PL208881B1 - Production of a dyed patterned web - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for production of a three-dimensional dyed macropattern (20, 21) in a web (1, 101) of web-shaped flexible material. The method comprises a bonding device (4) being made, in interaction with the dye-coated tops (13) of the raised macroportions (10a), to form bonding points (15a) and three-dimensional bonding areas (15b) at the same time as the bonding areas (15b) and/or the bonding points (15a) are dyed, the three-dimensional dyed macropattern (20, 21) being formed in this operation.

Description

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing a three-dimensional colored macropattern in a web of flexible material and the web of flexible material.

In the manufacture of, for example, absorbent articles, it is known to mechanically emboss a three-dimensional pattern in one or more layers. It is also known to dye an embossed pattern so as to obtain a superior pattern.

It is also known to laminate two or more layers together into a multi-layer web to produce the final product. In this way, a softer and more pliable end product is obtained than in the production of a single layer with a thickness and weight per unit area corresponding to that of a laminate product. It is known that the lamination of two or more layers is accomplished by gluing. The adhesive may then be colored so as to color those parts of the laminate which have been glued together. One problem with this technique is what is known as glue permeation, i.e. the glue is forced through the layer and contaminates the backing cylinder. In addition, it is a widely known problem that adhesive contamination of other machinery and parts in the process.

Another problem with the use of an adhesive is the appearance of hard shell surfaces on one or both sides of the layer, which are unpleasant for the user. Moreover, the cured adhesive may be liquid impermeable and therefore may cause liquid permeability problems in the material. Other disadvantages of the adhesive are that it is consumed in large amounts and therefore causes undesirable costs.

Another problem with the use of colored glue is that it is difficult to combine with other bonding methods such as heat sealing, as the risk of glue penetration increases and there is also a risk of burning the glue and further contamination of the machine.

All the prior art methods of dyeing and bonding a multilayer web include the step of dyeing the bond points before or after the plies are joined. In the case of dyeing the bonding points prior to the bonding being made, the dye may flow out and cause an impure pattern problem. In the case of dyeing the bonding points after the joining has been performed, problems arise with the precision of the dyeing.

Therefore, it is desirable to find an improved dyeing and embossing process for the web. It is especially desirable to dye and bind the multilayer web together. Such a method should be an improved appearance pattern regardless of the thickness of the layers, but preferably for thin material. It is desirable that the article feels soft and comfortable for the user and aesthetically attractive due to a three-dimensional color pattern. The pattern should consist of three-dimensional bonding areas which are formed at the bonding points as well as dyeing the bonding areas and / or of the bonding points.

A method of producing a three-dimensional colored macropattern in a web of a flexible, web-shaped material, wherein providing at least portions of a patterning device having a three-dimensional macroparticle alternating raised macroportions and depressed macroportions into contact with the dye applying device such that the dye is applied to the patterning device only on the tops of the raised macroportions, the web is brought into contact with the tops of the dye coated raised macroportions such that the web is dyed according to a colored macroparticle corresponding to the design of the peaks of the raised macroportions, and the web is brought into contact with the device bonding which forms the bonding points in the web, as well as the three-dimensional bonding areas coinciding with the bonding points, according to the invention is characterized in that by means of a bonding device cooperating with the coating With dye at the tops of the raised macroportions, fused spots of the material are formed giving rise to the bonding points and three-dimensional bonding areas, and at the same time the fused areas of the bonding areas and / or the bonding points are dyed, this operation forming a three-dimensional colored macro pattern.

Preferably the web comprises a multilayer web comprising a first layer and a second layer of web-shaped flexible material, the first layer being brought into contact with the tops of the dye coated raised macroportions, the first layer being joined to the second layer in such a way that between they form bonding points, in which method the bonding points are formed by a bonding device connecting the first

The layer with the second layer in cooperation with the dye-coated tops and thus forms a three-dimensional macro-pattern on the multi-layer web in which the bonding areas and / or the bonding points are colored.

Preferably, the tops of the raised macroportions comprise a topographic surface comprising raised microparticles, in which method the raised microparticles are dye-coated and result in a three-dimensional colored macroparticle.

Preferably, the patterning device creates a three-dimensional macro pattern by means of an embossing cylinder.

Preferably, at least parts of the web comprise a thermally bondable material.

Preferably, the bonding device is used to create bonding points by creating fused spots in the web using an ultrasonic device.

Preferably the ultrasonic device is made to operate at a frequency above 18 kHz, preferably in the range 20-60 kHz and most preferably in the range 20-40 kHz.

Preferably, the bonding device is used to create bonding points in the web by fusing with the aid of a thrust cylinder.

Preferably, the dyeing is done with a non-stick dye.

A ribbon of flexible material with a three-dimensional colored macropattern, which ribbon comprises colored macropatterns, and which ribbon further comprises bonding points and three-dimensional bonding areas coinciding with the bonding points, according to the invention the bonding points consist of formed by the hardened fused spots of the bonding material produced by the bonding device interacting with the peaks of the raised macroportions of the patterning device, the bonding areas and / or the bonding points being colored with a dye by the peaks of the raised macroportions simultaneously with the formation of the bonding points, whereby this operation creates a three-dimensional colored macro pattern.

Preferably, the three-dimensional macropattern consists of a plurality of micropatterns, the micropattern being formed in the web by raised microparticles located at the tops of the raised macroportions.

Preferably the dye is non-sticky.

Preferably, the web is a multi-layer web comprising a first layer and a second layer of web-shaped flexible material, the first layer being colored by the peaks of the raised macroportions and connected to the second layer by bonding points formed by a bonding device connecting the first layer to the second layer. the layer in cooperation with the dye-coated tops simultaneously with the dyeing of the bonding areas and / or the bonding points, wherein a three-dimensional colored macro pattern is obtained in the multi-layer web.

Preferably, the web comprises a thermally bondable material.

Preferably, the molten material has been produced with an ultrasonic device or in the nip.

Preferably, the dye at the bonding points is attached to the bonding points by a molten material.

An apparatus for producing a three-dimensional colored macropattern in a web of flexible material, the apparatus comprising a patterning apparatus having a three-dimensional macroparticle alternating between extended raised macroportions and lowered macroportions, the apparatus further comprising a dye applicator device arranged to apply dye only to the vertices raised macroportions, the patterning device being arranged to dye the macroparticle-colored web, and the device further comprising a bonding device which is constructed to form bonding points in the web as well as three-dimensional bonding areas coinciding with the bonding points, according to the invention, is characterized in that the bonding device is designed such that, in interaction with the dye-coated tops of the raised macroportions, it forms fused spots which result in bonding points and a three-dimensional the bonding areas simultaneously with dyeing the bonding areas and / or the bonding points, a three-dimensional colored macro pattern being formed during this operation.

Preferably the web is a multi-layer web consisting of a first layer and a second layer of a ribbon-shaped flexible material, the first layer being constructed to

To be brought into contact with the apexes of the dye coated raised macroportions, the first layer being arranged to be bonded to the second layer in the bonding device between them, which bonding device forms the bonding points by bonding the first layer with the second layer in cooperation with the dye-coated tops, thereby forming a multi-layer web with a three-dimensional pattern, wherein the bonding areas and / or the bonding points are colored.

Preferably, the tops of the raised macroportions comprise a topographic surface containing microparticles, the raised microparticles being constructed to be dye coated and produce a three-dimensional colored macroparticle.

Preferably, the patterning device comprises an embossing cylinder.

Preferably, at least parts of the web comprise a thermally bondable material.

Preferably, the bonding device comprises an ultrasonic device.

Preferably, the ultrasonic device is designed to operate at a frequency above 18 kHz, preferably in the range 20-60 kHz and most preferably in the range 20-40 kHz.

Preferably, the bonding device comprises an abutment cylinder.

The object of the present invention was to solve the above-mentioned problems by providing an improved method of producing a three-dimensional colored macropattern in a web, preferably a multi-layer web, from a flexible, web-shaped material. The material in the web should be thermally bondable. Examples of such materials are a non-woven material comprising a thermally bondable material, wadding, foam and a plastic film made of, for example, polyethylene and polypropylene. The web is mainly intended to be used, after processing such as cutting, as a layer in an absorbent article, where the colored three-dimensional pattern is to face away from the user, but can also be applied to face the user.

The improved method is achieved by bringing at least portions of the patterning device which bear the three-dimensional macroparticle of alternating raised macroportions and lowered macroportions into contact with the dye applicator device such that a dye is applied to the patterning device. only at the tops of the raised macroportions. The web is brought into contact with the tops of the dye-coated raised macroportions such that the dyeing of the web follows a colored macropattern corresponding to the design of the peaks of the raised macroportions. Moreover, the web is brought into contact with the bonding device which forms the bonding points in the web as well as three dimensional bonding areas coinciding with the bonding points.

The bonding points are those parts of the material in the web that have been thermally bonded by the bonding device.

The bonding areas are those three-dimensional areas in the web that are formed at points coinciding with the bonding points resulting from the position of the peaks of the raised macroportions and the bonding points. The three-dimensional raised macroportions press the material in the web together in such a way that the web material is pressed in in the form of bonding areas coinciding with the bonding points. Moreover, the bonding points connect the material coinciding with the bonding areas to one another in such a way that the bonding areas do not return elastically to their original shape when the raised macroportions cease to act on the web.

The invention is characterized in that the bonding device is made in concert with the dye-coated peaks of the raised macroportions to form bonding points and three-dimensional bonding areas simultaneously with dyeing the bonding areas and / or the bonding points.

The bonding points are colored in those cases where the bonding points have a certain extent, which means that the bonding points coincide with the three-dimensional bonding areas. In addition, the bonding points are colored in those cases where the dye penetrates into the material as it reaches the bonding points. Therefore, the bonding point may be completely or partially colored. Since the bond point consists of a hardened melt material, the dye preferably mixes at least partially with the melt as the bond point is formed. The above dyeing depends on the properties of the dye together with the properties of the web material.

As already mentioned, the bonding device forms a three-dimensional macro-pattern in the web at the same step as the patterning device forms a colored macro-pattern. Thanks to this,

When the three-dimensional macro-pattern is formed at the same points as the colored macro-pattern, a three-dimensional colored macro-pattern is formed.

Thus, the dye-coated vertices of the raised macroportions result in the simultaneous formation of both a three-dimensional macro-pattern (in the form of bond points and three-dimensional bonding areas) and a colored macro-pattern. Due to the fact that the three-dimensional macro-pattern is formed in the same step and in the same place as the colored macro-pattern, the staining of the three-dimensional bonding areas and / or bonding points is very accurate, and the three-dimensional colored pattern is clean and gives a good visual effect.

Forming a three-dimensional macro pattern and dyeing a three-dimensional pattern simultaneously and at the same points offers a number of advantages. For example, the use of the method of the invention results in the dyeing of an embossed pattern in the web and the embossed pattern coinciding at the same points regardless of the speed of the production line. Therefore, the invention makes it possible to maintain a high production speed and a good quality three-dimensional pattern. In the prior art, the web is embossed on one occasion and colored on another, making it difficult to precisely align the colored pattern with the three-dimensional embossed macro pattern. In such cases, blurry and imprecise colored three-dimensional macro patterns are common, resulting in a poor visual effect with jagged and indistinct imprints.

Another advantage of the invention is that not all peaks need to be dye coated, but those peaks that have not been dye coated form the bonding points and a three dimensional macropattern that is not colored. The freedom to choose to create a pattern product consisting of both colored and non-colored three-dimensional macropatterns is of course an advantage for the manufacturer.

When the web consists of a single layer, bonding points are formed within the layer at the same time as the raised macroportions press the layer together at the bonding points, the three-dimensional bonding areas being imprints in the material coinciding with the bonding points. The bonding points ensure that the three-dimensional bonding area retains its shape since the layer cannot return to its original shape due to the existence of the bonding points. A great advantage of having the bonding points within the layer is that the bonding points, which are often hard, are not located in the surface layer of the web and therefore cannot irritate the user.

In one embodiment of the invention, the web comprises a multi-layer web including a first layer and a second layer of web-shaped flexible material. The first layer is brought into contact with the tops of the dye coated raised macroportions. Moreover, the first layer is connected to the second layer in such a way that bonding points are formed therebetween.

In the embodiment considered, the bonding device creates bonding points by bonding the first layer to the second layer in cooperation with the dye-coated tops, resulting in a multi-layer web with a three-dimensional tinted pattern, where the bonding areas and / or the bonding points are colored.

In said embodiment, the bonding points are preferably formed between the layers with a certain spread between the layers. Exactly as with a single layer web, bonding points are formed simultaneously with compression by the raised macroportions of the layers together, the three-dimensional bonding areas appearing as imprints in the material in the web coinciding with the bonding points. The bonding points ensure that the three-dimensional bonding area keeps its shape as the two layers cannot return to their original shape due to the bonding points.

In this embodiment with two layers, the mentioned advantages of the invention are especially apparent. As already mentioned, it is known to join a layer made with a colored pattern consisting of colored glue with another layer made with an embossed pattern, which creates problems with the accuracy of the timing of the joining of the two patterns. In addition, the tinted layer may smear around the embossed parts and create a blurry macro pattern. In those cases where dyeing takes place after bonding, there are also problems with the accuracy of the dyeing. Such problems are overcome by the invention according to said embodiment, since the embossing, the joining of the layers via the bonding points and the dyeing of the pattern take place at the same time, i.e. in one step.

PL 208 881 B1

In another embodiment of the invention, the tops of the raised macroportions include a topographic surface consisting of the raised macroportions. In the concept according to the invention, the tops of the raised macroportions, which in said embodiment consist of the raised macroportions, are coated with a dye. Therefore, the raised macropatterns are coated with a dye and micro-patterned in the macro-patterns in such a way that a three-dimensional colored macro-pattern becomes visible. The raised microparticles may be constructed in any known manner, such as cylindrical features, diamond features, corrugated features, etc. During formation of the macroparticle, there is typically an spread of dye between the raised microparticles and the formation of a relatively uniform dye distribution throughout the macropattern. There may also be a situation where the macro pattern consists of multiple micropatterns that create the visual impression of an even color of the macro pattern when the observer is some distance away from the pattern.

The raised microparticles can further produce bonding micro-points and three-dimensional bonding micro-areas overlapping with the raised micro-parts in the same way as the raised macroportions produce bonding points and three-dimensional bonding areas. In such cases, the bonding points consist of a plurality of bonding micropoints and the three-dimensional bonding areas of the same number of three-dimensional bonding micro areas.

In those cases where there are no raised microparticles, the macro-pattern obviously consists of a three-dimensional bonding area with dimensions that correspond to the dimensions of the top of the raised macroportions. In this case, the staining of the bonding points and the three-dimensional bonding areas will be evenly distributed throughout the macro pattern.

In another embodiment of the invention, the pattern device comprises an embossing cylinder or a pattern cylinder that forms a three-dimensional macro pattern. The patterning device may also consist of a die with raised macroportions and lowered macroportions or a conveyor belt with raised macroportions and lowered macroportions.

As already mentioned, the web should be processed in such a way that bond points are formed. This is done by the technique of thermal joining the material. Since the bonding points are to be formed by a thermal bonding technique, at least parts of the web should contain a thermally bondable material. Such materials are well known and may consist of individual fibers that bond with other thermally bondable fibers or that bond together non-thermally bondable fibers.

In one embodiment of the invention, the bonding device consists of an ultrasonic device which creates bonding points by melting the web. The ultrasonic device is made to operate at a frequency above 18 kHz, preferably in the range 20-60 kHz and most preferably in the range 20-40 kHz.

One of the advantages of an ultrasonic device is the formation of a molten material inside the material in the case of a single layer web or between the layers in the case of a multi-layer web such that the hardened melt which forms the bonding points does not appear outside the web. As already mentioned, this is an advantage since the user does not experience discomfort from the rigid bonding points.

In another embodiment, the bonding device forms the bonding points in the web via melts by using an anvil cylinder pressed against the patterning device. In such a device, frictional heat is applied to the material to create a fused spot in the web at points marked by raised macroportions and any raised microparticles. The heat of friction depends on the pressure developed in the material between the thrust cylinder and the patterning device and also depends on the speed of the various parts.

When using a backing cylinder, the backing cylinder and / or patterning device may be hot, or both may be cold. The hot device applies heat to the web as some materials may require more heat to form the bond points or to accelerate the melting process at the bond points.

Preferably, in the invention, a non-stick dye is used to dye the web. In this way, production is cheaper and the risk of production-inhibiting contamination of the machines used in the production process is reduced.

Non-sticky dye means a dye that is not intended to bind fibers or multiple layers together. Therefore, the dye need not be a repellent for all materials, but

The dye bonds the various materials in a manner that is normal for a color pigment or a colorant pigment in a liquid solution. In case the dye has slightly sticky properties, that is to say if the dye, as a secondary effect or more randomly, is capable of sticking fibers or films together, such dye need not be excluded from the inventive concept. The main criterion is that the dye should not have the adhesive effect that is intended to form bond points in the material or between different layers. An example of such an adhesive dye is colored adhesive.

One advantage of using a non-adhesive dye is that the disadvantages indicated in the description of the prior art in this field can be avoided. An example of such an advantage is that glue infiltration is avoided, resulting in a soft, user-friendly product. In addition, part contamination problems occurring in the process are avoided.

The invention also relates to an article produced by the method according to the invention described above. Such a product consists of a web or part of the web having a pattern of the product consisting of one or more macropatterns some or all of which may be colored according to the invention.

Thus, such a web consists of a web-shaped flexible material with a three-dimensional colored macro pattern. The web has bonding points and three-dimensional bonding areas that coincide with the bonding points. The product is characterized in that the bonding points consist of a hardened molten material from the bonding material produced by the bonding device in cooperation with the tops of the raised macroportions of the patterning device. The bonding points and the three-dimensional bonding areas lead to the formation of a three-dimensional macro pattern in the web. The bonding areas and / or the bonding points have been stained with a dye through the tops of the raised macroportions simultaneously with the formation of the bonding points, a three-dimensional colored macropattern being formed in this operation.

A preferred embodiment of the product is one in which the web consists of two layers which have been treated according to the method of the above embodiments.

The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method of manufacturing the above product. The device includes a patterning device having a three-dimensional macropattern of alternating raised macroportions and lowered macroportions. The device further comprises a dye application device configured to apply dye only to the tops of the raised macroportions. The patterning device is arranged to color the web with a colored macro pattern. The device also includes a bonding device that is designed to form bonding points in the web as well as three-dimensional bonding areas coinciding with the bonding points.

The device is characterized in that the bonding device is designed such that, in cooperation with the dye-coated tops of the raised macroportions, it forms bonding points and three-dimensional bonding areas at the same time as dyeing the bonding areas and / or the bonding points, resulting in the operation of this operation. three-dimensional colored macro pattern.

Previously, the advantages of using certain special devices, for example an ultrasonic device and an embossing cylinder, have been mentioned.

In the case of two layers, the device is arranged so that it preferably causes the bonding device to act simultaneously on the first layer, the second layer and the dye-coated raised macroportions of the embossing cylinder, thereby achieving an accurate coloring of the desired three-dimensional pattern.

In the present invention, the terms bonding points and bonding areas mean any shape of the bonding points, and thus bonding areas. Examples of such shapes are dots, lines, or any other geometric shape. The raised macroportions of the pattern maker cause the bonding points to form, which makes it possible to construct raised macroportions of an embossing cylinder of any geometrical shape.

According to the invention, in the case of a multi-layer web, the first layer and / or the second layer is / are thermally bondable. Examples of such materials are fibrous materials containing at least partially thermally bondable materials. The amount of thermally bondable materials should be so large that a fused spot is formed which can join the two layers. Such materials may consist of thermally bondable polymers, for example polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene or the like. Furthermore, these materials may consist of mixtures of thermally bondable polymers and / or other fibrous materials.

PL 208 881 B1

As already mentioned, the invention can advantageously be used to produce a colored three-dimensional web which, after processing, can be used in an absorbent article such as a diaper, an incontinence pad, panty liner, sanitary napkin or the like. A hygiene product usually consists of a number of layers arranged in a layer structure, one layer of which is the backing layer, the other layer is the top layer, and the next layer is the absorbent body interposed therebetween. In addition, a spreading layer can be used. These different layers may advantageously consist of a part of a colored, three-dimensional patterned web of the type with which the invention relates.

The various layers can be comprised of a large number of materials to which the present invention can be applied. Examples of such materials are given below in the description of the absorbent article.

Pad

The liquid-blocking backing layer consists of a liquid-impermeable material.

Thin, liquid-impermeable plastic films are suitable for this purpose, but it is also possible to use materials which are originally liquid-permeable but provided with a coating of plastic, resin or other liquid-tight material. In this way, leakage of liquid from the underside of the absorbent article is prevented. Thus, the barrier layer may consist of any material that meets the criteria of liquid impermeability and is sufficiently pliable and skin-friendly for this purpose.

Examples of materials that are suitable for barrier layers are plastic films, nonwovens and laminates thereof. The plastic film can be made of, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene or polyester. Alternatively, the barrier layer may consist of a laminate of a liquid-impermeable plastic layer facing the absorbent body and a nonwoven fabric facing the wearer's underwear. This construction provides a leakproof barrier layer with a textile feel. The liquid-blocking backsheet may also consist of a vapor-permeable material. Such a breathable backsheet can be made, for example, of a material known as SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) material or a breathable plastic film consisting of polyethylene. Such a plastic film is described in EP 283 200. In order to keep the air permeable even after the material has been used in the product, the bottom of the product should not be completely covered by the fastening means.

Top layer

The topsheet may be made of any conventional material, for example a non-woven fabric, a perforated plastic film or a laminate of a perforated plastic film with a non-woven material. It is also possible to use a cable (tow) that is a continuous filament fibrous web or a material made of foam.

Absorbent core

The absorbent body is suitably made of one or more layers of cellulose pulp. This pulp may initially be made in the form of coils, bales or ribbons which, during the manufacture of the sanitary napkin, are dry defibrated and fluff processed to form a pulp mat, sometimes with the addition of what are called superabsorbents, which are polymers capable of absorbing water or body secretions in amounts several times their own weight. An alternative solution is to dry-form a pulp mat as described in WO 94/10956. Examples of other absorbent materials that can be used are different types of natural fiber such as cotton fibers, peat or the like. Of course, absorbent synthetic fibers or particles of a highly absorbent polymeric material of the type that, on absorption, chemically binds large amounts of liquid to form a liquid-containing gel, or mixtures of natural fibers with synthetic fibers, can of course also be used. The absorbent body may also include other components such as shape stabilizing agents, liquid distributing agents or binding agents such as, for example, thermoplastic fibers that have been heat treated to keep the short fibers and particles together in a coherent unit. It is also possible to use different types of absorbent foam material in the absorbent body.

The invention is also applicable to transparent materials.

In one embodiment, the web comprising one layer has a weight per unit area of 5-100 g / m ^2, preferably 8-40 g / m ^2, and most preferably 8-30 g / m ^2. In the case of a web consisting of two layers, each layer may have a weight per unit area as above.

PL 208 881 B1

Fig. 1 shows schematically a device for carrying out the method in an embodiment according to the invention, comprising an ultrasonic device and a web composed of two layers, fig. 2 schematically shows a device for carrying out the method in an embodiment according to the invention. , comprising an ultrasonic device and a single-layer web, Fig. 3 schematically shows an apparatus for carrying out the method in an embodiment according to the invention, comprising an abutment cylinder and a two-layer web, Fig. 4 schematically shows a pattern apparatus according to the invention with raised macroportions containing raised microparticles, Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a pattern of the product according to the invention, consisting of macropatterns and micropatterns.

Figure 1 shows schematically a device for carrying out the method in an embodiment according to the invention. 1 shows a multilayer web 101 consisting of a first layer 2 and a second layer 3 of a web-shaped flexible material. A multilayer web 101 extends between a bonding device 4 in the form of an ultrasonic device 5 and a pattern device in the form of an embossing cylinder 6. Fig. 1 also shows a dye application device 7 consisting of a dyeing bath 8 in the form of a reservoir filled with dye, and a cylinder 9. applying the dye. The dye application cylinder 9 is partially immersed in the reservoir and is thus coated with the dye in that part of the dye application cylinder 9 which is immersed. There are many possible application techniques for dyeing the tops with dye, for example by a series of multiple cylinder systems and a doctor blade chamber. However, in order to facilitate the understanding of the invention, only one dye-applying cylinder 9 and one doctor blade 17 are shown in Fig. 1.

In Fig. 1, the multi-layer web 101 runs in the direction of the arrow, that is to say from left to right in this figure. Embossing cylinder 6 rotates in a clockwise direction so that it is able to rotate in a multi-layer web 101. Dye application cylinder 9 rotates counterclockwise so that it is able to rotate with the embossing cylinder 6.

The embossing cylinder 6 has a three-dimensional pattern of alternating raised macroportions 10a and lowered macroportions 11. The raised macroportions 10a are brought into contact with the dye-applying cylinder 9 such that the dye is applied to the embossing cylinder 6 only at the tops 13 the raised parts 10a. The dye-applying device 7 includes a doctor blade 17 that acts on the dye-applying cylinder 9. When the dye application cylinder 9 rotates in dyeing bath 8, dye is applied to the surface of rotating dye application cylinder 9 in the form of dye layer 12a. The doctor blade 17 provides the desired thickness of the dye layer 12a due to the doctor blade 17 being positioned at a distance from the surface of the dye applying cylinder 9 that corresponds to the desired thickness of the dye layer 12a. The thickness of the dye layer 12a determines the thickness of the dye layer 12b applied to the tops of the raised macroportions 10a. The pattern device may also consist of another device suitable for this purpose, for example carved cylinders.

In Fig. 1 it is shown that the first layer 2 is brought into contact with the dye coated tip 13 of the raised macroport 10a. In association with the first layer 2 coming into contact with the raised dye-coated top 13, the multi-layer web 101 passes through the ultrasonic device 5. The ultrasonic device 5 applies ultrasonic waves towards the raised macroportions 10a in a known manner. The ultrasonic waves act on the material in the multilayer web 101 in such a way that they increase the temperature and cause the thermally sensitive material to melt, resulting in melting between the layers 2, 3. According to the invention, the first layer 2 and / or the second layer 3 comprises a material capable of sufficient thermal bonding to form a molten spot.

Melting produces bonding points 15a between the layers 2, 3 that connect the two layers. The bonding points 15a, together with the raised macroportions 10a, in turn, result in bonding areas 15b formed to coincide with the bonding points 15a.

The ultrasonic device 5 is positioned such that its active arm applies contact pressure to the web, but at a distance from the tops 13 of the raised macroportions 10a. The distance between the shoulder and the vertices 13, together with the frequency with which the device operates

5, affects the material in a known manner, so that bonding points 15a and bonding areas 15b are formed.

The bonding points 15a and the bonding areas 15b form a three-dimensional macropattern (see Fig. 5) in the multi-layer web 101. Preferably, the bonding area 15b has a pattern corresponding to the structure of the top 13 of the raised macroparticle 10a. The bonding points 15a also have an appearance which, in the direction of the web, corresponds to the top 13 of the raised macroportions 10a. The thickness of the bond point may vary depending on the properties of the ultrasonic device 5 as well as the material in the different layers. Thickness is the extent of the extent generally at right angles to the direction of the web 101.

In Fig. 1 it is shown that the three-dimensional macro pattern 15b is only formed in the first layer 2, but in fact the second layer 3 will also be provided with some three-dimensional property, since the bonding points 15a pull the material in the two layers 2, 3 together at the bonding points. . The reason for the three-dimensional macropattern 20, 21 shown as bonding regions 15b in the first layer 2 only is that the raised macroportions 10a of the embossing cylinder 6, together with the bonding points 15a between the layers 2, 3, result in a distinct three-dimensional pattern in the first layer 2.

Figure 1 shows that the dye-coated tops 13 bear against the first layer 2 at the same time as the action of the ultrasonic device 5 on the multi-layer web 101. At the same time as the bonding points 15a and the bonding areas 15b are formed, the dye-coated tops 13 abut against bonding areas 15b. Thus, the bonding areas 15b are colored at the same time as they are formed, thereby producing a colored three-dimensional macro pattern 120.

The method shown in Fig. 1 creates a bonding point 15a between the first layer 2 and the bonding area 15b in the second layer 3 with an appearance corresponding to the shape of the apex 13 of the raised macroport 10a. Moreover, the method according to the invention provides a dyeing 14 of the bonding area 15b, which also corresponds to the shape of the top 13 of the raised macroport 10a. Thus, this method results in clear and sharp dyeing and embossing of the multilayer web 101 as a colored three-dimensional macropattern 120.

Fig. 1 shows that the colored portion 14 of the first layer 2 has a colored bonding point 15a and a colored bonding area 15b. Depending on the material properties of the web, the properties of the dye, and the properties of the melt, parts or the entire melt may be dyed.

One of the advantages of using ultrasonic waves is that the melt forms in the boundary layer between the materials and propagates from there. Depending on the properties of the material, the pressure between the ultrasonic device and the raised macroparts, and the frequency of the ultrasonic waves, a melt may thus be formed in the bonded web, this melt not passing through any or only one surface of the web. This results in a softer and better product, since there is no hardened fused surface on the surface that may irritate the user.

Figure 2 shows another embodiment of the invention, in which the bonding device 4 consists of an ultrasonic device 5 and web 1 consists of only one layer 2b.

The process according to the invention described in Fig. 1 with the simultaneous dyeing and embossing also acts on a web 1 consisting of one layer 2b.

In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the ultrasonic device acts on the dye-coated tops 13 of the raised macroportions 10a, a melt formed inside the layer at the same time as dyeing occurs. The fused spot produces bonding points 15a and bonding areas 15b exactly as in the multilayer web of Fig. 1.

The difference between a multi-layer web and a single-layer web 2b is that the bonding points 15a in the multi-layer web are formed between the layers, while the bonding points in the single-layer web 1 2b are formed inside the layer 2b. Nevertheless, the bonding points 15a in Fig. 2 give rise to the same type of bonding areas 15b as in Fig. 1, which bonding areas 15b in turn produce a three-dimensional macro pattern.

Fig. 2 shows that the dyeing of the bonding areas 15b takes place at the same time as the formation of the bonding points 15a and the bonding areas 15b. Fig. 2 shows that the colored portions 14 overlap with the bonding areas 15b such that a colored 3D is produced.

Pattern 120. The dyeing of the web is discussed in detail in connection with the description of Fig. 1 and also applies to the embodiment of Fig. 2.

Fig. 3 shows schematically a device for carrying out a method according to another embodiment of the invention. In Fig. 3, the bonding device 4 comprises a counter cylinder 16 for pressing the multi-layer web 101 against the tops 13 of the dye-coated raised macroportions 10a in the nip gap. In other respects, the devices and layers shown in Fig. 3 correspond to the devices and layers shown in Fig. 1.

The supporting cylinder 16 and the embossing cylinder 6 press the multi-layer web 101 together in such a way that the temperature rises and a molten spot is created. As in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, a melted material is formed at the bonding points 15a between the first layer 2 and the second layer 3. As in the above-described embodiments, the bonding points 15a result in bonding areas 15b which in turn result in a three-dimensional macro pattern. A dye from the tops of the dye coated with raised macroportions 10a stains the bond areas 15b in the same manner as previously described, producing a colored three-dimensional pattern 120.

The melt spot in the embodiment of Fig. 3 may extend over two layers such that at the melt point the dye may be fully or partially mixed, with a colored, distinct embossing in the multi-layer web 101 at the bond points 15a. be used on a single layer web as described in Fig. 2.

The back-up cylinder 16 may be hot or cold, whichever is most favorable with regard to the choice of material in the multi-layer web 101. Furthermore, the embossing cylinder 6 may be hot or cold depending on the choice of material in the multi-layer web 101. Since the described rolling technique produces precipitation the heat that is emitted from the cylinders, the melt, i.e. the bonding point, is visible on at least the side of the web from which the hot cylinder acts.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the peaks 13 of the raised macroportions 10a comprise a topographic surface containing the raised microparticles 10b. 4 shows two raised macroportions 10a and a lowered macropartion 11 in an enlarged scale. According to the inventive concept, the peaks 13 of the raised macroportions 10a, which peaks in said embodiment consist of raised macroportions 10b, are dye coated. Thus, the raised micropartments 10b are dye-coated and cause micropatterns (see Fig. 5) in the above-mentioned macropattern such that a three-dimensional colored macropattern becomes visible.

The raised microparticles 10b can be constructed in any known manner, for example as cylindrical features, rhombic features, undulating features, etc. Figure 4 shows raised microparticles as cylindrical features 24 on one raised macroportions 10a and raised microparticles 25 on the second raised macropart 10a. Thus, the raised macroportions can be constructed in various ways in order to produce different types of macropatterns in the web.

When the macro-pattern is formed, the dye generally spreads between the raised microparticles 10b and causes a relatively uniform distribution of the dye throughout the macro-pattern. There may also be a situation where only the raised micropartments 10b are dye coated, the macropattern being composed of a plurality of micropatterns which create a visual impression to the observer of uniformly colored macropattern when the observer is at a distance from the pattern.

Moreover, the raised microparticles 10b can create bonding micro-points and three-dimensional bonding micro-areas overlapping the raised micro-parts in the same way as the raised macroportions create bonding points and three-dimensional bonding areas. In such cases, the bonding points consist of a number of bonding micropoints and three-dimensional bonding areas of the same number of three-dimensional bonding micro-areas.

In those cases where there are no raised microparticles, the macro-pattern obviously consists of a three-dimensional bonding area with a dimension corresponding to that of the top of the raised macroportions. In this case, the color of the bonding points and the three-dimensional bonding areas will be evenly distributed over the entire macro pattern.

PL 208 881 B1

Fig. 5 shows schematically an article / web 18 with a pattern 19 of a product according to the invention. The product pattern 19 includes macropatterns 20, 21 and micropatterns 22. Figure 5 shows an oval macro pattern 20a, 20b and a rectangular macro pattern 21a, 21b. The macropatterns 20a and 21a are tinted and represent tinted three-dimensional macropatterns with which the present invention pertains. The macropatterns labeled 20b and 21b are unstained and represent the three-dimensional macropatterns that result from the formation of the bonding points and bonding areas described in connection with Figures 1-3, where no staining of the bonding areas has occurred.

The different macro patterns 20a, 20b, 21a and 21b together result in a product pattern 19. Thus, the article pattern 19 may be selected to consist wholly or partially of colored macropatterns of different patterns.

Fig. 5 also shows the dither 22 in the macro pattern. The micropatterns 22 consist of black dots in different macro patterns 20a, 20b, 21 and 21b, and may themselves, like the macro patterns, be colored or uncolored.

The method is not limited to what has been disclosed in the above embodiments, but may be varied within the scope of the appended claims. For example, it may be mentioned that the present invention can be used to create a pattern of a product comprising a number of differently colored three-dimensional macropatterns and furthermore a number of three-dimensional macropatterns that are not colored. These macro patterns can be of different colors and appearances. One advantage of the invention is that the patterning device can easily be dye coated in different parts and in different colors, the method described above providing a pattern of the product that is sharp and clear to the viewer.

Another example is the possibility of coating the tops with a coloring powder applied to the tops by means of electrostatic fields. Another alternative to dye coating the tops could be to introduce a dye ribbon or a colored layer with the ribbon that gives the ribbon color to those parts of the ribbon that contact the tops.

Claims (24)

A method for producing a three-dimensional colored macropattern (20, 21) in a web (1, 101) of a flexible, web-shaped material, wherein at least parts of a pattern device (6) are provided which has a three-dimensional macropattern of alternately raised raised macroportions (10a) and lowered macroportions (11) into contact with the dye applying device (7) such that the dye is applied to the patterning device (6) only at the tops (13) of the raised macroportions (10a), the web is brought into contact with the tops (13) of the dye-coated raised macroportions (10a) in such a way that the web is dyed according to a colored macropattern corresponding to the design of the peaks of the raised macroportions (10a), which web is brought into contact with the bonding device (4) that forms the points the bonding points (15a) in the web, as well as the three-dimensional bonding areas (15b) coinciding with the bonding points (15a), characterized by that by means of the bonding device (4) cooperating with the dye-coated tops (13) of the raised macroportions (10a), fused spots of the material are formed, giving rise to the bonding points (15a) and three-dimensional bonding areas (15b), and that the fused spots in the areas bonding points (15b) and / or bonding points (15a), a three-dimensional colored macro pattern (20, 21) being formed during this operation. 2. The method according to p. The method of claim 1, characterized in that the web (1) consists of a multilayer web (101) comprising a first layer (2) and a second layer (3) of web-shaped flexible material, the first layer (2) being brought into contact with the tops. (13) dye-coated raised macroportions (10a), the first layer (2) being joined to the second layer (3) such that bonding points (15a) are formed between them, in which method bonding points (15a) are formed. ) by means of a bonding device (4) connecting the first layer (2) to the second layer (3) in cooperation with the dye-coated tops (13) and thus a three-dimensional macro-pattern (20, 21) is formed on the multilayer web (101), wherein the bonding areas (15b) and / or the bonding points (15a) are colored. 3. The method according to p. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tops of the raised macroportions (10a) comprise a topographic surface comprising the raised microparticles (10b), wherein In the process, the raised microparticles (10b) are coated with a dye, and they result in a three-dimensional colored macro-pattern (20, 21). 4. The method according to any of claims 1 to 4 according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the pattern device creates a three-dimensional macro pattern by means of an embossing cylinder (6). 5. A method according to any one of the claims Any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least parts of the web comprise a thermally bondable material. 6. The method according to p. 5. The method of claim 5, characterized in that by means of the bonding device (4), the bonding points (15a) are created by creating fused spots in the web using an ultrasonic device (5). 7. The method according to p. 6. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that the ultrasonic device (5) is made to operate at a frequency above 18 kHz, preferably in the range 20-60 kHz and most preferably in the range 20-40 kHz. 8. The method according to p. The method as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that by means of the bonding device (4), the bonding points (15a) are created in the web (1) by creating fused spots with the aid of the anvil cylinder (16). 9. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 the foregoing, characterized in that the dyeing is carried out with a non-adhesive dye. 10. A web (1, 101) of flexible web-shaped material with a three-dimensional colored macropattern (20, 21), the web having colored macropatterns, and the web further comprising bonding points (15a) and three-dimensional bonding areas (15b) covering with the bonding points (15a), characterized in that the bonding points (15a) consist of hardened fused spots of the bonding material produced by the bonding device (4) interacting with the tops (13) of the raised macroportions (10a) of the patterning device ( 6), which bonding areas (15b) and / or bonding points (15a) are dyed with a dye by means of the peaks (13) of the raised macroportions (10a) simultaneously with the formation of the bonding points (15a), a three-dimensional formation being formed during this operation. colored macro pattern (20, 21). 11. The ribbon according to claim 11 The micropattern according to claim 10, characterized in that the three-dimensional macropattern (20, 21) consists of a plurality of micropatterns (22), the micropattern (22) being produced in the web (1) by means of raised microparticles (10b) located at the vertices (13) of the raised macroportions ( 10a). 12. The ribbon according to claim 1, The method of claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the dye is non-sticky. 13. The ribbon as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 10-12, characterized in that the web (1) is a multilayer web (101) comprising a first layer (2) and a second layer (3) of web-shaped flexible material, the first layer being colored by the raised peaks (13) the macroparticles (10a) and is connected to the second layer (3) by bonding points formed by a bonding device (4) connecting the first layer (2) to the second layer (3) in cooperation with the dye-coated tops (13) simultaneously with the dyeing bonding areas (15b) and / or bonding points (15a), in which way a three-dimensional colored macropattern (20, 21) is produced in the multi-layer web (101). 14. The ribbon according to any one of claims 1 to 14 10. The apparatus of claim 10-13, characterized in that the web comprises a thermally bondable material. 15. The ribbon as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 10-14, characterized in that the melt is produced by means of an ultrasonic device (5) or in a clamping gap. 16. The web of any one of claims 16 to 16; The method of claim 10-15, characterized in that the dye at the bonding points (15a) is fixed at the bonding points (15a) by a molten material. 17. An apparatus for producing a three-dimensional colored macropattern (21, 22) in the web (1,101) of a flexible material, the apparatus (23) comprising a pattern apparatus (6) having a three-dimensional macropattern of alternately extended raised macroportions (10a) and depressed macroportions (11), the device (23) further comprising a dye applicator device (7) arranged to apply a dye only to the tops (13) of the elevated macroportions (10a), the pattern device being arranged to dyed a colored macro pattern web (21, 22), and the device (23) further comprises a bonding device (4) which is designed to form bonding points (15a) in the web (1) as well as three dimensional bonding areas (15b) coinciding with the bonding points (15a), characterized in that the bonding device (4) is designed so as to cooperate with the dye-coated tops (13) of the raised macroportions ( 10a) formed fused spots that create bonding points (15a) and three-dimensional bonding areas (15b) simultaneously By dyeing the bonding areas (15b) and / or the bonding points (15a), a three-dimensional colored macro pattern (20, 21) being formed during this operation. 18. The device according to claim 1 17, characterized in that the web is a multilayer web (101) consisting of a first layer (2) and a second layer (3) of web-shaped flexible material, the first layer (2) being arranged to be brought into contact with the tops (13) of the dye-coated raised macroportions (10a), which first layer (2) is constructed so that, in the bonding device (4), it is joined to the second layer (3) at the bonding points (15a) therebetween, which bonding device (4) forms the bonding points by joining the first layer (2) to the second layer (3) in co-operation with the dye-coated peaks (13), thereby forming a multilayer web (101) with a three-dimensional pattern, wherein the regions the bonding points (15b) and / or the bonding points (15a) are colored. 19. The device according to claim 1 A method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the tops of the raised macroportions (10a) comprise a topographic surface containing microparticles (10b), wherein the raised microparticles (10b) are designed to be dye coated and produce a three-dimensional colored macroparticle (20, 21). 20. The device according to any of claims 1 to 20 17-19, characterized in that the pattern device comprises an embossing cylinder (6). 21. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to The method of 17-19, characterized in that at least parts of the web comprise a thermally bondable material. 22. The device according to any of claims 1 to 22. 17-19, characterized in that the bonding device (4) comprises an ultrasonic device (5). 23. The device according to claim 1 22, characterized in that the ultrasonic device (5) is constructed to operate at a frequency above 18 kHz, preferably in the range 20-60 kHz and most preferably in the range 20-40 kHz. 24. The device of any one of claims 1 to 24. 17-21, characterized in that the bonding device (4) comprises an abutment cylinder (16).