Apparatus and method for finishing hides and flexible laminar materials in general

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for finishing hides and flexible laminar materials in general. The present invention relates, in particular to, a laminating unit for the coupling of a flexible laminar material to a protective film and the laminating method associated therewith. The present invention also relates to a unit for separating the protective film from the flexible laminar material.

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FINISHING HIDES AND FLEXIBLE LAMINAR MATERIALS IN GENERAL

[0003] DESCRIPTION

[0004] Field of the invention

[0005] The present invention relates to the field of lines or plants for treating or processing flexible laminar elements.

[0006] Flexible laminar elements include natural leathers, synthetic leathers, fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, flexible plastic materials and similar or related materials, in which the thickness is much smaller than that of the other two dimensions (length and width).

[0007] In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention is suitable for use in the tanning industry, having as its object an apparatus and a method for finishing flexible laminar elements such as hides. In particular, the present invention relates to a laminating unit for coupling a flexible laminar material to a protective film and the lamination method associated therewith, as well as a separation unit for separating the protective film from the flexible laminar material.

[0008] Background of the invention

[0009] Leather finishing systems have undergone significant technological advancement in recent years, particularly through the adoption of alternative methodologies to those involving the use of release paper. Conventional systems employing release paper are configured to deposit a film onto the grain side (noble surface) of the leather, wherein said film possesses a surface morphology designed to impart a predetermined print or finish pattern to the leather substrate. Among the alternative methodologies, one notable system comprises a single-station configuration wherein the grain side of the leather is directly embossed after the application of a protective film on the leather itself.

[0010] Apparatuses designed to implement the aforementioned system comprise a laminating unit or station where a protective film is applied to the hide, forming a multilayer laminar material, and a printing unit or station where the laminated hide is subjected to an embossing pressure, being compressed between an embossing roller having an external surface with a raised profile (corresponding to the pattern to be imprinted) and a cooperating contrast roller, so that the pattern of the outer surface of the embossing roller is negatively impressed, via the protective film, onto the underlying hide.

[0011] The lamination phase can be carried out by various devices capable of supplying heat and applying the necessary pressure during the leather-film coupling process. A known solution also involves the use, in the lamination phase, of two rollers tangentially cooperating with each other, between which the leather and the film are fed. Since it is necessary to heat the lamination region, one of the aforementioned lamination rollers is a chromed-plated roller equipped with a heating system regulated to a desired temperature, while the other roller is a contrast roller, preferably rubberized, to ensure perfect adhesion of the film on the entire hide, known to have a surface that is not perfectly flat and uniform.

[0012] Known solutions, including in particular the one that uses a chrome-plated roller, do not allow for the necessary accuracy in controlling the coupling point between the hide and the film, so as to ensure greater contact of the coupled hide with a heated surface, where desirable, to increase the effectiveness of the printing / embossing that occurs in the downstream station.

[0013] Downstream of the printing unit, there is the need of separating the protective film from the leather and ideally being able to recover the film, for example by rewinding it into a reel, in order to make it available for eventual reuse or simply to be able to collect it and correctly dispose of it. The separation of the film from the leather faces several challenges, mainly due to the fact that, as can be easily guessed, the two layers tend to hold together and that any forced or improperly operated separation attempt can result in the formation of wrinkles or creases on the multilayer material and generally in a loss of tension within the same. These flaws severely affect the quality of the embossed product and, therefore, it is critical that the separation between the film and the leather is achieved in a controlled manner, without generating the problems outlined above. The applicant is not aware of any solutions currently on the market that satisfy these needs. In fact, at present, the separation of the film, downstream of the embossing operation, is carried out exclusively manually.

[0014] The present invention fits into this scenario, aiming to provide a solution capable of improving the performances of the process and the apparatus briefly described above and obtaining products of surprisingly better quality.

[0015] A particular object of the invention is also to provide a solution capable of separating and recovering the protective film in a controlled manner, without interfering with the quality of the embossing process.

[0016] Summary of the invention

[0017] The essential features of the apparatus and method for embossing a flexible laminar material, such as leather, according to the present invention are defined in the appended claims 1 and 12.

[0018] The essential specific features of the laminating unit for an apparatus for treating and / or finishing a flexible laminar material (such as for example the above-mentioned apparatus for embossing a flexible laminar material) according to the present invention and the corresponding lamination method, are defined by the appended claims 13, 14 and 30.

[0019] The essential features of the separation unit for separating a protective film from a multilayer material, according to the present invention and the corresponding separation method are defined by the appended claims 15 and 28. Additional auxiliary features are described in the respective dependent claims.

[0020] Brief description of the drawings

[0021] The features and advantages of the apparatus and method for finishing hides and flexible laminar materials in general according to the present invention will become clearer from the following description of an embodiment thereof, provided by way of a non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0022] - Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0023] - Figure 2 is a further schematic view of the apparatus of Figure 1 , additionally showing a function for regulating the pressure device of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0024] - Figure 3 shows a schematic of the apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0025] - Figure 4 shows a detailed view of the apparatus of Figure 3, with emphasis on the unit for separating a protective film according to one aspect of the invention;

[0026] - Figures 5a and 5b show a side view and a partial top view, respectively, of a film deflection system of the separation unit in isolation.

[0027] - Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the separation unit according to the invention.

[0028] Detailed description of the invention

[0029] With reference to figures 1 and 2, in an apparatus for finishing leather of the type generically described in the introduction, where, therefore, it is possible to identify a laminating unit or station 1 and a printing unit or station 2 with characteristics in themselves known to those skilled in the art with the exception of what will be specified below, a first aspect of the invention involves, in the laminating unit 1 , to adopt a novel pressure and heating configuration, which comprises, for example, in place of a heated chrome-plated roller, a device 13 with a heatable belt 131 , evolving in a closed-loop and cooperating tangentially with a contrast roller 14, preferably rubberized as commonly provided in prior configurations.

[0030] The belt 131 , made of flexible laminar material suitable for being heated and transferring heat (for example high-temperature-resistant silicone belt or a thin sheet of chrome-plated metal or stainless steel), besides being configured to withstand the pressure required during the lamination process, is arranged in a closed-loop around rollers having rotation axes parallel to the axis of the contrast roller 14. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a drive roller 132 arranged to cooperate in pressure engagement with the contrast roller 14 (with the belt 131 interposed therebetween), and idler rollers 133, here idle, operatively associated for guiding and supporting the movement of the belt. In general, and / or alternatively one or more of the idler rollers may perform a driving function. The belt can obviously be made of a single material or a sandwich of different materials.

[0031] In one embodiment, heating of the belt 131 is achieved by at least one heating device 134 arranged, for example, along a straight portion of the belt. The at least one heating device 134 may comprise, for example, IR lamps, electric radiant panels, radiant panels operating with diathermic oil or other sources, contact rollers heated by electric resistances or diathermic oil. Appropriately sized coils may also be used to maximize radiant heat transfer to the belt so as to thermostat it at a desired temperature. Alternatively, it is possible to use IR lamps, which can be controlled to regulate the surface temperature of the flexible material with which the belt is made.

[0032] The laminating unit 1 is operatively associated with means 1 1 for feeding the leather (or other similar flexible laminar material to be refined) and means 12 for feeding the protective film. Both of these means are of known types and direct their respective materials towards the lamination region, wherein the protective film (M2) is coupled to the flexible laminar material (M1 ). The lamination region in fact includes a zone of tangential cooperation between the contrast roller 14 and the belt device 13 which, actuated by the drive roller 132, slides against the contrast roller 14 to form a multilayer material.

[0033] Due to the belt configuration of the device 13, the lamination region exhibits different and advantageous characteristics compared to that of traditional systems with two cooperating rollers. Specifically, by adjusting the positions of the return rollers, and in particular the first return roller downstream of the drive roller 132, the curvature of the belt 131 can be configured to define a high-radius path, thereby transforming the lamination point into a broader contact band, with variable widths. This configuration enhances the coupling process and resulting coupling quality.

[0034] Furthermore, even more advantageously as shown in figure 2, a preferred embodiment provides for the entire pressure device 13 to be mounted in an adjustable orientation. More precisely, the rollers of the pressure device can be supported by at least one side plate 136 mounted on the machine frame so that the inclination of the pressure device can be adjusted by rotation around an axis R coinciding with the axis of the drive roller 132. The inclination can be actuated and adjusted by an actuator, for example a linear actuator such as a pneumatic or hydraulic piston 135 hinged between the aforementioned side plate and the machine frame (not shown). Figure 2 shows a first position of the device 13 in solid lines and a second position of the device 13 in dashed lines, with the first and second positions displaced by an angle A, for example of approximately 10°, swept by the exit trajectory of the belt from the drive roller following the inclination adjustment obtained as above described.

[0035] This movement or adjustment allows to alter the contact point, or rather the contact surface, between the film and the leather as they pass under the heated belt Specifically, the exit angle of the heated belt is varied, enabling an increased contact surface between the processed materials and the heated belt. This facilitates enhanced softening of the film that is coupled to the hides and allows to obtain advantages when this coupled material passes inside the printing station, where comparable effects can be achieved using reduced contrast pressure and lower temperatures of the embossed / engraved roller. The inclination can obviously be varied and adapted according to specific needs, either continuously or among predefined angular positions.

[0036] Additionally, depending on the nature of the paint or coating product used in the printing phase, there are advantages in that the product reacts by reactivating itself and allowing for a superior printing effect.

[0037] In the embodiment of the invention described above, the laminating unit 1 is implemented, in combination with a printing unit, in an apparatus for embossing hides.

[0038] However, the laminating unit 1 can be implemented in any other type of apparatus for treating and / or finishing flexible laminar materials.

[0039] The use of the belt device results in the following advantages:

[0040] - improved thermal regulation of the heated surface: the belt, having lower thermal inertia than a heated roller, responds more rapidly to temperature adjustments (avoiding delays caused by the need to cool down a full roller when lower processing temperatures are required). This is particularly important in view of the various processes that the machine may perform, thus enhancing operational flexibility;

[0041] - possibility of increasing the contact surface between the coupled material (film + leather) and the heated belt: by changing the geometry of the supports of the belt device, it is possible to increase or decrease the contact region between the two lamination supports, with consequent advantages in the subsequent printing station with an improvement of the final article and a reduction in energy dispersion (thermal and hydraulic).

[0042] The increase in the contact surface between the protective film and the hide also allows to improve the adhesion of the protective film to the hide and thus to form a multilayer material M with high stability to undergo treatment and / or finishing processes. The lamination process according to the present invention, in fact, eliminates the risk of detachment or movement of the protective film on the surface of the hide to be treated and / or finished, allowing to obtain final products of improved quality in a reliable and reproducible manner. The improvement of the adhesion of the protective film on the skin, however, raises the problem of how to effectively separate the protective film from the skin after the laminate has been subjected to treatment and / or finishing processes.

[0043] With reference now also and in particular to figures 3 to 6, a further aspect of the invention, associable to the previous one but also independent from it, involves a separation unit 3 configured to separate, starting from the multilayer material obtained by lamination, indicated by M, the flexible laminar element M1 , typically but not necessarily leather, from the protective film M2 previously applied on it.

[0044] The multilayer material M enters the separation unit 3 in a feed direction X.

[0045] At the separation unit 3 at least a portion of the multilayer material M is arranged on a working plane XY. In a preferred embodiment, the XY plane is horizontal, parallel to the ground. However, configurations in which the XY plane is not horizontal cannot be excluded.

[0046] Furthermore, the separation unit 3 comprises deflection system 30 configured to separate the film M2 from the flexible laminar material M1 along a separation line arranged on the working plane XY.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, this separation line extends predominantly along a transverse direction Y'. In a preferred embodiment, this transverse direction Y' is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the direction of advancement X, coinciding with a Cartesian axis Y perpendicular to X (see the example in figure 5b).

[0048] The separation unit 3 also comprises a pulling system 31 located downstream of the separation line. The pulling system 31 draws the film M2 exiting the deflection system 30 along an exit direction U inclined relative to the plane XY, thereby deviating the advancement direction of the protective film M2 relative to the direction of advance X of the multilayer material M and effecting the separation of the protective film M2 from the flexible laminar material M1 along the separation line.

[0049] In more detail, the exit direction U intersect the plane XY at an incidence angle of less than 90°, measured facing the separation line. Preferably the incidence angle between U and the plane XY is between 2 and 50°.

[0050] The pulling system 31 may comprise a single pulling element or a group of pulling elements. For example, the single pulling element may be a motorized winding roller. In a further example, the group of pulling elements may be composed of at least two rollers, of which at least one is a return roller 310 and one is a motorized winding roller 311 onto which the recovered film M2 is wound. In this configuration, at least the return roller 310 is arranged in a rearward position with respect to the separation line.

[0051] Going into more detail now, the deflection system 30 comprises at least one fixed frame 300 which supports a separation element 301 . The fixed frame 300 is configured to be connected to the fixed frame of a machine for finishing leather and flexible materials in general. The fixed frame 300 is configured to be connected to the machine and positioned downstream of the printing unit 2 along the working advancement direction of the multilayer material M.

[0052] Alternatively, the fixed frame 300 can be stand-alone if the separation unit 3 is structurally independent from the other laminating and printing units of the machine, or is used in a different machine.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the separation element 301 comprises at least one flat face 301 a arranged according to the working plane XY and configured to interface with the protective film M2 coupled to the multilayer material M. The sliding contact of the multilayer material M with the flat face 301 a positions it along the plane XY. The flat face therefore directs the multilayer material M and places it in the desired position within the deflection system.

[0054] Preferably the separation element 301 is sheet-like and has two opposite flat faces 301 a, 301 b.

[0055] The sheet-like separation element 301 then defines, between the two opposite flat faces, at least one edge 301c facing the material exit point. This edge defines the aforementioned separation line.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment, the separation line exhibits a curved profile on the XY plane. The point of maximum curvature of the separation line occurs in a central portion of said curved profile with respect to the transverse direction Y'.

[0057] In the example shown, the edge 301 c may therefore present a certain curvature. For example, this curvature is such that the distance, defined along the direction X, between the most forward point of the edge 301c and the end points of the curvature profile is between 1 and 2 mm. Preferably but not limited to, this distance is 1 .5 mm.

[0058] The fact that the separation line is curved is particularly advantageous because it allows a certain tension to be exerted on the output material, thereby helping to minimize undesired bending of the leather and the formation of creases.

[0059] However, embodiments with a straight separating edge are also contemplated.

[0060] Again, in other embodiments, the separation element is a roller. In these embodiments, the separation line corresponds to the line or area of tangency between the roller and the separated film. The separation unit 3 may include a temperature control system acting on the separation element 301 maintaining it at a predefined temperature. This temperature is selected on the basis of the material being processed and the type of film used. In fact, depending on the film material, the separation between the film and the flexible material may be facilitated at certain temperatures.

[0061] The temperature control system may heat and / or cool the separation element 301 .

[0062] Furthermore, the separation unit 3 may include detachment mean means 32 for detaching the flexible laminar material, operatively located downstream of the separation line. Such detachment means act on the flexible laminar material (such as leather) to facilitate the detachment of the flexible laminar material from the film and are particularly useful when the flexible laminar material is particularly thin and, therefore, the adhesion force between it and the film is high.

[0063] Such detachment means may comprise, for example, a blade or a grooved leatherdetachment roller 32 as shown, for example, in figure 6.

[0064] Regarding the operation of the described separation unit, the entering multilayer material M moves along the XY plane towards the separation element, due to the pulling effected on the film by the pulling system 31 , the film undergoes a change in direction relative to the direction X, along the separation line. This change in direction causes the separation of the film from the attached leather. This separation of the leather from the film is either facilitated by a simple fall of the same by gravity or by engagement with recovery means such as at least one winding roller, conveyor belt, etc.

[0065] The invention therefore achieves the separation and recovery of the used protective film and consequently provides for an enhanced sustainability of the entire manufacturing process, as well as a reduction in overall costs, considering the possibility of being able to reuse part of the processing material.

[0066] In any case, the recovery of the protective film is also useful simply for its collection, in order, for example, to properly dispose of it.

[0067] Thanks to the features above described, the separation unit cause the separation between film and flexible laminar material by maintaining optimal tension of the multilayer material, thereby avoiding the formation of folds, wrinkles or on the contrary sagging, which could affect the quality of the upstream printing process.

[0068] The separation of the film also occurs quickly and easily, avoiding manual intervention and automating the entire leather processing.

[0069] Thanks to the optional presence of a temperature control system acting on the separation element, the separation between the film and the layer of flexible laminar material is even easier, further contributing to the separation without negatively affecting the tensioning of the upstream multilayer material.

[0070] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides for the implementation, in an apparatus for treating and / or finishing a flexible laminar material, of a laminating unit configured to couple the flexible laminar material to a protective film and a separation unit for separating the protective film from the flexible laminar material. In this type of implementation, generally, the laminating unit is placed upstream of a device or unit for treating and / or finishing a flexible laminar material and the separation unit is placed downstream of said device or unit for treating and / or finishing a flexible laminar material.

[0071] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides for the implementation of the leather finishing apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention and the separation unit according to the second aspect of the invention in a single apparatus for treating and / or finishing a flexible laminar material, such as leather.

[0072] The present invention has been described hereto with reference to preferred embodiments thereof. It is intended that other embodiments may exist which relate to the same inventive core, all falling within the scope of protection of the claims that follow.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus for embossing a flexible laminar material (M1 ), such as leather, the apparatus comprising a laminating unit (1 ) configured to couple said flexible laminar material (M1 ) to a protective film (M2) to form a multilayer material (M), and a printing unit (2) configured to emboss said flexible laminar material (M1 ) coupled with said protective film (M2), said laminating unit (1 ) comprising a heatable pressure device (13) cooperating tangentially with a contrast roller (14) in a lamination region into which said flexible laminar material (M1 ) and said protective film (M2) are fed, the apparatus being characterized in that said heatable pressure device (13) is configured according to a heatable, closed-loop evolving belt (131 ).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said belt (131 ) is a high temperature resistant silicone belt or a thin sheet of chrome-plated metal or stainless steel.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising at least one heating device (134) for heating the belt (131 ), selected from one or more of the following: IR lamps, electric radiant panels, radiant panels operating with diathermic oil or other sources, contact rollers heated by electric resistors or diathermic oil, coils suitably sized to maximize heat transmission by radiation to the belt (131 ) so as to thermostat it at a desired temperature, or controlled IR lamps designed to regulate the surface temperature of said belt (131 ).

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said at least one heating device (134) is arranged along a straight portion of the belt (131 ).

5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said belt (131 ) evolves around rollers, at least one of which is a drive roller, having rotation axes parallel to that of said contrast roller (14).

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said rollers comprise a roller (132) arranged to cooperate in pressure engagement with said contrast roller (14), with the belt (131 ) interposed therebetween, and at least one idle roller (133) operatively associated for guiding and supporting the movement of the belt (131 ).

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said roller (132) configured to cooperate in pressure engagement with said contrast roller (14) is a drive roller.

8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said pressure device (13) configured according to said belt (131 ) is mounted in an adjustablemanner, thereby allowing adjustment of its inclination with respect to said flexible laminar material (M1 ) and said protective film (M2).

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said pressure device (13) configured according to said belt (131 ) is mounted so as to be orientable by rotation about an axis (R) coinciding with the axis of said roller (132) arranged to cooperate in pressure engagement with said contrast roller (14).

10. The apparatus according to claim 9 further comprising a frame, at least one side plate (136) mounted on said frame and supporting said rollers, and at least one actuator adapted to actuate said adjustment of inclination of said pressure device (13), said at least one actuator being preferably a linear actuator, such as a pneumatic or hydraulic piston (135), hinged between said side plate (136) and said frame.1 1 . The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said belt (131 ) is made of a single material or a sandwich of different materials.

12. A process for embossing a flexible laminar material (M1 ), such as leather, said process comprising a lamination step for coupling said flexible laminar material (M1 ) to a protective film (M2), and a printing step for embossing said leather coupled to said protective film (M2), said lamination step comprising heating and applying pressure to said flexible laminar material (M1 ) and to said protective film (M2) against a contrast element (14), said process being characterized in that said heating and said pressure are applied by sliding a heated closed-loop evolving belt (131 ).

13. A laminating unit (1 ) for an apparatus for treating and / or finishing a flexible laminar material (M1 ), said laminating unit (1 ) being configured to couple said flexible laminar material (M1 ) to a protective film (M2) and form a multilayer material (M) to be subjected to treatment and / or finishing processes, said laminating unit comprising a heatable pressure device (13) cooperating tangentially with a contrast roller (14) in a lamination region into which said flexible laminar material (M1 ) and said protective film (M2) are fed, said laminating unit (1 ) being characterized in that said heatable pressure device (13) is configured according to a heatable, closed-loop evolving belt (131 ).

14. A process for coupling a flexible laminar material (M1 ) to a protective film (M2), said process comprising heating and applying pressure to said flexible laminar material (M1 ) and to said protective film (M2) against a contrast element (14), said process being characterized in that said pressure and said heating are applied by sliding a heatedclosed-loop evolving belt (131 ).

15. A separation unit (3) for separating a protective film (M2) from a multilayer material (M) comprising a flexible laminar material (M1 ), such as leather, coupled to said protective film (M2), said separation unit comprising:- a deflection system (30) configured to separate said protective film (M2) from said flexible laminar material (M1 ) along a separation line arranged on a working plane (XY), said working plane (XY) being adapted to host said multilayer material (M) advancing along a direction of advancement (X); and- a pulling system (31 ) configured to draw said protective film (M2) exiting from said separation line along an exit direction (U) inclined relative to said working plane (XY), thereby deviating the advancement direction of said protective film (M2) relative to the direction of advancement (X) of said multilayer material (M) and effecting the separation of said protective film (M2) from said flexible laminar material (M1 ) along said separation line.

16. The separation unit according to claim 15, wherein said exit direction (U) intersect said working plane (XY) at an incidence angle of less than 90°.

17. The separation unit according to claim 16, wherein said incidence angle is between 2° and 50°.

18. The separation unit according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein said separation line extends predominantly perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to said direction of advancement (X).

19. The separation unit according to claim 18, wherein said separation line exhibits a curved profile on said working plane (XY).

20. The separation unit according to claim 19, wherein said separation line includes a point of maximum curvature located in a central portion of said curved profile on said working plane (XY).

21. The separation unit according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein said deflection system (30) comprises a separation element (301 ) having an edge (301 c) aligned with said separation line.

22. The separation unit according to claim 21 , wherein said separation element (301 ) comprises at least one flat face (301 a) arranged according to said working plane (XY) and configured to interface with said protective film (M2) coupled to said flexible laminarmaterial (M1 ).

23. The separation unit according to claim 21 or claim 22, wherein said separation element (301 ) is sheet-like and has two opposite flat faces, between which said edge (301c) is defined.

24. The separation unit according to any one of claims 21 to 23 further comprising a temperature control system configured to act on said separation element (301 ) to maintain it at a predefined temperature.

25. The separation unit according to any one of claims 15 to 24, wherein said deflection system (30) is supported by a fixed frame (300).

26. The separation unit according to any one of claims 15 to 25 wherein said pulling system (31 ) comprise a plurality of rollers, including at least one return roller (310), and at least one winding roller (31 1 ), the winding roller (311 ) preferably being motor-driven and configured to wind said protective film (M2) separated from said multilayer material (M).

27. The separation unit (3) according to any one of claims 15 to 26, configured for integration into the apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 14.

28. A process for separating a protective film (M2) from a multilayer material (M) comprising a flexible laminar material (M1 ), such as leather, coupled to said protective film (M2), the process comprising the steps of:- moving said multilayer material (M) towards a deflection system (30) along an advancement direction (X) in such a way that said multilayer material (M) interfaces with said deflection system (30) according to a working plane (XY);- drawing, by means of a pulling system (31 ), said protective film (M2) exiting from a separation line along an exit direction (U) inclined relative to said working plane (XY), thereby deviating the advancement direction of said protective film (M2) relative to the direction of advancement (X) of said multilayer material (M) and effecting the separation of said protective film (M2) from said laminar material (M1 ) along said separation line, said separation line being defined by said deflection system (30) and being arranged on said working plane (XY).

29. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising, downstream of said printing unit (2), the separation unit according to any one of claims 15 to 27.

30. An apparatus for treating a flexible laminar material (M1 ), such as leather, theapparatus comprising:- a laminating unit (1 ) configured to couple said flexible laminar material (M1 ) to a protective film (M2) to form a multilayer material (M), and- a separation unit (3) for separating said protective film (M2) from said multilayer material (M), wherein said laminating unit (1 ) comprises a heatable pressure device (13) cooperating tangentially with a contrast roller (14) in a lamination region into which said flexible laminar material (M1 ) and said protective film (M2) are fed, said heatable pressure device (13) being configured according to a heatable, closed-loop evolving belt (131 ), and wherein said separation unit (3) comprises:• a deflection system (30) configured to separate said protective film (M2) from said flexible laminar material (M1 ) along a separation line arranged on a working plane (XY), said working plane (XY) being adapted to host said multilayer material (M) advancing along a direction of advancement (X); and• a pulling system (31 ) configured to draw said protective film (M2) exiting from said separation line along an exit direction (U) inclined relative to said working plane (XY), thereby deviating the advancement direction of said protective film (M2) relative to the direction of advancement (X) of said multilayer material (M) and effecting the separation of said protective film (M2) from said laminar material (M1 ) along said separation line.

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