JP5139774B2 - Absorbent article manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

  According to the present invention, at least a part of the section in the longitudinal direction has elasticity, and the first sheet in which the at least a part of the section is stretched in the longitudinal direction is overlapped and joined to the first sheet. It is related with the manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of an absorbent article which are equipped with a 2nd sheet | seat and are mounted | worn with a wearer's crotch part and absorb excrement.

As a prior art relating to a technique for overlapping and joining two sheets in a state in which one of the two sheets is slackened, there is one disclosed in Patent Document 1. However, as in the present invention, it is considered that a conventional technique in which at least a part of one sheet is stretched in the vertical direction and overlapped and bonded to the other sheet is not yet known.
Japanese Patent No. 3756492

  In order to accurately supplement high fluidity excrement such as loose stool, it is necessary to devise the configuration of the skin side surface of the absorbent article. For example, the sheet exposed on the skin side surface was stretched by joining with another sheet of the absorbent article in a state where at least a part of the sheet exposed on the skin side surface of the absorbent article was stretched In some cases, the portion may be provided with a specific configuration for supplementing excrement (for details, refer to the best mode for carrying out the invention).

  Therefore, the first problem to be solved by the present invention is that a first sheet at least partially stretched in the longitudinal direction and a second sheet in which the first sheets are overlapped and joined. An object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method that can satisfactorily manufacture the absorbent article provided.

  In addition, the second problem to be solved by the present invention is that the excrement such as loose stool is prevented from diffusing between the skin surface of the wearer and the absorbent article, and the excrement is reliably captured. It is providing the manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of an absorbent article which can manufacture the absorbent article which can be favorably manufactured.

In order to solve the above problem, in the invention of claim 1, at least a part of the section in the longitudinal direction has elasticity, and the at least part of the section is stretched in the longitudinal direction. And an apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent article that is attached to a crotch of a wearer and absorbs excrement, the second sheet being overlapped and joined to the first sheet. A first conveyance mechanism that feeds a first continuous body in which sheets are continuously connected in the longitudinal direction to a predetermined joining portion; and a second continuous body in which the second sheets are continuously continuous. a second transport mechanism to pass the merging section, at the merging portion, the first continuum is cut for each length corresponding to said first sheet, said the resulting first sheet At least a portion of the interval to be extended pulling said longitudinal direction, said front Symbol first sheet first Comprising of a continuum if flow forming mechanism to grant to the, the merging forming mechanism comprises respective first and second pads to be driven along a predetermined orbit, the said first pad A plurality of pad sets whose intervals between the second pads are periodically changed according to a position on the orbit, and the first pad or the second pad of each pad set are provided. A first cutting element that cuts the first continuous body; and a first cutting element that cuts the first continuous body for each length corresponding to the first sheet in cooperation with the first cutting element. The first and second pats of each pat set at a first position on the orbit, and transporting the first sheet in the first continuum. Adsorb and receive the part corresponding to the downstream part and the upstream part in the direction And opening the first continuous body cut for each of the first sheets at a second position located downstream in the circulation direction from the first position on the orbit. Applied to a second continuum and the spacing between the first and second pads of the pad set is greater than the second set than when the pad set is in the first position. The second cutting element is larger when in the position, and the second cutting element is in any stage until the pad set moves from the first position to the second position on the orbit. And cutting the first continuous body in cooperation with the first cutting element provided in the pad set .

According to a second aspect of the invention, in the absorbent article manufacturing apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the first and second pads of the pad set are driven along a circular orbit as the circular orbit. The absorbent article manufacturing apparatus includes: a rotating body that is driven to rotate about a rotation axis set at a position deviated from a center of the circular orbit; and the first pad of the rotating body and each of the pad sets. And a plurality of second link mechanisms that link-connect the rotating body and the second pads of the respective pad sets.

Moreover, in invention of Claim 3 , in the manufacturing apparatus of the absorbent article which concerns on invention of Claim 2 , the said 1st link mechanism links-connects the said rotary body and the said 1st pad of the said pad set. The first and second links, the first contact provided on one of the first and second links, and the first contact formed in a substantially circumferential direction, the first contact being in sliding contact And the posture of the first and second links with respect to the rotating body and the first pad is changed according to the position of the first pad on the circular orbit. A first cam mechanism for causing the second link mechanism to link-connect the rotating body and the second pad of the pad set, and the third and fourth links. A second contact provided on one of the four links; A second cam surface that is formed in a circumferential direction and is slidably contacted with the second contactor, and the posture of the third and fourth links with respect to the rotating body and the second pad And a second cam mechanism that changes in accordance with the position of the second pad on the circular orbit.

Moreover, in invention of Claim 4 , in the manufacturing apparatus of the absorbent article which concerns on invention of any one of Claim 1 thru | or 3 , it arrange | positions in the conveyance direction upstream of the said 1st continuous body of the said confluence | merging formation mechanism. A cutter unit that forms a plurality of cut portions that can be developed three-dimensionally in a portion corresponding to the at least some section of the first sheet in the first continuum conveyed by the first conveyance mechanism. The first sheet has a plurality of openings and a three-dimensional structure in which the portion where the plurality of cut portions are formed is extended and opened in the longitudinal direction by the merge formation mechanism. It is given to the second continuum in a state where a typical uneven structure is formed.

Moreover, in invention of Claim 5 , in the manufacturing apparatus of the absorbent article which concerns on invention of Claim 4 , these cut | notch parts formed in the said 1st continuous body by the said cutter part are said some cut | notch row | line | column. Each notch row set is provided in the first continuous body along a transverse direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and includes first and second notch rows that form a pair, The notch row is provided with a plurality of first unit notch portions having a substantially chevron shape that is provided at an interval with respect to the transverse direction and whose apex portion is oriented in the longitudinal direction. The row includes a plurality of second unit cut portions having a substantially chevron shape that is provided at intervals along the horizontal direction and whose apex portion is directed in the vertical direction, and each of the cut row sets includes the plurality of second unit cut portions. Before the first cut row The first unit cut portion and the second unit cut portion of the second cut row are the opposite cut row in which the vertex portions are directed in opposite directions to each other in the longitudinal direction and make a pair. Are arranged so as to partially overlap the two unit cut portions adjacent to each other in the lateral direction, and the first sheet is stretched in the longitudinal direction by the merge forming mechanism, and the first and The first and second unit cut portions of the second cut row are opened, and an inner portion of the apex portion of the mountain shape of each cut portion rises up and down, whereby the plurality of openings and the three-dimensional portion An uneven structure is formed.

Moreover, in invention of Claim 6 , in the manufacturing apparatus of the absorbent article which concerns on invention of Claim 4 or Claim 5 , as for the said 1st sheet | seat, at least one part area | region is on the skin surface side of the said absorbent article. Arranged in an exposed state.

In the invention according to claim 7 , at least a part of the section in the longitudinal direction has elasticity, and the first sheet in which the at least part of the section is stretched in the longitudinal direction; And a second sheet that is superposed on the sheet and joined thereto, and is a method for manufacturing an absorbent article that is attached to a wearer's crotch and absorbs excrement, wherein the first sheet extends in the longitudinal direction. Introducing the first continuous body continuously connected to the predetermined joining portion, introducing the second continuous body continuously connected to the second sheet to the joining portion, and In the joining portion, the first continuous body is cut for each length corresponding to the first sheet by a joining formation mechanism, and the at least a part of the obtained first sheet is cut in the longitudinal direction. and if extended pulling direction, Engineering to grant pre Symbol first sheet to the second continuum When, wherein the merging forming mechanism comprises respective first and second pads to be driven along a predetermined orbit, the distance between the second pad and the first pad is the A plurality of pad sets that are periodically changed according to the position on the orbit, and a first pad that is provided on the first pad or the second pad of each of the pad sets and cuts the first continuous body. A first cutting element, and a second cutting element that cooperates with the first cutting element to cut the first continuous body for each length corresponding to the first sheet, and The first and second pads of the pad set correspond to a downstream portion and an upstream portion of the first continuous body in the conveyance direction of the first sheet at a first position on the orbit. The part to be sucked and received At the second position located downstream in the circumferential direction from the first position, the first continuous body cut for each of the first sheets is released and applied to the second continuous body. The spacing between the first pad and the second pad of the pad set is greater when the pad set is in the second position than when the pad set is in the first position. The second cutting element is provided in the pad set at any stage until the pad set moves from the first position to the second position on the orbit. Cutting the first continuum in cooperation with the first cutting element .

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the first sheet in which at least a part of the section is stretched in the vertical direction and the second sheet in which the first sheet is overlapped and joined are provided. Absorbent articles can be manufactured satisfactorily.

In addition , a plurality of pad sets each including a first pad and a second pad driven along a predetermined orbit are provided, and the first and second pads are arranged according to positions of the pad sets on the orbit. The interval between the pads is periodically changed. The first and second pads of the respective pad sets correspond to the downstream portion and the upstream portion in the first sheet conveyance direction in the first continuous body at the first position on the orbit. The first continuous body cut for each first sheet is opened at a second position located downstream of the first position on the orbit in the circulation direction. 2 to the continuum. Further, the second cutting element cooperates with the first cutting element provided in the pad set at any stage until the pad set moves from the first position to the second position on the orbit. Then, the first continuous body is cut. In such a configuration, the distance between the first pad and the second pad of the pad set is greater than the first position after cutting than when the pad set is in the first position for receiving the first continuous body. This is larger when the sheet is in the second position where it is applied to the second continuum. For this reason, in the process in which the first sheet is conveyed by the pad set, at least a portion of the first sheet is stretched in the vertical direction. Then, the first sheet is applied to the second continuous body in a stretched state.

  Thus, an absorption device comprising a first sheet in which at least a part of the section is stretched in the vertical direction and a second sheet in which the first sheets are overlapped and joined with a simple apparatus configuration. Good quality articles can be produced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rotating body that is driven to rotate about a rotation axis that is set at a position deviated from the center of the circular orbit where the first and second pads of the pad set are rotated. It is done. Then, the first and second pads of each pad set are linked to the rotating body by the first and second link mechanisms. For this reason, with a simple configuration, the interval between the first pad and the second pad of each pad set can be periodically changed according to the position on the circular orbit.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, by using the attitude control function for the first to fourth links by the first and second cam mechanisms, the first and second of the respective pad sets on the circular orbit are used. The degree of freedom in changing the spacing between the pads and the moving speed of the first and second pads can be expanded. As a result, the degree of freedom in setting the stretching ratio with respect to the first sheet and the interval between the first sheets when the first sheet is applied to the second continuum is increased. For example, the stretch ratio with respect to the first sheet, the interval between the first sheets when the first sheet is applied to the second continuous body, and the like can be further increased.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first sheet formed by the first continuous body is disposed in a state where the first sheet is exposed on the skin surface side of the absorbent article. It is possible to effectively suppress the excrement such as loose stool from being diffused between the skin surface of the wearer and the absorbent article by the three-dimensional uneven structure that is stretched in the direction and formed in the section. In addition, the excrement moving along the surface of the absorbent article on the skin surface side is dammed by a three-dimensional uneven structure, so that the excrement can be quickly introduced into a plurality of openings provided in the surface sheet and reliably Can be captured. Therefore, according to the manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the excrement such as loose stool can be prevented from diffusing between the skin surface of the wearer and the absorbent article, and the excrement can be reliably captured. Absorbent articles can be manufactured satisfactorily.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the section where the plurality of cut row sets of the first sheet formed by the first continuous body is formed, when the section is stretched in the vertical direction. , And rises so that the inner part of the apex part of the cut part in each cut line set faces in the vertical direction. Therefore, the flow of the liquid component having high fluidity contained in the soft stool in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction) can be effectively prevented by the first sheet portion rising up and down.

According to the invention of claim 6 , the first sheet has a section in which a plurality of cut portions are formed extended in the vertical direction, and the plurality of cut portions are three-dimensionally developed, and , And at least a part of the region is disposed in a state of being exposed on the skin surface side of the absorbent article. For this reason, according to the manufacturing apparatus which concerns on this invention, while suppressing excrement, such as loose stool, spreading | diffusion between a wearer's skin surface and an absorbent article, excrement can be captured reliably. Absorbent articles can be manufactured satisfactorily.

According to the invention described in claim 7, it is provided with a first sheet in which at least a part of the section is stretched in the vertical direction, and a second sheet in which the first sheet is overlapped and joined. Absorbent articles can be manufactured satisfactorily.
A plurality of pad sets each including a first pad and a second pad driven along a predetermined orbit are provided, and the first and second pads are arranged according to positions of the pad sets on the orbit. The interval between the pads is periodically changed. The first and second pads of the respective pad sets correspond to the downstream portion and the upstream portion in the first sheet conveyance direction in the first continuous body at the first position on the orbit. The first continuous body cut for each first sheet is opened at a second position located downstream of the first position on the orbit in the circulation direction. 2 to the continuum. Further, the second cutting element cooperates with the first cutting element provided in the pad set at any stage until the pad set moves from the first position to the second position on the orbit. Then, the first continuous body is cut. In such a configuration, the distance between the first pad and the second pad of the pad set is greater than the first position after cutting than when the pad set is in the first position for receiving the first continuous body. This is larger when the sheet is in the second position where it is applied to the second continuum. For this reason, in the process in which the first sheet is conveyed by the pad set, at least a portion of the first sheet is stretched in the vertical direction. Then, the first sheet is applied to the second continuous body in a stretched state.
Thus, an absorption device comprising a first sheet in which at least a part of the section is stretched in the vertical direction and a second sheet in which the first sheets are overlapped and joined with a simple apparatus configuration. Good quality articles can be produced.

[Explanation regarding the structure of the absorbent article]
First, the structure of the absorbent article manufactured with the manufacturing apparatus of the absorbent article which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view of an absorbent article as an application example of an absorbent article manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A1-A1 of FIG. FIG. 3 is a view of a top sheet to which a surface sheet provided in the absorbent article of FIG. 1 is joined, FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 2, and FIG. It is sectional drawing along the A2 line. In the following, when the absorbent article 1 is mounted so as to cover the wearer's crotch, the direction of the absorbent article 1 corresponding to the front-rear direction of the wearer's crotch (the vertical direction in FIG. 1) It is referred to as “front-rear direction Y” (longitudinal direction), and the direction of the absorbent article 1 corresponding to the left-right direction by the wearer (lateral direction in FIG. 1) is referred to as “left-right direction X” (lateral direction). Moreover, the side of the absorbent article 1 corresponding to the front side (abdomen side) of the wearer's crotch is referred to as “front side”, and the absorbent article 1 corresponding to the back side (rear side) of the wearer's crotch. This side is called the “rear side”. In FIG. 1, the upper side in the figure is the front side of the absorbent article 1.

  The absorbent article 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is used as a disposable diaper, and a plurality of openings 12 and a three-dimensional uneven structure 13 are formed on a surface sheet 11 bonded to a top sheet 16. ing. The configuration of the opening 12 and the concavo-convex structure 13 will be described in detail later.

  The absorbent article 1 generally has a structure in which an absorbent body 14 extending in the front-rear direction (longitudinal direction) Y is sandwiched between a top sheet 16 and a back sheet 15. However, the top sheet 11 is joined to the skin side of the top sheet 16. Thereby, these are laminated | stacked and arrange | positioned in order of the surface sheet 11, the top sheet 16, the absorber 14, and the back sheet | seat 15 from the skin surface side (refer FIG. 2). By such a laminated structure, the liquid component of excrement passes through the top sheet 11 or passes through the opening 12 thereof, and further passes through the top sheet 16 and is absorbed by the absorber 14. Prevents oozing out. In such a configuration, the top sheet 11, the top sheet 16, and a side sheet 17 described later can be referred to as an interior material, and the back sheet 15 can be referred to as an exterior material.

  The top sheet 16 is arranged along the front-rear direction Y at the center in the left-right direction X on the skin surface side of the absorbent article 1. The top sheet 16 is formed using a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric, for example. As the nonwoven material, a point bond nonwoven fabric, an air-through nonwoven fabric, a spunlace nonwoven fabric or the like formed using hydrophilic fibers (cellulose, rayon, cotton, etc.) is used. Or you may use the nonwoven fabric material etc. which made the surface of hydrophobic fiber (a polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, polyamide, nylon (trademark), etc.) water-permeable by processing with surfactant. The configuration of the top sheet 11 will be described later.

  Examples of the absorbent body 14 include an absorbent core formed by mixing a granular polymer absorbent body with a hydrophilic fiber aggregate layer such as pulverized pulp fiber or cellulose fiber, a paper sheet such as tissue paper, or a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric sheet. And the like, and those formed into a predetermined shape (rectangular shape, hourglass shape, gourd shape, etc.).

  The back sheet 15 is formed using a water-repellent sheet material or a liquid-impermeable sheet material in order to prevent urine or the like absorbed by the absorber 14 from exuding to the outside. For example, a water-repellent nonwoven fabric material (spunbond nonwoven fabric, melt blown nonwoven fabric, SMS nonwoven fabric, etc.) or plastic film (breathable or non-breathable) that is usually used for disposable diapers, Is preferably a breathable plastic film) or a laminate of them. In the present embodiment, the back sheet 15 is configured by a breathable plastic film and a nonwoven fabric (for example, a water-repellent nonwoven fabric) bonded to the outer surface side of the breathable plastic film.

  Further, left and right side sheets 17 are provided on both sides of the skin surface side of the absorbent article 1 in the left-right direction X so as to overlap the top sheet 16 along the front-rear direction Y. A thread rubber 18 is disposed at an end of the side sheet 17 on the center side, and a part of the side sheet 17 rises toward the skin surface side by the contraction of the thread rubber 18 and functions as a side three-dimensional gather. Side leakage of excrement is prevented by this side solid gather. Examples of the material for the side sheet 17 include a water-repellent nonwoven fabric or a laminate of a water-repellent nonwoven fabric and a liquid-impervious plastic film.

  Next, the configuration of the top sheet 11 will be described. 3 to 5, the top sheet 11 is a sheet-like member having a rectangular outer shape that is long in the front-rear direction Y, and is provided with a plurality of cut row sets 21 that can be developed three-dimensionally. Each incision row set 21 has a pair of first and second incision rows 22 and 23, respectively. Further, the cut row set 21 is formed in a cut forming section 24 in the top sheet 11.

In the present embodiment, the length of the longitudinal axis Y of the topsheet 11 is set shorter than the length of the longitudinal axis Y of the topsheet 16. And the surface sheet 11 is on the skin surface side surface of the top sheet 16 so that the cut forming section 24 is located in a region (rear region) applied to the wearer's buttocks on the skin surface side surface of the top sheet 16. Superposed and joined. This prevents the plurality of openings 12 and the concavo-convex structure 13 of the surface sheet 11 from contacting the wearer's abdomen and preventing the wearer from feeling uncomfortable.

  As a modification regarding this point, the length of the front sheet 11 in the front-rear direction Y may be set equal to the length of the top sheet 16 in the front-rear direction Y. As another modification, the cut row set 21 may be formed in the entire section of the front sheet 11 in the front-rear direction Y.

  When the notch forming section 24 of the topsheet 11 is extended in the front-rear direction Y, the first and second notch rows 21, 22 of each notch row set 21 are opened in the front-rear direction Y. The opening 12 and the concavo-convex structure 13 are formed. In addition, the some notch part which concerns on this invention is comprised by the some 1st and 2nd notch row | line | columns 21 and 22. FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a view showing a state before the surface sheet is stretched, and FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing a part of FIG. First, the configuration before the first and second cut rows 21 and 22 are developed will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first and second cut rows 22 and 23 of each cut row set 21 are provided to face the front-rear direction Y. For this reason, in the cut forming section 24, the first cut rows 22 and the second cut rows 23 are alternately arranged in the front-rear direction Y. The first and second cut rows 22 and 23 are provided with a plurality of first and second unit cut portions 26 and 27 having a substantially chevron shape provided at intervals along the left-right direction X. ing.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the unit cut portions 26 and 27 have a substantially U-shape in which the apex portions 26 a and 27 a have an arcuate round shape. Various shapes can be used for the various shapes. This point will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B.

  In each cut row set 21, a first unit cut portion 26 and a second unit cut portion 27 are provided such that their vertex portions 26a, 27a face the opposite side in the front-rear direction Y. For example, the vertex portion 26a of the first unit cut portion 26 faces the wearer's front side, and the vertex portion 27a of the second unit cut portion 27 faces the wearer's rear side.

  Further, in each cut row set 21, the first unit cut portion 26 and the second unit cut portion 27 are adjacent to the cut rows 22 and 23 on the other side whose hem portions 26b or 27b form a pair. The two unit cut portions 27, 27 or 26, 26 are arranged so as to overlap each other in the left-right direction X. More specifically, the bottom portion 26b of the first unit cut portion 26a and the bottom portion 27b of the second unit cut portion 27 are arranged so as to overlap in the front-rear direction Y.

  With such a configuration of the notch row set 21, the notch forming section 24 of the top sheet 11 expands and contracts as the unit notch portions 26 and 27 are opened and closed. Then, the notch forming section 24 of the top sheet 11 is extended in the front-rear direction Y, the unit notch portions 26, 27 are opened in the front-rear direction Y, and the apex portions 26a, 27a of the substantially angle-shaped unit notch portions 26, 27 are formed. As shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of openings 12 and a three-dimensional uneven structure 13 are formed in the notch formation section 24 by rising the inner portions (standing portions 28 and 29) of the upper and lower portions. The concave portion of the concavo-convex structure 13 is constituted by a flat portion of the topsheet 11, and the convex portion is constituted by standing portions 28 and 29 rising up and down from the flat portion of the topsheet 11. Since the standing portions 28 and 29 stand up so as to face the front side or the rear side in the front-rear direction Y, it is possible to effectively prevent the flow of the liquid component having high fluidity contained in the soft stool in the front-rear direction Y.

  The opening 12 and the concavo-convex structure 13 are eliminated when the notch forming section 24 is reduced to the original state and the unit notches 26 and 27 are closed.

  Such a surface sheet 11 is formed using a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric, for example. As the nonwoven material, a point bond nonwoven fabric, an air-through nonwoven fabric, a spunlace nonwoven fabric or the like formed using hydrophilic fibers (cellulose, rayon, cotton, etc.) is used. Or you may use the nonwoven fabric material etc. which made the surface of hydrophobic fiber (a polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, polyamide, nylon (trademark), etc.) water-permeable by processing with surfactant.

  Then, the top sheet 11 is hot-melted on the skin surface side surface of the top sheet 16 in a state where the notch forming section 24 is stretched in the front-rear direction Y and the unit notch portions 26 and 27 in the section 24 are opened. It joins using joining means, such as an adhesive agent.

  For this reason, the notch formation section 24 of the top sheet 11 is stretched by the top sheet 16 and is held in a state where the plurality of openings 12 and the three-dimensional uneven structure 13 are formed. Further, the top sheet 16 can prevent the absorber 14 from being exposed to the skin surface via the plurality of openings 12 formed in the top sheet 11, and can protect the absorber 14. In addition, by joining the top sheet 11 and the top sheet 16, the standing part 29 on the outer surface side is suppressed to the top sheet 16 among the standing parts 28 and 29 rising up and down from the unit cut portions 26 and 27 of the top sheet 11. There is a case where it is slightly bent.

  Thus, the surface sheet 11 in which the plurality of openings 12 and the three-dimensional uneven structure 13 are configured is positioned on the skin surface side with respect to the laminated structure of the top sheet 16, the absorber 14 and the back sheet 15. Will be exposed to. Moreover, the notch | incision formation area 24 is provided in the position which shifted | deviated slightly to the back side of the absorbent article 1 on the basis of the wearer. For this reason, the plurality of openings 12 and the three-dimensional concavo-convex structure 13 formed in the topsheet 11 reliably receive excrement such as soft stool of the wearer without causing discomfort to the wearer's abdomen. Can do.

  The function and the like of the absorbent article 1 will be described by taking, as an example, a case where loose excreta including a liquid component such as stool and a fixed component is excreted when the absorbent article 1 is used. Since such loose excrement tends to flow in a state where the liquid component and the solid component are mixed, diffusion of the absorbent article 1 in the front-rear direction Y is particularly problematic.

  Therefore, in this absorbent article 1, by providing a plurality of openings 12 and a three-dimensional concavo-convex structure 13 on the surface sheet 11 arranged on the skin surface side surface of the top sheet 16, the diffusion of loose excrement is suppressed. It can be done. That is, the excrement is received by the notch forming section 24 provided with the plurality of openings 12 and the three-dimensional uneven structure 13 of the topsheet 11. At this time, the fluid component of the excrement is provided with the concavo-convex structure while the spread in the front-rear and right-and-left directions is effectively dammed by the upright portions 28 and 29 (particularly the upright portion 28 on the skin surface side) forming the concavo-convex structure 13. 13 recesses and the opening 12 hold it.

  In addition, the excrement guided through the opening 12 of the topsheet 11 or to the outer surface side of the topsheet 11 through the topsheet 11 is absorbed by the absorber 14 and its solids. The component is reliably held between the top sheet 11 and the top sheet 16. At this time, also on the outer surface side of the top sheet 11, diffusion of the fluid component of excrement is effectively suppressed by the standing portion 29.

  In particular, in the configuration according to the present embodiment, the upright portions 28 and 29 stand up so as to face the front side or the rear side in the front-rear direction Y, so that the liquid component having high fluidity contained in the stool flows in the front-rear direction Y. It can stop effectively.

  According to the absorbent article 1 having the above-described configuration, excrement is caused by the wearer's skin by the three-dimensional uneven structure 13 formed on the surface sheet 11 provided on the skin surface side of the absorbent article 1. It is possible to effectively suppress diffusion between the surface and the absorbent article. As a result, excrement such as loose stool can be prevented from adhering to a wide range of the skin surface of the wearer, and the burden of wiping off excrement can be reduced.

  Moreover, the excrement which moves along the skin side surface of the absorbent article 1 is dammed by the three-dimensional uneven structure 13 so that the excrement can be quickly introduced into the plurality of openings 12 provided in the top sheet 11. Can be reliably captured. Thereby, it is possible to more reliably prevent the leakage of excrement.

  Further, since the plurality of openings 12 and the three-dimensional concavo-convex structure 13 are formed in the topsheet 11 simply by stretching the topsheet 11 formed with the plurality of cut row sets 21 in the front-rear direction Y, the three-dimensional It is not necessary to perform complicated processing on the top sheet 11 in order to form the rough structure 13.

  Moreover, the form of the opening part 12 and the three-dimensional uneven structure 13 can be easily changed by changing the shape and arrangement of the unit cut parts 26 and 27 of the cut line set 21.

  Further, each of the incision row sets 21 formed in the top sheet 11 forms upstanding portions 28 and 29 that rise to face the front side or the back side in the front-rear direction Y. Can be effectively prevented from flowing in the front-rear direction Y.

  Moreover, since the surface sheet 11 is comprised with the liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric, the liquid component in excrement can be permeate | transmitted to the outer surface side of the surface sheet 11 quickly. Thereby, diffusion of excrement can be suppressed and the area where excrement adheres to the wearer's skin surface can be suppressed.

  The top sheet 11 is joined to the skin side surface of the top sheet 16. For this reason, the top sheet 16 can maintain the cut formation section 24 of the topsheet 11 in a state where the top sheet 16 is extended in the front-rear direction Y (a state in which the plurality of openings 12 and the three-dimensional uneven structure 13 are formed). At the same time, the cut forming section 24 of the top sheet 11 can be reinforced.

  Further, the top sheet 16 can prevent the absorber 14 from being exposed to the skin surface via the plurality of openings 12 formed in the top sheet 11, and can protect the absorber 14.

  In the above configuration, the top sheet 11 is made of a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric, but the top sheet 11 may be made of a water-repellent nonwoven fabric or a plastic film having through holes. In this case, it is possible to prevent the liquid component of excrement once induced to the outer surface side of the surface sheet 11 from passing through the surface sheet 11 and returning to the skin surface side. Thereby, it can prevent that the liquid component of the excrement which turned backward adheres to a wearer's skin, and gives discomfort.

  In addition, the configuration of the cut portion provided in the cut formation section 24 of the top sheet 11 is not limited to the above configuration, and when it is stretched in the front-rear direction Y, it expands three-dimensionally and has a plurality of openings. Any part can be used as long as it generates a part and a three-dimensional concavo-convex structure, and an arbitrary cut part can be adopted. For example, the shape of the unit cut portions 26 and 27 of the first and second cut rows 22 and 23 may be substantially rectangular as shown in FIG. 9A, or as shown in FIG. 9B. It may be substantially triangular, or it may be substantially semicircular (including substantially semielliptical).

  As another modification, as shown in FIG. 10, a configuration is provided in which a perforated portion 16 a is provided in a rearward area of the top sheet 16 in the front-rear direction Y and the top sheet 11 is joined to the outer surface side of the top sheet 16. Is mentioned. In the configuration of FIG. 10, the top sheet 11 is disposed between the top sheet 16 and the absorber 14, and a plurality of openings 12 and a three-dimensional uneven structure 13 formed in the top sheet 11 are formed on the top sheet 16. It exposes to the skin surface side of the absorbent article 1 through the perforated portion 16a. In this configuration, since the topsheet 11 is disposed between the topsheet 16 and the absorber 14, it is possible to prevent the topsheet 11 from being peeled off or dropped off.

[Explanation regarding absorbent article manufacturing equipment, etc.]
Next, the manufacturing apparatus of the above-mentioned absorbent article 1 and the manufacturing process using the manufacturing apparatus will be described. In the above-described absorbent article 1, as shown in FIG. 11, the top sheet 11 as the first sheet according to the present invention is in a state where the cut forming section 24 of the sheet 11 is stretched in the front-rear direction Y. The top sheet 16 as the second sheet according to the present invention is overlapped and joined. For this reason, in manufacturing the absorbent article 1, how to extend the cut forming section 24 of the topsheet 11 and join the topsheet 11 to the topsheet 16 becomes a problem. Therefore, the manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment has the following configuration in order to solve the problem.

  As a modified example of the configuration of the absorbent article 1 described above, the top sheet 16 is omitted, the top sheet 11 also has a role as a top sheet, and the top sheet 11 is positioned on the outer surface side of the top sheet 11. (For example, the structure joined to the absorber 14, the back seat | sheet 15, etc.) is mentioned. In this case, the member located in the outer surface side of the surface sheet 11 is equivalent to the 2nd sheet | seat which concerns on this invention.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 12, the topsheet 11 is formed from a first continuous body 31 in which the topsheet 11 is continuous in the front-rear direction Y (vertical direction). Moreover, the top sheet 16 is formed from the 2nd continuous body 32 in which the top sheet 16 continues in the front-back direction Y, as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the top sheet 11 is joined to the second continuous body 32 with a spacing 62 in the front-rear direction Y.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the former stage of the apparatus for manufacturing disposable absorbent articles according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a diagram of the apparatus for manufacturing disposable absorbent articles according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing a part of the configuration of the latter stage, FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing a part of the device configuration of FIG. 14, and FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the pad drive mechanism provided in the manufacturing apparatus of FIG. FIG. 18 is an enlarged view showing a part of the apparatus configuration of FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 to 18, the manufacturing apparatus 41 according to the present embodiment includes first to fourth transport mechanisms 42 to 45, a slit forming unit 46 as a cutter unit, and first to third confluence forming mechanisms. 47 to 49, a product dividing unit 50, and the like.

  The first transport mechanism 42 transports the first continuous body 31 and introduces it into the first merging formation mechanism 47, and a belt mechanism 421 provided along the transport path of the first continuous body 31. And a conveying roller 422 and the like. The first transport mechanism 42 is provided with an adhesive application unit 51 that applies an adhesive (for example, a hot melt adhesive) to the first continuous body 31. This adhesive is for joining the top sheet 11 formed from the first continuous body 31 to the second continuous body 32, and the hatching shown in FIG. Applied to the area. More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the adhesive is applied to a region 312 straddling each cut portion 311 of the first continuous body 31 in the front-rear direction. Thus, when the first continuous body 31 is divided for each surface sheet 11, the adhesive is applied to the front and back edges of the surface sheet 11.

  The second transport mechanism 43 transports the second continuous body 32, and includes a plurality of belt mechanisms 431, 432 provided along the transport path of the second continuous body 32, transport rollers not shown, and the like. It has.

  The third transport mechanism 44 transports the two third continuous bodies 33 for forming the left and right side sheets 17 and introduces them into the second merge forming mechanism 48. The conveyance roller 441 provided along the conveyance path is provided. In addition, the 3rd continuous body 33 consists of the side seat | sheet 17 to which the thread rubber 18 was provided in a row in the front-back direction Y, and is prepared for each of the left and right side seats 17.

  The fourth transport mechanism 45 transports the fourth continuous body 34, and includes a plurality of belt mechanisms 451 to 454 provided along the transport path of the fourth continuous body 34. In addition, the 4th continuous body 34 is the thing in which the absorber 14 was joined to the strip | belt-shaped sheet | seat 341 where the back sheet | seat 15 continues in the front-back direction Y at intervals in the front-back direction Y.

  The slit forming unit 46 is disposed on the upstream side in the transport direction of the first confluence forming mechanism 47 on the transport path of the first continuous body 31, and includes an upper blade roller 461 and a lower blade roller 462. Then, when the first continuous body 31 is passed between the upper blade roller 461 and the lower blade roller 463, a notch forming section that is intermittently set on the first continuous body 31 by the rollers 461 and 462. The plurality of cut row sets 21 described above are formed in 24.

  The first joining formation mechanism 47 cuts the first continuous body 31 for each length corresponding to the topsheet 11 at the joining portion 61, and the cut formation section 24 of the obtained topsheet 11 is moved in the front-rear direction Y And the top sheet 11 is overlapped and joined to the second continuous body 32. More specifically, the merge formation mechanism 47 includes a plurality of pad sets 471, a pad drive mechanism 472, a cutting mechanism 473, and an auxiliary roller 474.

  Each pad set 471 includes first and second pads 72 and 73 that are driven along a circular orbit 71 as a predetermined orbit. The first continuum 31 is received by the pad set 471 at the first position 71a on the circular orbit 71, and is conveyed to the second position 71b by the pad set 471. At this time, the first pad 72 of each pad set 471 adsorbs the downstream portion in the transport direction of each section that becomes the top sheet 11 of the first continuous body 31, and the second pad 73 A portion of the continuous body 31 on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of each section is adsorbed. Then, after the first continuous body 31 is cut for each surface sheet 11, the first continuous body 31 is opened and joined to the second continuous body 32 at a second position 71 b on the circular track 71.

  In addition, the 1st continuous body 31 is cut | disconnected for every surface sheet 11 by the cutting mechanism 473 mentioned later in the process until it conveys from the 1st position 71a to the 2nd position 71b, and the cut | disconnected surface The cut forming section 24 in the sheet 11 is extended in the front-rear direction Y.

  Here, a plurality of air suction holes (not shown) for air-adsorbing the first continuous body 31 are provided on the outer surfaces of the pads 72 and 73 (surfaces in contact with the first continuous body 31). The suction by the air suction holes is turned on, for example, before each pad 72, 73 passes through the first position 71a on the circular track 71 (before the first continuous body 31 is received), and each pad 72, 73 is turned on. Is turned off when passing through the second position 71b.

  The pad drive mechanism 472 drives the first and second pads 72 and 73 of each pad set 471 along the circular track 71. The pad drive mechanism 472 periodically changes the spacing of the adjacent pads 72 and 73 along the circular track 71 according to the position of the pads 72 and 73 on the circular track 71. Further, the movement speed of the pads 72 and 73 along the circular track 71 is periodically changed by the pad drive mechanism 472 according to the positions of the pads 72 and 73 on the circular track 71. The mode of the change in the interval and the moving speed will be described in detail later.

  Such a pad drive mechanism 472 includes a rail 74, a rotating body 75, and a plurality of first and second link mechanisms 76 and 77, as shown in FIGS. The rail 74 is disposed along the circular track 71 and moves the pads 72 and 73 along the circular track 71. Each pad 72, 73 is provided with rail holding portions 72a, 73a for holding the rail 74.

  The rotating body 75 is driven to rotate around a rotating shaft 751 provided at a position deviating from the central axis 71c of the circular orbit 71. The rotating body 75 is rotationally driven by rotational power applied via a belt 753 wound around a pulley 752 that rotates integrally with the rotating body 75. The rotating body 75 is provided with a disk-shaped connection plate portion 754 to which first and second link mechanisms 76 and 77 described later are linked.

  The first link mechanism 76 is for link-connecting the rotating body 75 and the first pads 72 of each pad set 471, and the same number as the first pads 72 is provided. The first link mechanism 76 includes first and second links 761, 762 and a first cam mechanism 763.

  One end side of the first link 761 is connected to the connection plate portion 754 of the rotating body 75 so as to be rotatable around the rotation shaft 764. The other end side of the first link 761 is connected to one end side of the second link 762 so as to be rotatable around the rotation shaft 765. The other end of the second link 762 is connected to the first pad 72 so as to be rotatable around the rotation shaft 766. Note that a circular orbit 78 indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 16 is a trajectory when the rotating shaft 764 whose one end side of the first link 761 is pivotally supported by the rotating body 75 moves as the rotating body 75 rotates. Show. This circular track 78 is also a track of a rotating shaft 774 in which one end side of a third link 771 described later is pivotally supported by the rotating body 75.

  The first cam mechanism 763 changes the posture of the first and second links 761 and 762 relative to the rotating body 75 and the first pad 72 according to the position of the first pad 72 on the circular track 71. And a first contact 767 and a first cam groove 768 as a first cam surface. The first contact 767 is provided on the first link 761 or the second link 762 (provided on the first link 761 in this embodiment), and is inserted into the first cam groove 768. The first cam groove 768 is provided in the cam groove forming member 79 together with a second cam groove 778 described later. The first cam groove 768 is provided around the rotation shaft 751 along a first closed path that extends in a substantially circumferential direction.

  Then, as the rotating body 75 is rotated, the first contact 767 slides in the first cam groove 768, so that the postures of the first and second links 761, 762 are circular. The position is changed according to the position of the first pad 72 on the track 71.

  The second link mechanism 77 is for link-connecting the rotating body 75 and the second pads 73 of the respective pad sets 471, and is provided in the same number as the second pads 73. The second link mechanism 77 includes third and fourth links 771, 772, and a second cam mechanism 773.

  One end side of the third link 771 is connected to the connection plate portion 754 of the rotating body 75 so as to be rotatable around the rotation shaft 774. The other end side of the third link 771 is connected to one end side of the fourth link 772 so as to be rotatable around the rotation shaft 775. The other end of the fourth link 772 is connected to the second pad 73 so as to be rotatable around the rotation shaft 776.

  The second cam mechanism 773 changes the postures of the third and fourth links 771 and 772 with respect to the rotating body 75 and the second pad 73 according to the position of the second pad 73 on the circular track 71. And a second contact 777 and a second cam groove 778 as a second cam surface. The second contact 777 is provided on the third link 771 or the third link 772 (provided on the third link 771 in this embodiment), and is inserted into the second cam groove 778. The second cam groove 778 is provided in the cam groove forming member 79 together with the first cam groove 768 as described above. The second cam groove 778 is provided around the rotation shaft 751 along a second closed path that is continuous in the circumferential direction.

  Then, as the rotating body 75 is rotated, the second contact 777 slides in the second cam groove 778 so that the postures of the third and fourth links 771, 772 are circular. The position is changed according to the position of the second pad 73 on the track 71.

  With such a configuration, as the rotator 75 is driven to rotate about the rotation shaft 751, the rotational movement of the rotator 75 is caused by the first and second link mechanisms 76, 77 to move to the respective pad sets 471. Each pad 72, 73 is circulated along the circular track 71 so as to be transmitted to the first and second pads 72, 73 and pulled by the links 761, 762, 771, 772.

  At this time, since the rotating shaft 751 of the rotating body 75 and the center axis 71c of the circular orbit 71 are shifted, the interval between the adjacent pads 72 and 73 along the circular orbit 71 and the pads 72 and 73 are also determined. The moving speed of changes periodically according to the positions of the pads 72 and 73 on the circular orbit 71. About the space | interval between the 1st pad 72 and the 2nd pad 73 of each pad set 471, the space | interval when the pad set 471 exists in the 2nd position 71b rather than the space | interval when the pad set 471 exists in the 1st position 71a. Is set to be larger. As a result, the width 63 along the circular orbit 71 of the first pad 72 and the second pad 73 of each pad set 471 is a second greater than the width 63a when the pad set 471 is at the first position 71a. It changes so that the width 63b when it exists in the position 71b becomes larger.

  The width 63 refers to the distance from the downstream end in the transport direction (circumferential direction) of the first pad 72 to the upstream end in the transport direction of the second pad 73. The width 63a when the pad set 471 is at the first position 71a substantially corresponds to the length in the front-rear direction Y of the top sheet 11 before being stretched in the front-rear direction Y. The width 63b at the position 71b substantially corresponds to the length in the front-rear direction Y of the topsheet 11 when stretched in the front-rear direction Y. Depending on the ratio of these widths 63a, 63b, the amount of stretching of the cut forming section 24 of the topsheet 11 in the front-rear direction Y is determined.

  In addition, with respect to the interval between adjacent pad sets 471 (interval between the second pad 73 of the pad set 471 on the downstream side in the transport direction and the first pad 72 of the pad set 471 on the upstream side in the transport direction) The interval when the pad set 471 is at the first position 71a is set to be larger than the interval when the pad set 471 is at the first position 71a. The distance between adjacent pad sets 471 when the pad set 471 is at the second position 71 b substantially corresponds to the distance 62 between the adjacent topsheets 11 on the second continuous body 32.

  Further, regarding the moving speed of the pads 72 and 73 along the circular orbit 71, when the pads 72 and 73 are at the second position 71b than the speed V1 (see FIG. 14) when the pads 72 and 73 are at the first position 71a. The speed V2 is set to be larger.

  Here, the moving speed V1 of the pads 72 and 73 at the first position 71a is the same value as the transport speed V3 when the first continuous body 31 is introduced into the merge formation mechanism 47 by the first transport mechanism 42. Is set. Further, the moving speed V2 of the pads 72 and 73 at the second position 71b is set to the same value as the transport speed V4 when the second continuum 32 is passed through the merge formation mechanism 47 by the second transport mechanism 43. Is done. The difference between the speeds V1 and V3 and the speeds V2 and V4 is such that the amount of stretch by which the topsheet 11 is stretched in the front-rear direction Y and the topsheet 11 when the topsheet 11 is joined to the second continuous body 32. The distance 62 is increased as one or both increases.

  The link mechanism 76 that transmits the rotational motion of the rotating body 75 to each first pad 72 is provided with two links 761 and 762 and a cam mechanism 763 for controlling the posture of the links 761 and 762. . The link mechanism 77 that transmits the rotational motion of the rotating body 75 to each second pad 73 is provided with two links 771, 772 and a cam mechanism 773 for controlling the postures of the links 771, 772. .

  By adjusting the length of these links 761, 762, 771, 772 and the shape of the cam grooves 768, 778 of the cam mechanisms 763, 773, the width of the change in the spacing between the adjacent pads 72, 73, And, it can be set with a greater freedom than the range of change in the moving speed of each of the pads 72 and 73. For example, as compared to a configuration in which the rotating body 75 and the pads 72 and 73 are connected by one link, the width of the change in the spacing between the adjacent pads 72 and 73 and the moving speed of the pads 72 and 73 The width of the change can be increased.

  As a modification of the first merge formation mechanism 47, the first and second pads 72 and 73 of each pad set 471 and the rotating body 75 may be connected by one link. In this case, the first and second cam mechanisms 763, 773 are omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, the cutting mechanism 473 includes a plurality of lower blades 81 as first cutting elements and upper blade rollers 82 as second cutting elements. The lower blade 81 is provided at the upstream end portion in the transport direction of the first continuous body 31 of the second pad 73 of each pad set 471. The upper blade roller 82 is provided on the second pad 73 when the second pad 73 is located at any position between the first position 71a and the second position 71b on the circular track 71. The first continuous body 31 is sandwiched between the lower blade 81 and the continuous body 31 is cut. In the present embodiment, when the second pad 73 is at the first position 71a on the circular track 71 (or immediately after passing through the first position 71a), the first continuous body 31 is the upper blade roller 82. The blade 82a and the lower blade 81 are used for cutting. At this time, the first continuous body 31 is cut at each predetermined cutting point 311 of the first continuous body 31.

  As a modification of the cutting mechanism 473, the lower blade 81 may be provided at the downstream end of the first continuous body 31 in the transport direction of the first pad 72 of each pad set 471. In this embodiment (and the present invention), “cutting” means not only cutting with a blade, but also a method of cutting so as to push the cutting part by pressing the pressing member against the cutting part, and a heated member This is a concept including a method of fusing a cutting portion by bringing the cutting portion into contact with the cutting portion. Therefore, as the first and second cutting elements of the cutting mechanism 473, a pressing member or a heat fusing member may be used.

  The auxiliary roller 474 has the top sheet 11 transported by the pad 72 and the second transport mechanism 43 fed by the second transport mechanism 43 when the pads 72 and 73 are at the second position 71 b on the circular track 71. The continuum 32 is sandwiched between the pads 72 and 73. As a result, the top sheet 11 is joined to the second continuous body 32 by the adhesive applied to the top sheet 11.

  The first continuum 31 sent to the first merge formation mechanism 47 by the first transport mechanism 42 is the first and second pads of the pad set 471 at the first position 71 a on the circular track 71. 72, 73. At this time, the width 63 of the pads 72 and 73 along the circular orbit 71 is reduced. Further, the moving speed V1 of the pads 72 and 73 at this time is substantially the same as the speed V3 when the first continuous body 31 is introduced.

  Then, when the lower blade 81 provided on the second pad 73 of the pad set 471 that has received the first continuous body 31 passes through the upper blade roller 82, the first continuous body 31 is connected to the upper blade roller 82. It is sandwiched between the blade 82a and the lower blade 81 and cut into a predetermined length. Thereby, the surface sheet 11 is obtained.

  Further, as the pad set 471 that has received the first continuous body 31 moves from the first position 71a on the circular track 71 toward the second position 71b, the first pad 72 and the second pad 73 The width 63 along the circular track 71 is increased. Along with this, the cut forming section 24 of the topsheet 11 is extended in the front-rear direction Y. Further, as the pad set 471 moves from the first position 71a toward the second position 71b, the moving speed of the first and second pads 72, 73 is gradually accelerated from the speed V1 toward the speed V2. The

  Then, as the pad set 471 reaches the second position 71b, the top sheet 11 adsorbed by the first and second pads 72 and 73 is in a state where the cut forming section 24 is extended. The second continuous body 32 transported by the second transport mechanism 43 is overlapped and joined as it is. At this time, the joining portion of the topsheet 11 and the second continuous body 32 is sandwiched between the first and second pads 72 and 73 and the auxiliary roller 474, and joining with an adhesive is performed. Note that the moving speed V2 of the first and second pads 72 and 73 at this time coincides with the conveying speed V4 of the second continuous body 32.

  The second continuous body 32 to which the topsheet 11 is bonded is transported toward the second merge formation mechanism 48 by the second transport mechanism 43.

  In the second merge formation mechanism 48, the second continuous body 32 to which the topsheet 11 is joined and the two third continuous bodies 33 that form the left and right side sheets 17 are bonded to each other by an adhesive (for example, hot melt bonding). Agent). The adhesive is applied by an adhesive application part (not shown) provided on the upstream side in the transport direction of the second merging formation mechanism 48, at the junction of the second continuous body 32 or the third continuous body 33. This is done by applying an adhesive to the joint location. The second continuum 32 and the two third continuums 33 joined by the second merging formation mechanism 48 are sent out as a fifth continuum 35 and introduced into the third merging formation mechanism 49.

  In the third merging formation mechanism 49, the fifth continuous body 35 is superposed on the fourth continuous body 34 conveyed by the fourth conveying mechanism 45 as described above, and an adhesive (for example, a hot melt adhesive). Are joined together. The adhesive is applied by an adhesive application unit (not shown) provided on the upstream side in the transport direction of the third merging formation mechanism 49 by the joint of the fourth continuous body 34 or the fifth continuous body 35. This is done by applying an adhesive to the joint location. The fourth continuous body 34 and the fifth continuous body 35 joined by the third merge forming mechanism 49 are sent to the product dividing unit 50 by the fourth transport mechanism 45.

  In the product dividing unit 50, the joined fourth continuous body 34 and fifth continuous body 35 are cut into product units. Thereby, the absorbent article 1 is obtained.

  Next, operation | movement of the manufacturing apparatus 41 which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated along a manufacturing process. The manufacturing process by the manufacturing apparatus 41 includes steps S1 to S6 as shown in FIGS.

  In Step S1, as described above, the first continuous body 31 is introduced into the first merging formation mechanism 47 (merging portion 61) by the first transport mechanism. In this step S <b> 2, the adhesive is applied to the first continuous body 32 by the adhesive application unit 51. Further, this step S1 includes a small step S1a in which the slit forming section 46 forms a plurality of cut row sets 21 in each cut forming section 24 of the first continuous body 31.

  In step S <b> 2, as described above, the second continuous body 32 is introduced into the first merging formation mechanism 47 by the second transport mechanism 43. Steps S1 and S2 are performed in parallel.

  In step S3, as described above, the first joining body forming mechanism 47 cuts the first continuous body 31 for each surface sheet 11, and the notch forming section 24 of the surface sheet 11 is extended in the front-rear direction Y. Then, the top sheet 11 is overlapped and joined to the second continuous body 32 in a stretched state.

  In step S4, as described above, the second joining body forming mechanism 48 joins the second continuous body 32 to which the topsheet 11 is joined and the two third continuous bodies 33 that form the left and right side sheets 17 to each other. Is done. The second continuum 32 and the two third continuums 33 joined by the second merging formation mechanism 48 are sent out as a fifth continuum 35 and introduced into the third merging formation mechanism 49.

  In step S5, as described above, the fifth continuous body 35 is overlapped and joined to the fourth continuous body 34 transported by the fourth transport mechanism 45 by the third merge formation mechanism 49.

  In step S6, as described above, the joined fourth continuum 34 and the fifth continuum 35 are cut into product units by the product dividing section 50, whereby the absorbent article 1 is obtained.

  As described above, according to the manufacturing apparatus 41 according to the present embodiment, the top sheet 11 that is the first sheet that is at least partially stretched in the front-rear direction Y despite the simple apparatus configuration. And the absorbent article 1 provided with the top sheet | seat which is the 2nd sheet | seat which the surface sheet and 11 were piled up and joined can be manufactured favorably.

  In particular, a plurality of cut row sets 21 are developed in the extended cut forming section 24 of the top sheet and 11, and a plurality of openings 12 and a three-dimensional uneven structure 13 are formed. For this reason, while suppressing excrement, such as loose stool, spreading between a wearer's skin surface and the absorbent article 1, the absorbent article 1 which can capture | acquire excrement reliably can be manufactured favorably. .

  Further, in the pad drive mechanism 472 of the first confluence formation mechanism 47, the rotary shaft 751 of the rotating body 75 that drives the pads 72 and 73 via the link mechanisms 76 and 77, and the circular orbit 71 on which the pads 72 and 73 move. The center axis 71c is shifted. Therefore, with a simple configuration, the distance between the first pad 72 and the second pad 73 of each pad set 471 and the moving speed of the first and second pads 72 and 73 can be determined by the circular orbit 71. It can be changed periodically according to the upper position.

  Further, the first and second cam mechanisms 763, 773 use the posture control function for the first to fourth links 761, 762, 771, 772, and thereby the first set of the respective pad sets 471 on the circular track 71. The degree of freedom in changing the distance between the first and second pads 72 and 73 and the moving speed of the first and second pads 72 and 73 can be increased. Accordingly, for example, as described above, the stretch ratio of the topsheet 11 with respect to the notch formation section 24 and the setting of the interval 62 between the topsheets 11 when the topsheet 11 is joined to the second continuous body 32 are freely set. The degree can be expanded. For example, compared with the structure which connected the rotary body 75 and each pad 72 and 73 with one link, the ratio of the extension with respect to the notch formation area 24 of the surface sheet 11, and the surface sheet 11 to the 2nd continuous body 32 The distance 62 between the top sheets 11 when joining can be further increased. As a result, the degree of freedom in design is expanded, for example, by reducing the length of the topsheet 16 in the front-rear direction Y of the topsheet 16 and suppressing the material cost.

  In the above-described configuration, the case where the length of the front sheet 11 in the front-rear direction Y is shorter than that of the top sheet 16 has been described, but the length of the front sheet 11 in the front-rear direction Y may coincide with the top sheet 16. Good. In this case, in the first merge formation mechanism 47, the cutting mechanism 473 is omitted, and the first continuum 31 has the second continuous state after the notch formation sections 24 are extended in the front-rear direction Y. The continuum 31 is joined.

  Moreover, although the case where the manufacturing apparatus 1 which concerns on this embodiment was applied to manufacture of the absorbent article 1 shown in FIG. 1 was demonstrated in the above-mentioned description, the manufacturing apparatus 1 which concerns on this embodiment is another absorbent article. It can also be applied. That is, a first sheet having stretchability (or stretchable structure) partially or entirely, and a portion having stretchability (or stretchable structure) partially or entirely stretched in the front-rear direction Y If it is an absorbent article which has the 2nd sheet | seat with which the 1st sheet | seat was piled up and joined, the manufacturing apparatus 1 which concerns on this embodiment is applicable to arbitrary absorbent articles. As the first sheet in that case, for example, the whole (or a part of the section) has a rubber-like stretchability, or the whole (or a part of the part) can be stretched. What has (for example, a notch | incision etc.) is employable.

It is the figure seen from the skin surface side of the absorbent article which is one application example of the manufacturing apparatus of the absorbent article which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing along the A1-A1 line of FIG. It is a figure of the top sheet to which the surface sheet with which the absorptive article of Drawing 1 is equipped was joined. It is a figure which expands and shows a part of FIG. It is sectional drawing along the A2-A2 line of FIG. It is a figure which shows the state before a surface sheet is extended. It is a figure which expands and shows a part of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state by which the cut formation area of the surface sheet of FIG. 6 was extended. (A), (b) is a figure which shows the modification of the 1st and 2nd notch row | line | column provided in a surface sheet. It is a figure which shows the modification of the structure shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the manufacturing process by the manufacturing apparatus of the disposable absorbent article which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing regarding a 1st continuous body. It is explanatory drawing regarding a 2nd continuous body. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the front | former stage of the manufacturing apparatus of the disposable absorbent article which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the back | latter stage of the manufacturing apparatus of the disposable absorbent article which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically a part of apparatus structure of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the pad drive mechanism with which the manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 14 is equipped. It is a figure which expands and shows a part of apparatus structure of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Absorbent article, 11 Surface sheet, 12 Opening part, 13 Concavity and convexity structure, 14 Absorber, 15 Back sheet, 16 Auxiliary sheet, 17 Side sheet, 18 Thread rubber, 19 Top sheet, 19a Perforated part, 21 Notch row set , 22 1st cut row, 23 2nd cut row, 24 cut formation section, 26 1st unit cut portion, 27 2nd unit cut portion, 26a, 27a vertex portion, 26b, 27b hem portion, 28, 29 Standing part, 31 1st continuous body, 32 2nd continuous body, 33 3rd continuous body, 34 4th continuous body, 35 5th continuous body, 41 Absorbent article manufacturing apparatus, 42 1st Transport mechanism, 421 belt mechanism, 422 transport roller, 43 second transport mechanism, 431, 432 belt mechanism, 44 third transport mechanism, 441 transport low , 45 Fourth conveying mechanism, 451 to 454 Belt mechanism, 46 Slit forming portion, 461 Upper blade roller, 462 Lower blade roller, 47 First confluence forming mechanism, 471 Pat set, 472 Pat drive mechanism, 473 Cutting mechanism, 474 Auxiliary roller, 48 Second confluence formation mechanism, 49 Third confluence formation mechanism, 50 Product dividing portion, 51 Adhesive application portion, 61 confluence portion, 71 circular track, 71a first position, 71b second position 71c Central axis, 72 First pad, 72a Rail holding part, 73 Second pad, 73a Rail holding part, 74 rail, 75 Rotating body, 751 Rotating shaft, 752 Pulley, 753 Belt, 754 Connecting plate part, 76 First link mechanism, 761 First link, 762 Second link, 763 First cam mechanism, 767 First contact , 768 First cam groove, 77 Second link mechanism, 771 Third link, 772 Fourth link, 773 Second cam mechanism, 777 Second contact, 778 Second cam groove, 79 Cam Groove forming member, 81 lower blade, 82 upper blade roller, X horizontal direction, Y longitudinal direction.

Claims (7)

A first sheet in which at least a part of the longitudinal direction has elasticity and the at least a part of the section is stretched in the longitudinal direction is overlapped with and joined to the first sheet. 2 is an absorbent article manufacturing apparatus that is mounted on a wearer's crotch and absorbs excrement,
A first transport mechanism that feeds a first continuous body in which the first sheets are continuously connected in the longitudinal direction to a predetermined junction;
A second transport mechanism for allowing the second continuous body, in which the second sheets are continuously connected, to pass through the joining portion;
At the merging portion, the first continuum is cut for each length corresponding to the first sheet, pulling the at least some sections of the resulting first sheet in said longitudinal direction extending and play, and if flow forming mechanism to grant pre Symbol first sheet to said second continuous body,
Equipped with a,
The merge formation mechanism is
Each of the first and second pads is driven along a predetermined orbit, and the interval between the first and second pads is periodically changed according to the position on the orbit. Multiple pad sets to be changed,
A first cutting element that is provided on the first pad or the second pad of each pad set and cuts the first continuous body;
A second cutting element that cooperates with the first cutting element to cut the first continuum by a length corresponding to the first sheet;
With
The first and second pads of the respective pad sets are at a first position on the circular track, and a downstream portion and an upstream portion of the first continuous body in the conveyance direction of the first sheet. The first sheet is cut for each of the first sheets at a second position located downstream of the first position on the circular orbit in the circumferential direction. To release the continuum and apply to the second continuum,
The spacing between the first pad and the second pad of the pad set is greater when the pad set is in the second position than when the pad set is in the first position. And
The second cutting element includes the first cutting element provided in the pad set at any stage until the pad set moves from the first position to the second position on the orbit. An apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent article, wherein the first continuous body is cut in cooperation with a cutting element . In the manufacturing apparatus of the absorbent article according to claim 1,
The first and second pads of the pad set are driven along a circular orbit as the circular orbit,
The absorbent article manufacturing apparatus comprises:
A rotating body that is driven to rotate about a rotation axis set at a position off the center of the circular orbit,
A plurality of first link mechanisms that link-connect the rotating body and the first pads of the respective pad sets;
A plurality of second link mechanisms that link-connect the rotating body and the second pads of the respective pad sets;
An apparatus for manufacturing absorbent articles, comprising: In the manufacturing apparatus of the absorptive article according to claim 2,
The first link mechanism includes:
First and second links linking the rotating body and the first pad of the pad set;
A first contact provided on one of the first and second links, and a first cam surface formed in a substantially circumferential direction and in sliding contact with the first contact. A first cam mechanism that changes the posture of the first and second links with respect to the rotating body and the first pad in accordance with the position of the first pad on the circular path;
With
The second link mechanism is
Third and fourth links that link the rotating body and the second pad of the pad set;
A second contact provided on one of the third and fourth links, and a second cam surface formed in a substantially circumferential direction and in contact with the second contact. A second cam mechanism that changes the posture of the third and fourth links with respect to the rotating body and the second pad in accordance with the position of the second pad on the circular path;
An apparatus for manufacturing absorbent articles, comprising: In the manufacturing apparatus of the absorbent article in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3 ,
In the at least part of the first sheet in the first continuum that is disposed upstream of the merging formation mechanism in the conveyance direction of the first continuum and is conveyed by the first conveyance mechanism. In the corresponding part, further comprising a cutter part that forms a plurality of cuts that can be developed three-dimensionally,
The first sheet has a plurality of openings and a three-dimensional concavo-convex structure by the portion where the plurality of cut portions are formed extended in the longitudinal direction and opened by the merging formation mechanism. The absorbent article manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent article is applied to the second continuous body . In the manufacturing apparatus of the absorptive article according to claim 4 ,
The plurality of cut portions formed in the first continuous body by the cutter portion are configured by the plurality of cut row sets,
Each notch row set is provided in the first continuous body along a horizontal direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, and includes a pair of first and second notch rows,
The first cut row is:
Provided with a plurality of first unit cut portions having a substantially chevron shape provided at an interval with respect to the lateral direction and having a vertex portion directed in the longitudinal direction;
The second cut row is
A plurality of second unit cut portions having a substantially chevron shape provided at intervals along the lateral direction and having apex portions oriented in the longitudinal direction;
The first unit cut portion of the first cut row of each of the cut row sets and the second unit cut portion of the second cut row have the vertex portions opposite to each other in the vertical direction. And is arranged so as to partially overlap with the two adjacent unit cut portions of the pair of opposite cut rows that are paired with respect to the lateral direction,
The merge forming mechanism causes the first sheet to be stretched in the longitudinal direction to open the first and second unit cut portions of the first and second cut rows, and each of the cut portions. The absorbent article manufacturing apparatus , wherein the plurality of openings and the three-dimensional concavo-convex structure are formed by rising up and down the inner part of the apex part of the mountain shape . In the manufacturing apparatus of the absorbent article according to claim 4 or 5 ,
In the first sheet, at least a part of the region is exposed on the skin surface side of the absorbent article.
An absorbent article manufacturing apparatus, wherein the absorbent article is arranged in a state . A first sheet in which at least a part of the longitudinal direction has elasticity and the at least a part of the section is stretched in the longitudinal direction is overlapped with and joined to the first sheet. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article that is attached to a crotch of a wearer and absorbs excrement,
  Introducing a first continuous body in which the first sheets are continuously connected in the longitudinal direction into a predetermined joining portion;
  Introducing a second continuous body, in which the second sheets are continuously connected, into the joining portion;
  In the merging portion, the first continuum is cut for each length corresponding to the first sheet by a merging formation mechanism, and the at least part of the obtained first sheet is divided into the sections. Stretching in the longitudinal direction and applying the first sheet to the second continuum;
With
  The merge formation mechanism is
  Each of the first and second pads is driven along a predetermined orbit, and the interval between the first and second pads is periodically changed according to the position on the orbit. Multiple pad sets to be changed,
  A first cutting element that is provided on the first pad or the second pad of each pad set and cuts the first continuous body;
  A second cutting element that cooperates with the first cutting element to cut the first continuum by a length corresponding to the first sheet;
With
  The first and second pads of the respective pad sets are at a first position on the circular track, and a downstream portion and an upstream portion of the first continuous body in the conveyance direction of the first sheet. The first sheet is cut for each of the first sheets at a second position located downstream of the first position on the circular orbit in the circumferential direction. To release the continuum and apply to the second continuum,
  The spacing between the first pad and the second pad of the pad set is greater when the pad set is in the second position than when the pad set is in the first position. And
  The second cutting element includes the first cutting element provided in the pad set at any stage until the pad set moves from the first position to the second position on the orbit. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article, wherein the first continuous body is cut in cooperation with a cutting element.

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