DESCRIPTION

METHOD FOR PRODUCING WET TISSUE TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001]

The present disclosure relates to a method for producing wet tissue.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002]

A method for producing wet tissue is known in the prior art that consists of producing a wet tissue package by unrolling raw fabrics wound into a roll, folding the unrolled raw fabrics, impregnating the folded raw fabrics with a chemical solution, superimposing the raw fabrics impregnated with the chemical solution, cutting the superimposed raw fabric to produce wet tissues,

laminating the wet tissues and packaging the laminated wet tissues (see, for example, Patent Literature 1) . In addition, a method for producing wet tissue is known in the prior art that consists of impregnating continuously supplied raw fabric with a chemical solution, cutting to produce wet tissues and laminating the wet tissues followed by further impregnating the laminated wet tissues with a chemical solution (see, for example,

Patent Literature 2) .

[Citation List]

[Patent Documents]

[0003]

[Patent Literature 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-26001

[Patent Literature 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent

Publication No. H7-204118

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[Technical Problem]

[0004]

Bulky wet tissue is desired in order to improve the wiping performance of the wet tissue.

[Solution to Problem] [0005]

The present invention employs the following

configuration in order to solve the aforementioned problems .

Namely, the present invention is a method for producing wet tissue, comprising a step for preparing fiber sheets, and post-processing steps comprising a step for folding the fiber sheets, a step for impregnating the fiber sheets with a chemical solution, a step for cutting the fiber sheets and a step for laminating the fiber sheets, wherein a step for increasing the moisture content of the fiber sheets and a step for spraying high- pressure steam onto the fiber sheets for which the moisture content has been increased are contained between the step for preparing the fiber sheets and the postprocessing steps.

[Advantageous Effects of the Invention]

[0006]

According to the present invention, bulky wet tissue can be produced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package that packages wet tissues produced according to the method for producing wet tissue in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A- A of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a wet tissue in a folded state.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a wet tissue.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a wet tissue production device used in the method for producing wet tissue in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an example of spraying used in the method for producing wet tissue in an

embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an example of a steam nozzle used in the method for producing wet tissue in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a principle by which fibers of a fiber sheet are loosened and the bulk of a fiber sheet is increased by high-pressure steam.

FIG. 9 is a widthwise cross-sectional schematic diagram of a fiber sheet sprayed with high-pressure steam.

FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an example of the arrangement of holes of a steam nozzle used in the method for producing wet tissue in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a variation of a wet tissue production device used in the method for producing wet tissue in an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0008]

The following provides an explanation of the method for producing wet tissue in an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package that packages wet tissues produced according to the method for producing wet tissue in an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a wet tissue 4 in a folded state, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a wet tissue.

[0009]

A package 1 contains a body 2 having an opening 3, wet tissues 4 housed in the body 2, and a label member 5 that covers the opening 3 of the body 2.

[0010]

The body 2 is preferably in the form of a pouch, and seals the wet tissues 4 when the opening 3 is covered with the label member 5. As a result, the body 2

inhibits drying of the wet tissues 4 impregnated with a chemical solution. The wet tissues 4 can be removed by passing through the opening 3 of the body 2. The label member 5 is preferably coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive that can be adhered to and removed from the body 2 so that the label member 5 can be re-adhered to the body 2 and cover the opening 3 after it has been peeled from the body 2.

[0011]

As shown in FIG. 2, within the body 2, the wet tissues 4 are laminated in a folded state. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the wet tissues 4 are

preferably folded so that cross-sections thereof depict the letter "Z", and the end (upper end) portions 41 of the wet tissues 4 on the side of the opening 3 are also preferably folded into the shape of the letter "Z". As shown in Fig. 3, the direction of the line along which the wet tissues 4 are folded corresponds to a machine direction (MD) in which the wet tissues 4 move in a production method to be subsequently described, and the direction in which the wet tissues 4 are folded

corresponds to a cross machine direction (CD)

perpendicular to the machine direction (MD) . The wet tissues 4 can be easily removed from the opening 3 by grabbing the portion 41 folded into the shape of the letter "Z" on the upper end of the wet tissues 4.

[0012]

As shown in FIG. 4, the wet tissues 4 preferably have a plurality of bulky portions 42 extending in a prescribed direction and grooves 43 provided between adjacent bulky portions 42. It should be appreciated that the wet tissues may be configured differently, in dependence on the arrangement of the high-pressure streams (discussed below) , however, the present

arrangement is preferred. The direction in which the bulky portions 42 extend corresponds to the machine direction (MD) in which the wet tissues 4 move in a production method to be subsequently described, while the direction in which the plurality of bulky portions 42 are arranged corresponds to the cross machine direction (CD) perpendicular to the machine direction (MD) .

[0013]

The bulky portions 42 of the wet tissues 4 have a high fiber density, and therefore have a high basis weight. On the other hand, the grooves 43 of the wet tissues 4 have a low fiber density, and therefore have a low basis weight. Since the basis weight of the bulky portions 42 is high, soiling of a target object can be easily wiped off by the bulky portions 42 when the target object is wiped with the wet tissue 4. On the other hand, since the basis weight of the grooves 43 is low, the grooves 43 are able to easily absorb soiling of the target object when the target object is wiped with the wet tissue 4. Thus, combining the bulky portions 42 having a high basis weight with the grooves 43 having a low basis weight makes it possible to efficiently wipe off soiling from a target object.

[0014]

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, an explanation is provided of a method for producing the wet tissues 4 in an embodiment of the present invention. The method for producing the wet tissues 4 in an embodiment of the present invention comprises a step for preparing fiber sheets, a step for increasing the moisture content of the fiber sheets, a step for spraying high-pressure steam onto the fiber sheets, a step for folding the fiber sheets, a step for impregnating the fiber sheets with a chemical solution, a step for cutting the fiber sheets, and a step for laminating the fiber sheets. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a wet tissue production device used in the method for producing the wet tissues 4 in an embodiment of the present invention. [0015]

(Step for Preparing Fiber Sheets)

A fiber sheet 51 is supplied to a transport conveyor 16 from raw fabric rolls 11 and 12. The fiber sheet 51 may be a non-woven fabric fabricated by a spun lace method or air-laid method and the like, and the basis weight of this non-woven fabric is preferably 25 g/m ² to 100 g/m ² . In addition, since the fiber sheet 51 is deformed by spraying with high-pressure steam in a subsequent step and fibers of the fiber sheet 51 are required to be re-loosened, the non-woven fabric of the raw fabric rolls 11 and 12 is preferably bonded with water jet punching. Since the fiber sheet 51 is

impregnated with a chemical solution, the non-woven fabric used for the fiber sheet 51 preferably contains hydrophilic fibers.

[0016]

Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) having high heat

resistance is preferably used for the transport conveyor 16.

[0017]

The bulk of the fiber sheet 51 is increased by the step for increasing the moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 and the step for spraying the fiber sheet 51 with high-pressure steam to be subsequently described.

Thus, even in the case of fabricating bulky wet tissue, the bulk of the fiber sheets of the raw fabric rolls 11 and 12 may be low. As a result, raw fabric rolls 11 and 12 having a long winding length can be used, thereby making it possible to reduce the number of times the raw fabric rolls 11 and 12 are replaced. Thus, production efficiency can be enhanced by the method for producing the wet tissues 4 in an embodiment of the present

invention .

[0018]

(Step for Increasing Moisture Content of Fiber

Sheets) The fiber sheet 51 supplied to the transport

conveyor 16 moves below a sprayer 13 that releases water and water is applied from the sprayer 13. It should be noted, however, as mentioned below that alternative means may be provided for increasing the moisture content of the fiber sheets. As shown in FIG. 6, nozzles 31 of the sprayer 13 are preferably arranged in a row in the cross machine direction (CD) of the fiber sheet 51. As a result, the moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 increases. Here, moisture content refers to the weight of water contained in the fiber sheet based on a value of

100% for the weight of the dried fiber sheet 51.

[0019]

Although there are no particular limitations on the moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 that has been increased by the step for increasing the moisture content of the fiber sheet provided it is higher than the

moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 on the raw fabric rolls 11 and 12, it is preferably from 10% to 45%. If the moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 is 10% or more, hydrogen bonding strength between fibers of the fiber sheet 51 is not increased too greatly, and the amount of energy required to loosen the fibers of the fiber sheet 51 with high-pressure steam to be

subsequently described is effectively prevented from becoming extremely high. On the other hand, if the moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 is 45% or less, since hydrogen bonding strength between fibers of the fiber sheet 51 does not become excessively weak, the strength of the fiber sheet 51 does not become

excessively low, and a step for drying the fiber sheet 51 following the step for spraying the fiber sheet 51 with high-pressure steam to be subsequently described, in order to enhance the strength of the fiber sheet 51 after spraying with high-pressure steam, may be avoided.

[0020]

Furthermore, the liquid released from the sprayer 13 is not limited to water provided it is able to increase the moisture content of the fiber sheet 51. For example, an aqueous solution obtained by dissolving another compound in water may be released from the sprayer 13.

[0021]

Since hydrogen bonding strength between fibers of the fiber sheet 51 weakens when the moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 is increased, the degree of

entanglement between fibers decreases. Consequently, fibers of the fiber sheet 51 can be loosened easily thereby facilitating processing of the fiber sheet 51.

[0022]

The diameter and pitch of holes of the sprayer 13 are suitably selected so that a prescribed amount of water is uniformly applied over the entire fiber sheet

51.

[0023]

(Step for Spraying High-Pressure Steam onto Fiber Sheets)

Next, the fiber sheet 51 is moved between a steam nozzle 14 and, preferably, a suction box 15 by the transport conveyor 16. At this time, high-pressure steam is sprayed onto the fiber sheet 51 from a single steam nozzle 14 arranged above the transport conveyor 16.

Furthermore, high-pressure steam may also be sprayed onto the fiber sheet 51 from two or more steam nozzles. The suction box 15 houses a suction device that suctions high-pressure steam sprayed from the steam nozzle 14.

Grooves are preferably formed in the upper surface

(surface facing the steam nozzle 14) of the fiber sheet

51 by the high-pressure steam sprayed from the steam nozzle 14.

[0024]

High-pressure steam sprayed from the steam nozzle 14 may be steam composed of 100% water or may be steam that contains another gas such as air. However, the high- pressure steam sprayed from the steam nozzle 14 is preferably steam composed of 100% water.

[0025]

An example of the steam nozzle 14 is shown in FIG.

7. The steam nozzle 14 preferably sprays a plurality of streams of high-pressure steam 142 arranged in a row in the cross machine direction (CD) of the fiber sheet 51 towards the fiber sheet 51. As a result, a plurality of grooves 512 aligned in the cross machine direction (CD) and extending in the machine direction (MD) of the fiber sheet 51 are formed in the upper surface of the fiber sheet 51. The suction box 15 is provided on the opposite side of the steam nozzle 14 relative to the transport conveyor 16.

[0026]

When high-pressure steam is sprayed onto the fiber sheet 51, fibers of the fiber sheet 51 are loosened. The loosened fibers are then moved by the high-pressure steam to both sides in the widthwise direction of the portions sprayed with the high-pressure steam. As a result, the bulk of the fiber sheet 51 increases. Although the principle by which the bulk of the fiber sheet 51

increases is explained in detail with reference to FIG.

8, this principle is not intended to limit the present invention .

[0027]

As shown in FIG. 8, when the high-pressure steam 142 is sprayed by the steam nozzle 14, the high-pressure steam 142 passes through the fiber sheet 51 and contacts the transport conveyor 16. A portion of the high- pressure steam 142 that has contacted the transport conveyor 16 is rebounded off the transport conveyor 16. As a result, fibers of the fiber sheet 51 are curled up and loosened. In particular, since hydrogen bonding between fibers has been weakened as a result of applying water to the fiber sheet 51, the degree of entanglement between fibers is weak. Consequently, fibers of the fiber sheet 51 are curled up more easily, thereby enabling the fibers to be loosened more easily.

[0028]

In addition, water in the fiber sheet 51 evaporates rapidly due to the high-pressure steam 142. Since the moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 is increased by applying water to the fiber sheet 51, expansion of steam also increases due to this rapid evaporation of water. As a result, the gaps between fibers become larger and the fibers are more easily loosened.

[0029]

Fibers of the fiber sheet 51 are further pushed apart by the high-pressure steam 142, and the fibers that have been pushed apart in this manner move and gather in both width directions of a portion 514 where the high- pressure steam 142 contacts the transport conveyor 16, thereby resulting in the formation of bulky portions 513 where the bulk of the fiber sheet is high. In addition, since the fibers are densely gather in the bulky portions 513, the basis weight of the bulky portions 513 becomes high. On the other hand, the grooves 512 are formed at those portions of the fiber sheet 51 where the fibers have been pushed apart. Since the fibers of the fiber sheet 51 have been loosened in the grooves 512, the basis weight of the grooves 512 becomes low.

[0030]

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a widthwise cross-section of the fiber sheet 51 following spraying of high-pressure steam. In regions 52 where the grooves 512 are present, the basis weight of the fiber sheet 51 is low, while in regions 53 where the bulky portions 513 are present, the basis weight of the fiber sheet 51 is high. Since the grooves 512 and the bulky portions 513 are alternately present in the width direction in the fiber sheet 51, the regions 52 having low basis weight and the regions 53 having high basis weight are also alternately present in the width direction.

[0031] In the case of fabricating the fiber sheet 51 using water-dispersible fibers having a fiber length of 20 mm or less, the fiber sheet 51 becomes a water-decomposable wet tissue. Those portions of the fiber sheet 51 having low basis weight easily dissolve in water. Thus, since the regions 52 having low basis weight and the regions 53 having high basis weight are alternately present in the fiber sheet 51 in the direction of width, in the case of using the fiber sheet 51 as a water-decomposable wet tissue, the wet tissue is able to be rapidly decomposed by water.

[0032]

Since the fiber sheet 51 is shaped as a result of a portion of the fibers thereof being blown together by the high-pressure steam, entanglement between fibers is strong. Consequently, plastic fibers may be incorporated in the fiber sheet 51 in order to maintain the bulky state of the fiber sheet 51. In addition, since the bulky portions 513 are formed in the fiber sheet 51 as a result of the fibers being gathered, the bulky portions

513 are resistant to crushing even when subjected to pressure in the direction of thickness or when in a wet state. Thus, there is little crushing of the bulky portions 513 of the fiber sheet 51 even when the moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 is increased in the step for impregnating the fiber sheet 51 with a chemical solution.

[0033]

A portion of the high-pressure steam 142 that has contacted the transport conveyor 16 passes through the transport conveyor 16 and is sucked by the suction box 15. As a result, thermal energy of the high-pressure steam 142 is efficiently transferred to the fiber sheet 51, enabling the fiber sheet 51 to be dried efficiently. In addition, the spreading of steam that occurs after the high-pressure steam 142 has been sprayed onto the fiber sheet 51 can be inhibited by the suction generated by the suction box 15. As a result, condensation of moisture on devices surrounding the steam nozzle 14 can be inhibited.

[0034]

The temperature of the high-pressure steam is preferably 130°C to 220°C. For example, the temperature of the high-pressure steam is measured immediately after the steam has sprayed from the nozzle. As a result, drying of the fiber sheet 51 proceeds when the high- pressure steam is sprayed onto the fiber sheet 51, and the bulk of the fiber sheet 51 can be increased

simultaneous to drying. Since hydrogen bonding between fibers of the fiber sheet 51 becomes stronger when the fiber sheet 51 is dried, the strength of the fiber sheet 51 increases, and the increased bulk of the fiber sheet 51 is not easily reduced. In addition, as a result of the increase in strength of the fiber sheet 51, the formation of holes and tearing of the fiber sheet 51 caused by being sprayed with high-pressure steam are prevented.

[0035]

The steam pressure of high-pressure steam sprayed from the steam nozzle 14 is preferably 0.3 MPa to 1.5 MPa. If the steam pressure of the high-pressure steam is 0.3 MPa and more, a suitable increase in the bulk of the fiber sheet 51 due to the high-pressure steam may be ensured. In addition, if the steam pressure of the high- pressure steam is 1.5 MPa or less, the formation of holes in the fiber sheet 51 or the tearing and blowing away of the fiber sheet 51 may be effectively prevented.

[0036]

A suction device that suctions steam sprayed from the steam nozzle 14 is housed in the suction box 15. The suction force is generated by this suction device that enables the suction box 15 to suction the fiber sheet 51. The suction force per unit of area is preferably -1 kPa

(-0.01 kgf/cm ² ) to -12 kPa (-0.12 kgf/cm ² ) . If the suction force of the suction box 15 is -1 kPa or greater, it may be ensured that the steam is able to be completely suctioned avoiding the problem of the risk of steam being blown upward. In addition, if the suction force of the suction box 15 is -12 kPa or less, it may be ensured that the problem in which there is an increase in the number of fibers that drop into the suction box is avoided.

[0037]

The distance between the end of the steam nozzle 14 and the upper surface of the fiber sheet 51 is preferably 1.0 mm to 10 mm. If the distance between the end of the steam nozzle 14 and the upper surface of the fiber sheet 51 is 1.0 mm or more, problems such as holes forming in the fiber sheet 51 or the fiber sheet 51 being torn and blown away may be efficiently avoided. In addition, if the distance between the end of the steam nozzle 14 and the upper surface of the fiber sheet 51 is 10 mm or less, it may be ensured that force for forming grooves in the surface of the fiber sheet 51 with the high-pressure steam is not dispersed, thereby ensuring the ability of the high-pressure steam to form grooves in the surface of the fiber sheet 51.

[0038]

The hole diameter of the steam nozzle 14 is

preferably 150 μπι to 600 μτα.. If the hole diameter of the steam nozzle 14 is 150 μια or more, it may be ensured that the energy of the high-pressure steam is adequate, thereby avoiding the problem of insufficient fiber separation. In addition, if the hole diameter of the steam nozzle 14 is 600 μπι or less, it may be ensured that the energy of the high-pressure steam is not excessively large, thereby avoiding the problem of the fiber sheet 51 being excessively damaged by the high-pressure steam.

[0039]

The hole pitch (distance between the centers of adjacent holes) of the steam nozzle 14 is preferably 1.0 mm to 10.0 mm. If the hole pitch of the steam nozzle 14 is 1.0 mm or more, the withstand pressure of the steam nozzle 14 increases, ensuring there is no risk of damage to the steam nozzle 14. In addition, if the hole pitch of the steam nozzle 14 is 10.0 mm or less, the proportion of those portions of the fiber sheet subjected to

treatment by high-pressure steam increases, effectively avoiding a decrease in the effect of the high-pressure steam on the fiber sheet.

[0040]

The holes of the steam nozzle 14 may be arranged in a single row or in two or more rows in the cross machine direction (CD) of the fiber sheet 51. FIG. 10 shows an example of the arrangement of holes in the steam nozzle 14. In the steam nozzle 14, holes 143 are arranged in two rows in the cross machine direction (CD) of the fiber sheet 51. The hole diameter is, for example, 300 μπι and the hole pitch, namely the distance between the centers of adjacent holes 143, is, for example, 2.0 mm.

[0041]

The height and width of the bulky portions 513 and the depth and width of the grooves 512 can be adjusted by adjusting the hole diameter and hole pitch of the steam nozzle, the distance between the end of the steam nozzle 14 and the upper surface of the fiber sheet 51, and the moisture content of the fiber sheet 51. Thus, the height and width of the bulky portions 513 and the depth and width of the grooves 512 can be easily controlled.

[0042]

The moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 after being sprayed with high-pressure steam is preferably 0% to 20% and more preferably 0% to 5%. If the moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 after being sprayed with high-pressure steam is 20% or less, it may be ensured that hydrogen bonding strength between the fibers of the fiber sheet 51 does not become excessively weak, ensuring the strength of the fiber sheet 51 does not become too low for subjecting the fiber sheet 51 to processing in subsequent steps. In addition, if the moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 after being sprayed with high- pressure steam is 0% to 20%, a drying step for enhancing strength of the fiber sheet 51 after being sprayed with high-pressure steam is not required.

[0043]

The thickness of the fiber sheet 51 can be increased by 30% or more from the thickness of the fiber sheet 51 on the raw fabric rolls 11 and 12 by spraying high- pressure steam onto the fiber sheet 51 after having increased the moisture content thereof.

[0044]

A cartridge heater 141 is preferably provided on each of the two sides of the steam nozzle 14 in the machine direction (MD) . The cartridge heaters 141 heat the steam nozzle 14 to a temperature higher than the temperature of the high-pressure steam sprayed from the steam nozzle 14, and preferably to a temperature 20°C or more higher than the temperature of the high-pressure steam sprayed from the steam nozzle 14. Heating the steam nozzle 14 with the cartridge heaters to a

temperature higher than the temperature of the high- pressure steam sprayed from the steam nozzle 14 makes it possible to inhibit the occurrence of drainage from the steam nozzle 14. As a result, water from the steam nozzle 14 can be prevented from dripping onto the fiber sheet 51.

[0045]

For example, in the case the temperature of the high-pressure steam is 175°C to 180°C, and the steam pressure of the high-pressure steam sprayed from the steam nozzle 14 is 0.7 MPa, if the steam nozzle 14 is not heated with the cartridge heaters 141, a large amount of drainage can occur in the steam nozzle 14 and the fiber sheet 51 may become partially wet. However, if the steam nozzle 14 is heated to 180°C with the cartridge heaters 141, the amount of drainage that occurs in the steam nozzle 14 decreases. If the steam nozzle is heated to 190°C with the cartridge heaters 141, the amount of drainage that occurs in the steam nozzle 14 decreases further. If the steam nozzle 14 is heated to 200°C with the cartridge heaters 141, the amount of drainage that occurs in the steam nozzle 14 decreases even further, and there is very little wetting of the fiber sheet 51. If the steam nozzle 14 is heated to 210°C with the cartridge heaters 141, there is hardly any occurrence of drainage in the steam nozzle 141 and the fiber sheet 51 is not affected by drainage.

[0046]

When the dripping of water onto the fiber sheet 51 due to drainage having occurred in the steam nozzle 14 is avoided, problems such as the portion of the fiber sheet where water has dripped being torn in the step for folding the fiber sheet to be subsequently described may be effectively avoided.

[0047]

(Step for Folding Fiber Sheets)

As shown in FIG. 5, the fiber sheet 51 in which bulky portions and grooves have been formed moves to a folding device 17. The folding device 17 is provided with, for example, a folding board 171 having a

prescribed folding edge (not shown) and divided into two pieces on the left and right sides, and a positioning stay 172 that has a movable adjustment mechanism (not shown) . In the folding device 17, the fiber sheet 51 is folded in the widthwise direction as shown in FIG. 3.

[0048]

(Step for Impregnating Fiber Sheets with Chemical Solution)

The folded fiber sheet 51 passes alongside an impregnation device 18 where it is impregnated with a chemical solution. The impregnation device 18 is, for example, provided with an impregnation roller having a plurality of pores formed in the surface thereof and capable of discharging a chemical solution from the plurality of pores, a chemical solution tank (not shown) that houses a liquid in the form of a chemical solution, and a pump (not shown) that supplies the chemical

solution to the impregnation rollers from the chemical solution tank. The fiber sheet 51 moves so as to contact the impregnation roller and is impregnated with the chemical solution discharged from the impregnation roller. The fiber sheet 51 passes over a transport roller 19 after having been impregnated with the chemical solution.

[0049]

Next, the fiber sheet 51 supplied from one of the raw fabric rolls 11 and impregnated with chemical

solution and the fiber sheet 51 supplied from the other raw fabric roll 12 and impregnated with chemical solution are preferably superpositioned by a superpositioning roller 20. As a result, a laminated sheet 54 may be fabricated that is composed of the fiber sheet 51

supplied from one of the raw fabric rolls 11 and the fiber sheet 51 supplied from the other raw fabric roll 12.

[0050]

The laminated sheet 54 may be transported to a cutting roller 23 in a state of being interposed between an upper transport conveyor 21 and a lower transport conveyor 22. As a result, snaking of the laminated sheet 54 can be inhibited during transport thereof.

[0051]

(Step for Cutting Fiber Sheets)

The laminated sheet 54 is, for example, cut in the direction of width at a prescribed interval in the machine direction (MD) with the cutting roller 23 to obtain a two-layer laminate 55 in which two wet tissues are superimposed. The cutting roller 23 may be provided with an anvil roller 231 having a smooth surface and a cutter roller 232 having a cutting blade on the surface thereof .

[0052]

(Step for Laminating Fiber Sheets)

The two-layer laminate 55 is transported to a lamination device 25 by a transport conveyor 24. The lamination device 25 is, for example, provided with a presser 251, an upward transport conveyor 252 arranged below the presser 251, and a lower transport conveyor 253 arranged at a location facing the upper transport

conveyor 252. The upper transport conveyor 252 may have a suction mechanism (not shown) , and this suction

mechanism is able to suction the two-layer laminate 55 to the upper transport conveyor 252. The two-layer laminate

55 is suctioned to the bottom of upper transport conveyor 252. In addition, the upper transport conveyor 252 may be able to move downward as a result of the presser 251 passing through the upper transport conveyor 252. A plurality of the two-layer laminates 55 are preferably laminated on the lower transport conveyor 253 by the presser 251 that moves upward and downward at a

prescribed time interval. A wet tissue laminate 56 may thus be fabricated in which a plurality of the two-layer laminates 55 is laminated.

[0053]

The wet tissue laminate 56 is then preferably transported from the lamination device 25 by the lower transport conveyor 253. The wet tissue laminate 56 is then packaged by a packaging step (not shown) .

[0054]

Bulky wet tissue can be fabricated by forming bulky fiber sheets into raw fabric rolls and using the raw fabric rolls. However, when winding the bulky fiber sheets to fabricate raw fabric rolls, the bulky portions of the fiber sheets are deformed. Consequently, the bulky portions of wet tissue cannot be stably formed in the raw fabric rolls of the bulky fiber sheets. On the other hand, in an embodiment of the present invention, after having increased the bulk of fiber sheets, the fiber sheets proceed directly to a step for folding the fiber sheets, a step for impregnating the fiber sheets with a chemical solution, a step for cutting the fiber sheets and a step for laminating the fiber sheets. Thus, since the fiber sheets are able to proceed to the

aforementioned steps without causing deformation of the bulky portions thereof, bulky portions of wet tissue can be formed stably.

[0055]

The method for producing wet tissue according to the aforementioned embodiment can be modified, for example, as described below.

(1) Although fiber sheets proceeded to a step for folding the fiber sheets, a step for impregnating the fiber sheets with a chemical solution, a step for cutting the fiber sheets and a step for laminating the fiber sheets in the method for producing wet tissue according to the aforementioned embodiment, the order in which these steps are carried out is not limited thereto. For example, the fiber sheets may be folded after the fiber sheets have been cut. In addition, the fiber sheets may be impregnated with the chemical solution, before folding the fiber sheets, after cutting the fiber sheets or after having laminated the fiber sheets.

[0056]

(2) The step for folding the fiber sheets, the step for impregnating the fiber sheets with a chemical

solution, the step for cutting the fiber sheets and the step for laminating the fiber sheets are not limited to the step for folding the fiber sheets, the step for impregnating the fiber sheets with a chemical solution, the step for cutting the fiber sheets and the step for laminating the fiber sheets in the aforementioned

embodiment. Additional step may be introduced. [0057 ]

(3) Although the steam nozzle 14 is heated using the cartridge heaters 141 in the method for producing wet tissue according to the aforementioned embodiment, the steam nozzle may not be heated. Furthermore, the device used to heat the steam nozzle 14 is not limited to the cartridge heaters 141 provide the steam nozzle 14 is able to be heated. For example, the steam nozzle 14 can be heated by arranging pipes through which high-temperature steam flows in the steam nozzle 14.

[0058]

(4) Although the moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 was increased by releasing water or an aqueous

solution onto the fiber sheet 51 from the nozzle 13 according to the aforementioned embodiment, the moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 may also be increased by another method. For example, the moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 may be increased by impregnating the fiber sheet 51 with water or an aqueous solution using an impregnation roller having a plurality of pores formed in the surface thereof and which is able to discharge water or an aqueous solution from the plurality of pores.

[0059]

(5) The moisture content of only a portion of the fiber sheet 51 sprayed with high-pressure steam may be increased by applying water or an aqueous solution to only a portion of the fiber sheet 51 sprayed with high- pressure steam. In addition, in the case of increasing the bulk of only a portion of the fiber sheet 51,

moisture content may be increased for only the portion of the fiber sheet 51 for which bulk is to be increased.

[0060]

(6) Although water or an aqueous solution is applied to the fiber sheet 51 and high-pressure steam is sprayed onto the fiber sheet 51 on the transport conveyor 16 in the wet tissue production device 100 in the

aforementioned embodiment of the present invention, water or an aqueous solution may be applied to the fiber sheet 51 and high-pressure steam may be sprayed onto the fiber sheet 51 on a suction drum 16A as in a wet tissue

production device 100A shown in FIG. 11. The wet tissue production device can be reduced in size in comparison with the case of using the transport conveyor 16 by using the suction drum 16A.

[0061]

The aforementioned embodiment can also be combined with one or a plurality of variations. The variations can also be combined in any manner.

[0062]

The aforementioned explanation has merely provided an explanation of one embodiment of the present

invention, and the present invention is not limited to that embodiment .

[Examples]

[0063]

Although the following provides a more detailed explanation of the present invention based on examples thereof, the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0064]

In the examples and comparative examples, pre- steaming fiber sheet moisture content, post-steaming fiber sheet moisture content, fiber sheet basis weight, fiber sheet thickness, density, dry tensile strength, dry tensile elongation, wet tensile strength and wet tensile elongation were measured in the manner described below.

[0065]

( Pre-Steaming Fiber Sheet Moisture Content)

The fiber sheet 51 onto which water was released from the sprayer 13 was sampled in the wet tissue

production device 100 shown in FIG. 5, and the weight (Wl) of the sample piece of the fiber sheet 51 was measured under the condition of a temperature of 20°C and a relative humidity of 60%. Subsequently, the sample piece was allowed to stand undisturbed for 1 hour in a constant temperature bath at 105°C followed by drying and measuring the weight of the sample piece (Dl) under the condition of a temperature of 20°C and a relative humidity of 60%. The moisture content of the fiber sheet prior to steam spraying was calculated using the following

formula .

Pre-steaming fiber sheet moisture content =

(Wl-Dl) /Wl x 100 ^■ (%)

The average value of pre-steaming fiber sheet moisture content of 10 sample pieces was taken to be the pre-steaming fiber sheet moisture content of the example or comparative example corresponding to that sample piece.

[0066]

(Post-Steaming Fiber Sheet Moisture Content)

The fiber sheet 51 sprayed with high-pressure steam from the steam nozzle 14 was sampled in the wet tissue production device 100 shown in FIG. 5, and the weight (W2) of the sample piece of the fiber sheet 51 was measured under the condition of a temperature of 20°C and a relative humidity of 60%. Subsequently, the sample piece was allowed to stand undisturbed for 1 hour in a constant temperature bath at 105°C followed by drying and measuring the weight of the sample piece (D2) under the condition of a temperature of 20°C and a relative humidity of 60%. The moisture content of the fiber sheet after steam spraying was calculated using the following

formula .

Post-steaming fiber sheet moisture content =

(W2-D2) /W2 x 100 (%)

The average value of post-steaming fiber sheet moisture content of 10 sample pieces was taken to be the post-steaming fiber sheet moisture content of the example or comparative example corresponding to that sample piece . [0067]

(Fiber Sheet Basis Weight)

The fiber sheet 51 sprayed with high-pressure steam from the steam nozzle 14 was sampled in the wet tissue production device 100 shown in FIG. 5, and a piece was cut out to a size of 30 cm x 30 cm to prepare a sample piece. Subsequently, the sample piece was allowed to stand undisturbed for 1 hour in a constant temperature bath at 105°C followed by drying and measuring the weight of the sample piece under the condition of a temperature of 20°C and a relative humidity of 60%. The fiber sheet basis weight was calculated by dividing the measured weight of the sample piece by the area of the sample piece .

The average value of fiber sheet basis weight of 10 sample pieces was taken to be the fiber sheet basis weight of the example or comparative example

corresponding to that sample piece.

[0068]

(Fiber Sheet Thickness)

The fiber sheet 51 sprayed with high-pressure steam from the steam nozzle 14 was sampled in the wet tissue production device 100 shown in FIG. 5, and a piece of the sampled fiber sheet 51 was cut out to a size of 10 cm x 10 cm to prepare a sample piece. The thickness of the sample piece was measured under the condition of a temperature of 20°C and a relative humidity of 60% and under measuring conditions consisting of a measuring load of 3 g/cm ² using a thickness gauge (Model FS-60DS, Daiei Kagaku Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd.) equipped with a 15 cm ² probe.

Thickness was measured 3 times for each sample piece, and the average value of the three thicknesses was taken to be the fiber sheet thickness of the example or

comparative example corresponding to that fiber sheet.

[0069]

(Density) The density of the fiber sheet was calculated from the basis weight of the fiber sheet and the thickness of the fiber sheet as measured in the manner described above .

[0070]

(Dry Tensile Strength)

The fiber sheet 51 sprayed with high-pressure steam from the steam nozzle 14 was sampled in the wet tissue production device 100 shown in FIG. 5, and a strip-like test piece having a width of 25 mm such that the

lengthwise direction thereof was the machine direction ( D) of the fiber sheet and a strip-like test piece having a width of 25 mm such that the lengthwise

direction thereof was the cross machine direction (CD) of the fiber sheet were cut from the sampled fiber sheet 51 to prepare measurement samples. The respective tensile strengths of three machine direction (MD) measurement samples and three cross machine direction (CD)

measurement samples were measured under the condition of a temperature of 20°C and a relative humidity of 60% and under conditions of a clamping distance of 100 mm and tension speed of 100 mm/min using a tensile tester

(Autograph Model AGS-lkNG, Shimadzu Corp.) equipped with a load cell having a maximum load capacity of 50 N. The average value of the tensile strengths of the three measurement samples was taken to be the dry tensile strength of the example or comparative example

corresponding to that measurement sample.

[0071]

(Dry Tensile Elongation)

The fiber sheet 51 sprayed with high-pressure steam from the steam nozzle 14 was sampled in the wet tissue production device 100 shown in FIG. 5, and a strip-like test piece having a width of 25 mm such that the

lengthwise direction thereof was the machine direction (MD) of the fiber sheet and a strip-like test piece having a width of 25 mm such that the lengthwise direction thereof was the cross machine direction (CD) of the fiber sheet were cut from the sampled fiber sheet 51 to prepare measurement samples. The respective tensile elongations of three machine direction ( D) measurement samples and three cross machine direction (CD)

measurement samples were measured under the condition of a temperature of 20°C and a relative humidity of 60% and under conditions of a clamping distance of 100 mm and tension speed of 100 mm/min using a tensile tester

(Autograph Model AGS-lkNG, Shimadzu Corp.) equipped with a load cell having a maximum load capacity of 50 N.

Here, tensile elongation refers to the value obtained by dividing the maximum elongation when the measurement sample is pulled with the tensile tester by the clamping distance (100 mm) . The average value of the tensile elongations of the three measurement samples was taken to be the dry tensile elongation of the example or

comparative example corresponding to that measurement sample .

[0072]

(Wet Tensile Strength)

The fiber sheet 51 sprayed with high-pressure steam from the steam nozzle 14 was sampled in the wet tissue production device 100 shown in FIG. 5, and a strip-like test piece having a width of 25 mm such that the

lengthwise direction thereof was the machine direction (MD) of the fiber sheet and a strip-like test piece having a width of 25 mm such that the lengthwise

direction thereof was the cross machine direction (CD) of the fiber sheet were cut from the sampled fiber sheet 51, followed by impregnating the resulting test pieces with an amount of water equal to 2.5 times the weight thereof (moisture content: 250%) to prepare measurement samples. The respective tensile strengths of three machine

direction (MD) measurement samples and three cross machine direction (CD) measurement samples were measured under the condition of a temperature of 20°C and a relative humidity of 60% and under conditions of a clamping distance of 100 mm and tension speed of 100 mm/min using a tensile tester (Autograph Model AGS-lkNG, Shimadzu Corp.) equipped with a load cell having a maximum load capacity of 50 N. The average value of the tensile strengths of the three measurement samples was taken to be the wet tensile strength of the example or comparative example corresponding to that measurement sample .

[0073]

(Wet Tensile Elongation)

The fiber sheet 51 sprayed with high-pressure steam from the steam nozzle 14 was sampled in the wet tissue production device 100 shown in FIG. 5, and a strip-like test piece having a width of 25 mm such that the

lengthwise direction thereof was the machine direction (MD) of the fiber sheet and a strip-like test piece having a width of 25 mm such that the lengthwise

direction thereof was the cross machine direction (CD) of the fiber sheet were cut from the sampled fiber sheet 51, followed by impregnating the resulting test pieces with an amount of water equal to 2.5 times the weight thereof (moisture content: 250%) to prepare measurement samples. The respective tensile elongations of three machine direction (MD) measurement samples and three cross machine direction (CD) measurement samples were measured under the condition of a temperature of 20°C and a relative humidity of 60% and under conditions of a clamping distance of 100 mm and tension speed of 100 mm/min using a tensile tester (Autograph Model AGS-lkNG, Shimadzu Corp.) equipped with a load cell having a maximum load capacity of 50 N. The average value of the tensile elongations of the three measurement samples was taken to be the wet tensile elongation of the example or comparative example corresponding to that measurement sample.

[0074] The following provides an explanation of methods used to produce the examples and comparative examples.

[0075]

(Example 1)

Example 1 was produced using the wet tissue

production device 100 in an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1. The fiber sheet 51 was unrolled from the raw fabric roll 11. The fiber sheet 51 was composed of 70% by weight of northern bleached kraft pulp (NBKP) and 30% by weight of rayon having fineness of

1.1 dtex and fiber length of 7 mm (Corona, Daiwabo Rayon Co., Ltd.). In addition, the fiber sheet 51 was a fiber sheet that had been subjected to high-pressure flowing water treatment with a paper machine during production of the fiber sheet 51. The energy of the high-pressure water flow of this high-pressure flowing water treatment was 0.2846 k /m ² . The unrolled fiber sheet 51 was moved below the sprayer 13 by the transport conveyor 16 (using an 18 mesh polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin net

manufactured by Nippon Filcon Co., Ltd.).

[0076]

The moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 was increased by releasing water onto the fiber sheet 51 from the sprayer 13 (Spray Cartridge III, Spraying Systems Co., Japan). The pre-steaming fiber sheet moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 for which moisture content had been increased was 20%.

[0077]

Next, high-pressure steam was sprayed onto the fiber sheet 51 using the steam nozzle 14. The steam pressure of the high-pressure steam at this time was 0.7 MPa and the steam temperature was 175°C. The temperature of the steam nozzle 14 heated by the cartridge heaters 141 was 210°C. In addition, the distance between the end of the steam nozzle 14 and the upper surface of the fiber sheet 51 was 2 mm. Moreover, the arrangement of holes in the steam nozzle 14 was the hole arrangement shown in FIG. 10, the hole diameter of the steam nozzle 14 was 300 μπι, and hole pitch was 2.0 mm. In addition, the suction force used by the suction box 15 to suction the fiber sheet 51 was -5.0 kPa . The moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 after the fiber sheet 51 was sprayed with high- pressure steam was 5%. This fiber sheet 51 sprayed with high-pressure steam was used as Example 1. The line speed during production of Example 1 was 70 m/min.

[0078]

(Example 2)

Example 2 was produced according to the same method as the production method of Example 1 with the exception of making the pre-steaming fiber sheet moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 to be 10% by adjusting the amount of water released from the sprayer 13 onto the fiber sheet 51. The moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 after high-pressure steam was sprayed onto the fiber sheet 51 was 3%.

[0079]

(Example 3)

Example 3 was produced according to the same method as the production method of Example 1 with the exception of making the pre-steaming fiber sheet moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 to be 45% by adjusting the amount of water released from the sprayer 13 onto the fiber sheet 51. The moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 after high-pressure steam was sprayed onto the fiber sheet 51 was 17%.

[0080]

(Example 4)

Example 4 was produced according to the same method as the production method of Example 1 with the exception of making the distance between the end of the steam nozzle 14 and the upper surface of the fiber sheet 51 to be 10 mm. The moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 after high-pressure steam was sprayed onto the fiber sheet 51 was 9%. [0081]

(Example 5)

Example 5 was produced according to the same method as the production method of Example 1 with the exception of making the hole diameter of the steam nozzle 14 to be 500 μπι. The moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 after high-pressure steam was sprayed onto the fiber sheet 51 was 4%.

[0082]

(Example 6)

Example 6 was produced according to the same method as the production method of Example 1 with the exception of making the steam pressure of the high-pressure steam to be 0.3 MPa. The moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 after high-pressure steam was sprayed onto the fiber sheet 51 was 8%.

[0083]

(Comparative Example 1)

Comparative Example 1 was produced according to the same method as the production method of Example 1 with the exception of making the pre-steaming fiber sheet moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 to be 4% by adjusting the amount of water released from the sprayer 13 onto the fiber sheet 51. The moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 after high-pressure steam was sprayed onto the fiber sheet 51 was 4%.

[0084]

(Comparative Example 2)

Comparative Example 2 was produced according to the same method as the production method of Example 1 with the exception of making the pre-steaming fiber sheet moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 to be 50% by adjusting the amount of water released from the sprayer 13 onto the fiber sheet 51. The moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 after high-pressure steam was sprayed onto the fiber sheet 51 was 26%.

[0085] (Comparative Example 3)

Comparative Example -3 was produced according to the same method as the production method of Example 1 with the exception of not applying water and not applying high-pressure steam to the fiber sheet 51. The moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 was 20%.

[0086]

The detailed production conditions used for the aforementioned examples and comparative examples are shown in Table 1.

[0087]

[Table 1] Example and Comparative Example Production Conditions

[0088]

The fiber sheet basis weight, fiber sheet thickness, density, dry tensile strength, dry tensile elongation, wet tensile strength and wet tensile elongation of the aforementioned examples and comparative examples are shown in Table 2.

[0089]

[Table 2] Example and Comparative Example Fiber Sheet Basis Weight, Fiber Sheet Thickness, Density, Dry Tensile Strength, Dry Tensile Elongation, Wet Tensile Strength and Wet Tensile

Elongation

[0090]

(1) All of the fiber sheet thicknesses of Examples 1 to 6 were greater than the fiber sheet thicknesses of

Comparative Examples 1 and 3. As a result, the bulk of the fiber sheets was determined to be able to be

increased by increasing the moisture content of the fiber sheets before spraying the fiber sheets with high- pressure steam.

(2) Since the thickness of the fiber sheets of the raw fabric rolls was 0.35 mm, all of the fiber sheet

thicknesses of Examples 1 to 6 were determined to have increased by 30% or more in comparison with the thickness of the fiber sheets of the raw fabric rolls.

(3) All of the densities of Examples 1 to 6 were lower than the densities of Comparative Examples 1 and 3. As a result, the fiber sheets were determined to be able to be made softer by increasing the moisture content of the fiber sheets before spraying the fiber sheets with high- pressure steam.

(4) Although the bulk of the fiber sheets increased, wet tensile strength was determined to decrease when the moisture content of the fiber sheets was increased to 50%.

(5) The moisture content of the fiber sheet 51 after spraying the fiber sheet 51 with high-pressure steam was 26% and the fiber sheet was determined to require further drying when the moisture content of the fiber sheet was increased to 50%.

[0091]

The disclosure regarding the present invention described above may be summarized in the following general description, which may be considered in isolation of the exemplary embodiments above: (i) According to a first aspect, there is provided a method for producing wet tissue, comprising a step for preparing fiber sheets, and post-processing steps comprising a step for folding the fiber sheets, a step for impregnating the fiber sheets with a chemical solution, a step for cutting the fiber sheets and a step for laminating the fiber sheets, wherein a step for increasing the moisture content of the fiber sheets and a step for spraying high-pressure steam onto the fiber sheets for which the moisture content has been increased are contained between the step for

preparing the fiber sheets and the post-processing steps.

The aspect described in the above item (i) may include at least the following embodiments, which may be taken in isolation or in combination with one another:

Only a portion of each fiber sheet may have its moisture content increased and/or only a portion of each fiber sheet may be sprayed with high pressure steam, i.e. portions of the fiber sheets may be left untreated in either or both of the steps for increasing the moisture content of the fiber sheets and spraying high-pressure steam on the fiber sheets.

The step for increasing the moisture content of the fiber sheets may increase the moisture content of the fiber sheets to 10% to 45%.

The step for increasing the moisture content of the fiber sheets may increase the moisture content of the fiber sheets by releasing water or an aqueous solution onto the fiber sheets or impregnating the fiber sheets with water or an aqueous solution.

The steam pressure of the high-pressure steam may be 0.3 MPa to 1.5 MPa.

The temperature of the steam may be 130°C to 220°C.

A plurality of streams of high-pressure steam may be provided, arranged in one or more rows in a cross machine direction of the fiber sheets, each of the streams being arranged to create a groove in a surface of the fiber sheets, which extends in a machine direction, such that the fiber sheet is provided with a plurality of grooves spaced from one another in the cross machine direction and extending in the machine direction.

Preferably, bulky portions are formed either side of each of the grooves in the cross machine direction. The bulky portions have a greater thickness than the grooves.

Preferably, the fiber density of the fiber sheets is greater in the bulky portions than in the grooves.

Preferably, the basis weight of the fiber sheets is greater in the bulky portions than in the grooves.

Preferably, in the step for spraying high-pressure steam onto the fiber sheets, the high-pressure steam that passes through the fiber sheets is suctioned at a suction force of -1 kPa to -12 kPa.

The moisture content of the fiber sheets after the step for . spraying high-pressure steam onto the fiber sheets is preferably 20% or less. It may be 5% or less.

The thickness of the fiber sheets after the step for spraying high-pressure steam onto the fiber sheets is preferably 30% or more greater than the thickness of the fiber sheets following the step for preparing fiber sheets.

Preferably, in the step for spraying high-pressure steam onto the fiber sheets, high-pressure steam is sprayed from a single steam nozzle or plural steam nozzles .

The steam nozzle may be heated to a temperature higher than the temperature of the high-pressure steam. The steam nozzle may be heated to a temperature 20°C or more higher than the steam nozzle. The distance between the end of the steam nozzle and the upper surface of the fiber sheet may be 1.0 to 10.0mm. The diameter of the holes in the steam nozzle may be 150 μτη to 600 μπι. The hole pitch of the steam nozzle may be 1.0 to 10.0mm. The holes of the steam nozzle may be arranged in a single row extending in the cross machine direction or in two or more rows .

Preferably, the step for increasing the moisture content of the fiber sheets increases the moisture content of the fiber sheets on a suction drum, and the step for spraying high-pressure steam sprays high- pressure steam onto the fiber sheets while on the suction drum.

The fiber sheets may be fabricated using water- dispersible fibers having a fiber length of 20 mm or less. All of the fibers or some only of the fibers forming the fiber sheet may have length of 20 mm or less.

The fiber sheets may comprise plastic fibers having a lower melting point than the steam.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0092]

1 Wet tissue package

2 Body

3 Opening

4 Wet tissue

5 Label member

11,12 Raw fabric rolls

13 Sprayer

14 Steam nozzle

15 Suction box

16,24 Transport conveyors

17 Folding device

18 Impregnation device

19 Transport roller

20 Superpositioning roller

21 Upper transport conveyor

22 Lower transport conveyor

23 Cutting roller

25 Lamination device

42,513 Bulky portions

43,512 Grooves

51 Fiber sheet

100,100A Wet tissue production devices

141 Cartridge heater