or in another control circuit R117 relating to the dispensing device 701, the actuator 715 for the table inclination. The aforementioned control circuits R15; R14; R17 relating to the dispensing device 701 can be provided individually, in pairs, or all together, wherein in the case of several such control circuits R15; R14; R17, cascading or prioritizing of individual control algorithms is preferably provided.

[0125] A control of the dispensing device 701, in particular of the control circuit(s) R15; R14; R17 or control circuits R15; R14; R17 relating to the dispensing rate of the dispensing device 701 onto the conveyor device 702, by the relevant drive means 722; 722.x; 707; 715, based on the fill level sensor system, is carried out, for example, in a fill level-dependent manner, for example in such a way that if a defined lower limit for the fill level is undershot, the dispensing rate is increased and if a defined upper limit is exceeded, the dispensing rate is reduced.

[0126] Instead of the fill level-dependent variation of the dispensing rate, or preferably in addition thereto, the dosing by the dosing device 701 can be subject to a control correlated to a variable V representing the machine speed, by which the dosing device 701 or one or more dosing devices 704; 721 comprised thereof, for example, increases the dispensing rate by the dosing device 701 or one or more dosing devices comprised by the dosing device 701 via appropriate control of one or more of the above-mentioned drive means 722; 722.x; 707; 715 when the machine speed increases and decreases it when the machine speed decreases. This control can be correlated with the above-mentioned machine speed-dependent control of the conveyor device 702 and / or be underlying the above-mentioned fill level-dependent control of the dispensing device 701 as a basis.

[0127] In a further development of the embodiment comprising the removal device 708, the feed rate can additionally also be varied, e.g. preset, by manually or remotely actuating it via a signal connection S6 or, if necessary, by varying the distance of the removal device 708 via an associated drive means 719 using a control circuit (R16) not explicitly shown here.

[0128] Fundamentally independent of, but advantageously in conjunction with an above-mentioned fill level sensor and / or one or more of the above-mentioned control circuits R12; R14; R15; R17 (R16) based on the fill level, a sensor providing information on the vertical level of the powder layer surface on the conveyor device 702, in short layer level sensor, is provided as an alternative or further sensor providing information on the vertical position of a powder layer surface, for example in an embodiment comprising a linear conveyor 702. This comprises a sensor 714, e.g. level sensor 714, which provides information on the layer height or at least on the level of the powder layer surface on the conveyor device 702 and preferably operates in a contactless manner, which, for example,as an optical or ultrasonic sensor - is directed from one side onto the profile of the powder layer and provides at least information on the vertical position of at least one highest elevation of the powder layer across the conveying width transverse to the conveying direction T. P With the conveyor device 702 in an operationally stable vertical position, the level of the powder layer surface represents a resulting powder layer thickness.

[0129] In a simple case, for example, sensor 714 merely monitors whether a certain level of a highest elevation is exceeded or undershot, and the result is used, for example, for control purposes. Monitoring only a certain height for exceedance or undershoot can be achieved, for example, using a single-beam light barrier or a linear ultrasonic sensor. In a more complex version, which may, however, lead to more information, the sensor technology can also provide information on the vertical position of a highest elevation currently present across the conveyor width - at least within a certain bandwidth. In this case, a sensor technology extending vertically over a certain height, such as a light grid or an ultrasonic sensor with vertical resolution, can be used, for example.

[0130] Basically independent of, but advantageously in conjunction with one or more of the above-mentioned control circuits R12; R15; R14 or R17 based on the fill level and / or an above-mentioned speed-dependent control, in an advantageous embodiment of a device comprising the removal device 708, for example, a control circuit R35; R34; R37 is provided, which comprises an above-mentioned layer level sensor system with an above-mentioned level sensor 714. In such a control circuit R35; R34; R37, this is signal-connected to a control logic or circuit comprised by an above-mentioned control and / or regulating device 724, which in turn is signal-connected to the control means of one or more drive devices 707; 722; 715 of one or more of the above-mentioned dosing devices 704; 721 for varying the dispensing rate of the dosing device 701. Control of the dosing device 701 with regard to the dispensing rate ora dosing device 704; 721 comprised therein by the relevant drive device 707; 722; 715 is carried out, for example, in a level-dependent manner, i.e. depending on the information supplied by the layer level sensor, for example in such a way that if a defined lower limit for the level of the surface or a target value is undershot, for example by more than a permissible tolerance, an increase and if a defined upper limit or the target value is exceeded, for example by more than a permissible tolerance, a reduction in the dispensing rate dispensed by the dispensing device 701 or applied to the conveyor device 702 is carried out by at least one control circuit R35; R34; R37 comprising the level sensor 714.

[0131] Instead of or in addition to the above-mentioned control circuit R12 relating to the conveying rate and / or the machine speed-dependent control of the conveying device 702 and / or a control circuit R15; R14; R17 relating to the dispensing device 701, in particular the dispensing rate of the dispensing device 701 to the conveying device 702 as a function of the fill level, in an advantageous embodiment a control circuit R35; R34; R37 relating to the dispensing device 701, in particular the dispensing rate of the dispensing device 701 to the conveying device 702 as a function of the layer level can be provided, in which the layer level sensor system is in signal communication with one or more drive means 722; 722.x; 707; 715 comprising the dispensing device 701 for dosing purposes, e.g.in a control circuit R35 relating to the dispensing device 701 with a drive means 722; 722.x of the actuating mechanism 721 upstream of or assigned to the outlet and / or in another control circuit R34 relating to the dispensing device 701 with the vibration drive 707 and / or in a further control circuit R37 relating to the dispensing device 701 with the actuator 715 for the table inclination. The aforementioned control circuits R35; R34; R37 relating to the dispensing device 701 can be provided individually, in pairs, or all together, wherein in the case of several such control circuits R35; R34; R37, cascading or prioritizing of individual control algorithms is preferably provided.

[0132] A powder feed device 700; 700' with a dosing device 701, in particular a dosing device 701 with a dosing device with a vibration drive 707, and a downstream conveyor device 702, in particular a linear conveyor 702, is advantageously operated as follows: The dispensing device 701, which is particularly designed as a dosing device 701, is filled initially and during operation as required with powdered material 004; 004' to be processed, and the material is dispensed from the dosing device 701 in doses to the conveyor device 702, in particular by shaking. In a particularly advantageous development using an above-mentioned removal device 708, slightly, for example up to 10%, preferably only up to 5%, more material 004; 004' is dispensed to the conveyor device 702 than is actually removed, which is then removed or retained to a specific, in particular adjustable, height with the preferably changing removal device in order to provide a uniform material layer thickness. The delivery rate of the dispensing device 701 to the conveyor device 702 can be controlled, for example, via an above-mentioned control circuit R35; R34; R37 comprising the level sensor 14 on the conveyor device 702, e.g.such that the detected level always corresponds at least to the set distance to the conveyor device 702, and advantageously even exceeds it.

[0133] The powdery material 004; 004' conveyed on the conveyor device 702, preferably conducted under the removal device 708 in the above-mentioned manner, is conveyed by the conveyor device 702 directly or, if necessary, via a further conveyor device into the roller gap 104; 104' or an insertion aid 711 provided above it, if necessary.

[0134] In an advantageous embodiment, the conveyor device 702 and, if applicable, a subsequent further conveyor device can be controlled in a manner described above via an above-mentioned control circuit R12 with a fill level sensor 713, which monitors the fill level in the roller gap 104; 104' or in the insertion aid 711.

[0135] In an advantageous further development, for a format change in the product 001; 002 to be manufactured, the delivery width of the delivery device 701 and / or the conveying width of the conveying device 702 is adjusted manually or preferably remotely via corresponding drive means.

[0136] In order, for example, to vary a maximum material feed beyond dosing by the dispensing device 701 or alternatively to this, the distance of the removal device 708 from the conveying device 702 can be varied in an advantageous embodiment.

[0137] For the above-mentioned designs and variants of the powder feed device 700 (e.g. in connection with Fig. 17) and in particular for deviating from this, e.g., in connection with Fig. 18 and Fig. 19, for the design of the dispensing or dosing device 701, in principle independently of the above-mentioned sensors, sensors 713; 714 or control circuits R12; R14; R15; R17; R34; R35; R37, but advantageously in conjunction with one or more of the above-mentioned sensors, sensors 713; 714 or control circuits R12; R14; R15; R17; R34; R35; R37, a powder stream emerging from the powder feed device 700 and fed into the roller gap 104, 104' or into the insertion aid 711 possibly arranged above it - in particular in a drop section between the or a last conveyor device 702 encompassed by the powder feed device 700; 700' and the roller gap 104; 104' or a possibly provided insertion aid 711 - at least one point or preferably across the entire width, in particular the drop width, continuously or at several points, point-wise or section-wise directed sensors 726; 731, e.g. powder flow sensors, with e.g.a sensor 728; 733 is provided, by means of which information about the powder flow, in particular about the size and / or homogeneity, can be provided. Such a sensor system 726; 731 or information obtained therefrom can, in the first embodiment, provide an integral variable I; F, e.g. measured variable I; F, obtained over the considered width, e.g. the entire width or a width continuous over a section or interrupted in sections, in particular the fall width of the powder flow, or in the second embodiment can preferably provide a spatially resolved value of such a variable Ix; Fx, individual in the width.

[0138] In the first embodiment, information about the powder flow in the observed area can be obtained via an integral value of the variable I; F, which, in the event that the entire width is not detected, can be used as a first approximation as a measure of the entire flow. This can be used, for example, to guide a powder flow in a control loop R82; R85, explained below, for example, or to keep it constant, or - for example, if there are empirically determined relationships between the determined variable I; F and the throughput - to control or regulate the powder flow with regard to its throughput.

[0139] In an advantageous embodiment of this first embodiment, a control circuit R82; R85 is provided which comprises an aforementioned integral powder flow sensor system with an aforementioned sensor 728; 733. This is connected in such a control circuit R82; R85 via a signal connection S8 to a control logic or circuit comprised by an aforementioned control and / or regulating device 724, which in turn is connected via a signal connection S2; S5; S7 to the control means of one or more drive means 712; 707; 722; 715 of one or more aforementioned conveying or dosing devices 704; 721 for varying the conveying rate of the conveying device and / or the dispensing rate of the dosing device 701. The control logic or circuit in question is available, for example, B. in a control circuit R82 relating to the conveying rate via the drive means 712 driving the conveying device 702 and / or in a control circuit R85 relating to the dispensing device 701 with a drive means 722; 722.x of the actuating mechanism 721 upstream of or assigned to the outlet in signal connection S2; S5. For a variant embodiment with a dispensing device with the aforementioned vibration conveyor 704, a control logic or circuit of the control and / or regulating device 724, which is signal-connected to a sensor 728; 733 of the powder flow sensor system, can be connected to the vibration drive 707 in another control circuit relating to the dispensing device 701 (not shown), and / or to the actuator 715 for the table inclination in another control circuit (not shown) relating to the dispensing device 701. The aforementioned control circuits R82; R85 relating to the dispensing device 701 and / or conveyor device 702 can be provided individually, in several, or all together, wherein in the case of several such control circuits R82; R85, cascading or prioritization of individual control algorithms is preferably provided.

[0140] In a second embodiment with sensors 726; 731 provided at multiple points or in sections, information about the powder flow in the relevant section or at the relevant measuring location can be obtained across the width by means of individual, spatially resolved values ​​of an above-mentioned variable Ix; Px for each individual section or measuring location, which information each represents a measure of the powder flow in the relevant section or at the relevant measuring location. This can be used to control an overall powder flow, e.g., keep it constant, in a control loop R82; R85 as explained above, for example, after summation or averaging, or to control or regulate the powder flow with regard to its throughput, for example if there are empirically determined relationships between the determined variable I; F and the throughput.Instead of or in addition to this integral evaluation and a control based thereon, however, for several or all sections or measuring locations in respective control circuits R82; R85, a powder partial flow can be controlled or regulated at least relative to powder partial flows in other sections or at other measuring locations or - for example, if there are empirically determined relationships between the determined variable Ix; Fx and the size of the throughput - the powder flow in question, in particular the powder partial flow, can be controlled or regulated with regard to the throughput.

[0141] In an advantageous embodiment of this second embodiment, a control circuit R82; R85 is provided for several or all sections or measuring locations with their own above-mentioned sensor 728.x; 733.x. This sensor 728.x; 733.x is signal-connected in such a control circuit R82; R85 to a control logic or circuit comprised of an above-mentioned control and / or regulating device 724, which in turn is signal-connected to control means of several drive means 722.x of a dosing device 721 whose width can be adjusted in sections or segments for section-by-section variation of the discharge rate from the dosing device 701. Sections or measuring locations with their own sensors 728.x; 733.x correspond to sections or segments, in particular actuating element segments 723.x, of a dosing device 721 that can be adjusted in sections, e.g. B. with the above-mentioned and actuating element segments 723.x driven by drive means 722.x, e.g. flap or slide segments 723.x.The individual control elements 723.x or control element segments 723.x are controlled, for example, in such a way that, for example, a powder flow of the same size is detected by the sensors 726; 731 in all sections under consideration. If necessary, the control can also be directed towards a desired profile, i.e., with powder flows that vary across the width in the sections under consideration.

[0142] In an advantageous embodiment (see e.g. Fig. 18 and Fig. 19) comprises the powder feed device 700; 700' as already described above Fig. 17 shows a conveyor device 702, through which powdered material 004, 004' is conveyed across a conveyor width and from there is fed to an underlying roller gap 104; 104' or a possibly provided feed aid 711. The feed itself is effected in particular by the powder stream falling down after reaching the end of the or a last conveyor device 702 via a drop path and into the roller gap 104; 104' or the insertion aid 711.

[0143] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of a powder feed device 700; 700' in one of the embodiments or variants set out above or below, the above-mentioned powder flow sensor system is provided in the region of the drop path between the only or last downstream conveyor device 701 of the powder feed device 700; 700' and the roller gap 104; 104' or the insertion aid 711 provided if applicable.

[0144] Such a powder flow sensor is, for example, in connection with an advantageous embodiment for the dispensing device 701 according to Fig. 18 and Fig. 19, whereby for these functionally comparable or identical parts the same reference numerals as before in Fig. 17 are used. In contrast to the Fig. 17, the dispensing device 701 is here without a vibrating conveyor 704, but with a, for example, in Fig. 17, the metering device 721, which is only schematically indicated and relates to the discharge flow at the outlet of the supply device 703, is shown, with which, for example, the free flow cross-section in the supply device 703 or out of it can be varied. However, the details of the powder flow sensor system can also be applied to a design with a vibration conveyor 704 as described above, or to any other embodiment in which the powder flow is or can be fed from a conveyor device 702 via a drop section to the roller gap 104; 104' or to an insertion aid 711 possibly provided above it.

[0145] In conjunction with the above-explained control loop R85 comprising the powder flow sensor system based on an integral value for the variable I; F, the dosing device 721 can be designed with a continuous or segmented actuating element 723; 723.x across the width, wherein for the latter, when controlled via a single integral value of the variable I; F, for example, the actuating elements 723.x are adjusted equally. If, based on the information provided via the variable I; F, an insufficient powder flow or an undesirable decrease in the powder flow is detected, the continuous actuating element 723 or the actuating element segments 723.x are opened further for a larger material passage, and vice versa. If the above-mentioned relationship exists, control can also be carried out to a specific throughput.

[0146] Alternatively or additionally, the speed of the conveyor device can also be controlled in a control circuit R82 on the basis of the integral value for the quantity I; F by appropriately controlling the drive means 712.

[0147] In conjunction with the above-explained control loop R85, which includes the powder flow sensor system, for controlling in individual sections based on individual values ​​for such a variable Ix; Px, the dosing device 721 comprises control elements 723.x formed in sections by control element segments 723.x. The control element segments 723.x or their actuators 722.x are adjusted, for example, via respective control loops R82; R85, in accordance with the specified control task based on individual values ​​for the variable Ix; Px at the relevant sections or measuring locations. In this case, control can be achieved, for example, to a profile that is uniform across the width or, if necessary, to a specified profile with powder flows that vary across the width. If the above-mentioned relationship exists, control can also be achieved to a profile with a uniform or varying throughput across the width.One or more additional circuit elements 729, such as a dead time element 729, can be provided in the respective control circuit R82; R85.

[0148] In a first advantageous embodiment of the powder flow sensor system, in particular sensor system 726 (see e.g. Fig. 18) is based on a measurement using electromagnetic radiation, in particular light in the UV, IR, or visible wavelength range, in particular in the form of a light barrier 726. For this purpose, for example, a radiation source 727, e.g., a light source 727, is provided on one side of the drop path, and a sensor 728; 728.x, in particular, a radiation receiver 728; 728.x, is provided on the other side. A radiation intensity I; Ix registered at the sensor 728 is used here as the quantity I; Ix providing information about the powder flow. In the case of an integral determination and evaluation in the above sense using only one value for the quantity I, a single radiation source 727, e.g., in particular, a directed light source 727, and / or a single radiation receiver 728, e.g., a photodiode or a phototransistor, can be provided. For the second case, which involves control in individual sections based on individual values ​​for such a quantity Ix; P.x allows, an extended radiation or light source 727.x, e.g., in the manner of a light grid, a plurality of individual light sources 727.x or a light bar, and a plurality of radiation receivers 728, an extended, in particular spatially resolving radiation receiver 728, or radiation receiver segments 728.x, such as, e.g., a radiation receiver array, a photodiode array, or a line scan camera, can be provided. By detecting the radiation intensity I; Ix, the constancy of a mass flow can be checked; if, for example, an empirically determined relationship exists, the powder flow can even be controlled or regulated with regard to its throughput—in sections or integrally, depending on the design.

[0149] In a second advantageous embodiment of the sensor system 731, in particular powder flow sensor system (see e.g. Fig. 19), this is based on the application of a force measurement, in particular on a measurement of the force acting on a sensor 733; 733.x designed as a force transducer 733; 733.x due to the momentum of the falling powder particles. A value for a force F; Fx registered at the sensor 733; 733.x is used here as the quantity F; Fx providing information about the powder flow. For the case of an integral determination and evaluation in the above sense using a value for the quantity I, a single force transducer 733 can be provided, on which the powder flow of the entire width or a partial section representative of the width acts. For the second case of control in individual sections based on individual values ​​for such a quantity Fx, a plurality of individual force transducers 733.x can be provided, e.g., as a force transducer array—for example, one operating piezoelectrically.

[0150] The effect on the force transducer(s) 733; 733.x can in principle be implemented in any way such that an impulse of the material 004; 004' falling across the width or a partial section in the powder stream is transmitted to the relevant force transducer 733; 733.x. In the advantageous embodiment shown here, an impact element 732; 732.x, e.g. an impact plate 732; 732.x, is provided for the or each section to be considered, ie across the entire width, a representative partial section or several individual partial sections, which impact element is located in the fall path of the section to be considered and is operatively connected to an associated force transducer 733; 733.x. The impact plate 732; 732.x can be designed in the form of a deflection plate, so that although an impulse can be transmitted, the material 004, 004' continues to flow to the roller gap 104; 104' or an insertion aid 711 provided above it. The impact element 732; 732.x, can be pivotably or elastically mounted and / or supported against the force transducer 733; 733.x, so that, for example, as the load from the powder flow increases, the force F; Fx registered by the force transducer 733; 733.x increases. The measuring principle is based on an impact with a change in direction, whereby a resulting force F is based on the physical relationship F = mxa (force = mass x acceleration) and the change in direction upon impact. By recording the force F, the constancy of a mass flow can be checked; if, for example, an empirically determined relationship exists, the powder flow can even be controlled or regulated with regard to its throughput.

[0151] In a further embodiment of a powder feed device 700; 700', which is advantageous, for example, with regard to a uniform supply above the dosing gap 104; 104' and / or in the filling and / or supply chamber 126, the powdery material 004, 004' can be provided via a dispensing device 701, for example designed as a dosing device 701, in particular a dosing device with a vibration drive 707 such as a dosing vibrator 701, and can be dispensed or fed into the roller gap 104; 104' or into the filling and / or supply chamber 126 provided above it - preferably directly at the downstream end of the dosing vibrator 701 or the vibrating table encompassed by the latter or optionally indirectly via one or more further downstream conveying devices 701. The discharge quantity of the dosing vibrator 701 is preferably adjustable - e.g. in a manner described above - via a fill level sensor and / or the discharge or feed width can be adjusted to a desired format width.

[0152] In this embodiment, a distribution device 744 is provided above the roller gap 104; 104', by means of which, for example, a filling level in the filling and / or supply chamber 126 - which is preferably adjustable with respect to the width and / or axial position - can be equalized across its width in the axial direction of the rollers 102; 103; 102'; 103' (see, for example, Fig. 20a and Fig. 20b). For this purpose, the distribution device 744 preferably comprises a cross member 746 extending, for example, axially over at least the maximum clear width of the filling and / or storage chamber 126 - e.g., a single- or multi-part cross member 746, on or in which a distribution tool 747, e.g., a single- or multi-part distribution finger 747, projects into the filling and / or storage chamber 126 and is oscillatable back and forth between an end or near-end region, i.e., a maximum of 10% of the width of the filling and / or storage chamber 126, on a first end side delimiting the filling and / or storage chamber 126 and the end or near-end region of the opposite second end side - for example, by means of a correspondingly configured drive device - or moves back and forth in an oscillating manner during operation. In this case, the distribution tool 747 can in principle be moved along any desired movement path with at least one, in particular predominantly (iecompared to other directions), the movement component in the direction of the width of the filling and / or supply space 126 can be moved back and forth between the end positions. Preferably, it can be moved back and forth along a movement path running parallel to the roller gap 104; 104'.

[0153] The drive device can comprise, for example, an electric drive motor as drive means 749, by which a belt of a belt drive carrying the distribution tool 747 or a thread of a screw drive conveying the distribution tool 747 can be reversibly driven or driven. Alternatively, the drive means can comprise a pneumatic drive means 749, for example, a piston that can be pressurized with compressed air on both sides, which is alternately pressurized on the sides and carries the distribution tool 747.

[0154] The distribution finger 747 can basically be designed in any way so that at least a portion of it extends into the powder reservoir and, as it moves back and forth, displaces a portion of the powdery material 004; 004' located in the movement path. In an advantageous embodiment, the distribution finger 747 is designed with a recess 748, for example a spoon- or groove-like profile, e.g., in the manner of a half-shell with, for example, a vertically extending groove 748, at least over a portion of its height extending into the powder reservoir on a side facing in the direction of movement. A further development can be advantageous in which the distribution finger 747 is mounted and / or positively driven in such a way that it is forcibly rotated by 180° at the respective turning point of the oscillating movement, so that the side having the recess again points in the direction of movement.This can counteract the accumulation of powdered material 004; 004' in the end regions. Alternatively, a distribution finger 747 with a passage can be provided, which, for example, allows excess material 004; 004' to flow back during movement.

[0155] In an advantageous development, the fill level of the powdery material 004; 004', which has been made uniform by the distribution device 744 or the oscillating distribution tool 747, can be adjustable or regulated in the filling and / or storage chamber 126. For this purpose, for example, at least one fill level sensor 713, as already mentioned above, is provided, which is directed at a location in the filling and / or storage chamber 126 onto the upper side of the powder supply present in the filling and / or storage chamber 126. Preferably, viewed across the width of the filling and / or storage chamber 126, several such fill level sensors 713 directed onto the powder supply are provided, e.g., at least three, advantageously at least five, in particular, e.g., nine. Alternatively, a differently designed sensor system that detects the supply and / or fill level can be provided. The level sensor(s) 713 or one or more sensors of an alternative level sensor system is or areare connected in the above-mentioned manner, e.g. via corresponding signal connections S1; S3; S2; S4 and an above-mentioned control and / or regulating device 724, in particular a control logic or electronic control circuit comprised by the control and / or regulating device 724, e.g. by forming a corresponding control circuit R12; R14; R15; R17; R34; R35; R37, to a drive means 722; 707 (712) assigned to the dosing or conveying device 702; 704; 721 for varying the dispensing or conveying rate. This makes it possible to provide a desired fill level, defined, for example, via a setpoint value and uniformed across the width.

[0156] Preferably, the discharge width of the metering device 701 or the feed width into the roller gap 104; 104' or the filling and / or supply space 126 - e.g. in the manner already described above Fig. 17 - can be varied. In addition or instead, the width of the filling and / or supply chamber 126 and / or the stroke, ie the width and / or position of the movement path for the distribution tool 747 and / or the vertical position of the part effective for distribution to be assumed during operation and / or the oscillation frequency thereof, can be adjusted in the above-mentioned manner.

[0157] The powder feed device 700; 700' may preferably comprise only a dosing device 701, at the output of which the powdery material 104; 104' is discharged or fed into the roller gap 104; 104' or the filling and / or storage space 126. Such a dosing device 701 may advantageously be designed in an embodiment of the dosing vibrator 701, as is part of the powder feed device 700; 700' in Fig. 17, Fig. 18 or Fig. 19. In a variant, according to the powder feed device 700; 700' in Fig. 17 at least one further conveyor device 702 is provided, via which the powdered material 004; 004' is dispensed or fed into the roller gap 104; 104' or the filling and / or storage space 126. To the dosing device 701 and / or to the supply device 703 and / or to the dosing device 704 and / or to any additionally provided conveyor device 702, in an advantageous embodiment, the device described in conjunction with the embodiment of e.g. Fig. 17 shall apply.

[0158] Alternatively, the powder feed device 700; 700', such as in connection with Fig. 18 or Fig. 19, comprise an above-mentioned conveying device 702 in the form of a linear conveyor 702, which receives the powdered material 004; 004' directly from a storage container 703, ie without the interposition of a dosing vibrator 701, and - if necessary via a further conveying device - delivers or feeds it into the roller gap 104; 104' or the filling and / or storage space 126.

[0159] In an alternative embodiment of a powder supply device 700; 700', which is advantageous, for example, with regard to a uniform fill level in the reservoir above the dosing gap 104; 104' and / or in the filling and / or reservoir space 126, the powdery material 004; 004' can be provided via a dispensing device 701, in particular a dispensing device 701 with a container 751, e.g. referred to here as a vibrating trough 751, which is to be set into vibration by a drive device 707, e.g. a vibration or shaking drive 707, and - preferably via one or more openings 752 in the bottom 753 of the container 751 directly (see e.g. Fig. 21) or, if necessary, indirectly via a further conveyor device 702 arranged underneath, e.g., a linear conveyor 702, into the roller gap 104; 104' or into the filling and / or storage space 126 provided above it. The terms vibration drive or shaking drive 707 are used here without distinction as synonymous for a drive device 707 by which the shaking container 751 can be operated in its function as such.

[0160] The vibrating trough 751 comprises a circumferential wall. The fill level in the vibrating trough 751 can be monitored, for example, by a fill level sensor 754—e.g., across a continuous range or to a minimum and / or maximum fill level—and can be regulated, for example, via a two-point or three-point control, to a specific level or to remain within at least one permitted range. This can be achieved, for example, by varying the supply from the storage container 703 mentioned below.

[0161] In principle, the powdered material 104; 104' can be discharged directly from the at least one bottom-side opening 752 into the filling and / or storage chamber 126 in the gusset above the roller gap 104; 104'. Preferably, the respective opening 752 is followed by a feed channel 756, e.g., also referred to as a filler neck or filler shaft, which, on the downstream side, preferably extends into the gusset or filling and / or storage chamber 126 formed above the roller gap 104; 104' with an outlet. The feed channel 756 or filler neck or filler shaft can, in principle, have any desired cross-section and / or a cross-sectional profile that varies in height, but in an advantageous embodiment is formed by a tube—in particular a vertical one—with, for example, a round or rectangular cross-section—in particular with a constant cross-section at least over the maximum filling height provided during operation.

[0162] In one embodiment, an opening 752 extending across the feed width and / or a feed channel 756 extending across the feed width may be provided. In an advantageous embodiment, viewed in the direction of the roller gap 104; 104', several openings 752 and / or associated feed channels 756 are provided next to one another, e.g., in an above-mentioned design with, for example, a round or rectangular shape.

[0163] The vibrating trough 751 receives the powdered material 004; 004' from a storage container 703, e.g., in the manner of a storage funnel 703, which has an outlet 757 with one or more openings in the region of its lower end. The outlet 757 is located at a height above the bottom 753 so that material 004; 004' can exit into the vibrating trough 751, but preferably below the level of the maximum possible fill level determined by the wall of the vibrating trough 751. The surrounding wall of the vibrating trough 751 thus has a correspondingly large height, e.g., more than 10 mm, in particular at least 50 mm, so that sufficient material 104; 104' can slide out of the storage container 703 and be stored in the vibrating trough 751 at a sufficiently large fill level. Preferably, the outlet 757 is immersed in the powder layer stored in the vibrating trough 751 during operation, ieis at a level below the current fill level.

[0164] The fill level in the storage container 703 can be monitored, for example, by a fill level sensor 759 – e.g., over a continuous range or, for example, via a two-point or three-point control – for a minimum and / or maximum fill level. This allows, for example, a fill level and thus the pressure acting on the outlet 757 to be maintained within a desired range.

[0165] The storage container 703 or its outlet 757 is preferably arranged at a distance from the opening 752 or a plurality of openings 752, viewed in the horizontal direction. This ensures a cross-flow of material 004; 004' stored within the container 751. The storage container 703 or its outlet 757 is preferably spaced from the opening 752 or a plurality of openings 752 in a direction that is horizontal and perpendicular to the course of the roller gap 104; 104'. This forms a horizontal transport path on which the material 004; 004' sliding down from the storage container 703 can be evened out in terms of fill level by means of vibration. In a further development, guides 758, indicated only by dashed lines, e.g. B. Longitudinal edges 758 may be provided, which extend, for example, in a direction from the outlet 757 to the opening 752 or a plurality of openings 752. This serves, for example,avoiding or reducing the mutual influence of possibly different mass flows through several openings 752 or sections of a continuous opening 752.

[0166] In order to be able to influence the filling level in the vibrating trough 751, a drive mechanism (not shown) is provided, for example, by means of which the storage container 703 or the outlet 757 enclosed by the storage container 703 can be varied in distance from the bottom 753 of the vibrating trough 751.

[0167] When the vibrating trough 751 or the vibration or shaking drive 707 is active, the vibrating trough 751 and, downstream, one or more feed channels 756 are filled via one or more openings 752, which in turn fill the roller gap 104; 104' or the filling and / or storage space 126 formed in the gusset. If the fill level in the roller gap 104; 104' reaches the level of the outlet opening(s) of the feed channel(s) 756 or feed channels 756, a backflow occurs - e.g., due to the limited flowability and / or friction present in the material layer - so that the roller gap 104; 104' or the filling and / or storage space 126 formed in the gusset is not overfilled. The vibrating trough 751 also backs up until - e.g.due to the limited flowability and / or friction present in the material layer - no further refilling from the storage container 703 occurs, even if the vibrating trough 751 is operated continuously. If the fill level in the roller gap 104; 104' or in the filling and / or storage chamber 126 drops due to material consumption, powdered material 004; 004' slides in. This also occurs when material consumption varies across the width, whereby the level in a continuous feed channel 756 is then equalized by sliding in, and with multiple feed channels 756 across the width, the used powdered material 004; 004' slides in individually.

[0168] In further alternative advantageous embodiments of a powder feed device 700; 700' (see e.g. Fig. 22 and Fig. 23), the powdery material 004; 004', viewed in a direction parallel to the roller gap 104; 104', can be fed in sections - e.g. separately from one another - via a group of several adjacently arranged feed channels 756, e.g. also referred to as filler necks 756 or filler shafts 756, into the roller gap 104; 104' or the filling and / or storage space 126 formed in the nip. As a result, a fill level and thus the pressure in the individual feed channels 756 can be adjusted to a certain extent independently of one another and / or from the material consumption in the other sections, in particular can be controlled or regulated to the same level. The feed channels 756 or filler necks 756 or filler shafts 756 can basically also have any cross-section and / or a height-varying, e.g.funnel-shaped, cross-sectional profile or be formed by a shaft which is divided into individual feed channels 756 by corresponding partition walls. In an advantageous embodiment, however, they are formed by - in particular vertically running - pipes 756 with, for example, a round or rectangular cross-section - in particular with a constant cross-section at least over the maximum filling height provided during operation. The feed channels 756 receive the powdery material 004; 004' directly or indirectly from a supply device 703. Preferably, such feed channels 756 or downwardly open outlets of the feed channels 756 are arranged next to one another over a width which corresponds approximately, ie with a maximum deviation of ±5%, to the current clear width of the filling and / or storage space 126 formed in the gusset.In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the feed channels 756 are assigned a sensor system with at least one sensor 761, by means of which a respective fill level in the feed channels 756 can be monitored, e.g., with respect to at least one lower and / or upper limit value, or can be detected, e.g., in at least one range for the fill level. The fill level considered here relates in particular to the column of material formed or accumulated above the downstream outlet of the feed channel 756 in question or in the lower channel section 756.1, i.e., downstream of an actuator possibly provided in the feed channel 756. A result of the monitoring or detection can preferably be fed to a control and / or regulating device, e.g., an electronic control and / or regulating circuit or a control and / or regulating routine implemented in a data processing device, via a wired or wireless signal connection, which, e.g.,which in turn acts on one or more actuators used to vary the fill level. The sensor technology can, in principle, be based on any mode of operation that meets the above-mentioned minimum requirements, for example, it can include optical sensors, sensors that evaluate magnetic or electric fields, or sensors that detect mechanical forces.

[0169] In an advantageous embodiment, the feed channels 756 are transparent or at least translucent, e.g., see-through, for electromagnetic waves of a specific wavelength range, e.g., a range in the visible wavelength spectrum, at least on a preferably identical side, e.g., perpendicular to the course of the roller gap 104; 104', so that a fill level can be monitored or detected through the wall or at least a transparent or translucent section of the respective feed channel 756 by means of a sensor 761 operating in the respective wavelength range and / or sensitive in the above sense. In this case, one of the number of feed channels 756 corresponding to the number of optically operating sensors 761 can be provided, or a sensor 761 common to the feed channels 756, which is preferably designed as a camera 761, in particular as a line scan camera 761.If the wavelength range in question is not sufficiently present in the spectrum provided by the ambient lighting, a corresponding source for the wavelength range in question can be provided for application in the incident light or, if necessary, transmitted light method.

[0170] Preferably, the sensor 761 is designed as a camera 761 operating in the visible wavelength spectrum, wherein the supply channels 756 are formed on at least the side viewed by the camera 761 and in at least the section viewed by the camera 761 or entirely from a transparent or at least translucent material, in particular from glass, from Plexiglas or from a transparent or at least translucent plastic.

[0171] In a first advantageous embodiment of such a powder supply device 700; 700' in the version that supplies the filling and / or storage space 126 in sections, the feed channels 756, which are provided next to one another - e.g. directly or spaced apart - are in line connection with at least one supply device 703 and can be filled with powdery material 004; 004' on the inlet side or from above (see e.g. Fig. 22).

[0172] In an embodiment which is advantageous, for example, in terms of cost, several or all of the feed channels 756 provided next to one another are connected to a same supply device 703 and can be filled with powdered material 004; 004' simultaneously on the inlet side or from above.

[0173] A material supply into the feed channels 756 via individual conveyor belts, vibrators or the like can be omitted for the case preferred here, wherein a supply device 703 jointly assigned to the one or more feed channels 756 to be supplied is or is provided - e.g. at a level above the entrance to the feed channels 756 - and the powdery material 004; 004' can be fed into or flowed out of the feed channels 756 in question - in particular solely by the effect of gravity.

[0174] Outlets of the feed channels 756 on the output side preferably dip into the gusset or filling and / or storage space 126 formed above the roller gap 104; 104'. A storage container 703, e.g., in the form of a storage hopper 703, can preferably be provided as the supply device 703, which, in a lower region, is connected via one or more corresponding openings to the feed channels 756 for conveying the powdered material 004; 004'.

[0175] In order to be able to fill the feed channels 756 individually and independently of one another, for example in the event of a material consumption that fluctuates across the width, i.e. across the group of feed channels 756, or for other reasons, actuating elements 762, e.g. valves 762, in particular ball or flat slide valves, are provided as actuating elements and are assigned to the respective feed channels 756, by means of which an inlet-side entry of powdery material 004; 004' into the feed channels 756 or a flow of powdery material 004; 004' in the feed channels 756 into a respective downstream channel section 756.1 can be changed via an actuator 763, i.e. for example to be selectively opened or closed or, in an advantageous further development, to be adjusted in the degree of opening or a flow rate over an actuating range.By means of the adjusting elements 762, the fill levels in the individual feed channels 756, in particular in a respective channel section 756.1 arranged downstream of the adjusting element 762, can be individually adjusted and, in conjunction with the above-mentioned sensors that monitor and / or detect the fill level, can be individually controlled or regulated via the control and / or regulating device. For example, the above-mentioned adjusting elements 762, e.g. designed as valves 762, in an embodiment with a correspondingly configured sensor system, i.e. one or more of the above-mentioned sensors 761, in particular in conjunction with a sensor 761 designed as a camera 761, are or can be set or adjusted in the open / closed function in a control loop, for example on the basis of a 2- or 3-point controller. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, valves 762 whose degree of opening or flow can be varied, for example pinch valves 762 with, for example,respective actuators 763, designed in particular as proportional drives 763, are provided, which in conjunction with a sensor 761 detecting the fill level, e.g. a camera 761, enable a controlled feed and thus a constant fill level in the respective feed channel 756.

[0176] The supply channels 756 can be multi-part and interrupted, for example, by the respective adjusting element 762. A channel section 756.1 of the channel 756 located below the adjusting element 762 can also be made of a rigid material, e.g., plastic, glass, or Plexiglas, while a channel section 756.2 located above or upstream of the adjusting element 762 can be flexible, e.g., in the manner of a hose. Downstream of the adjusting element 762, a lateral opening 764 can be provided in the supply channel 756 for aerating and / or venting the interior of the channel. This opening can be located, for example, at the end of a branch pointing at least slightly upwards. Instead of the adjusting element 762 located in the fall path of the respective channel 756, the latter can also be provided on the inlet side of the channel 756.

[0177] In a further advantageous embodiment of such a powder feed device 700; 700' (see e.g. Fig. 23) In the embodiment which supplies the filling and / or storage space 126 in sections, powdery material 004; 004' can be supplied to the or at least several of the feed channels 756 provided next to one another, e.g. directly or possibly at a distance from one another, from at least one supply device 703 individually via a same conveyor device 702 one after the other or via several conveyor devices 702 which can be operated separately and independently of one another. In this case, the conveyor device 702 which supplies different feed channels 756 one after the other can be a conveyor device 702 which is movable with its output end or outlet along the group of feed channels 756, e.g. in the form of a conveyor belt or a screw conveyor or a linear conveyor system 702, in particular a conveyor belt system, with several coupled linear conveyors 702.1; 702.2, e.g. B. in the design of several or in particular two conveyor belts 702.1; 702.2, vibratory conveyors or screw conveyors, may be provided. An example is, for example, in conjunction with . Fig. 24 for a subsequent embodiment using a transversely movable conveyor belt or, in particular, a conveyor belt system 702. In the embodiment with separate conveyor devices 702, respective linear conveyors 702; 704 can be assigned to the feed channels 756, which can be designed, for example, as conveyor belts, as vibratory conveyors 704, or as screw conveyors.

[0178] The output-side outlets of the feed channels 756 also dip into the gusset or filling and / or supply space 126 formed above the roller gap 104; 104' during operation.

[0179] The respective feed channel 756, e.g., as a filler neck 756 or filler shaft 756, can also have any cross-section and / or a cross-sectional profile that varies in height in this embodiment. In the advantageous embodiment shown here, the feed channels 756 are formed by rectangular filler shafts 756, which are formed, e.g., by individual rectangular tubes 756 or, e.g., by rectangular sections of a shaft 766 divided by partition walls 767. A funnel-shaped extension can be provided in an upper part of the feed shaft 766, which facilitates the targeted feeding of the powdered material 004; 004'.

[0180] As in the above embodiment for section-by-section feeding, in an advantageous embodiment, a sensor system with at least one sensor 761 operating and / or sensitive in a wavelength range of electromagnetic waves is provided on one side of the feed channels 756, in particular on a side lying the same and / or laterally to the alignment of the feed channels 756, which sensor is directed from the side onto at least a section of one or more feed channels 756 to determine a fill level, wherein the feed channels 756 are transparent or at least translucent on at least the section viewed by the sensor 761 in at least the wavelength range relevant for the sensor 761, ie the sensitive or working wavelength range.In this case, a sensor 761 operating in the relevant wavelength range corresponding to the number of feed channels 756 can be provided, or advantageously a sensor 761 jointly assigned to the one or more feed channels 756, which sensor is preferably designed as a camera 761, in particular as a line scan camera 761.

[0181] As soon as the roller gap 104; 104' or the filling and / or storage chamber 126 is filled to the lower end of the tube—e.g., at the start of production—the powdered material 004; 004' is backed up in the respective feed channel 756 because it cannot completely flow out—e.g., due to limited flowability and / or friction. The sensors monitor and / or detect the fill level in the feed channels 756 in the manner described above.

[0182] Instead of controlling or regulating the fill level via assigned actuating elements 762, the fill level is controlled or regulated via the material feed into the individual feed channels 756, in particular via a corresponding control of a traversing drive and / or a conveying rate of the common conveying device 702 or via the conveying rate of the respective separate conveying devices 702. Thus, in the first variant, the sensor system, i.e. the sensor(s) 761, in particular the sensor 761 designed as a camera 761, can be controlled via the control and / or regulating device or an electronic control and / or regulating circuit comprised thereof or a control and / or regulating routine implemented in a data processing device together with a movement which traverses, i.e. in the direction of the width of the rollers 102; 102'; 103; 103' or of the filling and / or supply space 126 (e.g. in Fig. 23 indicated by a double arrow) and / or with a drive means determining the conveying rate of the common conveying device 702 form a control circuit which keeps the fill level in the feed channels 756 above a minimum level or target level or within a permitted range. For this purpose, for example, the outlet of the common conveying device 702 is continuously oscillated back and forth across the width of all feed channels 756 lying in the working width and, as required, when a deficient feed channel 756 is passed over, ie one with a fill level below a limit value, a material discharge is effected by correspondingly controlling the drive means relating to the conveying rate. Alternatively, the conveying device 702 can be controlled by controlling the traversion orThe drive means causing transverse movement is moved with its outlet specifically over a deficient feed channel 756 and a material discharge can be effected by appropriate control of the drive means affecting the feed rate.

[0183] In a further advantageous embodiment of a powder feed device 700; 700', by means of which powdery material 004; 004' can be fed into a filling and / or storage space 126 formed in the region of the gusset above the gap 104; 104' between the first roller 102; 102', powdery material 004; 004' can be fed into the filling and / or storage space 126 from a dispensing device 701 via an outlet or a downstream end of a conveyor device 702.

[0184] However, the outlet or the downstream end of the conveyor device 702 extends over a width which corresponds only to a part, e.g. less than a quarter, of the width of the filling and / or storage space 126 to be supplied (see e.g. Fig. 24). However, in order to nevertheless be able to supply the filling and / or storage chamber 126 across its width with the powdery material 004; 004', the conveyor device 702, which is arranged directly upstream of the filling and / or storage chamber 126 and, at least in the region of its downstream end or outlet, is only partially wide compared to the width of the filling and / or storage chamber 126, is movable at least with its output-side end or outlet over a width or partial width of the filling and / or storage chamber 126 in both directions, which is also referred to here as traversable. Although the movement in the direction of the width of the filling and / or storage chamber 126 can also be provided along an arcuate, otherwise curved line or along a straight line inclined against the course of the gap 104; 104', the end oran outlet of the partial width conveyor device 702 is movable along a direction parallel to the course of the roller gap 104; 104' and preferably horizontally, and / or approximately, ie with a maximum deviation of ± 5% per side, over the entire currently set or existing width of the filling and / or supply space 126.

[0185] The powdered material 004; 004' is fed to the conveying device 702 from or via a dosing device 701; 701' that controls the dispensed quantity, e.g. an outlet interacting with a vibration drive, a controllable conveyor screw or a controllable dispensing valve.

[0186] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the powder feed device 700; 700' comprises a dosing device 701; 701' in the form of a dosing vibrator 701; 701', by means of which a constant and / or, in particular with an accuracy in the dispensed quantity of a maximum of 3%, in particular a maximum of 2% deviation from the target dispensed quantity, controllable flow of powder mixture 004; 004' is fed to the conveying device 702, which can be operated in particular with a defined and / or predeterminable, in particular variable speed. The conveying device 702 is preferably designed as a conveyor belt system with at least one first linear conveyor 702.1, in particular conveyor belt 702.1, and at least one further or second, e.g. B. compared to the first linear conveyor 702.1 longer, linear conveyor 702.2, in particular conveyor belt 702.2, to which or which the material 004; 004' coming from the first linear conveyor 702.1 or conveyor belt 702.1 can be delivered.The linear conveyor 702 or the linear conveyor system 702.1, 702.2 and / or at least its downstream end is, preferably with an overall constant conveyor length, traversable by a drive device, in particular a linear drive, over the filling and / or supply space 126, in particular axially parallel to the course of the roller gap 104; 104', over a feed width relevant for the powder feed, ie movable back and forth to both sides.

[0187] The conveying device 702 is preferably formed as a linear conveying system 702.1, 702.2, in particular a conveyor belt system 702.1, 702.2 with several, e.g. two, coupled linear conveyors 702.1; 702.2, in particular conveyor belts 702.1; 702.2, which can be operated in particular at a constant and / or predeterminable speed, wherein this is coupled in the region of its downstream end to the drive device, e.g. a traversing drive, in particular a linear drive 768, 769, 771, which preferably runs in an axially parallel direction at a height above the first gap 104; 104' and is moved by the latter, in particular in an axially parallel direction, at a defined and / or predeterminable, in particular variable speed, between two lateral end positions determining the feed width above the first roller gap 104; 104' is movable back and forth. The linear drive 768, 769, 771 includes, for example,a linear guide on or along which a driven carriage 768 runs, a transversely extending and driven belt to which the downstream end is coupled, or in particular a threaded spindle 769 which carries a carriage 768 coupled to an end region of the linear conveyor 702, e.g., spindle carriage 768. A drive means 771 driving the threaded spindle 769 or a belt is designed, for example, as a motor 771, in particular as a servomotor, which can be operated, for example, alternately in clockwise and counterclockwise rotation.

[0188] For the preferred embodiment of a linear conveyor system 702.1, 702.2, in particular conveyor belt system 702.1, 702.2 with several, e.g., two, coupled linear conveyors 702.1; 702.2, in particular conveyor belts 702.1; 702.2, these can in principle be coupled and driven via a common drive means 712. In an advantageous embodiment, however, a separate drive means 712.1, 712.2, e.g., a respective drive motor 712.1; 712.2, in particular a servo motor, is provided for each linear conveyor 702.1; 702.2 or each conveyor belt 702.1; 702.2 of the linear conveyor system 702.1, 702.2 or conveyor belt system 702.1, 702.2.

[0189] The downstream end of the further upstream, e.g., first, linear conveyor 702.1, in particular conveyor belt 702.1, of the linear conveyor system 702.1, 702.2, in particular conveyor belt system 702.1, 702.2, is articulated to the upstream end of the downstream, second or last linear conveyor 702.2, in particular conveyor belt 702.2, via a coupling 772, e.g., an axle, such that they can be pivoted relative to one another about a common, e.g., vertically extending axis of rotation. The axle 722 or coupling 722 can be supported, for example, via a support 773, e.g., a holder that is fixed to the frame but pivotable about a rotation axis running parallel to the axle 722.

[0190] In the region of the downstream end of the linear conveyor 702 or linear conveyor system 702.1, 702.2 or on the carriage 768, a sensor 713, e.g., a fill level sensor 713, preferably in the form of an ultrasonic sensor, is provided or arranged such that it is carried along with the moving end or carriage 768 and is directed from above onto the powdery material 004; 004' present in the filling and / or storage chamber 126 for detecting or monitoring the fill level. Alternatively, a sensor system with at least one sensor 761, e.g., in the manner of the lateral sensor 761 described above, can be provided, by which a fill level can be determined continuously or at intervals across the width of the filling and / or storage chamber 126. A spatially resolved result can then be fed to the control and / or regulation device to form a control loop described below.

[0191] The fill level is controlled or regulated here, for example, in a similar way to the embodiment described above for section-by-section supply, via a material supply at points where the fill level is too low, in particular via a corresponding control of the traversing drive and / or a conveying rate of the partial-width conveyor device 702. Thus, in the first variant, the relevant sensor 713; 761 can be used together with the control and / or regulating device or an electronic control and / or regulating circuit comprised thereby or a control and / or regulating routine implemented in a data processing device, together with the drive means 771 which effects the traversing movement, i.e. movement in the direction of the width of the roller 102; 102'; 103; 103' or of the filling and / or supply space 126, and / or the drive means 712; 712.1; 712 which determines the conveying rate of the partial-width conveyor device 702.2 form a control loop which maintains the fill level in the filling and / or storage chamber 126 over the entire monitored width above a minimum height or at a target height or within a permitted range. For this purpose, for example, the downstream end or an outlet of the partial width conveyor device 702 is continuously oscillated back and forth across the monitored width and, as required, upon passing over a deficient area, i.e. area with the fill level below a limit value, material is discharged by appropriately controlling the drive means 712; 712.1; 712.2 relating to the conveying rate. In a variant with lateral sensors, an appropriate control loop can alternatively move the end or outlet over a section identified as deficient and supply material 004; 004' thereto in a targeted manner via the partial width conveyor device 702.

[0192] The powder feed devices 700; 700' in the above-mentioned embodiments are preferably applicable in all of the above-mentioned configurations for the coating device 100; 100*, wherein in the case of the embodiment with simultaneous application on both sides or the embodiment with application units 101; 101' offset on the substrate path, an above-mentioned powder feed device 700; 700' is preferably also provided on the other application unit 101'; 101.

[0193] The above-mentioned embodiments of the powder feed device 700; 700' are also applicable to the feed into application units 101; 102', in which, in addition to the first and second rollers 102; 102; 103; 103', a further, e.g. third, roller is provided downstream of the second roller 103; 103'. The second roller 103; 103' has a roller nip for transferring the dry film, which takes over the previously formed dry film 003; 003' via a roller nip with the second roller 103; 103' and, in a further roller nip with a further roller 103'; 106, delivers the dry film 003; 003' to this further roller or to a carrier substrate 006 to be guided through the further roller nip. In the latter case, the further roller gap forms the laminating gap, which is formed on the other side by a roller 103'; 106 acting as a counter-pressure roller.

[0194] Basically independent of, but particularly advantageous in conjunction with one of the above-mentioned designs, variants, configurations, embodiments or configurations of the coating device 100; 100* and / or one of the above-mentioned designs or variants for the powder feed device 700; 700* and / or one of the equipment and / or configurations for the machine explained in more detail below, a Fig. 25, a measuring arrangement 801 or device for determining the density ρ of a material layer 003; 003' conveyed on a lateral surface of one of the rollers 103; 103' of the discharge device 101; 101' is provided. In conjunction with an above-mentioned coating device 100; 100* and / or an above-mentioned powder feed device 700; 700*, such a measuring arrangement 801 would be conceptually supplemented.

[0195] The measuring arrangement 801 or device comprises a or the aforementioned removal device 114; 114'; 116; 116', which can be or is adjusted to the outer surface during rotation in order to remove at least a part of the material layer 003; 003' at a point on the circumference of the roller 103; 103' over at least a part of a usable working width, e.g. the width of the roller outer surface effective for film formation, of the roller 103; 103'. The removal of at least that part of the material layer 003; 003' relevant for determining the density ρ is carried out by the removal device 114; 114'; 116; 116' during the rotation of the roller 103; 103' over an angular range Δφ, e.g. B. also angular interval Δφ, between a first and a second angular position φ1; φ2, whereby if more than one revolution is to be completed, the second angular position φ2 is to be taken into account with a value greater than 360° in accordance with the angular difference covered.The part of the material layer 003; 003' relevant for determining the density ρ can result from the removal during one, more than one, or part of a full rotation. In the following, where the reference to the angular position φ or the angular range Δφ relevant for the removal is not mandatory or a direct reference to the time t is explicitly excluded, a time interval Δt with a first time t1 for the start of the removal at, for example, a first angular position φ1 and a second time t2 for the end of the removal at, for example, a second angular position φ2 is to be understood as synonymous with the reference to an angular range Δφ relevant for the removal.

[0196] In principle, the material layer 003; 003' can be removed or removed for sampling by a removal device 114; 114', for example, extending across the entire width of the roll shell surface effective for film formation, over a specific length or a specific angular range Δφ. This is particularly the case, for example, in the case of an application device 101; 101', by which a material layer 003; 003' interrupted by free sections is applied to the carrier substrate 006.

[0197] In an exemplary embodiment mentioned above and advantageous in which, for example, a material layer 003; 003' that is uninterrupted over several or a plurality of revolutions of the above-mentioned laminating roller 103; 103' is applied to the carrier substrate 006, a removal device 116; 116' is provided which, for the removal of only a portion of the material layer 003; 003', in particular a material strip 008; 008', which is formed by an edge strip in the edge region, i.e. an area located at one end of the material layer 003; 003' as viewed in the axial direction, can be or is positioned against the outer surface at a point on the circumference of the roller 103; 103' over only a portion of a usable working width. The material strip 008 is severed along a cutting line s running in the circumferential direction and lifted off the outer surface.The edge strip can be a use of the edge trimming above to obtain a straight edge.

[0198] The measuring arrangement 801 or device further comprises a weighing device 802, on which a removed, in particular defined and / or detectable, material strip 008; 008' of the material layer 003; 003' previously conveyed on the roller 103; 103' can be or is collected. For this purpose, the removed part of the material layer 003; 003', which serves at least to determine the density ρ, is collected, for example, in a weighing container 803 mounted on a scale 809, e.g., a weighing pan 803, and its mass m is determined therefrom. For example, a dead time can be or is taken into account, which takes into account the path of the removed part of the material layer 003; 003', which serves to determine the density ρ, from the point of peeling to the weighing device 802.

[0199] In principle, an embodiment is conceivable in which, during operation of the coating device 100; 100*, an edge strip 008; 008' is continuously removed and collected on the weighing device 803 or in the correspondingly dimensioned weighing container 803, wherein the mass m of the part of the material layer 003; 003' removed over the angular range Δφ relevant for determining the density ρ is determined by forming a difference between the mass m registered by the weighing device 802 at time t2 of the end and at time t1 of the start of the determination process.

[0200] In an advantageous and, for example, in Fig. 25 exemplary embodiment, in which, for example, during operation of the coating device 100; 100* an edge strip 008; 008' can also be continuously removed and optionally picked up by a collecting device 117; 117' and optionally removed via this, a separation device 808 is provided which is actuated, for example, by a drive means 818, by means of which - for example, over a defined time interval Δt and / or a time interval correlating to the removal in the relevant angular range Δφ, for example, over a dead time - the part or a part of the material layer 003; 003' removed for determining the density ρ in the relevant angular range Δφ can be fed to the weighing device 802, in particular the weighing container 803, which is provided specifically for this purpose. The separation device 808 can be used as a diversion device in the form of a switch with, for example,by a drive means 818 actuated switch tongue 817 or in the manner of a diverter with a slide or base actuated, for example, by the drive means 818. In a modification with, for example, a material layer 003; 003' interrupted by free sections, for example, a number of material layer sections to be used for the determination, an edge region can be separated by such a separation device 808 in the above-mentioned manner, with, for example, other edge regions 008 being received in a collecting device 117; 117' if necessary. The sample material of the removed material layer 003; 003' received on or in the weighing container 803 can, for example, after a determination cycle, be fed via a drive means 814, e.g. a tilt drive, into a B. larger material receptacle 816, for example a container, can be emptied, in particular tilted.

[0201] Furthermore, a measuring device 806 is provided, via which a thickness, e.g., layer thickness d, of the material layer 003; 003' conveyed on the roller 103; 103' can be determined. As such, to a first approximation, the thickness d003, e.g., layer thickness, can in principle be entered anywhere at a location along the width b003; b003' of the material layer 003; 003' and / or at a time of stationary operation of a device comprising the roller, but preferably a thickness or layer thickness d008 of the material layer 003; 003' in the material strip 008; 008' to be removed. Such a measuring device 806 is preferably based on a non-contact measurement and is designed, for example, as an ultrasound-based, inductive, or capacitive measuring device 806 with a corresponding measuring head.

[0202] The determination of the density ρ is carried out - e.g. in data processing means 811 provided for this purpose and, for example, in a control device 807 controlling the process for determining the density ρ - e.g. according to: ρ = m / V = ​​m / (A d).

[0203] In the simplest case with, for example, a sufficiently straight side edge of the material layer 003; 003' conveyed on the roller 103; 103' and a width b008 of the material strip 008; 008' to be removed or removed, which is known via the axial position of the removal device 116; 116', using information on an angular range Δφ swept over during sampling of the part of the material layer 003; 003' relevant for determining the density ρ and a radius r of the roller 103; 103', a measure of the area A and, together with the layer thickness, a measure of the volume V of the part of the material layer 003; 003' relevant for determining the density ρ and removed can be determined directly. In determining the density ρ, the known width b008 can be used as width b and, to a good approximation, the radius of the roller 103; 103' in the area of ​​the usable surface area itself can be used as radius r, or a - e.g.slightly, for example, by the average thickness d008 - upwardly corrected radius. If the width b is known, the area A for the above relationship is determined, for example, as follows: A = b · 2 r π · Δφ / 360°.

[0204] In the event, for example, that there is no sufficiently straight side edge of the material layer 003; 003' conveyed on the roller 103; 103' and / or a width b008 of the material strip 008 to be removed is not known, a sensor system 804, e.g. an optically operating sensor 804, can be provided, by means of which the width b; b008 of the edge strip 008; 008' to be removed or a profile of the width b; b008 or of the side edge can be determined over the angular range Δφ to be considered and, for example, an average width can be determined therefrom, wherein in the latter case the average width acts as the width b in the above relationship.

[0205] In an advantageous alternative for the case of an unknown and / or varying width b008 of the material strip 008, a sensor system 804 with corresponding evaluation means can be provided, by means of which, with a known position of the cutting line s, taking into account the rotational movement over the angular range Δφ or a corresponding time interval Δt as well as an above-mentioned radius r, the area A is determined directly, e.g. integrated over the course of the rotational movement.

[0206] The sensor system 804 or the optically operating sensor 804 can be formed, for example, by a camera, in particular a line camera.

[0207] Information representing the current angular position φ of the roller 103; 103' or the information relating to an angular range Δφ swept over during sampling of the part of the material layer 003; 003' relevant for determining the density ρ can be supplied to the data processing means 811, for example, via a signal connection from an angular position sensor 813 which is, for example, directly or indirectly coupled to the roller rotation axis, or via a signal connection from a drive control which directly or indirectly specifies the angular position of the roller 103; 103'.

[0208] The determination of the density ρ of a material layer 003; 003' conveyed on a lateral surface of an above-mentioned roller 103; 103' is thus carried out in that the roller 103; 103' carrying the material layer 003; 003' on its lateral surface is rotated about its axis of rotation R103; R103', at a point on the circumference between a receiving and a downstream discharge of the material layer 003; 003' to another roller 103; 103' or to, for example, an above-mentioned carrier substrate 006, the material layer 003; 003' over the entire or part of its width b003; b008 during the rotation by a removal device 114; 114'; 116; 116' is removed from the lateral surface over an angular range Δφ, the mass m of the part of the material layer 003; 003' removed over the angular range Δφ is determined by weighing, a thickness d; d003 orLayer thickness d008 of the material layer 003; 003', preferably in the area to be removed, an area A of the material layer 003; 003' removed or to be removed in the angular range Δφ is determined on the roller in, for example, one of the above-mentioned ways, and finally a value for the density of the material layer 003; 003' conveyed on the roller 103; 103' is obtained from the area A, the mass m and the layer thickness.

[0209] The determined value for the density ρ can be displayed, for example, via a display device 812, e.g., a display 812, and / or can be used in a control device controlling the coating device 100; 100*.

[0210] By means of an above-mentioned device for determining the density ρ or a corresponding method, the density ρ and thus the quality of the material layer 003; 003' formed, for example, in the above manner as a powder composite film and / or active material layer, for example in the manner of a dry film 003; 003', can be checked during production - inline or in a specially provided run - and, if necessary, countermeasures can be taken in the event of a deviation from a target value or permitted target range. These countermeasures can, for example, be an increase in pressure, e.g. above the above-mentioned line force, or a reduction in the gap width in the above-mentioned roll gap 104; 104' if the density ρ is too low, or a reduction in pressure, e.g. above the above-mentioned line force, or an increase in the gap width in a roll gap 104; 104' if the density is too high, e.g. a reduction in the gap width, e.g. above the above-mentioned line force, or an increase in the gap width in a roll gap 104; 104' if the density ρ is too low.Instead or in addition to this, a modification of the powder composition and / or a temperature on, for example, one of the rollers 102; 102'; 103; 103' involved in the material layer formation and / or a modification of an above-mentioned speed difference between the rollers 102; 102'; 103; 103' involved in the material layer formation is also possible.

[0211] A machine for manufacturing, especially in an inline process, a multi-layer product (see e.g. Fig. 3, Fig. 10, Fig. 15 or Fig. 16), which has on at least one side of a carrier substrate 006 an above-mentioned dry film 003; 003' formed from a powder mixture, preferably comprises a substrate feed 200, through which the carrier substrate 006 can be fed to the machine on the input side, a first substrate path section 300, via which the carrier substrate 006 can be fed to an application stage 100; 100* for applying the dry film 003; 003' to at least one side of the carrier substrate 006 and a second substrate path section 400, via which the carrier substrate 006 provided with the dry film 003 on at least one side can be fed to a product holder 500, by means of which the product can be combined to form product bundles, e.g. into rolls or stacks.

[0212] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the application stage 100; 100* is designed in one of the above-mentioned designs, configurations, embodiments or variants for the above-described coating device 100; 100*. In this case, instead of the exemplary Fig. 3, all designs, configurations, embodiments of the first group of embodiments can occur and instead of the exemplary in Fig. 10, Fig. 15 or Fig. 16 shown order level 100* all of the second group. In the Fig. 15 and Fig. 16, embodiments, designs, configurations, embodiments or variants of the first group for the application stage 100, ie with separate application devices 101; 101', can also be used as variants.

[0213] In an advantageous embodiment, the substrate feed 200 is formed by a substrate unwinder 200, in particular a roll changer, preferably a roll changer comprising multiple roll positions and / or qualified for non-stop roll changes. It can advantageously comprise a substrate guide element 202 configured as a motor-driven roller, in particular a tension roller 202, and / or a substrate guide element 203 in the form of a dancer roller 203, spring-loaded, for example, on a lever transverse to the substrate path. The carrier substrate web 006 is unwound at the substrate unwinder 200 and fed to the input side of the substrate path leading through the machine at the unwinding location.

[0214] In the case of a pull roller 202 encompassed by the substrate unwinder and structurally assigned to it (see e.g. Fig. 3 or Fig. 10), this can be comprised of a pulling mechanism 207, in particular an infeed mechanism, which, for example, in addition to the pulling roller 202, has a drive means that drives the pulling roller 202 - in particular independently of other pulling rollers - and whose speed can be regulated and / or controlled, in particular drive motors, e.g. in the form of a servo output motor, and / or pressure rollers that can be engaged with the pulling roller 202 to increase the friction. The pulling roller 202 or the drive means - depending on the web tension conditions and / or web tension requirements upstream and downstream of the roller - can also be operated or operated as a generator or to inhibit the advance of the carrier substrate web 006, for example in order toto build up or maintain a specific and / or desired web tension in a substrate path section 300 extending up to a next clamping or web pulling point or in a part of the substrate path section 300 formed by a subsequent substrate path section.

[0215] A substrate guide element 208 can be structurally assigned to the substrate path in the substrate unwinder 200 as a measuring roller 208, e.g. web tension measuring roller (exemplary for all designs, e.g. in Fig. 16), by means of which, for example, the web tension can be determined in order to use it, for example, to regulate the web tension, for example via the conveying speed of individual units mentioned above or one or more, in particular motor-driven, substrate guide elements 202; 308; 401; 502.

[0216] The substrate feed 200 designed as a roll changer advantageously comprises a roll drive that is mechanically independent of the rest of the machine and / or driven by a single motor and / or a lifting device to support a roll loading and / or roll unloading process.

[0217] In an advantageous embodiment, a device for lateral web edge control 204 (exemplary for all embodiments, e.g. in Fig. 15), in particular a sensor system detecting a web edge and an actuator causing a lateral offset of the carrier substrate, e.g., a pair of turning bars pivotable about an axis running perpendicular to the transport direction Ts, may be provided. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the web edge control 204 is combined with a gluing device 206, e.g., a gluing table.

[0218] Instead or additionally, in an advantageous embodiment, a spreading device, in particular a single- or multi-element web guide element with a convex outer surface, is provided in the substrate path section of the substrate feed 200 and / or in the first substrate path section 300.

[0219] In an advantageous development, a single- or multi-part pretreatment station 302, in particular a cleaning and / or deionization station, is provided in the first substrate path section 300, by means of which the carrier substrate 006 is or can be freed from surface contaminants, e.g. dust or cutting residues, and / or electrical charge carriers on one or both sides in a contactless or contacting process.

[0220] In the first substrate path section 300, in particular downstream of any cleaning provided, a measuring station 303, in particular with a sound- or radiation-based measuring device, is advantageously provided, by means of which the material thickness of the carrier substrate 006 can be checked for its thickness and / or homogeneity in the thickness and / or for contamination and, for example, in the event of inadmissible deviations from a target specification, an optical and / or acoustic warning signal and / or an error signal is transmitted to a machine control system and / or a control station.

[0221] For all versions of the machine, in an advantageous embodiment, a substrate guide element 208; 307 can be used as a measuring roller 307 (exemplary for all versions, e.g. in Fig. 15 and Fig. 16), by means of which, for example, the web tension can be determined in order to use it, for example, to regulate the web tension, for example via the conveying speed of individual units mentioned above or one or more, in particular, motor-driven web guide elements 202; 308; 401; 502. In this case, only one of the two measuring rollers 208; 307 or, advantageously, both measuring rollers 208; 307 can be provided, wherein in the latter case, for example, the downstream measuring roller 307 is used for the determination and / or the regulation mentioned below of the substrate path section upstream of the web tension in the first or only application point.

[0222] In an advantageous development, a pretreatment station 304, designed as an application station 304, is provided in the first substrate path section 300, for example, through which the carrier substrate 006 can be exposed to a binder and / or a primer on one or both sides. In this case, a dryer (not shown), e.g., a hot air or radiation dryer, can preferably be provided directly downstream of the application station 304.

[0223] Fundamentally independent of, but advantageously in conjunction with one or more of the other design variants of the machine, in an advantageous further development, a thermal pretreatment station 306, in particular a tempering station 306, e.g. an infrared radiation source, is provided in the substrate path immediately before the application stage 100; 100*, i.e., for example, downstream of the last substrate guide element 301; 307 interacting with the carrier substrate web 006, e.g., as a guide roller 301 or as a measuring roller 307, by means of which the carrier substrate 006 can be heated above ambient temperature, in particular to above 60°C, preferably to at least 80°C. This can, for example, be particularly advantageous for activating a bond-supporting or bond-inducing agent 007; 007' provided or applied to the carrier substrate 006.Fundamentally independent of this, but advantageously in conjunction with such a temperature control station 306, a sensor 311 for determining the temperature of the carrier substrate web 006, e.g., a temperature sensor, in particular a non-contact and / or radiation-based temperature sensor, can be provided. The sensor 311, e.g., as a temperature sensor, can be part of a control circuit for regulating the temperature of the carrier substrate web 006 with the optionally provided temperature control station 306.

[0224] Instead of a pull roller 202 or a pull mechanism 207 assigned to the substrate unwinder 200, or possibly in addition thereto, a pull roller 308 or a pull mechanism 309 can be provided in the substrate path section 300 adjoining the substrate unwinder 200 and / or leading to the point of the first or only dry film application, i.e. to the first or only laminating nip. In the case of only one pull roller 202; 308 or only one pull mechanism 207; 309 in the substrate path between the unwinding from the roll 201, e.g. substrate roll 201, and the entry into the first or only laminating nip, such a pull roller 202; 308 or such a pull mechanism 207; 309 can basically be structurally assigned to the substrate unwinder 200, a section located between the substrate unwinder 200, in particular from the unwinding, and application stage 100; 100*, in particular the first or only application point, extending substrate path section 300 or structurally just as well as the application stage 100; 100*.What is important here is that such a pull roller 202; 308 or such a pull mechanism 207; 309 is arranged upstream of the first application point, i.e. the first or only laminating nip, in the substrate path in order to build up or maintain a specific and / or desired web tension, for example in the subsequent substrate path section or in a part of the substrate path section formed by a subsequent substrate path section. The pull mechanism has - in correspondence to the pull mechanism 207 already described above - e.g. in addition to the pull roller 308, a drive means which drives the pull roller 308 - in particular independently of other pull rollers - and whose speed can be regulated and / or controlled, e.g. in the form of a servo output motor, and / or pressure rollers which can be adjusted to the pull roller 308 in order to increase the friction. The roller 308 orthe drive means - depending on the web tension conditions and / or web tension requirements present before and after the roller 308 - can also be operated or operated as a generator or to inhibit the advance of the carrier substrate web 006, for example in order to build up or maintain a specific and / or desired web tension in the subsequent substrate path section extending, for example, to a next clamping or web tensioning point or in a part of the substrate path section formed by a subsequent substrate path section.

[0225] In an advantageous embodiment, a calendering unit 600 with two calendering rollers 601; 602 forming a calendering gap between them is provided in the second substrate path section 400, in particular in the substrate path immediately after the application stage 100; 100*, of which, for example, at least one, preferably both, is or are heatable, in particular heatable such that its outer surface can be brought to at least 80°C, advantageously to at least 100°C, preferably to at least 120°C at an ambient temperature of 25°C and / or between which a pressure with a preferably adjustable line force of at least 5.0 kN / cm, advantageously at least 7 kN / cm, preferably a line force between 5 kN / cm and 30 kN / cm can be applied.The product strand 002, which is coated on at least one side, can be passed through the calendering gap for the purpose of further compacting the dry film 003; 003' by applying pressure and / or a temperature higher than the ambient temperature.

[0226] Basically independent of, but advantageously in conjunction with one or more of the other embodiments of the machine, in an advantageous embodiment in the second substrate path section 400, in particular in the substrate path downstream of a possibly provided calendering unit 600, a cooling device 402 is provided, by means of which a product strand 002 passed through can be cooled, e.g. by at least 20°C, in particular by at least 50°C.

[0227] Basically independent of, but advantageously in conjunction with one or more of the other embodiments of the machine, in an advantageous further development, an inspection device 403; 403.1; 403.2, in particular based on an optical and / or acoustic measurement, is provided in the second substrate path section 400, e.g. with a sensor 403.1 directed to one side and a sensor 403.2 directed to the other side, by means of which the product surface can be checked for defects, e.g. for completeness in the area and / or thickness of the applied dry film 003; 003'. The inspection device 403; 403.1; 403.2 can - as e.g. in Fig. 15 - in the substrate path downstream of the calendering unit 600 or - as shown, for example, in Fig. 16 - in the substrate path downstream of the application stage 100; 100' but upstream of the calendering unit 600. In the former case, defects caused by calendering can be detected, while in the latter case, any defects caused in the application stage 100; 100' can be detected as early as possible.

[0228] Fundamentally independent of, but also advantageously together with other embodiments of the machine, but in particular in conjunction with an inspection device 403; 403.1; 403.2 provided on the substrate path, a device for marking defects 412 is provided in an advantageous further development, which can be formed, for example, by a printing device, e.g., an inkjet print head, or an insertion device, wherein the latter can, for example, introduce a material marking agent, e.g., a so-called marking flag, onto the carrier substrate web 006.

[0229] For all versions of the machine, in an advantageous embodiment, at least one substrate guide element 409 can be designed as a measuring roller 409 in the second substrate path section 400, by means of which, for example, the web tension can be determined in order to use it, for example, to regulate the web tension, e.g., via the relative conveying speed of individual aforementioned units or one or more, in particular, motor-driven, web or substrate guide elements 202; 308; 401; 502. Preferably, at least one substrate guide element 409 is designed as a measuring roller 409 in the substrate path section of the second substrate path section 400 downstream of the application stage 100; 100*, in particular the location of the last or only application, and upstream of the calendering unit 600, in particular the location of the calendering, but particularly preferably both in the aforementioned substrate path section and in the substrate path section downstream of the calendering unit 600.Instead or in addition to this, a substrate guide element 507 structurally associated with the product holder 500 can be designed as a measuring roller 507 arranged downstream of the calendering unit 600 in the substrate path.

[0230] In order to ensure optimal substrate travel through the application stage 100; 100*, in an advantageous embodiment, a substrate guide element 401 designed as a motor-driven pull roller 401 is provided in the second substrate path section 400, preferably immediately behind the application stage 100; 100*, but before any calendering unit 600 that may be provided. This can be comprised of a pull mechanism 411, which, for example, in addition to the pull roller 401, has a drive means, e.g. in the form of a servo drive motor, that drives the pull roller 401 - in particular independently of other pull rollers - and whose speed is adjustable and / or controllable, and / or pressure rollers that can be engaged against the pull roller 401 to increase friction. Depending on the web tension conditions and / or web tension requirements upstream and downstream of the roller, the pull roller 401 or the drive means can, in principle, also be driven in a generator-like manner orbe operable or operated to inhibit the advance of the carrier substrate web 006, but here is motorized to build up and / or maintain a web tension on the upstream substrate path section, ie conveying the carrier substrate web 006 in the transport direction Ts or operated or operable with an advance compared to, for example, the speed at an upstream next pull roller 202; 308 and / or the peripheral speed of the last or only laminating roller 107; 107' or the pair of laminating rollers 107; 107'.

[0231] Alternatively or additionally, in a preferred embodiment, a web tension compensation and / or control device 406 (e.g. in Fig. 15 shown as an example for all versions), with e.g. a dancer roller 407, by means of which, for example, fluctuations in the web tension can be compensated and / or the conveying speed of an upstream or downstream unit or one or more, in particular motor-driven, web or substrate guide elements 202; 308; 401; 502 can be regulated.

[0232] For all the designs and variants of the machine mentioned here, an embodiment is particularly advantageous in which a measuring station 408 for determining the product strand thickness, in particular the total thickness, is provided between the single or last calendering unit 600; 600 and the gathering to the product bundle 501 in the product holder (e.g. in Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 shown as an example for all versions).

[0233] Instead of or in addition to the above-mentioned cooling device 402 in the second substrate path section 400, such a cooling device or a further cooling device 402; 504 can also be provided in the substrate path section associated with the product holder 500 or on its frame. Such a cooling device 504 can be formed, for example, by a substrate guide element designed as a cooling roller 504. Alternatively, such a cooling device 504—associated with the second substrate path section 400 or structurally associated with the product holder 500—can also be formed by a plurality of successively partially wrapped, temperature-controlled cooling rollers 504.1; 504.2.

[0234] In a further development, a sensor 508 for determining the temperature of the product 002, in particular of the product strand 002, can be arranged in the substrate path downstream of the calendering unit 600, which may be provided, for example downstream of the cooling device 504, which may be provided, but at the latest before the delivery, for example before winding in the product winder 500. The sensor 508, for example as a temperature sensor, is in particular designed as a contactless and / or radiation-based temperature sensor and / or can be part of a control circuit for controlling the temperature with the cooling device 504, which may be provided.

[0235] In an advantageous embodiment, the product holder 500 is designed as a product winder 500, in particular in the form of a roll changer.

[0236] Preferably, the product winder 500 is qualified for a non-stop roll change and / or comprises an above-mentioned substrate guide element 502 designed as a motor-driven pull roller 502 and / or a substrate guide element in the form of a dancer roller 503 spring-loaded on a lever transversely to the substrate path.

[0237] In order to ensure optimal substrate travel between the optionally provided calendering unit 600 and the winding on the product winder 500, in an advantageous embodiment, a substrate guide element 502 designed as a motor-driven pull roller 502 can be provided in the second substrate path section 400 or in a substrate path section attributable to the product winder 500, preferably as the last substrate guide element 502 before winding. This can be comprised of a pull mechanism 506, which, for example, in addition to the pull roller 502, has a drive means, e.g., in the form of a servo drive motor, that drives the pull roller 502—in particular independently of other pull rollers—and whose speed is adjustable and / or controllable, and / or pressure rollers that can be engaged with the pull roller 502 to increase friction.

[0238] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of a machine comprising a calendering unit 600, which is particularly advantageous for stable and trouble-free inline continuous operation, at least one positively driven pull roller 202; 308; 401 and at least one measuring roller 208; 307; are provided both in a first substrate path section located between the unwinding point from the substrate roll 201 in the substrate unwinder 200 and the entry into the single or first laminating gap of the application stage 100; 100*, and in a second substrate path section located between the exit point of the carrier substrate web 006, which is then provided at least on one side with the dry film 003; 003', from the single or downstream last laminating gap of the application stage 100; 100* and the entry into the calendering gap between the two calendering rollers 601; 602. 409 is intended for determining a web tension.In an advantageous further development, a positively driven tension roller 502 and / or a measuring roller 409; 507 for determining a web tension is also provided in a third substrate path section located between the location of the exit of the carrier substrate web 006, which is provided at least on one side with the dry film 003; 003', from the calendering nip and the location of the winding onto the product roll 501 in the product winder 500.

[0239] Preferably, a web tension control device (not shown here) is provided, which is connected on the input side to the measuring roller 208; 307; 409 provided in the first and the second substrate path sections mentioned above, and on the output side to a drive control of the roller drives of the tension roller 202; 308; 401 provided in the first and the second substrate path sections mentioned above, and which in particular has data processing and / or electronic switching means which are designed to build up and / or maintain a predetermined web tension and / or a predetermined web tension difference for the two substrate path sections by appropriately controlling the drive control of the drive of one or more of the tension rollers 202; 308; 401 in each of the two substrate path sections.In a further development, the web tension control device can additionally be connected on the input side to the measuring roller 409; 507 provided in the third above-mentioned substrate path section and on the output side to a drive control of the respective pull roller 502 provided in the third above-mentioned substrate path section and can, for example, also be controllable by these with respect to a predetermined web tension and / or a predetermined web tension difference to the upstream substrate path section.

[0240] For a version of the machine without a calendering unit downstream of the application stage 100; 100*, the information set out above regarding the signal connections and the setup of the web tension control device is to be transferred to one measuring roller and one tension roller 208; 307; 409; 507; 202; 308; 401; 502 in the first substrate path section between the unwinding and the point of the first application by the application stage 100; 100* and in a substrate path section between leaving the only or last point of the dry film application by the application stage 100; 100* and the winding in the roll winder 500.

[0241] As an alternative to the design of the machine with a product holder 500 configured as a roll winder 500, in a particularly advantageous embodiment, a cross-cutting device can be provided in the second substrate path section 400 or at the entrance to the product holder 500, by means of which a product strand 002 produced in the machine can already be cut crosswise into product sections 001. The product holder 500 is designed, for example, as a stack delivery device, in particular as a multiple stack delivery device that delivers several stacks one behind the other.

[0242] In a machine and / or coating device 100; 100* described above, for example, a web-shaped carrier substrate 006 is continuously and preferably provided on both sides with a dry film 003; 003' having a width smaller than the carrier substrate width, so that an uncoated edge of the carrier substrate remains on both sides. List of reference symbols 001 Product, product section002 Product, product strand 003 Material layer, dry film 003' Material layer, dry film 004 Material, powder mixture 004' Material, powder mixture 005 - 006 Carrier substrate, carrier substrate web 007 Bond-promoting or bond-inducing agent 007' Connection-supporting or -inducing agent 008 Material strips, edge strips 100 Coating device, application stage 100* Coating device, application stage 101 Commissioned work, first 101' Commissioned work, second 102 Roller, first, dosing roller 102' Roller, first, dosing roller 103 Roller, second, laminating roller 103' Roller, second, laminating roller 104 Roller gap, first, dosing gap 104' roller gap, first, dosing gap 105 - 106 roller, counterpressure roller 106' roller, counterpressure roller 107 Roller gap, second, application gap107' Roller gap, second, application gap 108 - 109 Position-based actuator 109' Position-based actuator 110 - 111 Actuator, force based 111' actuator, power based 112 Adjusting mechanism 112' adjusting mechanism 113 Adjusting mechanism 113' adjusting mechanism 114 Removal device, cleaning squeegee 114' removal device, cleaning squeegee 115 - 116 Removal device, side edge doctor blade 116' removal device, side edge doctor blade 117 collecting device, collecting tray 117' collecting device, collecting tray 118 Roller, further, calender roller 118' roll, further, calender roll 119 - 120 - 121 Substrate guide element 122 carriers 122' carrier 123 Extraction 123' extraction 124 Limitation 125 - 126 Filling and / or storage room 127 Material acceptance 127' material acceptance 128 frame 129 Removal device, cleaning squeegee 200 substrate feed, substrate unwinder 201 roll, substrate roll 202 Substrate guide element, pull roller 203 Substrate guide element, dancer roller 204 Web edge control 205 - 206 Adhesive device 207 traction mechanism 208 Substrate guide element, measuring roller 300 Substrate path section, first 301 Substrate guide element, guide roller 302 Pretreatment station, cleaning station, deionization station 303 measuring station 304 Pretreatment station, application station 305 - 306 Pretreatment station, tempering station 307 Substrate guide element, measuring roller 308 Substrate guide element, roller, pull roller, positively driven 309 traction mechanism 310 - 311 Sensor 400 Substrate path section, second 401 Substrate guide element, pull roller 402 Cooling device 402* Cooling device 403 Inspection facility 404 Substrate guide element, guide roller 405 - 406 Web tension compensation and / or control device 407 dancer roller 408 measuring station 409 Substrate guide element, measuring roller 410 - 411 traction mechanism 412 Defect marking 500 product holder, product winder, roll changer 501 Product container, product roll 502 Substrate guide element, pull roller 503 dancer roller 504 Cooling device, cooling roller 504.1 Cooling roller 504.2 Cooling roller 505 - 506 traction mechanism 507 Substrate guide element, measuring roller 508 Sensor 600 calendering plant 600* Calendering plant 601 roller, calender roller 601* Roller, calender roller 602 roller, calender roller 602* Roll, calender roll 603 frame 700 Powder feed device 700' powder feeder 701 Dispensing device, dosing device 702 Conveying device, linear conveyor 702.1 Linear conveyor, conveyor belt 702.2 Linear conveyor, conveyor belt 703 Provisioning device, supply line, storage container, storage hopper 704 Dosing device, linear conveyor, vibrating conveyor 705 roller, deflection roller, drive roller 706 Vibration table 707 drive means, drive device, vibration drive, shaking drive 708 Removal device, removal doctor blade 709 Drive means, drive motor 710 - 711 insertion aid, funnel tray 712 Drive means, drive motor 712.1 Drive means, drive motor 712.1 Drive means, drive motor, servo motor 713 Sensor, level sensor 714 Sensor, level sensor 715 Drive means, actuator 716 Limitation, side guidance 717 Limitation, lateral guidance 718 - 719 Drive means, actuator 720 - 721 Dosing device, adjusting mechanism 722 Drive means, servo motor 722.x Drive means, servo motor 723 control element 723.x control element, 724 Control and / or regulating device 725 - 726 Sensors, light barrier 727 radiation source, light source 727.x radiation source, light source 728 Sensor, radiation receiver 728.x Sensor, radiation receiver segments 729 circuit element, dead time element 730 - 731 Sensor technology 731.x Sensors 732 impact element, impact plate 732.x Impact element, impact plate 733 Sensor, force transducer 733.x Sensor, force transducer 744 Distribution device 745 - 746 Traverse 747 Distribution tool, distribution finger 748 depression, gutter 749 Propulsion equipment 750 - 751 Container, vibrating tray 752 Opening 753 floor 754 Level sensor 755 - 756 feed channel 756.1 Canal section 756.2 Canal section 757 outlet 758 Guide, longitudinal board 759 Level sensor 760 - 761 Sensor, Camera, Line Scan Camera 762 Control element, valve 763 Actuator, proportional drive 764 Opening 765 - 766 Shaft 767 Partition wall 768 Slide, spindle slide 769 threaded spindle 770 - 771 Drive means, motor, servo motor 772 coupling 773 Support 801 Measuring arrangement for determining a density 802 Weighing device, scale 803 Weighing container, weighing pan 804 Sensor technology, sensor 805 - 806 measuring device 807 Control device 808 Separation device 809 Libra 810 - 811 Data processing equipment 812 display device 813 Angular position sensor 814 Propulsion equipment 815 - 816 Material intake 817 switch tongue 818 Propulsion equipment b width d layer thickness b003 Width (003; 003') b006 Width (006) b008 Width (008) d003 Thickness (003) d003' Thickness (003') d006 Thickness (006) d007 Thickness (007) d008 Layer thickness (008) F Measured quantity, force Fx measured quantity, force I Measured quantity, radiation intensity Ix measured quantity, radiation intensity φ angular position ρ density r radius m mass R12 control loop R14 control loop R15 control loop R17 control loop R34 control loop R35 control loop R37 control loop R82 control loop R85 control loop S1 signal connection (sensor signal) S2 signal connection (control signal) S3 signal connection (sensor signal) S4 signal connection (control signal) S5 signal connection (control signal) S6 Signal connection (control signal) S7 signal connection (control signal) S8 Signal connection (sensor signal) s cutting line t time t1 time, first t2 time point, second T S Transport direction (carrier substrate 006) T P Conveyor direction (Material 004) V Machine speed representing quantity

Claims

[1] Applicator (101; 101') with a powder feed device (700; 700') for feeding a powdery material (004; 004'), wherein the applicator (101; 101') comprises a first roller (102; 102') and a second roller (103; 103') forming a roller gap (104; 104') with the first roller (102; 102'), wherein in the region of the gusset above the roller gap (104; 104') a filling and / or supply space (126) is provided and / or formed, into which powdery material (004; 004') can be fed via a powder feed device (700; 700'), wherein the powder feed device (700; 700') comprises a dispensing device (701), from which powdery material (004; 004') can be delivered directly or indirectly to a conveying device (702; 702.1, 702.2) driven by at least one drive means (712; 712.1; 712.2), wherein the conveying device (702; 702.1, 702.2) arranged directly upstream of the filling and / or storage space (126)2) is only partially wide over its entire conveying length or at least in the region of its downstream end or outlet relative to the width of the filling and / or storage space (126), . characterized bythat the conveying device (702; 702.1, 702.2) as a whole or at least with its output-side end or outlet is movable in both directions by a drive means (771) over a feed width relevant for the powder feed, wherein at least one sensor (713) is provided which moves synchronously with the conveying device (702; 702.1, 702.2) or at least with its output-side end or outlet, which sensor is directed from above onto the powdery material (004; 004') present in the filling and / or storage space (126) for the purpose of detecting or monitoring the fill level, or a sensor system with at least one sensor (761), by means of which a fill level can be monitored or determined continuously or at intervals across the width of the filling and / or storage space (126). [2] Application unit (101; 101') according to claim 1, characterized bythat the conveyor device (702; 702.1, 702.2) as a whole or at least with its output end or outlet can be moved back and forth and / or oscillated by the drive means (771) along a linear movement path running parallel to the longitudinal extent of the roller gap (104; 104'). [3] Application unit (101; 101') according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that a dosing device (701) which controls the dispensed quantity is arranged upstream of the conveying device (702; 702.1, 702.2), by means of which a controllable flow of powdery material (004; 004') can be fed to the inlet side of the conveying device (702; 702.1, 702.2). [4] Application unit (101; 101') according to claim 3, characterized by that the dosing device (701) is designed as a dosing vibrator. [5] Application unit (101; 101') according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized bythat the conveying device (702; 702.1, 702.2) is designed such that it maintains a constant conveying path length during lateral movement. [6] Application unit (101; 101') according to claim 5, characterized by that the conveying device (702; 702.1, 702.2) is designed as a conveyor belt system which has several conveyor belts coupled to one another in the conveying direction. [7] Application unit (101; 101') according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, characterized by that the conveying device (702; 702.1, 702) is coupled with its downstream end to a linear drive (768, 769, 771) running at a height above the roller gap (104; 104') in the direction of the gap length and can be moved back and forth by this between two lateral end positions determining the feed width. [8] Application unit (101; 101') according to claim 7, characterized bythat the linear drive (768, 769, 771) comprises a threaded spindle (769) which can be driven alternately in clockwise and anti-clockwise rotation by a drive means (711) designed as a motor (771) and carries a spindle slide (706) serving to couple the conveyor device (702; 702.1, 702.2). [9] Application unit (101; 101') according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, characterized bythat the at least one sensor (713; 761) which moves along or the at least one sensor which monitors or detects over the entire width forms a control circuit via a control and / or regulating device with the drive means (712; 712.1, 712.2) which drive the conveyor device (702; 702.1, 702.2) and / or with a drive means (771) which varies the lateral position of the downstream end or outlet of the conveyor device (702; 702.1, 702.2), via which control circuit the fill level along the width of the filling and / or storage space (126) is kept everywhere above a minimum value, at a target value or in a permitted range. [10] Coating device (100; 100*) for dry coating a carrier substrate (006) with a dry film (003; 003') with at least one application unit (101; 101'), by means of which powdery material (004; 004') can first be processed into a dry film (003; 003') by applying a pressing force and subsequently this dry film (003; 003') can be applied to a first side of the carrier substrate (006), in particular by pressing and / or applying a pressing force, as a powder composite film (003; 003'), characterized by the execution of the application work (101; 101') according to one of claims 1 to 9. [11] Coating device (100; 100*) according to claim 10, characterized bythat the second roller (003; 003') or a roller (003; 003') which interacts directly with the second roller (003; 003') or indirectly via one or more further rollers and acts as a laminating roller (003; 003') forms a second roller gap (107; 107') in the nip between its outer surface and the outer surface of a roller (106; 103') acting as a counter-pressure roller (106; 103'), through which the carrier substrate (006) can be guided and can be subjected to the dry film (003; 003') formed via the first roller gap (104; 104'). [12] Coating device (100; 100*) according to claim 11, characterized bya second applicator (101'; 101) in the embodiment according to one of claims 1 to 9, into which powdery material (004'; 004) can be introduced via a further powder feed device (700'; 700), can be processed therein to form a second dry film (003'; 003) and subsequently this second dry film (003'; 003) can be applied to the other, second side of the carrier substrate (006), and that in the second applicator (101'; 101) a first roller (102; 102') and a second roller (103; 103') are also provided such that the second rollers (103; 103') of the two applicators (101; 101') together form the second roller gap (107; 107'), through which the carrier substrate (006) and at the same time can be acted upon on both sides by the dry film (003; 003') formed via the respective first gap (104; 104').

Images