Patent Description:
Wound care articles, such as dressings, are sterile articles that can be applied to a wound to promote healing and protect the wound from further damage. A variety of wound care articles are known that can promote healing of various types of wounds, such as cuts, abrasions, and blisters of skin tissue. Some wound care articles consist of a number of different layers which can be laminated on top of each other in a continuous manner. In particular, an article structure may move along a production line as some layers are added to the article structure and other layers, such as temporary protective layers, are removed. At the end of the production line, the finished product may then be present.

Wound care articles are mass-produced items that are manufactured in large quantities. Therefore, the efficiency and production speed of a manufacturing system is critical to increasing the yield of the manufacturing system. However, the addition and removal of layers can limit the production speed and thus the yield.

In view of the above, new manufacturing systems for wound care articles that overcome at least some of the problems in the art are beneficial. <CIT> relates to a method of manufacturing a flexible laminate substrate, wherein a metal foil is bonded to at least one surface of a heat-resistant adhesive film. The method comprises a step wherein the heat-resistant adhesive film and the metal foil are thermally laminated between a pair of metal rolls via a protective film, thereby forming a laminate wherein the heat-resistant adhesive film, the metal foil, and the protective film are bonded together. Furthermore, nip rolls are provided for thermally laminating the metal foil and the heat-resistant adhesive film through the protective film. After the laminate has passed the nip rolls, the protective film is being delaminated from the laminate.

In light of the above, an apparatus and a method for laminating at least one layer onto a wound care article structure are provided.

It is an object of the present disclosure to improve the manufacturing of wound care article structures. It is another object of the present disclosure to increase a manufacturing speed and a yield of a manufacturing system for wound care articles. Furthermore, it is an object to keep a required quality of the manufactured article structures and the final wound care article, when driving the manufacturing system with higher speed or to improve the quality of the final wound care article in particular for wound pads having a high height difference to the carrier, i.e. being thick or having an irregular surface.

The objects are solved by the features of the independent claims. Further aspects, benefits, and features of the present disclosure are apparent from the claims, the description, and the accompanying drawings.

An apparatus for laminating at least one layer onto a wound care article structure is disclosed in claim <NUM>.

The delamination arrangement might be placed at a different location in the process line.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the delamination arrangement includes one or more delamination rolls and/or one or more delamination blades.

Furthermore, the pressure arrangement can be arranged also behind the delamination arrangement or there might be a further pressure arrangement behind the delamination arrangement.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the at least one layer is a multilayered structure, e.g. Acrysil ™.

Preferably, the pressure arrangement is configured to apply the pressure to the multilayered structure to press an adhesive layer, such as an acrylic layer, of the multilayered structure against another adhesive layer, such as another acrylic layer, of the wound care article structure.

The multilayered structure might be a highly flexible and/or thin foil or layer. It might be also called wound contact layer which is fixed on the wound care article structure. The wound care article structure might include a carrier having the wound pads attached thereto. The carrier might be called also carrier layer or back sheet.

Preferably, the at least one layer may be a multilayered structure.

Preferably the pressure arrangement may apply the pressure to the multilayered structure to tightly press the multilayered structure with its a first layer, such as a first adhesive layer, of the multilayered structure against the wound care article structure, in particular against a second layer, such as a second adhesive layer, which might represent the top layer of the wound care article structure. However, here it might be also sufficient if the first layer of the multilayered structure is adhesive, since it is pressed by the pressure arrangement to the wound care article structure and thus sufficiently attached or glued onto this carrier or backsheet.

Preferably, the first and second layers are pressure sensitive adhesive layers, preferably adhesive acrylic layers.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the first lamination arrangement is further configured for delaminating at least one protective layer off the multilayered structure before the multilayered structure is laminated onto the wound care article structure.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the support surface of the conveyor includes a first side configured for supporting the wound care article structure and a second side opposite the first side.

Preferably, at least one first pressure roll of the one or more pressure rolls is located at the first side of the support surface.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the one or more pressure rolls are a plurality of pressure rolls.

Preferably, at least one second pressure roll of the plurality of pressure rolls is located at the second side of the support surface.

The one or more pressure rolls of the pressure arrangement are adjustable in their distance to the wound care article structure or in their distance to the carrier. Thus, the pressure which acts onto the layers may be set or adjusted. The distance between the surface of the one or more pressure rolls and the layer to be pressed onto the carrier or onto the wound care article structure might depend on the or more materials used for the carrier or onto the wound care article structure and may depend on the structure of the wound pad. Thus, the distance in the area surrounding the wound pad might be set smaller than in the area of the wound pad. Thus, the applied pressure might be adjusted and might higher in the area surrounding the wound pad.

Preferably, the support surface and the wound care article structure are interposed between the at least one first pressure roll and the at least one second pressure roll.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the support surface is a flexible support surface. A surface elasticity of the flexible support surface may allow uniform pressure distribution over the article cross-section.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the support surface is a substantially inflexible support surface.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the one or more pressure rolls are located only at the first side of the support surface.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the at least one first pressure roll includes at least one constant diameter roll having a substantially constant diameter.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the at least one first pressure roll includes at least one variable diameter roll having a variable diameter. In particular, the diameter of the at least one variable diameter roll may vary in a direction substantially parallel to a rotational axis of the at least one variable diameter roll.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the at least one variable diameter roll has at least one protruding portion and at least one recessed portion.

Preferably, a diameter of the at least one protruding portion is larger than a diameter of the at least one recessed portion.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, a width of the at least one recessed portion in a direction substantially parallel to a rotational axis of the at least one variable diameter roll is equal to or larger than a width of an elevated pad portion (e.g. a wound pad) of the wound care article structure. Thus, a wound pad having a large thickness and/or having a surface being irregular or a 3D-structure can be tightly fixed to the carrier by using the recessed part of the pressure rolls.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, a depth of the at least one recessed portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the at least one variable diameter roll is less, equal to, or larger than a height of the elevated pad portion of the wound care article structure. The depth of the at least one recessed portion may be defined as a difference between the diameter of the at least one protruding portion and a diameter of the at least one recessed portion. So, depending on the depth of the recessed portion or distance between the surface in the recessed portion and the multilayered structure being pressed onto the carrier, there might be a further pressure applied also in the area of the wound pad if the distance is smaller than the height of the wound pad. Otherwise, it might be possible not to apply any pressure in the area of the wound pad. Finally, the applied pressure in the area of the wound pad might be set differently than in the area surrounding or outside the wound pad.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein an area of the at least one recessed portion may be adapted to the form of the elevated pad portion of the wound care article structure. So, the recessed portion of the one or more pressure rolls might be rectangular, circular or irregular and/or might be adapted to the form of the wound pad.

So, by having one or more pressure rolls having one or more recessed portions, it might be possible to have areas in which no additional pressure is applied at all to the multilayered structure when being pressed onto the wound care article structure.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the pressure arrangement includes the at least one variable diameter roll and at least one constant roll arranged in series along a transport path of the wound care article structure.

However, it be also possible to provide several first pressure rolls arranged sequentially and having different diameters or different distances to press different portions of the multilayered structure onto the wound care article structure. So, a first roll being thicker in diameter might be used for fixing the portions of the multilayered structure to the carrier, e.g. directly to the backsheet or to second layer of the carrier material. So, this first roll might press the areas excluding the wound pad. Another roll having a smaller diameter than the first might be used to fix or press only the portion of the wound pad. Thus, different lamination levels might be realized to adapt to the height profile of the wound care article and the structure of the wound pad. Since the multilayered structure is very flexible and a thin material, it is possible to prevent or reduce an inclusion of air between the multilayered structure and the wound care article structure, in particular in the area surrounding the wound pad. Thus, a tight contact between the multilayered structure onto the wound pad is achieved and a tight contact between the multilayered structure surrounding.

A method for laminating at least one layer onto a wound care article structure is claimed in claim <NUM>.

Preferably, the delamination force has a first delamination force component in a vertical direction and a second delamination force component in a horizontal direction. The first delamination force component is smaller than a vertical force component generated by the conveyor device and acting on the article structure in a direction opposite to the first delamination force component.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, a delamination angle defined between a direction or vector of the delamination force and the first delamination force component is <NUM>° or higher and/or less than <NUM>°. For example, the delamination angle is <NUM>° or higher, <NUM>° or higher, <NUM>° or higher, <NUM>° or higher, <NUM>° or higher, <NUM>° or higher, or <NUM>° or higher. In any case, the delamination angle may be less than <NUM>°.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the support surface is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction by an inclination angle to provide the first delamination force component that is smaller than the vertical force component generated by the conveyor device.

Preferably, the inclination angle may be <NUM>° or less and more than <NUM>°. For example, the inclination angle may be <NUM>° or less, <NUM>° or less, <NUM>° or less, <NUM>° or less, <NUM>° or less, <NUM>° or less, or <NUM>° or less. In any case, the inclination angle may be greater than <NUM>°. In a particular embodiment, the inclination angle may be about <NUM>°.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the conveyor device includes a suction mechanism configured to hold the article structure at the support surface by means of a suction force.

Preferably, the vertical force component of the conveyor device includes a vertical component of the suction force
According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the one or more delamination rolls are two delamination rolls arranged so that the protective layer removed from the article structure is guided between them.

Preferably, the two delamination rolls are arranged above each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support surface.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the apparatus further includes a speed control arrangement configured to control a moving speed of the delaminated protective layer.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the speed control arrangement includes a determination unit having a pair of fixed rolls and a moveable roll arranged in a triangle and configured to guide the delaminated protective layer coming from the conveyor device.

Preferably, the apparatus is configured to perform a control of the speed of the delaminated protective layer based on a position of the moveable roll.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the moveable roll is linearly moveable towards the pair of fixed rolls, preferably to a center between the pair of fixed rolls.

In further embodiments, the moveable roll is substantially circularly moveable.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the speed control arrangement includes an encoder device configured to determine the position of the moveable roll by detecting a deflection or position of the moveable roll.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the speed control arrangement further includes a pair of driven rolls configured to guide and move the delaminated protective layer coming from the determination unit.

Preferably, the pair of driven rolls is configured to control the moving speed of the delaminated protective layer.

Preferably, the pair of driven rolls is a pair of nip rolls.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the apparatus further includes a first lamination arrangement configured for laminating a multilayered structure onto the article structure.

Preferably, the first lamination arrangement is further configured for delaminating at least one protective layer off the multilayered structure before the multilayered structure is laminated onto the article structure.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the apparatus further includes a second lamination arrangement configured for laminating at least one layer onto the article structure after the protective layer has been delaminated off the article structure by means of the delamination arrangement.

Preferably, the second lamination arrangement includes one or more lamination rolls.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the apparatus includes at least one separation device configured to separate, e.g. cut, the article structure into a plurality of articles.

Preferably, the articles are wound care articles, such as wound dressings.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the conveyor device is a belt conveyor.

Preferably, the article structure may include a nonwoven material which is preferably used a carrier or support material.

The nonwoven material may be fully coated with an acrylic coating. At least one or several wound pads may be attached on the acrylic coating. The wound pads may have a predetermined distance in y and/or x direction to the next wound pad. These components may form the article structure described above.

This article structure may be transported on the conveyor in a continuous band form having wound pads being spaced apart from each other on the nonwoven material in a row.

The article structure may also have sheet form having several rows and columns of wound pads attached thereon.

The article structure may by coated with the multilayered structure, e.g. Acrysil ™.

The multilayered structure may have at least one single center layer, e.g. a PU layer being covered on one side facing the article structure with an acrylic coating. Thereby the acrylic coating of the multilayered structure and the acrylic coating of the article structure, e.g. on the nonwoven material may form a strong adhesive connection which provides a reliable attachment of the two material layers, i.e. the article structure and the multilayered structure.

As the multilayered structure is separately manufactured it needs to be laminated onto the article structure. The multilayered structure which may be at least one PU layer having on both side surfaces a coating, may be covered on one or both coatings with protection layers. As the protection layers are only attached temporally on the PU layer being coated with an adhesive coating, the protective layer needs to be removed before fixedly attaching the multilayered structure on the article structure. As the surface of the PU layer facing the article structure side and the wound pad side is coated with an acrylic coating, the protection layer is a siliconized paper, which might be easily removed before laminating the PU layer with it exposed acrylic coating to the acrylic coating on the nonwoven material.

The opposing side of the PU layer may be coated with a siliconized coating. To allow an easy removing or delaminating of the protective layer on this side of the multilayered structure, the protective layer is preferably a PE film, which provides sufficient protection during transport and manufacturing, but which might be easily removed from the siliconized coating.

The manufacturing system or apparatus might be supplied with one or more article structure bands being transported in parallel on the conveyor and maybe processed simultaneously by the lamination and delamination stages.

As indicated above, alternatively, it might be possible to provide a larger sheet also as a continuous band or sheet having a two-dimensional arrangement of wound pads thereon. So, there are several wound pads on one sheet of nonwoven material in x and y direction being spaced apart from each other.

Thus, the lamination of the multilayered structure including the delamination of the protection layer is performed over several rows of wound pads. Also, the delamination of the other protective layer from the multilayered structure may be made in a larger width, e.g. over the full width of the conveyor. Thus, the protective layer on the multilayered structure in several parallel rows of wound pads might be simultaneously removed or delaminated.

The same applies for the final lamination of the liner, which might be the last station on the conveyor.

Finally, the sheet of finalized plasters or wound dressings might be separated in x and y direction to provide e.g. a plurality of single plasters or wound dressings.

The delamination force has a first delamination force component in a vertical direction and a second delamination force component in a horizontal direction. The first delamination force component is smaller than a vertical force component generated by the conveyor device and acting on the article structure in a direction opposite to the first delamination force component.

In another aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus for removing at least one layer from an article structure is provided. The apparatus includes a conveyor device having a support surface configured for supporting the article structure; and a delamination arrangement including one or more delamination rolls configured for delaminating a protective layer off the article structure by applying a delamination force to the protective layer. The conveyor device having a support surface might be inclined with respect to a horizontal direction. The apparatus includes a speed control arrangement for controlling the speed of the delamination to thereby control the delamination of the protective layer from the article structure.

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments. The accompanying drawings relate to embodiments of the disclosure and are described in the following:.

Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments of the disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the figures. Within the following description of the drawings, the same reference numbers refer to same components. Generally, only the differences with respect to individual embodiments are described. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the disclosure and is not meant as a limitation of the disclosure. Further, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on or in conjunction with other embodiments to yield yet a further embodiment. It is intended that the description includes such modifications and variations.

As described above, wound care articles are mass-produced items that are manufactured in large quantities. Therefore, the efficiency and production speed of a manufacturing system is critical to increasing the yield of the manufacturing system. However, the addition and/or removal of the layers can limit the production speed and thus the yield.

The embodiments of the present disclosure overcome the above drawbacks by pressing a layer or multilayered structure that has been laminated onto a wound care article structure against said wound care article structure. Thereby, an adhesion force between the laminated layer or multilayered structure and the wound care article structure can be enhanced so that a subsequent removal of a protective layer does not result in a detachment of the laminated layer or multilayered structure from the wound care article structure. Accordingly, the production speed and thus the yield of a manufacturing system can be increased.

Further embodiments of the present disclosure, which can be combined with the aforementioned aspect, adjust a delamination force used to peel a temporary protective layer from the article structure. In particular, the delamination force is adjusted so that the article structure adheres to the support surface of the conveyor and does not lift off. Accordingly, the production speed and thus the yield of a manufacturing system can be increased.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the article structure is used to manufacture wound care articles, such as wound dressings. Wound care articles often comprise a multilayered structure laminated one on top of the other. An exemplary wound care article is shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of a wound care article <NUM> according to embodiments described herein. <FIG> shows a top view of a wound care article structure used to manufacture the wound care article <NUM> of <FIG> shows a top view of an alternative configuration of the wound care article structure used to manufacture the wound article <NUM> of <FIG>.

The wound care article <NUM> may include a carrier <NUM>. The carrier <NUM> may define a side of the wound care article <NUM> facing away from the wound and forms an outer visible side or covering of the wound care article <NUM>. The term "carrier" as used herein shall particularly embrace flexible carriers. In some implementations, the carrier <NUM> may include, or consist of, a non-woven fabric or any other suited material, which can carry or support the wound pads <NUM> and can serve finally as cover layer when the wound is applied to the skin of the body.

The wound care article <NUM> further includes a wound pad <NUM> over or on the carrier <NUM>. The wound pad <NUM> may include an absorbent material that is able to absorb liquids from the wound. The wound pad <NUM> can include, or consist of, any material suitable for this purpose and can contain, for example, a foam, absorbent fibers, a textile material, a gel or absorbent particles or any combination thereof.

The article structure <NUM> may be a continuous article structure on which a plurality of wound pads <NUM> are arranged in series with a predetermined distance therebetween. In the example of <FIG>, one single line of wound pads <NUM> is provided e.g. along the x-direction defined in <FIG>. In another example, as is shown in <FIG>, a two-dimensional matrix of wound pads <NUM> is arranged in x-direction and y-direction. The sheet of finalized wound care articles, such as plasters, can be separated in x direction and y direction to provide a plurality of individual wound care articles.

In some implementations, the wound care article <NUM> includes at least one intermediate layer <NUM> arranged between the carrier <NUM> and the wound pad <NUM>. The intermediate layer <NUM> may be configured to attach the wound pad <NUM> to the carrier <NUM>. For example, the intermediate layer <NUM> may be an adhesive layer, such as an acrylic layer or acrylic coating.

A multilayered arrangement <NUM> may be provided over or on the carrier <NUM> and the wound pad <NUM>. The multilayered arrangement <NUM> may define a side of the wound care article <NUM> facing towards the wound. At least one layer of the multilayered arrangement <NUM> may contact the wound and/or the skin tissue surrounding the wound. The multilayered arrangement <NUM> may be configured to adhere the wound care article <NUM> to the wound and/or the skin tissue surrounding the wound.

In some embodiments, the multilayered arrangement <NUM> may have openings or perforations P such that fluids can pass from the wound into the wound pad <NUM>. The openings or perforations P can be distributed irregularly over the surface of the multilayered arrangement <NUM> or be arranged in regular patterns.

In the example of <FIG>, the multilayered arrangement <NUM> has three layers. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and the multilayered arrangement <NUM> may have two layers or more than three layers. In other embodiments, the multilayered arrangement <NUM> can be omitted and a single layer can be provided instead.

The multilayered arrangement <NUM> may have a first layer <NUM>, a second layer <NUM> and a third layer <NUM>.

The first layer <NUM> may be configured to adhere the multilayered arrangement <NUM> to the wound pad <NUM> and/or the carrier <NUM> and/or the intermediate layer <NUM>. For example, the first layer <NUM> may be an acrylic layer or acrylic coating, in particular an adhesive medical acrylic layer or adhesive medical acrylic coating.

The second layer <NUM> may be an intermediate layer, such as a polyurethane (PU) layer or PU coating.

The third layer <NUM> may be a contact layer configured to contact the wound and/or skin surrounding the wound. In particular, the third layer <NUM> may be configured to adhere the wound care article <NUM> to the wound and/or the skin. In some embodiments, the third layer <NUM> may be a silicone coating or silicone layer, such as a soft tack silicone gel coating or layer.

In some embodiments, the multilayered arrangement <NUM> may be Acrysil ™.

A release liner (not shown) may be provided over the multilayered arrangement <NUM>. The release liner may be removed to expose the third layer <NUM> before the wound care article <NUM> is attached to a body.

Typically, when reference is made to the term "over", i.e., one layer being over the other, it is understood that, starting from the carrier, a first layer is deposited over the carrier, and a further layer, laminated after the first layer, is thus over the first layer and over the carrier. In other words, the term "over" is used to define an order of layers, layer stacks, and/or coatings wherein the starting point is the carrier. This is irrespective of whether the wound care article is depicted upside down or not.

<FIG> shows a schematic view of an apparatus <NUM> for laminating at least one layer onto a wound care article structure <NUM> and removing at least one layer from the article structure <NUM> according to embodiments described herein. <FIG> shows a perspective view of the apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>. The apparatus <NUM> may be used in the manufacture of wound care articles, such as wound dressings, and may be part of a larger production line. In <FIG> and <FIG> the pressure arrangement are not illustrated.

The apparatus <NUM> includes a support surface <NUM> configured for supporting the article structure <NUM>. The support surface <NUM> may be an essentially flat support surface of the conveyor device <NUM>. The conveyor device <NUM> may be configured for moving the article structure <NUM> along a transport path, in particular along an essentially linear transport path.

In some embodiments, the article structure <NUM> may be a continuous structure which is cut at the end of the manufacturing process into a plurality of individual wound care articles. In particular, the article structure <NUM> may move along a production line including the apparatus <NUM> as some layers are added to the article structure and other layers, such as temporary protective layers, are removed. At the end of the production line, the finished product may then be present. Accordingly, it should be understood that the composition of the article structure <NUM> changes in the course of production, because layers are removed while others are added.

In some embodiments, the conveyor device <NUM> may include a belt <NUM> which provides the support surface <NUM>. In this case, the conveyor device <NUM> may be a belt conveyor. The belt <NUM> may be movable to transport the article structure <NUM> along the transport path. In some implementations, the conveyor device <NUM> can include one or more conveyor rolls, such as a first conveyor roll 114a and a second conveyor 114b, configured to move the belt <NUM>. The conveyor rolls may be rotatable around respective rotational axes to move the belt <NUM> for a transportation of the article structure <NUM> along the transport path. The rotational axes of the conveyor rolls may be substantially horizontally oriented rotational axis.

As used in the present disclosure, the horizontal direction is the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The vertical direction is parallel to gravity.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the conveyor device <NUM> includes a suction mechanism (not shown) configured to hold the article structure <NUM> at the support surface <NUM> by means of a suction force. For example, a plurality of vacuum ports may be formed in the support surface <NUM> to apply a vacuum or under-pressure on a side of the article structure <NUM> to adhere the article structure <NUM> to the support surface <NUM>. In some implementations, the suction force is created by use of a vacuum source (not shown) coupled to the vacuum ports in the support surface <NUM>.

As is shown in <FIG>, the article structure <NUM> enters the apparatus <NUM> at a first side of the apparatus <NUM>, is processed and exits the apparatus <NUM> at a second side opposite the first side with respect to the transport path of the article structure <NUM>. The processing of the article structure <NUM> is explained in the following.

The article structure <NUM> entering the apparatus <NUM> may already include the carrier <NUM> and the wound pads <NUM> of the wound care article shown in <FIG>. The carrier <NUM> and the wound pads <NUM> may be attached to each other by means of an intermediate layer (not shown), such as an acrylic layer or acrylic coating.

The apparatus <NUM> may be configured to laminate at least one layer, such as a multilayered structure <NUM>, on the article structure <NUM> using a first lamination arrangement <NUM>. The multilayered structure <NUM> may include the multilayered structure <NUM> shown in <FIG> and may initially have protective layers <NUM>, <NUM> on each side thereof. In particular, the multilayered structure <NUM> may have a first protective layer <NUM> on a first side thereof and a second protective layer <NUM> on a second side thereof. The first side of the multilayered structure <NUM> may be a side facing towards the article structure <NUM>, in particular the carrier <NUM>.

The first lamination arrangement <NUM> may be configured to remove at least one protective layer from at least one of the sides of the multilayered structure <NUM> before the multilayered structure <NUM> is laminated onto the article structure <NUM>. For example, the first lamination arrangement <NUM> may be configured to remove the first protective layer <NUM> from the first side of the multilayered structure <NUM> which faces the article structure <NUM> before the multilayered structure <NUM> is laminated onto the article structure <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the protective layer <NUM> may cover and protect the first layer <NUM>, such as an acrylic layer or acrylic coating, used to adhere the multilayered structure <NUM> to the article structure <NUM>. After the protective layer <NUM> has been removed from the multilayered structure <NUM>, the first lamination arrangement <NUM> may then apply the multilayered structure <NUM> to the article structure <NUM>. The protective layer <NUM> may be a siliconized protection layer or siliconized paper.

According to some embodiments, the first lamination arrangement <NUM> may include two or more rolls, such as a first roll 130a and a second roll 130b, configured to laminate the at least one layer, such as the multilayered structure <NUM>, onto the article structure <NUM>. Optionally, the two or more rolls may be configured to remove the at least one protective layer, such as the first protective layer <NUM>, from the multilayered structure <NUM> before the multilayered structure <NUM> is laminated onto the article structure <NUM>.

The first roll 130a might be designated as bottom roller which could have a surface of rubber and/or foam to adapt to the thickness of the laminating surface of the article structure. The second roll 130b might have a different surface to reliable transfer the delaminated protection layer.

For example, the first roll 130a and the second roll 130b may define a space or gap therebetween. The at least one protective layer, such as the first protective layer <NUM>, may be removed from the multilayered structure <NUM> at a position behind the first roll 130a, wherein it is then wound around the first roll 130a to pass through the gap between the first roll 130a and the second roll 130b.

Preferably, the first roll 130a and the second roll 130b are arranged above each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support surface <NUM>. The term "substantially perpendicular" relates to a substantially perpendicular orientation of a line on which the first roll 130a and the second roll 130b are arranged, wherein a deviation of a few degrees, e.g. up to <NUM>° or even up to <NUM>°, from an exact perpendicular orientation is still considered as "substantially perpendicular".

Each of the two or more rolls, such as the first roll 130a and the second roll 130b, may have a respective rotational axis. The rotational axes of the two or more rolls may be substantially parallel to each other. The term "substantially parallel" relates to a substantially parallel orientation of the rotational axes, wherein a deviation of a few degrees, e.g. up to <NUM>° or even up to <NUM>°, from an exact parallel orientation is still considered "substantially parallel". In some embodiments, the rotational axes of the two or more rolls may be substantially horizontally oriented rotational axes.

In some implementations, the two or more rolls may be cylindrical rolls. The term "cylinder" can be understood as commonly accepted as having a circular bottom shape and a circular upper shape and a curved surface area or shell connecting the upper circle and the lower circle. A cylinder axis of the cylindrical roll may define, or be, the rotational axis of this roll.

Typically, the rotational axes of the two or more rolls of the first lamination arrangement <NUM>, such as the rotational axes of the first roll 130a and the second roll 130b, are substantially parallel to the support surface <NUM>.

Accordingly, a modified article structure having the multilayered structure <NUM> arranged on the article structure <NUM> is provided, which moves as a continuous band along the transport path and reaches a delamination arrangement <NUM>. The delamination arrangement <NUM> is configured for delaminating a protective layer off the article structure <NUM>, such as the second protective layer <NUM> which was laminated together with the multilayered structure <NUM>. The second protective layer <NUM> may cover the third layer of the previously laminated multilayered structure <NUM>, such as a silicone coating or silicone layer.

The delamination arrangement <NUM> includes one or more delamination rolls, such as a first delamination roll 120a and a second delamination roll 120b, configured for delaminating the protective layer <NUM> off the article structure <NUM> by applying a delamination force to the protective layer <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the delamination force has a first delamination force component in a vertical direction <NUM> and a second delamination force component in a horizontal direction <NUM>. The first delamination force component may be smaller than a vertical force component generated by the conveyor device <NUM> and acting on the article structure <NUM> in a direction opposite to the first delamination force component. It is to be understood that these forces and force components act on a delamination point DP, at which the protective layer <NUM> detaches from the article structure <NUM>.

Accordingly, the delamination force generated by the delamination arrangement <NUM> is adjusted so that the article structure <NUM> adheres to the support surface <NUM> of the conveyor <NUM> and does not lift off. Furthermore, it has to be assured that the multilayered structure <NUM> laminated onto the article structure <NUM> is not lifted off during the delamination process of the protective layer <NUM>. Therefore, the production speed and thus the yield of a manufacturing system can be increased. The delamination force and its adjustment are explained in detail with reference to <FIG> and reference is made to this description for details.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the support surface <NUM> is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction <NUM> by an inclination angle α to provide the adjustment of the delamination force generated by the delamination arrangement <NUM>. In particular, the inclination angle α may be <NUM>° or less and more than <NUM>°. For example, the inclination angle α may be <NUM>° or less, <NUM>° or less, <NUM>° or less, <NUM>° or less, <NUM>° or less, <NUM>° or less, or <NUM>° or less. In any case, the inclination angle α may be greater than <NUM>°. In a particular embodiment, the inclination angle α may be about <NUM>°. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto and the support surface <NUM> may not be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction <NUM>. In other words, the support surface <NUM> may be an essentially horizontal support surface (i.e., α=<NUM>).

In some embodiments, the one or more delamination rolls are two delamination rolls, such as the first delamination roll 120a and the second delamination roll 120b. The first delamination roll 120a and the second delamination roll 120b can be arranged so that the protective layer <NUM> removed from the article structure <NUM> can be guided between them away from the article structure <NUM>.

For example, the first delamination roll 120a and the second delamination roll 120b may define a space or gap therebetween through which the protective layer <NUM> removed from the article structure <NUM> passes.

The first delamination roll 120a might be designated as bottom roller which could have a surface of rubber and/or foam to adapt to the thickness of the laminating surface of the article structure.

Preferably, the first delamination roll 120a and the second delamination roll 120b are arranged above each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support surface <NUM>. The term "substantially perpendicular" relates to a substantially perpendicular orientation of a line on which the first delamination roll 120a and the second delamination roll 120b are arranged, wherein a deviation of a few degrees, e.g. up to <NUM>° or even up to <NUM>°, from an exact perpendicular orientation is still considered as "substantially perpendicular".

Each of the one or more delamination rolls, such as the first delamination roll 120a and the second delamination roll 120b, may have a respective rotational axis. The rotational axes of multiple delamination rolls may be substantially parallel to each other.

In some implementations, the one or more delamination rolls may be cylindrical delamination rolls. A cylinder axis of the cylindrical delamination roll may define, or be, the rotational axis of this delamination roll.

Typically, the rotational axes of the one or more delamination rolls, such as the rotational axes of the first delamination roll 120a and the second delamination roll 120b, are substantially parallel to the support surface <NUM>.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the apparatus <NUM> further includes a speed control arrangement <NUM> configured to control a moving speed of the delaminated protective layer <NUM>. In particular, the speed control arrangement <NUM> may be arranged so as to receive the delaminated protective layer <NUM> from the delamination arrangement <NUM>. For example, the delamination arrangement <NUM> may be arranged between the support surface <NUM> of the conveyor device <NUM> and the speed control arrangement <NUM> with respect to a transport path of the delaminated protective layer <NUM>.

The speed control arrangement <NUM> may pull the delaminated protective layer <NUM> away from the delamination arrangement <NUM> and/or the support surface <NUM> by controlling the speed of the delaminated protective layer <NUM> in a defined manner or with a defined force, thereby assisting in providing the defined delamination force.

In some implementations, the speed control arrangement <NUM> includes a determination unit having a pair of fixed rolls 210a, 210b, such as a first fixed roll 210a and a second fixed roll 210b, and a moveable roll <NUM>. The first fixed roll 210a, the second fixed roll 210b, and the moveable roll <NUM> are arranged in, or located on, a triangle and configured to guide the delaminated protective layer <NUM> coming from the conveyor device <NUM>, in particular the delamination arrangement <NUM>. For example, the delaminated protective layer <NUM> may first reach the first fixed roll 210a, move to the moveable roll <NUM>, and then move to the second fixed roll 210b. Therefore, due to the triangular arrangement, the first fixed roll 210a, the moveable roll <NUM>, and the second fixed roll 210b may act as divert rolls.

The fixed rolls 210a, 210b are fixed in position, in particular with respect to the delamination arrangement <NUM> and/or the conveyor device <NUM>. The moveable roll <NUM> is moveable with respect to the fixed rolls 210a, 210b.

Each of the fixed rolls 210a, 210b and the moveable roll <NUM> has a respective rotational axis. The rotational axes of all rolls of the fixed rolls 210a, 210b and the moveable roll <NUM> may be substantially parallel to each other. The term "substantially parallel" relates to a substantially perpendicular orientation of the rotational axes, wherein a deviation of a few degrees, e.g. up to <NUM>° or even up to <NUM>°, from an exact parallel orientation is still considered "substantially parallel". In some embodiments, the rotational axes of all rolls of the fixed rolls 210a, 210b and the moveable roll <NUM> may be substantially horizontally oriented rotational axes.

In some implementations, the fixed rolls 210a, 210b and the moveable roll <NUM> may be cylindrical rolls. A cylinder axis of the cylindrical roll may define, or be, the rotational axis of this roll.

The pair of fixed rolls 210a, 210b and the moveable roll <NUM> are arranged in, or located on, a triangle. This means that each rotational axis corresponds to a respective corner of the triangle.

Preferably, the apparatus <NUM> is configured to perform a control of the speed of the delaminated protective layer <NUM> based on a position of the moveable roll <NUM>. For example, if the moveable roll <NUM> moves towards the pair of fixed rolls 210a, 210b (upward in <FIG>), it may be determined that the speed control arrangement <NUM> is pulling or moving the delaminated protective layer <NUM> to much. In this case, the speed of the delaminated protective layer <NUM> may be reduced. Likewise, if the moveable roll <NUM> moves away from the pair of fixed rolls 210a, 210b (downward in <FIG>), it may be determined that the speed control arrangement <NUM> is not pulling or moving the delaminated protective layer <NUM> enough. In this case, the speed of the delaminated protective layer <NUM> may be increased.

The apparatus <NUM> may be configured to perform the control of the speed of the delaminated protective layer <NUM> such that the position of the moveable roll <NUM> corresponds to a reference position. In some exemplary embodiments, a PID control may be used to control the speed of the delaminated protective layer <NUM> such that the position of the moveable roll <NUM> corresponds to the reference position.

Because the moveable roll <NUM> can move in multiple directions, the moveable roll <NUM> (or the speed control arrangement <NUM> as a whole) can be referred to as "dancer".

In some embodiments, the moveable roll <NUM> is linearly moveable towards a center between the pair of fixed rolls <NUM>, 210b. Alternatively, the moveable roll <NUM> is circularly moveable, e.g. with respect to a rotational center spaced apart from the moveable roll <NUM>.

In a preferred configuration, the speed control arrangement <NUM> includes an encoder device <NUM> configured to determine the position of the moveable roll <NUM> by detecting a deflection of the moveable roll <NUM>. In some embodiments, the moveable roll <NUM> is circularly moveable with respect to a rotational center defined by the encoder device <NUM>, as it is illustrated in <FIG>. In this case, the encoder device <NUM> may be a rotary encoder. The rotary encoder is an electro-mechanical device that converts the angular position or motion of the moveable roll <NUM> to an analog or digital output signal used to control the speed of the delaminated protective layer <NUM>.

However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and the encoder device <NUM> may be configured to determine the position of a linearly moving moveable roll <NUM>. Even in this case, the encoder device <NUM> may be a rotary encoder. For example, the rotary encoder may be connected to the moveable roll <NUM> by means of an elastic element <NUM> which allows the linear movement of the moveable roll <NUM> and a rotation of the rotary encoder caused by the linear movement of the moveable roll <NUM>.

According to some embodiments, the speed control arrangement <NUM> further includes a pair of driven rolls, such as a first driven roll 216a and a second driven roll 216b, configured to guide the delaminated protective layer <NUM> coming from the determination unit, in particular the second fixed roll 210b. For example, one or more actuators, such as one or more motors, can be provided to drive, i.e. rotate, the pair of driven rolls. In some implementations, the pair of driven rolls may be nip rolls.

The first driven roll 216a and the second driven roll 216b may define a space or gap therebetween through which the delaminated protective layer <NUM> coming from the determination unit passes. In particular, the delaminated protective layer <NUM> can be interposed between the first driven roll 216a and the second driven roll 216b such that a mechanical contact between the driven rolls and the delaminated protective layer <NUM> moves the delaminated protective layer <NUM> according to a rotation of the first driven roll 216a and the second driven roll 216b. Thereby, the first driven roll 216a and the second driven roll 216b can control the moving speed of the delaminated protective layer <NUM>.

It is therefore understood that, when reference is made to "the moving speed of the delaminated protective layer", this may also refer to the rotational speed of the pair of driven rolls which causes the moving speed of the delaminated protective layer <NUM>.

The rotational axes of the pair of driven rolls <NUM>, 216b may be substantially parallel to the rotational axes of the pair of fixed rolls <NUM>, 210b and the moveable roll <NUM>. For example, the rotational axes of the pair of driven rolls <NUM>, 216b may be substantially horizontally oriented rotational axes.

In some implementations, the first driven roll 216a and the second driven roll 216b may be cylindrical rolls. A cylinder axis of the cylindrical driven roll may define, or be, the rotational axis of this driven roll.

According to some embodiments, one or more guide rolls 150a, 150b can be provided between the delamination arrangement <NUM> and the speed control arrangement <NUM> to guide a movement of the delaminated protective layer <NUM> from the delamination arrangement <NUM> to the speed control arrangement <NUM>.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the apparatus <NUM> further includes a second lamination arrangement <NUM> configured for laminating at least one layer onto the article structure <NUM>. In some implementations, the second lamination arrangement <NUM> may be arranged behind the delamination arrangement <NUM> with respect to the transport path of the article structure <NUM>. In particular, the first lamination arrangement <NUM>, the delamination arrangement <NUM> and the second lamination arrangement <NUM> may be sequentially arranged along the transport path of the article structure <NUM> and/or along the support surface <NUM> and/or above the support surface <NUM>.

The second lamination arrangement <NUM> may include one or more lamination rolls, such as a first lamination roll 140a and a second lamination roll 140b. The first lamination roll 140a and the second lamination roll 140b may define a space or gap therebetween through which at least one layer <NUM> to be laminated onto the article structure <NUM> passes. For example, the at least one layer <NUM> to be laminated onto the article structure <NUM> may be a release liner. The release liner may be removable to expose e.g. a silicone layer of the wound care article before the wound care article is attached to a body.

Preferably, the first lamination roll 140a and the second lamination roll 140b are arranged above each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support surface <NUM>. The term "substantially perpendicular" relates to a substantially perpendicular orientation e.g. of a line on which the first lamination roll 140a and the second lamination roll 140b are arranged, wherein a deviation of a few degrees, e.g. up to <NUM>° or even up to <NUM>°, from an exact perpendicular orientation is still considered as "substantially perpendicular".

Each of the one or more lamination rolls, such as the first lamination roll 140a and the second lamination roll 140b, may have a respective rotational axis. The rotational axes of multiple lamination rolls may be substantially parallel to each other. The term "substantially parallel" relates to a substantially parallel orientation of the rotational axes, wherein a deviation of a few degrees, e.g. up to <NUM>° or even up to <NUM>°, from an exact parallel orientation is still considered "substantially parallel". In some embodiments, the rotational axes of the one or more lamination rolls may be substantially horizontally oriented rotational axes.

In some implementations, the one or more lamination rolls may be cylindrical rolls. A cylinder axis of the cylindrical lamination roll may define, or be, the rotational axis of this lamination roll.

Typically, the rotational axis of the one or more lamination rolls, such as the rotational axes of the first lamination roll 140a and the second lamination roll 140b, are substantially parallel to the support surface <NUM>.

According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, a pressure arrangement (not shown) can be provided e.g. between the first lamination arrangement <NUM> and the delamination arrangement <NUM> and/or between the delamination arrangement <NUM> and the second lamination arrangement <NUM>. The pressure arrangement is explained in detail with respect to <FIG> and reference is made to this description for details.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the apparatus <NUM> may include at least one separation device (not shown) configured to separate, e.g. cut, the article structure <NUM> into a plurality of articles. The at least one separation device may be arranged behind the conveyor device <NUM> with respect to the transport path of the article structure <NUM>. In other embodiments, the at least one separation device is not included in the apparatus <NUM> and is provided as a separate entity.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the articles are wound care articles, such as wound dressings or plasters.

Furthermore, there may be several rows of continuous bands of the article structure which is moved on the support surface of the conveyor. At least the lamination rolls 130a, 130b and lamination rolls 140a, 140b might be used for parallel delaminating or laminated of the several rows of continuous bands, respectively. Also, the delamination rolls 120a, 120b might be used for delaminating the protective layer from the several rows of continuous bands of the article structure. For independently controlling the speed of the delaminated protective layer there might be several speed control arrangements, each controlling the speed of the delaminated protective layer for a single row of the continuous band of the article structure.

<FIG> shows a schematic view of an apparatus 400A having a pressure arrangement <NUM> according to embodiments described herein. The apparatus 400A may be configured similarly to the apparatus shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and therefore a description of similar or identical aspects will not be repeated.

The first lamination arrangement <NUM> is configured for laminating at least one layer onto the wound care article structure <NUM> which is entering the apparatus 400A from the left side in <FIG>. The at least one layer may be a single layer. Alternatively, the at least one layer may be a multilayered structure <NUM>, such as the multilayered structure <NUM> or <NUM> described with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>.

In the following, the at least one layer is the multilayered structure <NUM>. However, the following description also applies to a single layer which is laminated onto the wound care article structure <NUM>. This single layer or multilayered structure <NUM> might be called wound cover layer.

In some embodiments, the multilayered structure <NUM> may include the multilayered structure <NUM> shown in <FIG> and the protective layers <NUM>, <NUM> on its sides. The first lamination arrangement <NUM> may be configured to remove the first protective layer <NUM> from the multilayered structure <NUM> which faces the wound care article structure <NUM> before the multilayered structure is laminated onto the wound care article structure <NUM>.

After the multilayered structure <NUM> has been laminated onto the wound care article structure <NUM>, the modified wound care article structure <NUM> having the multilayered structure thereon reaches the pressure arrangement <NUM>. The pressure arrangement <NUM> is used to strengthen a connection between the multilayered structure and the underlying part of the wound care article structure <NUM>, such as a carrier/backsheet and/or an adhesive layer and/or a wound pad, by applying pressure to the layer arrangement. This can ensure that the multilayered structure <NUM> does not detach from the wound care article structure <NUM> in a subsequent process step in which e.g. the protective layer <NUM> is removed or delaminated. In particular, due to the pressurization, an adhesion force between the multilayered structure <NUM> and the wound care article structure <NUM> can be greater than a delamination force so that the multilayered structure does not detach from the wound care article structure <NUM> due to the application of the delamination force. Furthermore, due to the pressure arrangement <NUM> an inclusion of air between the multilayered structure <NUM> and the wound care article structure <NUM> is prevented or at least reduced.

The pressure arrangement <NUM> includes one or more pressure rolls configured to apply a pressure to the multilayered structure to fix the multilayered structure to the wound care article structure <NUM>. For example, the pressure arrangement <NUM> is configured to apply the pressure to the multilayered structure to press an acrylic layer of the multilayered structure (e.g. the first layer <NUM> in <FIG>) against an acrylic layer of the wound care article structure <NUM> (e.g. the intermediate layer <NUM> in <FIG>).

The support surface <NUM> includes a first side configured for supporting the wound care article structure <NUM>, in particular a non-woven carrier of the wound care article structure <NUM>. The support surface <NUM> further includes a second side opposite the first side. At least one first pressure roll <NUM> of the one or more pressure rolls is located at the first side of the support surface <NUM>. The at least one first pressure roll <NUM> may be configured to directly contact the multilayered structure press the multilayered structure against the underlaying layer(s) or part(s) of the wound care article structure <NUM>.

The multilayered structure may still have the second protective layer <NUM> thereon so that the at least one first pressure roll <NUM> contacts the second protective layer <NUM>. The second protective layer <NUM> can be made of a material which does not adhere to the at least one first pressure roll <NUM>. For example, the second protective layer <NUM> may be a siliconized paper. This can improve the pressurization process and prevent a detachment of the uppermost layer of the multilayered structure due to an adherence to the at least one first pressure roll <NUM>.

The wound care article structure <NUM> may have a plurality of wound pads <NUM> arranged in series along the wound care article structure <NUM>, e.g. the x-direction (direction <NUM>) in <FIG>. The plurality of wound pads <NUM> are spaced apart from each other in the x-direction. It should thus be understood that the at least one first pressure roll <NUM> may not only pressurize an area of the wound pad and/or an area surrounding the wound pad (e.g. lateral sides of the wound pads), but also an area between the plurality of wound pads <NUM>.

The wound pads <NUM> may have a predetermined height which protrudes from the carrier. Depending on the application the height might differ. The wound pads may have a 3D- structure and/ may have an irregular surface. Thus, by using the one or more pressure roll sufficient pressure is applied on different lamination levels to ensure a reliable contact between the multilayered structure <NUM> and the wound care article structure <NUM>, in particular between the wound pad <NUM> and the multilayered structure <NUM>.

By using wound pads having a large thickness and different height levels different pressure rolls could be used only for pressing the wound pad against the wound care article structure. Thus, different and adapted pressure levels on one or more lamination levels can be provided to the complex wound pad to ensure a reliable adhesion of the wound cover layer (multilayered structure <NUM>) onto the wound pads <NUM>. This, is in particular necessary if the elastic cover material of the pressure rolls could not adapt to the height profile of the wound pad, i.e. if the height profile of the wound pads <NUM> is larger than the elasticity of the cover material of the pressure rolls.

In some implementations, the one or more pressure rolls are a plurality of pressure rolls, such as one or more pairs of pressure rolls. At least one second pressure roll <NUM> of the plurality of pressure rolls may be located at the second side of the support surface <NUM>. The support surface <NUM> and the wound care article structure <NUM> may be interposed between the at least one first pressure roll <NUM> and the at least one second pressure roll <NUM> to apply the pressure from above and below the wound care article structure <NUM>.

Preferably, a respective first pressure roll <NUM> and a respective second pressure roll <NUM> constitute a pair of pressure rolls and are arranged above each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support surface <NUM>. The term "substantially perpendicular" relates to a substantially perpendicular orientation e.g. of a line on which the pressure rolls of the pair of pressure rolls are arranged, wherein a deviation of a few degrees, e.g. up to <NUM>° or even up to <NUM>°, from an exact perpendicular orientation is still considered as "substantially perpendicular".

In the example of <FIG>, one single pair of pressure rolls is provided.

Each of the one or more pressure rolls, such as the at least one first pressure roll <NUM> and the at least one second pressure roll <NUM>, may have a respective rotational axis. The rotational axes of multiple pressure rolls may be substantially parallel to each other. The term "substantially parallel" relates to a substantially parallel orientation of the rotational axes, wherein a deviation of a few degrees, e.g. up to <NUM>° or even up to <NUM>°, from an exact parallel orientation is still considered "substantially parallel". In some embodiments, the rotational axes of the one or more pressure rolls may be substantially horizontally oriented rotational axes.

In some implementations, the one or more pressure rolls may be cylindrical rolls. A cylinder axis of the cylindrical pressure roll may define, or be, the rotational axis of this particular pressure roll.

Typically, the rotational axes of the one or more pressure rolls, such as the rotational axes of the at least one first pressure roll <NUM> and the rotational axes of the at least one second pressure roll <NUM>, are substantially parallel to the support surface <NUM>.

The arrangement of first pressure rolls and second pressure rolls may be used in a case in which the support surface <NUM> is a flexible support surface. For example, the flexible support surface may be provided by a belt <NUM>, such as a rubber belt.

In the example of <FIG>, the pressure arrangement <NUM> is located between the first lamination arrangement <NUM> and the delamination arrangement <NUM>. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and the pressure arrangement <NUM> may be located between the delamination arrangement <NUM> and the second lamination arrangement <NUM> and/or behind the second lamination arrangement <NUM> in a transport direction of the wound care article structure <NUM>.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the apparatus can include one pressure arrangement or can include two or more pressure arrangements. The two or more pressure arrangements can be arranged at suitable locations. For example, one pressure arrangement can be arranged between the first lamination arrangement <NUM> and the delamination arrangement <NUM> and/or another pressure arrangement can be arranged between the delamination arrangement <NUM> and the second lamination arrangement <NUM> and/or yet another pressure arrangement can be arranged behind the second lamination arrangement <NUM> in a transport direction of the wound care article structure <NUM>. Other locations are also possible.

<FIG> shows a schematic view of an apparatus 400B having a pressure arrangement <NUM> according to further embodiments described herein. The apparatus 400B of <FIG> is similar to the apparatus 400A of <FIG>, and therefore a description of similar or identical aspects is not repeated.

In the example of <FIG>, one single pair of pressure rolls is provided. However, as is shown in <FIG>, the pressure arrangement <NUM> may include two or more pairs of pressure rolls, such as a first pair having a first pressure roll <NUM> and a second pressure roll <NUM> and a second pair having another first pressure roll <NUM> and another second pressure roll <NUM>.

The two or more pairs of pressure rolls can be sequentially arranged along the transport path of the wound care article structure <NUM>, e.g. in x direction (<NUM> in <FIG>).

The two or more pairs of pressure rolls can be arranged to pressurize different portions or areas of the at least one layer, such as the multilayered structure <NUM>, against the underlying part of the wound care article structure <NUM>. For example, one pair of pressure rolls can be configured to pressurize portions adjacent to the wound pads <NUM> with respect to a width direction of the wound care article structure <NUM>. The width direction of the conveyor can be a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the wound care article structure <NUM> (z-direction (<NUM>)). Accordingly, this pair of pressure rolls may exclude the wound pads <NUM> from pressurization, i.e., the pair of pressure rolls does not pressurize the wound pads <NUM>. Thereby, an area of the multilayered structure surrounding the wound pads <NUM> on a left side and a right side thereof can be pressed against the wound care article structure <NUM> to adhere the multilayered structure to the wound care article structure <NUM>. An exemplary roll configuration for this purpose is shown in <FIG>.

Another pair of pressure rolls can be configured to pressurize a portion or an area above the wound pads <NUM> and optionally between the wound pads <NUM>. Thereby, the multilayered structure above the wound pads <NUM> can be pressed against the wound pads <NUM> to adhere the multilayered structure to the wound pads <NUM>. An exemplary roll configuration for this purpose is shown in <FIG>.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the apparatus can include another station configured for a longitudinal edge sealing, i.e., a sealing of an area of the multilayered structure surrounding the wound pads on the left side and the right side thereof. This can provide an increased process reliability and/or reduce wear of the pressure arrangement.

<FIG> shows a schematic view of an apparatus 500A having a pressure arrangement <NUM> according to further embodiments described herein. The apparatus 500A is similar to the apparatus 400A of <FIG> and a description of similar or identical aspects is therefore not repeated.

In some implementations, the support surface <NUM> can be a substantially inflexible support surface. For example, the support surface <NUM> can be a metal surface. In this case, the one or more pressure rolls may be located only at the first side of the support surface <NUM>. In other words, the at least one second pressure roll described with respect to <FIG> can be omitted because the substantially inflexible support surface provides sufficient support such that the at least one first pressure roll of the pressure arrangement <NUM> can press the multilayered structure against the wound care article structure <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a schematic view of an apparatus 500B having a pressure arrangement <NUM> according to further embodiments described herein. The apparatus 500B is similar to the apparatuses 400B and 500A of <FIG> and <FIG>, and a description of similar or identical aspects is therefore not repeated.

The pressure arrangement <NUM> may include two or more first pressure rolls. The two or more first pressure rolls can be sequentially arranged along the transport path of the wound care article structure <NUM>.

The two or more first pressure rolls can be arranged to pressurize different portions or areas of the at least one layer, such as the multilayered structure <NUM>, against the underlying part of the wound care article structure <NUM>. For example, one first pressure roll can be configured to pressurize portions adjacent to the wound pads <NUM> with respect to a width direction of the wound care article structure <NUM>. The width direction can be a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the wound care article structure <NUM> (z-direction). Accordingly, this first pressure roll may exclude the wound pads <NUM> from pressurization, i.e., this first pressure roll does not pressurize the wound pads <NUM>. Thereby, an area of the multilayered structure surrounding the wound pads <NUM> on a left side and a right side thereof can be pressed against the wound care article structure <NUM> to adhere the multilayered structure to the wound care article structure <NUM>. An exemplary roll configuration for this purpose is shown in <FIG>.

Another first pressure roll can be configured to pressurize a portion or an area above the wound pads <NUM> and optionally between the wound pads <NUM>. Thereby, the multilayered structure above the wound pads <NUM> can be pressed against the wound pads <NUM> to adhere the multilayered structure to the wound pads <NUM>. An exemplary roll configuration for this purpose is shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> show various pressure rolls of pressure arrangements according to embodiments described herein. <FIG> show front views of the pressure arrangements compared to the side views of <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. The pressure arrangements of <FIG> may be implemented in the apparatuses of <FIG>. The pressure rolls as shown in <FIG> have different diameter or one pressure roll as shown in <FIG> have different diameters on the same roll. Thus, different lamination levels are realized to apply a specific pressure to specific portions of the multilayered structure <NUM>.

For clarity, in <FIG>, gaps are shown between some of the rolls and some of the layers. It should be clear that these gaps are not present in areas where the layers are pressed against each other. In other words, despite the gaps shown in <FIG> are shown, there is direct contact between the roll(s) and the layer(s) in some areas.

In the following, the at least one layer <NUM> is shown. The at least one layer <NUM> may be a single layer or a multilayered structure, such as the multilayered structure <NUM> without the first protective layer <NUM> and optionally without the second protective layer <NUM>.

The support surface <NUM> may be a flexible support surface as it is described with respect to <FIG>. For example, the support surface <NUM> can be provided by a flexible belt <NUM> of a belt conveyor. Therefore, at least one first pressure roll and at least one second pressure roll are provided on opposite sides of the flexible belt <NUM> in order to be able to pressurize the wound care article structure and the at least one layer <NUM>.

The wound care article structure and the at least one layer <NUM> (e.g., the multilayered structure of <FIG>) laminated thereon are interposed between the at least one first pressure roll and the at least one second pressure roll such that they are pressed against each other. For example, the at least one layer <NUM> can be pressed against the carrier <NUM> or an adhesive layer thereon. Both the at least one layer <NUM> and the adhesive layer on the carrier <NUM> may be acrylic layers. The pressure arrangement can press both layers against each other so that an adherence between the layers is enhanced.

<FIG> shows a pressure arrangement <NUM> having two first pressure rolls <NUM>, <NUM> located at the first side of the support surface and a second pressure roll <NUM> located at the second side of the support surface. Each of the two first pressure rolls <NUM>, <NUM> and the second pressure roll <NUM> has a constant diameter. The diameter of each pressure roll may be defined in a plane perpendicular to a rotational axis of the respective roll.

The two first pressure rolls <NUM>, <NUM> are rotatable around the same rotational axis <NUM>. The two first pressure rolls <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart from each other in a direction along the rotational axis <NUM>, e.g. the horizontal direction <NUM> perpendicular to a transport direction of the wound care article structure. In this example, the two first pressure rolls <NUM>, <NUM> are separate entities or elements.

The wound pads <NUM> may pass through a space between the two first pressure rolls <NUM>, <NUM>. Accordingly, the two first pressure rolls <NUM>, <NUM> may exclude the wound pads <NUM> from pressurization. To achieve this, a distance between the two first pressure rolls <NUM>, <NUM> in the direction along the rotational axis <NUM> can be larger than a width of the wound pad(s) <NUM> in the direction along the rotational axis <NUM>.

The second pressure roll <NUM> may extend below the two first pressure rolls <NUM>, <NUM> and the space through which wound pads <NUM> pass. Thus, the second pressure roll <NUM> serves as a back pressure roll.

The first pressure rolls <NUM>, <NUM> may be metal-coated rolls. For example, a substrate material, such as a synthetic or plastic material, can be covered with a metal layer. Preferably, the metal may be aluminum. Additionally, the second pressure roll <NUM> may be made of a silicone material. In some examples, the second pressure roll <NUM> may be a smooth silicone roll. The silicone material may have a hardness of <NUM>-<NUM> Shore.

Alternatively, the first pressure rolls <NUM>, <NUM> and the second pressure roll <NUM> may all be made of a silicone material. In some examples, the first pressure rolls <NUM>, <NUM> and the second pressure roll <NUM> may be smooth silicone rolls. The silicone material may have a hardness of <NUM>-<NUM> Shore.

<FIG> shows a pressure arrangement <NUM> having a (one) first pressure roll <NUM> located at the first side of the support surface and a second pressure roll <NUM> located at the second side of the support surface.

The second pressure roll <NUM> has a constant diameter and is rotatable around a rotational axis <NUM>. The second pressure roll <NUM> may extend below the first pressure roll <NUM> and the space through which wound pads <NUM> pass. Thus, the second pressure roll <NUM> serves as a back pressure roll.

The first pressure roll <NUM> has a variable diameter. In particular, the first pressure roll <NUM> has two protruding portions 622a, 622b and a recessed portion 622c between the two protruding portions 622a, 622b. A diameter of each of the protruding portions 622a, 622b is larger than a diameter of the recessed portion 622c.

The recessed portion 622c may provide an accommodation space for the wound pads <NUM>. In particular, a width of the recessed portion 622c in a direction substantially parallel to the rotational axis <NUM> of the first pressure roll <NUM> may be equal to or larger than a width of the wound pads <NUM> in a direction substantially parallel to the rotational axis <NUM>. Accordingly, the two protruding portions 622a, 622b can pressurize the left side and the right side of the wound pads <NUM> with respect to the transport direction of the wound care article structure.

In the example of <FIG> the recessed portion 622c may be configured such that the first pressure roll <NUM> neither contacts nor pressurizes a top surface of the wound pads <NUM> passing through the recessed portion 622c. Further, the recessed portion 622c may neither contact nor pressurize an area between the wound pads <NUM> in the transport direction. To achieve this, a depth of the recessed portion 622c in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis <NUM> of the first pressure roll <NUM> may be equal to, or larger than, a height of the wound pad <NUM> in the direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis <NUM>. Accordingly, the first pressure roll <NUM> may have a geometry that excludes the wound pads <NUM> from pressurization.

In the example of <FIG> a transition from the protruding portions 622a, 622b to the recessed portion 622c is formed as a step. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and the transition from the protruding portions 622a, 622b to the recessed portion 622c can be sloped, curved or round.

The first pressure roll <NUM> may be a metal-coated roll. For example, a substrate material, such as a synthetic or plastic material, can be covered with a metal layer. Preferably, the metal may be aluminum. Additionally, the second pressure roll <NUM> may be made of a silicone material. In some examples, the second pressure roll <NUM> may be a smooth silicone roll. The silicone material may have a hardness of <NUM>-<NUM> Shore.

Alternatively, the first pressure roll <NUM> and the second pressure roll <NUM> may all be made of a silicone material. In some examples, the first pressure roll <NUM> and the second pressure roll <NUM> may be smooth silicone rolls. The silicone material may have a hardness of <NUM>-<NUM> Shore.

<FIG> shows a pressure arrangement <NUM> which is similar to the pressure arrangement of <FIG> and therefore a description of identical or similar aspects is not repeated.

The pressure arrangement <NUM> includes a first pressure roll <NUM> rotatable around a rotational axis <NUM> and a second pressure roll <NUM> rotatable around a rotational axis <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, a depth of the recessed portion 632c of the first pressure roll <NUM> in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis <NUM> of the first pressure roll <NUM> is smaller than a height of the wound pad <NUM> in the direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis <NUM> of the first pressure roll <NUM>. Accordingly, the protruding portions 632a, 632b of the first pressure roll <NUM> may pressurize the top surface of the wound pad <NUM> to better adhere the at least one layer <NUM> to the wound pads <NUM>. This configuration allows to pressure all areas in a single step using a single pressure roll.

In the example of <FIG> a transition from the protruding portions 632a, 632b to the recessed portion 632c is formed as a step. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and the transition from the protruding portions 632a, 632b to the recessed portion 632c can be sloped, curved or round.

<FIG> shows a pressure arrangement <NUM> which includes a first pressure roll <NUM> rotatable around a rotational axis <NUM> and a second pressure roll <NUM> rotatable around a rotational axis <NUM>. The first pressure roll <NUM> has a constant diameter. The first pressure roll <NUM> may provide the function of the recessed portion described with respect to <FIG>. In particular, the first pressure roll <NUM> may pressurize the top surface of the wound pad <NUM> to better adhere the at least one layer <NUM> to the wound pad <NUM>. Optionally, the first pressure roll <NUM> may pressurize the area between the wound pads <NUM> in the transport direction.

According to some embodiments, the pressure arrangement <NUM> of <FIG> and the pressure arrangement <NUM> of <FIG> may be sequentially arranged along the transport path of the wound care article structure. The pressure arrangement <NUM> of <FIG> may pressurize the portions of the wound care article structure adjacent to and/or surrounding the wound pad(s) <NUM>, and the pressure arrangement <NUM> of <FIG> may pressurize the top surface of the wound pad(s) <NUM> and the area between the wound pads <NUM>.

The first pressure roll <NUM> may be a metal-coated roll. For example, a substrate material, such as a synthetic or plastic material, can be covered with a metal layer. Preferably, the metal may be aluminum. The present disclosure is not limited to a metal coating and other suitable coating can be used. Additionally, the second pressure roll <NUM> may be made of a silicone material. In some examples, the second pressure roll <NUM> may be a smooth silicone roll. The silicone material may have a hardness of <NUM>-<NUM> Shore.

<FIG> show various pressure rolls of pressure arrangements according to further embodiments described herein. <FIG> show front views of the pressure arrangements compared to the side views of <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>.

The embodiments of <FIG> are similar to the embodiments of <FIG>, respectively, and a description of similar or identical features is omitted. In the example of <FIG> the support surface is an inflexible support surface, such as a metal surface. Therefore, the second pressure rolls of the embodiments of <FIG> are omitted. The remaining features are essentially the same.

<FIG> shows forces in an apparatus for removing at least one layer from an article structure according to embodiments described herein. The force amplitudes and force ratios may be exaggerated or understated for the purpose of clarity of the figures and are therefore not a scale representation of the force amplitudes and force ratios.

In the example of <FIG>, the support surface is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction by an inclination angle α.

Generally, the term "vertical direction" or "vertical orientation" is understood to distinguish over "horizontal direction" or "horizontal orientation". That is, the vertical direction <NUM> or vertical orientation relates to a vertical orientation of the forces or force components. The horizontal direction <NUM> is perpendicular to the vertical direction <NUM>. The vertical direction <NUM> is parallel to the force of gravity.

The following forces may act on a given point (i.e., the delamination point DP) of the article structure:.

These forces act on the delamination point DP, at which the protective layer detaches from the article structure.

Each force can be presented by a vector, wherein each vector is composed of a horizontal component (index "x") and a vertical component (index "y"). The vectors and their respective components are shown in <FIG>.

In detail, the delamination force Fdel has a first delamination force component Fdel,y in the vertical direction <NUM> and a second delamination force component Fdel,x in the horizontal direction <NUM>. The belt force Fbelt has a vertical force component Fbelt,y and a horizontal force component Fbelt,x. The holding force (e.g. suction force) Fvac has a vertical force component Fvac,y and a horizontal force component Fvac,x.

The sum of the horizontal force components acting on the article structure at the delamination point DP is thus given as: <MAT>.

The sum of the vertical force components acting on the article structure at the delamination point DP is given as: <MAT>.

According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first delamination force component Fdel,y is smaller than a vertical force component generated by the conveyor device (in the present example the sum of Fbelt,y and Fvac,y) and acting on the article structure <NUM> in a direction opposite to the first delamination force component Fdel,y.

In the present example, this condition can be expressed as follows: <MAT>.

Such an adjustment of the delamination force to satisfy the above conditions ensures that the article structure adheres to the support surface of the conveyor and does not lift off. Accordingly, the production speed and thus the yield of a manufacturing system can be increased.

The adjustment of the delamination force may be achieved by adjusting a delamination angle β defined between a direction or vector of the delamination force Fdel and its first delamination force component (vector component) Fdel,y. In some embodiments, the delamination angle β may be <NUM>° or higher and/or less than <NUM>°. For example, the delamination angle is <NUM>° or higher, <NUM>° or higher, <NUM>° or higher, <NUM>° or higher, <NUM>° or higher, <NUM>° or higher, or <NUM>° or higher. In any case, the delamination angle may be less than <NUM>°.

In order to adjust the delamination force and/or the delamination angle β, the inclination angle α of the support surface with respect to the horizontal direction <NUM> may be adjusted. In some embodiments, in order to satisfy the above condition (<NUM>), the inclination angle may be <NUM>° or less and more than <NUM>°. For example, the inclination angle may be <NUM>° or less, <NUM>° or less, <NUM>° or less, <NUM>° or less, <NUM>° or less, <NUM>° or less, or <NUM>° or less. In any case, the inclination angle α may be greater than <NUM>°. In a particular embodiment, the inclination angle α may be about <NUM>°.

<FIG> shows forces in an apparatus for removing at least one layer from an article structure according to further embodiments described herein. In the example of <FIG>, the support surface is horizontally oriented, i.e., not inclined. Thus, the holding force Fvac has only a vertical component Fvac,y, and the belt force Fbelt only has a horizontal component Fdel,x.

In this case, the delamination angle β may be adjusted by adjusting a direction of the vector of the delamination force Fdel. The direction of the vector of the delamination force Fdel can be adjusted by a geometrical configuration and/or arrangement of the delamination arrangement with respect to the support surface of the conveyor device.

In view of the above, the embodiments of the present disclosure may adjust a delamination force used to peel a temporary protective layer from the article structure. In particular, the delamination force is adjusted so that the article structure adheres to the support surface of the conveyor and does not lift off. Accordingly, the production speed and thus the yield of a manufacturing system can be increased.

Furthermore, the embodiments of the present disclosure may press a layer or multilayered structure that has been laminated onto a wound care article structure against said wound care article structure. Thereby, an adhesion force between the laminated layer or multilayered structure and the wound care article structure can be enhanced so that a subsequent removal of a protective layer does not result in a detachment of the laminated layer or multilayered structure from the wound care article structure. Accordingly, the production speed and thus the yield of a manufacturing system can be increased.

Claim 1:
Apparatus (<NUM>, 400A, 400B, 500A, 500B) for laminating at least one layer (<NUM>, <NUM>) onto a wound care article structure (<NUM>), comprising:
a conveyor device (<NUM>) having a support surface (<NUM>) configured for supporting the wound care article structure (<NUM>);
a first lamination arrangement (<NUM>) configured for laminating at least one layer (<NUM>, <NUM>) having at least one protection layer (<NUM>) onto the wound care article structure (<NUM>);
a pressure arrangement (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) having one or more pressure rolls configured to apply a pressure to the at least one layer (<NUM>, <NUM>) laminated onto the wound care article structure (<NUM>) to fix the at least one layer (<NUM>, <NUM>) to the wound care article structure (<NUM>), wherein the one or more pressure rolls are adjustable in their distance to the wound care article structure (<NUM>) or in their distance to a carrier (<NUM>) of the wound care article structure (<NUM>); and
a delamination arrangement (<NUM>) configured for delaminating the protective layer (<NUM>) off the wound care article structure (<NUM>) having the at least one layer (<NUM>, <NUM>) laminated thereon.