Calendering machine having a working roller with multiple support rollers

Abstract

The invention provides a calendering machine (1), and a calendering method, for calendering a strip (4), of the type comprising a first and a second work roll (10, 20), rotating respectively about a first and second axis (Y10, Y20) parallel to each other, the two work rolls being counter-rotating and defining a calendering space (30) in which the strip (4) moves from upstream to downstream, characterized by at least two support rolls (11, 12), respectively upstream (11) and downstream (12), associated with the first work roll (10), parallel to each other, parallel to the first work roll (10) and each bearing against the first work roll (10), each in a support zone (C11, C12), respectively upstream (C11) and downstream (C12), both arranged on one side of the first work roll (10) opposite the space of Calendering with respect to the first axis (Y10). Figure from the abstract: FIG. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Calendering machine having a working roller with multiple support rollers. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of calendering machines. A calendering machine is used for calendering a strip of metal to be calendered. Such a strip may consist of a single sheet or layer, or of a superposition of at least two sheets or layers joined face to face, the different sheets of the same strip being able to be made of different materials. The calendering operation of the strip, which is carried out in a calendering machine, aims in particular to calibrate the thickness of the strip, and / or to compact at least one layer of the strip, and / or to join different layers of the strip together.

[0002] Such a calendering machine may be used in particular for the manufacture of electrochemical cell components, in particular electrode components for electrochemical cells, especially for electrochemical cells of electric accumulator batteries. Technical background

[0003] In the field of manufacturing accumulator batteries, particularly of the lithium-ion type, it is known to manufacture electrode components comprising at least a metallic support in the form of a metallic sheet, and, at least on one face of the metallic support, a layer of electrode material, by imposing on such components a calendering operation carried out in a calendering machine.

[0004] In particular, in certain applications, such a calendering machine may be used to manufacture an electrode component comprising a strip having a metallic foil, which can form a current collector for the electrochemical cell, and which can form a metallic support, and having, at least on one face of the metallic support, a layer of electrode material.

[0005] In certain applications, such a machine may be used to manufacture a layer of self-supporting electrode material, which may then be used in the manufacture of an electrochemical cell.

[0006] In a known manner, a calendering machine comprises a first working roller rotating about a first axis, and a second working roller rotating about a second axis parallel to the first axis of the first working roller. The two working rollers are counter-rotating and define between them a calendering space in which the strip passes, in a plane of travel, along a direction of The process moves from upstream to downstream. The distance between the axes of the two work rollers determines the thickness of the calendering gap, and therefore determines the calendering force applied to the strip as it passes between the two work rollers through this gap. This calendering force is a compressive force applied to the strip in a direction approximately perpendicular to the plane of the strip's movement between the two work rollers. This calendering force depends, in particular, on the thickness of the calendering gap relative to the thickness of the strip at the entrance to the gap.

[0007] Controlling the thickness of the calendering space is crucial for the quality of the calendering operation.

[0008] As is known, a calendering machine is designed to process a strip with a transverse dimension, perpendicular to the direction of travel in the lay plane, which, depending on the machine, may be on the order of a few tens of centimeters, for example, within the range of 50 cm to 150 cm. One of the important challenges in controlling the thickness of the calendering space is controlling the deformations, particularly bending, of the work rolls. To address this, it is known to associate, with a given work roll, a support roll that is parallel to this work roll and bears against it in a bearing area arranged on one side of the work roll that is opposite the calendering space relative to the axis of this work roll.

[0009] In a typical configuration, each of the two working rollers is associated with its own support roller, the axes of rotation of the two working rollers and the two support rollers being in this case all substantially coplanar in a plane perpendicular to the direction of travel.

[0010] A problem related to this coplanar arrangement lies in the geometric inaccuracies that can lead to forces not perfectly contained within the plane of the axes of the four rollers. This generates, on at least one of the working rollers, forces oriented along the direction of travel, which can cause relative displacements between the rollers. Such relative displacements can affect the thickness of the calendering gap between the working rollers, and can therefore affect the quality of the calendering operation.

[0011] The invention therefore aims to propose a new design of a calendering machine which allows for better control of the thickness of the calendering space, in order to obtain optimal quality of the calendering operation. Description of the invention

[0012] To this end, calendering machines are proposed for calendering a strip to be calendered, of the type comprising a first working roller rotating around a first axis and a second working roller rotating around a second axis parallel to the first axis, the two working rollers being counter-rotating and defining between them a calendering space in which the strip moves in a plane of movement according to a direction of movement from upstream to downstream.

[0013] In such machines, the calendering machine comprises, associated with the first work roll, at least two support rolls, respectively upstream and downstream, which are parallel to each other, parallel to the first work roll, and each bearing against the first work roll in a support zone, respectively upstream and downstream, both arranged on a side of the first work roll opposite the calendering area with respect to the first axis. Thus, in addition to limiting the deflection of the work roll that could be caused by the calendering forces, the support rolls can stabilize the work roll to which they are associated, particularly with respect to the direction of travel. By reinforcing the support of the two work rolls, the precision and regularity of the calendering operation are increased.

[0014] In certain examples, each support roller associated with the first work roller has an external support surface that bears against the associated work roller, and the shortest distance between the external support surface of the upstream support roller and the feed plane is greater than the shortest distance between the external support surface of the downstream support roller and the feed plane. Such an arrangement increases, in a direction perpendicular to the feed plane, the available free space just upstream of the calendering area, despite the presence of two support rollers associated with this work roller, and in particular despite the presence of the upstream support roller. This increased available space makes it possible, for example, to house other elements of the calendering machine closer to the calendering area.

[0015] In certain examples, the machine has a first upstream tangent plane, tangent on the downstream side to both the first working roller and the associated upstream support roller, which forms a first upstream clearance angle with the conveying plane, and a first downstream tangent plane, tangent on the downstream side to both the first working roller and the associated downstream support roller, which forms a first downstream clearance angle with the conveying plane, and in that the first upstream clearance angle is greater than the first downstream clearance angle. Such an arrangement also contributes to increasing the available free space upstream of the calendering area, despite the presence of the upstream support roller.

[0016] In certain examples, the support areas of the two support rollers associated with the first work roller are angularly separated from each other, around the first axis, by a first support separation angle that is in the range of 30 to 120 degrees, preferably in the range of 60 to 100 degrees. Such an angular separation ensures effective stabilization of the work roller in the direction of travel, while allowing sufficient free space to be maintained upstream of the calendering area.

[0017] In certain examples, the support areas of the two support rollers associated with the first working roller are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other on either side of a work plane comprising the first axis and the second axis. Such symmetry ensures the stabilization of the working roller in both directions along the direction of travel.

[0018] In certain examples, the bisector of the first support gap angle has a direction that is inclined downstream, away from the feed plane. This results in an asymmetry of the contact areas with respect to the work plane, which promotes an increase in the available free space upstream of the calendering area.

[0019] In some examples, the two support rollers associated with the first working roller have the same diameter. They then have the same resistance to bending forces. Conversely, in some examples, the upstream support roller associated with the first working roller has an external diameter that is smaller than the external diameter of the downstream support roller associated with the first working roller.

[0020] In some examples, the first work roller and the two support rollers associated with the first work roller are each rotationally mounted on the same first support with a fixed center distance between them. Mounting on the same support ensures the relative position of the rollers. In some such examples, the machine has a frame, and the first support is movable relative to the frame, perpendicular to the plane of travel. Thus, the thickness of the calendering space can be adjusted without altering the quality of the support provided by the support rollers.

[0021] In some examples, the second axis is fixed relative to the frame. This allows, in certain cases, a reduction in the number of actuators and guiding means. Conversely, in other examples, the second working roller is mounted to rotate about the second axis on a second support that is movable relative to the frame, perpendicular to the plane of travel. This allows, in some cases, for a symmetrical adjustment of the thickness of the calendering space, without moving the plane of travel.

[0022] In some examples, the calendering machine comprises, associated with the second working roller, a single support roller which is parallel to the second working roller and which bears against the second working roller in a support area arranged on one side of the second working roller, which is opposite the calendering area relative to the second axis. This can, in some cases, reduce the cost of the machine.

[0023] In certain examples, the calendering machine comprises, in conjunction with the second working roller, two support rollers, respectively upstream and downstream, which are parallel to each other, parallel to the second working roller, and each bearing against the second working roller in a support zone, respectively upstream and downstream, arranged on a side of the second working roller opposite the calendering area with respect to the second axis. By reinforcing the support of the two working rollers, the precision of the calendering operation is increased.

[0024] In some examples, the two work rollers are of the same diameter; the two support rollers associated with the first work roller form a first support group; the two support rollers associated with the second work roller form a second support group; and the first and second support groups are symmetrical to each other on either side of the feed plane. Having symmetrical support groups ensures that the machine performs well for a wide variety of calendering operations, which may, for example, involve strips of different types.

[0025] Various calendering processes for a strip to be calendered are also proposed, of the type in which the strip is made to move, in a plane of movement along a direction of movement from upstream to downstream, through a calendering space defined between a first working roller rotating around a first axis and a second working roller rotating around a second axis parallel to the first axis, the two working rollers being counter-rotating.

[0026] In such types of process, the process comprises applying, on the first work roller, at least two support rollers, respectively upstream and downstream, which are parallel to each other, which are parallel to the first work roller and which are each in contact with the first work roller, each in a contact area, respectively upstream and downstream, both arranged on a side of the first work roller which is opposite to the calendering space with respect to the first axis.

[0027] In some examples of such methods, each support roller associated with the first work roller has an external support surface which bears against the associated work roller, and the two support rollers are applied to the work roller such that the shortest distance between the external support surface of the upstream support roller and the scroll plane is greater than the shortest distance between the external support surface of the downstream support roller and the scroll plane (PXY).

[0028] In some examples of such methods, the bearing areas of the two support rollers associated with the first working roller are angularly separated from each other, around the first axis, by a first angle of bearing separation which is in the range from 30 to 120 degrees, preferably in the range from 60 to 100 degrees.

[0029] In some examples of such methods, the support areas of the two support rollers associated with the first working roller are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other on either side of a working plane comprising the first axis and the second axis.

[0030] In some examples of such processes, the bisector of the first support deviation angle has a direction which is inclined downstream away from the scroll plane.

[0031] In some examples of such processes, the two support rollers associated with the first working roller are of the same diameter.

[0032] In some examples of such processes, the upstream support roller associated with the first working roller has an external diameter that is smaller than the external diameter of the downstream support roller associated with the first working roller.

[0033] In some examples of such processes, the first working roller and the two support rollers associated with the first working roller have a fixed center distance between them.

[0034] In some examples of such processes, the first working roller and the two support rollers associated with the first working roller are fixedly movable, perpendicular to the plane of travel.

[0035] In some examples of such processes, the second axis is fixed.

[0036] In some examples of such processes, the second working roller is movable, perpendicular to the plane of scrolling.

[0037] In some examples of such processes, the calendering process involves the application, against the second working roller, of a single support roller which is associated with the second working roller, which is parallel to the second working roller, and which is in support against the second working roller a support area arranged on one side of the second working roller which is opposite the calendering space with respect to the second axis.

[0038] In some examples of such processes, the calendering process comprises the application, in support against the second working roller, of two support rollers, respectively upstream and downstream, which are associated with the second working roller, which are parallel to each other, which are parallel to the second working roller and which are each in support against the second working roller, each in a support area, respectively upstream and downstream, both arranged on a side of the second working roller which is opposite to the calendering space with respect to the second axis.

[0039] In some examples of such methods, the two working rollers are of the same diameter; the two support rollers associated with the first working roller form a first support group; the two support rollers associated with the second working roller form a second support group, and the first support group and the second support group are symmetrical to each other on either side of the plane of travel.

[0040] In some examples of such machines or processes, the calendered strip is an electrode component for electrochemical cells, comprising a layer of electrode material, in particular an electrode component comprising a layer of electrode material supported on a support layer or a self-supported layer of electrode material.

[0041] In certain examples of such machines or processes, the electrode material layer is, in the calendering process, calendered alone or on a support layer, possibly with the addition of heat, to give cohesion to the electrode material layer, and / or to give it desired structural properties, and / or to give it desired rheological properties, and / or to give it desired dimensional properties and / or to assemble the electrode material layer on a support layer. Brief description of the drawings

[0042] [Fig-1]: [Fig.1] is a schematic view illustrating an example of a machine calendering.

[0043] [Fig.2]: The [Fig.2] is a schematic view illustrating more particularly a first configuration of a calendering unit of a calendering machine, comprising two support rollers for each work roller, a work roller being movable relative to a frame of the machine in a direction perpendicular to the plane of travel.

[0044] [Fig.3] : The [Fig.3] is a schematic view illustrating more particularly another configuration of a calendering unit of a calendering machine, in which the two working rollers are movable relative to a frame of the machine, perpendicular to the plane of travel.

[0045] [Fig.4]: The [Fig.4] is a schematic view illustrating more particularly another configuration of a calendering unit of a calendering machine, comprising, associated with a first working roller, two support rollers, and, associated with a second working roller, a single support roller.

[0046] [Fig.5] : The [Fig.5] is a schematic view illustrating more particularly another configuration of a calendering group of a calendering machine, comprising support groups offset downstream.

[0047] [Fig.6] : The [Fig.6] is a schematic view illustrating more particularly another configuration of a calendering group of a calendering machine, comprising support groups having, associated with a given work roller, support rollers of different diameters.

[0048] [Fig.7]: The [Fig.7] is a schematic view illustrating more particularly another configuration of a calendering unit of a calendering machine, in which the calendering unit, similar to that of the [Fig.5], has a plane of travel inclined with respect to the vertical and with respect to the horizontal.

[0049] [Fig.8]: The [Fig.8] is a schematic view illustrating more particularly another configuration of a calendering unit of a calendering machine in which the calendering unit, similar to that of the [Fig.6], has a plane of travel inclined with respect to the vertical and with respect to the horizontal.

[0050] [Fig.9]: The [Fig.9] is a schematic view illustrating more particularly another configuration of a calendering unit of a calendering machine, in which the calendering unit, similar to that of the [Fig.5] is associated with an extrusion die received at least in part between two upstream support rollers of the calendering unit.

[0051] [Fig. 10]: The [Fig. 10] is a schematic view illustrating more particularly another configuration of a calendering unit of a calendering machine, in which the calendering unit, similar to that of the [Fig. 6] is associated with an extrusion die received at least in part between two upstream support rollers of the calendering unit.

[0052] [Fig. 11]: The [Fig. 11] is a diagram illustrating an example of a calendering process. Detailed description

[0053] Figure 1 illustrates a calendering machine 1 comprising at least one frame 2 and at least one calendering unit 3. The calendering machine 1 is configured to be used for calendering a strip 4 which is to be calendered.

[0054] In the example, the strip 4 is an electrochemical cell component, in particular an electrode component for electrochemical cells, especially for electrochemical cells of electric accumulator batteries, in particular of the lithium-ion type.

[0055] A first example of a calendering unit 3 for such a calendering machine 1 is illustrated in [Fig. 2]. Other examples of a calendering unit 3 are also illustrated in Figures 3 to 10.

[0056] In all the illustrated examples, the calendering unit 3 of the calendering machine 1 comprises a first working roller 10 which is rotatable about a first axis Y10 and a second working roller 20 which is rotatable about a second axis Y20, the second axis Y20 being parallel to the first axis Y10 of the first working roller 10, within the usual manufacturing tolerances in this field. This parallelism is observed particularly during machine operation in a calendering operation, when the operating forces are applied to the rollers.

[0057] In the illustrated examples, the two work rolls 10, 20 are counter-rotating and define between them a calendering space 30 in which the strip 4 moves along a PXY plane in a direction X, from upstream to downstream along this direction. The plane is parallel to the first axis Y10 of the first work roll 10 and to the second axis Y20 of the second work roll 20. In this PXY plane, the direction X is perpendicular to a transverse direction Y which is parallel to the first axis Y10 of the first work roll 10 and to the second axis Y20 of the second work roll 20.

[0058] The strip 4 may consist of a single sheet, or of a superposition of at least two sheets joined face to face. The strip 4 may be a discrete strip, having a defined length in the direction of travel, this length being on the order of magnitude of its width in a transverse direction parallel to the axes Y10, Y20 of the working rollers 10, 20, for example, a length between 0.1 and 10 times the width. Alternatively, the strip 4 may have an "infinite" length in the sense of a length greater than 10 times its width. By way of example, the strip may, upstream and / or downstream of the calendering machine 1, be wound in the form of a roll.

[0059] In applications for manufacturing electrochemical cell components, the strip 4 may have a thickness which, at the inlet of the calendering unit 3, i.e. upstream of it in the X-axis direction, is, for example, in the range of 0.05 mm to 2 mm. Generally, the calendering space 30 has, at its minimum spacing point in the Z-axis perpendicular to the PXY-axis plane, a spacing between the two working rollers which is of the same order as the thickness of the strip 4 at the inlet of the calendering unit 3, while being less than it, for example, being equal to a value in the range of 95% to 10% of the thickness of the strip 4 at the inlet of the calendering unit 3, preferably in the range of 90% to 60% of the thickness of the strip 4 at the inlet of the calendering unit 3.The gap between the two working rollers 10, 20 is the minimum distance between the external cylindrical surfaces of the two working rollers 10, 20.

[0060] The orientation in space, relative to the direction of Earth's gravity, of the different directions may vary depending on the applications and installations. By way of example, it can be considered that, in all the illustrated examples, the direction The Y-axis of the two work rollers 10 and 20, Y10 and Y20, is horizontal. In the examples in Figures 1 to 6, the X-axis travel direction can be considered vertical. However, the same calendering machine and the same calendering unit 3 can be implemented with a different orientation relative to the direction of Earth's gravity. For example, in Figures 9 and 10, the X-axis travel direction is horizontal, while the Y-axis travel direction of the two work rollers 10 and 20, Y10 and Y20, is also horizontal.However, the examples in Figures 9 and 10 can be implemented with a vertical X-axis travel direction, and a preferably horizontal Y-axis travel direction of the Y10 and Y20 axes of the two working rollers 10 and 20. Again, as an example, it can be considered that in the example in Figures 7 and 8, the X-axis travel direction is inclined relative to the horizontal at an angle of inclination less than 90 degrees, and which can, for example, be in the range of 5 to 45 degrees, while the horizontal Y-axis travel direction of the Y10 and Y20 axes of the two working rollers 10 and 20 is horizontal.

[0061] Preferably, each work roller 10, 20 is driven in rotation about its axis Y10, Y20 by drive means not shown in the figures. These drive means may include a motor, in particular an electric motor. Such a motor may be arranged coaxially along the axis of the work roller in question, for example at an axial end of the work roller in question, in line with it. Alternatively, such a motor may be arranged in a position offset from the axis of the work roller in question, and may be connected to it by a transmission mechanism comprising, for example, a chain, a belt, and / or a series of gears.

[0062] In a known manner, the calendering machine 1 comprises, associated with at least one of the work rollers 10, 20, a support group 13, 23 comprising at least one support roller 11, 12, 21, 22. Preferably, as in the illustrated examples, each work roller 10, 20 is associated with a support group 13, 23 comprising at least one support roller 11, 12, 21, 22 bearing on the work roller in question.

[0063] Generally, a support roller of a support group 13, 23, associated with a given work roller 10, 20, is parallel to the considered work roller and bears against it in a support area arranged on a side of the work roller opposite the calendering space 30 relative to the axis of that work roller. The support group 13, 23 serves to limit or compensate for the unavoidable deformations of the work roller 10, 20 during operation in a calendering process.

[0064] Within the limits of usual manufacturing tolerances in the field, the support roller is parallel to the associated working roller and rests on the latter in a support area in the form of a straight line parallel to the axis of the work roller in question, at least when the calendering machine is in operation during a calendering operation of a strip, with the objective of having control of the thickness of the calibration space 30, over the entire axial length of the work rollers, in order to obtain a homogeneous treatment of the strip 4 over its entire axial direction Y.

[0065] Similarly, within the limits of usual manufacturing tolerances in the field, the work roller and the associated support roller are straight-line cylinders of revolution. However, those skilled in the design of calendering machines know that, for good control of this calibration space 30, it can be advantageous to provide that at least one of the work roller or one of the associated support rollers, preferably the support roller, has a slightly convex, barrel-shaped geometry, in order to compensate in whole or in part for any possible deflection of the work roller during a calendering operation.

[0066] Similarly, the support roller of a support group 13, 23 is in many cases a continuous roller along its entire axial direction. However, those skilled in the art know that a given support roller can be segmented into different roller segments, aligned successively along the length of the axis of the support roller.

[0067] According to a particularly advantageous aspect, it has been illustrated that, in all the illustrated examples, the calendering group 3 of the calendering machine 1 comprises at least one first support group 13 having, associated with the first work roll 10, at least two support rolls, respectively upstream 11 and downstream 12, which are parallel to each other, which are parallel to the first work roll 10, and which are each in support against the first work roll 10, each in a support area, respectively upstream Cl 1 and downstream C12, both arranged on a side of the first work roll 10 which is opposite the calendering space 30 with respect to the first axis Y10. In other words, for each support zone, respectively upstream Cil and downstream C12, the angle formed, around the axis of the working roller, between the position of the support zone and the position of the calendering space 30, is greater than 90 degrees of angle.

[0068] In the X scroll direction, the upstream support roller 11 is located upstream of the calendering space 30, while the downstream support roller 12 is located downstream of the calendering space 30.

[0069] By providing that the work roller is associated with at least two support rollers, the stability of the work roller can be greatly improved in a direction perpendicular to the plane of travel. This stability not only increases resistance to displacement or continuous or quasi-continuous deflection during production phases, but also increases resistance to Vibrational displacements or deflections during production phases. Such an increase in the stability of the working roller in a direction perpendicular to the plane of travel makes it possible to improve the quality of the control of the gap between the two working rollers in the calendering space, thus benefiting the quality of the calendering operation.

[0070] Of course, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the calendering machine 1 may include at least one first support group having, in association with the first work roller, more than two support rollers, including at least one third support roller in addition to the upstream and downstream support rollers, which are parallel to each other, parallel to the first work roller, and each bearing against the first work roller, each in a support zone. For example, the first support group may include a third support roller bearing against the first work roller in an intermediate support zone arranged between the upstream support zone Cl1 and the downstream support zone C12. In some embodiments, the intermediate support zone is, for example, arranged in a work plane PYZ comprising the first axis Y10 and the second axis Y20.In other embodiments, the intermediate support zone is, for example, offset from the PYZ work plane comprising the first axis Y10 and the second axis Y20.

[0071] In all the illustrated examples, with the exception of the example in [Fig.4], the calendering unit 3 of the calendering machine 1 comprises a second support unit 23 having, associated with the second work roller 20, two support rollers, respectively upstream 21 and downstream 22, which are parallel to each other, which are parallel to the second work roller 20 and which are each in contact with the first work roller 10, each in a support area, respectively upstream C21 and downstream C22, both arranged on a side of the second work roller 20 which is opposite the calendering space 30 with respect to the second axis Y20. In other words, for each support zone, respectively upstream C21 and downstream C22, the angle formed, around the axis of the working roller, between the position of the support zone and the position of the calendering space 30, is greater than 90 degrees of angle.

[0072] In the X scroll direction, the upstream support roller 21 is located upstream of the calendering space 30, while the downstream support roller 22 is located downstream of the calendering space 30.

[0073] In all the illustrated examples except for the example in [Fig. 4], the first support group 13 and the second support group 23 are symmetrical to each other on either side of the PXY traversing plane. This symmetry naturally includes the fact that the number of support rollers in each support group 13, 23 is identical for both support groups 13, 23. This symmetry also includes the fact that the position of the axes of the support rollers is symmetrical on either side of the traversing plane. PXY. This symmetry further implies that the external diameter of a support roller is identical to the external diameter of the corresponding support roller in the symmetry.

[0074] In certain applications, it may be foreseen that the first support group 13 and the second support group 23 are not symmetrical, or at least not entirely symmetrical with respect to each other on either side of the PXY traversing plane.

[0075] In the example of [Fig. 4], the calendering machine comprises a second support group 23 having, associated with the second work roller 20, a single support roller 21 which is parallel to the second work roller 20 and which bears against the second work roller 20 in a support area C21 which is arranged on a side of the second work roller 20 which is opposite the calendering space with respect to the second axis Y20. For example, the support area C21 of the single support roller 21 on the second work roller 20 is diametrically opposite the calendering space 30 with respect to the second axis Y20.

[0076] In the illustrated examples, the support zones Cl1, Cl2, respectively C21, C22, of the two support rollers 11, 12, respectively 21, 22, associated with the first, respectively second, work roller, are angularly separated from each other, around the first axis Y10, respectively around the second axis Y20, by a first support separation angle a10, respectively a second support separation angle a20, which is preferably in the range of 30 to 120 degrees, more preferably in the range of 60 to 100 degrees. Such an angle makes it possible to obtain good stability of the work roller in a direction perpendicular to the plane of travel. Within the range of values ​​considered, the larger the support gap angle a 10, a20 is, the more support rollers of a larger diameter can be used, to the benefit of their rigidity and therefore their resistance to deformation.Within the range of values ​​considered, by keeping the support gap angle alO, a20 less than or equal to the upper limit of the range, the risk of parasitic forces appearing due to wedge effect is limited, i.e. forces appearing due to excessive engagement of the working roller between the two support rollers.

[0077] In certain embodiments, as illustrated for example in Figures 2 and 4, the first work roller 10 and the two support rollers 11, 12 associated with the first work roller 10 are each mounted for rotation about their respective axes Y11, Y12, which occupy a fixed position relative to the machine frame 2. The first work roller 10 and the two support rollers 11, 12 have, for example, in this case a fixed center distance between them, at least during a production phase in which the machine is operating to process a strip to give it the desired properties. It should be noted that, even in the case of a first work roller 10 and its two associated support rollers 11, 12 having a fixed center distance Fixed between them during the production phase, it is advantageous to provide means for adjusting their relative position, for a static adjustment of their relative position ensuring the required contact between the first working roller 10 and its two associated support rollers 11, 12. Such a static adjustment will, for example, be carried out during a machine setup phase, preferably outside of a production phase.

[0078] In the embodiment of [Fig. 3], the first working roller 10 and the two support rollers 11, 12 associated with the first working roller 10 are each rotatably mounted on the same first support 14 with a fixed center distance between them, and the first support 14 is movable relative to the frame 2, perpendicular to the travel plane PXY. Thus, the first working roller 10 and the two support rollers 11, 12 associated with the first working roller 10 are fixedly movable, in particular relative to the frame 2, perpendicular to the travel plane PXY. For example, the first support 14 is connected to the frame 2 by a slide 16. In the illustrated example, the slide 16 allows translation of the first support 14, and therefore of the first working roller 10 and its two associated support rollers 11, 12, along a direction of translation perpendicular to the travel plane PXY.In this example, such a slide 16 allows movement purely along the translational direction perpendicular to the PXY plane of travel. However, other types of mechanical linkage between the first support 14 and the frame can be provided, which ensure not a movement purely along the translational direction perpendicular to the PXY plane of travel, but a movement with a component along the translational direction perpendicular to the PXY plane of travel, preferably a major component. Such a mechanical linkage can, for example, be a parallelogram linkage, an eccentric linkage, etc.

[0079] Even in the case of a first working roller 10 and its two associated support rollers 11,12 mounted with a fixed center distance between them on a first support 14 movable relative to the frame 2, means for adjusting their relative position will advantageously be provided, for a static adjustment of their relative position as described above.

[0080] In all the illustrated termination methods, at least one of the two work rollers 10, 20 is movable relative to the machine frame 2, and therefore movable relative to the other work roller. Naturally, the support group 13, 23 associated with a work roller 10, 20 movable relative to the frame 2, comprising a single support roller or several support rollers, is also movable relative to the frame 2, with the work roller movable relative to the frame. Preferably, the support group 13, 23 associated with a work roller movable relative to the frame, comprising a single support roller or several support rollers, is mounted with the work roller 10, 20 mobile, on a mobile support 14, 24 relative to the frame. For example, the mobile support 14, 24 is connected to the frame 2 by a slide 16, 26, allowing for example a translation of the support 14, 24, along a direction of translation perpendicular to the scroll plane PXY.

[0081] In the embodiments of Figures 2 and 4, the first working roller 10 and the two support rollers 11, 12 associated with the first working roller 10 occupy a fixed position relative to the frame 2 of the machine, preferably with the possibility of a static adjustment of their relative position, while the second working roller 20 is mounted to rotate around the second axis Y20 on a second support 24 which is movable relative to the frame 2, perpendicular to the plane of travel.Of course, one could envisage a reverse arrangement, with the second working roller 20 and the two support rollers 21, 22 associated with the second working roller 20 occupying a fixed position relative to the frame 2 of the machine, preferably with the possibility of a static adjustment of their relative position, while the first working roller 10 would be mounted to rotate around the first axis Y10 on a first support 14 which would be movable relative to the frame 2, perpendicular to the plane of travel PXY.

[0082] In certain embodiments, such as that illustrated in [Fig. 3], the two work rollers 10, 20 are movable relative to the frame 2 of the machine 1, and are movable relative to each other. Each support group 13, 23, comprising one or two support rollers 11, 12, 21, 22, is movable relative to the frame 2, along with the associated work roller 10, 20. In such configurations, each support group 13, 23 associated with a work roller is preferably mounted, along with the associated work roller, on a dedicated movable support 14, 24 which is movable relative to the frame.

[0083] For each instance of a work roller 10, 20 movable relative to the frame 2 of the machine 1, for example mounted on a dedicated movable support 14, 24 which is movable relative to the frame, an actuator 15, 25 is preferably provided to control the relative position of the movable work roller 10, 20, and where applicable, its dedicated movable support 14, 24, with respect to the frame 1 and with respect to the other work roller. The actuator 15, 25 is, for example, a hydraulic actuator, in particular a cylinder, or an electric actuator, such as a linear electric actuator. A transmission mechanism may be provided between the actuator 15, 25 and the movable work roller 10, 20, and where applicable, its dedicated movable support 14, 24, for example, a reduction gear and / or right-angle drive mechanism.Preferably the actuator 15, 25 allows for dynamic adjustment of the relative position of the two moving rollers, including during a production phase, in order to adapt in real time the spacing between the two working rollers at the level of the calendering space 30, in particular to adapt to variations in calendering conditions as the strip 4 passes through the calendering space 30.

[0084] In the embodiments of Figures 1 to 4, the support areas Cl 1, Cl2, respectively C21, C22, of the two support rollers 11, 12, respectively 21, 22, associated with the first working roller 10, respectively associated with the second working roller 20, are preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to each other on either side of the working plane PYZ comprising the first axis Y10 and the second axis Y20.

[0085] As a first approximation, the calendering forces applied by the work rollers 10, 20 on the strip 4 have a major component perpendicular to the PXY flow plane, therefore in the PYZ work plane. Consequently, the reaction forces applied by the strip 4 on each of the work rollers also have a major component perpendicular to the PXY flow plane, therefore in the PYZ work plane. By providing a symmetrical arrangement of the support areas on either side of the work plane, it is ensured that these reaction forces, and therefore the resulting deformations of the work rollers, are stably absorbed by the two support rollers.

[0086] In the examples in Figures 5 to 10, different configurations of a support group 13, 23 are provided, with each of them having an asymmetrical configuration of the support group 13, 23 with respect to the PYZ working plane.

[0087] According to a first aspect common to these embodiments, particular consideration is given to the fact that each support roller 11, 12, 21, 22 associated with a given work roller, for example, the first work roller 10 or the second work roller 20, has an external support surface SU, S12, S21, S22 which bears against the associated work roller. The external support surface SU, S12, S21, S22 of each support roller 11, 12, 21, 22 is, at least to a first approximation, cylindrical with a straight generatrix. The external support surface SU, S12, S21, S22 of each support roller 11, 12, 21, 22 therefore has an external diameter which is the external diameter of the support roller in question.

[0088] In all the examples in Figures 5 to 10, for at least one of the two support groups 13, 13 of the calendering group 3, the support group 13, 23 is configured so that the shortest distance dl 1, d21 between the external support surface SI 1, S21 of the upstream support roller 11,21 and the scroll plane PYZ is greater than the shortest distance dl2, d22 between the external support surface S12, S22 of the downstream support roller 12, 22 and the scroll plane PYZ.

[0089] In examples comprising support groups 13, 23, associated respectively with the first working roller 10 and the second working roller 20, which are symmetrical with respect to the PXY travel plane, it necessarily follows that the shortest distance d01 = dl l + d21 between the two upstream support rollers 11, 21 which are associated respectively with the first working roller 10 and the second roller of work 20, is greater than the shortest distance d02=dl2+d22 between the two downstream support rollers 12, 22 which are associated respectively with the first work roller 10 and the second work roller 20.

[0090] Such an arrangement has the particular advantage of freeing up space between the two upstream support rollers 11, 21 which are associated respectively with the first working roller 10 and the second working roller 20.

[0091] As illustrated in [Fig. 9] and 10, this space can be advantageously used to position auxiliary equipment 32 as close as possible to the working rollers 10, 20. In the examples of Figures 9 and 10, it can be seen that the increased space between the two upstream support rollers 11, 21 can accommodate a die 32 for extruding a film or a die 32 for depositing a film-forming powder, said film being intended, for example, to be calendered in the calendering machine. In such applications, this film forms the strip within the meaning of this application.

[0092] Such a film may, for example, be a layer of electrode material that is either supported on a support layer, for example supported on a transfer film or supported directly on a metal foil intended to form a current collector for an electrochemical cell, or self-supported. In certain applications, such a film of electrode material may therefore be calendered alone in the calendering machine, possibly with the addition of heat, to give cohesion to the electrode material layer, and / or to impart desired structural properties, and / or to impart desired rheological properties, and / or to impart desired dimensional properties.In other applications, such a film of electrode material can therefore be calendered in the calendering machine onto a support layer, for example onto a metal foil intended to form a current collector for an electrochemical cell, to assemble the layers together, and to give cohesion to the layer of electrode material, and / or to give the multilayer strip thus formed the desired structural, and / or rheological, and / or dimensional properties.

[0093] The electrode material may, for example, comprise an active electrode material associated with a binder, for example, a fibrillable binder. The active electrode material may, for example, be or comprise a lithium metal oxide (for example, of the NMC, NCA, or LFP type) and / or graphite and / or activated carbon in the case of a cathode, or graphite or silicon in the case of an anode. The fibrillable binder may, for example, be or comprise polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyethylene (PE), and / or carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), or a combination thereof. The fibrillable binders may be characterized by their soft, flexible and pliable consistency and, in particular, by their ability to stretch, lengthen and become thinner to take on a fibrous appearance when subjected to shear stress.

[0094] Several arrangements are possible to achieve such a configuration of the support group.

[0095] In the examples of Figures 5, 7, and 9, the two support rollers of the same support group 13, 23, and therefore associated with the same work roller 10, 20, are offset downstream. Naturally, the support rollers are in contact with the work roller as described above. In these examples, the bisector B10, B20 of the support offset angle a10, a20 has a direction that is inclined downstream away from the flow plane PYZ. In other words, the bisector B10, B20 of the support offset angle a10, a20 has a component, along the flow direction, that is directed downstream away from the flow plane PYZ opposite the calendering gap 30 from the center of the work roller in question. In other words, for a given support group 13, 23 associated with a given work roller 10, 20, the upstream support area Cl 1, C21 is closer to the work plane PYZ than the downstream support area C12, C22.The bisector B10, B20 of the support deviation angle alO, a20 has a direction which is inclined downstream away from the PYZ scroll plane by an angle which may be, for example, in the range of 3 to 35 degrees, preferably in the range of 5 to 20 degrees.

[0096] In the examples in Figures 5, 7 and 9, the two support rollers associated with the same working roller have the same diameter. However, in variations, a support group can be configured with two support rollers associated with the same working roller which, while being offset downstream as in the examples in Figures 5, 7 and 9, have a different diameter, in particular with the upstream support roller having an external diameter smaller than the external diameter of the downstream support roller, as described below.

[0097] In the examples of Figures 6, 8, and 10, the calendering unit 3 comprises at least one first support unit 13 in which the upstream support roller 11 associated with the first work roller 10 has an external diameter DE11 that is smaller than the external diameter DE12 of the downstream support roller 12 associated with the first work roller 10. In these examples, the first support unit 13 and the second support unit 23 are symmetrical to each other on either side of the PXY travel plane, such that, for both support units 13 and 23, the upstream support roller 11, 21 has an external diameter DE11, DE21 that is smaller than the external diameter DE12, DE22 of the downstream support roller 12, 22. The difference in external diameter between the upstream support roller 11, 21 and the downstream support roller 12, 22 can for example be included in the range of 5% to 40% of the external diameter of the downstream support roller 12, 22, more preferably from 10% to 25% of the external diameter of the downstream support roller 12, 22.

[0098] In the examples in Figures 6, 8 and 10, for a given support group associated with a work roller, the upstream support area Cl 1, C21, is arranged at the same distance from the work plane as the downstream support area Cl2, C22.

[0099] In the examples of Figures 5 to 10, it can be seen that the configuration of the support groups 13, 23 facilitates access, in the direction of the X-axis travel, to the calendering space 30 from its upstream side. For each support group 13, 23, an upstream tangent plane Ptl 1, Pt21 can be defined, tangent on the upstream side to both the work roller 10, 20 and the upstream support roller 11, 21 associated with this work roller 10, 20. This upstream tangent plane Ptl 1, Pt21 forms an upstream clearance angle wl 1, w21 with the travel plane PXY. We can also define, for each support group 13, 23, a downstream tangent plane Pt 12, Pt22, tangent on the downstream side to both the work roller 10, 20 and the downstream support roller 12, 22 associated with this work roller 10, 20. This downstream tangent plane Pt 12, Pt22 forms a downstream clearance angle wl2, w22 with the scroll plane PXY.In the examples in Figures 5 to 10, for a given support group 13, 23, the upstream clearance angle wll, w21 is greater than the downstream clearance angle wl2, w22. As a result, access to the calendering space 30 from its upstream side is facilitated, on at least one side of the scroll plane.

[0100] In these examples, the first support group 13 and the second support group 23 are symmetrical to each other on either side of the PXY scroll plane, so that, for the two support groups 13, 23, the upstream clearance angle wll, w21 is greater than the downstream clearance angle wl2, w22. Overall, it follows that the total upstream clearance angle wl1+w21, between the two upstream tangent planes Ptl1, Pt21 can be increased, and in particular can be greater than a total downstream clearance angle wl2+w22, between the two downstream tangent planes Ptl2, Pt22.

[0101] In general, the support group associated with a given work roll increases the bending stiffness of the calendering group 3. It should be noted that in the examples illustrated in Figures 5 to 10, the support groups are not symmetrical with respect to the work plane PYZ. It is understood that, generally, the bending stiffness of the calendering group 3, induced by these configurations, is greater in downstream bending than in upstream bending. This results from the downstream offset of the support rolls and / or the use of downstream support rolls with a larger diameter. However, in most calendering configurations, the reaction forces applied by the strip 4 on each of the work rolls have a major component perpendicular to the feed plane PXY, therefore in the work plane PYZ, but also a component parallel to the feed plane PXY, oriented in the downstream direction.This is related to the fact that, in the calendering operation, . The thickness of the strip 4 upstream of the calendering space 30 is greater than its thickness downstream of the calendering space 30. By anticipating that the stiffness of the calendering unit in bending, induced by the configurations mentioned above, is greater in bending downstream than upstream, the stiffness of the calendering unit 3 is adapted in the direction so that it opposes the reaction forces applied by the strip 4 on each of the work rollers, thus reducing the bending of these work rollers while promoting accessibility to the calendering space 30 from its upstream side.

[0102] Calendering methods for a strip 4 to be calendered are also proposed here, of the type in which the strip 4 is made to move, in a plane of movement PXY along a direction of movement X from upstream to downstream, through a calendering space 30 defined between a first working roller 10 rotating about a first axis Y10 and a second working roller 20 rotating about a second axis Y20 parallel to the first axis Y10, the two working rollers (10, 20) being counter-rotating.

[0103] These methods include applying, on the first work roller 10, at least two support rollers 11, 12, respectively upstream 11 and downstream 12, which are parallel to each other, which are parallel to the first work roller 10 and which are each in contact with the first work roller 10, each in a support area C11, C12, respectively upstream Cl1 and downstream C12, both arranged on a side of the first work roller 10 which is opposite to the calendering space with respect to the first axis Y10.

[0104] These processes are implemented for example with a calendering machine as described above.

[0105] An example of such a method 100 may, as illustrated in the diagram of [Fig. 111], include supplying 110 of a strip 4 to be calendered upstream of a calendering space 30 of a calendering machine 1. The method 100 includes the step 120 of causing the strip 4 to flow, in a flow plane PXY, along a flow direction X from upstream to downstream, through the calendering space 30 defined between a first work roll 10 rotating about a first axis Y10 and a second work roll 20 rotating about a second axis Y20 parallel to the first axis Y10.The process 100 includes step 130 of applying, on the first work roll 10, at least two support rolls 11, 12, respectively upstream 11 and downstream 12, which are parallel to each other, which are parallel to the first work roll 10 and which are each in contact with the first work roll 10, each in a contact area Cl 1, Cl2, respectively upstream Cl 1 and downstream C12, both arranged on a side of the first work roll 10 which is opposite the calendering space 30 with respect to the first axis Y10.

[0106] The process may also optionally include different steps and features which derive from the possible features of the calendering machine 1 as described above.

Claims

Demands

1. A calendering machine (1) for calendering a strip (4) to be calendered, of the type comprising a first working roller (10) rotating about a first axis (Y10) and a second working roller (20) rotating about a second axis (Y20) parallel to the first axis (Y10), the two working rollers (10, 20) being counter-rotating and defining between them a calendering space (30) in which the strip (4) moves in a conveying plane (PXY) along a conveying direction (X) from upstream to downstream, characterized in that the calendering machine (1) comprises, associated with the first working roller (10), at least two support rollers (11, 12), respectively upstream (11) and downstream (12), which are parallel to each other, which are parallel to the first working roller (10) and which are each bearing against the first working roller. (10), each in a support zone (Cil, C12), respectively upstream (Cil) and downstream (C12),both arranged on one side of the first working roller (10) which is opposite the calendering space with respect to the first axis (Y 10), and in that the bearing areas (Cl 1, Cl2) of the two support rollers (11, 12) associated with the first working roller (10) are angularly separated from each other, around the first axis (Y 10), by a first bearing separation angle (alO) which is in the range from 30 to 120 degrees.

2. Calendering machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that each support roller (11, 12) associated with the first work roller (10) has an external support surface (SU, S12) which bears against the associated work roller (10), and in that the shortest distance (dl1) between the external support surface (SI1) of the upstream support roller (11) and the conveying plane (PXY) is greater than the shortest distance (dl2) between the external support surface (S12) of the downstream support roller (12) and the conveying plane (PXY).

3. Calendering machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the machine (1) has a first upstream tangent plane (Ptl 1), tangent on the downstream side to both the first working roller (10) and the associated upstream support roller (11), which forms a first upstream clearance angle (wl 1) with the conveying plane (PXY), and a first downstream tangent plane (Ptl2), tangent on the downstream side to both the first working roller (10) and the associated downstream support roller (C12), which forms a first downstream clearance angle (wl2) with the scroll plane (PXY), and in that the first upstream clearance angle (wl1) is greater than the first downstream clearance angle (wl2).

4. Calendering machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing areas (C11, C12) of the two support rollers (11, 12) associated with the first working roller (10) are angularly separated from each other, around the first axis (Y10), by a first bearing separation angle (a10) which is in the range of 60 to 100 degrees.

5. Calendering machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support areas (Cil, C12) of the two support rollers (11, 12) associated with the first working roller (10) are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other on either side of a working plane (PYZ) comprising the first axis (Y 10) and the second axis (Y20).

6. Calendering machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bisector (B 10) of the first support gap angle (a 10) has a direction which is inclined downstream away from the feed plane (PXY).

7. Calendering machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two support rollers associated with the first working roller are of the same diameter.

8. Calendering machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the upstream support roller (11) associated with the first working roller (10) has an external diameter (DE11) which is less than the external diameter (DE12) of the downstream support roller (12) associated with the first working roller (10).

9. Calendering machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first work roller (10) and the two support rollers (11, 12) associated with the first work roller (10) are each mounted for rotation on the same first support (14) with a fixed center distance between them.

10. Calendering machine (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the machine (1) comprises a frame (2), and in that the first support (14) is movable relative to the frame (2), perpendicular to the plane of travel (PXY).

11. Calendering machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second axis (Y20) is fixed relative to the frame (2).

12. Calendering machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the second working roller (20) is mounted to rotate about the second axis (Y20) on a second support (24) which is movable relative to the frame (2), perpendicular to the plane of travel (PXY).

13. Calendering machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the calendering machine (1) comprises, associated with the second working roller (20), a single support roller (21) which is parallel to the second working roller (20) and which is in contact with the second working roller (20) in a support area (C21) arranged on one side of the second working roller (20) which is opposite the calendering space (30) with respect to the second axis (Y20).

14. Calendering machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the calendering machine (1) comprises, associated with the second working roller (20), two support rollers (21, 22), respectively upstream (21) and downstream (22), which are parallel to each other, which are parallel to the second working roller (20) and which are each in contact with the second working roller (20), each in a support area (C21, C22), respectively upstream (C21) and downstream (C22), arranged on a side of the second working roller (20) which is opposite the calendering space (30) with respect to the second axis (Y20).

15. Calendering machine (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the two work rollers (10, 20) are of the same diameter, in that the two support rollers (11, 12) associated with the first work roller (10) form a first support group (13), in that the two support rollers (21, 22) associated with the second work roller (20) form a second support group (23), and in that the first support group (13) and the second support group (23) are symmetrical to each other on either side of the feed plane (PXY).

16. A calendering method for a strip (4) to be calendered, of the type in which the strip (4) is made to flow in a flow plane (PXY) along an upstream flow direction (X) downstream, through a calendering space (30) defined between a first work roller (10) rotating about a first axis (Y10) and a second work roller (20) rotating about a second axis (Y20) parallel to the first axis (Y10), the two work rollers (10, 20) being counter-rotating, characterized in that the method comprises applying, on the first work roller (10), at least two support rollers (11, 12), respectively upstream (11) and downstream (12), which are parallel to each other, parallel to the first work roller (10), and each bearing against the first work roller (10), each in a support zone (Cl1, Cl2), respectively upstream (Cl1) and downstream (Cl2), both arranged on a side of the first work roller (10) opposite the calendering space with respect to the first axis (Y 10), and in that the support zones (Cl 1, Cl2) of the two support rollers (11,12) associated with the first working roller (10) are angularly separated from each other, around the first axis (Y 10), by a first support gap angle (alO) which is within the range of 30 to 120 degrees.

17. A calendering method according to claim 16, characterized in that each support roller (11, 12) associated with the first work roller (10) has an external support surface (SU, S12) which bears against the associated work roller (10), and in that the two support rollers are applied to the work roller (10) such that the shortest distance (dl1) between the external support surface (SI1) of the upstream support roller (11) and the feed plane (PXY) is greater than the shortest distance (dl2) between the external support surface (S12) of the downstream support roller (12) and the feed plane (PXY).

18. A calendering method (100) according to any one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that the first work roller (10) and the two support rollers (11, 12) associated with the first work roller (10) have a fixed center distance between them.

19. Calendering method (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that the first work roller (10) and the two support rollers (11, 12) associated with the first work roller (10) are fixedly movable, perpendicular to the plane of travel (PXY).

20. Calendering method (100) according to claim 19, characterized in that the second axis (Y20) is fixed.

21. Calendering method (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that the second working roller (20) is movable, perpendicular to the plane of travel (PXY).

22. A calendering process (100) according to any one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that the calendering process (1) comprises the application, in support against the second work roller (20), of a single support roller (21) which is associated with the second work roller (20), which is parallel to the second work roller (20), and which is in support against the second work roller (12) a support area (C21) arranged on one side of the second work roller (20) which is opposite the calendering space (30) with respect to the second axis (Y20).

23. A calendering method (100) according to any one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that the calendering method (1) comprises the application, in support against the second work roller (20), of two support rollers (21, 22), respectively upstream (21) and downstream (22), which are associated with the second work roller (20), which are parallel to each other, which are parallel to the second work roller (20) and which are each in support against the second work roller (20), each in a support area (C21, C22), respectively upstream (C21) and downstream (C22), both arranged on a side of the second work roller (20) which is opposite the calendering space (30) with respect to the second axis (Y20).

24. A calendering method according to any one of claims 16 to 23, characterized in that the strip to be calendered is an electrode component for electrochemical cells, comprising a layer of electrode material, in particular an electrode component comprising a layer of electrode material supported on a support layer or a self-supporting layer of electrode material.

25. A calendering process according to claim 24, characterized in that the electrode material layer is, in the calendering process, calendered alone or on a support layer, optionally with the addition of heat, to give cohesion to the electrode material layer, and / or to impart to it desired structuring properties, and / or to give it desired rheological properties, and / or to give it desired dimensional properties and / or to assemble the electrode material layer onto a support layer.

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