JP2017099814A - Production method of absorbent article - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method capable of correctly measuring quality of an arrangement state of a constitution member of an absorbent article.SOLUTION: A semifinished product 4 of an absorbent article 5 is wound on a light transmissive portion on a peripheral face of a drum 21, and then based on a transmission image when a light is radiated to the semifinished product 4 from a light source 25 installed in the drum 21, in a state of stretching the semifinished product 4 on the peripheral face, a position of a prescribed portion on the semifinished product 4 is measured. The transmission image is acquired by a line sensor 26 installed on outside of the drum 21 and having a visual field along an axial line direction of the drum 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for producing various absorbent articles including disposable diapers and sanitary napkins.

  In a production line for various absorbent articles such as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins, a device that intermittently arranges constituent members such as absorbent bodies on a continuous web is used (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In order to arrange components at precise positions on the continuous web using these devices, it is necessary to optimize the arrangement timing of the components. However, it may be necessary to readjust the arrangement position due to variations in the raw materials of the constituent members.

  On the other hand, since many of the absorbent articles include an elastic member therein, when the continuous web is cut into individual absorbent articles, the elastic member contracts, resulting in the production line. It becomes difficult to accurately measure the position of the absorbent article.

  For example, a method described in Patent Document 3 is known as a method for determining the quality of an absorbent article by measuring the arrangement position of the constituent members of the absorbent article on the production line. In this method, as shown in FIG. 4, the semi-finished product 104 continuously conveyed in the conveying direction D ′ is brought into contact with the surface of the light-transmitting drum 121, and the semi-finished product 104 is extended. The quality of the semi-finished product is determined based on the transmission image when light is irradiated. The semi-finished product 104 is composed of a continuous web 103 in which absorbent bodies 102 are arranged at a predetermined interval. Light is emitted from a light source 125 installed inside the drum 121, and transmitted light is detected by a camera 126 arranged outside the drum 121.

JP-A-9-294769 International Publication No. 01/44086 Pamphlet JP 2008-136943 A

  In the method described in Patent Literature 3, transmitted light is detected by the two-dimensional camera 126 as shown in FIG. 4 and an image for one absorbent article is acquired. In this case, since the peripheral surface of the drum 121 is a curved surface, the acquired image is likely to be distorted along the conveyance direction D ′ with respect to the axis A ′ of the drum 121 as shown in FIG. In particular, when the absorbent article is conveyed along its longitudinal direction, a large-diameter drum 121 is required to obtain an image of the entire article, and the apparatus is likely to be large.

  Therefore, the subject of this invention exists in improvement of the manufacturing method of an absorbent article, and it is providing the method of measuring the quality of the arrangement state of the structural member of an absorbent article correctly in detail.

The present invention wraps a semi-finished product of an absorbent article that is continuously conveyed around the light transmissive portion of the peripheral surface of a rotatable drum having at least a light transmissive portion on the peripheral surface. The position of a predetermined part in the semi-finished product is measured based on a transmission image when light is emitted toward the semi-finished product from a light source installed inside the drum with the semi-finished product extended. A method for producing an absorbent article comprising a step,
The semi-finished product has a structure in which absorbers are arranged at a predetermined interval on a continuous web, or has a structure in which absorbers are arranged at a predetermined interval in a continuous web,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing an absorbent article, wherein the transmission image is acquired by a line sensor that is installed outside the drum and has a visual field along the axial direction of the drum.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in the manufacture process of an absorbent article, the arrangement position and dimension of this absorbent article and its structural member can be measured correctly.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a production apparatus suitably used in the method for producing an absorbent article of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a main part of the measuring apparatus in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing how the quality of the semi-finished product is determined according to the position of the absorber measured by the measuring device. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing an example of an apparatus for acquiring an image of a semi-finished product used in a conventional method for manufacturing an absorbent article. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image of a semi-finished product acquired using the apparatus shown in FIG.

  The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a production apparatus suitably used in the method for producing an absorbent article of the present invention. In addition, the figure shows only the principal part in the manufacturing apparatus of an absorbent article, and does not show all the parts of the manufacturing apparatus.

  A production apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a transfer drum 10 that arranges an absorbent body 2 produced by a fiber stacking apparatus (not shown) on a continuous web 3 that is conveyed along a conveyance direction D. The transfer drum 10 is rotatable in the direction indicated by the arrow R in FIG. The transfer drum 10 has a structure capable of sucking air from its peripheral surface toward the inside. The absorbent body 2 formed by a fiber stacking device (not shown) is transferred from the fiber stacking device to the peripheral surface of the transfer drum 10. The absorber 2 transferred to the peripheral surface of the transfer drum 10 approaches the continuous web 3 as the transfer drum 10 rotates, and is transferred to the continuous web 3.

  The continuous web 3 is comprised from one member of the various members which comprise the absorbent article which is the object of manufacture. For example, as the continuous web 3, an original sheet of a back sheet and an original sheet of a top sheet can be used, but the invention is not limited to these. The continuous web 3 is unwound from the wound body (not shown), and is conveyed along the direction shown by the arrow D in FIG. As the back sheet and the top sheet, those similar to those used so far in the technical field of absorbent articles can be used. For example, as the back sheet, a synthetic resin film, a laminate of the film and a nonwoven fabric, a liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric, or the like can be used. The synthetic resin film is preferably liquid impermeable and water vapor permeable. As the surface sheet, a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric or a perforated film can be used. When the surface sheet is made of a nonwoven fabric, the surface sheet may be composed of a single nonwoven fabric or a laminate of a plurality of nonwoven fabrics.

  The absorbent body 2 disposed on the continuous web 3 can be composed of a water-absorbing material. As the water-absorbing material, hydrophilic fibers and water-absorbing polymers can be used. Examples of the hydrophilic fiber include natural cellulose fibers such as pulp, but are not limited thereto. The absorber 2 may have a structure with the same thickness at any position, or may have a structure in which the thickness of a specific part is larger than that of other parts.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the absorber 2 is disposed at a distance from the peripheral surface of the transfer drum 10, whereby the absorber 2 is disposed at a distance on the continuous web 3. The absorbent body 2 is arranged on the continuous web 3 so that the longitudinal direction thereof coincides with the transport direction D of the continuous web 3. And when it sees along the conveyance direction D of the continuous web 3, the distance between the front-end edge of a certain absorber 2 and the front-end edge of the absorber 2 adjacent to it in the front-back direction is one absorbent article. It becomes the length along the longitudinal direction. Depending on the type of absorbent article, the absorbent body 2 may be arranged on the continuous web 3 so that the width direction of the absorbent body 2 coincides with the conveyance direction D of the continuous web 3.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, other than constituting the absorbent article to be manufactured after the absorbent body 2 is arranged on the continuous web 3, before or before the absorbent body 2 is arranged. These members may be arranged. Examples of such members include, but are not limited to, various elastic members such as thread rubber and flat rubber, fastening tapes, leak-proof cuffs, and other continuous webs. And the continuous body in which the absorbent body 2 is disposed on the continuous web 3 or the continuous body in which other members are disposed in addition to the absorbent body 2 is referred to as a semi-finished product 4 in the present invention. . The semi-finished product 4 has a structure in which the absorbent bodies 2 are arranged on the continuous web 3 at a predetermined interval, or a structure in which the absorbent bodies 2 are arranged at a predetermined interval in a plurality of continuous webs including the continuous web 3. A typical example is that having In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a continuous body in which the absorbent body 2 is arranged on the continuous web 3 corresponds to the semi-finished product 4.

  The manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a measuring device 20 for the semi-finished product 4 at a position downstream of the transfer drum 10 when viewed in the transport direction D. The measuring device 20 can measure the arrangement positions of various members incorporated in the semi-finished product 4. Details of the measuring device 20 will be described later.

  In the manufacturing apparatus 1, an apparatus (not shown) for incorporating various members into the semi-finished product 4 is disposed at a position downstream of the measuring apparatus 20 along the transport direction D. Examples of the various members include, but are not limited to, various elastic members such as thread rubber and flat rubber, fastening tapes, leak-proof cuffs, and other continuous webs. By incorporating these various members into the semi-finished product 4, the semi-finished product 4 becomes a continuous body immediately before becoming an absorbent article to be manufactured. The continuous product, that is, the semi-finished product 4 at the final stage is cut by the cutting device 30 to obtain the intended absorbent article 5. The absorbent article 5 includes one or more post-processes for each water-absorbent article such as a bi-folding process and a reversing process.

  The cutting device 30 includes a pair of rolls including an anvil roll 31 and a cut roll 32. The rolls 31 and 32 rotate in opposite directions and along the transport direction D. The anvil roll 31 is a roll having a smooth peripheral surface. The cutting roll 32 is provided with a cutting blade 33 extending along the axial direction on the peripheral surface thereof. The cutting roll 32 comes into contact with the semi-finished product 4 each time it rotates, and cuts the semi-finished product 4 along its width direction. Therefore, the distance by which the semi-finished product 4 is conveyed while the cut roll 32 rotates once corresponds to the length of the target absorbent article in the longitudinal direction.

  A discharge device 40 is installed at a position downstream of the cutting device 30 along the transport direction D. The discharge device 40 has a mechanism for discharging the absorbent article 5 determined to have a defect by the measuring device 20 described above to the outside of the production line.

  In the manufacturing method of the absorbent article using the apparatus 1 having the above configuration, the absorbent body 2 is arranged on the continuous web 3, and the semi-finished product 4 that is continuously conveyed along the conveyance direction D, It introduces into the measuring device 20 and measures the position of a predetermined part in the semi-finished product 4. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the measuring device 20 includes a cylindrical drum 21. The drum 21 can be rotated along the conveyance direction D of the semi-finished product 4. The drum 21 is rotated by a motor 23 via a drive belt 22 connected to the drum 21. The peripheral speed of the drum 21 is controlled to be the same as the conveyance speed of the semi-finished product 4.

  The drum 21 is arranged in the conveyance line of the manufacturing apparatus 1 so that the axial direction thereof is orthogonal to the conveyance direction D of the semi-finished product 4. The drum 21 has at least a light transmissive portion (not shown) on its peripheral surface. The light transmissive portion extends at least in the axial direction of the drum 21, and the length along the axial direction is equal to or longer than the length in the width direction of the semi-finished product 4. Further, the light transmissive portion has a length along the rotation direction of the drum 21 that is equal to or longer than the width of an image acquired by the line sensor 26 described later.

  Guide rollers 24 a and 24 b are arranged at positions upstream and downstream of the drum 21 along the conveyance direction D. These rollers 24a and 24b are used for winding the semi-finished product 4 around a light-transmitting portion of the peripheral surface of the drum 21 and extending the semi-finished product 4 on the peripheral surface. Extending the semi-finished product 4 means extending the semi-finished product 4 to its design dimensions. The semi-finished product 4 is conveyed along with the rotation of the drum 21 while being stretched along the circumferential surface of the drum 21 by being extended.

  A light source 25 is installed inside the drum 21. It is preferable that the light source 25 is disposed at a position near the rotation center of the drum 21 or in the vicinity thereof. The light source 25 is linear and extends along the axial direction of the drum 21. The length that the light source 25 extends is equal to or longer than the length of the light-transmitting portion described above. The light from the light source 25 is irradiated linearly toward the semi-finished product 4 extended on the peripheral surface of the drum 21.

  A line sensor 26 is installed outside the drum 21. The line sensor 26 is disposed so as to face the light source 25 and be able to receive the orthogonal light from the light source 25. In the figure, a state is shown in which the light from the light source 25 irradiated vertically upward is received by the line sensor 26 located immediately above the light source. The line sensor 26 is configured to acquire a transmission image of light emitted from the light source 25 toward the semi-finished product 4.

  The line sensor 26 is a one-dimensional imaging unit in which light receiving elements are arranged in a line. The light receiving elements are arranged in a one-dimensional line, for example, in the form of 1024 × 1 pixel, 2048 × 1 pixel, and 4096 × 1 pixel. The line sensor 26 has a one-dimensional field of view along the axial direction of the drum 21. The line sensor 26 is characterized in that a large field of view can be secured as compared with an area camera that is a two-dimensional imaging means. When the line sensor 26 is used, the semi-finished product 4 that is a subject does not need to be a flat surface, and therefore there is no distortion even when the semi-finished product 4 is extended along the peripheral surface of the drum 21 that is a curved surface. An image can be obtained. In particular, a highly accurate image can be obtained by installing the line sensor 26 immediately above the drum 21 where the conveyance of the semi-finished product 4 is mechanically most stable.

  Of the imaging area of the semi-finished product 4 by the line sensor 26, the width of the imaging area along the rotation direction of the drum 21 depends on the distance between the drum 21 and the line sensor 26. The closer the distance between the drum 21 and the line sensor 26, the higher the accuracy of imaging. Therefore, it is desirable to set the distance between the drum 21 and the line sensor 26 in consideration of the imaging accuracy and the balance between the imaging processing speed and the conveyance speed of the semifinished product 4.

  The line sensor 26 is electrically connected to the image inspection device 27. An image captured by the line sensor 26 is transmitted to the image inspection device 27. In addition, an imaging start signal is transmitted from the image inspection apparatus 27 toward the line sensor 26. The line sensor 26 takes an image every time the signal is received.

  The image inspection device 27 is also electrically connected to the motor amplifier 28. The motor amplifier 28 receives pulses generated by the encoder 29 attached to the motor 23 described above. The motor amplifier 28 is also connected to the motor 23 and controls the rotation of the motor 23. When the motor amplifier 28 receives a pulse generated by the encoder 29, the motor amplifier 28 transmits a signal corresponding to the received pulse to the image inspection device 27. When the image inspection device 27 receives the signal, an image pickup start signal is transmitted from the image inspection device 27 toward the line sensor 26.

  The actual imaging width (that is, the length along the rotation direction of the drum 21) corresponding to an image of one line captured by the line sensor 26, that is, an image of one pixel is x (mm), and the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article When the length of the product is y (mm), in order to acquire an image over the entire length of the absorbent article, the semi-finished product 4 is conveyed by a distance corresponding to the length of one absorbent article. , Y / x line scans are required. For this purpose, the encoder 29 generates y / x pulses while the semi-finished product 4 is conveyed by a distance corresponding to the length of one absorbent article. The pulse is transmitted to the image inspection device 27 via the motor amplifier 28.

  Even when the conveyance speed of the semi-finished product 4 changes for some reason, the number of pulses generated while the semi-finished product 4 is conveyed by a distance corresponding to the length of one absorbent article does not change. . Therefore, in this case, the pulse generation interval changes. When the conveyance speed of the semifinished product 4 changes, a control signal is transmitted from the motor control unit 51 in the line controller 50 provided in the manufacturing apparatus 1 to the motor amplifier 28, and the rotation speed of the drum 21 is set to the semifinished product. The rotational speed of the motor 23 is adjusted so as to be the same as the transport speed of 4.

  The one-dimensional transmission image of the semi-finished product 4 acquired by the line sensor 26 is accumulated in the image inspection device 27, and a two-dimensional transmission image is generated based on the plurality of one-dimensional transmission images. This two-dimensional transmission image corresponds to the size of one absorbent article. In order to generate such a two-dimensional transmission image, it is advantageous to first set a reference signal that triggers generation of the two-dimensional transmission image. As the reference signal, it is preferable to use a signal generated by a post-process for processing each absorbent article after measuring the semi-finished product 4 by the measuring device 20. For example, a signal generated when the semi-finished product 4 is cut by the cutting device 30 to obtain an absorbent article can be used. Specifically, in this embodiment, since the cutting is performed every time the cutting roll 32 installed in the cutting apparatus 30 makes one rotation, an encoder 34 is attached to the cutting roll 32 and the cutting roll 32 is attached. Is configured to generate a signal from the encoder 34 every time the motor rotates once, and to transmit this signal to the timing controller 52 of the line controller 50. Alternatively, a dog that is turned ON once in one rotation is installed on the cut roll, and a signal is received by a proximity sensor or the like and transmitted to the timing control unit 52 of the line controller 50. A signal generated from the encoder 34 or the proximity sensor is used as a reference signal. When the timing control unit 52 receives this reference signal, the trigger signal 53 is transmitted from the timing control unit 52 to the image inspection apparatus 27. Upon receipt of the trigger signal 53, the image inspection device 27 sequentially joins the one-dimensional transmission images to generate a two-dimensional transmission image. The generation of the two-dimensional transmission image is completed when the image inspection device 27 receives a signal generated corresponding to the conveyance distance of the semi-finished product 4. Specifically, in the above-described example, after receiving the trigger signal 53, when the pulse generated by the encoder 29 is received y / x times, the joining of the one-dimensional transmission images is finished, The generation of the three-dimensional transmission image is completed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a signal generated corresponding to the conveyance distance of the semi-finished product 4 and a signal generated corresponding to processing for each absorbent article in a subsequent process such as a cutting process. Based on (that is, the trigger signal 53), a plurality of one-dimensional transmission images acquired by the line sensor 26 are sequentially connected to acquire a two-dimensional transmission image. Adopting such a two-dimensional transmission image acquisition method eliminates distortion of the acquired image and makes the influence of illumination uniform compared to when the image is captured in two dimensions. There is an advantage that it is suitable for.

  The transmission image data for one absorbent article acquired by the above procedure is compared with a predetermined value input in advance to the image inspection apparatus 27, and the position of a predetermined part in the semi-finished product 4 is measured. Thereby, the quality of the semi-finished product 4 is determined. For example, transmission image data for one absorbent article is stored as two-dimensional coordinate data, which is compared with preset coordinate data input in advance. When the difference between the coordinate data of each part in the semi-finished product 4 and the predetermined coordinate data is within a predetermined range, the semi-finished product 4 is determined to be a non-defective product. Conversely, when the difference between the coordinate data obtained by measurement and the predetermined coordinate data exceeds a predetermined range, the semi-finished product 4 is determined to be defective.

  As coordinate data in the semi-finished product 4, for example, coordinate data at the position of the edge of the continuous web 3 can be cited. The edge of the continuous web 3 is an edge extending along the transport direction D. By measuring the position of the edge of the continuous web 3, the degree of meandering of the continuous web 3 can be determined.

  Another coordinate data is coordinate data at the position of the edge of the absorber 2. The edge of the absorbent body 2 includes both an edge extending along the transport direction D and an edge extending along a direction orthogonal to the transport direction D. By measuring the position of the edge part of the absorber 2, it can be determined whether the absorber 2 is arrange | positioned as shown with the code | symbol A in FIG. Moreover, when the absorber 2 is arrange | positioned at the continuous web 3, as shown by code | symbol B1 and B2 in FIG. 3, whether the absorber 2 is arrange | positioned in the appropriate position on the continuous web 3, And as shown by the code | symbol C in FIG. 3, it can be determined whether the absorber 2 does not have defects, such as a chip | tip, and the shape is a predetermined thing.

  Still another coordinate data includes coordinate data of various elastic members arranged in the semi-finished product 4. In the semi-finished product 4, there is generally an elastic member extending along the conveyance direction D and an elastic member extending along a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction D. The coordinate data of the elastic member referred to here is It is the coordinate data of at least one of the elastic members. By measuring the position of the elastic member, it can be determined whether or not the elastic member is arranged. Further, when the elastic member is arranged, it is arranged whether or not the elastic member is arranged at an appropriate position on the continuous web 3, and the elastic member has no defect such as cutting, and is arranged over a predetermined length. It can be determined whether or not.

  Furthermore, when the absorbent article is a tape-type unfolded disposable diaper, at least a part of the coordinate data in the contour of the fastening tape can be measured. By measuring the position of the contour of the fastening tape, it can be determined whether or not the fastening tape is arranged on the continuous web 3. Moreover, when the fastening tape is arrange | positioned at the continuous web 3, it can be determined whether this fastening tape is arrange | positioned in the appropriate position on the continuous web 3. FIG. In this embodiment, it is preferable to measure the position of at least one of the above-described various members constituting the semi-finished product 4.

  Unlike the conventional method, the two-dimensional transmission image acquired according to the above method is not distorted. Therefore, the position of each part in the semi-finished product 4 can be specified accurately. As a result, the arrangement position and dimensions of the absorbent article and its constituent members can be accurately measured, and the setting conditions for operating the apparatus can be optimized at an early stage. Thereby, the start-up time of the apparatus can be shortened, and the yield can be improved. As a result, it can be used for improving the quality of the absorbent article. Moreover, even when the size of the absorbent article is large or when the length along the transport direction D is long, there is no need to use a large-diameter drum. That is, the drum can be reduced in size as compared with the prior art described in Patent Document 3. As a result, the apparatus 1 can be reduced in size. Moreover, since it is not necessary to use a large-diameter drum, tension can be applied evenly to the semi-finished product 4 that is extended between the pair of guides 24a and 24b. Further, the range in which the semi-finished product 4 is wound around the peripheral surface of the drum 21 is at least the range in which the line sensor 26 acquires a one-dimensional transmission image, so that the contact between the semi-finished product 4 and the drum 21 may be reduced. it can. Accordingly, when the drum 21 is damaged or the drum 21 is contaminated, the replacement frequency of the drum 21 can be reduced. Moreover, since the semi-finished product 4 receives little damage, the quality of the intended absorbent article 5 is improved.

  The result of measuring the position of the predetermined part in the semi-finished product 4 and judging the quality of the semi-finished product 4 by the above method is the inspection judgment signal 54 from the image inspection apparatus 27 to the discharge controller 55 of the line controller 50. Sent. If the inspection determination signal 54 is a signal indicating “defective”, the discharge control unit 55 transmits a discharge signal 56 toward the discharge device 40. Upon receiving the discharge signal 56, the discharge device 40 discharges the absorbent article 5 ′ as a defective product when the absorbent product 5 ′ corresponding to the part determined to be defective in the semi-finished product 4 reaches the discharge device 40. Perform the discharge process.

  According to the present embodiment, the occurrence of defective products can be reduced by feeding back the result of measuring the position of the predetermined part in the semi-finished product 4 by the above method. For example, the position of the front edge or the rear edge along the conveyance direction D of the semi-finished product 4 in the absorbent body 2 in the semi-finished product 4 is measured, and a deviation between the coordinate data of the position and the predetermined coordinate data is predetermined. When the range is exceeded, the arrangement position of the absorbent body 2 along the conveyance direction D of the semi-finished product 4 is adjusted based on the measurement result so that the absorbent body 2 is disposed at an appropriate position on the continuous web 3. be able to. Adjustment of the arrangement position of the absorber 2 is achieved, for example, by adjusting the rotational speed of the transfer drum 10. In addition to this, by adjusting the processing timing of the semi-finished product 4 in the post-process rather than the measurement step, or the processing timing of the semi-finished product 4 in all the steps, each member constituting the semi-finished product 4 is positioned at an appropriate position Can be arranged. Thus, the position of the front edge or the rear edge along the conveyance direction D of the semi-finished product 4 in the absorber 2 is measured, and (b) the absorbent body 2 along the conveyance direction D of the semi-finished product 4 based on the measurement result. By adjusting at least one of (b) the processing timing of the semi-finished product 4 in the subsequent process, and (c) the processing timing of the semi-finished product 4 in all the processes, Can be reduced.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on the preferable embodiment, this invention is not restrict | limited to the said embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, one measuring device 20 is installed in the manufacturing apparatus 1, but the number of measuring devices 20 is not limited to one, and a plurality of measuring devices may be used depending on the processing state of the semi-finished product 4. 20 can be installed in the transport line. For example, after the absorber 2 is disposed on the continuous web 3, the first measuring device is installed, and an elastic member or another continuous web is disposed on the continuous web 3 at a position downstream thereof, and the position downstream thereof. A second measuring device can be installed.

  Moreover, the site | part of the semi-finished product 4 measured by the measuring apparatus 20 is not restricted to the continuous web 3 mentioned above, the absorber 2, an elastic member, and a fastening tape, In addition to that, the member which comprises the semi-finished product 4 is made into the object of measurement. Also good.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Absorbent article manufacturing apparatus 2 Absorber 3 Continuous web 4 Semi-finished product 5 Absorbent article 10 Transfer drum 20 Measuring device 21 Drum 22 Drive belt 23 Motor 24a, 24b Guide roller 25 Light source 26 Line sensor 27 Image inspection device 28 Motor amplifier 29 Encoder 30 Cutting device 31 Anvil roll 32 Cut roll 33 Cutting blade 34 Encoder 40 Discharge device 50 Line controller 51 Motor controller 52 Timing controller 53 Trigger signal 54 Inspection determination signal 55 Discharge controller 56 Discharge signal

Claims (5)

A semi-finished product of an absorbent article that is continuously conveyed is wound around the light-transmitting portion of the peripheral surface of a rotatable drum having at least a light-transmitting portion on the peripheral surface, and the semi-finished product is wound on the peripheral surface. A step of measuring a position of a predetermined part in the semi-finished product based on a transmission image when the semi-finished product is irradiated with light from a light source installed inside the drum in a state where the product is extended; A method of manufacturing an absorbent article,
The semi-finished product has a structure in which absorbers are arranged at a predetermined interval on a continuous web, or has a structure in which absorbers are arranged at a predetermined interval in a continuous web,
A method for manufacturing an absorbent article, wherein the transmission image is acquired by a line sensor installed outside the drum and having a visual field along the axial direction of the drum. The semi-finished product includes the continuous web, the absorbent body, and an elastic member,
The absorptivity according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the position of the continuous web edge, the position of the edge of the absorber, and the position of the elastic member in the acquired transmission image is measured. Article manufacturing method. After the measurement of the position of the predetermined part in the semi-finished product, including one or more post-processes for processing each absorbent article,
A plurality of signals acquired by the line sensor based on a signal generated corresponding to the conveyance distance of the semi-finished product and a signal generated corresponding to processing of each absorbent article in the post process. The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of Claim 1 or 2 which connects a one-dimensional transmission image sequentially, and acquires the two-dimensional transmission image. After the measurement of the position of the predetermined part in the semi-finished product, including a cutting step of cutting the semi-finished product into an absorbent article for each sheet,
Based on the result of measuring the position of the predetermined part in the semi-finished product, the quality of the semi-finished product is determined, and the absorbent article corresponding to the part determined to be defective in the semi-finished product is regarded as a defective product after the cutting step. The manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in any one of Claim 1 thru | or 3 which further includes the discharge | emission process to discharge | emit.   The position of the front edge or the rear edge along the conveyance direction of the semi-finished product in the absorber is measured, and the arrangement position of the absorber along the conveyance direction of the semi-finished product, processing in the post-process based on the measurement result The manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4 which adjusts at least 1 of a timing and the process timing in all the processes.

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