JP7121480B2 - ABSORBENT ARTICLE MANUFACTURING METHOD, ABSORBENT ARTICLE MANUFACTURER, ABSORBENT ARTICLE, AND ABSORBENT - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an absorbent article manufacturing method, an absorbent article manufacturing apparatus, an absorbent article, and an absorbent body.

Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers and urine leakage prevention pads are provided with an absorbent body that absorbs moisture, for example. Absorbent bodies are manufactured by opening crimped cellulose acetate tow, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. A plurality of fibers of the opened tow are bound by, for example, a binder.

Granules made of, for example, a super absorbent polymer (SAP) are arranged inside the absorbent body. In an absorbent article having an absorbent body having such a structure, for example, moisture diffuses inside the absorbent body through micropores of a top sheet placed on top of the absorbent body and is absorbed by the particles.

JP 2011-241487 A

When manufacturing an absorbent article having an absorbent body in which particulate matter is arranged, there is a risk that the particulate matter may fall off from the absorbent body, degrading the quality of the absorbent article. In addition, binding a plurality of fibers of the tow with a binder may deteriorate the tactile feel of the absorbent article.

Therefore, in manufacturing an absorbent article having an absorbent body in which particulate matter is arranged, the present invention prevents the particulate matter from falling off from the absorbent body and prevents the deterioration of the tactile sensation of the absorbent article. It is intended to

In order to solve the above-described problems, a method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to one aspect of the present invention spreads conveyed tows by gas in at least one spreading chamber of a gaseous fiber spreading device, Granules are added to the tow on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the outlet of the opening chamber on the most downstream side in the conveying direction, and added to the tow on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the gas opening device. A binder that binds the contained fibers is applied to the underside of the tow.

According to the above method, the conveyed tow is opened by the gas in the opening chamber of the gas opening device. In addition, the granules are added to the tow on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the outlet of the spreading chamber on the most downstream side in the conveying direction. As a result, a plurality of fibers of the tow are three-dimensionally entangled and opened, and the particulate matter is dispersed in the interstices of the fibers. Thus, an absorbent article having an absorbent body in which particulate matter is arranged is obtained.

Further, a binder for binding a plurality of fibers of the tow is attached to the lower surface of the tow downstream of the gas spreading device in the conveying direction. Thereby, the plurality of fibers on the lower side of the tow spread by the gas spreading device can be combined. Therefore, on the lower side of the tow, the particulate matter is more likely to be held in the interstices of the tow. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the particles from falling off from the lower surface of the absorbent body.

In addition, by locally attaching the binder to the lower surface of the tow, the absorbent body can have a non-bonded area where a plurality of fibers are not bonded. Therefore, the soft texture of the tow can be maintained. Therefore, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the tactile sensation of the absorbent article.

The binder may be further attached to the upper surface of the tow on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the gas opening device. Thereby, it is possible to satisfactorily prevent the particles from falling off from the upper surface of the absorbent body.

The binder may be attached to a side surface of the tow perpendicular to the conveying direction on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the gas opening device. Thereby, it is possible to satisfactorily prevent the particulate matter from falling off from the side surface of the absorbent body perpendicular to the conveying direction.

The tow is spread by the gas spreading device having a tubular spreading section in which the spreading chamber is formed, and an introduction section for introducing the tow and the gas into the spreading section. may As a result, the tow can be efficiently and bulky spreaded by the gas introduced from the introducing section into the spreading chamber of the cylindrical spreading section while preventing the particulate matter from falling off from the absorbent body.

The granular material may be added to the tow on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the gas introduction port in the introduction section. As a result, it is possible to prevent the particulate matter from falling off from the absorbent body, while facilitating uniform dispersion of the particulate matter over the entire tow to be spread in the fiber-spreading chamber.

The granular material may be added to the tow at a position within the fiber-spreading portion that is spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the fiber-spreading portion. This makes it possible to easily enclose the particulate matter inside the tow that is opened in the fiber opening chamber while preventing the particulate matter from falling off from the absorbent body.

The gas opening device may be arranged so that the tow can pass downhill. As a result, the space for arranging the gas fiber-spreading device can be made more efficient by arranging the gas fiber-spreading device at an angle while preventing the particulate matter from falling off from the absorbent body.

The granules may be added to the tow inside the opening. Thereby, it is possible to easily arrange the particulate matter inside the tow while preventing the particulate matter from falling off from the absorbent body.

The tow may be opened by bringing the tow into contact with the peripheral surfaces of a plurality of pairs of opening rolls on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the gas opening device. As a result, the tow spread by the plurality of pairs of spreading rolls can be further spread while being three-dimensionally entangled by the gas spreading device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the particulate matter from falling off from the absorbent body while the tow is spread satisfactorily.

A porous sheet having liquid permeability may be supplied to the upper surface of the tow having the binder added to the lower surface. As a result, it is possible to satisfactorily prevent the return of the liquid to the absorbent article while preventing the particles from falling off from the absorbent body.

An absorbent article manufacturing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes a gas spreading device that spreads conveyed tows with a gas in at least one spreading chamber; a granular material adding device for adding granular materials to the tow upstream of the outlet of the opening chamber in the conveying direction; a binder applying device for applying a binder for binding a plurality of fibers to the lower surface of the tow; The opening section has an introduction section for introducing the tow and the gas, and is arranged so that the tow can pass downward.

According to the above configuration, an absorbent article having an absorbent body in which granular materials are arranged is obtained. Also, on the lower side of the tow, the particulate matter is more likely to be held in the interstices of the tow. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the particles from falling off from the absorbent body. In addition, the soft texture of the tow can be maintained. Therefore, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the tactile sensation of the absorbent article.

In addition, a gas opening device is arranged so that the tow can pass downhill. Therefore, the gas fiber opening device can be arranged at an angle. Therefore, the space for arranging the gas fiber opening device can be made efficient.

Further, the fiber opening device has a channel cross-sectional shape in which the height dimension is smaller than the width dimension when viewed from the tow conveying direction. Therefore, the grains can be placed inside the tow by opening the tow so as to widen the width of the tow. Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the absorber can be improved.

An absorbent article according to another aspect of the present invention includes a sheet-like absorbent body including a tow made of a plurality of opened fibers and granular materials arranged inside the tow; a liquid-permeable porous sheet overlaid on the absorbent body on one side, wherein the absorbent body includes a bonded region in which a plurality of fibers of the tow are bonded, and a bonded area of the tow. a non-bonded region in which a plurality of fibers are not bonded, the bonded region extending along the other surface on the other side of the absorbent body, and the non-bonded region comprising: It is arranged on the inner side of the absorber in the thickness direction of the connecting region.

According to the above configuration, the connecting region of the absorbent body extends along the other side of the absorbent body on the other side. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the particles arranged inside the tow of the absorbent body from falling off from the other side of the absorbent body. As a result, an absorbent article can be obtained in which falling off of particulate matter is prevented.

In addition, the non-bonded region of the absorbent body is arranged inside the bonded region in the thickness direction of the absorbent body. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the soft texture of the tow. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the tactile sensation of the absorbent article having the absorber from deteriorating. Also, a porous sheet is placed over the absorbent body on one side of the absorbent body. Therefore, it is possible to cause the absorbent body to rapidly absorb moisture through the porous sheet.

The bonding region may further extend along the one surface on the one surface side of the absorbent body. As a result, it is possible to satisfactorily prevent the particles arranged inside the tow of the absorbent body from falling off from the one surface side of the absorbent body.

The bonding region may further extend along the side surface of the absorbent body from the other surface side toward the one surface side. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent the particles arranged inside the tow of the absorbent body from falling off from the side surface of the absorbent body.

An absorbent body according to another aspect of the present invention is formed in a sheet shape including a tow made of a plurality of opened fibers and granular materials arranged inside the tow, and the plurality of tows and a non-bonded region where the plurality of fibers of the tow are not bonded, wherein the bonded region extends along the first surface on the side of the first surface In addition, the non-bonding area is arranged inside the bonding area in the thickness direction.

According to the above configuration, the connecting region of the absorbent body extends along the first surface on the first surface side of the absorbent body. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the particles arranged inside the tow of the absorbent body from falling off from the first surface side of the absorbent body. As a result, an absorbent body can be obtained in which falling off of particulate matter is prevented.

In addition, the non-bonded region of the absorbent body is arranged inside the bonded region in the thickness direction of the absorbent body. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the soft texture of the tow. Therefore, when an absorbent article including the absorber is manufactured, it is possible to prevent the tactile sensation of the absorbent article from deteriorating.

The bonding area may further extend along the second surface on the side of the second surface. Accordingly, it is possible to satisfactorily prevent the particles arranged inside the tow of the absorbent body from falling off from the second surface side of the absorbent body.

The bonding region may further extend laterally from the first surface side toward the second surface side. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent the particles arranged inside the tow of the absorbent body from falling off from the side surface of the absorbent body.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when manufacturing an absorbent article provided with the absorber in which the granular material is arrange|positioned, it can prevent that a granular material falls off from an absorbent body.

1 is an overall view of an absorbent article manufacturing apparatus according to a first embodiment; FIG. Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the gas fiber opening device and the granular material adding device of Fig. 1 viewed from the width direction of the tow band; FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the spreading portion of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the absorber according to the first embodiment as seen from the conveying direction; Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the absorbent article according to the first embodiment as seen from the conveying direction; It is the vertical sectional view seen from the conveyance direction of the absorber concerning the 1st modification of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the absorbent article according to the first modification of the first embodiment, viewed from the conveying direction; It is the vertical sectional view seen from the conveyance direction of the absorber concerning the 2nd modification of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an absorbent article according to a second modification of the first embodiment, viewed from the conveying direction; FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the tow band of the gas fiber opening device and the granular material adding device according to the second embodiment, viewed from the width direction. It is the vertical sectional view seen from the conveyance direction of the absorber which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the absorbent article according to the second embodiment as seen from the conveying direction;

Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description below, the upstream side refers to the upstream side of the tow band 60 in the conveying direction P. As shown in FIG. Further, the downstream side refers to the downstream side of the tow band 60 in the conveying direction P.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an absorbent article manufacturing apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as manufacturing apparatus 1) according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the gas spreading device 9 and the granular material adding device 10 of FIG. 1 as seen from the width direction of the tow band. In FIG. 2, illustration of the reservoir 23 of the granular material adding device 10 is omitted. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the spreader 20 of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, a packaging container C is arranged in the vicinity of the manufacturing apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. In the packing container C, a toe band 60 containing a plurality of fibers is folded in a bale-like state, compressed and packed. The packing container C in FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional structure.

The fibers of the tow band 60 are, for example, long fibers of cellulose acetate tow, but are not limited thereto. In the manufacturing apparatus 1, the toe band 60 is transported in the transport direction P while the width direction is kept horizontal.

The manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a first manufacturing department 2 and a second manufacturing department 3 . The first manufacturing department 2 manufactures the absorbent body 61 using the toe band 60 . The first production unit 2 includes a first widening device 4, a guide 5, a second widening device 6, a first fiber-spreading roll pair 7, a second fiber-spreading roll pair 8, a gas-spreading device 9, a granular material addition device 10, It has a binder application device 11 and a transport roll pair 12 .

The first widening device 4 widens the toe band 60 raised from the packing container C in the width direction. The guide 5 guides the toe band 60 that has passed through the first widening device 4 toward the second widening device 6 . The second widening device 6 further widens the toe band 60 that has passed through the guide 5 in the width direction.

The pair of opening rolls 7 and 8 further opens the tow band 60 that has passed through the second widening device 6 on the upstream side of the gas opening device 9 . The second fiber-spreading roll pair 8 is arranged downstream of the first fiber-spreading roll pair 7 . The first opening roll pair 7 has a pair of rolls 14 and 15 . The second opening roll pair 8 has a pair of rolls 16 and 17 .

The toe band 60 that has passed through the second widening device 6 is inserted between the pair of rolls 14 and 15 and between the pair of rolls 16 and 17 . As a result, the tow band 60 is opened while being tensioned in the transport direction P. As shown in FIG. The tow band 60 that has passed through the second fiber-spreading roll pair 8 is guided by a plurality of guide rolls 13 and introduced into the gas-spreading device 9 .

The gas-spreading device 9 spreads the tow band 60 with the gas G. The gas-spreading device 9 is elongated and has a conveying path 9a for conveying the tow band 60 formed therein. The gas-spreading device 9 of the present embodiment is inclined with the upstream side higher than the downstream side. The transport path 9a extends downward from the upstream side toward the downstream side. As a result, the space for arranging the gas fiber-spreading device 9 is more efficient than when the gas-spreading device 9 is arranged horizontally, for example. In addition, when there is a sufficient space for arranging the gas fiber-spreading device 9, the gas fiber-spreading device 9 may be arranged horizontally, for example.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the gas-spreading device 9 has a connecting portion 18 , an introducing portion 19 , a spreading portion 20 and a retention portion 21 . The conveying path 9a includes an internal space 18a of the connecting portion 18, an internal space 19a and a tow band introduction path 19b of the introduction portion 19, an internal space 20a of the spreading portion 20, and a retention chamber 21a of the retention portion 21.

The connection part 18 is attached to the upstream side of the introduction part 19 and connected to the supply pipe 24 of the granular material addition device 10 . The internal space 18a is connected to the internal space 19a. The connection portion 18 introduces the tow band 60 that has passed through the second fiber-spreading roll pair 8 into the introduction portion 19 via the internal space 18a. Further, the granular material 50 is supplied from the supply pipe 24 of the granular material adding device 10 to the internal space 18a.

The introduction section 19 introduces the tow band 60 and the granular material 50 into the spread section 20 . The introduction part 19 has a cylindrical shape, and an internal space 19a extending in the transport direction P is formed. The introduction part 19 generates a jet with the gas G introduced from the outside in the internal space 19a. Thereby, the introduction part 19 mixes the toe band 60 and the granular material 50 .

Specifically, the introduction section 19 has a tubular mixing section 41 and a nozzle section 42 . The mixing section 41 has a gas inlet 41a, a toe band inlet 41b, and a toe band outlet 41c. The gas introduction port 41 a is arranged on the side portion on the upstream side of the mixing section 41 . The toe band introduction port 41 b is arranged at the upstream end of the mixing section 41 . The toe band outlet 41 c is arranged at the downstream end of the mixing section 41 .

The gas introduction port 41a introduces a pressurized gas G (eg, air) into the internal space 19a. In the present embodiment, the addition position of the particulate material 50 to the toe band 60 is located upstream of the gas introduction port 41a. The toe band introduction port 41b introduces the toe band 60 into the internal space 19a. A downstream end of the mixing section 41 is connected to the fiber-spreading section 20 .

The nozzle part 42 is arranged on the upstream side of the internal space 19a. A tapered portion 42 a that tapers from the upstream side to the downstream side is formed at the downstream tip of the nozzle portion 42 . The inner peripheral surface of the mixing portion 41 facing the outer peripheral surface of the tapered portion 42a is reduced in diameter from the upstream side toward the downstream side while being separated from the outer peripheral surface of the tapered portion 42a. Thus, a jet channel 19c is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the taper portion 42a and the inner peripheral surface of the mixing portion 41. As shown in FIG. The jet channel 19c generates a jet by the gas G introduced into the internal space 19a from the gas inlet 41a.

A toe band introduction path 19 b is formed inside the nozzle portion 42 . The outlet of the toe band introduction path 19b is arranged downstream of the gas introduction port 41a. The toe band 60 that has passed through the toe band introduction path 19b is mixed with the particulate material 50 by the gas G that has passed through the jet flow path 19c and flows through the internal space 19a.

Gas G may be gas other than air. Also, the outlet of the toe band introduction path 19b and the gas introduction port 41a may be arranged at positions that overlap when viewed from the side. Also, the outlet of the toe band introduction path 19b may be arranged upstream of the gas introduction port 41a.

The fiber-spreading section 20 spreads and molds the tow band 60 , and disperses and arranges the particles 50 inside the toe band 60 . As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the spread portion 20 has a cylindrical shape, and an internal space 20a extending in the conveying direction P is formed therein. The internal space 20a includes at least one fiber-spreading chamber (here, the first fiber-spreading chamber 20f and It has a second opening chamber 20g). The spreading section 20 spreads the transported tow band 60 with the gas G and mixes the tow band 60 and the granular material 50 .

The spread portion 20 has a first member 43 and a second member 44 that are combined with each other in the thickness direction of the tow band 60 . Grooves 43a and 44a extending in the transport direction P are formed in the centers of the surfaces of the first member 43 and the second member 44 facing each other. The inner peripheral surface 20c of the spread portion 20 is formed by combining the groove portions 43a and 44a. The inner space 20a is formed by the inner peripheral surface 20c. The internal space 20 a communicates with the internal space 19 a of the introduction portion 19 .

The spread portion 20 has an upstream portion 20d and a downstream portion 20e. A channel 20b and a first fiber-spreading chamber 20f are formed in the upstream portion 20d. The flow path 20b is positioned upstream of the upstream portion 20d.

The first fiber-spreading chamber 20f has an upstream area 20f1 and a downstream area 20f2. The width W1 of the upstream region 20f1 gradually increases from the upstream side toward the downstream side. The width W2 of the downstream area 20f2 gradually increases from the upstream side to the downstream side at a steeper rate than the width W1 of the upstream area 20f1. As a result, the channel cross-sectional area of the first fiber-spreading chamber 20f gradually increases from the upstream side toward the downstream side.

In this manner, the fiber-spreading section 20 has a region in the transport direction P where the channel cross-sectional area of the internal space 20a increases. When passing through the first fiber-spreading chamber 20f, the tow band 60 expands according to the shape of the first fiber-spreading chamber 20f, and the tow band 60 is spread while sterically intertwining a plurality of fibers.

A second fiber-spreading chamber 20g is formed inside the downstream portion 20e. The second fiber-spreading chamber 20g is continuous with the first fiber-spreading chamber 20f. The width W3 of the second fiber-spreading chamber 20g is wider than the width W2 at the outlet of the downstream area 20f2. As a result, the channel cross-sectional area of the second fiber-spreading chamber 20g is larger than the channel cross-sectional area at the outlet of the downstream region 20f2.

The width W3 of the second fiber-spreading chamber 20g is constant in the transport direction P. When the toe band 60 passes through the second fiber-spreading chamber 20g, the plurality of fibers are further spread and expanded. The cross-sectional shape of the flow path between the first fiber-spreading chamber 20f and the second fiber-spreading chamber 20g may be circular, for example.

The retention section 21 is arranged downstream of the spread section 20 and temporarily retains the tow band 60 that has passed through the internal space 19a. The staying part 21 has a plurality of long members 22 . The upstream end portion of the long member 22 is connected to the downstream end portion of the spread portion 20 . A retention chamber 21 a extending in the transport direction P is formed in the retention portion 21 by a plurality of long members 22 .

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the spread portion 20 has an annular end surface 20h extending perpendicularly to the conveying direction P at the boundary between the upstream portion 20d and the downstream portion 20e. The end face 20h extends in the circumferential direction of the second fiber-spreading chamber 20g and has a plurality of holes into which the long members 22 are inserted.

The plurality of long members 22 extend in the transport direction P while being spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the transport path 9a. Thereby, the flow channel cross-sectional shape of the retention chamber 21a is similar to the flow channel cross-sectional shape of the internal space 20a at the connection position between the long member 22 and the end surface 20h. Therefore, the shape of the tow band 60 molded while being spread by the first fiber-spreading chamber 20f and the second fiber-spreading chamber 20g is also maintained in the retention chamber 21a.

The downstream ends of the plurality of elongated members 22 approach each other as they proceed from the upstream side to the downstream side. The toe band 60 that has passed through the exit of the internal space 20a passes through the retention portion 21 after temporarily remaining in the retention chamber 21a. Thereby, the retention part 21 suppresses expansion of the toe band 60 and adjusts the bulk and fiber density of the toe band 60 .

The granular material adding device 10 adds the granular material 50 to the tow band 60 on the upstream side in the conveying direction P of the outlet of the spreading chamber (the second opening chamber 20g in this embodiment) on the most downstream side in the conveying direction P. do. The granular material 50 has water absorbency and includes, for example, a superabsorbent resin.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the granular material addition device 10 specifically includes a reservoir 23 and a supply pipe 24 . Granules 50 are stored in the storage portion 23 . The supply pipe 24 has one end connected to the reservoir 23 and the other end connected to the transport path 9a. The supply pipe 24 extends downward from the one end toward the other end. The granular material adding device 10 causes the granular material 50 stored in the storage section 23 to flow through the supply pipe 24 . Thereby, the particulate matter adding device 10 adds to the tow band 60 in the inner space 19a.

As an example, the particulate matter adding device 10 adds particulate matter 50 to the toe band 60 from the lower surface 60b side of the toe band 60 . The granular material adding device 10 may add the granular material 50 to the toe band 60 from the upper surface 60 a side of the toe band 60 .

In addition, the granular material adding device 10 adds the granular materials 50 to the tow band 60 upstream of the gas spreading device 9 (for example, downstream of the second fiber spreading roll pair 8 and upstream of the gas spreading device 9). may be arranged to add the

The binder attaching device 11 attaches a binder B for binding a plurality of fibers included in the tow band 60 to the lower surface 60 b of the tow band 60 on the downstream side of the gas fiber opening device 9 . The binder applying device 11 of the present embodiment applies the binder B to the entire circumference of the toe band 60 when viewed from the conveying direction P. As shown in FIG. Here, the lower surface 60b of the toe band 60 is opposite to the surface (upper surface 60a) of the toe band 60 that first comes into contact with moisture when the absorbent article 64 (see FIG. 4) manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus 1 is used. It is the surface.

The binder application device 11 has a case 26 , a spray section 27 , a guide section 28 and a discharge section 29 . The spray section 27 has at least one nozzle. The spray part 27 is arranged so as to spray the liquid binder B from a nozzle toward the lower surface of the toe band 60 from the lower side of the case 26 .

In this embodiment, the spray section 27 has a plurality of nozzles. The spray unit 27 is arranged so as to spray the liquid binder B from a nozzle toward the entire circumference of the toe band 60 passing through the case 26 as viewed in the conveying direction P. The binder B is supplied to the spray section 27 through a tube 30 extending from the case 26 to the outside.

The guide portion 28 extends vertically inside the case 26 . The guide portion 28 supports an upper surface 60 a and a lower surface 60 b of the toe band 60 to stabilize the posture of the toe band 60 . The discharge part 29 is arranged below the case 26 and discharges the residual binder B sprayed from the spray part 27 to the outside of the case 26 .

In the binder application device 11, the density of the toe band 60 when the binder B is applied to the toe band 60, the conveying speed, and the spray amount of the binder B per unit time from the spray unit 27 are changed to change the setting such as the toe band 60. Binder B can be adhered to a region from the surface to a predetermined depth.

The depth dimension of the adhered region of the binder B from the surface of the toe band 60 can be appropriately set. The depth dimension is, for example, desirably a value in the range of 0 to 1/5 of the thickness dimension of the toe band 60 in the conveying region from the exit of the binder affixing device 11 to the nip point of the pair of conveying rolls 12. A value in the range of 0 to 1/10 is more desirable, and a value in the range of 0 to 1/20 is even more desirable.

The method by which the binder applying device 11 applies the binder B to the toe band 60 is not limited. For example, a method of applying the binder B to the toe band 60 using a rotating brush, a rotating roll, or a rotating disk may be used.

As the binder B, for example, various plasticizers capable of dissolving the fibers of the toe band 60 can be used. Examples of plasticizers that can be used include ester plasticizers such as triacetin, triethylene, glycol diacetate, triethylene glycol dipropionate, dibutyl phthalate, dimethoxyethyl phthalate, and citric acid triethyl ester. A plasticizer can be appropriately selected according to the type of the toe band 60 .

If the tow band 60 contains cellulose acetate tow, it is desirable to use triacetin or a cellulose derivative as the plasticizer. Such plasticizers are volatile. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the plasticizer from remaining in the manufactured absorbent article 64 . Thereby, the safety of the absorbent article 64 can be enhanced.

The attachment amount of the binder B to the toe band 60 can be appropriately set. The attachment amount is, for example, desirably a value in the range of 1 wt% to 50 wt% of the total weight of the toe band 60 with the binder B immediately after the binder B is attached, and a value in the range of 1 wt% to 10 wt%. It is more desirable to have

The transport roll pair 12 transports the tow band 60 that has passed through the binder affixing device 11 to the downstream side. The toe band 60 is inserted between the pair of transport rolls 31 and 32 of the transport roll pair 12 . The toe band 60 is pressed in the thickness direction by the pair of transport rolls 31 and 32 . The absorbent body 61 is thus manufactured. The absorbent body 61 is transported to the second manufacturing department 3 .

The second manufacturing department 3 arranges a breathable back sheet 62 and a liquid-permeable top sheet (porous sheet) 63 in layers on the absorbent body 61 . The second manufacturing department 3 has a first supply device 35 , a conveying device 36 , a second supply device 37 , a third supply device 38 , a pair of molding rolls 39 and a bonding device 40 .

The first supply device 35 feeds out the strip-shaped backsheet 62 from the first sheet roll R1 and supplies it onto a predetermined transport line L. As shown in FIG. The conveying device 36 conveys the backsheet 62 to the conveying line L. As shown in FIG. An absorbent body 61 is provided on the backsheet 62 . The second supply device 37 feeds out the strip-shaped top sheet 63 from the second sheet roll R2, and feeds the top sheet 63 onto the transport line L so that the absorbent body 61 is sandwiched between the back sheet 62 and the top sheet 63. supply.

The third supply device 38 supplies adhesive to the top sheet 63 between the second sheet roll R<b>2 and the forming roll pair 39 . The molding roll pair 39 transports the backsheet 62, the absorbent body 61, and the top sheet 63, which are stacked, to the downstream side while molding them. The sticking device 40 presses the back sheet 62 and the top sheet 63 in the thickness direction, and sticks the back sheet 62 and the top sheet 63 with an adhesive with the absorbent body 61 sandwiched therebetween. The back sheet 62, absorbent body 61, and top sheet 63 adhered by the adhering device 40 are cut into predetermined dimensions. Thereby, the absorbent article 64 is manufactured. Note that the absorbent article 64 may omit the back sheet 62 depending on the application.

In the method for manufacturing the absorbent article 64 in the present embodiment, the manufacturing apparatus 1 is used to spread the conveyed toe band 60 with the gas G in at least one fiber-spreading chamber of the gas-spreading device 9, and Granules 50 are added to the tow band 60 on the upstream side of the opening of the fiber-spreading chamber, and the binder B is adhered to the lower surface 60b of the tow band 60 on the downstream side of the gas-spreading device 9 .

As a result, the plurality of fibers of the tow band 60 are three-dimensionally entangled and opened, and the particles 50 are dispersed in the interstices between the fibers. Thus, an absorbent article 64 having an absorbent body 61 in which the particles 50 are arranged is obtained.

Further, the binder B is adhered to the lower surface 60b of the tow band 60 on the downstream side of the gas opening device 9 . Thereby, the plurality of fibers on the lower side of the tow band 60 spread by the gas spreading device 9 can be combined. Therefore, on the lower side of the toe band 60 , the particulate matter 50 is easily retained in the gaps between the fibers of the toe band 60 . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the particles 50 from falling off from the lower surface of the absorbent body 61 .

By locally attaching the binder B to the lower surface 60b of the toe band 60, the absorber 61 can have a non-bonded region 60d where a plurality of fibers described later are not bonded. Therefore, the soft feel of the toe band 60 can be maintained. Therefore, deterioration of the tactile sensation of the absorbent article 64 can be prevented.

Further, the binder B is adhered to the upper surface 60 a of the tow band 60 on the downstream side of the gas opening device 9 . This can effectively prevent the particles 50 from dropping off from the upper surface of the absorbent body 61 .

Further, the binder B is attached to the side surface of the tow band 60 perpendicular to the conveying direction P on the downstream side of the gas opening device 9 . This can effectively prevent the particles 50 from falling off the side surface of the absorbent body 61 .

Further, the toe band 60 is spread by the gas spreading device 9 having the spreading portion 20 and the introduction portion 19 . As a result, the toe band 60 can be efficiently and bulky spread by the gas G while preventing the granular material 50 from falling off from the absorbent body 61 .

Further, the particulate material 50 is added to the toe band 60 on the upstream side of the gas introduction port 41 a in the introduction section 19 . As a result, it is possible to prevent the particles 50 from falling off from the absorbent body 61 and facilitate the uniform distribution of the particles 50 over the entire tow band 60 that is spread in the fiber spreading chamber.

In addition, the fiber-spreading chamber has a cross-sectional shape of the flow path in which the height dimension is smaller than the width dimension when viewed from the conveying direction P. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the particles 50 from falling off from the absorbent body 61 , and open the toe band 60 so as to widen the width of the toe band 60 to facilitate enclosing the particles 50 inside the toe band 60 .

Further, on the upstream side of the gas spreading device 9, the tow band 60 is brought into contact with the peripheral surfaces of the plurality of pairs of spreading rolls 7 and 8 to spread the fibers. As a result, the tow band 60 spread by the plurality of pairs of spreading rolls 7 and 8 can be further spread while being three-dimensionally entangled by the gas spreading device 9 . Therefore, the tow band 60 can be satisfactorily opened, and the granular material 50 can be prevented from falling off from the absorbent body 61 .

Further, a liquid-permeable top sheet 63 is supplied to the upper surface 60a of the toe band 60 having the binder B added to the lower surface 60b. As a result, it is possible to satisfactorily prevent liquid return of the absorbent article 64 while preventing the particulate matter 50 from falling off from the absorbent body 61 .

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the absorber 61 according to the first embodiment as seen from the conveying direction P. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the absorbent article 64 according to the first embodiment as seen from the conveying direction P. FIG. As shown in FIG. 4 , the absorbent body 61 is formed in a sheet shape including a toe band 60 made of a plurality of spread fibers and granular materials 50 arranged inside the toe band 60 . The absorbent body 61 here has particles 50 uniformly distributed throughout its interior.

The absorbent body 61 has a bonded region 60c where the plurality of fibers of the toe band 60 are bonded and a non-bonded region 60d where the plurality of fibers of the toe band 60 are not bonded. In the present embodiment, the binder B is applied to the entire circumference of the toe band 60 as viewed in the conveying direction P by the binder applying device 11 . Therefore, when viewed from the transport direction P, the bonded region 60c is arranged around the entire circumference of the absorbent body 61, and the non-bonded region 60d is arranged inside the absorbent body 61. As shown in FIG.

Here, the total denier (TD) of the toe band 60 in the absorbent body 61 can be appropriately set. As an example, the total denier of the toe band 60 can be set to a value in the range of 15,000 to 50,000. Also, the basis weight of the absorbent body 61 can be set as appropriate. As an example, the basis weight of the absorbent body 61 can be set to a value in the range of 20 g/m ² to 200 g/m ² . Moreover, the thickness dimension of the absorbent body 61 (thickness dimension after compression by the molding roll pair 39) can be set as appropriate. As an example, the thickness dimension of the absorber 61 can be set to a value in the range of 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

Depending on the type of tow used for the toe band 60 , the toe band 60 may have a high restoring force and the thickness of the absorbent body 61 may not change much before and after compression molding by the molding roll pair 39 .

As shown in FIG. 5, the absorbent article 64 comprises an absorbent body 61, a backsheet 62 and a topsheet 63. As shown in FIG. The absorber 61 has a smaller thickness than the toe band 60 shown in FIG. 4 due to being compressed by the conveying roll pair 12 .

The top sheet 63 is arranged to overlap the absorbent body 61 on one side (upper surface) of the absorbent body 61 . The back sheet 62 is arranged to overlap the absorbent body 61 on the other surface (lower surface) side of the absorbent body 61 .

In the absorbent article 64, the binding region 60c of the absorbent body 61 extends along the first surface (here, the other surface) side of the absorbent body 61 along the other surface. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the particles 50 arranged inside the toe band 60 of the absorbent body 61 from dropping off from the other surface side of the absorbent body 61 . As a result, an absorbent article 64 in which the particulate matter 50 is prevented from falling off is obtained.

In the absorbent article 64, the connecting region 60c of the absorbent body 61 extends along the second surface (here, the one surface) of the absorbent body 61 along the one surface. This can effectively prevent the particles 50 arranged inside the toe band 60 of the absorbent body 61 from dropping off from one side of the absorbent body 61 .

In the absorbent article 64, the connecting region 60c extends along the side surface of the absorbent body 61 from the other side toward the one side. The joint regions 60 c , for example, extend along the side surfaces of the absorbent body 61 in partial regions (regions on both sides in the width direction) of the absorbent body 61 . This can effectively prevent the particles 50 arranged inside the toe band 60 of the absorbent body 61 from falling off from the side surface of the absorbent body 61 .

Further, in the absorbent article 64, the non-bonded region 60d of the absorbent body 61 is arranged inside the bonded region 60c in the thickness direction of the absorbent body 61. As shown in FIG. Thereby, the soft feel of the toe band 60 can be maintained. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the tactile sensation of the absorbent article 64 including the absorbent body 61 from deteriorating. Also, a top sheet 63 is arranged on one side of the absorbent body 61 so as to overlap the absorbent body 61 . This allows the absorbent body 61 to rapidly absorb moisture through the top sheet 63 .

In the absorbent article 64 , the back sheet 62 is arranged on the other side of the absorbent body 61 so as to overlap the absorbent body 61 . Therefore, the back sheet 62 can prevent the moisture absorbed by the absorbent body 61 from leaking out of the absorbent body 61 . In addition, since the back sheet 62 exhibits breathability, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of stuffiness during wearing.

Modifications of the first embodiment will be described below. FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the absorber 161 according to the first modification of the first embodiment, viewed from the transport direction P. FIG. FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an absorbent article 164 according to a first modified example of the first embodiment, viewed from the conveying direction P. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the absorbent body 161 has the bonding regions 60c arranged only on one side and the other side. The absorber 161 is obtained by setting the spray direction of the spray section 27 in the binder applying device 11 so that the binder B is applied only to one surface side and the other surface side of the toe band 60 .

Also in the first modification, the binding region 60c can prevent the particles 50 placed inside the absorbent body 161 from coming off from one side and the other side of the absorbent body 161. FIG. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the quality of the absorbent article 164 from deteriorating due to the particles 50 dropping off from the absorbent body 161 .

FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an absorber 261 according to a second modification of the first embodiment, viewed from the conveying direction P. FIG. FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an absorbent article 264 according to a second modification of the first embodiment viewed from the conveying direction P. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the absorbent body 261 has the bonding region 60c arranged only on the other side. The absorber 261 is obtained by setting the spray direction of the spray section 27 in the binder applying device 11 so that the binder B is applied only to the other surface side of the toe band 60 .

The attachment amount of the binder B to the toe band 60 in Modification 2 can be appropriately set. The attachment amount is, for example, desirably a value in the range of 1 wt% to 25 wt% of the weight of the toe band 60 with the binder B immediately after the binder B is attached, and a value in the range of 1 wt% to 5 wt%. is more desirable.

In such a second modification as well, it is possible to prevent the particles 50 arranged inside the absorbent body 261 from dropping off from the other surface side of the absorbent body 261 . Moreover, when the top sheet 63 is placed on the absorbent body 261 , the top sheet 63 can prevent the particles 50 placed inside the absorbent body 261 from dropping off from one side of the absorbent body 261 . Therefore, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the quality of the absorbent article 264 due to the particles 50 falling off the absorbent body 261 to some extent. The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the gas fiber opening device 109 and the granular material adding device 110 according to the second embodiment, viewed from the width direction of the tow band. As shown in FIG. 10 , the gas-spreading device 109 of the second embodiment does not have a connection portion corresponding to the connection portion 18 of the gas-spreading device 9 . Also, the supply pipe 124 of the granular material adding device 110 is connected to the fiber spreading section 120 of the gas fiber spreading device 109 . A downstream end 124a of the supply pipe 124 is exposed to the internal space 120a.

The downstream end portion 124 a is arranged to open downstream in the conveying direction P at a position within the fiber-spreading portion 120 that is separated from the inner peripheral surface 120 c of the fiber-spreading portion 120 . In this embodiment, the downstream end 124a extends parallel to the transport direction P in the internal space 120a. Accordingly, in the second embodiment, the granular material 50 stored in the storing portion 123 is added to the toe band 60 at a position inside the fiber-spreading portion 120 that is separated from the inner peripheral surface 120c of the fiber-spreading portion 120 . In the second embodiment, the granular material 50 is added to the inside of the tow band 60 during opening on the downstream side in the conveying direction P of the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the absorber 361 according to the second embodiment as seen from the conveying direction P. FIG. FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the absorbent article 364 according to the second embodiment as seen from the conveying direction P. FIG. In the absorbent body 361 obtained by passing through the gas fiber opening device 109, the particulate matter 50 is enclosed inside the tow band 60 by adding the particulate matter 50 to the inside of the tow band 60 during fiber opening. In this embodiment, as an example, the bonded regions 60c are arranged along the entire circumference of the absorbent body 361 as viewed in the conveying direction P, and the particles 50 are dispersedly arranged inside the non-bonded regions 60d surrounded by the bonded regions 60c. It is

As described above, in the second embodiment, the granular material 50 is added to the toe band 60 at a position within the fiber-spreading portion 120 that is separated from the inner peripheral surface 120c of the fiber-spreading portion 120 . This makes it possible to easily enclose the particulate matter 50 inside the toe band 60 opened in the fiber opening chamber while preventing the particulate matter 50 from falling off from the absorbent body 361 . Further, in absorbent article 364 , particulate matter 50 is not exposed on the surface of absorbent body 361 . Therefore, the tactile sensation after water absorption can be kept relatively good. 11 and 12, the particulate matter 50 is not distributed within the bonding region 60c. However, some particulate matter 50 may be dispersed within the bonding region 60c.

Further, in the second embodiment, the addition position of the granular material 50 (the opening position of the downstream end portion 124a) is upstream of the exit of the fiber-spreading chamber on the most downstream side in the conveying direction P and of the tow band introduction port 141b. may be positioned downstream. The addition position of the granular material 50 may be, for example, upstream of the center of the internal space 120a in the conveying direction P. Further, the addition position of the granular material 50 may be downstream of the toe band introduction path 119b of the internal space 119a.

Here, according to the study of the inventors, inside the gas fiber opening device 109 , the more the addition position of the particle 50 is moved to the upstream side, the more the particle 50 is placed inside the tow band 60 that has passed through the gas fiber opening device 109 . are more likely to be evenly distributed.

Further, in the absorbent body of the second embodiment, the joint regions 60c may be arranged only on one surface side and the other surface side as in the first modified example. In addition, the absorbent body of the second embodiment may have the joint region 60c arranged only on the other surface side as in the second modified example.

(Evaluation test)
An absorbent body 61 was manufactured as Example 1 using the manufacturing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Also, an absorbent body 361 was manufactured as Example 2 using the manufacturing apparatus of the second embodiment. Also, an absorbent body was manufactured as Comparative Example 1 using an apparatus in which the attachment device 11 was omitted from the manufacturing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. An absorbent body was manufactured as Comparative Example 2 by using an apparatus in which the attaching device 11 was omitted from the manufacturing apparatus of the second embodiment.

An absorbent body was prepared as a comparative example under the same conditions as in Example 1 except that the manufacturing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment was used and the attaching device 11 was arranged upstream of the toe band introduction port 41b of the introduction portion 19. 3 was produced.

The absorber was manufactured under the same conditions as in Example 2, except that the manufacturing apparatus of the second embodiment was used and the attachment device 11 was arranged upstream of the toe band inlet 141b (see FIG. 10) of the introduction portion 119. Manufactured as Comparative Example 4.

The toe bands used in Examples 1-2 and Comparative Examples 1-4 had a width of 10 cm and a weight of 6 g per 30 cm of length. Also, the amount of the particulate material 50 added to the toe band was 2 g per toe band having a length dimension of 30 cm. As binder B, triacetin was used.

The absorbents of Examples 1-2 and Comparative Examples 1-4 were evaluated by the following procedure. First, the tactile sensation of each absorbent was evaluated by touching the surface of the absorbent of Examples 1-2 and Comparative Examples 1-4 with a hand.

Also, a glass cylinder having an inner diameter of 6 cm was placed on the upper surface of the elongated absorber with the opening facing the vertical direction. In this state, 50 ml of blue-colored physiological saline was poured into the glass cylinder at once.

Three minutes after the physiological saline was completely poured into the glass cylinder, the liquid diffusion length (longitudinal diffusion length and lateral diffusion length) of the physiological saline formed on the upper surface of the absorber was measured. The longitudinal diffusion length was taken in the longitudinal direction of the absorber, and the lateral diffusion length was taken in the width direction of the absorber. This was used to evaluate the water absorbency. Here, the greater the liquid diffusion length, the easier it is for the physiological saline to come into contact with the particulate matter contained in the absorbent body. Therefore, it can be evaluated as excellent in water absorption.

Five minutes after the physiological saline was poured into the glass cylinder, a plurality of filter papers whose dry weight had been measured in advance were piled up and placed on the absorber. Then, a weight of 3.5 kg was placed on the uppermost filter paper. Eight minutes after the physiological saline solution was poured into the glass cylinder, the weight was removed and a plurality of filter papers were taken out. Liquid return of the absorbent was evaluated by touching the surface of the absorbent immediately after taking out the filter paper. In addition, the same position of the transport path in the manufacturing apparatus (the downstream side of the retention section 21 in Comparative Examples 1 and 2, and the downstream side of the binder attachment device 11 in Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 3 and 4) At the same position on the path), a test piece of the absorber with a transport direction dimension of 30 cm was taken. The upper and lower surfaces of the test piece were turned upside down only once. Before and after the operation at this time, the amount of particulates contained in the test piece was measured, and the ratio (% by weight) of the amount of particulates dropped from the test piece due to the operation was calculated as the particulate matter dropping rate. This was used to evaluate the dropout rate of particulate matter of the absorber. Table 1 shows the evaluation results. In Table 1, A is the most excellent evaluation, B is the evaluation next to A, and C is the evaluation next to B.

As shown in Table 1, Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were found to have a relatively high dropout rate of particulate matter. A possible reason for this is that in Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the tow band 60 was not coated with the binder B, so that the particles 50 were likely to fall out of the interstices between the fibers.

Moreover, it was found that Comparative Example 2 was not so excellent in water absorption. The reason for this is that, in Comparative Example 2, since the toe band 60 was not coated with the binder B, the size of the fiber gaps on the surface of the toe band 60 varied, and the particulate matter 50 was enclosed inside the toe band 60 through each fiber gap. It is conceivable that it became difficult for the moisture to reach evenly.

Comparative Examples 3 and 4 were found to have poor tactile sensation. The reason for this is that in Comparative Examples 3 and 4, the amount of the binder B attached to the toe band 60 was relatively large, and the binder B was attached to the entire inside of the toe band 60, so that the fibers were bonded throughout the toe band 60, It is conceivable that it became a rough touch.

It was found that Examples 1 and 2 were superior to Comparative Examples 1 to 4 in all of the dropout rate of particulate matter, feel, and water absorbency. In Examples 1 and 2, the toe band 60 of the absorbent body 61 comprises a bonded region 60c and a non-bonded region 60d. It is conceivable that this prevented the granular material 50 from coming off by the bonded region 60c, and the tactile sensation was well maintained in the non-bonded region 60d.

Further, in Examples 1 and 2, the inter-fiber gaps were maintained by the bonding region 60c. It is conceivable that good water absorbency was exhibited in any case (Example 2) when it was unevenly distributed.

It should be noted that the drop-off rates of particulate matter in Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 3 and 4 were remarkable immediately after the binder B was attached to the toe band 60 and after a predetermined time had elapsed after the binder B was attached to the toe band 60. No difference was observed.

Here, in Examples 1 and 2, the configuration in which the coupling region 60 c is arranged on the entire circumference of the toe band 60 is adopted. However, even in the configurations shown in Modifications 1 and 2 of the first embodiment, it is considered that similar results to those of Examples 1 and 2 can be obtained.

Moreover, when the absorbent article 64, 364 including the absorbent body 61, 361 of Example 1 or 2 is manufactured, the upper surface of the absorbent body 61, 361 is covered with the top sheet 63. FIG. However, since the absorbent bodies 61, 361 of Examples 1 and 2 have excellent tactile feel, it is considered that the absorbent articles 64, 364 including the absorbent bodies 61, 361 also have excellent tactile feel.

Further, when the absorbent articles 64, 364 including the absorbent bodies 61, 361 of Examples 1 and 2 are produced, the excellent water absorbency of the absorbent bodies 61, 361 is exhibited, so that the absorbent articles 64, 364 It is considered that excellent absorbency is also exhibited.

The present invention is not limited to each embodiment, and its configuration and method can be changed, added, or deleted without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As described above, according to the present invention, in the case of manufacturing an absorbent article having an absorbent body in which particulate matter is arranged, it is possible to prevent the particulate matter from falling off from the absorbent body and improve the feel of the absorbent article. It has an excellent effect of preventing a decrease in Therefore, it is beneficial to widely apply the absorbent article manufacturing method, the absorbent article manufacturing apparatus, and the absorbent article that can exhibit the significance of this effect.

B Binder G Gas P Conveying direction 1 Absorbent article manufacturing apparatus 7 First fiber-spreading roll pair (fiber-spreading roll pair)
8 Second spread roll pair (spread roll pair)
9,109 gas-spreading device 10,110 granular material adding device 11 binder attachment device 19,119 introduction part 20,120 spreading part 20c, 120c inner peripheral surface of spreading part 20f first spreading chamber (spreading chamber)
20g second fiber-spreading room (spreading room)
41a Gas inlet 50 Particulate matter 60 Toe band (tow)
60b lower surface of toe band (lower surface of toe)
60c bonding area 60d non-bonding area 61, 161, 261, 361 absorbent body 63 porous sheet 64, 164, 264, 364 absorbent article

Claims (14)

A gas-spreading device having a cylindrical fiber-spreading section in which at least one fiber-spreading chamber is formed to transport tows to be conveyed, and an introduction section for introducing the tows and gas into the fiber-spreading section. In the fiber-spreading chamber, the fibers are spread by a gas,
Granular material on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the outlet of the fiber-spreading chamber on the most downstream side in the tow conveying direction and on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the gas introduction port of the introduction section. is added to the tow so as to be dispersed across the width of the tow from the lower surface side of the tow,
A method for manufacturing an absorbent article, wherein a binder for binding a plurality of fibers contained in the tow is adhered to the lower surface of the tow downstream of the gas opening device in the conveying direction. 2. The method of manufacturing an absorbent article according to claim 1, further comprising attaching the binder to the upper surface of the tow on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the gas opening device. 3. The method of manufacturing an absorbent article according to claim 1, further comprising attaching the binder to a side surface of the tow perpendicular to the conveying direction on the downstream side of the gas fiber opening device in the conveying direction. 2. The method of manufacturing an absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the granular material is added to the tow at a position within the spread portion spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the spread portion. The method for producing an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gas fiber opening device is arranged so that the tow can pass downward. 6. Any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the tow is spread by bringing the tow into contact with the peripheral surfaces of a plurality of pairs of spreading rolls on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the gas spreading device. 10. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to claim 1. The method for producing an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a liquid-permeable porous sheet is supplied to the upper surface of the tow having the binder added to the lower surface. A cylindrical fiber-spreading section in which at least one fiber-spreading chamber is formed for conveying tows to be conveyed, and an introduction section for introducing the tows and gas into the fiber-spreading section. a gas fiber opening device that opens fibers with a gas in the chamber;
Granular material on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the outlet of the fiber-spreading chamber on the most downstream side in the tow conveying direction and on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the gas introduction port of the introduction section. is added to the tow so as to be dispersed over the entire width of the tow from the lower surface side of the tow;
a binder attaching device that attaches a binder that binds a plurality of fibers contained in the tow to the lower surface of the tow on the downstream side of the gas fiber opening device in the conveying direction,
The apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent article, wherein the gas opening device is arranged so that the tow can pass downhill. a sheet-like absorbent body including a tow made of a plurality of opened fibers and granular materials arranged inside the tow;
a liquid-permeable porous sheet disposed over the absorbent body on one side of the absorbent body,
The absorbent body has a bonded region in which the plurality of fibers of the tow are bonded and a non-bonded region in which the plurality of fibers of the tow are not bonded,
the bonding region extends along the other surface of the absorbent body and the non-bonding region is disposed inside the absorbent body in the thickness direction of the bonding region;
The absorbent article, wherein the particulate matter is distributed throughout the tow and across the width of the tow in the non-bonded region. 10. The absorbent article according to claim 9, wherein said bonding region further extends along said one side on said one side of said absorbent body. 11. The absorbent article according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said bonding region further extends along a side surface of said absorbent body from said other surface side toward said one surface side. Formed into a sheet including a tow made of a plurality of opened fibers and a granular material arranged inside the tow,
Having a bonded region in which the plurality of fibers of the tow are bonded and a non-bonded region in which the plurality of fibers of the tow are not bonded,
The bonding area extends along the first surface on the first surface side, and the non-bonding area is arranged inside the bonding area in the thickness direction,
The absorbent body, wherein the particulate matter is distributed throughout the tow and across the width of the tow in the non-bonded region. 13. The absorbent article of claim 12, wherein said bonding region further extends along said second surface on a second surface side. 14. The absorbent body according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said bonding region further extends along a side surface from said first surface side toward said second surface side.

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