JP6138903B1 - Method for manufacturing absorbent article - Google Patents

Abstract

A product is prevented from being distorted when an absorbent article is finally completed. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article (2) having higher extensibility in the longitudinal direction than extensibility in the width direction is provided. The manufacturing method includes a step of conveying the absorbent member P <b> 2 having a higher extensibility in the transverse direction than an extensibility in the conveying direction while applying tension in the conveying direction, and an extensibility in the transverse direction than the extensibility in the conveying direction. A process of transporting the highly extensible continuous sheet TS while applying tension in the transport direction, a process of laminating the extensible continuous sheet and the absorbent member so that they overlap at least partially, and the laminated absorbent member and stretch A cut-out step of cutting out the continuous sheet and forming an absorbent body and an extensible sheet with the conveying direction and the transverse direction as the width direction and the longitudinal direction, respectively. [Selection] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an absorbent article.

  In absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, wearing comfort is one of the important characteristics. From the viewpoint of improving the wearing comfort, an absorbent article is known in which the absorbent article is extended so that the absorbent article can be easily adapted to the body. In such an absorbent article, an extensible member or sheet may be used as a material constituting the absorbent article.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent article (a sanitary napkin) having physical compatibility using an extensible sheet. The absorbent article of Patent Document 1 is an absorbent article having a longitudinal axis and a peripheral part thereof, and at least a part of the absorbent article can be extended; a liquid-permeable facing layer; a first absorbent layer bonded to the facing layer; Fastening means disposed on at least a portion of the garment surface of the liquid-impermeable backsheet, the fastening means defining an attachment zone; the first absorbent layer comprising a stretchable zone; Each of the extensible zones is a region of the first absorbent layer that is more extensible than the first absorbent layer region adjacent to the extensible zone, wherein at least a portion of the first absorbent layer is The liquid-impermeable backsheet is separated from the attachment zone. In other words, the absorbent article of Patent Document 1 uses a liquid-permeable facing layer or absorbent layer having extensibility in the longitudinal direction.

Special table 2007-523665 gazette

  When manufacturing an absorbent article that improves characteristics such as wearing comfort, it is conceivable to manufacture an absorbent article having extensibility in the longitudinal direction as one method. At that time, as a material constituting the absorbent article, a material having extensibility in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article is used. For example, in patent document 1, the absorption layer which can be extended in the direction along MD direction (conveyance direction) and / or CD direction (transverse direction) or those combination is used as an absorption layer which comprises an absorbent article. Here, since it is described that the MD direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, an absorbent layer that can be extended in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article is used as the absorbent layer. Therefore, in manufacture of the absorbent article using this absorption layer in patent document 1, manufacturing an absorbent article, conveying the absorption layer extended in a longitudinal direction so that a longitudinal direction may turn into MD direction. Yes.

  However, when the manufacturing method such as Patent Document 1 is applied to manufacturing an absorbent article having extensibility in the longitudinal direction, the following problems occur. As a member of an absorbent article (example: an absorbent member for forming an absorbent body, a continuous surface sheet for forming a top sheet, etc.) having an extensible property in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article When used, such a member has a possibility of being stretched by being pulled in the transport direction, that is, deformed when transported with the longitudinal direction as the transport direction. If the member is deformed, the processing position may be shifted in a processing step such as a member cutting step, or the product may be distorted when the absorbent article is finally completed. However, even if it is attempted to suppress the extension or control the shift of the processing position by controlling the conveyance or the like, the control is not easy, and it is difficult to eliminate the influence of the extension.

  An object of the present invention is to manufacture a member having higher extensibility in the direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction than in the direction corresponding to the width direction of the absorbent article in at least part of the manufacture of the absorbent article having extensibility in the longitudinal direction. Even when used, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing an absorbent article that can stabilize the processing position in the conveying direction and prevent the product from being distorted when the absorbent article is finally completed.

The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of the present invention is as follows.
(1) It has a longitudinal direction and a width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and includes an absorbent body and an extensible sheet that overlaps at least partly with the absorbent body, and the longitudinal direction is longer than the stretchability in the width direction. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article having high extensibility in a direction, and transporting while applying tension in the conveying direction to an absorbent member having higher extensibility in a transverse direction perpendicular to the conveying direction than extensibility in the conveying direction. A first transporting step, a second transporting step of transporting the stretchable continuous sheet having a stretchability in the transverse direction higher than the stretchability in the transporting direction while applying tension in the transporting direction, and the extensibility. A laminating step of laminating the continuous sheet and the absorbent member so as to overlap at least partly, and cutting the laminated absorbent member and the extensible continuous sheet so that the conveying direction and the transverse direction are the widths, respectively. Direction A clipping step of forming the absorbent body and the extensible sheet and the longitudinal direction, comprising, a manufacturing method of an absorbent article.

  When manufacturing an absorbent article including an absorbent body and an extensible sheet using an absorbent member and an extensible continuous sheet, the extensibility in the longitudinal direction is higher than the extensibility in the width direction of the absorbent article. There is. In that case, it is conceivable to use an absorbent member and an extensible continuous sheet that have high extensibility in a predetermined direction and low extensibility in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction. In that case, depending on the relationship between the predetermined direction and the conveying direction, the absorbent member and the extensible continuous sheet can be stretched by being pulled in the conveying direction when being conveyed while being tensioned in the conveying direction, that is, can be deformed. There is sex. In that case, for example, when the absorbent article is completed, the product may be distorted or dimensional variation may occur. Then, in the manufacturing method of the absorbent article which concerns on this claim, when an absorbent article is completed, the width direction (direction which makes extensibility relatively low) of an absorbent article is set in an absorber member and an extensible continuous sheet. The absorbent member and the stretchable continuous sheet are transported with the direction having low extensibility as the transport direction. In that case, since the absorbent member and the extensible continuous sheet have relatively low extensibility in the conveyance direction, the absorber member and the extensible continuous sheet are stretched when pulled in the conveyance direction during conveyance. Can be suppressed. As a result, the processing position in the transport direction can be stabilized in the processing steps of the absorbent member and the stretchable continuous sheet. Moreover, when the absorbent article is finally completed, the product can be prevented from being distorted or dimensional variation can be prevented.

  (2) forming the absorber member by imparting the transverse direction extensibility to the absorber raw material member so that the extensibility in the transverse direction is higher than the extensibility in the transport direction; Providing the continuous sheet with the extensibility in the transverse direction so that the extensibility in the transverse direction is higher than the extensibility in the conveying direction to form the extensible continuous sheet. The manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in (1).

  In the case of using a sheet or the like that has been previously provided with extensibility without providing inline extensibility to the absorbent member or the extensible continuous sheet, such a sheet or the like is provided by a roll and used after being unwound from the roll. The At that time, for example, if the sheet or the like is compressed too much in the roll, the extensibility of the sheet or the like is reduced or the anisotropy of the extensibility is lost, and the extensibility in the conveying direction is relatively high and easily stretched. The situation such as becoming can be considered. If so, there is a risk of causing deformation that extends in the transport direction when transported while tension is applied in the transport direction. Therefore, in the method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to the present invention, the stretchability in the transverse direction is imparted to the absorbent member and the stretchable continuous sheet in the middle of the production process, that is, in-line. As a result, the sheet or the like is compressed too much in the roll, and the extensibility of the absorbent member and the extensible continuous sheet is reduced or the anisotropy of extensibility is lost. It is possible to prevent a situation such as a rise. As a result, when the absorber member and the stretchable continuous sheet are pulled in the transport direction, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the absorber member and the stretchable continuous sheet are deformed excessively. Thereby, the processing position in the conveyance direction can be stabilized, and it is possible to prevent a situation such as a product being distorted or a dimensional variation when the absorbent article is finally completed.

  (3) In the absorber and the extensible sheet, the portion having high extensibility further has higher stretchability in the longitudinal direction than the stretchability in the width direction, and the absorbent member and the extensible continuous sheet. The method for producing an absorbent article according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the portion having high extensibility further has higher stretchability in the transverse direction than stretchability in the transport direction.

  Since the absorbent member and the stretchable continuous sheet have relatively low extensibility in the conveying direction, if they are pulled too much in the conveying direction during conveyance, they will enter into the width, the transverse dimension shrinks, and the conveying direction dimension increases. I can think of it. Then, even after the tensile force disappears, there is a possibility that the dimension in the transverse direction and the dimension in the transport direction may not return completely. Therefore, in the method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to this claim, the stretchability in the transverse direction of the absorbent member and the stretchable continuous sheet is relatively increased. Therefore, even if the absorber member and the elastic sheet are pulled too much in the conveying direction during conveyance to cause a width insertion and extend in the conveyance direction, after the tensile force disappears, the width is increased due to the stretchability in the transverse direction. It can be easily eliminated and the elongation in the conveying direction can also be eliminated. That is, the transverse dimension and the conveying dimension can be easily recovered. Thereby, the processing position in the conveyance direction can be stabilized, and the occurrence of defective products such as the presence of distortion in the product when the absorbent article is finally completed can be prevented. In addition, when each absorbent member and the stretchable continuous sheet are stretched in the transverse direction during conveyance, they can contract and return to their original state. As a result, the processing positions in the transport direction and the transverse direction can be further stabilized in the processing step, and it is possible to prevent situations such as product distortion or dimensional variation when the absorbent article is finally completed.

  (4) Any of the above (1) to (3), wherein the laminating step includes a step of laminating both the absorbent member and the extensible continuous sheet in a state in which the absorbent member and the extensible continuous sheet are not stretched in the transverse direction. A method for producing an absorbent article according to one item.

  When the absorbent member and the stretchable continuous sheet are laminated in the stretched state in the transverse direction, the shrinkage in the transport direction occurs along with the stretching in the transverse direction, and hence a dimensional shift in the transport direction occurs. Adjustment is required. Further, the degree of extensibility differs between the absorbent member and the extensible continuous sheet. Therefore, when the absorbent member and the stretchable continuous sheet are laminated in the stretched state in the transverse direction, there is a possibility that the degree of shrinkage when the stretched state is made non-stretched after the stretched state is different, resulting in dimensional deviation of the product. Adjustment of the dimensional deviation in the conveyance direction is required. Therefore, in the method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to the present invention, the absorbent member and the stretchable continuous sheet are laminated in a non-stretched state in the transverse direction. Therefore, it is not necessary to adjust the dimensional deviation in the transport direction. As a result, the processing positions in the transport direction and the transverse direction can be further stabilized in the processing step, and it is possible to prevent situations such as product distortion or dimensional variation when the absorbent article is finally completed.

  (5) The method for producing an absorbent article according to any one of (1) to (4), further including a folding step of folding the formed absorbent article at least at a portion having high extensibility.

  In the method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to the present invention, the portion having high extensibility has low rigidity and is easy to bend. Therefore, when the absorbent member and the stretchable continuous sheet are folded, they can be easily and reliably folded. As a result, problems such as misalignment of the bending position can be suppressed, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which the product is distorted or dimensional variation occurs when the absorbent article is finally completed.

  (6) Each of the absorbent body and the extensible sheet has an extensible area having a relatively high extensibility and a non-extensible area having a relatively low extensibility, and the absorbent member and the extensible sheet. Each of the continuous sheets has an extensibility region having a relatively high extensibility and a non-extensibility region having a relatively low extensibility, and in the laminating step, the extensibility region of the extensible continuous sheet is absorbed by the continuous sheet. Covering the stretchable region of the body member, and laminating the absorbent member and the stretchable continuous sheet so that the non-stretchable region of the stretchable continuous sheet covers the non-stretchable region of the absorbent member. The manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in any one of said (1) thru | or (5).

  When it is intended to partially increase the extensibility in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body and the stretchable continuous sheet, that is, when the stretchable area and the non-stretchable area are provided in the absorbent body and the stretchable continuous sheet, the influence of tension applied during conveyance Is different between an extensible region and a non-extensible region. Therefore, when the position of the extensible area of the absorbent body and the position of the extensible area of the extensible continuous sheet are different in plan view, the direction of the tension that affects the conveyance is different from the extensible area of the absorbent article. There is a slight difference between the stretchable regions of the continuous sheets, and the relative positional relationship between the stretchable regions may vary from the initial positional relationship. That is, there is a risk of dimensional deviation. Then, in the manufacturing method of the absorbent article of this claim, in providing an extensible area | region and a non-extensible area | region in an absorber member and an extensible continuous sheet, the extensible area | region and a non-extensible area | region of an extensible continuous sheet are provided. The absorbent member and the stretchable continuous sheet are laminated so as to cover the stretchable region and the non-stretchable region of the absorbent member, respectively. As a result, the direction of tension affecting the conveyance is substantially the same in the extensible area of the absorbent member and the extensible area of the extensible continuous sheet, and the relative positional relationship between the extensible areas varies. Can be prevented. That is, dimensional deviation can be prevented. As a result, it is possible to suppress a shift in the processing position and prevent a situation in which the product is distorted or dimensional variation occurs when the absorbent article is finally completed.

  (7) The extensible sheet is bonded to two portions of one side and the other side of the absorbent body, and is a top sheet of the absorbent article and a back sheet of the absorbent article, respectively, and the laminating step Includes a step of laminating a surface continuous sheet for the topsheet and a backside continuous sheet for the back sheet as the extensible continuous sheet, respectively, at two locations on one side and the other side of the absorbent member. The manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in said (6).

  In the method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to the present invention, three sheets having relatively low extensibility in the conveying direction, that is, a continuous surface sheet, an absorbent member, and a continuous back sheet are laminated and conveyed in the conveying direction integrally Therefore, these three sheets take on the tension in the conveying direction. As a result, even if the tension applied to the three sheets in the conveying direction during conveyance increases, the tension applied to each sheet does not increase so much, so that deformation in the conveying direction of each sheet can be prevented. Thereby, the shift of the processing position can be suppressed, and the product can be prevented from being distorted or dimensional variation can be prevented when the absorbent article is finally completed.

  (8) The extensible region of the absorber is formed from a predetermined position of the central portion of the absorber to one end of the absorber in the longitudinal direction, and the non-extensible region of the absorber is the In the longitudinal direction, the absorber is formed from the predetermined position to the other end of the absorber, and the extensible region of the absorber member extends from a predetermined position at the center of the absorber member in the transverse direction. The absorber member is formed up to one end, and the non-extensible region of the absorber member is formed from the predetermined position of the absorber member to the other end of the absorber member in the transverse direction. The manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in said (6) or (7).

  In the method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to the present invention, in the absorbent member and the stretchable continuous sheet, the stretchable region exists from the central portion in the transverse direction to one end portion, and the non-stretchable region from the central portion to the other. Exists up to the end. That is, the extensible region and the non-extensible region of the absorbent member and the extensible continuous sheet are arranged in substantially the same position range in the transverse direction. For this reason, it is possible to easily perform arrangement, position adjustment, and position confirmation of the absorbent member and the stretchable continuous sheet in the transverse direction during conveyance. Thereby, the meandering of the absorbent member and the stretchable continuous sheet in the conveying direction due to the displacement in the transverse direction and the displacement of the processing position associated therewith can be prevented. Thereby, when the absorbent article is finally completed, the product can be prevented from being distorted or dimensional variation can be prevented.

  According to the present invention, in the production of an absorbent article having extensibility in the longitudinal direction, at least a part of the material corresponding to the longitudinal direction has a higher extensibility or stretchability than the direction corresponding to the width direction of the absorbent article. Even when using, it is possible to stabilize the processing position in the transport direction.

It is a figure which shows the absorbent article which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the absorbent article which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the absorbent article which concerns on embodiment. 1 is a schematic overall view of an absorbent article manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment. 1 is a schematic overall view of an absorbent article manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment. 1 is a schematic overall view of an absorbent article manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a figure explaining the manufacturing method of the absorbent article which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure explaining the manufacturing method of the absorbent article which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure explaining the manufacturing method of the absorbent article which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure explaining the manufacturing method of the absorbent article which concerns on embodiment.

  First, the absorbent article which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated. 1, 2, and 3 are views showing the absorbent article 2, specifically, a top view, a bottom view, and an exploded perspective view in a state where the individual package 1 of the absorbent article 2 is unfolded (opened). Each figure is shown. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the individual package 1 is composed of an absorbent article 2 and a packaging sheet 3, and the absorbent article 2 is detachably fixed to the substantially rectangular packaging sheet 3. Yes. The absorbent article 2 has a longitudinal direction L, a width direction W, and a thickness direction H. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper side is the front of the absorbent article 2, and the lower side is the absorbent article 2. It is backward. Since the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W of the absorbent article 2 and the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the packaging sheet 3 coincide with each other, hereinafter, the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W are common to the absorbent article 2 and the packaging sheet 3. We will use it.

  The absorbent article 2 is a sanitary napkin in the present embodiment and has extensibility in the longitudinal direction L. In other words, the extensibility in the longitudinal direction L is higher than the extensibility in the width direction W. Here, extensibility refers to the property that when a tensile force is applied to a certain object, the shape of the object extends in that direction. In this case, when the tensile force disappears, the shape of the object may return to the original shape or may approach the original state but may not return to the original state. The absorbent article 2 may have elasticity in the longitudinal direction L. Elasticity refers to the property that when a tensile force is applied to an object, the shape of the object extends in that direction, and when the tensile force disappears, the shape of the object returns to its original shape. It can also be said to have elasticity. Extensibility and stretchability may be expressed as material properties, or may be expressed in combination with the shape of the material or other materials. The degree of elongation in extensibility and stretchability is, for example, that having a tensile elongation (breaking elongation) of at least 3%. In that case, the measuring method is measured by a tensile elongation test of the fiber sheet described later.

  The absorbent article 2 has a main body portion 2a extending in the longitudinal direction L and a pair of flap portions 2b and 2b extending on both sides of the main body portion 2a. The main body 2a is provided with a region where the bulk of the absorbent material is higher than the surrounding region at the center in the longitudinal direction L slightly in the front and in the center in the width direction W. That is, an excretory opening contact area is set, and hereinafter referred to as an absorption center area STA. The absorption center area STA is a vaginal opening contact area in the present embodiment. The main body 2a is further formed with a squeezed portion 26 formed so as to surround the absorption center region STA. In the present embodiment, the central pressing portion 26a formed in a plurality of openings scattered in a region that is slightly expanded backward while overlapping the absorption central region STA, and the central pressing portion 26a are sandwiched between both sides in the width direction W. The side pressing part 26b formed in the front, the front pressing part 26c formed slightly forward of the central pressing part 26a, and the rear pressing part 26d formed rearward of the central pressing part 26a are formed. The pair of flap portions 2b and 2b are formed at substantially the same position in the longitudinal direction L of the absorption center region STA. That is, in the longitudinal direction L, the pair of flap portions 2b and 2b are substantially overlapped with the positions of both end portions (roots) and the central portion of the pair of flap portions 2b and 2b. It is formed as follows.

  In addition, the absorbent article 2 includes a liquid-permeable top sheet 21, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 22, and an absorbent body 20 disposed between the top sheet 21 and the back sheet 22. . The pressing part 26 is formed by pressing the top sheet 21 and the absorbent body 20. In the present embodiment, the top sheet 21, the back sheet 22, and the absorber 20 are formed so as to be substantially integral and extendable.

  The front sheet 21 has a front side portion 21a and a rear side portion 21b with a center line WCL extending in the width direction W passing through the central portion in the longitudinal direction L of the absorption center region STA (or the flap portions 2b and 2b) as a boundary. And have. The front portion 21a is a portion having almost no extensibility in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W. The rear portion 21b is a portion in which the extensibility in the longitudinal direction L is higher than the extensibility in the width direction W. In this embodiment, the extensibility in the longitudinal direction L is high, and there is almost no extensibility in the width direction W. It is. Therefore, the front portion 21a does not have extensibility, and the rear portion 21b has extensibility in the longitudinal direction L and does not have extensibility in the width direction W. It should be noted that the front side portion 21a may have higher extensibility in the longitudinal direction L than the extensibility in the width direction W, similarly to the rear side portion 21b. Further, the rear portion 21b may have stretchability in addition to stretchability. As a method for imparting extensibility, for example, gear stretching treatment can be mentioned. In that case, stretchability can also be imparted. In the present embodiment, the topsheet 21 has not only extensibility but also stretchability in the rear side portion 21b.

  The back sheet 22 has a front portion 22a and a rear portion 22b with the center line WCL as a boundary. The front portion 22a is a portion having almost no extensibility in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W. The rear portion 22b is a portion in which the extensibility in the longitudinal direction L is higher than the extensibility in the width direction W. In this embodiment, the extensibility in the longitudinal direction L is relatively high, and the extensibility in the width direction W is almost the same. There is no part. Accordingly, the front portion 22a does not have extensibility, and the rear portion 22b has extensibility in the longitudinal direction L and does not have extensibility in the width direction W. The front side portion 22a may be a portion whose extensibility in the longitudinal direction L is higher than the extensibility in the width direction W similarly to the rear side portion 22b. Further, the rear portion 22b may have stretchability or elasticity in addition to extensibility. As a method for imparting extensibility, for example, gear stretching treatment can be mentioned. In that case, stretchability can also be imparted. In the present embodiment, the back sheet 22 has not only extensibility but also stretchability in the rear side portion 22b.

  Moreover, the absorber 20 is provided with the absorber sheet | seat 20n joined to the surface by the side of the back surface sheet 22 in the absorber main body part 20m and the absorber main body part 20m. The absorber body 20m has a front portion 20ma and a rear portion 20mb with the center line WCL as a boundary, and an absorption central region straddling the front portion 20ma and the rear portion 20mb. A bulky portion 20K having a bulk higher than that of the surrounding portion is provided in a region substantially overlapping with the STA. The front side portion 20ma and the bulky portion 20K are portions having almost no extensibility in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W. The portion 20mb on the rear side excluding the bulky portion 20K is a portion in which the extensibility in the longitudinal direction L is higher than the extensibility in the width direction W. In this embodiment, the extensibility in the longitudinal direction L is relatively high. This is a portion with almost no elongation. Accordingly, the front side portion 20ma and the bulky portion 20K do not have extensibility, and the rear side portion 20mb excluding the bulky portion 20K has extensibility in the longitudinal direction L and does not have extensibility in the width direction W. . Examples of a method for imparting extensibility include a method in which a plurality of cuts 20S extending in the width direction W are formed in the absorbent body 20m so as to be arranged in the longitudinal direction L. Thereby, when the absorber body 20m is applied with a tension in the rear in the longitudinal direction L, the break 20S expands in the longitudinal direction L, thereby exhibiting extensibility. Examples of the shape of the cut 20S include a straight line shape (this embodiment) and a wavy line shape. As the arrangement of the cuts 20S, the individual cuts 20S are arranged in a staggered manner within the rear portion 20mb, or the individual cuts 20S are arranged in a staggered manner in a virtual rhombus-shaped small region, and the rhombus-shaped For example, staggered arrangement of the small regions in the rear portion 20 mb (this embodiment) may be mentioned. Further, the cut line 20S may be a shape having a gap such as a circular or elliptical opening (preferably having a long diameter in the width direction W).

  The carrier sheet 20n has a front portion 20na and a rear portion 20nb with the center line WCL as a boundary. The front portion 20na is a portion having almost no extensibility in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W. The rear portion 20nb is a portion in which the extensibility in the longitudinal direction L is higher than the extensibility in the width direction W. In this embodiment, the extensibility in the longitudinal direction L is relatively high, and the extensibility in the width direction W is almost the same. There is no part. Therefore, the front portion 20na does not have extensibility, and the rear portion 20nb has extensibility in the longitudinal direction L and does not have extensibility in the width direction W. Note that the front portion 20na may be a portion that has higher extensibility in the longitudinal direction L than the extensibility in the width direction W, similarly to the rear portion 20nb. Further, the rear portion 20nb may have stretchability in addition to stretchability. Examples of a method for imparting extensibility include a method of using a sheet having extensibility in a predetermined direction and not having extensibility in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction as the rear portion 20nb. When using a sheet that has elasticity and does not have elasticity in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction, elasticity can also be imparted. Further, the front portion 20na and the rear portion 20nb may be the front portion and the rear portion of the same sheet, or may be formed of two types of sheets having different extensibility (or stretchability). . In the present embodiment, as the front portion 20na of the carrier sheet 20n, a sheet that does not have stretchability and stretchability in any direction is used, and as the rear portion 20nb of the carrier sheet 20n, stretchability in a predetermined direction is achieved. And a sheet having no stretchability in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction is used.

  Therefore, the absorbent body 20 can exhibit extensibility in the portion on the rear side of the absorbent article 2 (excluding the region having the bulky portion 20K in plan view) with the absorbent body portion 20m and the carrier sheet 20n overlapping. In particular, in the present embodiment, the absorbent body 20 is stretchable in the rear side portion of the absorbent article 2 (excluding the region having the bulky portion 20K in plan view) because the carrier sheet 20n has stretchability. Can be expressed. Although the absorbent body 20m exhibits extensibility only by the plurality of cuts 20S, the contractibility is not always sufficient, and therefore the stretchability is not sufficient. Therefore, the stretchability is imparted to the absorbent body 20 by sticking the stretchable carrier sheet 20n to the absorbent body main body portion 20m. The carrier sheet 20n also has a function of reinforcing the absorbent material so that it does not lose its shape because it is difficult to cut into a cutting blade due to stretchability when the cut 20S is formed in the absorbent body 20m.

  Moreover, the absorbent article 2 has a portion on the rear side of the absorbent article 2 (a bulky portion 20K in plan view), with the topsheet 21 and the backsheet 22 being extensible sheets and the extensible absorbent body 20 overlapping. Except for the region), extensibility can be expressed. Thereby, the mounting | wearing feeling of the absorbent article 2 can be improved so that it may mention later. In particular, in the present embodiment, the absorbent article 2 has a portion on the rear side of the absorbent article 2 (the bulky portion 20K in plan view) because the topsheet 21, the backsheet 22 and the absorbent body 20 have elasticity. Except for certain areas), it can exhibit elasticity. Thereby, the wearing feeling of the absorbent article 2 can be further improved. However, the present invention is not limited to the example, and at least the absorber 20 (rear part 20mb + 20nb), the top sheet 21 (rear part 21b) and the back sheet 22 (rear part 22b). One of them may have at least extensibility (preferably stretchability) and may overlap each other to express extensibility (preferably stretchability) in a predetermined region of the absorbent article 2 as a whole.

  The main body 2 a of the absorbent article 2 includes a plurality of fixing portions 6 fixed to the clothing contact surface, specifically, the clothing contact surface of the back sheet 22. Each of the plurality of fixing portions 6 extends in the width direction W of the absorbent article 2 and is disposed at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction L of the absorbent article 2. Moreover, each flap part 2b of the absorbent article 2 is provided with the fixing | fixed part 4 fixed to the clothing contact surface, specifically the clothing contact surface of the back surface sheet 22. FIG. The outer edge end portion 4e outside the width direction W in the fixed portion 4 overlaps with a part of the outer edge end portion 22e in the width direction W of each flap portion 2b.

  The absorbent article 2 is fixed to the packaging sheet 3 via a plurality of fixing parts 6 and a pair of fixing parts 4 and 4. However, the packaging sheet 3 has a release sheet 7 and a pair of release sheets 5 and 5 at portions contacting the plurality of fixing parts 6 and the pair of fixing parts 4, respectively. It is fixed so that it can be peeled off. Thereby, the absorbent article 2 is peeled from the packaging sheet 3 at the time of use, and is re-fixed to the wearer's clothes by the plurality of fixing portions 6 and the pair of fixing portions 4. The outer edge portion 5e on the outer side in the width direction W of the release sheet 5 overlaps with a part of the outer edge end portion 22e in the width direction W of each flap portion 2b. ing.

  The absorbent article 2 and the packaging sheet 3 are folded with the absorbent article 2 facing inward at a plurality of broken lines FLV extending parallel to the width direction W in a state where the absorbent article 2 is fixed to the packaging sheet 3. It is. The plurality of broken lines FLV are arranged in the longitudinal direction L at a predetermined interval. In the present embodiment, the plurality of broken lines FLV are three folded lines FLV1, FLV2, and FLV3 in order from the rear side of the absorbent article 2, and are folded in the order of the position of the folded line FLV1, the position of the folded line FLV2, and the position of the folded line FLV3. .

  The absorbent article 2 and the packaging sheet 3 are parallel to the longitudinal direction L after being folded at, for example, a plurality of fold lines FLV parallel to the width direction W in a state where the absorbent article 2 is fixed to the packaging sheet 3. Are further folded at the positions of a plurality of broken lines FLT extending in the vertical direction. The plurality of broken lines FLT are arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction W. In the present embodiment, the plurality of broken lines FLT are two broken lines FLT1 and FLT2, and are folded in the order of the position of the broken line FLT1 and the position of the broken line FLT2.

  Here, for example, the positions of the plurality of broken lines FLV, the plurality of broken lines FLT, and the absorbent article 2 are set so that the plurality of broken lines FLV and the plurality of bent lines FLT do not pass through the inside of the absorption center region STA. In the present embodiment, the absorption center region STA is set to be disposed in a region surrounded by the polygonal lines FLV2 and FLV3 and the polygonal lines FLT1 and FLT2. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the liquid absorption capacity and the leakage of the liquid to the outside due to the absorption body of the absorption center region STA being folded.

  After the absorbent article 2 and the wrapping sheet 3 are folded at the positions of the fold lines FLV1, FLV2, and FLV3, the vicinity of both ends of the fold lines FLV2 and FLV3 in the width direction W of the wrapping sheet 3 is heat-sealed to form joints. The Thereby, the state in which the absorbent article 2 and the packaging sheet 3 are folded is fixed. When the folded state is expanded as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, both ends of the folding line FLV2 in the width direction W of the packaging sheet 3 and the portions on both sides in the longitudinal direction L across the folding line FLV2 are paired. Part 31, 31. The two end portions of the packaging sheet 3 in the width direction W of the broken line FLV3, and the portions on both sides in the longitudinal direction L across the broken line FLV3 are a pair of joint portions 32 and 32. The both end portions in the width direction W of one outer edge end portion 3T1 in the longitudinal direction L of the packaging sheet 3 are a pair of joint portions 33 and 33. The pair of joint portions 33, 33 overlap the pair of joint portions 31, 31.

  Furthermore, the adhesive part 30 is arrange | positioned by the one outer edge edge part 3T1 of the longitudinal direction L in the packaging sheet 3 at the absorbent article 2 side. When the absorbent article 2 and the packaging sheet 3 are folded with the absorbent article 2 inside at the position of the broken lines FLV1, FLV2, FLV3, the adhesive portion 30 is attached to the facing packaging sheet 3, The folded form is further fixed.

  On the front side in the longitudinal direction L, one end 2T1 of the absorbent article 2 is formed to be smaller than the one outer edge end 3T1 of the packaging sheet 3 by a predetermined length. When the absorbent article 2 and the packaging sheet 3 are folded, the end portion 2T1 of the absorbent article 2 can be prevented from protruding outside the outer edge end portion 3T1 of the packaging sheet 3. On the other hand, on the rear side in the longitudinal direction L, the other end 2T2 of the absorbent article 2 is formed to be larger than the other outer edge 3T2 of the packaging sheet 3 by a predetermined length. When the absorbent article 2 and the packaging sheet 3 are folded, the amount of the packaging sheet 3 used can be reduced. At this time, since the end 2T2 of the absorbent article 2 is wrapped inside, it does not protrude outside the packaging sheet 3.

  An auxiliary sheet (not shown) that assists the diffusion of the liquid may be further provided between the top sheet 21 and the absorber 20. In that case, the auxiliary sheet has the same outer shape and cut 20S as the absorbent body 20m, and can be extended in the longitudinal direction L by the cut 20S.

  As materials for the top sheet 21, the absorbent body 20m, the carrier sheet 20n, the back sheet 22, the fixing parts 4 and 6, and the release sheets 5 and 7, known materials generally used in the absorbent article 2 are used. be able to. For example, as a material of the surface sheet 21, a non-woven fabric, a woven fabric, a synthetic resin film in which liquid permeation holes are formed, and a composite sheet thereof can be given. Examples of the nonwoven fabric include natural fibers, regenerated fibers, inorganic fibers, and synthetic resin fibers. Examples of the material of the absorbent main body 20m include pulp fibers, synthetic fibers, and absorbent polymers. Examples of the material for the auxiliary sheet include nonwoven fabric, pulp fiber, and synthetic fiber. Examples of the carrier sheet 20n include a synthetic resin film having elasticity in a uniaxial direction. In particular, a synthetic resin film having elasticity in one axis direction but not having elasticity in the other axis direction orthogonal to the one axis direction is preferable. Examples of the material of the back sheet 22 include a waterproof nonwoven fabric, a synthetic resin film, a composite sheet of a nonwoven fabric and a synthetic resin film, and an SMS nonwoven fabric. As a material for the fixing portions 4 and 6, an adhesive such as a styrene-butadiene copolymer can be used. Examples of the material of the release sheets 5 and 7 include a paper or resin sheet base material coated with a silicone resin release material. Moreover, the adhesive used for joining between the top sheet 21, the (auxiliary sheet) absorbent body 20m, the carrier sheet 20n, and the back sheet 22 is a known material generally used in the absorbent article 2. For example, a thermoplastic adhesive can be used. Moreover, as a material of the packaging sheet 3, the well-known material generally used in order to package the absorbent article 2 can be used. For example, a resin film, paper, and a nonwoven fabric are mentioned.

  In the absorbent article described in Patent Document 1, the developable zones are arranged in a distributed manner from the front side to the rear side in the longitudinal direction, and the absorptive wearer's body moves along with the body movement. ing. However, in such an absorbent article, when an underwear wearer walks, the absorbent article receives the movement of both feet, the front side and the rear side of the absorbent article are deformed respectively, and the absorbent article is twisted. There is a possibility that the absorption center region of the blood will be separated from the excretion opening, that is, the absorption may be adversely affected.

  On the other hand, the absorbent article 2 of the present embodiment has extensibility in the region on the front side (from the center line WCL) and in the bulky region in plan view, that is, in the absorption center region STA. Except for the extensibility in the rear region (excluding the center line WCL). That is, in one absorbent article 2, the stretchability is changed between the front region and the rear region. Therefore, when the absorbent article 2 is fixed to the underwear by the fixing parts 4 and 4 of the flap portions 2b and 2b, the front area and the absorption center area STA in the absorbent article 2 are in contact with the body of the underwear wearer. The region on the rear side excluding the absorption center region STA can be extended with the movement of the body while maintaining the above. Specifically, when an underwear wearer walks, the load applied to the absorbent article 2 with the movement of both feet is released or absorbed by the rear region excluding the absorption center region STA extending and deforming. Can be. At that time, the absorption center area STA and the area on the front side do not extend, so that the absorption center area STA can be stably adhered to the body of the wearer of the underwear, and the absorption center area STA should be stably adhered to the excretion opening (vagina opening) Can do. The reason is that deformations such as kinking of the rear region are hardly transmitted to the front region because the front region and the absorption center region STA are not extensible. In addition, the area on the front side is naturally less affected by the movement of both feet, so it is easy to stably adhere to the body, and therefore the area on the front side has a wide area that does not have stretchability. This is because the ability to prevent the transmission of deformation from the rear region can be increased. In particular, since a rear-side region that can be extended is extended to the center line WCL on both outer sides in the width direction W of the absorption center region STA, the portion functions as a kinking fulcrum on the rear side. Thus, it is difficult for the deformation to be transmitted to the absorption center region STA. In this way, in the absorbent article 2, the front region and the rear region can behave differently according to the movement of the underwear wearer, thereby achieving both absorbency and wearability. Can do. The above discussion is also applicable to the case where each member is not stretchable but stretchable. In the present embodiment, the absorbent article is a sanitary napkin, but may be another absorbent article such as a panty liner or an incontinence pad.

(Tensile elongation of fiber sheet (breaking elongation))
A strip-shaped test piece having a length of 150 mm and a width of 25 mm is cut out from a member or sheet to be measured, and used as a measurement sample. Then, using a tensile tester (manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation, autograph, model AGS-1kNG) having a load cell with a maximum load capacity of 50 N, the measurement sample is 100 mm for three measurement samples. The tensile elongation is measured under the conditions of the distance between the chucks and the tensile speed of 100 mm / min. The average value of the tensile elongation of the three measurement samples is taken as the tensile elongation.

  Next, the manufacturing apparatus for absorbent articles according to the present embodiment will be described. 4, 5, and 6 show an example of the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 400 for the individual package 1 including the absorbent article 2. The manufacturing apparatus 400 can also be viewed as a manufacturing apparatus for the absorbent article 2 packaged with the packaging sheet 3. 4 to 6, the manufacturing apparatus 400 includes an absorbent body forming unit 400A, a first semi-finished product forming unit 400B, a second semi-finished product forming unit 400C, an absorbent article forming unit 400D, and a packaging. Unit 400E.

  The manufacturing apparatus 400 relates to conveyance of the absorbent article 2 and materials constituting the absorbent article 2 in a conveyance direction (MD direction), a transverse direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction (CD direction) along the conveyance surface, and a conveyance direction and a transverse direction. It has a vertical direction (TD direction) perpendicular to each other. “Upstream side in the transport direction” and “downstream side in the transport direction” are also simply referred to as “upstream side” and “downstream side”, and “upper side in the vertical direction” and “lower side in the vertical direction” are simply “upper side”, “ Also referred to as “lower”.

  The manufacturing apparatus 400 conveys the absorbent article 2 and members constituting the absorbent article 2 (example: absorbent body, top sheet, back sheet) as follows. About the absorbent article 2, it conveys so that the width direction W of the absorbent article 2 may follow a conveyance direction (MD direction), and the longitudinal direction L may follow a cross direction (CD direction). About the member which comprises the absorbent article 2, the width corresponding | compatible direction (direction which becomes the width direction W when the absorbent article 2 is completed) corresponding to the width direction W of the absorbent article 2 is along a conveyance direction (MD direction). Then, the absorbent article 2 is conveyed so that the longitudinal corresponding direction (the direction that becomes the longitudinal direction L when the absorbent article 2 is completed) corresponding to the longitudinal direction L of the absorbent article 2 is along the transverse direction (CD direction).

  Hereinafter, during the conveyance of the absorbent article 2, the conveyance direction, the transverse direction, and the vertical direction overlap with the width direction W / width corresponding direction, the longitudinal direction L / longitudinal corresponding direction, and the thickness direction H / thickness corresponding direction, respectively. Therefore, the transport direction, the transverse direction, and the vertical direction are also used as the width direction W / width corresponding direction, the longitudinal direction L / longitudinal corresponding direction, and the thickness direction H / thickness corresponding direction, respectively.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the absorbent body forming unit 400A is an apparatus or the like that continuously forms an absorbent body, and includes a fiber stacking device 110, a carrier sheet supply device 120, a pressing device 130, a cut forming device 140, A cutting device 150 and conveyor belts 133 and 143 are provided.

  The fiber stacking device 110 is a device that forms a fiber stack in which fiber materials are laminated. The rotary drum 111, the pattern plate 112 that is detachably held on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum 111, and the pattern plate 112 are stacked. A material supply unit 113 for supplying a fiber material and a transport belt 115 for transporting the formed fiber stack are provided.

  In the internal space of the rotating drum 111, a negative pressure chamber 111N to which a negative pressure is applied and a positive pressure chamber 111P to which a positive pressure is applied are formed. A plurality of through holes (not shown) communicating with the negative pressure chamber 111N and the positive pressure chamber 111P are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating drum 111. The pattern plate 112 has a plurality of grooves (not shown) formed continuously along the outer peripheral surface. The groove has substantially the same shape as the absorber 20, and the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the groove are parallel to the width direction (transverse direction) and the circumferential direction (conveying direction) of the outer peripheral surface of the rotating drum 111, respectively. is there. The groove has air permeability, and can communicate with the negative pressure chamber 111N or the positive pressure chamber 111P by the rotation of the pattern plate 112. The groove can receive a pile fiber material, thereby forming a pile body having an absorbent outer shape. The region corresponding to the absorption center region STA of the absorber 20 in the groove is deeper than the other regions of the groove, thereby increasing the volume of the absorption center region STA of the absorber 20. It is like that. The material supply unit 113 supplies a pile fiber material such as pulp fiber, synthetic fiber, and absorbent resin to the pattern plate 112 of the rotary drum 111 in a scattered state, and deposits the pile fiber material in the groove on the pattern plate 112. Thereby forming a pile in the groove.

  Further, the roll WR1 has a continuous auxiliary sheet SS in the form of a continuous sheet, and the continuous auxiliary sheet SS is rewound by the downstream side conveyance roll 117 or the like so that the continuous auxiliary sheet SS is supplied to the conveyance belt 115. ing. The bonding apparatus 114 applies an adhesive (eg, a thermoplastic resin) to one surface of the continuous auxiliary sheet SS before being supplied to the conveyance belt 115. The conveyor belt 115 integrally conveys a laminated body (absorbent member P1) in which the continuous auxiliary sheet SS and the fiber stack are laminated while being sucked together by the suction device 116.

  In the carrier sheet supply device 120, the roll WR2a has a continuous carrier sheet CS1 in the form of a stretchable and stretchable continuous sheet that becomes a rear portion 20nb of the carrier sheet 20n, and includes a downstream side transport roll 122 and the like. The continuous carrier sheet CS1 is rewound to supply the continuous carrier sheet CS1 to the conveyor belt 115. However, the continuous carrier sheet CS1 may be provided with stretchability by a gear stretching process. The roll WR2b has a continuous carrier sheet CS2 in the form of a continuous sheet that becomes the front portion 20na of the carrier sheet 20n, and the continuous carrier sheet CS2 is rewound by the downstream transport roll 122 or the like, so that The carrier sheet CS2 is supplied to the conveyor belt 115. The bonding apparatus 121 applies an adhesive (eg, a thermoplastic resin) to one surface of the continuous carrier sheets CS1 and CS2 before being supplied to the transport belt 115. The transport roll 122 presses and affixes one surface of the continuous carrier sheets CS1 and CS2 to the absorbent member P1 being transported by the transport belt 115. The conveyor belt 115 conveys a laminate (absorber member P2) in which continuous carrier sheets CS1 and CS2 are laminated on the absorber member P1.

  The pressing device 130 includes a pressing roll 131 and an anvil roll 132 that face each other. Except for the area corresponding to the absorption center area STA of the absorbent body 20, a large number of convex portions are periodically formed on the outer peripheral face of the pressing roll 131 so as to cover the outer peripheral face. The pressing roll 131 and the anvil roll 132 are pressed by a large number of convex portions with the absorbent member P2 interposed therebetween, and the absorbent member P2 is formed to a desired thickness. However, the portion corresponding to the 20 absorption center region STA of the absorber is formed to be relatively bulky (thick). The conveyor belt 133 conveys the molded absorbent member P2 to the cut forming device 140.

  The cut forming device 140 includes an anvil roll 141 and a cut roll 142 that are arranged to face each other. A plurality of blades for forming the slit 20S of the absorber is formed in a predetermined region corresponding to the rear portion 20mb excluding the absorption center region STA of the absorber main body 20m on the outer peripheral surface of the cut roll 142. . The one blade has a linear shape along the circumferential direction of the cut roll 142. The plurality of blades are arranged in the predetermined area in a distributed manner in the circumferential direction and the width direction of the cut roll 142. In the present embodiment, a plurality of linear blades extending in the circumferential direction are staggered in a virtual rhombus-shaped small area, and the rhombus-shaped areas are staggered in the circumferential direction and the width direction within the predetermined area. Has been. The anvil roll 141 and the cut roll 142 sandwich the absorber member P2 so that a plurality of desired cuts 20S are formed in a predetermined region of the absorber member P2 from the continuous auxiliary sheet SS side of the absorber member P2 with a plurality of blades. Then, the absorbent member P3 is formed. At this time, the cut forming device 140 does not form the cut S in the continuous carrier sheets CS1 and CS2. The conveyor belt 143 conveys the absorber member P3 to the cutting device 150.

  The cutting device 150 includes a cutter roll 151 and an anvil roll 152 that are arranged to face each other. When the absorbent member P3 is supplied, the cutter roll 151 and the anvil roll 152 are cut in the transverse direction by the cutting blade of the cutter roll 151 while being transported while sucking the absorbent member P3 to the outer peripheral surface of the anvil roll 152. Thus, the absorbent member P3 separated into the shape of the absorbent body 20 is formed. The absorber member P3 can be substantially referred to as an absorber. The cutting device 150 delivers the individually separated absorbent member P3 from the anvil roll 152 to the transport roll 164.

  The first semi-finished product forming unit 400B is a device or the like that forms a first semi-finished product, and includes a transport roll 164, a transport belt 165, a gear stretching device 160, and a squeezing device 170.

  The roll WR3 has a continuous sheet-like continuous surface sheet TS that becomes the surface sheet 21, and the continuous surface sheet TS is rewound by a downstream side gear stretching device 160 or the like, whereby the continuous surface sheet TS is turned into a gear stretching device. 160. The gear stretching device 160 includes a pair of gear rolls 161 and 162 that are arranged to face each other. Wavy teeth are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of gear rolls 161 and 162 at a predetermined pitch along the circumferential direction. However, in the present embodiment, teeth are formed only in a region corresponding to the rear portion 21b of the topsheet 21 in the outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of gear rolls 161 and 162, and the front portion 21a of the topsheet 21 is formed on the front portion 21a. No teeth are formed in the corresponding area. The gear roll 161 and the gear roll 162 are rotated at the same peripheral speed and meshed with each other, and the continuous surface sheet TS is passed between these meshed teeth to stretch the continuous surface sheet TS (gear stretching). Processing), it is formed into a stretchable and stretchable continuous sheet. Thereby, in the stretched continuous surface sheet TS, stretchability is exhibited in the portion TS1 corresponding to the portion 21b on the rear side of the surface sheet 21. In addition, stretchability does not express in the part TS2 corresponding to the front part 21a. The bonding apparatus 163 applies an adhesive (for example, a thermoplastic resin) to one surface of the continuous surface sheet TS that is a stretchable and stretchable continuous sheet after stretching.

  The transport belt 165 is supplied from the gear stretching device 160 and transports the stretched continuous surface sheet TS having an adhesive applied to one surface in the transport direction. The conveying roll 164 receives the separated absorbent member P3 from the anvil roll 152, presses it against one surface of the continuous surface sheet TS on the conveying belt 165, and pastes it to absorb the continuous surface sheet TS. The body member P3, that is, the first semi-finished product P4 is formed. The conveyor belt 165 conveys the first semi-finished product P4 to the pressing device 170.

  The pressing device 170 includes a pressing roll 171 and an anvil roll 172 that are arranged facing each other. A convex portion having a shape corresponding to the pressing portion 26 of the absorbent body 20 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the pressing roll 171. The pressing roll 171 and the anvil roll 172 press the convex part which has the shape of a pressing part on both sides of the 1st semi-finished product P4, and shape | molds the pressing part 26 to the 1st semi-finished product P4. The pressing device 170 conveys the compressed first semi-finished product P4 to the second semi-finished product forming unit 400C.

  The second semi-finished product forming unit 400 </ b> C is a device that forms a second semi-finished product, and includes a gear stretching device 180, a pair of transport rolls 185 and 186, and transport belts 184 and 187.

  The roll WR4 has a continuous sheet-like continuous backsheet BS that becomes the backsheet 22, and the continuous backsheet BS is rewound by the downstream gear stretching device 180 or the like so that the continuous backsheet BS is a gear stretching device. 180. The gear stretching device 180 includes a pair of gear rolls 181 and 182 that are arranged to face each other. Wavy teeth are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of gear rolls 181 and 182 at a predetermined pitch along the circumferential direction. However, in the present embodiment, teeth are formed only in a region corresponding to the rear portion 22b of the back sheet 22 out of the outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of gear rolls 181 and 182, and the front portion 22a of the back sheet 22 is formed. No teeth are formed in the corresponding area. The gear roll 181 and the gear roll 182 are rotated at the same peripheral speed, meshing with each other's teeth, and passing the continuous back sheet BS between the meshed teeth, thereby stretching the continuous back sheet BS (gear stretching). Processing), it is formed into a stretchable and stretchable continuous sheet. Thereby, in the stretched continuous back sheet BS, stretchability is developed in the part BS1 corresponding to the part 22b on the rear side of the back sheet 22. In addition, stretchability is not expressed in the part BS2 corresponding to the front part 22a.

  The transport belt 184 transports the first semi-finished product P4 supplied from the pressing device 170 between the pair of transport rolls 185 and 186. The bonding apparatus 183 applies an adhesive to the upper surface of the first semi-finished product P4 conveyed by the conveying belt 184. The pair of transport rolls 185 and 186 are arranged so as to face each other, and the continuous back sheet BS supplied from the gear stretching device 180 is applied to the upper surface of the first semi-finished product P4 whose adhesive is applied to one surface. The absorbent member with the continuous topsheet TS and the continuous backsheet BS, that is, the second semi-finished product P5 is formed by pressing and pasting. The conveyor belt 187 conveys the second semi-finished product P5 to the absorbent article forming unit 400D.

  The absorbent article forming unit 400D is an apparatus or the like that forms the absorbent article 2, and includes a back surface fixing unit forming device 190, a peripheral sealing device 200, a widening device 210, a flap fixing unit forming device 220, and a peripheral cutting. The apparatus 230 and the conveyance belts 194, 213, and 224 are provided.

  The roll WR5 has a continuous release sheet CT that is a continuous sheet to be the release sheet 7, and the continuous release sheet CT is rewound by the downstream side fixing unit 190 or the like on the downstream side so that the continuous release sheet CT is removed. It supplies to the back surface fixing | fixed part formation apparatus 190. FIG. The bonding apparatus 195 applies an adhesive so as to form a plurality of fixing sections 6 on one surface of the continuous release sheet CT before being supplied to the back surface fixing section forming apparatus 190. The back surface fixing part forming apparatus 190 includes a cutter roll 191 and an anvil roll 192 that are arranged to face each other, and a pressing roll 193 that is further arranged to face the anvil roll 192. When the continuous release sheet CT coated with an adhesive is supplied between the cutter roll 191 and the anvil roll 192, the back surface fixing unit 190 sucks the continuous release sheet CT onto the outer peripheral surface of the anvil roll 192. While being conveyed, the sheet is cut by the cutting blade of the cutter roll 191, thereby forming the release sheet 7 having a plurality of fixing portions 6. The back surface fixing part forming device 190 presses the release sheet 7 on the upper side of the second semi-finished product P5 while conveying the second semi-finished product P5 between the anvil roll 192 and the pressing roll 193 in the carrying direction. The second semi-finished product P5 with the release sheet 7, that is, the second semi-finished product P6 is formed by pasting. The transport belt 194 transports the second semi-finished product P6 to the surrounding sealing device 200.

  The peripheral sealing device 200 includes a heating roll 201 and an anvil roll 202 that are arranged to face each other. The heating roll 201 can heat the outer peripheral surface, and a concave portion having a slightly smaller shape than the outer shape of the absorbent article 2 is formed on the outer peripheral surface. Therefore, when the second semi-finished product P6 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface, the portion facing the recess in the second semi-finished product P6 is not in contact with the outer peripheral surface, so that it is not heated and is outside the recess in the second semi-finished product P6. Since the part which faces is in contact with the outer peripheral surface, it is heated. Accordingly, when the second semi-finished product P6 is supplied between the heating roll 201 and the anvil roll 202, the surrounding sealing device 200 heats the second semi-finished product P6 on the outer peripheral surface other than the recess, Thus, the second semi-finished product P6 is heat-sealed and heat-sealed so that the outer edge of the second semi-finished product P6 is edged with the shape of the absorbent article 2.

  The widening device 210 includes a plurality of sets of widening rolls 211 and 212 that face each other. In the present embodiment, three sets of a pair of widening rolls 211 and 212 are provided, and the widening rolls 211 and 212 are arranged in the transport direction. The pair of widening rolls 211 and 212 mainly widen the portion having the cut 20S in the second semi-finished product P6 in the transverse direction. That is, the pair of widening rolls 211 and 212 are the rear part 21b of the top sheet 21, the rear part 20mb of the absorbent body 20m, and the rear part of the carrier sheet 20n in the second semi-finished product P6. The part corresponding to 20 nb is widened mainly in the transverse direction. The degree of widening is such that the cut 20S is slightly opened. The widening is performed immediately after the cut 20S is formed with a blade, and the cut 20S may be properly cut or may not be partially cut, so that the cut 20S is cut properly. Because. The reason why the plurality of pairs of widening rolls 221 and 212 are used is that the widening is performed little by little, so that the cuts do not spread or tear, and the multiple cuts 20S are broadened in a balanced manner as a whole.

  The roll WR6 has a continuous release sheet FT in the form of a continuous sheet that becomes the release sheet 5, and the continuous release sheet FT is rewound by the downstream side flap fixing part forming device 220, etc. It supplies to the flap fixing | fixed part formation apparatus 220. FIG. The bonding device 225 applies an adhesive so as to form two fixing portions 4 on one surface of the continuous release sheet FT before being supplied to the flap fixing portion forming device 220. The flap fixing part forming device 220 includes a cutter roll 221 and an anvil roll 222 that are arranged to face each other, and a pressing roll 223 that is further arranged to face the anvil roll 222. When the continuous release sheet FT coated with an adhesive is supplied between the cutter roll 221 and the anvil roll 222, the flap fixing unit forming device 220 sucks the continuous release sheet FT onto the outer peripheral surface of the anvil roll 222. While being conveyed, it is cut by the cutting blade of the cutter roll 221, thereby forming the release sheet 5 having two fixing portions 4. Specifically, one fixing portion formed on one release sheet 5 is used approximately half as two adjacent flap portions of two adjacent absorbent articles. The flap fixing part forming device 220 presses the release sheet 5 on the upper side of the second semi-finished product P6 while conveying the second semi-finished product P6 between the anvil roll 222 and the pressing roll 223 in the carrying direction. The second semi-finished product P6 with the release sheet 5, that is, the second semi-finished product P7 is formed by pasting. The conveyor belt 224 conveys the second semi-finished product P7 to the peripheral cutting device 230.

  The peripheral cutting device 230 includes a cutter roll 231 and an anvil roll 232 that are arranged to face each other. When the second semi-finished product P7 is supplied between the cutter roll 231 and the anvil roll 232, the peripheral cutting device 230 is transporting the second semi-finished product P7 while sucking it to the outer peripheral surface of the anvil roll 232. , By cutting with the cutting blade of the cutter roll 231, thereby forming individually separated absorbent articles. The peripheral cutting device 230 delivers the individually separated absorbent article from the anvil roll 232 to the transfer device 240.

  The packaging unit 400E is an apparatus or the like that forms the individual package 1, and includes a transfer device 240, folding devices 250, 260, and 270, a transverse sealing device 280, a transverse cutting device 290, a direction changing device 300, and a folding device. A device 310 and a sealing device 320 are provided.

  Further, the roll WR7 has a continuous sheet-like continuous packaging sheet 3A that becomes the packaging sheet 3, and the continuous packaging sheet 3A is rewound by the downstream transport roll 245 or the like, thereby transferring the continuous packaging sheet 3A. It is supplied to the roll 242. The bonding apparatus 244 applies an adhesive (eg, a thermoplastic resin) to one surface of the continuous packaging sheet 3A before being supplied to the transfer roll 242. The transfer device 240 includes a pair of transfer rolls 241 and 242 arranged to face each other. The transfer roll 241 conveys the absorbent article from the peripheral cutting device 230 while sucking it to the outer peripheral surface, and delivers it to the transfer roll 242. At this time, the transfer roll 241 removes (black arrow) and discards the surrounding portion other than the shape of the absorbent article without sucking. The transfer roll 242 conveys the absorbent article while sucking the outer peripheral surface to the outer peripheral surface, and the continuous packaging sheet 3A from the outside of the absorbent article so that the outer side of the absorbent article is in contact with one surface of the continuous packaging sheet 3A. The absorbent article with the continuous packaging sheet 3A, that is, the individual packaging body member P8 is formed by being rolled up. The transfer roll 242 delivers the individual package member P8 to the transport belt 243. The transport belt 243 transports the individual package member P8 to the folding device 250.

  The folding device 250 folds the individual package member P8 along the fold line FLV1 in the individual package 1 while conveying the individual package member P8 with the conveyance belt 251 to form the individual package member P8. Specifically, the transverse direction in the individual packaging member P8 while pressing the central portion and the back side (the side in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 6) of the individual packaging member P8 with the holding roll 253. 6 is folded along the folding line FLV1 by the folding member 252 (sailor).

  The folding device 260 folds the individual packaging body member P9 along the fold line FLV2 in the individual packaging body 1 while conveying the individual packaging body member P9 with the transport belt 261 to form the individual packaging body member P10. Specifically, while holding the back side portion of the individual package member P9 near the center in the transverse direction with the holding roll 263, the front side portion of the individual package member P9 near the center in the transverse direction is bent member 262 ( (Sailor) is folded along the fold line FLV2.

  The folding device 270 folds the individual packaging body member P10 along the fold line FLV3 in the individual packaging body 1 while conveying the individual packaging body member P10 with the transport belt 271 to form the individual packaging body member P11. Specifically, while holding the front side portion of the individual packaging body member P10 near the center in the transverse direction with the holding roll 273, the folding portion 272 ( (Sailor) is folded along the fold line FLV3.

  The horizontal sealing device 280 includes a pair of pressing rolls 281 and 282 that are arranged to face each other. The plurality of individual package members P11 continuously conveyed from the folding device 270 can be regarded as a cylindrical continuous packaging sheet 3A containing a plurality of absorbent articles arranged in the conveyance direction. The pair of pressing rolls 281 and 282 seals a portion between two adjacent absorbent articles in the cylindrical continuous packaging sheet 3 </ b> A in the transverse direction to form the joint portions 31 to 33 (FIG. 1). At this time, with respect to the two individual package members P11 adjacent to each other in the transport direction, the rear joint portions 31 to 33 for the individual package member P11 at the front and the front joint portions 31 to 33 for the individual package member at the rear are provided. 33 at the same time. That is, the joining parts 31 to 33 (FIG. 1) are formed before and after the absorbent article by two seals. Examples of the sealing method include heat fusion by heating.

  The transverse cutting device 290 includes a cutter roll 291 and an anvil roll 292 that are arranged facing each other, and the cutter roll 291 and the anvil roll 292 sandwich a single package member P11 and have a cylindrical shape containing a plurality of absorbent articles. 3 A of continuous packaging sheets are cut | disconnected by the junction parts 31-33, and the individual packaging body member P11 forms the individual packaging body member P12 in which each became independent.

  The direction changing device 300 includes a pair of conveying belts 301 and 302, a lower pushing device 304, and a conveying belt 305. The pair of conveyor belts 301 and 302 are arranged to face each other, and the upper conveyor belt 302 extends longer in the conveyance direction. The pair of transport belts 301 and 302 transport the individual package member P12 in the transport direction while gripping the individual package member P12 between the pair of transport belts 301 and 302, and only the upper transport belt 302 from the middle suctions the individual package member P12. While sucking with the device 303, it is conveyed to the lower pushing device 304. The lower pushing device 304 pushes and drops the individual packaging body member P12 that has reached the end of the upper conveyance belt 302 onto the conveyance belt 305 disposed below the individual packaging body member P12. After the transport belt 305, the transport direction is turned 90 degrees.

  The folding device 310 includes a conveyor belt 311, a bending member 312 (sailor), and a bending member 313 (sailor). The conveyance belt 311 conveys the individual packaging body member P12. The folding member 312 folds the portion on the back side in the transverse direction (the side in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 6) in the individual packaging body member P12 being conveyed so as to follow the fold line FLT1 in the individual packaging body 1, The individual package member P13 is formed. The folding member 313 is a portion on the near side in the transverse direction (the side in the direction away from the plane of FIG. 6) in the individual package member P13 being folded (or being folded) by the folding member 312. The individual packaging body member P14 is formed by folding the individual packaging body 1 along the folding line FLT2.

  The sealing device 320 includes a pair of conveying belts 323 and 324, a cutter roll 321, and an anvil roll 322.

  The roll WR8 has a continuous sheet-like continuous tape TP for the lead tape 9, and the continuous tape TP is rewound by the cutter roll 321 and the anvil roll 322 on the downstream side. 321 and anvil roll 322 are supplied. The pair of conveying belts 323 and 324 are arranged to face each other, and the lower conveying belt 324 extends longer in the conveying direction. The pair of transport belts 323 and 324 transport the individual package member P14 in the transport direction while gripping the individual package member P14 between the pair of transport belts 323 and 324, and only the lower transport belt 324 transports from the middle to the end thereof. . The cutter roll 321 and the anvil roll 322 are cut by the cutting blade of the cutter roll 321 while transporting the continuous tape TP while sucking the continuous tape TP to the outer peripheral face of the anvil roll 322, and lead tape 9 on the outer peripheral face of the anvil roll 322. Form. Then, the lead tape 9 on the outer peripheral surface of the anvil roll 322 is pressed against a predetermined position on the upper surface of the individual package member P14 on the transport belt 324 to form the individual package P15.

  Next, the manufacturing method of the individual packaging body 1 which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated with reference to FIGS. 4-6, 7-10. Here, since the individual package 1 is the absorbent article 2 packaged with the packaging sheet 3, this production method can also be referred to as a method for producing the packaged absorbent article 2.

  Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the manufacturing method includes an absorbent body forming step, a first semi-finished product forming step, a second semi-finished product forming step, an absorbent article forming step, and a packaging step. I have.

  First, the absorber forming step will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 7A to 7C. In the fiber stacking device 110, when the fiber drum material is supplied from the material supplier 113 while the rotary drum 111 is rotated in the direction of the arrow by a driving mechanism (not shown), the material communicates with the negative pressure chamber 111N in the pattern plate 112. The stacked fiber material is deposited in the groove, and the stacked body 50 is formed in the groove. The fiber stack 50 has a shape in which a single absorbent body is continuously connected in the circumferential direction, and can be regarded as an absorbent continuous body. The part 50a corresponding to the absorption center area STA of the absorber 20 is higher in bulk than the surrounding part and is formed thick. Next, when the pattern plate 112 reaches the positive pressure chamber 111P together with the fiber stack 50, the fiber stack 50 is detached from the pattern plate 112.

  On the other hand, the continuous auxiliary sheet SS in the form of a continuous sheet is rewound from the roll WR1, and is conveyed in a state where tension is applied in the conveying direction by the conveying belt 115. An adhesive is applied to one surface of the continuous auxiliary sheet SS. The fiber stack 50 separated from the pattern plate 112 is attached on one surface of the continuous auxiliary sheet SS on the conveyor belt 115. Thereby, as shown to FIG. 7 (A), the absorbent body member P1 by which the fiber stack 50 was laminated | stacked on the continuous auxiliary sheet SS is formed. It can be said that the fiber stack 50 is an absorbent material member for forming the absorbent member P1. The absorber member P1 is transported in the transport direction, particularly in a state where tension is applied to the continuous auxiliary sheet SS, while being sucked by the transport belt 115.

  Subsequently, in the carrier sheet supply device 120, the continuous carrier sheets CS1 (with stretchability) and CS2 (without stretchability) are rewound from the rolls WR2a and WR2b, and tension is applied to the transport belt 115 in the transport direction. Supplied in a dry state. At this time, since the conveyance direction is orthogonal to the extendable / contracting direction, the continuous carrier sheet CS1 does not expand during conveyance. An adhesive is applied to one surface of the continuous carrier sheets CS1 and CS2. One surface of the continuous carrier sheets CS1 and CS2 is pressed against the upper surface of the absorber member P1 being conveyed by the conveyor belt 115, whereby the continuous carrier sheets CS1 and CS2 are attached to the absorber member P1. At this time, the continuous carrier sheet CS1 is stuck as it is in an unstretched state. Thereby, as shown to FIG. 7 (B), the absorber member P2 by which the continuous carrier sheets CS1 and CS2 were laminated | stacked on the absorber member P1 is formed. The absorber member P <b> 2 is transported in a state where tension is applied in the transport direction by the transport belt 115, and is supplied to the pressing device 130.

  Next, in the pressing device 130, the absorbent member P <b> 2 transported by the transport belt 115 is sandwiched and pressed between the pressing roll 131 and the anvil roll 132. Thereby, the absorbent member P2 is formed to a desired thickness and adjusted to a desired fiber density (desired volume). However, the portion corresponding to the absorption center region of the absorber is formed to be bulky (thick) so that the absorption power does not become too low. The pressed absorbent member P <b> 2 is transported by the transport belt 133 while being tensioned in the transport direction, and supplied to the cut forming device 140.

  Subsequently, in the cut forming device 140, the absorbent member P2 transported by the transport belt 133 is sandwiched between the anvil roll 141 and the cut roll 142 to form a plurality of cuts 20S. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 7C, an absorbent member P3 having a plurality of cuts 20S is obtained. At this time, the plurality of cuts 20S are formed in a region corresponding to the rear portion 20mb excluding the absorption center region STA of the absorbent body main body 20m in the absorbent member P1 (stacked fiber body 50 + continuous auxiliary sheet SS), It is not formed on the continuous carrier sheets CS1 and CS2. The absorbent member P3 is transported by the transport belt 143 with tension applied in the transport direction, and is supplied to the cutting device 150. At this time, the continuous carrier sheet CS1, the stacking body 50, and the continuous auxiliary sheet SS are orthogonal to each other in the direction in which the continuous carrier sheet CS1, the stacking body 50, and the continuous auxiliary sheet SS can be extended. Does not stretch.

  Next, in the cutting device 150, the absorbent body member P3 transported by the transport belt 143 is individually cut by the cutting blade of the cutter roll 151 while being sucked and transported to the outer peripheral surface of the anvil roll 152, and the absorbent body. The absorbent member P3 is separated into 20 shapes. The absorber member P3 is substantially an absorber. The absorbent member P3 is delivered to the transport roll 164.

  Next, the first semi-finished product forming step will be described with reference to FIGS. In the gear stretching device 160, the continuous surface sheet TS in the form of a continuous sheet is rewound from the roll WR3, and a gear stretching process is performed by the gear stretching device 160 to form a stretchable and stretchable continuous sheet. The continuous surface sheet TS immediately after being rewound from the roll WR3 can be referred to as a raw material continuous sheet for forming the continuous surface sheet TS such as extensibility. In the continuous surface sheet TS, the stretchability is expressed in the portion TS1 corresponding to the rear portion 21b of the topsheet 21, and the stretchability is not expressed in the portion TS2 corresponding to the front portion 21a. The stretched continuous surface sheet TS is supplied in a state where an adhesive is applied to one surface and tension is applied to the transport belt 165 in the transport direction. At this time, since the transport direction is orthogonal to the extendable / contractable direction, the continuous surface sheet TS does not expand during the transport. On the transport belt 165, the surface on the continuous auxiliary sheet SS side of each absorbent member P3 supplied from the transport roll 164 is pressed against one surface of the continuous surface sheet TS in the non-stretched state. Each absorber member P3 is affixed on the continuous surface sheet TS. Thereby, as shown in FIG.7 (D), the absorber member P3 with continuous surface sheet TS, ie, 1st semi-finished product PA4, is formed. The first semi-finished product P4 is transported in a state where tension is applied in the transport direction by the transport belt 165, and is supplied to the pressing device 170. However, the “first semi-finished product” refers to a member obtained by joining the continuous surface sheet TS to the absorbent member P3 (absorber), and includes a product subjected to other processing such as pressing.

  Here, for example, the process of transporting the absorber member P3 while applying tension in the transport direction with the transport belt 143 can be referred to as a first transport process of transporting the absorber member while applying tension in the transport direction. Further, the step of conveying the continuous surface sheet TS while applying tension in the conveying direction with the conveying belt 165 can be referred to as a second conveying step of conveying the stretchable continuous sheet while applying tension in the conveying direction. Furthermore, the process of adhering the absorbent member P3 to the continuous surface sheet TS can be referred to as a lamination process in which the extensible continuous sheet and the absorbent member are laminated so as to overlap at least partially.

  Next, in the pressing device 170, the first semi-finished product P4 transported by the transport belt 165 is sandwiched between the pressing roll 171 and the anvil roll 172, and the pressing portion 26 is formed. Thereby, the 1st semi-finished product P4 which has the pressing part 26 is formed. The first semi-finished product is conveyed in a state where tension is applied in the conveying direction by the conveying belt 184, and is supplied to the second semi-finished product forming unit 400C.

  Next, the second semi-finished product forming process will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 8A. In the gear stretching device 180, the continuous back sheet BS unwound from the roll WR4 is subjected to a gear stretching process by the pair of gear rolls 181 and 182, and formed into a stretchable and stretchable continuous sheet. The continuous back sheet BS immediately after being rewound from the roll WR4 can be referred to as a raw material continuous sheet for forming the continuous back sheet BS such as extensibility. In the continuous back sheet BS, stretchability is exhibited in the portion BS1 corresponding to the rear portion 22b of the backsheet 22, and stretchability is not exhibited in the portion BS2 corresponding to the front portion 22a. The continuous back sheet BS after stretching is supplied between the pair of transport rolls 185 and 186 in a state where tension is applied in the transport direction. At this time, since the transport direction is orthogonal to the extendable / contractable direction, the continuous back sheet BS does not extend during the transport. Between the pair of transport rolls 185 and 186, the first semi-finished product P4 having an adhesive applied to the upper surface is supplied from the transport belt 184. Then, between the pair of conveying rolls 185 and 186, the continuous back sheet BS is pressed against the upper surface of the first semi-finished product P4 in a non-extended state, and the continuous back sheet BS is applied to the first semi-finished product P4. Pasted in a non-stretched state. Thereby, as shown to FIG. 8 (A), the 2nd semi-finished product P5 with continuous back surface sheet BS is formed. However, description of the pressing part 26 is abbreviate | omitted in the figure after FIG. 8 (A). The second semi-finished product P5 is transported in a state where tension is applied in the transport direction by the transport belt 187, and is supplied to the absorbent article forming unit 400D. However, the “second semi-finished product” refers to the first semi-finished product to which the continuous back sheet BS is joined, and a release sheet is attached or other processing such as heat sealing is applied. Also good.

  Here, for example, the step of transporting the first semi-finished product P4 (including the absorber member P3) while applying tension in the transport direction with the transport belt 184 is performed by transporting the absorber member while applying tension in the transport direction. It can be said that it is a conveyance process. Further, the step of conveying the continuous back sheet BS while applying tension in the conveying direction with the pair of conveying rolls 185 and 186 can be referred to as a second conveying step of conveying the stretchable continuous sheet while applying tension in the conveying direction. . Furthermore, the process in which the continuous back sheet BS is attached to the first semi-finished product P4 can be referred to as a laminating process in which the stretchable continuous sheet and the absorbent member are laminated so as to overlap at least partially.

  Next, with reference to FIG.5 and FIG.8 (B)-FIG.8 (C), an absorbent article formation process is demonstrated. In the back surface fixing part forming apparatus 190, the continuous release sheet CT unwound from the roll WR5 is coated with an adhesive in a predetermined shape on one surface and cut into a predetermined size by the cutter roll 191 and the anvil roll 192. The release sheet 7 is obtained. The release sheet 7 is supplied between the anvil roll 192 and the pressing roll 193. Between the anvil roll 192 and the pressing roll 193, the second semi-finished product P5 is supplied from the conveyor belt 187. And between the anvil roll 192 and the press roll 193, the peeling sheet 7 is pressed by the upper surface of the 2nd semi-finished product P5, and the peeling sheet 7 is affixed on the 2nd semi-finished product P5. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 8B, a second semi-finished product P5 with the release sheet 7, that is, a second semi-finished product P6 is formed. However, the description of the release sheet 7 is omitted in the drawings after FIG. 8B, and only the fixing portion 6 of the adhesive applied to the release sheet 7 is described. The second semi-finished product P <b> 6 is transported by the transport belt 194 while being tensioned in the transport direction and supplied to the peripheral sealing device 200.

  In the peripheral sealing device 200, the second semi-finished product P6 conveyed by the conveying belt 194 is supplied between the heating roll 201 and the anvil roll 202 and heated by the heating roll 201, so that the shape of the absorbent article 2 is increased. It is heat-sealed so that it borders. Thereby, the heat-sealed second semi-finished product P6 is formed. An absorber is contained inside the heat seal. The heat-sealed second semi-finished product P6 is conveyed to the widening device 210 with tension applied in the conveyance direction.

  In the widening device 210, the second semi-finished product P6 conveyed from the peripheral sealing device 200 is supplied between a plurality of sets of widening rolls 211, 212, and each of the multiple sets of pair of widening rolls 211, 212. Is gradually widened in the transverse direction, so that the cut 20S is properly cut. Thereby, smooth expansion and contraction of the second semi-finished product P6 can be ensured. The second semi-finished product P6 is transported by the transport belt 213 to the flap fixing part forming device 220 with tension applied in the transport direction.

  In the flap fixing unit forming device 220, the continuous release sheet FT that is unwound from the roll WR6 is coated with an adhesive on one surface and cut into a predetermined size by the cutter roll 221 and the anvil roll 222. As a result, the release sheet 5 is obtained. The release sheet 5 is supplied between the anvil roll 222 and the pressing roll 223. Between the anvil roll 222 and the pressing roll 223, the second semi-finished product P6 is transported from the transport belt 213. Then, between the anvil roll 222 and the pressing roll 223, the release sheet 5 is pressed against the upper surface of the second semi-finished product P6, and the release sheet 5 is attached to the second semi-finished product P6. Thereby, as shown in FIG.8 (C), the 2nd semi-finished product P7 with the peeling sheet 5 is formed. The second semi-finished product P7 is transported by the transport belt 224 to the peripheral cutting device 230 in a state where tension is applied in the transport direction.

  In the peripheral cutting device 230, the second semi-finished product P7 transported by the transport belt 224 is individually cut by the cutting blade of the cutter roll 231 while being sucked and transported to the outer peripheral surface of the anvil roll 232, and absorbs. It becomes the 2nd semi-finished product P7 isolate | separated into the shape of the articles | goods 2, ie, an absorbent article. The absorbent article is transferred from the anvil roll 232 to the transfer device 240. This step can be referred to as a cut-out step of cutting the laminated absorbent member and the extensible continuous sheet to form the absorber and the extensible sheet.

  Next, a packaging process is demonstrated with reference to FIGS. 5-6 and FIG.8 (D)-FIG. In the transfer device 240, the continuous sheet-like continuous packaging sheet 3 </ b> A unwound from the roll WR <b> 7 is wound on the transfer roll 242 with an adhesive applied to one surface. On the other hand, the absorbent article conveyed from the peripheral cutting device 230 is conveyed while being sucked to the outer peripheral surface of the transfer roll 241 and delivered to the transfer roll 242. And on the transfer roll 242, one surface of 3 A of continuous packaging sheets is pressed on the upper surface of an absorbent article, and 3 A of continuous packaging sheets are affixed on the absorbent article 53 (= absorbent article 2). Thereby, as shown to FIG. 8 (D), the absorbent article with 3 A of continuous packaging sheets, ie, the individual packaging body member P8, is formed. The individual package member P8 is transported to the folding device 250 in the transport direction by the transport belt 243.

  In the folding device 250, the individual package member P8 shown in FIG. 9A conveyed in the conveyance direction by the conveyance belt 243 is folded along the fold line FLV1 in the individual package 1 while being conveyed by the conveyance belt 251. Then, as shown in FIG. 9B, the individual package member P9 is formed. However, details of the absorbent article 53 are omitted in the drawings after FIG.

  Next, in the folding device 260, the individual package member P9 conveyed in the conveyance direction by the conveyance belt 251 is folded along the fold line FLV2 in the individual package 1 while being conveyed by the conveyance belt 261, and FIG. The individual package member P10 is formed as shown in (C).

  Subsequently, in the folding device 270, the individual package member P10 conveyed in the conveyance direction by the conveyance belt 261 is folded along the fold line FLV3 in the individual package 1 while being conveyed by the conveyance belt 271. FIG. The individual package member P11 is formed as shown in (D).

  Said folding apparatus 250,260 is folding in the part with high extensibility in the absorber 20, the surface sheet 21, and the back surface sheet 22 of the absorbent article 2. FIG. Since the portion having high extensibility has low rigidity and is easy to bend, the folding devices 250 and 260 can be easily and reliably folded when the absorbent body 20, the top sheet 21, and the back sheet 22 are folded. As a result, problems such as misalignment of the bending position can be suppressed, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which the product is distorted or dimensional variation occurs when the absorbent article is finally completed.

  In the horizontal sealing device 280, the portion between the absorbent articles adjacent to each other in the cylindrical continuous packaging sheet 3A is sealed in the transverse direction by the pair of pressing rolls 281 and 282 of the horizontal sealing device 280, and the individual packaging body Joining portions 31 to 33 (FIG. 1) of the member P11 are formed. However, sealing is performed twice for each of the front and rear in the conveyance direction of the absorbent article.

  In the transverse cutting device 290, the individual package member P11 conveyed from the transverse sealing device 280 is cut in the transverse direction at the joint portions 31 to 33. Thereby, as shown to FIG. 10 (A), the individual package body member P12 is formed.

  In the direction changing device 300, the individual package member P12 cut by the transverse cutting device 290 is conveyed in the conveying direction while being gripped between the pair of conveying belts 301 and 302, and only the upper conveying belt 302 is halfway from the middle. It is conveyed to the end. The individual wrapping member P12 that has reached the end of the upper conveying belt 302 is pushed down by the lower pushing device 304 onto the conveying belt 305 disposed therebelow. The conveyor belt 305 conveys the individual package member P12 to the folding device 310. At this time, the conveyance direction turns 90 degrees and is conveyed in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article 2. In this case, since the absorbent article 2 is packaged in the packaging sheet 3, there is no possibility that the extensible member is stretched during conveyance.

  In the folding device 310, the individual package member P12 conveyed in the conveyance direction by the conveyance belt 311 is folded along the fold line FLT1 in the individual package 1 while being conveyed by the conveyance belt 311, and the individual package member P13. It becomes. That is, as shown in FIG. 10 (B), in the individual package member P12, the three portions 3a, 3b, and 3c that are partitioned by the broken lines FLT1 and FLT2 and are arranged in the transverse direction overlap the portion 3b. The one end 3e1 in the transverse direction of the individual package member P12 is positioned on the portion 3b. Further, the individual package member P13 is folded along the fold line FLT2 in the individual package 1 to become an individual package member P14. That is, as shown in FIG. 10C, in the individual package member P13, the portion 3c overlaps the portion 3a on the portion 3b, and the other end 3e2 in the transverse direction of the individual package member P13 is positioned on the portion 3a. To come.

  In the sealing device 320, the individual package member P <b> 14 is transported while being gripped by the transport belts 323 and 324. The continuous tape TP unwound from the roll WR8 is cut into a predetermined size by the cutter roll 321 and the anvil roll 322 to become the lead tape 9. The lead tape 9 is supplied to the individual package member P14 on the transport belt 324. The individual packaging body member P14 is attached to the lead tape 9 from the anvil roll 322 at a predetermined position on the upper surface thereof, and becomes an individual packaging body P15 as shown in FIG.

  As described above, the packaged absorbent article is manufactured.

  In the manufacturing method of the absorbent article according to the present embodiment, the direction in which the absorbent article 2 becomes the width direction W when the absorbent article 2 is completed (the direction in which the extensibility is relatively lowered) 50 and the absorbent member such as the continuous carrier sheet CS and the stretchable continuous sheet such as the continuous topsheet TS and the continuous backsheet BS are in the direction of low extensibility, and the direction is the transport direction, the absorbent member and the extensibility A continuous sheet is to be conveyed. As a result, the absorbent member and the stretchable continuous sheet have relatively low stretchability in the transport direction, so that each absorber member and the stretchable continuous sheet is stretched when pulled in the transport direction during transport. Can be suppressed. As a result, the processing position in the conveying direction can be stabilized in the processing steps of the absorbent member and the stretchable continuous sheet, and the product is distorted or dimensional variation occurs when the absorbent article is finally completed. Can be prevented.

  Moreover, in the manufacturing method of the absorbent article which concerns on this Embodiment, the following effects can be acquired by the preferable aspect mentioned above, Thereby, the processing position of a conveyance direction can be further stabilized, When the absorbent article is completed, it is possible to more reliably prevent such a situation that the product is distorted or dimensional variation occurs.

  In the present embodiment, as a preferable aspect, in the course of the manufacturing process, a cut 20S is formed in the pile 50, or the continuous surface sheet TS and the continuous back sheet BS are subjected to stretching treatment, and the absorbent member and the elongation The stretchability in the transverse direction is given to the continuous sheet. In that case, the stretchability of the absorbent member and the stretchable continuous sheet is ensured in a desired height and direction as compared with the case where the absorbent member and the stretchable continuous sheet are provided in advance. Can be granted.

  Further, as a preferred embodiment in the present embodiment, the absorbent member is obtained by sticking the stretchable continuous carrier sheet CS1 to the fiber stack 50 or subjecting the continuous topsheet TS or continuous backsheet BS to gear stretching. In addition, the stretchable continuous sheet is further provided with not only stretchability but also stretchability in the transverse direction in the transverse direction. In that case, even if the absorbent member and the elastic sheet are pulled too much in the conveyance direction during conveyance and extend in the conveyance direction to cause a width in the transverse direction, the width can be easily eliminated by the elasticity in the transverse direction. The elongation in the conveying direction can also be eliminated. In addition, when each absorbent member and the stretchable continuous sheet are stretched in the transverse direction during conveyance, they can contract and return to their original state.

  Moreover, as a preferable aspect in the present embodiment, the absorbent member P3 and the continuous surface sheet TS are laminated in a non-elongated state in the transverse direction, or the first semi-finished product P4 and the continuous back sheet BS are non-stretched in the transverse direction. The absorbent member and the stretchable continuous sheet are laminated in a non-stretched state in the transverse direction, such as being laminated in a stretched state. In that case, it is not necessary to adjust the dimensional deviation in the transport direction and the transverse direction after contraction after stacking, as in the case of stacking in the stretched state.

  Moreover, as a preferable aspect in the present embodiment, regions corresponding to the front portion 21a (non-extensible region) and the rear portion 21b (extensible region) of the surface sheet 21 in the continuous surface sheet TS are respectively absorbent bodies. The continuous surface sheet TS and the absorbent member P3 are laminated so as to cover a region corresponding to the front portion 20ma (non-extensible region) and the rear portion 20mb (extensible region) of the absorber main body 20m in the member P3. Has been. Similarly, the regions corresponding to the front portion 22a (non-extensible region) and the rear portion 22b (extensible region) of the back sheet 22 in the continuous back sheet BS are respectively the absorbent body in the first semi-finished product P4. The continuous surface sheet TS and the absorbent member P3 are laminated so as to cover a region corresponding to the front portion 20ma (non-extensible region) and the rear portion 20mb (extensible region) of the portion 20m. Thus, the absorber member and the extensible continuous sheet are laminated so that the extensible region and the non-extensible region of the extensible continuous sheet cover the extensible region and the non-extensible region of the absorbent member, respectively. In that case, the direction of the tension that affects the conveyance is substantially the same in the extensible area of the absorbent member and the extensible area of the extensible continuous sheet, and the relative positional relationship between the extensible areas during conveyance is the same. Fluctuation can be prevented.

  Further, as a preferable aspect in the present embodiment, the continuous topsheet TS, the absorbent member P3, and the continuous backsheet BS, which have relatively low extensibility in the transport direction, are stacked on each other and integrally transported in the transport direction. These three sheets take on the tension in the conveying direction. As a result, even if the tension applied to the three sheets in the conveying direction during conveyance increases, the tension applied to each sheet does not increase so much, so that deformation in the conveying direction of each sheet can be prevented.

  In the present embodiment, as a preferable aspect, a region corresponding to the front portion 20ma (non-extensible region) of the absorbent body main body 20m in the absorbent member P3 exists from the central portion in the transverse direction to one end portion. A region corresponding to the rear portion 20 mb (extensible region) exists from the center to the other end. Moreover, the area | region corresponding to the front part 21a (non-extensible area | region) of the surface sheet 21 in continuous surface sheet TS exists from the center part of a cross direction to one edge part, and the rear side part 21b (extensible area | region) A region corresponding to is present from the center to the other end. Moreover, the area | region corresponding to the front part 22a (non-extensible area | region) of the back surface sheet 22 in continuous back sheet | seat BS exists from the center part of a cross direction to one edge part, and the rear side part 22b (extensible area | region) A region corresponding to is present from the center to the other end. That is, the extensible region and the non-extensible region of the absorbent member and the extensible continuous sheet are arranged in substantially the same position range in the transverse direction. For this reason, it is possible to easily perform arrangement, position adjustment, and position confirmation of the absorbent member and the stretchable continuous sheet in the transverse direction during conveyance.

400 Manufacturing apparatus 400A Absorber forming unit 400B First semi-finished product forming unit 400C Second semi-finished product forming unit 400D Absorbent article forming unit 400E Packaging unit SS Continuous auxiliary sheet CS1 Continuous carrier sheet CS2 Continuous carrier sheet TS Continuous surface sheet BS Continuous back sheet CT Continuous release sheet FT Continuous release sheet TP Continuous tape P1 to P3 Absorber member P4 First semi-finished product P5 to P7 Second semi-finished product P8 to P14 Individual packaging body member P15 Individual packaging body

Claims (7)

It has a longitudinal direction and a width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and includes an absorbent body and an extensible sheet that overlaps at least part of the absorbent body, and is stretched in the longitudinal direction rather than stretchable in the width direction. A method for producing an absorbent article having high properties,
A first transporting step of transporting the absorbent member having a high extensibility in the transverse direction perpendicular to the transport direction to the transport direction while applying tension to the transport direction;
A second conveying step for conveying the stretchable continuous sheet having a higher extensibility in the transverse direction than an extensibility in the transport direction while applying tension in the transport direction;
A laminating step of laminating the extensible continuous sheet and the absorbent member so as to overlap at least partially;
Cutting out the laminated absorbent member and the extensible continuous sheet to form the absorbent body and the extensible sheet with the transport direction and the transverse direction as the width direction and the longitudinal direction, respectively,
Bei example,
The laminating step includes a step of laminating both the absorbent member and the stretchable continuous sheet in a state where both of the stretchable continuous sheets are not stretched in the transverse direction.
Manufacturing method of absorbent article. Forming the absorbent member by imparting the extensibility in the transverse direction to the absorbent material member so that the extensibility in the transverse direction is higher than the extensibility in the transport direction;
Forming the stretchable continuous sheet by imparting the stretchability in the transverse direction to the raw material continuous sheet so that the stretchability in the transverse direction is higher than the stretchability in the conveying direction;
Further comprising
The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of Claim 1. In the absorbent body and the extensible sheet, the portion having high extensibility has a higher stretchability in the longitudinal direction than the stretchability in the width direction,
In the absorbent member and the stretchable continuous sheet, the portion having high stretchability is further higher in stretchability in the transverse direction than stretchability in the transport direction.
The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of Claim 1 or 2. And further comprising a folding step of folding the formed absorbent article at least at a portion having a high extensibility.
The manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3 . Each of the absorbent body and the extensible sheet has an extensible region having a relatively high extensibility and a non-extensible region having a relatively low extensibility,
The absorbent member and the stretchable continuous sheet each have a stretchable region having a relatively high stretchability and a non-stretchable region having a relatively low stretchability;
In the laminating step, the stretchable region of the stretchable continuous sheet covers the stretchable region of the absorbent member, and the non-stretchable region of the stretchable continuous sheet covers the nonstretchable region of the absorbent member. Including laminating the absorbent member and the extensible continuous sheet,
The manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4 . The extensible sheet is bonded to two places on one side and the other side of the absorbent body, and is a top sheet of the absorbent article and a back sheet of the absorbent article, respectively.
In the laminating step, the front surface continuous sheet for the front surface sheet and the back surface continuous sheet for the back surface sheet as the stretchable continuous sheet are stacked in two places on one surface and the other surface of the absorber member, respectively. Including steps,
The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of Claim 5 . The extensible region of the absorber is formed from a predetermined position of the central portion of the absorber to one end of the absorber in the longitudinal direction,
The non-extensible region of the absorbent body is formed from the predetermined position of the absorbent body to the other end of the absorbent body in the longitudinal direction,
The extensible region of the absorbent member is formed from a predetermined position of the central portion of the absorbent member to one end of the absorbent member in the transverse direction,
The non-extensible region of the absorbent member is formed from the predetermined position of the absorbent member to the other end of the absorbent member in the transverse direction.
The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of Claim 5 or 6 .

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