JP2012179230A - Absorbent article, manufacturing method of the same, and manufacturing device of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent liquid such as urine from remaining in a groove part without spoiling merits of the groove part formed on the absorber of an absorbent article.SOLUTION: The invention is based on the finding that the groove part itself can be liquid absorptive by holding highly absorptive polymer 31a between core wrap sheets 32 and 33 at the groove part 34 of the absorber 3. Also, by the manufacturing method and the manufacturing device of the absorbent article, an appropriate amount of the highly absorptive polymer is easily held between the core wrap sheets at the groove part of the absorber.

Description

  The present invention relates to an absorbent article having liquid retention, an absorbent article manufacturing method, and an absorbent article manufacturing apparatus. Specifically, the present invention relates to an absorbent article for receiving and holding a wearer's excrement such as a disposable diaper and a urine pad, an absorbent article manufacturing method, and an absorbent article manufacturing apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Absorbent articles including a back sheet, a top sheet, and an absorbent body interposed between these sheets, such as disposable diapers and urine pads, have been known.

  Further, in the absorbent article having the above-described configuration, both side edges of the absorbent body are erected along the wearer's skin using the contraction force of the elastic member, and the excrement of the wearer is placed outside the absorbent body. There is known an absorbent article that functions as a leak-proof wall for preventing leakage into the water (Patent Document 1). In the case of such a configuration in which both side edges of the absorbent body are erected, generally, the absorbent body is formed with a groove (slit) extending in the longitudinal direction thereof.

  Since the groove part formed in the absorber serves as a crease | fold at the time of raising both the side edges of an absorber, the both sides edge of an absorber becomes easy to stand up. Further, since the grooves are formed in the absorber, it is possible to prevent distortion when both side edges of the absorber are raised. Further, by providing the groove portion in the absorber, the liquid such as urine received by the absorber is diffused through the groove portion in the direction in which the groove portion is formed. Therefore, since the absorber can diffuse and hold the liquid such as urine as a whole, it is possible to prevent a situation where the liquid receiving portion is broken and the liquid leaks therefrom.

JP 2008-206539 A

  However, the groove itself of the conventional absorber has no function of absorbing and holding liquid. That is, in general, an absorbent body is configured by covering an absorbent core containing a superabsorbent polymer or a fiber material with a core wrap sheet, and a groove is formed by joining the core wrap sheets. There is no superabsorbent polymer or fiber material between the core wrap sheets joined to form the groove. This is because if a superabsorbent polymer or fiber material is present in the groove, it will be a hindrance when raising both side edges of the absorbent body. Conventionally, it has been positive to provide a superabsorbent polymer or fiber material in the groove. Was excluded. Therefore, there is no material having a high water absorption capacity such as a superabsorbent polymer in the groove portion of the absorber, and only a liquid such as urine is absorbed by the material forming the core wrap sheet (for example, tissue paper). there were.

  As described above, the groove formed in the absorber has a function of diffusing the liquid received by the absorber throughout the absorber, but the groove itself that passes when the liquid diffuses absorbs the liquid. -There is no function to hold. For this reason, in the groove part of an absorber, liquids, such as urine, remain for a long time. As described above, when liquid such as urine is not absorbed by the absorbent body (absorbent core) and remains on the surface (groove portion) of the absorbent body, the skin of the wearer who touched the remaining liquid is rashed. There were hygienic problems such as

  Therefore, at present, there is a demand for a technique for preventing liquid such as urine from remaining in the groove without losing the advantages of the groove formed in the absorber.

Therefore, as a result of intensive studies to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, the present inventor dares to put liquid absorbent in the groove itself by sandwiching a superabsorbent polymer between the core wrap sheets in the groove of the absorber. The knowledge that it can give absorbency was acquired. The present inventor has also found a manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus for absorbent articles in which an appropriate amount of superabsorbent polymer can be easily sandwiched between core wrap sheets in the grooves of the absorber. As described above, since the groove portion of the absorbent body itself has liquid absorbency, it is advantageous in terms of hygiene while maintaining the advantages of standing both side edges of the absorbent body and the liquid diffusibility of the absorbent body. Can also provide a suitable absorbent article.
Specifically, the present invention has the following configuration.

First, the 1st side surface of this invention is the absorbent article 10 containing the back sheet 1, the top sheet 2, and the absorber 3 interposed between these sheets.
Here, the absorbent body 3 includes an absorbent core 31, a lower layer core wrap sheet 32, and an upper layer core wrap sheet 33.
The absorbent core 31 is formed by the superabsorbent polymer 31a being embedded and held in the fiber material 31b.
The lower core wrap sheet 32 is a sheet material that covers the absorbent core 31 from the back sheet 1 side.
The upper core wrap sheet 33 is a sheet material that covers the absorbent core 31 from the top sheet 2 side.
Further, the absorbent core 31 is disposed on the lower core wrap sheet 32 with a gap extending in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 3, and the lower core wrap sheet 32 and the upper core wrap sheet 33 are composed of the absorbent core. By joining in the part corresponding to the space | gap location of 31, the groove part 34 extended in the longitudinal direction of the absorber 3 is formed in the upper-layer core wrap sheet 33 of the absorber 3 at least.
A superabsorbent polymer 31 a is sandwiched between the lower layer core wrap sheet 32 and the upper layer core wrap sheet 33 in the groove portion 34.

  Thus, the groove part 34 is formed by joining the lower layer core wrap sheet 32 and the upper layer core wrap sheet 33 at a portion corresponding to the gap portion of the absorbent core 31. In the groove 34, the superabsorbent polymer 31a is sandwiched between the lower core wrap sheet 32 and the upper core wrap sheet 33, so that liquid such as urine can also be absorbed in the groove 34. Accordingly, since liquid such as urine does not remain in the groove, it is possible to effectively prevent a situation in which the wearer's skin is rashed.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, only the superabsorbent polymer 31a embedded and held in the fiber material 31b of the absorbent core 31 is interposed between the lower core wrap sheet 32 and the upper core wrap sheet 33 in the groove 34. Is preferably sandwiched.

Thus, in the first aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the fiber material 31b does not exist in the groove portion 34. That is, the fiber material 31b has a property that it has a low water absorption and is easily separated when a pressure is applied compared to the superabsorbent polymer 31a. Therefore, when the fiber material 31b exists in the groove part 34, both side edges of the absorbent body 3 stand up with the groove part 34 as a fold, and when pressure is applied to the groove part 34 that is a fold, the liquid is separated from the fiber material 31b. In the end, liquid may remain in the groove 34. On the other hand, the superabsorbent polymer 31a has a higher water supply capacity (generally capable of absorbing water of 100 to 1000 times its own weight) compared to the fiber material 31b, and water separation even when pressure is applied. It is difficult to do. Therefore, if only the superabsorbent polymer 31a is present in the groove portion 34, the liquid is not easily separated even when pressure is applied to the groove portion 34, and the liquid existing in the groove portion can be sufficiently supplied.
Further, when the fiber material 31b exists between the lower core wrap sheet 32 and the upper core wrap sheet 33, the fiber material 31b is bonded to the sheets 31 and 32 when the two sheets 31 and 32 are bonded to form the groove 34. In some cases, the adhesion of 32 is hindered and the depth of the groove 34 cannot be maintained. On the other hand, if the object existing between the lower core wrap sheet 32 and the upper core wrap sheet 33 is only the superabsorbent polymer 31a, such a situation can be solved.
Here, “only the superabsorbent polymer” means that the fiber material 31b is intentionally sandwiched between the lower layer core wrap sheet 32 and the upper layer core wrap sheet 33. Therefore, even when the fiber material 32b is inevitably sandwiched, it can be said that “only the superabsorbent polymer” is sandwiched.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the superabsorbent polymer 31a sandwiched between the lower layer core wrap sheet 32 and the upper layer core wrap sheet 33 in the groove portion 34 is 1 mg / cm ² or more and 20 mg / cm ² or less. It is preferable.

It has been found that if the superabsorbent polymer is present in the groove 34 in an amount of 1 mg / cm ² or more, the liquid remaining in the groove 34 can be sufficiently absorbed. Further, it has been found that when the superabsorbent polymer is present in an amount of more than 20 mg / cm ² , the groove 34 cannot diffuse the liquid received by the absorber. Therefore, in order to prevent the liquid from remaining in the groove 34 and to diffuse the liquid through the groove 34, it is optimal that the superabsorbent polymer 31a is sandwiched between 1 mg / cm ^{2 and} 20 mg / cm ² .

Next, the 2nd side surface of this invention is a manufacturing method of the absorbent article 10 containing the absorber 3. FIG.
If it demonstrates concretely, the 2nd side surface of this invention is related with the manufacturing method of the absorbent article which concerns on the 1st side surface of this invention.

In the first step, a substantially cylindrical suction drum 110 that rotates about a predetermined rotation axis is used. The suction drum has a suction area 111 and a non-breathable masking plate 112 disposed on the suction area 111 on the peripheral side surface. Then, while the suction drum 110 is rotated, the superabsorbent polymer 31a adsorbs the absorbent material embedded and held in the fiber material 31b to the suction region 111 and has a gap corresponding to the shape of the masking plate 112. Absorbent core sheet 31 'is formed (material adsorption process)
In the second step, a substantially cylindrical reversing drum 130 that rotates in a direction opposite to the suction drum 110 around a predetermined rotation axis is used. And the surface opposite to the surface attracted | sucked to the suction drum 110 among the absorbent core sheets 31 'attracted | sucked to the suction drum 110 is made to adsorb | suck to the surrounding side surface of the reverse drum 130 (reversing process).
In the third step, the absorbent core sheet is formed from the peripheral side surface of the reversing drum 130 on the lower core wrap sheet 32 that moves in the rotation direction of the reversing drum 130 while contacting or approaching the peripheral side surface of the rotating reversing drum 130. 31 'is transferred (transfer process).
In the fourth step, the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ transferred onto the lower core wrap sheet 32 is covered with the upper core wrap sheet 33 from the side opposite to the lower core wrap sheet 32 (covering step).
In the fifth step, the absorbent body, which is a continuous body in which the groove portion 34 is formed by joining the lower layer core wrap sheet 32 and the upper layer core wrap sheet 33 at the portion corresponding to the void portion of the absorbent core sheet 31 ′. A sheet is formed (joining process).
In the sixth step, the absorber sheet is cut at a predetermined interval to form the absorbent body 3 having the absorbent core 31 whose periphery is covered with the lower layer core wrap sheet 32 and the upper layer core wrap sheet 33 (cutting step). .
Here, the masking plate 112 of the suction drum 110 is disposed on the suction region 111 of the absorption drum 110 so as to extend longitudinally in the circumferential direction of the absorption drum 110.
Further, the cross-sectional shape of the masking plate 112 in the short direction is a quadrangular shape in which the lower side which is the side in contact with the suction region 111 is longer than the upper side which is the side facing the lower side. Until the lower core wrap sheet 32 and the upper core wrap sheet 33 are bonded to each other in the gap portion of the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ after the transfer of the material to the lower core wrap sheet 32. The superabsorbent polymer 31a embedded and held in the material 31a is dropped into the space of the absorbent core sheet 31 ′.

By the above-described method, an absorbent article having the absorbent body 3 in which the superabsorbent polymer 31a is sandwiched between the lower layer core wrap sheet 32 and the upper layer core wrap sheet 33 in the groove portion 34 can be easily manufactured. In short, in the present invention, the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ having an inverted trapezoidal shape (a square shape in which the length of the upper base is longer than the length of the lower base in the cross section) is first obtained by adsorbing the absorbent material to the masked suction drum 110. make. Next, the reverse trapezoidal absorbent core sheet 31 ′ is reversed by the reversal drum 130 to form a trapezoid (a square shape in which the length of the lower base is longer than the length of the upper base in the cross section). Then, by transferring the trapezoidal absorbent core sheet 31 ′ from the reversal drum 130 to the lower layer core wrap sheet 32, the inverted trapezoidal absorbent core sheet 31 ′ is disposed on the lower layer core wrap sheet 32. Thus, at the stage of being transferred to the lower core wrap sheet 32, the cross-sectional shape of the absorbent core sheet 31 'is an inverted trapezoid with a short bottom and a long top. Therefore, the superabsorbent polymer contained in the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ falls in the direction of gravity on the lower core wrap sheet 32 by its own weight in the transport process. In this way, the superabsorbent polymer dropped on the lower core wrap sheet 32 is joined so as to be sandwiched between the lower core wrap sheet 32 and the upper core wrap sheet 33.
Thus, the absorbent article which has the absorber 3 by which the superabsorbent polymer 31a was inserted | pinched by the groove part 34 can be manufactured easily.
The technical significance that the superabsorbent polymer 31a is disposed in the groove 34 is as described above.

  In the second aspect of the present invention, the masking plate 112 preferably has an angle located at both ends of the upper side of the cross-sectional shape in the short direction of 100 degrees or more and 150 degrees or less.

In the second aspect of the present invention, the shape of the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ finally transferred to the lower core wrap sheet 32 is determined by the shape of the masking plate 112. The amount of the superabsorbent polymer disposed in the groove 34 depends on the shape of the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ transferred to the lower core wrap sheet 32. That is, in the cross-sectional shape of the masking plate 112 in the short direction, the higher the angle of the corners located at both ends of the upper side, the easier the superabsorbent polymer 31a falls on the lower core wrap sheet 32. Here, it has been described above that the superabsorbent polymer 31a existing in the groove 34 is optimal to be 1 mg / cm ² or more and 20 mg / cm ² or less. In order to set the amount of the superabsorbent polymer 31a present in the groove 34 to 1 mg / cm ² or more and 20 mg / cm ² or less, the masking plate 112 has both ends of the upper side in the cross-sectional shape in the short direction. It has been found that the angle located at is preferably between 100 degrees and 150 degrees.

  In the second aspect of the present invention, after the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ is transferred to the lower core wrap sheet 32, the lower core wrap sheet 32 and the upper core wrap sheet 33 are formed in the space of the absorbent core sheet 31 ′. Until it is bonded, the absorbent core sheet 31 'or the conveying device for the absorbent core sheet 31' is vibrated by using a vibration device to be buried in the fiber material 31a of the absorbent core sheet 31 '. It is preferable to drop the superabsorbent polymer 31a, which has been formed, into the voids of the absorbent core sheet 31 ′.

  In the present invention, as described above, the superabsorbent polymer 31a embedded and held in the fiber material 31b can be expected to fall naturally in the direction of gravity due to its own weight during conveyance in the conveyance device. However, a desired amount of the superabsorbent polymer 31a can be quickly dropped onto the lower core wrap sheet 32 by vibrating the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ or its conveying device using the vibration device. Thereby, more efficient manufacture of an absorptive article is possible.

Moreover, the 3rd side surface of this invention is a manufacturing apparatus of the absorbent article 10 containing the absorber 3. FIG.
If it demonstrates concretely, the 3rd side surface of this invention is related with the manufacturing apparatus of the absorbent article which concerns on the 1st side surface of this invention. Moreover, the 3rd side surface of this invention is an apparatus for performing the manufacturing method of the absorbent article which concerns on the 2nd side surface of this invention.

The absorbent article manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the third aspect of the present invention includes a suction drum 110, an absorbent material supply means 120, a reversing drum 130, a covering means 141, a joining means 142, and a cutting means 143.
The suction drum 110 has a substantially cylindrical shape that rotates about a predetermined rotation axis, and has a suction region 111 and a non-breathable masking plate 112 disposed on the suction region 111 on its peripheral side surface.
The absorbent material supply means 120 supplies the absorbent material including the fiber material 31b embedded and held in the superabsorbent polymer 31a on the peripheral side surface of the suction drum 110. The absorptive material supply means 120 adsorbs the absorptive material to the suction area 111 of the suction drum 110, and the absorbent core sheet 31 ′, which is a continuous body having a gap corresponding to the shape of the masking plate 112 in the suction drum 110. To form.
The reversing drum 130 has a substantially cylindrical shape that rotates in a direction opposite to the suction drum 110 around a predetermined rotation axis. The reversing drum 130 adsorbs the surface of the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ adsorbed by the suction drum 110 opposite to the surface adsorbed by the suction drum 110 on the peripheral side surface. The reversing drum 130 is formed on the lower core wrap sheet 32 that moves in the rotation direction of the reversing drum 130 while contacting or approaching the circumferential side surface of the reversing drum 130. The sheet 31 'is transferred.
The covering means 141 covers the upper core wrap sheet 33 from the surface opposite to the lower core wrap sheet 32 on the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ transferred onto the lower core wrap sheet 32 by the reversing drum 130.
The joining means 142 joins the upper layer core wrap sheet 33 and the lower layer core wrap sheet 32 covered by the covering means 141 at a portion corresponding to the space of the absorbent core sheet 31 ′, thereby forming the groove 34. An absorbent sheet that is a continuous body is formed.
The cutting means 143 cuts the absorbent sheet formed by the joining means 142 at a predetermined interval, and removes the absorbent body 3 having the absorbent core 31 whose periphery is covered with the lower layer core wrap sheet 32 and the upper layer core wrap sheet 33. Form.
Here, the masking plate 112 is disposed on the suction region 111 of the absorption drum 110 so as to extend in the circumferential direction of the absorption drum 110.
The cross-sectional shape of the masking plate 112 in the short direction is a quadrangular shape in which the lower side, which is the side in contact with the suction region 111, is longer than the upper side, which is the side facing the lower side.
Thereby, after the absorbent core sheet 31 'is transferred to the lower core wrap sheet 32, the absorbent article manufacturing apparatus transfers the lower core wrap sheet 32 and the upper core wrap sheet 33 in the gap portion of the absorbent core sheet 31'. The superabsorbent polymer 31a embedded and held in the fiber material 31a of the absorbent core sheet 31 'is dropped into the gaps of the absorbent core sheet 31' until they are joined.

  By having said structure, the manufacturing apparatus which concerns on the 3rd side surface of this invention can manufacture the absorbent article which concerns on the 1st side surface of this invention suitably. Moreover, the manufacturing apparatus which concerns on the 3rd side surface of this invention can perform suitably the manufacturing method of the absorbent article which concerns on the 2nd side surface of this invention.

FIG. 1 is a developed view showing an example of an absorbent article, and shows a plan view seen from the top sheet side. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent article shown in FIG. 1 cut along the short direction of the absorbent article at the position AA. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing a process from when the absorbent core is disposed on the lower core wrap sheet until the groove is formed in the absorber in the manufacturing process of the absorbent body. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the absorbent article manufacturing apparatus. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the absorption drum. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the reversal drum.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, but includes those appropriately modified by those skilled in the art from the following embodiments.

(1. Overall configuration of absorbent article)
FIG. 1 is a developed view of an absorbent article 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a plan view seen from the top sheet side. Specifically, the absorbent article shown in FIG. 1 is a tape-type disposable diaper. The tape-type disposable diaper is basically composed of a back sheet 1, a top sheet 2, and an absorbent body 3 disposed between both sheets. The tape-type disposable diaper is formed with a three-dimensional gather 4 that can stand in the longitudinal direction from the front body 51 to the rear body 52, and the three-dimensional gather 4 has a fixed end on the top sheet. Further, in the tape-type disposable diaper, a fastening tape 53 is attached to a side edge portion of a side flap that extends to both side edges of the back body 52. The tape-type disposable diaper is provided with a fastening tape 53 attached to the back body 52, with the front body 51 applied to the wearer's abdomen, the back body 52 applied to the wearer's back, and the absorbent body 4 applied to the inseam of the wearer. By attaching to the front body 51, it is attached to the wearer.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent article 10 cut in the short direction of the absorbent article 1 at the position AA shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, each sheet material is drawn with a conceptual thickness. As shown in FIG. 2, the absorbent article 10 has a liquid-permeable top sheet 2 on the surface in contact with the wearer's skin (upper surface in FIG. 2), and a liquid-impermeable surface on the side opposite to the top sheet 2. The back sheet 1 is provided, and the absorber 3 is provided between the back sheet 1 and the top sheet 2. The absorbent article 10 includes a three-dimensional gather disposed so as to sandwich both side edges of the back sheet 1 and the top sheet 2 over substantially the entire length in the longitudinal direction. Further, a cover sheet 54 for reinforcing the back sheet and improving the touch is bonded to the lower layer of the back sheet 1, the top sheet 2, the absorber 3 and the three-dimensional gather 4.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the absorbent body 3 has a shape (so-called hourglass shape) in which the width near the back body 52 and the front body 51 is wider than the width of the middle part in plan view. A groove 34 is formed in the absorber 3 from the back body 52 to the front body 51. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the groove part 34 formed in the absorber 3 is formed by two parallel straight lines, but the shape of the groove part 34 is not limited to this. That is, the groove 34 may be formed so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 3, for example, a shape in which two lines are curved, or a shape in which two straight lines intersect (an X-shaped shape). , A shape in which one straight line is divided into two in the middle (Y-shaped shape) may be used.

(2. Specific configuration of absorbent article)
Hereinafter, the embodiment of the absorbent article 10 according to the present invention will be specifically described taking a disposable diaper as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to disposable diapers, and can be applied to, for example, a urine pad. In short, the present invention is widely applicable to absorbent articles having the absorbent body 3.

(2-1. Top sheet)
The top sheet 2 is a member that is in direct contact with the skin of the wearer's crotch and allows liquid such as urine to pass through the absorber 3. For this reason, it is preferable that the top sheet 2 is made of a liquid-permeable material having high flexibility. The top sheet 2 is disposed so as to cover the surface of the absorber 3.

  Examples of the liquid permeable material constituting the top sheet 2 are a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, or a porous film. Further, for example, a fiber made of a thermoplastic resin such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, or nylon, which has been subjected to a hydrophilization treatment and further made into a non-woven fabric may be used.

(2-2. Backsheet)
The backsheet 1 is a member for preventing the liquid that has passed through the topsheet 2 and absorbed by the absorber 3 from leaking. For this reason, the backsheet 1 is made of a liquid-impermeable material. The back sheet 1 is disposed so as to cover the bottom surface of the absorber 3 in order to prevent liquid leakage from the bottom surface of the absorber 3.

An example of the impermeable material constituting the back sheet 1 is a liquid impermeable film made of polyethylene resin. In particular, it is preferable to use a microporous polyethylene film in which a plurality of fine pores of 0.1 to 0.4 μm are formed.
In this specification, “A to B” means “A or more and B or less”.

  A cover sheet 54 may be bonded to the outer surface of the back sheet 1 in order to reinforce the back sheet 1 and improve its feel. As a material constituting the cover sheet 54, a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric is used. In particular, it is preferable to use a nonwoven fabric or a wet nonwoven fabric made of a thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester as a material constituting the cover sheet 54.

(2-3. Absorber)
The absorber 3 is a member for absorbing liquid such as urine and holding the absorbed liquid. The absorber 3 is disposed between the liquid-impermeable back sheet 1 and the liquid-permeable top sheet 2. The absorber 3 has a function of absorbing the liquid that has passed through the top sheet 2. The absorbent body 3 includes an absorbent core 31 in which a superabsorbent polymer 31a is embedded and held in a fiber material 31b, a lower core wrap sheet 32 that covers the absorbent core 31 from the back sheet 1 side, and the absorbent core 31 as a top sheet. It is comprised from the upper layer core wrap sheet | seat 33 coat | covered from 2 sides.

  The absorbent core 31 is disposed on the lower core wrap sheet 32 with a gap extending in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 3. Then, the lower layer core wrap sheet 32 and the upper layer core wrap sheet 33 are joined at a portion corresponding to the gap portion of the absorbent core 31, so that at least the upper layer core wrap sheet 33 in the longitudinal direction of the absorber 3 A groove portion 34 is formed. In the groove portion 34, the superabsorbent polymer 31 a is sandwiched between the lower core wrap sheet 32 and the upper core wrap sheet 33.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the absorbent core 31 is formed by mixing a hydrophilic absorbent material (SAP) with a granular superabsorbent polymer (SAP). The fiber material 31b is formed by entwining ultrafine fibers, and the superabsorbent polymer 31a is usually embedded and held in the fiber material 31b by being mixed with the fiber material 31b.

  As the fiber material 31b, in the manufacturing process of the absorbent body 3, a material that can be carried in an air stream is used, and short fibers are particularly preferable. Further, as the fiber material 31b, for example, short fibers of cellulosic fibers such as pulp fibers, rayon fibers, or cotton fibers, or short fibers obtained by subjecting synthetic fibers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyethylene terephthalate to hydrophilic treatment. It may be a fiber. One type of these fibers may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

  As the superabsorbent polymer 31a, various materials conventionally used as absorbent materials in absorbent articles such as disposable diapers and urine pads can be used. As the superabsorbent polymer 31a, for example, a polymer capable of absorbing and holding water that is 5 to 1000 times its own weight is employed. Further, as the superabsorbent polymer 31a, for example, a starch-based, cellulose-based, or synthetic polymer-based material may be used. The superabsorbent polymer 31a is made of, for example, starch-acrylic acid (salt) graft copolymer, saponified starch-acrylonitrile copolymer, cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, or acrylic acid (salt) polymer. May be. As a method for producing the superabsorbent polymer 31a, for example, a method already known by JP-T-2005-536598 can be used.

  The bulky specific gravity of the superabsorbent polymer 31a is, for example, 0.2 g / ml to 1.0 g / ml, or 0.3 g / ml to 0.9 g / ml, particularly 0.5 g / ml to 0.8 g. / Ml, preferably. The fiber roughness of the fiber material 31b is, for example, 0.1 mg / m to 0.5 mg / m, or 0.1 mg / m to 0.4 mg / m, and particularly 0.1 mg / m to 0. It is preferably 3 mg / m.

  Thus, the water-absorbent core 31 in which the granular superabsorbent polymer 31a is embedded and held in the hydrophilic fiber material 31b is shaped by being covered with the lower core wrap sheet 32 and the upper core wrap sheet 33. Is maintained. The lower layer core wrap sheet 32 covers the water absorbent core 31 from the surface on the back sheet 1 side (the lower surface in FIG. 2). On the other hand, the upper layer core wrap sheet 33 covers the water absorbent core 31 from the surface on the top sheet side (the upper surface in FIG. 2).

  As these lower layer core wrap sheet 32 and upper layer core wrap sheet 33, a sheet material conventionally used as a constituent material of absorbent articles such as disposable diapers and urine pads can be used. The core wrap sheet may be, for example, paper such as tissue paper or a non-woven fabric. As the nonwoven fabric, for example, a spunbond nonwoven fabric, a needle punched nonwoven fabric, a spunlace nonwoven fabric, or an air-through nonwoven fabric may be employed.

  Next, the groove part 34 formed in the absorber 3 is demonstrated with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing a process from the time when the absorbent core 31 is disposed on the lower core wrap sheet 32 until the groove portion is formed in the absorbent body 3 in the manufacturing process of the absorbent body 3. is there. 3 (a) to 3 (c), schematic sectional views of the absorbent body 3 cut in the short direction are shown.

  FIG. 3A shows an example of a state where the absorbent core 31 is transferred onto the lower core wrap sheet 32. As shown in FIG. 3A, the absorbent core 31 is disposed on the lower core wrap sheet 32 with a gap 35 having a predetermined width. The gap 35 of the absorbent core 31 is formed extending in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core 3. In particular, in the example shown in FIG. 3A, the absorbent core 31 is provided with gaps 35 on two parallel lines extending in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 3. The space 35 is divided into a left core 31c, a center core 31d, and a right core 31e.

  The length in the longitudinal direction of the gap 35 of the absorbent core 31 can be appropriately designed according to the use of the absorbent article, and is, for example, 100 mm to 300 mm, or 150 mm to 250 mm. Further, the width of the gap 35 of the absorbent core 31 in the short side direction can be appropriately designed according to the use of the absorbent article, and is, for example, 5 mm to 60 mm, or 15 mm to 35 mm.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 3A, the gap 35 formed in the absorbent core 31 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape in which the lower side is longer than the upper side. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the gap 35 is a left and right trapezoid in which the lower side and the upper side are parallel, the lower side is longer than the upper side, and the corners positioned at both ends of the lower side are equiangular. That is, as will be described later, the gap 35 of the absorbent core 31 has the same shape as that of the masking plate 112.

  Further, the cross-sectional shape in the short direction of the absorbent core 31 at the position where the gap 35 is formed is such that the upper portions of the left core 31c, the central core 31d, and the right core 31e (surfaces in contact with the upper core wrap sheet 33). , A rectangular shape protruding in the direction in which the gap 35 exists. That is, as for the cross-sectional shape of the left core 31c, the center core 31d, and the right core 31e, the upper side extends longer in the direction in which the gap 35 exists than the lower side. Accordingly, each of the left core 31c, the central core 31d, and the right core 31e has an inclined surface 36 that is inclined in the direction in which the gap 35 exists. At this time, each of the left core 31c, the central core 31d, and the right core 31e has an angle (∠α) formed by the lower surface (the surface in contact with the lower core wrap sheet 32) and the inclined surface 36 is 100 ° to 150 °, or It is preferably 120 to 140 degrees.

As described above, in the absorbent core 31, the side surface (inclined surface 36) of the absorbent core 31 facing the gap 35 is inclined in the direction in which the gap 35 exists. Therefore, in the vicinity of the inclined surface 36, the superabsorbent polymer 31a buried and held in the fiber material 31b is easily dropped in the gravity direction by its own weight. FIG. 3A shows a state in which the superabsorbent polymer 31 a is dropped on the lower core wrap sheet 32 in the gap 35. The amount of superabsorbent polymer 31a falling from the inclined surface 36 of the absorbent core 31 in the gap ^{35, 1mg / cm 2 ~20mg / cm} 2, 5mg / cm 2 ~15mg / cm 2, or ^8mg / cm 2 ^~12mg / Cm ² is preferable.

FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the upper core wrap sheet 33 covers the absorbent core 31 from the surface opposite to the lower core wrap sheet 32. Thus, the upper layer core wrap sheet 32 is disposed so as to contact the upper surface of the absorbent core 31. When the upper core wrap sheet 33 is brought into contact with the absorbent core 31, vibration is transmitted to the absorbent core 31. In this way, the superabsorbent polymer 31 a may be dropped from the absorbent core 31 onto the lower core wrap sheet 32 using the vibration when the upper layer core wrap sheet 33 is brought into contact.
For example, by disposing a large amount of the superabsorbent polymer 31a on the upper core wrap sheet 33 side, the amount of the superabsorbent polymer 31a falling on the lower core wrap sheet 32 can be increased.

  FIG. 3C is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the lower core wrap sheet 32 and the upper core wrap sheet 33 are joined at the position corresponding to the gap 35 of the absorbent core 31 and the groove 34 is formed in the absorbent body 3. It is. Moreover, in FIG.3 (c), the lower layer core wrap sheet | seat 32 and the upper layer core wrap sheet | seat 33 are joined also in the both-sides edge part of the absorptive core 31, and the absorptive core 31 is enclosed in the core wrap sheet | seat.

As shown in FIG. 3 (c), when the lower layer core wrap sheet 32 and the upper layer core wrap sheet 33 are joined at the position corresponding to the gap 35 of the absorbent core 31, the absorbent core 31 is interposed between them. The superabsorbent polymer 31a that has fallen into the gap 35 is sandwiched. The amount of superabsorbent polymer 31a which is sandwiched between the core wrap sheets in groove ^34, at ^{1mg / cm 2 ~20mg / cm 2} , 5mg / cm 2 ~15mg / cm 2, or ^8mg / cm ^{2 ~12mg} / cm 2 Preferably there is. As described above, since the superabsorbent polymer 31a is sandwiched between the core wrap sheets, the liquid flowing into the groove 34 is absorbed and held in the superabsorbent polymer 31a without remaining.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3C, grooves 34 are formed on the lower core wrap sheet 32 side and the upper core wrap sheet 33 side, respectively. Thus, the groove part 34 may be formed by pushing up the lower layer core wrap sheet 32 and pushing down the upper layer core wrap sheet 33 and joining them together. Further, for example, when joining the core wrap sheet, only the upper layer core wrap sheet 33 may be pushed down so that the groove 34 is formed only on the upper layer core wrap sheet 33 side. In view of the fact that the groove part 34 has a function of diffusing the liquid received by the absorber 3 throughout the absorbent body, the groove part 34 is preferably formed by pushing down the upper core wrap 34 at least.

  In addition, the shape of the absorber 3 can be appropriately designed according to the shape, size, and use of the disposable diaper. For example, the shape of the absorber 3 may be an hourglass shape. Moreover, it is good also as a rectangular type, an elliptical type, or a gourd type currently used for the general disposable diaper.

(2-4. Solid gathers)
The three-dimensional gather 4 is a member that stands along the side edge of the top sheet 2 and prevents side leakage of urine excreted by the wearer. The three-dimensional gather 4 serves as a urine leakage-preventing wall in an upright state (a state in which the elastic elastic body contracts), so that urine that has not permeated through the top sheet 2 or urine that cannot be absorbed by the absorber 3 Side leakage that leaks from the openings around the legs of disposable diapers is prevented.

  The three-dimensional gather 4 has a fixed end on the top sheet 2. For example, when the disposable diaper is a pants type, the pair of three-dimensional gathers 4 may be fixed to the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 1 so as to sandwich both side edges of the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 1. In this case, the sheet material forming each of the three-dimensional gathers 4 is configured separately from the sheet material forming the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 1.

  In each of the three-dimensional gathers 4, one or a plurality of elastic stretch bodies 41 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the three-dimensional gather 4, and stand up using the contraction force of the elastic stretch bodies 41. In other words, the elastic elastic body 41 is fixed to the sheet material on the three-dimensional gather 4 in a stretched state. When the elastic elastic body 41 contracts, the sheet material of the three-dimensional gather 4 also contracts, and the three-dimensional gather 4 rises upright. Get up in. The position where the elastic elastic body 41 is disposed in the three-dimensional gather 4 can be appropriately changed according to the shape and size of the disposable diaper, but is generally disposed near the upper edge of the three-dimensional gather 4.

(3. Absorbent article manufacturing equipment)
Next, the apparatus 100 for manufacturing the absorbent article 10 will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the absorbent article manufacturing apparatus 100. The absorbent article manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a suction drum 110 for sucking the absorbent material to form the absorbent core sheet 31 ′, an absorbent material supply means 120 for supplying the absorbent material to the suction drum 110, An inversion drum 130 for inverting the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ formed by the suction drum 110, an absorbent body forming mechanism 140 for forming the absorbent body 3 including the absorbent core 31, and an absorbent article including the absorbent body 3 And an absorbent article forming mechanism 150 for forming.
In the production line of the absorbent article manufacturing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 4, the left hand in the figure is downstream and the right hand in the figure is upstream.

(3-1. Absorbing material supply means)
The absorbent material supply means 120 includes a crushing cylinder 121 that crushes the fiber material. The crushing cylinder 121 includes a plurality of crushing blades arranged along the rotation axis, and crushes the thin plate-like fiber material with a plurality of teeth of the crushing blade to generate a crushed fiber material.

  The absorbent material supply means 120 also includes a duct 122 through which the pulverized fiber material generated by the pulverization cylinder 121 is conveyed by air sent from a blower. In the middle of the duct 122, a polymer supply unit 123 is provided that mixes a superabsorbent polymer with a pulverized fiber material to generate an absorbent material. The absorptive material supply means 120 supplies an absorptive material obtained by mixing a superabsorbent polymer to a fiber material to the peripheral side surface of the suction drum 110 using the wind pressure from a blower.

(3-2. Suction drum)
The suction drum 110 is a substantially cylindrical drum, and rotates about a rotation axis in the depth direction in FIG. Further, the suction drum 110 sucks air by a suction mechanism connected to the inside while rotating. The suction drum 110 adsorbs the absorbent material supplied by the absorbent material supply means 120 onto the peripheral side surface having the suction region 111 provided with fine suction holes (mesh).

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the suction drum 110, FIG. 5 (a) shows a schematic perspective view of the suction drum 110, and FIGS. 5 (b) and 5 (c) show FIG. The schematic sectional drawing of the peripheral side surface vicinity of the suction drum 110 cut | disconnected in the position of BB shown by a) is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a suction region 111 formed by fine suction holes (mesh) is provided on the peripheral side surface of the suction drum 110. A part of the suction area 111 is covered with a masking plate 112 that extends in the circumferential direction of the suction drum 110 and does not transmit air. In the example shown in FIG. 5, two masking plates 112 are arranged on the suction region 111 and are arranged in parallel to the circumferential direction of the suction drum 110. The shape of the groove 34 formed in the absorber 3 is determined by the arrangement of the masking plate 112. However, the arrangement of the masking plate 112 is not limited to the example shown in the figure. As described above, in the suction drum 110, the absorbent material supplied from the absorbent material supply unit 120 is adsorbed on the peripheral side surface of the suction drum 110 in an area where the masking plate 112 does not exist (adsorption area).

  FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional view around the peripheral side surface of the rotating drum 110 with the masking plate 112 as the center. As shown in FIG. 5B, the cross-sectional shape when the masking plate 112 is cut in the short direction is such that the lower side, which is the side in contact with the suction region 111, is higher than the upper side, which is the side facing the lower side. It has a long rectangular shape. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the masking plate 112 is a left and right trapezoid in which the lower side and the upper side are parallel, the lower side is longer than the upper side, and the corners positioned at both ends of the lower side are equiangular.

  In the cross-sectional shape of the masking plate 112 in the short direction, the angles (∠β) located at both ends of the upper side are preferably 100 degrees to 150 degrees. In particular, ∠β is preferably 120 to 130 degrees. As a result, the angle β of the masking plate 112 affects the amount of the superabsorbent polymer 31 a sandwiched between the core wrap sheets in the groove 34 formed in the absorber 3.

  FIG. 5C shows an example in which the absorbent material supplied from the absorbent material supply means 120 is adsorbed on the peripheral side surface (adsorption region) of the absorption drum 110. As shown in FIG. 5C, the absorbent material supplied from the upper side of the drawing is deposited in an area (adsorption area) where the masking plate 112 does not exist in the suction area 111 of the absorption drum 110. As described above, the absorbent material is deposited on the suction drum 110 to become the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ which is a continuous body. A gap 35 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the masking plate 112 is formed in the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ at a portion corresponding to the position of the masking plate 112.

  The peripheral side surface of the suction drum 110 is in contact with or close to the reverse drum 130, and the formed absorbent core sheet is transferred to the reverse drum 130. In the absorbing drum 110, air is not sucked by the suction mechanism connected to the inside of the portion where the absorbing core sheet is transferred to the reversing drum 130. On the other hand, the reversing drum 130 sucks air by a suction mechanism connected to the inside at a portion where the absorbing drum 110 transfers the absorbing core sheet. For this reason, transfer of the absorption core sheet from the absorption drum 110 to the reversal drum 130 is achieved.

(3-3. Reversing drum)
The reversing drum 130 is a substantially cylindrical drum, and rotates in a direction opposite to the suction drum 110 around a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the suction drum 110. The rotating drum 130 sucks air by a suction mechanism connected to the inside while rotating. Further, the rotating drum 130 has a suction area 131 provided with fine suction holes (mesh) on its peripheral side surface, and adsorbs the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ transferred from the suction drum 110. Then, the reversing drum 130 transfers the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ from the peripheral side surface of the reversing drum 130 onto the lower core wrap sheet 32 that moves in the rotation direction of the reversing drum 130.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the suction drum 110. FIG. 6A is a schematic perspective view of the suction drum 110 and the reverse drum 130. FIG. 6B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the peripheral side surface of the reversing drum 130 cut at the position CC shown in FIG. FIG.6 (c) shows the schematic sectional drawing of the lower layer core wrap sheet | seat and absorbent core sheet | seat 31 'cut | disconnected in the position of DD shown by Fig.6 (a).

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the reversing drum 130 has a suction area 131 provided with a fine suction hole (mesh) on its peripheral side surface. FIG. 6B shows a state in which the reversing drum 130 receives the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ from the suction drum 110 in the suction region 131. As shown in FIG. 6B, the cross-sectional shape of the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ that is adsorbed to the reversing drum 131 is such that the lower side, which is the side that contacts the suction region 131, faces the lower side. It has a rectangular shape longer than the upper side. Thus, it can be seen that the front and back of the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ are inverted compared to the state shown in FIG. 5C (the state of being adsorbed to the suction drum 110).

  The reversing drum 130 transfers the absorbency adsorbed on the peripheral side surface onto the lower core wrap sheet 32. Also during this transfer, the front and back of the absorbent core sheet 31 'are reversed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6C, the cross-sectional shapes of the lower core wrap sheet 32 and the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ are such that the lower side, which is the side in contact with the lower core wrap sheet 32, faces the lower side. It becomes a rectangular shape longer than the upper side. Note that the state shown in FIG. 6C is the same as the state shown in FIG.

(3-4. Absorber Formation Mechanism)
As shown in FIG. 4, the absorbent body forming mechanism 140 includes roll attachment portions 144, to which rolls wound with sheet members that become the lower core wrap sheet 32 and the upper core wrap sheet 33 of the absorbent body 3 are respectively attached. 145. Further, the absorbent body forming mechanism 140 includes a covering means 141 that covers the upper core wrap sheet 33 on the absorbent core sheet 31 '. Further, the absorbent body forming mechanism 140 includes a joining means 142 for joining the lower core wrap sheet 32 and the upper core wrap sheet 33, and a cutting means 143 for cutting the absorbent sheet at a predetermined interval. Further, the absorbent body forming mechanism 140 includes a transfer device (conveyor) 146.

(3-5. Absorbent article formation mechanism)
As shown in FIG. 4, the absorbent article forming mechanism 150 includes roll attachment portions 151 and 152 to which rolls around which sheets serving as the back sheet 1 and the top sheet 2 of the absorbent article 10 are wound are attached. The absorbent article forming mechanism 150 includes a covering unit 153 that covers the back sheet 1 and the top sheet 2 on the absorbent sheet, and the absorbent article forming mechanism 150 is a sheet that becomes the back sheet 1 and the top sheet 2. It has the joining means 154 which joins a member, and the cutting | disconnection means 155 which cut | disconnects an absorbent article sheet | seat at predetermined intervals. Further, the absorbent article forming mechanism 150 includes a transfer device (conveyor) 156.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a vibration device 160 that vibrates the transport device 146 that transports the lower core wrap sheet 32 may be provided. The vibration device 160 has an arbitrary configuration. The vibration device 160 may vibrate the lower core wrap sheet 32. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the vibration device 160 is installed below the transport device 146. The vibration device 160 may vibrate the transport device 146 in the vertical direction (gravity direction), or may vibrate in the lateral direction (short direction of the transport device).

(4. Manufacturing method of absorbent article)
Next, the flow of manufacturing the absorbent article 1 by the absorbent article manufacturing apparatus 100 will be described.
When the absorbent article 10 is manufactured by the absorbent article manufacturing apparatus 100, first, the fibrous material is sequentially pulverized by the absorbent material supply means 120 shown in FIG. .

  Then, the pulverized fiber material moves in the duct 122 toward the suction drum 110 by the blowing from the blowing mechanism. A polymer supply unit 123 is provided in the middle of the duct 122, and a superabsorbent polymer is mixed into the pulverized fiber material to obtain an absorbent material. Thereafter, in FIG. 4, the absorbent material is sprayed and supplied toward the peripheral side surface of the suction drum 120 rotating at a constant speed in the clockwise direction. The absorptive material blown to the suction drum 120 is sucked by the suction region 111 on the peripheral side surface of the suction drum 110 and is deposited to a predetermined thickness in a region where the masking plate 112 is not present (suction region). Further, the region where the masking plate 112 exists becomes a gap 35 for the absorbent material. In this manner, the absorbent material is deposited on the peripheral side surface of the suction drum 110, thereby forming a continuous absorbent core sheet 31 ′ having the gap 53.

  The absorptive core sheet 31 ′ formed by the suction drum 110 rotates the suction drum 110, and the suction from the suction drum 110 is released when it reaches a point in contact with or close to the reversing drum 130. On the other hand, the reversing drum 120 rotates at a constant speed around the opposite side of the suction drum 110, and at a point in contact with or close to the suction drum 110, suction is performed by a suction region 131 provided on the peripheral side surface. Yes. Therefore, when the suction from the suction drum 110 stops, the suction core sheet is attracted to the reversing drum 130 and adsorbed on the peripheral side surface of the reversing drum 130. When the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ adsorbed on the suction drum 110 is transferred to the reversal drum 130, the front and back are reversed.

  Here, the sheet material forming the lower layer core wrap sheet 32 is fed out from the sheet roll attached to the roll attachment portion 144, and after an adhesive such as hot melt is applied on the upper surface thereof, the sheet material is formed on the conveying device 146. Retained. The belt of the conveying device 146 moves in accordance with the rotation direction of the reversing drum while being in contact with or close to the peripheral side surface of the rotating reversing drum 130. In this way, the sheet material of the lower core wrap sheet 32 is conveyed by the conveying device 146 to the downstream side (right direction in FIG. 4) of the manufacturing apparatus.

  The absorbent core sheet 31 ′ adsorbed on the peripheral side surface of the reversing drum 130 moves downward of the reversing drum 139 as the reversing drum 130 rotates. The suction by the reversing drum 130 is released at a position in contact with or close to the lower layer core wrap sheet 32, and is sequentially transferred from the suction area 131 on the peripheral side surface to the sheet material of the lower layer core wrap sheet 32 on the transport device 146. On the sheet material of the lower layer core wrap sheet 32, the transferred absorbent core sheet 31 'is bonded with an adhesive.

  When the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ is transferred from the reversal drum 130 to the lower core wrap sheet 32, the superabsorbent polymer 31 a embedded and held in the fiber material 31 b is transferred to the gap portion 35 of the absorbent core sheet 31 ′. Fall. As described above, the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ has a shape in which the upper part protrudes in the direction in which the air gap exists, so that the superabsorbent polymer 31 a easily falls in the direction of gravity due to its own weight. Yes. Here, the conveyance device 146 of the lower core wrap sheet 32 may be vibrated by the vibration device 160 in order to promote the dropping of the superabsorbent polymer.

  When the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ and the lower layer core wrap sheet 32 are conveyed to the downstream side of the manufacturing apparatus, the sheet material of the upper layer core wrap sheet 33 is fed out from the roll sheet attached to the roll attachment portion 145. Then, an adhesive such as hot melt is applied to one surface of the sheet material of the upper core wrap sheet 33 by the covering means 141. The covering unit 141 adheres the adhesive-coated surface of the upper core wrap sheet 33 to the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ on the lower core wrap sheet 32. Accordingly, the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ is covered with the upper layer core wrap sheet 33 from the side opposite to the lower layer core wrap sheet 32.

  Subsequently, the lower layer core wrap sheet 32 and the upper layer core wrap sheet 33 are bonded so as to cover both side edges of the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ at the bonding portion 142 located downstream of the covering means 141. Further, the lower layer core wrap sheet 32 and the upper layer core wrap sheet 33 are also bonded at a position corresponding to the space 35 of the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ formed on the lower layer core wrap sheet 32. For joining the lower layer core wrap sheet 32 and the upper layer core wrap sheet 33, known means can be used. For example, the lower layer core wrap sheet 32 and the upper layer core wrap sheet 33 are formed by a hot melt adhesive applied on one side. Be joined. Thus, the groove part 34 is formed by joining the lower layer core wrap sheet 32 and the upper layer core wrap sheet 33 at a position corresponding to the gap 35 of the absorbent core wrap sheet 33 ′. Further, in the previous step in which the groove portion 34 is formed, the superabsorbent polymer 31a is dropped in the gap portion of the absorbent core sheet, so that the lower core wrap sheet 32 and the upper core wrap sheet 33 are formed in the groove portion 34. A high-absorbency polymer 31a is sandwiched between them. In this way, the lower core wrap sheet 32 and the upper core wrap sheet 33 are joined so as to cover both side edges of the absorptive core sheet 31 ′, whereby the absorbent sheet 3 ′ that is a continuous body of the absorbent body 3. Is formed.

  In the joint portion 142, the absorbent sheet 3 'may be sandwiched from above and below by two rollers and compressed. Thereby, the adhesive strength between the upper layer core wrap sheet 33, the lower layer core wrap sheet 32, and the absorbent core sheet 31 'is improved.

  When the absorbent sheet 3 ′ passes through the joining portion 142, the absorbent sheet 3 ′ is further transported downstream by the transport device 146, and is sequentially cut by the cutting unit 143 at a predetermined interval and perpendicular to the transport direction. The predetermined interval can be appropriately adjusted according to, for example, the length of the groove 34 in the longitudinal direction, and may be cut so that a pair of grooves 34 are formed in one absorbent 3. At this time, the absorbent material forming the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ is completely enclosed by the lower layer core wrap sheet 32 and the upper layer core wrap sheet 33. When the absorbent core sheet 31 ′ is cut, the absorbent core 31 is formed. Thereby, the some absorber 3 in which the absorptive core 31 was included between the core wrap sheets is formed.

  The plurality of absorbers 3 are received by the sheet material of the back sheet 1 disposed on the conveying device 156 and arranged at a predetermined pitch on the sheet material of the back sheet 1. And the some absorber 3 is conveyed in the apparatus downstream in the state adhere | attached on the sheet | seat material of the backsheet 1. FIG.

  When the sheet material of the absorber 3 and the back sheet 1 is conveyed to the downstream side, the sheet material of the top sheet 2 is unwound from a roll attached to the roll 152, and an adhesive is applied to one side. The covering means 153 adheres the adhesive-coated surface of the sheet material of the top sheet 2 to the absorber 3 on the sheet material of the back sheet 1. Thereby, the absorber 3 is covered with the top sheet 2 from the side opposite to the back sheet 1. Then, the back sheet 1 and the top sheet 2 are joined around the absorbent body 3 by the joining means 154 to form the absorbent article sheet 10 ′ that is a continuous body of the absorbent article 10.

  When the absorbent article sheet 10 ′ passes through the joining means 154, it is transported further downstream by the transport device 156, and is sequentially cut by the cutting means 155 perpendicularly to the transport direction at a predetermined interval. What is necessary is just to adjust a predetermined space | interval suitably according to the length of the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article 10, for example. At this time, the absorber 3 is enclosed by the back sheet 1 and the top sheet 2. When the absorbent article sheet 10 ′ is cut, it becomes a plurality of absorbent articles 10. Thereby, the some absorbent article which the absorber 3 interposes between the back sheet 1 and the top sheet 2 can be formed.

  The absorbent article according to the present invention can be applied to, for example, disposable diapers and urine pads for infants and the elderly. Moreover, according to the manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of the absorbent article which concern on this invention, the absorbent article which concerns on this invention can be manufactured suitably. Therefore, the present invention can be used in industries related to childcare and nursing care.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Back sheet 2 Top sheet 3 Absorber 4 Three-dimensional gather 10 Absorbent article 31 Absorbent core 31 'Absorbent core sheet 31a Super absorbent polymer 31b Textile material 32 Lower layer core wrap sheet 33 Upper layer core wrap sheet 34 Groove part 35 Cavity 36 Inclination Surface 41 Elastic elastic body 51 Front body 52 Rear body 53 Fastening tape 54 Cover sheet 100 Manufacturing apparatus 110 Suction drum 111 Suction area 112 Masking plate 120 Absorbing material supply means 121 Crushing cylinder 122 Duct 123 Polymer supply section 130 Reversing drum 131 Suction area 140 Absorber Forming Mechanism 141 Covering Unit 142 Joining Unit 143 Cutting Unit 144 Roll Mounting Portion (Lower Core Wrap Sheet)
145 Roll mounting part (upper core wrap sheet)
146 Conveying device 150 Absorbent article forming mechanism 151 Roll mounting portion (back sheet)
152 Roll mounting part (top sheet)
153 Covering means 154 Joining means 155 Cutting means 156 Conveying device 160 Vibration device

Claims (7)

An absorbent article (10) comprising a backsheet (1), a topsheet (2), and an absorber (3) interposed between the backsheet (1) and the topsheet (2),
The absorber (3)
An absorbent core (31) in which a superabsorbent polymer (31a) is embedded and held in a fiber material (31b);
A lower layer core wrap sheet (32) for covering the absorbent core (31) from the back sheet (1) side;
An upper core wrap sheet (33) for covering the absorbent core (31) from the top sheet (2) side;
The absorbent core (31) is disposed on the lower core wrap sheet (32) with a gap extending in the longitudinal direction of the absorber (3),
The lower core wrap sheet (32) and the upper core wrap sheet (33) are joined at a portion corresponding to the space of the absorbent core (31), so that at least the upper core of the absorbent body (3). A groove (34) extending in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body (3) is formed in the wrap sheet (33),
The absorbent article (10), wherein the superabsorbent polymer (31a) is sandwiched between the lower layer core wrap sheet (32) and the upper layer core wrap sheet (33) in the groove (34).
Between the lower core wrap sheet (32) and the upper core wrap sheet (33) in the groove (34), the absorbent core (31) was embedded and held in the fiber material (31b). The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein only the superabsorbent polymer (31a) is sandwiched.
The superabsorbent polymer (31a) sandwiched between the lower layer core wrap sheet (32) and the upper layer core wrap sheet (33) in the groove (34) is 1 mg / cm ² or more and 20 mg / cm ² or less. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.
A method for producing an absorbent article (10) comprising an absorbent (3),
A substantially cylindrical suction drum (110) that rotates about a predetermined rotation axis, and has a suction area (111) and a non-breathable masking plate disposed on the suction area (111) on a peripheral side surface thereof While the suction drum (110) having (112) is rotated, the absorbent material in which the superabsorbent polymer (31a) is buried and held in the fiber material (31b) is adsorbed to the suction region (111), and the masking plate A material adsorbing step for forming an absorbent core sheet that is a continuous body having voids corresponding to the shape of (112);
An absorptive core sheet adsorbed by the suction drum (110) is disposed on a peripheral side surface of a substantially cylindrical reversing drum (130) that rotates in a direction opposite to the suction drum (110) about a predetermined rotation axis. Among them, a reversing step for adsorbing a surface opposite to the surface adsorbed to the suction drum (110),
From the peripheral side surface of the reversing drum (130) onto the lower core wrap sheet (32) moving in the rotation direction of the reversing drum (130) while contacting or approaching the peripheral side surface of the reversing drum (130) rotating A transfer step of transferring the absorbent core sheet;
A coating step of covering the absorbent core sheet transferred onto the lower core wrap sheet (32) with the upper core wrap sheet (33) from the side opposite to the lower core wrap sheet (32);
Absorber that is a continuous body in which grooves (34) are formed by joining the lower layer core wrap sheet (32) and the upper layer core wrap sheet (33) at the portion corresponding to the gap portion of the absorbent core sheet A joining process for forming a sheet;
The absorbent sheet is cut at a predetermined interval to form an absorbent body (3) having an absorbent core (31) covered with the lower core wrap sheet (32) and the upper core wrap sheet (33). Cutting process,
The masking plate (112) is disposed on the suction region (111) of the absorption drum (110) so as to extend in the circumferential direction of the absorption drum (110).
The cross-sectional shape in the short direction of the masking plate (112) is a quadrangular shape in which the lower side that is the side in contact with the suction region (111) is longer than the upper side that is the side facing the lower side,
From the time when the absorbent core sheet is transferred to the lower core wrap sheet (32) until the lower core wrap sheet (32) and the upper core wrap sheet (33) are joined in the space of the absorbent core sheet. A method for producing an absorbent article, wherein the superabsorbent polymer (31a) embedded and held in the fiber material (31a) of the absorbent core sheet is dropped into a gap portion of the absorbent core sheet.
5. The method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein the masking plate (112) has an angle located at both ends of the upper side in a cross-sectional shape in a short direction of 100 degrees or more and 150 degrees or less.
From the time when the absorbent core sheet is transferred to the lower core wrap sheet (32) until the lower core wrap sheet (32) and the upper core wrap sheet (33) are joined in the space of the absorbent core sheet. In the meantime, by vibrating the absorbent core sheet or the absorbent core sheet conveying device with a vibration device, the superabsorbent polymer (31a) embedded and held in the fiber material (31a) of the absorbent core sheet The method for producing an absorbent article according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the product is dropped into a gap portion of the absorbent core sheet.
An apparatus (100) for manufacturing an absorbent article (10) including an absorbent (3),
A suction drum (110), an absorbent material supply means (120), a reversing drum (130), a covering means (141), a joining means (142), and a cutting means (143);
The suction drum (110)
A substantially cylindrical shape that rotates about a predetermined rotation axis, and a suction region (111) and a non-breathable masking plate (112) disposed on the suction region (111) are provided on a peripheral side surface thereof. Have
The absorbent material supply means (120)
An absorbent material including a fiber material (31b) embedded and held in a superabsorbent polymer (31a) is supplied to the peripheral side surface of the suction drum (110), and the absorbent material is sucked into the suction drum (110). Adsorbing to the region (111), and forming the absorbent core sheet as a continuous body having a gap corresponding to the shape of the masking plate (112) on the suction drum (110),
The reversing drum (130)
Of the absorbent core sheet adsorbed by the suction drum (110) on the peripheral side surface of the absorbent core sheet that rotates in the opposite direction to the suction drum (110) about a predetermined rotation axis, Moves in the rotation direction of the reversing drum (130) while adsorbing the surface opposite to the surface adsorbed to the suction drum (110) and contacting or approaching the peripheral side surface of the rotating reversing drum (130) Transferring the absorbent core sheet from the peripheral side surface of the reversing drum (130) onto the lower core wrap sheet (32)
The covering means (141)
The absorbent core sheet transferred onto the lower core wrap sheet (32) by the reversing drum (130) is coated with the upper core wrap sheet (33) from the surface opposite to the lower core wrap sheet (32). Let
The joining means (142)
The upper layer core wrap sheet (33) covered by the covering means (141) and the lower layer core wrap sheet (32) are joined at a portion corresponding to the gap portion of the absorbent core sheet, so that the groove (34 ) Is formed as an absorbent sheet,
The cutting means (143)
The absorbent core (31) whose periphery is covered with the lower layer core wrap sheet (32) and the upper layer core wrap sheet (33) by cutting the absorbent sheet formed by the joining means (142) at a predetermined interval. Forming an absorber (3) having,
here,
The masking plate (112) is disposed on the suction region (111) of the absorption drum (110) so as to extend in the circumferential direction of the absorption drum (110).
The cross-sectional shape in the short direction of the masking plate (112) is a quadrangular shape in which the lower side that is the side in contact with the suction region (111) is longer than the upper side that is the side facing the lower side,
As a result,
From the time when the absorbent core sheet is transferred to the lower core wrap sheet (32) until the lower core wrap sheet (32) and the upper core wrap sheet (33) are joined in the space of the absorbent core sheet. The absorbent article manufacturing apparatus (100) for dropping the superabsorbent polymer (31a) embedded and held in the fiber material (31a) of the absorbent core sheet into the gap portion of the absorbent core sheet during .

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