JP2017119053A - Method for manufacturing absorbent article - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To save work such as adjusting a device, even when longitudinal lengths are different in a method for manufacturing a plurality of absorbent articles that are same-type products, but have mutually different longitudinal lengths.SOLUTION: The manufacturing method includes: an arrangement step of arranging one absorbent article 2 out of a plurality of absorbent articles 2 such that an absorption central area STA of the absorbent article enters between a first position in which the longitudinal direction and a conveyance direction MD orthogonally cross with each other and that is separated from a reference line 60 by a first distance DF1 in a transverse direction CD, and a second position that is separated therefrom by a second distance DF2; and a folding step of folding the absorbent article at the first position and the second position. The longitudinal length of the absorption central area of the plurality of absorbent articles, the first position and the second position are set in common among the plurality of absorbent articles. In the transverse direction, a distance between the first position and the second position is longer than the length of the absorption central area. Another absorbent article with a different length in the longitudinal direction out of the plurality of absorbent articles is further subjected to the arrangement step and the folding step.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

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

  In manufacturing absorbers or sanitary products, a technology is known in which a product is manufactured while transporting members constituting the product, with the transport direction being the direction that is the width direction of the product, not the direction that is the longitudinal direction of the product. . That is, in the manufacturing methods of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the absorbent body or the sanitary product is manufactured with the width direction of the absorbent body or the sanitary product as the transport direction and the longitudinal direction as the transverse direction perpendicular to the transport direction. In this manufacturing method, the absorbent body or the sanitary article is conveyed so that the center in the transverse direction in the manufacturing line coincides with the center in the longitudinal direction in the product. This is because an absorbent article such as an absorbent body or a sanitary article and its manufacturing apparatus are designed so that the line center matches the product center.

JP 2007-6923 A JP-A-9-215707

  There are a plurality of absorbent articles having the same type of product but having different lengths in the longitudinal direction. For example, in the case of sanitary napkins, the lengths in the longitudinal direction are different between daytime and nighttime. When manufacturing such an absorbent article with the same manufacturing apparatus with the direction that is the width direction of the product as the conveying direction, the longitudinal length of the absorbent article that has been manufactured up to now and the absorbent article to be manufactured from now on Since the production center and the absorbent article are designed so that the line center and the product center coincide with each other, the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article manufactured up to now and the absorbent article to be produced in the future When the length changes, it is necessary to adjust each apparatus in the manufacturing apparatus or replace parts for each product. For example, in the case of sanitary napkins, the longitudinal position of the absorption center area (or excretory opening contact area) in the product is present in the center of the product in the daytime, but in the center of the product in the nighttime. Slightly on the front side. That is, the position of the absorption center region with respect to the center of the product for daytime and the position of the absorption center region with respect to the center of the product for nighttime are different from each other. Here, since the product center (product center) and the line center coincide with each other, both the position of the absorption center area with respect to the line center of the product for daytime and the position of the absorption center area with respect to the line center of the product for the nighttime are both. It will be different from each other. Therefore, for example, if the product is folded so that there is no crease in the absorption center region, and the folds are set on both outer sides in the longitudinal direction of the absorption center region, the positions of the folds are different between the day product and the night product. It will be different from each other. That is, it is necessary to change the setting of the folding device with the change of the product. In this way, when products of the same type with different lengths in the longitudinal direction are manufactured with the same manufacturing device, adjustment of each device in the manufacturing device or replacement of parts is required for each product, and time and It takes time and effort. In particular, when the absorbent article is folded, almost all the folding positions are changed. In such a case, it is necessary to adjust the folding position and the folding condition of the folding position, which takes time and labor.

  An object of the present invention is to save labor for adjustment of the apparatus even when the lengths in the longitudinal direction are different when manufacturing a plurality of absorbent articles having the same type of product and different lengths in the longitudinal direction. An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing an absorbent article.

The manufacturing method of the linked packaged product of the present invention is as follows.
(1) A method for manufacturing an absorbent article capable of manufacturing a plurality of absorbent articles having different longitudinal lengths from the same type of product, wherein the absorbent article is one of the plurality of absorbent articles. The longitudinal direction of the absorbent article and the transport direction are orthogonal to each other, and a first distance apart from a virtual reference line parallel to the transport direction by a first distance in a transverse direction orthogonal to the transport direction. An arrangement step of arranging the absorbent article such that an excretion opening contact area of the absorbent article enters between a position and a second position separated by a second distance; and transporting the absorbent article A folding step of folding the absorbent article along the transport direction at each of the first position and the second position while transporting in the direction, and excretion of each of the plurality of absorbent articles The length in the longitudinal direction in the mouth contact area, and The first position and the second position are preset in common to the plurality of absorbent articles, and in the transverse direction, the distance between the first position and the second position is: With respect to another absorbent article that is longer than the excretory opening contact area and has a different length in the longitudinal direction among the plurality of absorbent articles, the placement step and the folding step are further performed. Manufacturing method of absorbent article.

  In the method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to this claim, the same first position and the same first position on the production line are the same kind of product, but in any case of a plurality of absorbent articles having different longitudinal lengths. The absorbent article is folded at the position 2 along the conveying direction. Therefore, even if the production of the absorbent article is switched to the production of another absorbent article having a different length in the longitudinal direction, the folding position of the folding device is not related to the folding at the first position and the second position. Adjustment is substantially unnecessary, and it is not necessary to change the folding device itself. As a result, it is possible to save labor for the switching operation for folding. Further, the excretion opening contact area of the absorbent article is set to exist between the first position and the second position, and the folding position of the absorbent article is the first position and the second position. The excretory opening contact area does not break, and adverse effects such as breakage of the excretion opening contact area and deterioration of absorbability can be prevented.

  (2) In the longitudinal direction, the distance between the end on the reference line side in the absorbent article or the absorbent body and the end on the reference line side in the excretory opening contact area is the plurality of absorptive properties. A distance common to the article is set, and in the arranging step, the distance between the reference line side end of the absorbent article or the absorbent body and the reference line in the transverse direction is the first distance. The method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to (1), including a step of arranging the absorbent article so that the excretory opening contact area enters a distance between the position and the second position. .

  In the method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to the present invention, the distance between the end of the absorbent article or the absorbent body and the end of the excretory opening contact area is the same in any of the plurality of absorbent articles. . Thereby, the distance between the end of the absorbent article or the absorbent body and the reference line becomes the same. Therefore, when the production of the absorbent article is switched to the production of another absorbent article having a different length in the longitudinal direction, as the arrangement step, the previous arrangement is maintained, that is, the end of the absorbent article or its absorbent body. The excretory opening contact area can be present between the first position and the second position without changing the distance between the first position and the reference line. As a result, it is possible to save labor for the switching operation for folding. In addition, the excretory opening contact area does not break, and adverse effects such as deterioration in absorbability can be prevented.

  (3) A packaging sheet is attached to one surface of the absorbent article, and in the longitudinal direction, the end of the packaging sheet on the reference line side is on the reference line side of the absorbent article. The distance between the end portion on the reference line side of the packaging sheet and the end portion on the reference line side in the excretion port contact region is farther from the excretion port contact area than the end portion. A distance common to the absorbent article is set, and in the transverse step, the distance between the reference line side end of the packaging sheet and the reference line is the first position and the transverse direction. Including the step of arranging the absorbent article so that the excretory opening contact area enters a distance between the second position and the folding step, wherein the folding step is performed by attaching the packaging sheet. Folding the article with the absorbent article on the inside Method of manufacturing an absorbent article according to the above (1).

  In the method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to the present invention, the distance between the end of the packaging sheet and the end of the excretory opening contact area is the same in any of the plurality of absorbent articles. Accordingly, the distance between the end of the packaging sheet and the reference line becomes the same. Therefore, when switching the production of absorbent articles to the production of other absorbent articles with different lengths in the longitudinal direction, the previous arrangement is maintained, that is, the distance between the end of the packaging sheet and the reference line is not changed. In addition, the excretion opening contact area can exist between the first position and the second position. As a result, it is possible to save labor for manufacturing switching for folding, and to save labor for switching manufacturing for packaging sheets. In addition, the excretory opening contact area does not break, and adverse effects such as deterioration in absorbability can be prevented. In addition, since the end portion of the packaging sheet on the reference line side protrudes to the reference line side from the end portion of the absorbent article, the absorbent article protrudes outside the packaging sheet on the reference line side in the subsequent folding process. Can be avoided.

  (4) The length in the width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the packaging sheet is set to be longer than the length in the width direction of the absorbent article and common to the plurality of absorbent articles. After the folding step, after changing the conveying direction to the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, the position outside the both ends in the width direction in the excretory opening contact area, and the packaging sheet Folding the absorbent article along the transport direction while transporting the absorbent article in the transport direction at a position common to the plurality of absorbent articles from both ends in the width direction; A step of attaching a lead tape for opening to the end in the width direction of the packaging sheet placed on the uppermost part of the absorbent article. Of absorbent articles Production method.

  In the method of manufacturing an absorbent article according to the present invention, in any case of the plurality of absorbent articles, the end of the packaging sheet is positioned at substantially the same position at the top of the absorbent article by folding in the width direction of the absorbent article. Is placed. Therefore, even if the production of the absorbent article is switched to the production of another type of absorbent article having a different length in the longitudinal direction, with respect to the application of the lead tape at that position, There is no need to make adjustments or change the pasting device itself, and the work of switching production can be saved.

  (5) The method further includes a step of affixing a packaging sheet set to the length in the longitudinal direction common to the plurality of absorbent articles on one surface of the absorbent article before the arranging step. (3) The manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in (4).

  In the method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to the present invention, the length of the packaging sheet in the longitudinal direction is the same in any of the plurality of absorbent articles. Therefore, when the production of the absorbent article is switched to the production of another type of absorbent article having a different length in the longitudinal direction, the change of the packaging sheet can be omitted and the folding position required when the packaging sheet is changed Adjustment can be omitted. Thereby, it is possible to save the labor for switching the manufacturing with respect to the packaging sheet and folding.

  (6) In the folding step, there is a wall surface that holds the folding device along the reference line, the transport direction is a direction along the wall surface, and one of the plurality of absorbent articles is absorbed. When switching from the manufacture of an absorbent article to the manufacture of another absorbent article, when the folding portion is added or reduced, the added folding is performed on the side opposite to the wall surface in the transverse direction. Or the manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in any one of said (1) thru | or (5) which does not perform the said reduced folding.

  In the method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to this claim, when switching from the manufacture of one absorbent article to the manufacture of another absorbent article among a plurality of absorbent articles, when the number of folding points increases or decreases, it is not the wall surface side. On the opposite side, that is, on the front side of the folding device rather than the back side of the folding device, by increasing or decreasing the location where the absorbent article is folded, it is possible to easily increase or decrease the folding device or adjust the folding device. As a result, it is possible to save the labor for switching the production.

  According to the present invention, when a plurality of absorbent articles having the same type of product and different lengths in the longitudinal direction are manufactured, even if the lengths in the longitudinal direction are different, work such as device adjustment can be saved. An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a possible absorbent article.

It is a figure which shows the absorbent article which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the absorbent article which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the absorbent article which concerns on embodiment. 1 is a schematic overall view of an absorbent article manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment. 1 is a schematic overall view of an absorbent article manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment. 1 is a schematic overall view of an absorbent article manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a figure explaining the manufacturing method of the absorbent article which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure explaining the manufacturing method of the absorbent article which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure explaining the manufacturing method of the absorbent article which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure explaining the manufacturing method of the absorbent article which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the mode of folding in the absorbent article from which length differs concerning embodiment.

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

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

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

  In the present embodiment, the absorption center area STA is substantially the same as the positions of both ends (bases) of the pair of flap portions 2b and 2b in the longitudinal direction L, and in the width direction W, The positions of both end portions are the same as the positions of the both side pressing portions 26b on the center line WCL. Alternatively, for example, the absorption center region STA is in the range where the side pressing portion 26b exists in the longitudinal direction L, and the center portion of the front pressing portion 26c (example: convex forward in the center) in the width direction W. Or a range in which a substantially central portion (example: convex portion at the rear of the center) exists. Or it can also be called the area | region of the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W of the area | region in which the center pressing part 26a is formed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The absorbent article 2 and the packaging sheet 3 are in a state where the absorbent article 2 is fixed to the packaging sheet 3, for example, after being folded at a plurality of folding lines FLV parallel to the width direction W, and then in the longitudinal direction L. Further folding is performed at positions of a plurality of folding lines FLT extending in parallel. The plurality of folding lines FLT are arranged in the width direction W at a predetermined interval. In the present embodiment, the plurality of folding lines FLT are two folding lines FLT1 and FLT2, which are folded in the order of the folding line FLT1 and the folding line FLT2.

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

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

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

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

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

  As materials for the top sheet 21, the absorbent body 20m, the carrier sheet 20n, the back sheet 22, the fixing parts 4 and 6, and the release sheets 5 and 7, known materials generally used in the absorbent article 2 are used. be able to. For example, as a material of the surface sheet 21, a non-woven fabric, a woven fabric, a synthetic resin film in which liquid permeation holes are formed, and a composite sheet thereof can be given. Examples of the nonwoven fabric include natural fibers, regenerated fibers, inorganic fibers, and synthetic resin fibers. Examples of the material of the absorbent main body 20m include pulp fibers, synthetic fibers, and absorbent polymers. Examples of the material for the auxiliary sheet include nonwoven fabric, pulp fiber, and synthetic fiber. Examples of the carrier sheet 20n include a synthetic resin film having elasticity in a uniaxial direction. Examples of the material of the back sheet 22 include a waterproof nonwoven fabric, a synthetic resin film, a composite sheet of a nonwoven fabric and a synthetic resin film, and an SMS nonwoven fabric. As a material for the fixing portions 4 and 6, an adhesive such as a styrene-butadiene copolymer can be used. Examples of the material of the release sheets 5 and 7 include a paper or resin sheet base material coated with a silicone resin release material. Moreover, the adhesive used for joining between the top sheet 21, the (auxiliary sheet) absorbent body 20m, the carrier sheet 20n, and the back sheet 22 is a known material generally used in the absorbent article 2. For example, a thermoplastic adhesive can be used. Moreover, as a material of the packaging sheet 3, the well-known material generally used in order to package the absorbent article 2 can be used. For example, a resin film, paper, and a nonwoven fabric are mentioned.

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

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

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said absorbent article 2, As long as it can fold inside the packaging sheet 3, the absorbent article which has another structure may be sufficient.

  Next, the manufacturing apparatus for absorbent articles according to the present embodiment will be described. 4, 5, and 6 show an example of the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 400 for the individual package 1 including the absorbent article 2. The manufacturing apparatus 400 can also be viewed as a manufacturing apparatus for the absorbent article 2 packaged with the packaging sheet 3. Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, a manufacturing apparatus 400 is an absorbent article manufacturing apparatus capable of manufacturing a plurality of absorbent articles having different lengths in the longitudinal direction using the same type of product. The unit 400A includes a first semi-finished product forming unit 400B, a second semi-finished product forming unit 400C, an absorbent article forming unit 400D, and a packaging unit 400E.

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

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

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

  In the present embodiment, the absorbent body forming unit 400A to the packaging unit 400E of the manufacturing apparatus 400 are on one side of these units (example: side in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIGS. 4 to 6 (the back side of the paper surface). ) In the wall surface extending perpendicularly to the floor surface. The conveyance direction is a direction along the wall surface, and the conveyance surface is perpendicular to the wall surface. And the configuration of a plurality of absorbent articles having different lengths in the longitudinal direction of the same type of product, the arrangement of the absorbent articles on each of the above units, etc. are set using the wall surface or a line parallel thereto as a reference line. Thus, when the production of the absorbent article is changed to another absorbent article having a different length in the longitudinal direction, the adjustment of the production apparatus 400 is labor-saving. Details thereof will be described later.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The folding device 310 includes a conveyor belt 311, a bending member 312 (sailor), and a bending member 313 (sailor). The conveyance belt 311 conveys the individual packaging body member P12. The folding member 312 folds the portion on the back side in the transverse direction (the side in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 6) of the individual packaging body member P <b> 12 being conveyed along the folding line FLT <b> 1 in the individual packaging body 1. The individual package member P13 is formed. The folding member 313 is a portion on the near side in the transverse direction (the side in the direction away from the plane of FIG. 6) in the individual package member P13 being folded (or being folded) by the folding member 312. The individual package body member P14 is formed by folding the individual package body 1 along the folding line FLT2.

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

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

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

  Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the present manufacturing method is a method for manufacturing an absorbent article capable of manufacturing a plurality of absorbent articles having the same type of product but having different lengths in the longitudinal direction. A process, a first semi-finished product forming process, a second semi-finished product forming process, an absorbent article forming process, and a packaging process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  As described above, the packaged absorbent article is manufactured.

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

  In the present embodiment, when a plurality of absorbent articles 2 having the same type of product and different lengths in the longitudinal direction L are produced by the same production apparatus 400, production switching accompanying change of the absorbent article 2 to be produced is performed. Labor saving. In other words, in the case of newly manufacturing another absorbent article having a different length in the longitudinal direction L from the absorbent article that has been manufactured so far, it is possible to save work necessary for manufacturing switching such as adjustment of the apparatus and replacement of the apparatus. It has become. The specific form is demonstrated based on operation | movement of the folding apparatuses 250-270 of said packaging process.

  FIG. 11 illustrates the folding positions of a plurality of absorbent articles having the same type of product and different lengths in the longitudinal direction. In this example, (A) the absorbent article 2 having a long length in the longitudinal direction L, (B) the absorbent article 2 having a medium length in the longitudinal direction L, and (C) the length in the longitudinal direction L being About the short absorbent article 2, the folding position is shown, respectively, and the folding position is made common. In this Embodiment, when manufacturing the some absorbent article 2 from which the length of the longitudinal direction L mutually differs with the same kind of products as shown to FIG. 11 (A)-(C) with the same manufacturing apparatus 400, In detail, when the folding devices 250 to 270 are folded, the following settings are made in advance.

  First, regarding the absorbent article 2, the length in the longitudinal direction L of the absorption center area STA (excretion port contact area) is set in common (the same) to the plurality of absorbent articles 2, and the longitudinal direction of the absorption center area STA The position of L is set individually (preferably in common (same)) for the plurality of absorbent articles 2. Correspondingly, the positions of the folding lines FLV3 and FLV2 on both outer sides in the longitudinal direction L with respect to the absorption center region STA are set in common (the same) to the plurality of absorbent articles 2. At this time, the fold line FLV3 and the absorption center region STA (one end portion STAT1) are separated from each other, and the fold line FLV2 and the absorption center region STA (the other end portion STAT2) are separated from each other. These folding lines FLV3 and FLV2 in the longitudinal direction L can be said to be the reference of the absorbent article 2. However, one of the fold lines and the distance between the fold lines are very good standards.

  Next, a virtual reference line 60 along the transport direction (MD) is set as a reference for the manufacturing apparatus 400, that is, a reference for the folding apparatuses 270 to 260. In the present embodiment, the reference line 60 corresponds to the wall surface on which the folding devices 270 to 260 are disposed. Regarding the folding devices 270 to 260, as positions corresponding to the folding lines FLV3 and FLV2 in the folding devices 270 and 260, the first position and the second position separated from the reference line 60 in the transverse direction (CD) by the first distance DF1. The second position separated by the distance DF2 is set in common (the same) for the plurality of absorbent articles 2. At this time, the distance between the first position and the second position in the transverse direction in the folding devices 270 and 260 is the same as the distance between the folding lines FLV3 and FLV2 in the longitudinal direction L in the absorbent article 2. In other words, the first position and the second position in the transverse direction are set to be longer than the length of the absorption center region STA. That is, the first position and the second position are preset in common to the plurality of absorbent articles 2, and therefore, the distance between the first position and the second position in the transverse direction is It is set to be longer than the length of the absorption center area STA.

  In this set state, the following steps are executed. Absorbency between a first position (corresponding to the fold line FLV3) separated from the reference line 60 in the transverse direction by a first distance DF1 and a second position (corresponding to FLV2) separated by a second distance DF2 The absorbent article 2 is arranged so that the absorption center area STA of the article 2 enters (arrangement step). That is, the absorbent article 2 is arranged so that the first position and the fold line FLV3 overlap, and the second position and the fold line FLV2 overlap. Therefore, absorption from the reference line 60 to the first position separated by the first distance DF1 common to the plurality of absorbent articles 2 and the second position (reference on the apparatus side) separated by the second distance DF2 is performed. It can be said that the positions of the folding lines FLV3 and FLV2 in the longitudinal direction L that are the reference of the property article 2 (reference on the product side) are matched. Subsequently, the absorbent article 2 is folded along the conveyance direction at each of the first position and the second position while the absorbent article 2 is conveyed in the conveyance direction (folding step). In this case, the folding at the second position corresponds to FIG. 9C, and the folding at the first position corresponds to FIG. 9D. Even when the production of the absorbent article 2 is switched to the production of another absorbent article 2 having a different length in the longitudinal direction L, the arrangement step and the folding step are performed with the above settings.

  However, in the present embodiment, another fold line FLV1 is set in common to the plurality of absorbent articles 2 outside the fold line FLV2 outside the longitudinal direction L of the absorption center region STA in the absorbent article 2. The In addition, as a position corresponding to the fold line FLV1 in the folding device 250, a third position that is separated from the reference line 60 by the third distance DF3 in the transverse direction is further set in common for the plurality of absorbent articles 2. . Therefore, after the above arrangement step, the absorbent article 2 is folded along the conveyance direction at the third position while the absorbent article 2 is conveyed in the conveyance direction (corresponding to FIG. 9B), and then the second The absorbent article 2 is folded along the conveyance direction at each of the position 2 and the first position (folding step).

  Therefore, according to this Embodiment, even if it switches manufacture of the absorbent article 2 to manufacture of the other absorbent article 2 from which the length of the longitudinal direction L differs, the same 1st position and 2nd position (And the third position), the folding device 270, 260 (, 250) with respect to the first position and the second position (and the third position) is folded. Adjustment of the folding position is substantially unnecessary, and it is not necessary to change the folding devices 270 and 260 (, 250). As a result, it is possible to save labor for the switching operation for folding. Further, in the present embodiment, the absorption center region STA of the absorbent article 2 is set so as to exist between the first position and the second position, and the folding position of the absorbent article 2 is the first position. Because of the position and the second position, the absorption center region STA is not broken, and adverse effects such as deterioration of the absorbability can be prevented. In other words, with the reference line 60 of the folding device 270 to 260 as a reference, by matching the reference of the absorbent article 2 common to the plurality of absorbent articles 2, it is possible to save labor for manufacturing switching with respect to folding. Can do.

  Moreover, as a preferable aspect in the present embodiment, the end 2T1 or the end 20T1 on the reference line 60 side in the absorbent article 2 or its absorbent body 20 and the end STAT1 on the reference line 60 side in the absorption center region STA The distance is set to a common (identical) distance for the plurality of absorbent articles 2. In that case, in the above-described arrangement step, in the transverse direction, the distance DS1 or the distance DS2 between the end 2T1 or the end 20T1 and the reference line 60 in the absorbent article 2 or the absorbent body 20 is the first position and the second position. The absorbent article 2 is arranged so that the absorption center area STA enters a distance from the position.

  According to this embodiment, since the distance between the end 2T1 or the end 20T1 and the end STAT1 is the same in any of the plurality of absorbent articles 2, the end 2T1 or the end 20T1 The distance from the reference line 60 is the same. Therefore, when the production of the absorbent article 2 is switched to the production of another absorbent article 2 having a different length in the longitudinal direction L, the previous arrangement is maintained, that is, the end 2T1 or the end 20T1 and the reference line 60 Without changing the distance, the absorption center region STA can exist between the first position and the second position. As a result, it is possible to save labor for the switching operation for folding.

  Moreover, as a preferable aspect in the present embodiment, in the longitudinal direction L, the outer edge end 3T1 on the reference line 60 side of the packaging sheet 3 is farther from the absorption center region STA than the end 2T1 of the absorbent article 2, and The distance between the outer edge end 3T1 of the packaging sheet 3 and the end STAT1 of the absorption center region STA is set to a common (identical) distance to the plurality of absorbent articles 2. In that case, in the above-described arrangement step, the distance DS3 between the outer edge end 3T1 of the packaging sheet 3 and the reference line 60 is in the transverse direction, and the absorption center region STA enters between the first position and the second position. The absorbent article 2 is arrange | positioned so that it may become such a distance. Moreover, a folding process folds the absorbent article 2 to which the packaging sheet 3 was affixed, making the absorbent article 2 inside.

  According to this embodiment, since the distance between the outer edge end portion 3T1 of the packaging sheet 3 and the end portion STAT1 of the absorption center area STA is the same in any of the plurality of absorbent articles, the packaging sheet 3 The distance between the outer edge end 3T1 and the reference line 60 is the same. Therefore, when the production of the absorbent article 2 is switched to the production of another absorbent article 2 having a different length in the longitudinal direction L, the previous arrangement is maintained, that is, the outer edge 3T1 of the packaging sheet 3 and the reference line 60. Without changing the distance between the absorption center area STA and the absorption center area STA between the first position and the second position. As a result, it is possible to save labor for switching the manufacturing for folding, and the same packaging sheet 3 can be used (FIGS. 11A and 11B, etc.). In addition, it is possible to save labor for manufacturing switching such as adjustment of the transfer device 240. Moreover, since the outer edge edge part 3T1 of the packaging sheet 3 protrudes to the reference line 60 side from the edge part 2T1 of the absorbent article 2, the absorbent article is placed outside the packaging sheet 3 on the reference line 60 side in the subsequent folding process. The situation where 2 protrudes can be avoided.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, the length of the width direction W of the absorbent article 2 is set to the length common to the some absorbent article 2 as a preferable aspect. Therefore, the length of the packaging sheet 3 in the width direction W is also set to a length common to the plurality of absorbent articles 2 (larger than the length of the absorbent article 2 in the width direction W). And after said folding process, a conveyance direction is changed into the longitudinal direction L of an absorbent article, the position outside the both ends of the width direction W in the absorption center area STA, and the width direction W of the packaging sheet 3 While the absorbent article 2 is transported in the transport direction at positions common to the plurality of absorbent articles 2 from both ends, the absorbent article 2 is folded along the fold lines FLT1 and FLT2 along the transport direction (FIG. 10 ( B) to (C)). In addition, the opening lead tape 9 is affixed to the end portion 3e2 in the width direction W of the packaging sheet placed (exposed) on the uppermost portion of the absorbent article 2 by being folded.

  According to the present embodiment as described above, in any case of the plurality of absorbent articles 2, the folding sheet 2 is folded in the width direction W so that the packaging sheet is placed at substantially the same position at the top of the absorbent article 2. The end of is placed and exposed. Therefore, even if the production of the absorbent article 2 is switched to the production of another type of absorbent article having a different length in the longitudinal direction, the sealing device that performs the pasting on the pasting of the lead tape 9 at that position It is not necessary to adjust the sticking position at 320 or to change the sealing device 320 itself, and the labor for switching the manufacturing can be saved.

  Moreover, as a preferable aspect in this Embodiment, before the arrangement | positioning process, the packaging sheet 3 (for example, FIG. 11 (A) and (B) set to the length of the longitudinal direction L common to the some absorbent article 2 is provided. )) Is affixed to one surface of the absorbent article 2.

  According to such this Embodiment, the length of the longitudinal direction L of the packaging sheet 3 is the same also in any case of the some absorbent article 2. FIG. Therefore, when the production of the absorbent article 2 is switched to the production of another type of absorbent article having a different length in the longitudinal direction L, the change of the packaging sheet 3 in the transfer device 240 can be omitted, and the folding devices 270 to 270 can be omitted. Adjustment of the folding position required when changing the packaging sheet 3 at 250 can be omitted. Thereby, it is possible to save the labor for switching the manufacturing with respect to the packaging sheet 3 and the folding.

  Moreover, as a preferable aspect in the present embodiment, at least the folding devices 250 to 270 are held on a wall surface extending perpendicularly to the floor surface along the reference line 60. The conveyance direction is a direction along the wall surface, and the conveyance surface is perpendicular to the wall surface. Therefore, one side of the folding device in the transverse direction is a wall surface, and the other side is an open space, which is a space where an operator works. And when it switches from manufacture of one absorbent article 2 of a plurality of absorbent articles 2 to manufacture of other absorbent articles 2, when a part to fold is added or reduced, the wall surface side in the transverse direction and Performs the added fold or does not perform the reduced fold on the opposite side, i.e. the space side where the operator is working.

  According to such this Embodiment, when switching from manufacture of one absorbent article 2 of a plurality of absorbent articles 2 to manufacture of other absorbent articles 2, when the number of folding points increases or decreases, the wall surface side Instead, the location where the absorbent article 2 is folded is increased or decreased on the space side where the operator on the opposite side works. In other words, the increase / decrease of the folding device or the adjustment of the folding device is performed on the front side rather than the back side of the folding device that is difficult for the operator to reach. As a result, it is possible to save the labor for switching the production.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described manufacturing apparatus 400 and a manufacturing method based thereon, as long as the above arrangement process and folding process are executed. The specific configuration of the absorbent article 2 is not particularly limited as long as the above-described common relationship between the absorption center region STA and the folding lines FLV2 and FLV3 is satisfied.

  Moreover, in embodiment mentioned above, although labor-saving is carried out regarding said packaging process, this invention is not limited to the example. That is, when the relationship between the absorption center region STA and the folding lines FLV2 and FLV3 is made common between the absorbent articles 2 having different lengths in the longitudinal direction L, other steps can be omitted. is there. For example, since the absorption center region STA can be made common, the flap portions 2b and 2b can be made common (that is, the shape of the absorbent article at the front side of the folding line FLV2 can be made common), so that the release sheet 5 can be formed. In addition, it is possible to save labor by sharing the pasting process (peripheral sealing device 200). Moreover, since the pressing part 26 can be shared by sharing the absorption center region STA, the process of forming the pressing part (squeezing device 170) can be shared to save labor.

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

Claims (6)

A method of manufacturing an absorbent article, which is capable of manufacturing a plurality of absorbent articles having different longitudinal lengths from the same type of product,
About one absorptive article of a plurality of absorptive articles, the longitudinal direction of the absorptive article and the conveyance direction are perpendicular, and perpendicular to the conveyance direction from a virtual reference line parallel to the conveyance direction The absorbent article has an excretory opening contact area of the absorbent article between a first position separated by a first distance and a second position separated by a second distance in the transverse direction. An arrangement step of arranging,
A folding step of folding the absorbent article along the transport direction at each of the first position and the second position while transporting the absorbent article in the transport direction;
With
The length in the longitudinal direction in the excretory opening contact area of each of the plurality of absorbent articles, and the first position and the second position are preset in advance for the plurality of absorbent articles. And
In the transverse direction, the distance between the first position and the second position is longer than the length of the excretory opening contact area,
For the other absorbent article having a different length in the longitudinal direction among the plurality of absorbent articles, the placement step and the folding step are further performed.
Manufacturing method of absorbent article. In the longitudinal direction, the distance between the end on the reference line side in the absorbent article or the absorbent body and the end on the reference line side in the excretory opening contact area is common to the plurality of absorbent articles. Is set to a certain distance,
In the transverse step, the distance between the reference line side end of the absorbent article or the absorbent body and the reference line is between the first position and the second position in the transverse direction. Including the step of arranging the absorbent article so that the excretory opening contact area enters a distance.
The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of Claim 1. A packaging sheet is attached to one surface of the absorbent article,
In the longitudinal direction, the end of the packaging sheet on the reference line side is farther from the excretory opening contact area than the end of the absorbent article on the reference line side, and the reference line of the packaging sheet The distance between the end on the side and the end on the reference line side in the excretory opening contact area is set to a distance common to the plurality of absorbent articles,
In the crossing direction, the disposing step is such that a distance between the reference line side end of the packaging sheet and the reference line is between the first position and the second position. Including the step of arranging the absorbent article so that the distance is within the range,
The folding step includes a step of folding the absorbent article to which the packaging sheet is attached with the absorbent article inside.
The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of Claim 1. The length in the width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction in the packaging sheet is larger than the length in the width direction of the absorbent article, and is set to a length common to the plurality of absorbent articles,
After the folding step, after changing the conveying direction to the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, the position outside the both ends in the width direction in the excretory opening contact area, and the packaging sheet Folding the absorbent article along the transport direction while transporting the absorbent article in the transport direction at a position common to the plurality of absorbent articles from both ends in the width direction; and
A process of affixing a lead tape for opening on the widthwise end of the packaging sheet placed on the top of the absorbent article by being folded;
Further comprising
The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of Claim 3. Before the placing step, the method further comprises a step of attaching a packaging sheet set to the length in the longitudinal direction common to the plurality of absorbent articles to one surface of the absorbent article.
The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of Claim 3 or 4. In the folding step,
There is a wall surface that holds the folding device along the reference line,
The transport direction is a direction along the wall surface,
When switching from the manufacture of one absorbent article to the manufacture of another absorbent article among the plurality of absorbent articles, when the folding part is added or reduced, it is opposite to the wall surface side in the transverse direction. On the side, perform the added folds or do not perform the reduced folds,
The manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5.

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