IT201600071777A1 - PAPER MATERIAL, AND EQUIPMENT FOR ITS PRODUCTION - Google Patents

Description

"PAPER MATERIAL, AND EQUIPMENT FOR ITS PRODUCTION".

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a paper material of the "tissue" type.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to an apparatus and a process for the production of the aforementioned paper material.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

So-called "tissue" products are widespread on the market, that is, for example napkins, toilet paper, medical sheets, tea towels, kitchen towels, and the like, intended mainly, but not exclusively, for hygienic and sanitary use.

The manufacturing sector of this type of product is today increasingly oriented towards an improvement and refinement of various characteristics of the same, and in particular of those characteristics immediately perceivable by the consumer in the use of the product itself, such as for example the softness of the product. touch, flexibility, compliance, or even more purely visual and / or olfactory properties.

It is known that in order to modify some characteristics of paper products, it may be advantageous to use fibers other than cellulose fiber for their production.

These fibers can be of natural origin, or even synthetic ones.

Examples of this type are the fibers of silk, cotton, derived from milk proteins, cellulose rayon, polylactic acid, soy, and others: more generally, any fiber, in spun or granular form, can be used in 'as part of a manufacturing process for a paper product.

More specifically, currently the application of these fibers takes place directly in the phase of the paper production process, and especially by mixing in mass - that is, in the pulp - in various percentages these materials with cellulose fibers, to obtain products mainly intended for packaging, and therefore not of the "tissue" type.

By using these fibers in the way described above, i.e. in mass, a more or less homogeneous mixture is normally obtained between the cellulose fibers and the other types of fibers: this means that the quantity of additive fibers found on the surface of the paper product is not essentially different from the quantity found in the innermost layers of the product itself.

For this reason, the most superficial layers of the paper product are affected in a very limited way by the presence of additive fibers, and therefore the desired effect in terms of characteristics perceivable by the user may, at times, not be evident at all.

To this we must add the fact that these additive fibers have a cost that is usually significantly higher than that of cellulose fibers, and therefore they are normally used in very low percentages, so much so that their presence in the final product can be, of fact, completely imperceptible for the reasons set out above.

The use of these fibers to obtain certain characteristics in the final product is, however, completely incompatible with the current technologies for manufacturing "tissue" products, which operate at ever higher speeds and with weights per square meter. lower: this makes it extremely difficult, by adding the fibers in the mixture, to obtain a sufficient distribution of these fibers on the surface of the product, so that their presence can be appreciated.

Another fact that certainly does not play in favor of the use of these additive fibers in the manufacture of "tissue" type products is that the related production plants are normally equipped with sorting devices (called "screens" in jargon) much more severe than those that they are used in other types of plants, since they are usually set up to reject objects having dimensions greater than 4 mm: this constitutes a significant limitation in the use of fibers other than cellulose, or in any case of fibers larger than that aforementioned.

The need is therefore felt to develop alternative solutions that allow overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks.

AIMS OF THE INVENTION

The technical task of the present invention is to improve the state of the art.

Within this technical task, it is an object of the present invention to develop a paper material of the "tissue" or similar type in which fibers of a nature other than cellulose can be incorporated so that the properties and characteristics conferred by the themselves can be effectively perceived by the user in the final product made with this material.

Another object of the present invention is to make available a paper material of the "tissue" type comprising fibers of a different nature from those of cellulose and having a surface distribution such that the properties and characteristics conferred by them can be effectively perceived by the user in the final product made with this material.

Another object of the present invention is to develop a process and an apparatus for the production of a paper material comprising fibers of a nature other than cellulose in which the properties and characteristics conferred by them can be effectively perceived by the user in the final product. made with that material.

Still another object of the present invention is to make available a paper material of the "tissue" type, as well as a process and an apparatus for its production, comprising fibers of a nature other than cellulose and in which the quantity by weight of such fibers is lower than that used for the production of other types of products, for example intended for applications such as packaging and the like.

A further object of the present invention is to produce a paper material, as well as a process and an apparatus for its production, more versatile and customizable than currently available on the market.

This aim and these aims are all achieved by a paper material according to the attached claim 1.

The paper material comprises a yielding laminar support of the "tissue" type comprising, in turn, cellulose fibers, and which has at least a first surface and a second surface opposite each other.

According to the present invention, at least one fibrous layer comprising fibers other than cellulose is applied to at least one of the aforesaid first and second surfaces, which confer certain tactile and / or olfactory and / or visual properties to the aforementioned yielding laminar support.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the aforementioned fibrous layer comprises fibers of natural or synthetic origin, selected from silk fibers, cotton fibers, milk protein fibers, cellulose rayon, polylactic acid.

According to another aspect of the invention, the aforementioned fibrous layer is obtained starting from a liquid suspension of the aforementioned fibers.

Moreover, this aim and these aims are all achieved by an apparatus for the production of a paper material, comprising at least one yielding laminar support of the "tissue" type comprising cellulose fibers, and having at least a first surface) and a second surface opposed.

According to the invention, the aforementioned apparatus comprises at least one station for applying, at least on the first surface and / or at least on the second surface of the yielding laminar support, of at least one fibrous layer comprising fibers other than cellulose, which give this yielding laminar support certain tactile and / or olfactory and / or visual properties; the aforesaid fibrous layer is applied in the form of a liquid suspension of such fibers other than cellulose.

Thanks to the solution object of the present invention, the fibers other than cellulose, suitable for giving the paper material certain tactile and / or olfactory and / or visual properties, are distributed exclusively on the surface of the yielding laminar support: this means that their presence can be immediately clearly perceived by the user.

The dependent claims refer to advantageous embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

These and further advantages will be better understood by every person skilled in the art from the following description and the attached drawings, given as a non-limiting example, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a product made with the paper material according to the present invention, made available in the form of a roll;

Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of another product made with the paper material according to the present invention, made available in the form of single handkerchiefs or napkins;

Figure 3 is an enlarged schematic view in lateral section of the paper material;

Figure 4 is an enlarged schematic view in lateral section of the paper material, according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 is an enlarged schematic view in lateral section of the paper material, according to yet another embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 is an enlarged schematic view in lateral section of the paper material, according to a further embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 is an enlarged schematic view in lateral section of the paper material, according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 is an enlarged schematic view in lateral section of the paper material, according to yet another embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 is an enlarged schematic view in lateral section of the paper material, according to yet another embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 is an enlarged schematic view in lateral section of the paper material, according to a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 11 is a diagram of the apparatus for the production of paper material according to the present invention;

figure 12 is a side view of construction details of the apparatus of figure 11.

FORMS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION.

Figure 1 shows, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes only, a product P made with the paper material 1 according to the invention.

The paper material 1 comprises at least one yieldable laminar support 2.

The thickness of the yielding laminar support 2 can be any, in relation to the specific application requirements, without any limitation to the purposes of the present invention.

As shown in the same figure 1, the product P can be made available, for example, in the form of a roll, a roll, or the like, made using the aforementioned yielding laminar support 2.

Again by way of example, in the specific case of Figure 1, the yielding laminar support 2 with which the product P is made can comprise a plurality of pre-cuts 3, suitable for separating single sheets 4, which can be used individually.

However, it should be noted that the product P comprising the yielding laminar support 2 can be made available in any other form, already known in the sector or possibly even new.

On the other hand, in the embodiment shown schematically in Figure 2, and again by way of example, the product P comprising the yielding laminar support 2 is made available in the form of a handkerchief, towel or the like.

In this other case, the individual handkerchiefs or wipes are normally packaged stacked on top of each other.

In whatever form it is made available, the yielding laminar support 2 of the paper material 1 comprises at least a first surface 2a and a second surface 2b.

The first surface 2a and the second surface 2b are opposite each other.

The first surface 2a and / or the second surface 2b of the yielding laminar support 2 can be destined, only one or both, for a specific functional use, for example for contact with surfaces. there to clean, dry, etc ..

More in detail, in some specific applications of the product P made with the paper material 1 according to the invention, only one of the surfaces 2a, 2b can be intended for a specific functional use; in other possible applications, both surfaces 2a, 2b can be indifferently intended for a specific functional use, i.e. in other words the product P comprising the yielding laminar support 2 can be indifferently used on one side or on the other side, to obtain the same function or even to obtain different functions.

However, it should be noted that, in the present description, the distinction between the first surface 2a and the second surface 2b of the yielding laminar support 2 is entirely conventional, for the sole purpose of a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, as will become clearer hereinafter.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the yielding laminar support 2 is of the "tissue" type.

More particularly, the yielding laminar support 2 comprises cellulose fibers. In greater detail, the yielding laminar support 2 can comprise, for example, long cellulose fibers, short cellulose fibers, chemi-thermomechanical pulp (C.T.M.P.), or still other types of cellulose fibers used for the production of paper material of the type "Tissue".

Furthermore, the yielding laminar support 2 can comprise, in addition to the cellulose fibers, further additives suitable for modifying the conformation of the fibers themselves, and / or their respective bonds, to obtain certain characteristics in the product P (for example certain mechanical characteristics, such as wet strength, absorbency, and others).

Such additives may comprise, or consist of, resins, polymers, or the like, just to name a few.

In some embodiments of the invention, the yielding laminar support 2 can be used to make, for example, a single-ply product P; in other embodiments of the invention, the yielding laminar support 2 can be used to make each single ply of a multi-ply product P (for example toilet paper, kitchen paper, or the like).

More generally, the yielding laminar support 2 can be used to make "tissue" type products P of any type and / or conformation, without particular limitations.

According to an aspect of the present invention, at least one fibrous layer 5, comprising fibers other than cellulose, is applied at least on the first surface 2a of the yielding laminar support 2, or at least on the second surface 2b of the yielding laminar support 2.

In an embodiment of the invention, the fibrous layer 5 is applied, on the first surface 2a of the yielding laminar support 2, or on the second surface 2b of the yielding laminar support 2, in a continuous and uniform way, or substantially uniform, but in any case without solution of continuity. This solution is schematically illustrated in the enlarged section of Figure 3. In another embodiment of the invention, instead schematically illustrated in the enlarged section of Figure 4, the fibrous layer 5 is applied on the first surface 2a of the yielding laminar support 2, or on the second surface 2b of the yielding laminar support 2, in a non-continuous way (i.e. discontinuously, with one or more solutions of continuity): for example, the fibrous layer 5 can be applied according to a distribution in spots, or in spots, or in stripes , or a combination of the latter distributions, or even so as to create particular designs, logos, or the like.

In particular, the latter solution could be used if the fibrous layer 5 is characterized by a particular pigmentation: its application on at least the first surface 2a of the yielding laminar support 2, or on at least the second surface 2b of the laminar support yielding 2, can therefore determine, on the product P, a certain chromatic / graphic effect, which can be functional, for example, for obtaining, as mentioned, designs, logos, decorations, or the like.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fibrous layer 5 is applied, on at least the first surface 2a of the yielding laminar support 2, or on at least the second surface 2b of the yielding laminar support 2, in an amount ranging from 0.1 g / m < 2> and 10 g / m <2> in the dry state (continuously or not continuously, as explained above).

According to the invention, the fibrous layer 5 can comprise fibers of natural or synthetic origin.

More particularly, the fibrous layer 5 can comprise, for example, silk fibers, cotton fibers, milk protein fibers, cellulose rayon, polylactic acid, and others.

Furthermore, the fibrous layer 5 can comprise a mixture of fibers of different types, or it can only comprise fibers of the same type, in relation to the specific application requirements.

The fibrous layer 5 can also comprise further natural substances such as aloe, natural glycol, natural glycerine, which add further tactile and / or visual and / or olfactory properties thereto.

The fibrous layer 5 can also comprise at least one fixative.

This fixing agent facilitates the bond, i.e. the superficial adhesion, of fibers other than cellulose on the yielding laminar support 2, without however altering the characteristics of the fibers themselves.

The aforesaid fixing agent can comprise, for example, glues based on caboxylmethylcellulose, starches or glues based on vinyl.

The fixing agent can be used in the minimum quantity sufficient to fix the fibers on at least one of the surfaces 2a, 2b of the yielding laminar support 2.

According to another aspect of the invention, the paper material 1 is made available, for the production of "tissue" type products, in the dry state, or with a maximum moisture content of about 4-5%, and in any case not more than about 7%.

In this state, the paper material 1 is particularly suitable for making "tissue" type products P with optimal characteristics.

In fact, it has been experimentally demonstrated that, with a maximum moisture content of about 7%, the paper material 1 remains taut and without wrinkles or creases; on the other hand, with a moisture content higher than 7%, there is Γ the onset of wrinkles or other surface imperfections that affect the appearance of the product P.

As mentioned, these last details refer to the state in which the paper material 1 according to the invention is made available to the end user in the form of a certain product P, that is, the state in which it is put on sale. These clarifications do not concern any states in which the paper material 1 should be found during its production, or in certain stages of packaging, storage, etc ..

It is also specified that, in an embodiment of the invention, the paper material 1 may include, on the first surface 2a or on the second surface 2b of the yielding laminar support 2, even more fibrous layers 5 superimposed on each other.

In an embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned superimposed fibrous layers 5 may include the same type of fibers, or even fibers of different types, for example for obtaining particular effects not obtainable with a single fibrous layer 5.

Therefore, in the present description, the general definition of fibrous layer 5 (comprising fibers other than cellulose) can be understood as either a single fibrous layer, comprising a single type of fiber, or even a mixture of different types of fibers; with the same definition it is also possible to mean a plurality of superimposed fibrous layers, each comprising a respective single type of fibers, or even mixtures (the same or different) of different types of fibers.

In the above description, it is assumed that the fibrous layer 5 is applied only on the first surface 2a of the yielding laminar support 2, or only on the second surface 2b of the yielding laminar support 2, i.e. more generally only on one of the surfaces 2a, 2b of the yielding laminar support 2.

In other embodiments of the invention, respective fibrous layers 5a, 5b, and more precisely a first fibrous layer 5a and a second fibrous layer 5b, could be applied both on the first surface 2a and on the second surface 2b of the yielding laminar support 2. comprising fibers other than cellulose. This last solution distinguishes the forms of implementation of figures 5.6. More in detail, in the embodiment of Figure 5, both on the first surface 2a and on the second surface 2b of the yielding laminar support 2 are applied, respectively, a first fibrous layer 5a and a second fibrous layer 5b in a continuous and uniform way, or substantially uniform, in other words without solutions of continuity.

In the embodiment of figure 6, on the other hand, both on the first surface 2a and on the second surface 2b of the yielding laminar support 2 are applied respectively a first fibrous layer 5a and a second fibrous layer 5b in a non-continuous way, i.e. with one or more solutions of continuity.

With reference to the latter solution, and as previously mentioned, both on the first surface 2a and on the second surface 2b of the yielding laminar support 2 can be applied respectively a first fibrous layer 5a and a second fibrous layer 5b with distributions in spots, spots , strips, or combinations thereof, or even so as to create particular designs, logos, decorations, or the like.

The first fibrous layer 5a and the second fibrous layer 5b can have the same composition, or they can have different compositions, for example in relation to the fibers used, or in relation to other characteristics.

The use of fibrous layers 5a, 5b having different compositions respectively on the first surface 2a and on the second surface 2b of the yielding laminar support 2 allows to obtain different tactile and / or visual, and / or olfactory effects on each of the two surfaces 2a, 2b of the support 2.

Further possible configurations of the paper material 1 according to the present invention are the subject of the embodiments schematically represented in figures 7-10.

In particular, figure 7 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the paper material 1 comprises two yielding laminar supports 2 coupled to each other.

The two yielding laminar supports 2 can be identical, or even different, for example in composition, thickness, etc.

The two yielding laminar supports 2 are coupled to each other at the respective surfaces 2a or 2b; on the remaining surfaces 2b or 2a, on the other hand, a first fibrous layer 5a and a second fibrous layer 5b are respectively applied.

The layers 5a, 5b are applied continuously and uniformly, or substantially uniformly.

The two yielding laminar supports 2 are coupled to each other, for example, by applying an adhesive, or by using other techniques already available in the "tissue" paper production sector to join two or more plies, or the like. .

Here too, the first fibrous layer 5a and the second fibrous layer 5b can have the same composition, or they can have different compositions in terms of fibers used, to obtain different tactile and / or visual and / or olfactory effects on the two. sides of the paper material 1.

Figure 8 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the paper material 1 comprises two yielding laminar supports 2 coupled to each other with the interposition of a third fibrous layer 5c.

Also in this case, the two yielding laminar supports 2 can be identical or different, for example in composition, thickness, etc.

More in detail, the layer 5c is interposed between the surfaces 2a, or 2b, of the two yielding laminar supports 2.

A first fibrous layer 5a and a second fibrous layer 5b are respectively applied to the remaining surfaces 2b, or 2a, of the yielding laminar supports 2, as in the case of the previous embodiment.

The fibrous layers 5a, 5b, 5c are applied continuously and uniformly, or substantially uniformly.

The third fibrous layer 5c, whose presence in use is not actually perceived by the user, can be made using fibers (other than cellulose) that allow, for example, to obtain certain improved mechanical characteristics (for example resistance, absorbency, flexibility , and others).

Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of the invention similar to that of figure 7, and which differs from the latter in that the first fibrous layer 5a and the second fibrous layer 5b are applied discontinuously (for example , they are applied to dots, spots, stripes, or combinations of the latter, or in order to obtain a specific logo, design, decoration, or the like).

Figure 10 shows a further embodiment of the invention similar to that of figure 8, and which differs from the latter in that the fibrous layers 5a, 5b, 5c are applied discontinuously (in particular, at least the first layer 5a and second layer 5b are applied to dots, spots, stripes, or combinations of the latter, or so as to obtain a specific logo, design, decoration, or the like).

The embodiments of the paper material 1 according to figures 7-10 can be particularly used to make double-ply "P" tissue products. Obviously, further embodiments of the paper material 1 according to the present invention are conceivable, also comprising three or more yielding laminar supports 2, coupled together directly or by interposition of more fibrous layers 5c, according to one or more of the previously described methods.

The invention, thus described, allows to obtain important technical results. The paper material 1 thus obtained is extremely customizable from the point of view of the tactile and / or visual and / or olfactory properties, which are fully perceptible, thanks to the fact that the yielding laminar support 2 comprises at least one fibrous layer 5,5a, 5b distributed exclusively on the surface of the support 2 itself.

For example, by using certain fibers rather than others it is possible to obtain a paper material 1 of the "tissue" type that is particularly soft and smooth to the touch, as opposed to normal "tissue" products which usually have a rather rough and irregular surface.

This expedient also allows to obtain a considerable economic saving in terms of the use of fibers other than cellulose, compared to other products which use these fibers directly in the manufacture of the yielding laminar support 2.

In fact, the realization of at least one fibrous layer 5,5a, 5b allows satisfactory results to be obtained even by using a quantity of fibers up to ten times lower than that used in the products of the known type previously described (i.e. in which the fibers are introduced directly into the manufacturing mix of the paper material support).

It is also emphasized that the solution object of the present invention allows to obtain a variety of applications that cannot be obtained with known technologies, since the provision of a superficial fibrous layer, instead of using the fibers in the mix for making the support, allows maximum freedom in the choice of the type of fibers that can be used: the same versatility cannot be obtained with current technologies, as certain types of fibers may be incompatible with their use directly inside the mixture.

Last but not least, the solution object of the present invention also allows to apply - if desired - different fibrous layers in different parts of the yielding laminar support 2, to obtain different effects on the aforementioned parts: this is not obtainable with current technologies, in which the possible use of fibers of a different nature would be nullified by the fact that all would end up uniformly mixed in the production mixture of the yielding laminar support 2.

The present invention also relates to an apparatus 6 for the production of a paper product 1 of the "tissue" type.

In an embodiment of the invention of particular practical interest, the equipment 6 is specifically intended for the production of paper material 1 of the "tissue" type having the characteristics described above.

The apparatus 6 comprises an inlet area 7 of a yielding laminar support 2.

The yielding laminar support 2 is of the "tissue" type, comprising cellulose fibers and any other additives.

The yielding laminar support 2 passes through the inlet zone 7 in the form of a continuous strip 8.

The continuous belt 8 comes from an upstream plant for the production of paper material of the "tissue" type.

The yielding laminar support 2 comprises a first surface 2a and a second surface 2b, opposite each other.

Furthermore, the apparatus 6 comprises an outlet area 9 of the yielding laminar support 2.

The yielding laminar support 2 passes through the exit area 9, again in the form of a continuous strip 8.

According to an aspect of the invention, the apparatus 6 further comprises at least one application station 10, on at least the first surface 2a of the yielding laminar support 2, or at least on the second surface 2b of the yielding laminar support 2, of at least one fibrous layer 5 , comprising fibers other than cellulose.

The application station 10 is comprised, i.e. interposed, between the entrance area 7 and the exit area 9.

The apparatus 6 comprises means for advancing the yielding laminar support 2 in the form, as mentioned, of a continuous belt 8, which crosses the inlet area 7, the application station 10 and the outlet area 9, in order.

The paper material 1, made with the apparatus 6 according to the invention, is made available (to the end user) in the dry state, or with a moisture content of about 4-5%, and in any case not higher than about 7%.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fibrous layer 5 is obtained starting from a liquid suspension containing the aforementioned fibers other than cellulose. By liquid suspension we mean a suspension in water, or in other products containing water, which carry and keep separated in homogeneous suspension the fibers that must be transferred on the yielding laminar support 2.

In an embodiment of the invention, the liquid suspension comprises, in addition to fibers other than cellulose, also natural substances such as aloe, natural glycols, natural glycerines which, in addition to acting as vehicles for the transfer of fibers, can add further properties tactile, and / or visual, and / or olfactory to the treated support 2.

Fibers other than cellulose are present in the aforementioned liquid suspension with a maximum concentration of 25% by weight.

Furthermore, the aforementioned liquid suspension comprises at least one fixative; the fixing agent has the function of facilitating the bonding of fibers other than cellulose on the yielding laminar support 2, without altering the properties and characteristics of the fibers themselves. For example, the aforesaid fixative may comprise, or may consist of, caboxylmethylcellulose-based glues, starches or vinyl-based glues.

The fixative can have a maximum concentration of about 5% by weight in the liquid suspension.

In an embodiment of the invention of particular practical interest, the concentration of the fixative within the aforementioned liquid suspension is between 2% and 3% by weight.

The application station 10 of the equipment 6 comprises at least one distribution chamber 11 of the aforementioned liquid suspension.

The application station 10 also comprises means 12 for feeding the liquid suspension towards the aforementioned distribution chamber 11.

The application station 10 also comprises at least one cylinder 13 for withdrawing the liquid suspension from the distribution chamber 11.

The application station 10 also comprises at least one distributor cylinder 14.

The distributor cylinder 14 is kept in rolling contact with the pickup cylinder 13.

The distributor cylinder 14, as better clarified below, has the function of applying the liquid suspension fed by the withdrawal cylinder 13 (containing fibers other than cellulose), on the first surface 2a (or on the second surface 2b) of the yielding laminar support 2, that is, in more detail on the first surface 2a (or on the second surface 2b) of the continuous belt 8 which passes through the application station 10.

It is specified that, in the case in which the finished product P, made with the paper material 1 comprising the aforementioned yielding laminar support 2, is made available in the form of a roll (as in the embodiment of figure 1), the continuous tape 8 on on which the liquid suspension is applied (containing fibers other than cellulose) which will form the fibrous layer 5 will, in subsequent processing stations not shown in detail, be wound on itself, for example on a core, or even according to a solution without winding core, with possible execution of pre-cuts 3 to allow the separation of single sheets 4 which can be used independently.

If, on the other hand, the product P, made with the paper material 1 comprising the aforementioned yielding laminar support 2, is made available in the form of handkerchiefs or wipes (as in the embodiment of Figure 2), the continuous tape 8 on to which the liquid suspension is applied (containing fibers other than cellulose) which will form the fibrous layer 5 will, in subsequent processing stations not shown in detail, be cut to size to obtain single yielding laminar supports 2 (that is, the handkerchiefs or wipes) , which will, for example, be subsequently stacked and packaged.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the withdrawal cylinder 13 and the distributor cylinder 14 of the application station 10 are associated with respective actuation means.

These actuation means are not shown in detail in the attached figures. The actuation means can comprise, for example, two motors, or two gearmotor assemblies, coupled respectively to the pick-up cylinder 13 and to the distributor cylinder 14, and enslaved to a single central control unit, which coordinates their operation.

In an embodiment of the invention, the actuation means of the pick-up cylinder 13 and of the distributor cylinder 14 can be controlled so that the cylinders 13,14 themselves rotate at different speeds, so as to be able to vary the suspension flow rate at will. liquid transferred from the sampling cylinder 13 to the distributor cylinder 14.

According to another aspect of the invention, the withdrawal cylinder 13 is of the type having a porous external surface, to ensure uniform withdrawal of the detergent / symfectant product from the distribution chamber 11.

In an embodiment of the invention, the pick-up cylinder 13 can be of the type known under the commercial name Anilox, with laser engraving, with a flow rate ranging from 0.1 gr / m <2> to 10 gr / m <2> .

In general, the flow rate varies according to the number of lines engraved on the surface of the cylinder per linear centimeter.

The number of engraved lines can be between 30 and 80 lines per centimeter, and the inclination of the lines themselves may not exceed 45 °.

In another embodiment of the invention, the withdrawal cylinder 13 can be of the mechanical engraving type; this solution can be particularly suitable in the case of using a high density liquid suspension, or for transferring particularly high liquid suspension flow rates.

In other embodiments of the invention, the withdrawal cylinder 13 could be of any other type suitable for ensuring uniform withdrawal of a certain flow rate of product from the distribution chamber 11.

In the event that a mechanical engraving pickup cylinder 13 is used, the application station 10 does not include any distributor cylinder 14, and instead, if necessary, a drying device can be provided to control the humidity of the final product.

Said drying device could be, for example, of the air type, or of the infrared type, or of the mixed type.

In an embodiment of the invention, the distributor cylinder 14 - if present - is lined with rubber, for example with a hardness of 60 Pusey & Jones (PJ).

The distributor cylinder 14 can comprise a superficial distribution of cells which allow a better transport and transfer of the liquid suspension, or allow to distribute the liquid suspension preferably (and in greater quantity) in certain areas of the yielding laminar support 2.

The distributor cylinder 14 is driven to rotate so that the peripheral speed of points belonging to its outer surface coincides with the speed of advancement of the continuous belt 8: in other words, there is no relative sliding between the surface of the distributor cylinder 14 and the continuous ribbon 8 itself.

The feeding means 12 comprise, more particularly, at least one tank 15, containing the liquid suspension.

At least one agitator 16 is associated with the tank 15; the agitator 16 avoids the formation of stratifications inside the tank 15.

The supply means 12 further comprise at least one supply manifold 17.

The supply manifold 17 puts the tank 15 in communication with the distribution chamber 11.

The feeding means 12 also comprise a pump 18; the pump 18 is provided along the supply manifold 17.

The pump 18 can be, for example, peristaltic, or with gears, or with a membrane, or of another type.

The pump 18 carries out the forced transfer of the liquid suspension from the tank 15 to the distribution chamber 11.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the supply manifold 17 flows into a plurality of secondary tubes 19.

The secondary pipes 19 are, in turn, communicating with the distribution chamber 11 at respective connection points 20 distributed along its width.

This expedient is schematically represented in figure 12.

The number of secondary tubes 19 used depends on the width of the equipment 6, and / or the width of the paper material 1 to be made. The connection points 20 between the secondary pipes 19 and the distribution chamber 11 are arranged, for example, along a row parallel to the axis of the cylinders 13,14.

In an embodiment of the invention, the supply manifold 17 can have a variable section, to ensure uniform pressure in all areas of the distribution chamber 11, and in particular in all the secondary pipes 19 which communicate with the aforementioned supply chamber. distribution 11.

The connection points 20 are positioned at mutual distances D chosen in such a way as to obtain a distribution as uniform as possible of the liquid suspension along the entire length of the sampling cylinder 13.

For example, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 12, the connection points 20 are arranged equally spaced apart, and positioned at a certain minimum distance D.

The minimum distance D can be for example about 10 cm; in fact, it has been estimated that, regardless of the characteristics of the liquid suspension, this minimum distance D in any case guarantees a uniform distribution of the product itself over the entire length of the pick-up cylinder 13.

Furthermore, this is the minimum distance D which guarantees uniform distribution of the liquid suspension over the entire length of the sampling cylinder 13 even in the event of possible partial or complete obstruction of one of the secondary pipes 19.

The feeding means 12 further comprise a return manifold 21.

The return manifold 21 puts the distribution chamber 11 in communication with the tank 15; it can be traversed in the opposite direction with respect to the supply manifold 17.

The presence of the return manifold 21 allows to keep the distribution chamber 11 always perfectly full of liquid suspension, so that its supply to the sampling cylinder 13 is never missing; any excess suspension, in fact, returns to the tank 15 just along the return manifold 21.

According to another aspect of the invention, in the event that the distributor cylinder 14 is present, the application station 10 of the apparatus 6 comprises winding means 22 of the continuous strip 8 around the distributor cylinder 14 itself.

The winding of the continuous tape 8 around the distributor cylinder 14 takes place for a predetermined winding angle a.

The winding of the continuous strip 8 around the distributor cylinder 14 - for a certain predetermined winding angle a - allows to obtain the optimal distribution and application of the liquid suspension on the first surface 2a, or on the second surface 2b, of the yielding laminar support 2 (i.e. of the continuous belt 8).

In other words, this winding makes it possible to make contact - between the surface of the distributor cylinder 14 which carries the liquid suspension, and the first surface 2a, or the second surface 2b, of the continuous strip 8 - sufficiently extended, and taking place for a sufficient time interval, so that there can be the effective transfer of the liquid suspension from the distributor cylinder 14 to the continuous belt 8, according to the desired modalities.

The choice of the aforementioned predetermined winding angle a depends on various parameters, such as the characteristics of the material with which the continuous strip 8 is made, the characteristics of the liquid suspension, and others.

It has been estimated that this predetermined winding angle a can vary between 15 ° and 90 °, in relation at least to the parameters listed above.

In an embodiment of the invention, it has been determined that the optimal value for the predetermined winding angle a is set at about 60 °.

The winding means 22 comprise, more particularly, a fixed roller 23. The fixed roller 23 is positioned downstream of the distributor cylinder 14, with reference to the direction of advancement of the continuous strip 8 (indicated by the arrow F in Figure 11).

Furthermore, the winding means 22 comprise an adjustable roller 24.

The adjustable roller 24 is positioned upstream of the distributor cylinder 14, with reference to the direction of advancement of the continuous belt 8.

Therefore, the continuous ribbon 8 is wound, proceeding in its direction of advancement indicated by the arrow F, around the adjustable roller 24, around the distributor cylinder 14 and around the fixed roller 23.

The adjustable roller 24 makes it possible to achieve the correct tension on the continuous belt 8 to obtain the desired predetermined angle of winding a of the continuous belt 8 around the distributor cylinder 14.

According to an aspect of the invention, the adjustable roller 24 is associated with respective translation means 25.

The translation means 25 operate in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of advancement F of the continuous belt 8.

The translation means 25, as shown schematically in Figure 11, allow the position of the adjustable roller 24 to be continuously varied with respect to the position of the distributor cylinder 14, in order to accurately obtain the predetermined desired winding angle a.

The translation means 25 can comprise, for example, a pneumatic linear actuator, or a hydraulic linear actuator, or again an electric linear actuator.

Downstream of the fixed roller 23, a possible drying station can be provided, which is crossed by the continuous belt 8 after the application of the liquid suspension.

The drying station, if provided, allows the paper material 1 thus produced to be brought to the desired dry state, or with the desired moisture content (for example around 4-5%, and in any case not exceeding 7%, as mentioned previously).

The drying station can be, for example, of the type with heated rollers, or of another type suitable for the present application.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the apparatus 6 can be installed, for example, in any plant for the production of paper (possibly already existing and functioning), or of other material suitable for making the required yieldable laminar support 2 of the type "Tissue" to obtain the desired paper product 1.

The means for advancing the continuous belt 8 through the application station 10 are not shown and described in detail since, as mentioned, in an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus 6 is intended to be installed in a smaller plant. complex (for example a tissue-type paper production plant) where means are already provided for advancing / dragging the continuous belt 8 through the various production stations.

However, this does not exclude the possibility that the apparatus 6 according to the invention may be made available in an autonomous version, that is, not installed in a more complex system that may already exist and operate.

In this case, the equipment 6 can be equipped with autonomous means for advancing the continuous belt 8 through the application station 10 of the liquid suspension.

It is specified that the apparatus 6 schematically represented in figure 11, being provided with a single application station 10, allows you to apply a fibrous layer 5 on one of the surfaces 2a, 2b of a single yielding laminar support 2.

It is possible to obtain a paper material 1 comprising several fibrous layers 5a, 5b (for example as in the embodiments of figures 5,6) by providing an apparatus 6, according to the invention, comprising two application stations 10, arranged specularly, which they operate respectively on the first surface 2a and on the second surface 2b of the same yielding laminar support 2.

In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus 6 can also comprise at least a coupling station of two yielding laminar supports 2 of the "tissue" type.

For example, this coupling station can be constituted, more specifically, by a gluing station, or by a station of another type suitable for connecting two yielding laminar supports 2 of the "tissue" type.

In this embodiment, therefore, the apparatus 6 - further provided with an appropriate number of application stations 10 of respective fibrous layers 5a, 5b, 5c - allows to produce a paper material 1 according to the embodiments of figures 7- 10.

The operation of the apparatus 6 according to the invention is, in the light of what has been described, completely intuitive.

Continuous web 8 is fed through application station 10 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 11.

The continuous ribbon 8, in its transit through the application station 10, winds the distributor cylinder 14 according to the desired predetermined winding angle a.

As mentioned, the distributor cylinder 14 is operated in such a way that the peripheral speed at its surface coincides with the speed of advancement of the continuous belt 8.

The pick-up cylinder 13, on the other hand, is operated with a rotation speed different from that of the distributor cylinder 14.

More in detail, the peripheral speeds of the cylinders 13,14, in correspondence with the respective surfaces, are different: for example, the actuation of the two cylinders 13,14 can be controlled so that the peripheral speed of the pickup cylinder 13 is lower. at the peripheral speed of the distributor cylinder 14: this allows to optimize and make more effective the transfer of the liquid suspension from the sampling cylinder 13 to the distributor cylinder 14.

The liquid suspension, present in the tank 15, is sent, by means of the pump 18, through the supply manifold 17; from this, it reaches the distribution chamber 11 through the secondary pipes 19.

As mentioned, the liquid suspension inside the distribution chamber 11 is taken from the sampling cylinder 13 with the desired flow rate, and is transferred by contact to the distributor cylinder 14.

From the latter, the product is transferred onto the first surface 2a, or onto the second surface 2b, of the continuous belt 8, which wraps the distributor cylinder 14 itself with the desired predetermined winding angle a.

The transfer of the liquid suspension from the distributor cylinder 14 to the continuous belt 8 takes place in ways that depend on the characteristics of the cylinders 13, 14: for example, it is possible to carry out a uniform or substantially uniform transfer, or in dots, spots, stripes, or combinations of the latter, in relation to specific needs.

After the superficial application of the liquid suspension, the continuous belt 8 can be subjected to possible drying, to bring its moisture content to values around 4-5%, and in any case not higher than about 7%.

Following this, the continuous belt 8 can be subjected to further processing, to define the configuration of the product P.

For example, the continuous tape 8 can be cut to obtain continuous tapes of smaller dimensions to be rewound into rolls or reels, or pre-cuts 3 can be made along the tape which allow to separate single sheets 4 which can be used independently; or again, the continuous ribbon 8 can be cut completely, at regular distances, so as to obtain single sheets / handkerchiefs / towels.

The finished product P thus obtained can then be suitably packaged to be stored and / or transferred to the distribution points.

The present invention also relates to a process for the production of a paper material 1; in particular, the aforesaid material comprises at least one yielding laminar support 2 of the "tissue" type comprising cellulose fibers. The yielding laminar support 2 comprises at least a first surface 2a and a second opposite surface 2b.

According to the invention, the process comprises at least one step of applying, at least on the first surface 2a and / or at least on the second surface 2b of the yielding laminar support 2, at least one fibrous layer 5; 5a, 5b; 5a, 5b, 5c comprising fibers other than cellulose, which confer certain tactile and / or olfactory and / or visual properties to said yielding laminar support 2.

In an embodiment of the invention, the paper material 1 obtained with the aforementioned process is the one having the characteristics previously described. It has thus been seen how the invention achieves the proposed purposes.

The apparatus 6 according to the present invention allows to obtain the effective application of fibrous layers 5, comprising fibers other than cellulose, on paper material of the "tissue" type so that the presence of the same fibers, although used in much lower quantities than other paper products of a known type, is distinctly perceived by the user in terms of tactile and / or visual and / or olfactory properties in the finished product.

The apparatus 6 in fact performs a real spreading, or lotion, of the liquid suspension on the surface of the yielding laminar support 2 so that the fibers other than cellulose are permanently bound, also thanks to the presence of the fixative introduced in the liquid suspension.

Equipment 6 can be easily installed in any "tissue" type paper material production plant (also called "converting" process in jargon): the manufacturing process of "tissue" material, however, is not modified at all in its essential phases.

The present invention has been described according to preferred embodiments, but equivalent variants can be conceived without departing from the scope of protection offered by the following claims.

Claims (23)

CLAIMS 1. Paper material (1), comprising at least one yielding laminar support (2) of the "tissue" type comprising cellulose fibers and having at least a first surface (2a) and a second surface (2b) opposite each other, characterized in that on at least one of said first surface (2a) and second surface (2b) is applied at least one fibrous layer (5; 5a, 5b; 5a, 5b, 5c) comprising fibers other than cellulose which confer certain properties to said yielding laminar support (2) tactile and / or olfactory and / or visual. 2. Material according to claim 1, wherein said compliant laminar support (2) comprises additives of the type of resins, polymers and the like, adapted to modify certain mechanical characteristics of said support (2), such as wet strength, absorbency , and others. 3. Material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said fibrous layer (5; 5a, 5b; 5a, 5b, 5c) comprises fibers of natural or synthetic origin, selected from silk fibers, cotton fibers, protein fibers milk, cellulose rayon, polylactic acid. 4. Material according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said fibrous layer (5; 5a, 5b; 5a, 5b, 5c) comprises further natural substances such as aloe, natural glycol, natural glycerines. 5. Material according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said fibrous layer (5; 5a, 5b; 5a, 5b, 5c) comprises at least one fixing agent suitable for binding said fibers on said yielding laminar support (2) without altering its characteristics. 6. Material according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said fibrous layer (5; 5a, 5b; 5a, 5b, 5c) is applied in an amount variable between 0.1 g / m <2> and 10 g / m <2 > in the dry state. 7. Material according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said fibrous layer (5; 5a, 5b; 5a, 5b, 5c) is applied continuously and uniformly, or substantially uniformly, on said first surface (2a) or on said second surface (2b), or said fibrous layer (5; 5a, 5b; 5a, 5b, 5c) is applied on said first surface (2a) or on said second surface (2b), in a discontinuous way according to a point distribution, or in spots, or in stripes, or a combination of the latter distributions, or again in order to create particular designs, logos, decorations or the like. 8. Material according to one of the preceding claims, comprising two or more yielding laminar supports (2) coupled together directly or with the interposition of one or more fibrous layers (5c). 9. Material according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said fibrous layer (5; 5a, 5b; 5a, 5b, 5c) is obtained starting from a liquid suspension of said fibers. 10. Apparatus (6) for the production of a paper material (1), said material comprising at least one yielding laminar support (2) of the "tissue" type comprising cellulose fibers, said yielding laminar support (2) having at least a first surface (2a) and a second opposite surface (2b), characterized in that it comprises at least one application station (10), at least on said first surface (2a) and / or at least on said second surface (2b), of at least one layer fibrous (5; 5a, 5b; 5a, 5b, 5c) comprising fibers other than cellulose which give said yielding laminar support (2) certain tactile and / or olfactory and / or visual properties, said fibrous layer (5; 5a, 5b ; 5a, 5b, 5c) being in the form of a liquid suspension containing said fibers. 11. Apparatus according to claim 10, comprising means for advancing said flexible laminar support (2) in the form of a continuous belt (8) which passes through said application station (10). 12. Apparatus according to one of claims 10, 11, wherein said liquid suspension is water-based or based on natural substances such as aloe, natural glycols, liquid natural glycerines, which remain in said fibrous layer (5; 5a, 5b; 5a , 5b, 5c) after drying of said liquid suspension. 13. Apparatus according to one of claims 10-12, wherein said liquid suspension comprises at least one fixing agent suitable for binding said fibers other than cellulose to said yielding laminar support (2), said fixing agent comprising glues based on carboxylmethylcellulose and / or starches and / or vinyl-based glues. 14. Apparatus according to one of claims 10-13, wherein in said liquid suspension said fibers other than cellulose have a maximum concentration of 25% by weight. 15. Apparatus according to one of claims 10-14, wherein said application station (10) comprises at least one distribution chamber (11) of said liquid suspension, means (12) for feeding said liquid suspension towards said distribution chamber ( 11), and at least one cylinder (13) for withdrawing said liquid suspension from said distribution chamber (11). 16. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein said application station (10) comprises at least one distributor cylinder (14) in rolling contact with said pick-up cylinder (13), for the application of said liquid suspension on said continuous belt (8). 17. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein said pick-up cylinder (13) and said distributor cylinder (14) are associated with respective controlled actuation means so that said cylinders (13,14) rotate at different speeds, so as to be able vary as desired the flow rate of liquid suspension transferred from said pickup cylinder (13) to said distributor cylinder (14). 18. Apparatus according to one of claims 15-17, wherein said feeding means (12) comprise at least one tank (15), containing said liquid suspension, provided with at least one agitator (16), and at least one feeding manifold (17 ) which puts said tank (15) in communication with said distribution chamber (11), along said supply manifold (17) at least one pump (18) being provided. 19. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, in which said supply manifold (17) leads into a plurality of secondary pipes (19) in turn communicating with said distribution chamber (11) at respective points of connection (20) distributed along its width, said supply manifold (17) having a variable section to ensure uniform pressure in all areas of said distribution chamber (11). 20. Apparatus according to one of claims 10-19, wherein said application station (10) comprises means (22) for winding the continuous ribbon (8) around said distributor cylinder (14) for a predetermined winding angle (a ). 21. Paper material (1), made with apparatus (6) according to one of claims 10-20. 22. Product (P) of the "tissue" type made with the paper material (1) according to one of claims 1-9. 23. Process for the production of a paper material (1), said material comprising at least one yielding laminar support (2) of the "tissue" type comprising cellulose fibers, said yielding laminar support (2) having at least a first surface (2a) and a second opposite surface (2b), characterized in that it comprises at least one step of applying, at least on said first surface (2a) and / or at least on said second surface (2b), at least one fibrous layer (5; 5a, 5b ; 5a, 5b, 5c) comprising fibers other than cellulose which give said yielding laminar support (2) certain tactile and / or olfactory and / or visual properties, said fibrous layer (5; 5a, 5b; 5a, 5b, 5c) being obtained starting from a liquid suspension of said fibers.