JP6189109B2 - Pants-type wearing article - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a pants-type wearing article having a side seal portion.

  A conventional pant-type wearing article includes an absorbent main body and an exterior body that forms the outer surface of the wearing article, and both side edges of the exterior body in the front body and both side edges of the exterior body in the back body are joined together. A pants-type disposable diaper in which a side seal portion is formed is known.

  Conventionally, in the manufacturing process of absorbent articles such as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins, a heat roll device has been widely used for joining stacked sheets, and in general, the side seal part uses a heat roll device. It is formed. As other joining methods, a method using ultrasonic welding (for example, Patent Document 1) and a method using laser light (for example, Patent Document 2) are also known. Further, Patent Document 3 is not limited to a method for manufacturing an absorbent article, but a laser beam is irradiated to the sheet laminate, and fused portions in which the sheets are fused are arranged in a row in the sheet laminate. It is described that a row of fused portions is formed.

  A pants-type disposable diaper is usually manufactured through the following steps. That is, a diaper continuous body in which a plurality of diapers are connected in one direction (conveying direction), such as a diaper continuous body indicated by reference numeral 10 in FIG. After the front body side exterior body and the back body side exterior body that overlap each other are joined by a joining means such as a heat roll device, the joined portion is cut by a cutting means such as a cutter, thereby dividing into individual diapers. It is manufactured through the process of. The conventional pants-type disposable diaper manufactured in this way (the cut edge portion of the joint produced by cutting by the cutting means) has the left and right side edges of the front body and the left and right side edges of the back body joined together when the diaper is worn. It protrudes from the outer surface of the diaper in an overlapping shape.

JP 2006-82556 A JP 2010-188629 A JP 2012-126130 A

  In recent years, pants-type disposable diapers have been desired to have the same appearance as normal underwear. However, the pants-type disposable diaper has a side seal portion that does not exist in normal underwear. However, the conventional side seal portion protrudes outward from the diaper rather than the peripheral portion, and is very conspicuous in the appearance of the diaper. Because of its existence, underpants-type disposable diapers are difficult to say with the same appearance as underwear.

  In addition, as a method for imparting the same appearance as a normal underwear to a pants-type disposable diaper, a conventional side seal part formed according to a conventional method using a heat roll device or ultrasonic welding as described in Patent Document 2 A method of lowering the protruding height of the side seal part from the outer surface of the diaper by physically cutting the tip part of the side seal part by a cutting means such as a cutter is conceivable. However, the side seal part formed according to the ordinary method is formed by compressing the exterior body in the thickness direction, so the thickness (width) of the fused part of the forming material in the side seal part is compared. Because it is small and easy to be harder than other parts of the outer surface of the diaper, it feels firm when the outer surface of the diaper is touched by hand. Such a tactile sensation of the side seal portion is also a factor that distinguishes a pants-type disposable diaper from normal underwear.

  Therefore, the present invention relates to a pants-type wearing article having an appearance like underwear, having a side seal portion, having a soft side seal portion and excellent touch.

  The present invention includes an exterior body that forms the outer surface of a worn article, and a pair of side seal portions, a waist opening, and both side edges of the exterior body in the front body and both side edges of the exterior body in the back body are joined together A pants-type wearing article in which a pair of leg openings are formed, wherein the side seal portion includes an edge portion of the exterior body in the front body and an edge portion of the exterior body in the back body in the longitudinal direction of the side seal portion. And a sealing edge portion joined by a continuous linear fusion portion extending to the cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the side seal portion extends in the skin of the wearer of the wearing article. When the length in the inner and outer directions from the near side to the far side is the width W, and the length in the direction perpendicular to the direction at the central position of the width W is the thickness T, the thickness T of the fusion part is: The combination of the outer body on the front body side and the outer body on the rear body side Provided is a pants-type wearing article that is smaller than the thickness (Ta + Tb) and that the thickness T of the fused part is larger than the thickness of at least one of the front body side exterior body and the back body side exterior body (Ta or Tb). Is.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, while providing a side seal part, it has the external appearance like underwear, the side seal part is soft, and the underpants type wearing article excellent in the touch is provided.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a pants-type disposable diaper which is an embodiment of a pants-type wearing article of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section taken along line II of FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically showing an unfolded and extended state of the diaper shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section orthogonal to the direction in which the side seal portion extends, showing the side seal portion of the diaper shown in FIG. 1 and the vicinity thereof. Fig.5 (a) is a schematic side view which shows one side part of the diaper shown in FIG. 1, FIG.5 (b) is the II-II schematic sectional drawing of Fig.5 (a). Fig.6 (a) is a schematic cross section for demonstrating the measuring method of the amplitude height in a pseudo-wearing state, FIG.6 (b) is an enlarged view in the circle | round | yen of Fig.6 (a). FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a manufacturing process of a diaper continuous body in the manufacture of the diaper shown in FIG. FIG. 8: is a perspective view which shows a mode that a diaper continuous body is melted using the laser-type joining apparatus preferably used for manufacture of the underpants type wearing article of this invention. Figure 9 (a) ~ FIG. 9 (c), respectively, at the same time side seal portion and to divide the diaper continuum (band-like outer package) using a laser-type bonding apparatus shown in FIG. 8 (sealing edge) It is explanatory drawing explaining a mode that it forms.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The pants-type disposable diaper 1 which is one embodiment of the pants-type wearing article of the present invention includes an absorbent main body 2 and an exterior body 3 that forms the outer surface of the wearing article, as shown in FIGS. Left and right side edges A1, A1 along the longitudinal direction X of the exterior body 3 in the front body F (ventral side 1A) and left and right side edges along the longitudinal direction X of the exterior body 3 in the rear body R (back side part 1B) A pants-type disposable diaper in which B1 and B1 are joined to form a pair of side seal portions 4 and 4, a waist opening 8 and a pair of leg openings 9 and 9. The exterior body 3 is positioned on the non-skin contact surface side of the absorbent main body 2 and fixes the absorbent main body 2.

  The diaper 1 has a longitudinal direction X corresponding to the wearer's front-rear direction and a lateral direction Y perpendicular to the wearer's front-rear direction in a developed and extended plan view as shown in FIG. The diaper 1 can be divided into a crotch part 1C arranged at the crotch part at the time of wearing, and an abdominal side part 1A and a back side part 1B located in the longitudinal direction X. The exterior body 3 in the crotch part 1 </ b> C is formed with recesses for forming leg openings 9, 9 at the left and right side edges along the vertical direction X. As shown in FIG. 4, the diaper 1 can be divided into a front body F and a back body R with a virtual center line CL that bisects the diaper 1 in the vertical direction X as a boundary.

  In addition, in this specification, a skin contact surface is a surface directed to a wearer's skin side at the time of wearing in a pants type wearing article or its constituent member (for example, an absorptive main part), and a non-skin contact surface is In the pants-type wearing article or its constituent members, it is a surface directed to the side opposite to the wearer's skin side (clothing side) when worn. In the diaper 1, the vertical direction X corresponds to the direction (longitudinal direction) along the long side of the absorbent main body 2 which is a disposable diaper or its constituent member, and the horizontal direction Y is the absorbent which is a disposable diaper or its constituent member. It coincides with the width direction of the main body 2.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the absorbent main body 2 has a vertically long shape in one direction (longitudinal direction X), and a surface sheet (not shown) that forms a skin contact surface; A back sheet (not shown) that forms a non-skin contact surface, and a liquid-retaining absorbent (not shown) interposed between the two sheets. And has a long shape in the same direction. The absorbent main body 2 is joined to a central portion of the outer package 3 by a known joining means (adhesive or the like) so that the longitudinal direction thereof coincides with the longitudinal direction X of the diaper 1 in the unfolded and extended state. Here, the expanded and extended state means that the side seal portion is peeled off, the diaper is set in the expanded state, the elastic member of each part is expanded in the expanded diaper, and the design dimensions (the influence of the elastic member is eliminated at all). In this state, it is expanded until it becomes the same size as when expanded in a flat shape.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the outer package 3 is disposed on the outer layer sheet 31 that forms the outer surface of the diaper 1 (the non-skin contact surface of the outer package 3), and the inner surface side of the outer layer sheet 31. An inner layer sheet 32 that forms the inner surface of 1 (skin contact surface of the exterior body 3), and a plurality of thread-like or belt-like elastic members 5, 6, and 7 fixed between the sheets 31 and 32 with an adhesive. It is configured to include. The two sheets 31 and 32 are joined to each other at a predetermined site by an adhesive or heat seal (not shown).

  The exterior body 3 (the outer layer sheet 31 and the inner layer sheet 32) includes a resin material and is formed using the resin material as a main component. As an example of the outer package 3 (the outer layer sheet 31 and the inner layer sheet 32), the resin material includes a heat-sealable synthetic resin such as polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polypropylene, and includes a nonwoven fabric, a film, a laminate sheet of a nonwoven fabric and a film, and the like. The thing which becomes. Examples of the nonwoven fabric include air-through nonwoven fabric, heat roll nonwoven fabric, spunlace nonwoven fabric, spunbond nonwoven fabric, and melt blown nonwoven fabric.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the pair of side seal parts 4, 4 in the diaper 1 is formed so that the edge part of the exterior body 3 in the front body F and the edge part of the exterior body 3 in the back body R are the side seal parts 4. It has a seal edge portion 41 joined by a continuous linear fusion portion 40 extending in the longitudinal direction. The seal edge 41 in the diaper 1 is formed continuously over the entire length between the waist opening 8 and the leg opening 9 in each of the side seal portions 4 and 4. The fused portion 40 in the seal edge portion 41 is obtained by melting and solidifying constituent resins of the sheets in a state where the edge portions of a plurality of sheets (the outer layer sheet 31 and the inner layer sheet 32) constituting the exterior body 3 are overlapped. Is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the fused portion 40 in the seal edge portion 41 has a cross section orthogonal to the direction in which the side seal portion 4 extends, in the inner / outer direction P toward the far side from the side closer to the wearer's skin of the worn article. When the length is the width W and the length in the direction Q perpendicular to the direction P at the center position of the width W is the thickness T, the thickness T of the fused part 40 is the outer body 3 on the front body 1A side. In addition, the total thickness (Ta + Tb) of the outer body 3 on the back body 1B side is equal to or smaller than the total thickness (Ta + Tb), and the thickness T of the fused part 40 is the outer body 3 on the front body 1A side and the outer body on the back body 1B side. Greater than 3 (Ta or Tb).

The thickness Ta of the outer body 3 on the front body 1A side and the thickness Tb of the outer body 3 on the rear body 1B side are both thicknesses in portions other than the side seal portion 4, and preferably the front body 1A and the back body 1B. About each of these, thickness is measured in the range whose separation distance Lt is 1-11 mm from the fusion | melting part 40 in the diaper horizontal direction Y (refer FIG. 2).
The thickness Ta and the thickness Tb were measured by applying a load of 0.5 cN / cm ² with a sample cut from each of the outer body on the front body 1A side and the outer body on the back body 1B side sandwiched between flat plates. The distance between the flat plates in the state was measured, and the value was taken as the thickness. The sample is cut into a 10 mm × 10 mm square, and if the dimensions cannot be cut, cut them to the closest possible dimensions.
On the other hand, the width W and the thickness T of the fused part were measured by observing a cross section under a state where no load was applied with a microscope (VHX-1000 manufactured by KEYENCE Corporation) at a magnification of 50 to 200 times.
The thickness Ta, the thickness Tb, and the width and thickness of the fused part were measured for three different cross sections in the direction along the side seal part 4, and the average value of the measured values was used as each value. .
The dimension of each part is preferably measured to a unit of 0.01 mm.

The reason for measuring the thickness T of the fused part 40 at the center position that bisects the width W of the fused part 40 is to measure the thickness corresponding to each of various seal-shaped samples. This is because it can be done.
Further, the outer edge 4a of the fused part 40 has a shape that is greatly depressed inward in the inner / outer direction P, and a part of the outer edge 4a is inward from a line that bisects the width W of the fused part 40. The thickness T of the fused portion includes the thickness of the space portion inside the line that bisects.

By making the thickness T of the fused part 40 equal to or smaller than the total thickness (Ta + Tb) of the outer body 3 on the front body 1A side and the outer body 3 on the rear body 1B side, Pressure is applied and firmly fused.
Moreover, since the thickness T of the fusion bonding portion 40 is larger than at least one of the thickness Ta and the thickness Tb, the sealing portion is soft and soft to the touch. Here, “feel good” means that the wearer feels good.

  In particular, when the thickness T of the fused portion 40 is larger than each of the thickness Ta and the thickness Tb, since the melted portion is not excessively melted and solidified, the seal portion is softened, and the appearance and the touch are further improved. .

  In addition, the thickness T of the fusion part 40 is preferably set to a ratio (%) to the total thickness (Ta + Tb) of the outer body of the front body 1A and the back body 1B from the viewpoint of the fusion strength of the side seal part. % Or less, more preferably 95% or less, and from the viewpoint of appearance and touch, preferably 30% or more, more preferably 50% or more, and the appearance, touch, and fusion strength of the side seal portion. From the viewpoint, it is preferably 30 to 100%, more preferably 50 to 95%.

  Further, the thickness T of the fused part 40 is a difference (Ta + Tb-T) from the total thickness (Ta + Tb) of the outer body of the front body 1A side and the back body 1B side from the viewpoint of the fusion strength of the side seal part, Preferably, it is 0 mm or more, more preferably 0.02 mm or more, and from the viewpoint of touch, it is preferably 0.25 mm or less, more preferably 0.2 mm or less, and the fusion strength and touch of the side seal part. From this viewpoint, it is preferably 0 to 0.25 mm, and more preferably 0.02 to 0.2 mm.

  Further, the ratio (%) of the thickness T of the fused part 40 to the thickness Ta of the outer body on the front body 1A side and the thickness Tb of the outer body on the back body 1B side is preferably 110% from the viewpoint of the touch. Above, more preferably 150% or more, and from the viewpoint of the fusion strength of the side seal portion, preferably 300% or less, more preferably 200% or less. Also, the fusion strength and touch of the side seal portion. From this viewpoint, it is preferably 110 to 300%, more preferably 150 to 200%.

  Further, the thickness T of the fused portion 40 is determined by the difference between the thickness Ta of the outer body on the front body 1A side and the thickness Tb of the outer body on the back body 1B side (T-Ta, T-Tb). From the viewpoint, preferably 0.05 mm or more, more preferably 0.1 mm or more, and from the viewpoint of the fusion strength of the side seal part, preferably 2.0 mm or less, more preferably 1.0 mm or less, Moreover, from a viewpoint of the melt | fusion strength and the touch of a side seal part, Preferably it is 0.05-2.0 mm, More preferably, it is 0.1-1.0 mm.

  In addition, it is preferable that the width W of the fused portion 40 is smaller than the thickness T of the fused portion 40 because an advantageous effect that the touch is further improved is achieved. From the same viewpoint, the width W of the fused portion 40 is preferably 95% or less, more preferably 50% or less, and preferably 10% or more, more preferably 30% or more of the thickness T. Yes, preferably 10 to 95%, more preferably 30 to 70%.

The width W of the fused part 40 is preferably smaller from the viewpoint of improving the flexibility and feel of the side seal part, for example, preferably 2.0 mm or less, more preferably less than 1.0 mm, and still more preferably. Is less than 0.3 mm. On the other hand, it is preferable that it is 0.1 mm or more from the point of ensuring the sealing strength.
Further, as described above, the thickness T of the fused part 40 is preferably larger than the width W of the fused part 40. For example, when the width W of the fused part 40 is less than 0.3 mm, the fused part 40 The thickness T of 40 is preferably 0.3 mm or more.

  Realizing such a size relationship of each part, in particular, making the thickness T of the fused part 40 larger than the thickness Ta of the exterior body on the front body 1A side or the thickness Tb of the exterior body on the back body 1B side. Is not usually achieved by a method for forming a side seal portion using a pressure heating means such as a heat roll device. That is, the side seal part (fused part) formed in accordance with a conventional method using a pressure heating means is to heat the exterior body constituting the side seal part while compressing it in the thickness direction. Therefore, the thickness of the fusion part is usually smaller than the thickness of the exterior body on the front body 1A side or the back body 1B side. In order to set the thickness T of the fusion bonding portion 40 to the thickness Ta and / or Tb of the exterior body as in this embodiment, in the step of forming the side seal portion 4, the degree of compression of the exterior body 3 in the thickness direction is set. It is important to form the side seal portion 4 while suppressing it. As a method for forming the side seal portion 4 while suppressing the compression of the outer package 3, fusing using a laser beam can be mentioned. That is, a method of forming the side seal portion 4 by using a laser beam as a fusing means of the outer package 3 and irradiating the laser beam to a portion where the side seal portion 4 is to be formed in the outer package 3 to melt it. It is done.

In the diaper 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the exterior body 3 is provided at a site adjacent to the side seal portion 4 in each of the exterior body 3 on the front body 1 </ b> A side and the exterior body 3 on the back body 1 </ b> B side. As a result of the contraction of the elastic member 6 disposed on the concave and convex portions, the concavo-convex regions 43 and 43 having a continuous wave shape in cross section are formed. In the concavo-convex region 43, the two sheets 31 and 32 constituting the exterior body 3 are in close contact with each other through the adhesive without any gap, and they are integrally deformed into a corrugated cross section.
In addition, an elastic expansion / contraction part 44 having a structure different from that of the uneven region 43 is formed on the center side in the diaper width direction from the uneven region 43 on both sides of the side seal portion 4. In the elastic stretchable part 44, the two sheets 31, 32 constituting the exterior body 3 are joined at a large number of joints 33 arranged intermittently in the longitudinal direction X and the width direction Y of the diaper 1. A plurality of elastic members 5 and 6 extending in the horizontal direction Y are arranged so as to pass between the adjacent joint portions 33 in the vertical direction X, respectively. Then, due to the contraction of the elastic member 6, the portions located between the joint portions 33 in the two sheets 31, 32 swell away from each other as shown in FIG. Is formed. The elastic members 5 and 6 are not joined to either of the sheets 31 and 32 in the elastic stretchable part 44, but are bonded to the sheets 31 and 32 in a pair of fixed regions located on both sides of the elastic stretchable part 44. It is fixed through the agent. For the elastic member 5, a pair of uneven regions 43 formed in the vicinity of the pair of side seal portions 4 is the one fixed region, and for the elastic member 6, uneven portions formed in the vicinity of the side seal portion 4. The region 43 is one fixing region, and the other fixing region is formed in the vicinity of the side edge extending in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body 5. The joining portion 33 shown in FIG. 5 (a) is arranged so that a plurality of joining portion rows composed of joining portions 33 intermittently arranged in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper 1 are formed in the lateral direction Y of the diaper. The positions in the longitudinal direction X of the joint portions of the adjacent joint row are the same. In the joining portion 33, the sheets 31 and 33 may be joined by an adhesive, may be joined by heat fusion such as heat sealing, or may be joined by another joining method.

And in the wearing state of the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the width W of the fusion | fusion part 4 is smaller than the amplitude height h of this uneven | corrugated area | region 43. FIG. Since there are individual differences in the size and shape of the wearer's waist, whether or not the thickness T of the fused portion 4 is larger than the amplitude height of the uneven region 43 in the wearing state is determined in the pseudo wearing state shown below. To do.
<Pseudo wearing state>
A state in which the elastic member is contracted (a state in which no force is applied from the outside) is a natural length, and a state in which the elastic member is stretched to be 1.5 times is a pseudo-wearing state.

  Thus, in the pseudo wearing state, the width W of the fused portion 4 is smaller than the amplitude height h of the uneven region 43, so that the fused portion 4 is more unlikely to touch the skin of the wearer, parent, caregiver or the like. Thus, the feel of the side seal portion 1 and the outer surface of the diaper is further improved. From the viewpoint of the difficulty of touching the skin and the improvement of the touch, the width W of the fused portion 4 is preferably 70% or less, more preferably 50% or less of the amplitude height h of the uneven region 43, and more preferably 20 % Or less.

The diaper 1 mentioned above can be manufactured, for example with the manufacturing method demonstrated below.
The manufacturing method of the diaper 1 exists in the superposition | polymerization pressurization process which makes the formation planned site | part of the side seal part in the strip | belt-shaped exterior body 3 of the state which accumulated the front body side and the back body side into a pressurization state, and a pressurization state. By irradiating a laser beam through the light passing part 27 extending in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction A of the exterior body 3 to the site where the side seal portion is to be formed, the exterior body 3 is divided and the division is performed. A side seal portion forming step of forming the side seal portion 4 by fusing the cut edge portions of the laminated exterior body produced by the above. Moreover, the main body fixing process which fixes the absorptive main body 2 to the strip | belt-shaped exterior body 3 (the outer layer sheet | seat 31, the inner layer sheet | seat 32) is comprised before the superposition | polymerization pressurization process.

  More specifically, in the manufacturing method of the diaper 1, as shown in FIG. 7, in the polymerization pressurizing step, the strip-shaped exterior body 3 (outer layer sheet 31, inner layer sheet 32) is folded in the width direction. The front body side and the back body side of the strip-shaped exterior body 3 to which the absorbent main body 2 is fixed are overlapped with each other, whereby “a precursor of a pants-type disposable diaper in which a side seal portion is not formed is unidirectional. A continuous diaper 10 "is produced. And in the said side seal part formation process, as shown in FIG. 8, the strip | belt-shaped exterior body 3 in this diaper continuous body 10 is cut | disconnected (melting | fusing) separately by irradiation of the laser beam 30, and the division | segmentation is carried out. The pants comprising the exterior body 3 having a pair of side seal portions 4 and 4 by fusing the cut edges of the plurality of exterior bodies 3 (the outer layer sheet 31 and the inner layer sheet 32) in a laminated state generated by The mold disposable diaper 1 is continuously manufactured.

  More specifically, first, as shown in FIG. 7, a strip-shaped outer layer sheet 31 continuously supplied from an original fabric roll (not shown) and continuously supplied from an original fabric roll (not shown). Between the belt-like inner layer sheet 32 to be formed, the waist elastic member 5 forming the waist gather, the waist elastic member 6 forming the waist gather, and the leg elastic member 7 forming the leg gather have a predetermined elongation rate. A plurality of each are arranged in the stretched state. At this time, the leg elastic member 7 is arranged while forming a predetermined leg-circumferential pattern via a known swing guide (not shown) that reciprocates perpendicular to the sheet flow direction. Further, before the belt-like outer layer sheet 31 and the belt-like inner layer sheet 32 are overlapped, an adhesive coating machine (see FIG. (Not shown) to apply hot melt adhesive. Note that the elastic members such as the waist elastic member 5 and the waistline elastic member 6 are divided by the laser light irradiation in both the sheets 31 and 32 (the portion where the side seal portion 4 is to be formed, reference numeral 10C in FIG. 9). In order to avoid inconveniences such as significant shrinkage of the elastic member after the division and disconnection of the elastic member, etc. It is preferable to apply an adhesive to the adhesive. The concave and convex regions 43 and 43 on both sides of the diaper 1 sandwiching the side seal portion 4 are provided with an adhesive between the outer layer sheet 31 and the inner layer sheet 32 in the vicinity of the portion where the side seal portion 4 is to be formed, and the elastic member 5. The elastic members 5 and 6 are contracted together with the sheets 31 and 32 after the cutting. A hot melt adhesive is intermittently applied to the waist elastic member 5 and the waist elastic member 6 by an adhesive application machine (not shown) before being arranged between the sheets 31 and 32. May be.

And as shown in FIG. 5, between the pair of nip rolls 11, 11, a belt-shaped outer layer sheet 31 and a belt-shaped outer layer sheet 5 in which a waist elastic member 5, a waistline elastic member 6 and a leg elastic member 7 are sandwiched in an expanded state. By feeding and pressurizing the inner layer sheet 32, the band-shaped exterior body 3 in which a plurality of elastic members 5, 6, 7 are arranged in an expanded state between the band-shaped sheets 31, 32 is formed.
Moreover, in the formation process of this exterior body 3, the some junction part 33 which joins the strip | belt-shaped outer-layer sheet 31 and the strip | belt-shaped inner-layer sheet | seat 32 between the adjacent two waist part elastic members 6 and 6 is made into a convex roll. 12 and a corresponding joining means such as anvil roll 13 corresponding thereto.
Thereafter, if necessary, a plurality of waistline elastic members 6 and a plurality of leg portion elasticities are made by using elastic member precut means (not shown) so as to correspond to positions where the absorbent main body 2 described later is disposed. The member 7 is pressed and divided into a plurality of pieces so that the contraction function is not expressed. Examples of the elastic member precut means include an elastic member dividing portion used in the method for manufacturing a composite elastic member described in JP-A-2002-253605.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7, an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive is applied in advance to the absorbent main body 2 manufactured in a separate process, and the absorbent main body 2 is rotated 90 degrees to form a belt-shaped outer package. 3 is intermittently supplied and fixed on the inner layer sheet 32 constituting 3 (main body fixing step). Then, as shown in FIG. 7, a leg hole LO ′ is formed inside the annular portion that is annularly surrounded by the leg elastic member 7 in the strip-shaped exterior body 3 in which the absorbent main body 2 is disposed. This leg hole forming step can be carried out by using a technique similar to that in a conventional method for manufacturing this type of article, such as a rotary cutter and a laser cutter.

  Next, the belt-shaped exterior body 3 is folded in the width direction (a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the exterior body 3). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, both side portions 3 a, 3 a along the transport direction of the strip-shaped exterior body 3 are folded back so as to cover both longitudinal ends of the absorbent main body 2. After fixing both ends in the longitudinal direction, the outer package 3 is folded in the width direction together with the absorbent main body 2 (polymerization step in the polymerization pressure step). In this way, the diaper continuous body 10 is obtained.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the diaper continuous body 10 thus manufactured is irradiated with laser light using a laser bonding apparatus 20 to form a pair of side seal portions 4 and 4 (side seal portion). Forming step), a pants-type disposable diaper 1 having an exterior body 3 having a pair of side seal portions 4 is continuously manufactured.

The laser-type bonding apparatus 20 will be described. The laser-type bonding apparatus 20 is arranged in a hollow cylindrical roll 23 that is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow A and a hollow portion of the cylindrical roll 23 as shown in FIG. The irradiation head 35 which irradiates the laser beam 30 toward the cylindrical support member 21 forming the peripheral surface portion 23, and the belt type pressure device 26 including the endless pressure belt 24 (pressing member). ing.
The laser-type bonding apparatus 20 has an interval adjustment mechanism (not shown) that can increase or decrease the interval between the support member 21 (the peripheral surface portion of the cylindrical roll 23) and the pressure belt 24. By adjusting the interval, the support member The pressure applied to the diaper continuous body 10 (sheet laminate) can be appropriately adjusted by the pressure belt 21 and the pressure belt 24.

  The support member 21 forms a peripheral surface portion (contact portion with the workpiece) of the cylindrical roll 23, and is between a pair of annular frames 22, 22 that form both ends of the cylindrical roll 23 in the rotation axis direction. It is pinched and fixed. The support member 21 is made of a metal material such as iron, aluminum, stainless steel, or copper, or a material having heat resistance such as ceramics.

  The support member 21 has a light passage portion 27 through which laser light can pass. As shown in FIG. 8, the support member 21 has a slit-shaped opening 27 that penetrates the support member 21 in the thickness direction as a light passage portion. The opening 27 has a rectangular shape in plan view, and the longitudinal direction of the opening 27 intersects with the conveyance direction A of the diaper continuous body 10 (band-shaped exterior body 3). A plurality is formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical support member 21 so as to coincide with the direction parallel to the axial direction of the rotation shaft. The support member 21 allows the laser light to pass through the opening 27, but does not allow the laser light to pass (transmit) at portions other than the opening 27. As a method of forming the opening 27 in the support member 21, 1) etching, punching, laser processing, or the like at a predetermined position of the support member 21 made of a single annular member having the same length as the circumferential length of the annular frame 22. 2) The support member 21 is replaced with a single annular member, and a plurality of curved rectangular members are used as the support member 21, and the plurality of members are connected between the pair of frames 22, 22. In addition, a method of arranging the frame body 22 at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction may be mentioned.

  The belt-type pressure device 26 includes an endless pressure belt 24 (pressing member) and three rolls 25a, 25b, and 25c that rotate in a state where the pressure belt 24 is stretched. The rolls 25a, 25b, and 25c may be drive rolls or driven rolls that rotate with the cylindrical roll 23. The pressure belt 24 moves at the same speed as the cylindrical roll 23 (supporting member 21) with one or more of the rolls 25 a, 25 b, 25 c as a rotational drive or with the cylindrical roll 23. The support member 21 and the pressure belt 24 are preferably maintained in a predetermined temperature range by air cooling, water cooling, or the like.

  As the pressure belt 24 (pressing member), a metal or resin belt having heat resistance capable of withstanding the heat generated during processing can be used, for example, a metal material such as iron, aluminum, stainless steel, or the like. Can be used. In addition, as the pressure belt 24, a belt that does not transmit the laser beam irradiated to the workpiece (strip-shaped outer package 3) is usually used. You can also.

  As shown in FIG. 8, an irradiation head 35 that irradiates a laser beam 30 toward the support member 21 that forms the peripheral surface portion of the cylindrical roll 23 is provided in the hollow portion of the hollow cylindrical roll 23. The irradiation head 35 is a galvano scanner (device having a mirror on the motor shaft) that freely scans the laser beam 30, a mechanism for moving the laser beam 30 back and forth in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the cylindrical roll 23, laser beam A mechanism for moving the position (irradiation point) 30 on the support member 21 on the diaper continuous body 10 in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical roll 23, a mechanism for making the spot diameter of the laser light 30 constant on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical roll 23, and the like By having such a configuration, the laser irradiation mechanism can arbitrarily move the irradiation point of the laser light 30 in both the circumferential direction of the cylindrical roll 23 and the direction orthogonal to the circumferential direction. it can.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the diaper continuous body 10 includes a support member 21 that forms a peripheral surface portion of a cylindrical roll 23 that is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow A in a state where a predetermined tension is applied by a guide roll (not shown). After being transported by a predetermined distance in the circumferential direction by rotation of the cylindrical roll 23 so as to be wound around the support member 21, it is separated from the support member 21 by an unillustrated lead roll, nip roll or the like. . As described above, the diaper continuous body 10 is wound around the support member 21 forming the peripheral surface portion of the cylindrical roll 23 with a predetermined tension and is conveyed so as to be in pressure contact with the pressure belt 24. The portion sandwiched between the support member 21 and the pressure belt 24 and the vicinity thereof are in a state of being pressurized (compressed) in the thickness direction from before being divided by the laser light irradiation. For this reason, when the diaper continuous body 10 contains a nonwoven fabric, the diaper continuous body 10 can be more efficiently compressed, and as a result, the diaper continuous body 10 being compressed is irradiated with laser light. When this is divided, it becomes possible to fuse the cut edges of the plurality of sheets (exterior body 3) constituting the divided portion more reliably, and the side seal portion 4 can be fused. The strength is improved.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, while continuously transporting the diaper continuous body 10, one surface 10 a forms a peripheral surface portion of the cylindrical roll 23, and a slit-shaped opening 27 (through which the laser beam 30 can pass). Diaper continuum 10 (scheduled portion for forming side seal portion 4) brought into contact with the outer surface of support member 21 having a light passage portion and brought into a pressurized state by support member 21 and pressure belt 24 (pressing member). On the other hand, by irradiating the laser beam 30 from the support member 21 through the opening 27, the diaper continuous body 10 is divided, and at the same time, a plurality of sheets in the pressurized state generated by the division. The cut edges of the outer package 3 are fused together to form the side seal portion 4 (side seal portion forming step).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining how the side seal portion 4 (seal edge) is formed at the same time as the diaper continuous body 10 (band-shaped sheet laminate) is divided using the laser bonding apparatus 20. 9 (a) schematically shows a part 10C (part where the side seal part 4 is to be formed) scheduled to be divided by the laser beam 30 of the diaper continuum 10 and its vicinity. 10 C of division | segmentation scheduled parts of the diaper continuous body 10 in the aspect of illustration are the centers of the longitudinal direction (conveyance direction A) in the area | region where the absorptive main body 2 of the diaper continuous body 10 is not arrange | positioned. Such a portion 10C to be divided includes an end portion of the waist opening 8 (see FIG. 1) and its vicinity, an eight-layer structure portion in which eight sheets are stacked, and the other portions are four sheets. It is a four-layer structure part that is superimposed. As shown in FIG. 9 (a), the four-layer structure portion includes two sheets (an outer layer sheet 31 and an inner layer sheet 32) constituting one exterior body 3 in the ventral side part 1A, and a back side part 1B. It consists of the same two sheets 31 and 32 that constitute one exterior body 3, and these four sheets are laminated. On the other hand, as described above, the eight-layer structure portion is folded so that both side portions 3a and 3a of the strip-shaped outer package 3 cover both longitudinal ends of the absorbent main body 2 when the diaper continuous body 10 is manufactured ( (See FIGS. 4 and 7), because there are two exterior bodies 3 on each of the abdominal part 1A and the back side part 1B, and these four exterior bodies 3, 3 are laminated, As a result, eight sheets 31 and 32 are laminated. In each of the 4-layer structure portion and the 8-layer structure portion, elastic members such as the waist elastic member 5 and the waistline elastic member 6 may be interposed between the overlapping sheets 31 and 32. In FIG. 7, the illustration of the elastic member is omitted from the viewpoint of easy explanation. Hereinafter, the 4-layer structure portion will be mainly described, but unless otherwise specified, the 8-layer structure portion is configured in the same manner as the 4-layer structure portion, and the side seal portion 4 is formed.

  Other than the sheet constituting the outer layer sheet 31 and the one surface 10a constituting the one surface 10a (the contact surface with the support member 21) of the diaper continuum 10 in the planned division portion 10C of the four-layer structure in the diaper continuum 10 One or both of the sheets (inner layer sheet 32) absorb the laser beam 30 and generate heat. In the illustrated embodiment, all of the four sheets 31 and 32 constituting the parting planned portion 10 </ b> C are sheets (nonwoven fabrics) that absorb the laser beam 30 and generate heat. In addition, the two sheets of the outer layer sheet 31 and the inner layer sheet 32 that overlap each other in the vicinity of the portion 10C to be divided may be joined by an adhesive or the like before the irradiation with the laser beam 30, or may be joined at all. It is not necessary.

  As shown in FIG. 9 (b), the diaper continuous body 10 has one surface 10 a abutting against the support member 21, and a parting planned part 10 </ b> C (part where the side seal part 4 is to be formed) is on the slit-shaped opening 27. The pressure belt 24 (pressing member) is pressed against the other surface 10b so that it is conveyed in the direction of the arrow A while being introduced onto the support member 21 that rotates in the direction of the arrow A so as to be positioned in the direction of the thickness A. Pressure (compression). And the laser beam 30 is irradiated through the opening part 27 from the supporting member 21 side with respect to the parting part 10C to be divided in such a conveyance and pressurization state. As described above, the irradiation point of the laser beam 30 is configured to be arbitrarily movable in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical roll 23 and is set so as to follow the movement of the opening 27 along the circumferential direction. Therefore, the laser beam 30 is continuously irradiated for a certain period of time to the parting planned portion 10C located on the opening 27 during the conveyance.

  When the laser beam 30 is irradiated to the parting portion 10C having the four-layer structure, the forming materials (fibers, etc.) of the sheets 31 and 32 existing in the parting portion 10C are vaporized by the heat generated by the direct irradiation of the laser light 30 and disappear. The forming material existing in the vicinity of the parting portion 10 </ b> C is indirectly heated by the laser beam 30 and melted. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9 (c), the parting portion 10C having a four-layer structure is melted, and one sheet-fed sheet laminate (diaper precursor) is separated from the diaper continuous body 10, At the same time that the diaper continuum 10 is divided, the cut edges of the four sheets 31 and 32 in the sheet laminate of the single sheets produced by the division, and the diaper continuous 10 separated. The cut edges of the four sheets 31 and 32 are fused together. Each of these cut edges is pressed (compressed) by being sandwiched between the support member 21 and the pressure belt 24 from before the formation (before the diaper continuous body 10 is divided by irradiation with the laser beam 30). ). According to the diaper manufacturing method of the illustrated embodiment, the strip-shaped exterior body 3 is divided by the single laser light irradiation, and the exterior body 3 in the two pressurized states generated by the division is thus obtained. In order to carry out the fusion of the cutting edges at the same time, the fusion and separation are the same with approximately half the laser output compared to the method of fusing the two fusion places with two laser irradiations. It can be carried out in a process, and the diaper 1 can be manufactured efficiently.

  The cut edges of the sheets 31 and 32 are heated and melted during the irradiation of the laser beam 30 and immediately after the end of the irradiation, but are separated from the diaper continuous body 10 by the irradiation of the laser beam 30. Each of the leaf diaper precursor and the diaper continuous body 10 is quickly cooled and solidified by the outside air after the irradiation is completed while the pressure state of the support member 21 and the pressure belt 24 is maintained, and the cutting is performed. The edge forming material (fiber or the like) becomes the fused portion 40 which is fused and integrated. Thus, by forming the fused part 40, one of the pair of side seal parts 4, 4 in one diaper 1 is formed. If necessary, the cutting edge portions of the sheets 31 and 32 may be forcibly cooled by using known cooling means such as a suction device and an exhaust device to promote the formation of the fused portion 40.

  When one portion 10C (scheduled portion where the side seal portion 4 is to be formed) is divided in this way, the laser beam 30 seems to hit another opening 27 adjacent to the irradiation direction in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction A. And is irradiated to another parting planned portion 10C located thereabove through the other opening 27. As a result, another part 10C to be divided is divided and fused in the same manner as described above, and the other side seal part 4 (fused part 40) that forms a pair with the previously formed side seal part 4 is formed. Thereafter, by repeating the same operation, the pants-type disposable diaper 1 including the exterior body 3 having the pair of side seal portions 4 and 4 is continuously manufactured.

In the diaper 1 manufactured in this way, the edge part A1 of the exterior body 3 in the front body F and the edge part B1 of the exterior body 3 in the rear body R extend to the side seal part 4 in the longitudinal direction of the side seal part. A sealing edge 41 is formed which is joined by a continuous linear fusion part 40. Further, the side seal portion in which the thickness T of the fused portion is equal to or smaller than the total thickness (Ta + Tb) of the exterior body and is greater than the thickness Ta of the exterior body on the front body side or the thickness Tb of the exterior body on the back body side. 4 can be easily obtained by appropriately adjusting the degree of pressurization when irradiating the laser beam, the output of the laser beam, and the spot diameter.
In addition, the seal edge 41 has a shape in which the outer edge 4a formed of the fused part 40 is recessed toward the inside of the wearing article in a cross section orthogonal to the direction in which the side seal part 4 extends when worn. .
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the seal edge portion 41 does not have a portion where the constituent fibers of the exterior body 3 leave the fiber shape outside the fused portion 40 in the inner / outer direction P. Therefore, the appearance is good and the touch is improved.

  The diaper 1 having a pair of side seal portions 4 and 4 obtained through a process in which the outer body 3 is divided and welded at the same time is excellent in the flexibility and touch of the side seal portion 4, and the feeling of wear Is good.

Explaining the laser beam, the wavelength of the laser beam irradiated to the diaper continuous body 10 (band-shaped outer package 3) is absorbed by the sheets (outer layer sheet 31 and inner layer sheet 32) constituting the outer package 3 and generates heat. The laser beam is used. Here, the “sheet constituting the exterior body” is not limited to the sheet (for example, the outer layer sheet 31 in the above-described embodiment) constituting one surface of the exterior body (the contact surface with the support member 21). Any sheet may be used as long as the sheet is configured. Whether or not the laser light applied to the exterior body is a wavelength that is absorbed by the sheet and generates heat for the individual sheets constituting the exterior body depends on the material of the sheet and the wavelength of the laser light to be used. It depends on the relationship. When the sheet constituting the outer package is a non-woven fabric or film made of synthetic resin that is widely used in the manufacture of absorbent articles (sanitary products) such as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins, the laser beam may be CO ₂ laser, YAG It is preferable to use a laser, an LD laser (semiconductor laser), a YVO4 laser, a fiber laser, or the like. Moreover, when the sheet | seat which comprises an exterior body contains polyethylene, a polyethylene terephthalate, a polypropylene etc. as a synthetic resin, as a wavelength which can be absorbed by this sheet | seat and can make this sheet | seat generate | occur | produce favorably, 8.0 micrometers or more and 15. It is preferable to use 0 μm or less, and it is particularly preferable to use an oscillation wavelength of 9.0 μm or more and 11.0 μm or less of a CO ₂ laser in which a high-power laser device exists. The spot diameter of laser light, laser output, and the like can be appropriately selected in consideration of the material and thickness of the sheet constituting the exterior body.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on the embodiment, this invention can be suitably changed without being restrict | limited to embodiment mentioned above.

For example, a strip-shaped outer package (sheet laminate) is a stack of four sheets as shown in FIG. 9A, or two, three, or five or more sheets stacked. May be.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the exterior body 3 in the embodiment (mode) is not divided into the abdominal part 1A and the dorsal part 1B, but the abdominal part 1A, the crotch part 1C, and the dorsal part 1B. However, the exterior body in the present invention is not limited to such a continuous shape, and is, for example, the stomach side disposed on the wearer's stomach side (front side). It is divided | segmented into the sheet | seat member and the back | dorsal sheet | seat member distribute | arranged to a wearer's back | dorsal side (rear side), and the absorptive main body may be bridge | crossed and fixed to these both sheet | seat members. In the method for producing a pants-type disposable diaper having such a split-type exterior body, the polymerization pressurizing step includes a front body side (a belt-like stomach side sheet member) of the belt-like exterior body to which the absorbent main body is fixed. A site where the side seal portion is to be formed in the belt-shaped exterior body having a configuration in which the back body side (band-shaped backside sheet member) is superimposed is brought into a pressurized state.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, before implementation of the said superposition | polymerization pressurization process, as shown in FIG. 5, both side part 3a, 3a along the conveyance direction of the strip | belt-shaped exterior body 3, ie, strip | belt-shaped outer-layer sheet | seat 31 and strip | belt-shaped. Although the both side parts along the conveyance direction of each inner layer sheet 32 were folded back so as to cover both ends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body 2, the width direction (longitudinal direction) of the band-shaped outer layer sheet 31 was more than Absorbs only the extension part of the outer layer sheet 31 that extends outward from the side edge of the inner layer sheet 32 when the sheets 31 and 32 are overlapped. The body 2 may be folded back so as to cover both ends in the longitudinal direction. In that case, the parting plan part 10C of the diaper continuous body 10 is a six-layer structure part in which the opening end part of the waist opening part 8 and its vicinity are overlapped with six sheets, and the other part is four sheets. Becomes a four-layer structure part. Moreover, the both side parts 3a and 3a along the conveyance direction of the strip | belt-shaped exterior body 3, ie, the both sides along the conveyance direction of each of the strip | belt-shaped outer layer sheet 31 and the strip | belt-shaped inner layer sheet | seat 32 do not need to be folded.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the concave and convex regions 43 and 43 are formed on both sides of the side seal portion 4, but may be formed only on one side. Further, without the elastic stretchable portion 44 as shown in FIG. 5 outside the concavo-convex region 43, for example, the concavo-convex region 43 can absorb the entire region of the pair of side seal portions 4, 4 or the side seal portion 4. You may exist over the whole region between the side edge parts of the main body 5.

In addition, the pant-type wearing article in the present invention is not limited to a pant-type disposable diaper, and may be a pant-type sanitary napkin. It may be a diaper cover or the like that does not include
The description omitted in one embodiment described above and the requirements of only one embodiment can be applied to other embodiments as appropriate, and the requirements in each embodiment can be appropriately changed between the embodiments. Can be substituted.

  Regarding the embodiment (aspect) of the present invention described above, the following additional notes (pants-type wearing articles) are disclosed.

<1>
An exterior body that forms the outer surface of the wearing article is provided, and a pair of side seal portions, a waist opening portion, and a pair of leg openings are formed by joining both side edges of the exterior body in the front body and both side edges of the exterior body in the back body A pants-type wearing article in which a part is formed,
The side seal portion includes a seal edge portion in which the edge portion of the exterior body in the front body and the edge portion of the exterior body in the back body are joined by a continuous linear fusion portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the side seal portion. Have
In the cross-section orthogonal to the direction in which the side seal portion extends, the fusion portion has a width W in the inner and outer directions from the side closer to the wearer's skin of the wearing article at the center position of the width W. When the length in the direction perpendicular to the direction is the thickness T,
The thickness T of the fusion part is equal to or smaller than the total thickness of the front body side exterior body and the back body side exterior body, and the fusion part thickness T is the front body side exterior body and A pants-type wearing article having a thickness larger than at least one of the outer body on the back body side.

<2>
The pants-type wearing article according to <1>, wherein the thickness T of the fusion part is larger than any thickness of the front body side exterior body and the back body side exterior body.
<3>
The pants-type wearing article according to <1> or <2>, wherein the width W of the fusion part is smaller than the thickness T of the fusion part.
<4>
The thickness T of the fused part is preferably 100% or less, more preferably 95% or less, with respect to the total thickness (Ta + Tb) of the outer body on the front body side and the outer body on the back body side. Moreover, Preferably it is 30% or more, More preferably, it is 50% or more, The underpants type wearing article in any one of said <1>-<3>.
<5>
The thickness T of the fused part is preferably 0.00 mm or more, more preferably 0.00 mm or more, and the difference (Ta + Tb-T) from the total thickness (Ta + Tb) of the outer body on the front body side and the outer body on the rear body side. The pants-type wearing article according to any one of the above items <1> to <4>, which is 02 mm or more, preferably 0.25 mm or less, more preferably 0.20 mm or less.
<6>
The ratio (%) of the thickness T of the fused portion to the thickness Ta of the outer body on the front body side and the thickness Tb of the outer body on the rear body side is preferably 110% or more, more preferably 150% or more. The pants-type wearing article according to any one of <1> to <5>, which is preferably 300% or less, more preferably 200% or less.
<7>
As for the thickness T of the fusion part, the difference (T-Ta, T-Tb) between the thickness Ta of the exterior body on the front body side and the thickness Tb of the exterior body on the back body side is preferably 0.05 mm or more. The pants-type wearing article according to any one of <1> to <6>, more preferably 0.10 mm or more, preferably 2.00 mm or less, more preferably 1.00 mm or less.
<8>
The width W of the fusion part is preferably 95% or less, more preferably 50% or less, and preferably 10% or more, more preferably 30% or more of the thickness T, <1 The pants-type wearing article according to any one of> to <7>.
<9>
The width W of the fusion part is preferably 2.0 mm or less, more preferably less than 1.0 mm, and even more preferably less than 0.3 mm, in any one of the above items <1> to <8>. Pants-type wearing article as described.
<10>
At least one of the outer body on the front body side and the outer body on the rear body side has a cross-sectional shape deformed into a continuous wave shape due to contraction of an elastic member disposed on the exterior body at a portion adjacent to the side seal portion. The underpants-type wearing article according to any one of <1> to <9>, wherein an uneven region is formed, and the thickness T of the fused portion is smaller than an amplitude height of the uneven region in a worn state. . <11>
The pants according to <9>, wherein the thickness T of the fused part is preferably 70% or less, more preferably 50% or less, and further preferably 20% or less, of the amplitude height of the uneven region. Mold wearing article.
<12>
The seal edge portion does not have a portion in which the constituent fiber of the exterior body leaves a fiber shape outside the fused portion in the inner and outer directions, and the pants type is worn in any one of the above items <1> to <11> Goods.
<13>
The pants-type wearing article according to any one of the above items <1> to <12>, wherein the seal edge is formed over the entire length between the waist opening and the leg opening.
<14>
The pants-type wearing article according to any one of <1> to <13>, wherein the width W of the fusion part is less than 0.3 mm, and the thickness T of the fusion part is 0.3 mm or more.

  EXAMPLES Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to such examples.

[Example 1]
According to the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 7, a pants-type disposable diaper having the same basic configuration as the diaper 1 shown in FIGS. As the absorbent main body, an absorbent main body of a commercially available pants-type disposable diaper (made by Kao, trade name “Merry's Pants” 2012) is used, and the outer layer sheet 31 and the inner layer sheet 32 constituting the outer body are respectively made of PP. A spunbond nonwoven fabric having a basis weight of 17 g / m ^{2 made} of a single fiber was used. In the manufacture of the diaper of Example 1, laser light is used as a fusing means for a diaper continuous body (exterior body continuous laminate), and the portion where the side seal portion is to be formed in the diaper continuous body is irradiated with laser light to melt it. Thus, a side seal portion was formed. The laser beam irradiation was performed using an apparatus having the same configuration as the laser type bonding apparatus shown in FIG. As the laser light, a CO ₂ laser was used, the laser output was 24 W, and the scanning speed was 325 mm / s.

[Comparative Example 1]
In diaper manufacturing, instead of fusing using laser light, heat sealing using heating and pressurizing means (heat roll device) and physical cutting by cutting means of the heat seal part (pressurized part) are adopted. A pants-type disposable diaper was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the side seal portion was formed by these means.
[Comparative Example 2]
In Comparative Example 1, a pants-type disposable diaper was produced in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1, except that the width of the fused part formed by the heating and pressing means (heat roll device) was changed.

[Evaluation]
About the diaper of each Example and a comparative example, the tactile sensation of the side seal part was evaluated by the following method. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[Feeling of side seal part]
Eight panelists were asked to touch the side seal part of the diaper to be evaluated with their index finger, and the sense at that time was evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria. The average score of 20 panelists was used as the diaper evaluation result.

<Evaluation criteria for the feel of the side seal part>
5 points: soft.
4 points: Slightly soft.
3 points: Neither can be said.
2 points: Not soft.
1 point: Not soft.

  As is clear from Table 1, the diapers of the examples had a soft side seal part and a good touch. On the other hand, in Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the side seal portion is formed by being heated and compressed, so that the thickness T of the side seal portion (fused portion) It was smaller than the thicknesses Ta and Tb of the exterior body of the portion other than the side seal portion of each of the back side portions, resulting in inferior touch feeling of the side seal portion as compared with the example.

1 Pants-type disposable diaper (pants-type wearing article)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1A Abdominal side part 1B Back side part F Front body R Rear body 2 Absorbent main body 3 Exterior body 31 Outer layer sheet 32 Inner layer sheet Ta Thickness of front body side exterior body Tb Thickness of rear body side exterior body
Edge of exterior body in A1 front body
Edge part 4 of exterior body in B1 back body Side seal part 40 Fusion part 40a Outer edge of fusion part 41 Seal edge part T Thickness of fusion part W Width of fusion part 10 Diaper continuous body (band-like exterior body)
20 Laser type joining device 21, 21A, 21B Support member 26 Belt type pressurizing device 27 Opening (light passage part)

Claims (6)

An exterior body that forms the outer surface of the wearing article is provided, and a pair of side seal portions, a waist opening portion, and a pair of leg openings are formed by joining both side edges of the exterior body in the front body and both side edges of the exterior body in the back body A pants-type wearing article in which a part is formed,
The side seal portion includes a seal edge portion in which the edge portion of the exterior body in the front body and the edge portion of the exterior body in the back body are joined by a continuous linear fusion portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the side seal portion. Have
In the cross-section orthogonal to the direction in which the side seal portion extends, the fusion portion has a width W in the inner and outer directions from the side closer to the wearer's skin of the wearing article at the center position of the width W. When the length in the direction perpendicular to the direction is the thickness T,
The thickness T of the fusion part is equal to or smaller than the total thickness of the outer body on the front body side and the outer body on the rear body side, and the thickness T of the fusion part is the outer body on the front body side. and rather larger than at least one of the thickness of the exterior body of the back body side,
At least one of the outer body on the front body side and the outer body on the rear body side has an unevenness in which the cross-sectional shape is deformed into a continuous wave due to the contraction of the elastic member disposed on the exterior body at a portion adjacent to the side seal portion. A pants-type wearing article in which a region is formed and the width W of the fused portion is smaller than the amplitude height of the uneven region in a worn state .   The pants-type wearing article according to claim 1, wherein the thickness T of the fusion part is larger than any thickness of the outer body on the front body side and the outer body on the rear body side.   The pants-type wearing article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the width W of the fusion part is smaller than the thickness T of the fusion part. The pants-type wear according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the seal edge portion does not have a portion where the constituent fiber of the exterior body leaves a fiber shape outside the fused portion in the inner and outer directions. Goods. The underpants type wearing article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the seal edge is formed over the entire length between the waist opening and the leg opening. The pants-type wearing article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the width W of the fusion part is less than 0.3 mm, and the thickness T of the fusion part is 0.3 mm or more.

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