JP6381578B2 - Method for manufacturing absorbent article - Google Patents

Description

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

  Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins and disposable diapers are known. When manufacturing such an absorbent article, there is a folding step of folding the absorbent article to wrap the absorbent article. In the folding step, for example, while absorbing absorbent articles (including those with wrapping paper attached in advance) in the transport direction, both ends of the absorbent article in the transverse direction perpendicular to the transport direction are folded from the outside to the inside, respectively. . In other words, the side regions on both sides of the central region of the absorbent article in the transverse direction are each folded so as to overlap the central region.

  In connection with such a method for manufacturing an absorbent article, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a diaper folding apparatus. This diaper folding apparatus sucks up the central region of the diaper in the transverse direction with a perforated belt, scoops up the side regions on both sides of the central region with wings for flipping up, and folds inward with wings for inward alignment, A diaper that is folded in three is manufactured by folding it on the center part with folding blades. Patent Document 2 discloses an apparatus for rotating a flexible member extending from an article. The apparatus includes a conveyance system for conveying an article, and a member rotation system including two pulleys having an axis perpendicular to the conveyance direction and a universal belt helically engaged with the two pulleys. While the article is conveyed in the direction, the flexible part extending from the article is folded on the surface of the universal belt that rotates 180 degrees.

JP-A-8-301514 International Publication WO2012 / 088062A1

  In the diaper folding apparatus of Patent Document 1, the side regions on both sides of the diaper are guided by being brought into contact with a plurality of blades and folded into a central region, and all blades (guide members) are used from the start to the end of folding. At that time, a restoring force is generated in the side regions on both sides to return to the original state against the folding operation. Therefore, the side regions on both sides are pressed against the plurality of blades and rub against each other, thereby generating friction between the two. As a result, the speed in the conveyance direction of the side regions on both sides decreases due to frictional resistance. That is, in the transport direction, the speed of the side regions on both sides is slower than the speed of the central region. For this reason, the fold line at the boundary between the side region and the central region on both sides should be parallel to the conveyance direction, but may be bent out of the original fold line. Here, the magnitude of the restoring force increases as the folding progresses, and after the side regions on both sides rise at a predetermined angle (eg, about 120 to 60 °) with respect to the central region, the folding further proceeds. Sometimes especially large. Therefore, if all the side regions on both sides are to be folded by the guide member, the folding line may be shifted particularly from the predetermined angle. This is particularly noticeable when folding a thicker and more rigid part than the side region of Patent Document 1 that includes the absorber so as to straddle the side region and the central region on both sides.

  In the apparatus of Patent Document 2, a pair of side panels on both sides of a pants-type disposable absorbent article is placed on the surface of a free belt, and is folded by twisting 180 ° while being moved by the free belt. Use a universal belt all the way to the end. Here, when the universal belt moves while being twisted by 180 °, the universal belt and the pair of side panels are complicated such that a part of them comes to a position below the position of the transport surface of the absorbent article. Deform and move. Since the side panel is a thin and flexible member, it can follow complicated deformation and movement of the universal belt and can be folded at an appropriate fold line. However, in the case of folding the portion including the absorber, the portion including the absorber is a portion that is thicker and more rigid than the side panel, and therefore cannot follow the complicated deformation and operation of the universal belt. If so, there is a possibility that the portion including the absorber is not properly bent at the fold line, and the fold line may be bent.

  Further, in the twisted universal belt, the surface with which the article comes into contact is concave with respect to the article except for both ends. Therefore, the degree of rising of the concave surface of the universal belt with respect to the conveying surface is gentler than that of a flat surface or a convex surface. Here, since the side panel is a thin and flexible member, even if the rising state of the surface of the universal belt is moderate, it can be appropriately raised and easily folded at a desired folding position. However, in the case of folding the portion including the absorber, the portion including the absorber is a portion that is thicker and more rigid than the side panel, and thus may not stand up properly at the desired folding position. The folding line may be bent. Further, since the side panel is a thin and flexible member, even if a fold is not formed at a desired folding position, the side panel can be appropriately raised at the desired folding position and easily folded as it is. That is, it is not necessary to form a fold for folding the side panel. However, when the portion including the absorber is folded, the portion including the absorber is a portion that is thicker and more rigid than the side panel. There is a possibility that it does not stand up properly at the folding position, and the folding line may be bent.

  As described above, in the techniques of Patent Documents 1 and 2, when the absorbent article is conveyed in the conveyance direction and the part including the absorbent body of the absorbent article is to be folded from the lateral side, the fold line is generated. It may bend and not fold properly. Then, even if the absorbent article is folded, the folded regions do not appropriately overlap each other, and there is a possibility that packaging cannot be performed properly.

  The objective of this invention provides the manufacturing method of the absorbent article which can fold appropriately the part containing the absorber of an absorbent article, without bending a fold line, conveying an absorbent article in a conveyance direction. There is to do.

The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of the present invention is as follows.
(1) While each of the plurality of absorbent articles independent of each other is sequentially transported along the transport direction, the folding region outside in the transverse direction perpendicular to the transport direction in each absorbent article A folding step of sequentially folding on the folding region, each absorbent article has an absorbent material straddling the folding region and the non-folding region, and the non-folding region is on the transport surface of the transport means A method of manufacturing an absorbent article that is placed and transported, wherein the folding step has a shape that rises with respect to the transport surface toward the downstream side in the transport direction, and is in the folding region. A rising member whose surface in contact is a flat surface or a convex surface with respect to the conveying surface, and the folding region is raised with respect to the non-folding region, and a crease shape is formed between them. A belt surface of an endless continuous belt having a shape twisted so as to cover the transport surface toward the downstream side in the transport direction in the transport direction while contacting the raised folding region. A folding step of moving and folding the raised folding area on the non-folding area.

As described above, the manufacturing method of the absorbent article uses a rising member in the crease forming step, that is, the step of forming the fold by forming the fold, and the folding step, that is, the fold region is over the non-fold region. An endless continuous belt is used in the folding process.
In the crease forming process, the rising member having a flat surface or a convex surface has a steep rise with respect to the conveying surface of the conveying means compared to a member having a concave surface, a belt, or the like. Therefore, at the initial stage of folding, the folding region can be raised up with respect to the non-folding region better than a member or belt having a concave surface. Thereby, the first fold can be formed at an appropriate position of the absorbent article. At this time, even when the raising member is used, the range of use is up to the raising where the frictional resistance between the folding region and the raising member is small, so that the speed difference between the folding region and the non-folding region is very small. To a small range. Thereby, it can suppress that the crease | fold formed in the appropriate position shift | deviates and bends.
On the other hand, in the folding process, since the belt surface of the endless continuous belt is moved in the transport direction, the relative speed with respect to the folding region can be made smaller than when a non-moving guide member such as a sailor is used. Therefore, also when folding a folding area | region with an endless continuous belt, deceleration of the folding area | region by an endless continuous belt can be suppressed significantly. At this time, even when an endless continuous belt is used, the twist range of the endless continuous belt is the range from when the folding area rises to when it is folded, so the endless continuous belt and the folding area need to be complicatedly deformed and operated. Will disappear. Further, since the crease can be formed at a desired folding position by the rising member having a flat surface or a convex surface in the crease forming step, the fold region can be easily folded on the non-fold region. Thereby, the part containing the absorber of the absorbent article which is thick and rigid can be appropriately folded at the position of the fold line.
As described above, in this manufacturing method, the folding line between the folding region and the non-folding region is prevented from being bent by a synergistic effect of combining the rising member that forms a flat surface or a convex surface and the endless continuous belt having a small twist range. And the absorbent article can be properly folded. As a result, the absorbent article can be appropriately packaged, and the generation of defective products can be suppressed during production.

The method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to the present invention includes: (2) the folding region includes a first folding region connected to one end portion in the transverse direction of the non-folding region, and the other in the transverse direction of the non-folding region. A second folding region connected to an end, wherein the fold forming step is a first raising member, the first folding region is raised with respect to the non-folding region, and between them A first crease forming step of forming a crease in the second fold, and a second riser member for raising the second fold region with respect to the non-fold region and forming a crease therebetween A fold forming step, wherein the folding step moves the belt surface of the first endless continuous belt in the conveying direction while being brought into contact with the raised first folding region, and Is The first folding step of folding the first folding region on the non-folding region, and the conveyance while bringing the belt surface of the second endless continuous belt into contact with the raised second folding region And a second folding step of folding the raised second folding region onto the non-folding region, wherein the second fold forming step includes the first fold forming step. The manufacturing method of the absorbent article according to the above (1) may be performed after the forming step, and the second folding step may be performed after the first folding step.
In the manufacturing method of the present absorbent article, when the first folding region is folded into the non-folding region, the folding line between the first folding region and the non-folding region is prevented from being bent and appropriately folded. Therefore, when the second folding region is further folded into the non-folding region after the first folding region is started to be folded into the non-folding region, the first folding region and the second folding region are not sufficiently folded. It is possible to suppress a situation in which the two folding regions collide with each other and the two are not properly folded. In addition, bending of the fold line between the second folding region and the non-folding region is suppressed, and the folding is appropriately performed. As a result, even if the absorbent article is folded several times, the folding line can be prevented from being bent, and the absorbent article can be appropriately folded.

In the method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to the present invention, (3) in the folding step, the speed component of the transport surface in the transport direction and the speed component of the belt surface in the transport direction are equal within a predetermined range. The manufacturing method of the absorbent article according to the above (1) or (2), which includes a step of operating the conveying means and the endless continuous belt.
In the manufacturing method of the absorbent article, the speed component of the transport surface of the transport means in the transport direction and the speed component of the belt surface of the endless continuous belt in the transport direction are within a predetermined range (example: both speeds should be the same) And within the error range of the manufacturing equipment. Therefore, the belt surface, the conveyance surface, and the folding region and the non-folding region interposed between the belt surface and the non-folding region can be conveyed in the conveyance direction at substantially the same speed. Thereby, the relative speed of the folding region with respect to the belt surface becomes substantially zero, and the frictional resistance between the folding region and the belt surface can be made substantially zero. As a result, when folding, it can suppress more that a fold line bends, and an absorbent article can be folded appropriately.

In the method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to the present invention, (4) in the crease forming step and the folding step, when the absorbent article is being conveyed, the absorbent article maintains a positional relationship with respect to the conveyance surface. The method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein at least one of the unfolded region and the folded region is held by a holding unit.
In the manufacturing method of the present absorbent article, the unfolded area or the folded area is held by the holding means when folded. Therefore, even if force is applied to the folding region from the rising member and the belt surface by the contact between the rising member and the belt surface, the shift or rotation of the absorbent article can be suppressed. Thereby, the absorbent article can be conveyed in a state where the positional relationship of the absorbent article with respect to the conveyance surface is maintained, that is, in a desired position and posture. As a result, the absorbent article can be appropriately folded at a desired fold line by the rising member and the belt surface.

The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of the present invention is as follows: (5) The holding means includes a suction means for sucking the absorbent article or a pressing means for pressing the absorbent article, and the fold forming step and the folding In the overlapping step, at least one of the non-folding area and the folding area is sucked by the suction means, or at least one of the non-folding area and the folding area is pressed by the pressing means. The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of description may be sufficient.
In the manufacturing method of the absorbent article, since the suction means and the pressing means are used as the holding means, the non-folded area or the folded area can be reliably held in the fold forming process and the moving folding process. Thereby, it can suppress that the fold line between a folding area | region and a non-folding area | region can be bent, and an absorbent article can be folded appropriately.

In the method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to the present invention, (6) the rising member has an upstream end in the transport direction forming an angle of 210 to 150 ° with respect to the transport surface, and a downstream end in the transport direction. The endless continuous belt has an upstream end in the transport direction at an angle of 120-60 ° with respect to the transport surface. Manufacturing of the absorbent article as described in any one of said (1) thru | or (5) formed so that the downstream end part of the said conveyance direction may make an angle of 30-0 degrees with respect to the said conveyance surface. Method.
In the manufacturing method of the present absorbent article, in each angle range described above, the folding with the rising member and the folding with the endless continuous belt are performed, and the folding is further suppressed while the folding line is shifted and bent. The region can be folded well with respect to the unfolded region.

The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of the present invention includes (7) an end portion on the rising member side and an end portion on the endless continuous belt side of the conveying surface, and the conveying surface of the rising member and the endless continuous belt. The rising member or the endless continuous belt is disposed along the conveying surface so that the distance from the portion facing the end portion is twice or less the thickness of the absorbent article (1) The manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in any one of (1) thru | or (6) may be sufficient.
When the rising member or the end on the endless continuous belt side on the conveying surface is too far from the portion on the conveying surface side of the rising member or the endless continuous belt, and there is a large gap between them, The area where the fold can be formed is widened by the large gap, and there is a risk that an error is likely to occur in the position of the fold. However, in the manufacturing method of the present absorbent article, since the distance between the two is less than twice the thickness of the absorbent article, the crease is formed as compared with the case where both are separated beyond the thickness of the absorbent article. The area that can be done can be almost limited to a narrow range. Thereby, the first fold can be formed at a more appropriate position.

The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of the present invention is (8) the absorbent article to be folded in the folding step, wherein the transverse dimension is longer than the dimension in the transport direction. The manufacturing method of the absorptive article given in any 1 paragraph may be sufficient.
In the manufacturing method of this absorbent article, the absorbent article whose dimension in the transverse direction is longer than the dimension in the transport direction is folded. Therefore, in the opposite case, that is, in comparison with an absorbent article whose dimension in the conveying direction is longer than the dimension in the transverse direction, the dimension in the conveying direction of the folded region that may rub against the belt surface can be made relatively small. Thereby, the contact area between the belt surface and the folding region can be reduced, and the frictional resistance generated between the two can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress the possibility of a speed difference in the conveyance direction between the folding region and the non-folding region, and it is possible to suppress bending of the fold line between the folding region and the non-folding region. Can be folded properly. In addition, even if the fold line is bent, the width in which the fold line in the transverse direction bends can be reduced compared to an absorbent article having a dimension in the transport direction longer than the dimension in the transverse direction, and the absorbent article can be folded. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of defective products that cannot be properly packaged later.

The method for producing an absorbent article according to the present invention includes (9) the absorptivity according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the folding step folds the absorbent article covered with a packaging sheet. It may be a method for manufacturing an article.
In this manufacturing method of an absorbent article, the absorbent article is covered with a packaging sheet, the degree of unevenness on the surface of the product is reduced, and the uniformity of the surface in the transverse direction can be increased. Thereby, the folding line can be easily folded at a desired position, and the folding of the folding line can be suppressed, so that the absorbent article can be appropriately folded.

The method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to the present invention further includes (10) a pre-folding step of folding the absorbent article before the fold forming step and the folding step, and the fold forming step and the folding step include The method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the absorbent article is further folded at a place different from the place folded in the pre-folding step. Also good.
In the manufacturing method of this absorbent article, the absorbent article is further folded at a place different from the place folded in advance, that is, the absorbent article that has been folded once and increased in thickness is folded. At that time, since the rigidity at the position of the fold line of the absorbent article is increased, the position of the fold line once formed is difficult to shift. Thereby, bending of a fold line can be suppressed and an absorbent article can be folded appropriately.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately fold a portion including an absorbent body of an absorbent article without bending a fold line while conveying the absorbent article in the conveyance direction.

It is a figure which shows the absorbent article which concerns on embodiment. It is a schematic diagram explaining the manufacturing method of the absorbent article which concerns on embodiment. It is a side view which shows the structure of the manufacturing apparatus of the absorbent article which concerns on embodiment. It is a top view which shows the structure of the manufacturing apparatus of the absorbent article which concerns on embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the Va-Va cross section-Vd-Vd cross section of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the VIa-VIa cross section-VId-VId cross section of FIG. It is a figure explaining one of the effect | actions of the manufacturing method of the absorbent article which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure explaining one of the effect | actions of the manufacturing method of the absorbent article which concerns on embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the absorbent article according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings, taking a sanitary napkin as an example. However, the type and use of the absorbent article of the present invention are not limited to the examples, and the present invention is not limited to the examples of the present invention, and other absorbent articles such as disposable diapers and incontinence pads can be used without departing from the subject matter of the present invention. It can also be applied to.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an absorbent article 1 and shows a plan view in a state where the absorbent article 1 is unfolded (opened). The absorbent article 1 includes an absorbent article body 2 and a packaging sheet 3, and the absorbent article body 2 is detachably fixed to the substantially rectangular packaging sheet 3. The absorbent article body 2 has a longitudinal direction L, a width direction W, and a thickness direction H orthogonal to each other, a central axis CL that extends in the longitudinal direction L through the center of the width direction W, and a pair of flap portions 2b, 2b. It has a central axis CW extending in the width direction W through the center in the longitudinal direction L (described later). In FIG. 1, the upper side is the front of the absorbent article main body 2 and the lower side is the rear of the absorbent article main body 2. Since the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W of the absorbent article body 2 and the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the packaging sheet 3 coincide with each other, hereinafter, the longitudinal direction L and the width direction are common to the absorbent article body 2 and the packaging sheet 3. W is used.

  In the present specification, viewing the absorbent article 1 or the absorbent article main body 2 in a state of being expanded and flattened in the thickness direction from the upper surface side is simply referred to as “plan view”. “Skin side” and “non-skin side” mean that the wearer of the absorbent article main body 2 wears the absorbent article main body 2 and is relatively closer to and far from the wearer's skin surface in the thickness direction H. Means each side. In addition, a direction toward the central axis CL and a direction away from the central axis CL are defined as directions on the inner side and the outer side in the width direction W, respectively. In addition, a direction toward the central axis CW and a direction away from the central axis CW are defined as directions inside and outside the longitudinal direction L.

  The absorbent article main body 2 (a sanitary napkin) includes a main body portion 2a extending in the longitudinal direction L and a pair of flap portions 2b and 2b extending at both sides in the width direction W at a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction L. The absorbent article main body 2 includes at least a top sheet 2c, a back sheet 2d, and an absorbent body 4. The top sheet 2c is a liquid-permeable sheet located on the skin side of the wearer. As the surface sheet 2c, for example, any liquid-permeable sheet such as a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric or woven fabric, a synthetic resin film in which liquid-permeable holes are formed, or a composite sheet thereof may be used. The back sheet 2d is a liquid-impermeable sheet located on the non-skin side of the wearer. Examples of the back sheet 2d include any liquid-impermeable sheet such as a liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric or synthetic resin film, a composite sheet thereof, or an SMS nonwoven fabric. The absorber 4 is a liquid-absorbing and liquid-holding material located between the top sheet 2c and the back sheet 2d. Examples of the absorber 4 include pulp fibers, synthetic fibers, and absorbent polymers. The absorber 4, the top sheet 2c, and the back sheet 2d are each joined by an adhesive, and the top sheet 2c and the back sheet 2d are joined by an adhesive at their peripheral portions. As a bonding adhesive between the top sheet 2c, the absorber 4 and the back sheet 2d, a known material generally used in the absorbent article 1, for example, a thermoplastic adhesive can be used.

  The main body 2a of the absorbent article main body 2 includes a plurality of fixing portions (not shown) on the non-skin side of the back sheet 2d. The plurality of fixed portions extend in the width direction W and are arranged in the longitudinal direction L at predetermined intervals. Each flap part 2b of the absorbent article main body 2 includes another fixing part (not shown) on the non-skin side of the back sheet 2d. The other fixed part extends in the longitudinal direction L. The absorbent article body 2 is fixed to the packaging sheet 3 through these fixing portions. Each of the packaging sheets 3 has a release sheet (not shown) at a portion in contact with the fixing portion, and the absorbent article body 2 is fixed to the packaging sheet 3 so as to be peelable.

  The absorbent article main body 2 and the packaging sheet 3 are formed in a state where the absorbent article main body 2 is fixed to the packaging sheet 3 at a plurality of folding lines FL extending in parallel to the longitudinal direction L. Folds inside. The plurality of folding lines FL are set in the width direction W at predetermined intervals. In the present embodiment, the first folding line FL1 is set on the left side of the central axis line CL, and the next folding line FL2 is set on the right side of the central axis line CW.

  In the width direction W, a region inside the folding lines FL1 and FL2 including the central axis CL is defined as a central region in the longitudinal direction, and regions outside the folding lines FL1 and FL2 on both sides of the central region in the longitudinal direction. This is an area. When the absorbent article 1 is folded at the positions of the folding lines FL1, FL2, the longitudinal side regions on both sides are folded on the longitudinal central region while the longitudinal central region is held. Accordingly, since the central region in the longitudinal direction is a region that is not folded, it is hereinafter referred to as a pre-unfolded region 1d. On the other hand, since the longitudinal side region is a region to be folded, it is hereinafter referred to as first and second folding regions 1e and 1f in advance. That is, the non-folding region 1d is connected to the first folding region 1e on one side in the width direction W via the folding line FL1, and the second folding region on the other side in the width direction W via the folding line FL2. It is connected to If.

  The absorbent article body 2 and the packaging sheet 3 are folded in the width direction after being folded at a plurality of folding lines FL extending in parallel to the longitudinal direction L in a state where the absorbent article body 2 is fixed to the packaging sheet 3. Further folding is performed at positions of a plurality of folding lines FW extending in parallel with W. The plurality of folding lines FW are set at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction L. In the present embodiment, the first folding line FW1 is set to the rear side of the central axis CW, and the next folding line FW2 is set to the front side of the central axis CW. The folding line FW2 ′ at the rear end of the packaging sheet 3 is a line that overlaps with the folding line FW2 when the absorbent article 1 is first folded, and the folding line FW2 ′ is also folded by the folding operation at the folding line FW2. Folding occurs.

  Here, in the longitudinal direction L, a region inside the folding lines FW1 and FW2 including the central axis CW is defined as a center region in the width direction, and regions outside the folding lines FW1 and FW2 on both sides of the center region in the width direction are defined in the width direction. This is the side area. In this case, when the absorbent article 1 is folded at the positions of the fold lines FW1 and FW2, the width direction side regions on both sides are folded on the width direction central region while the width direction central region is held. Therefore, since the central region in the width direction is a region that is not folded, it is hereinafter referred to as a non-folded region 1a. On the other hand, since the width direction side region is a region to be folded, it is hereinafter referred to as first and second folding regions 1b and 1c. That is, the non-folding region 1a is connected to the first folding region 1b via the folding line FW1 on the rear side in the longitudinal direction L, and the second folding region 1c via the folding line FW2 to the front side in the longitudinal direction L. Concatenated with

  Moreover, in the absorbent article 1, the absorber 4 is arrange | positioned so that folding line FW1, FW2 may be straddled. In other words, on the rear side of the absorbent article 1, the absorbent body 4 is present across the first folding region 1b and the non-folding region 1a, and on the front side, the second folding region 1c and the non-folding region 1a In addition, the absorber 4 is straddling. For this reason, the portions of the fold lines FW1 and FW2 in the absorbent article 1 have higher rigidity than thin and soft members such as general side flaps, so the absorbent article 1 is positioned at the fold lines FW1 and FW2. It can be said that it is hard to fold compared with a thin and soft member such as a side flap.

  A lead tape 9 is attached to the front end of the packaging sheet 3 in the longitudinal direction L. As a material of the packaging sheet 3, a known material generally used for packaging the absorbent article main body 2 can be used. For example, a resin film, paper, and a nonwoven fabric are mentioned.

  Next, the manufacturing method of the absorbent article 1 of this Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing method. In the figure, the absorbent article 1 flows in the conveyance direction (MD) from right to left.

  This manufacturing method uses a plurality of manufacturing apparatuses (not shown) having a transport direction (MD), a transverse direction (CD), and a thickness direction (TD) to transport materials for the absorbent article 1 in the transport direction. Meanwhile, the absorbent article 1 is continuously formed. The manufacturing method includes an absorber body forming step S1, a first folding step S2, a joining step S3, a cutting step S4, a 90-degree rotating step S5, a second folding step S6 to S9, a sealing Step S10.

  In the absorbent body main body forming step S1, each of the plurality of absorbent article main bodies 2 is continuously formed. The method for forming the absorbent article body 2 is not particularly limited, and various known methods can be used. And while conveying the continuous packaging sheet 3a of the continuous sheet form for the packaging sheets 3 to a conveyance direction, each of the several absorbent article main body 2 continuously formed in one surface of the continuous packaging sheet 3a is absorptive. The article body 2 is sequentially placed so that the longitudinal direction of the article body 2 is along the transport direction. In this case, the conveyance direction and the transverse direction coincide with the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the absorbent article body 2, respectively.

  In the first folding step (pre-folding step) S2, the absorbent article main body 2 is folded in the width direction W together with the continuous packaging sheet 3a. Specifically, the absorbent article main body 2 and the continuous wrapping sheet 3a outside the folding line FL1 in the transverse direction, that is, the first pre-folding with a guide member (not shown) such as a sailor while continuing the conveyance. The region 1d is folded inward along the fold line FL1 and folded over the pre-unfolded region 1d. Furthermore, while continuing the conveyance, the absorbent article main body 2 and the continuous packaging sheet 3a outside the folding line FL2 in the transverse direction, that is, the pre-second folding region, with a guide member (not shown) such as another sailor. 1e is folded inward along the fold line FL2 and folded over the pre-unfolded region 1d. Thereby, the continuous absorbent article 10 folded together with the continuous packaging sheet 3a is formed in a state where each of the plurality of absorbent article main bodies 2 is separated from each other in the transport direction.

  In the joining step S3, continuous absorbent articles 10 including a plurality of absorbent article main bodies 2 are conveyed in the conveyance direction, and continuous packaging is performed at a portion between the adjacent absorbent article main bodies 2 in the continuous absorbent article 10. The sheet 3a is joined. Examples of the bonding method include methods such as heat melting. As a result, a joint portion 11 extending from one end to the other end in the transverse direction and having a predetermined width in the transport direction is formed. In the cutting step S4, a substantially central portion in the transport direction in the joining portion 11 formed in the joining step S3 is cut in the transverse direction. Thereby, the absorbent article 1 is separated from the continuous absorbent article 10 one by one, and the absorbent article in the state of individual packaging covered with the packaging sheet 3 is formed.

  90 degree | times rotation process S5 rotates the absorbent article 1 90 degree | times. As a result, the absorbent article 1 has been transported so that the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article body 2 is along the transport direction so far, but thereafter, the width direction of the absorbent article body 2 is along the transport direction. Will be transported. That is, the conveyance direction and the transverse direction correspond to the width direction and the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article body 2, respectively. Therefore, in the following second folding steps S6 to S9, the absorbent article 1 to be folded has a dimension in the transverse direction (= longitudinal direction) longer than a dimension in the transport direction (= width direction).

  In the second folding steps S6 to S9, the absorbent article 1 is folded in the longitudinal direction L. Specifically, first, while continuing the conveyance, the first folding member 103 and the first endless continuous belt 104a (described later) for each of the plurality of absorbent articles 1 independent of each other, the unfolded region 1a. The first folding region 1b connected to one end in the transverse direction is raised (S6), and sequentially folded on the non-folding region 1a (S7). Further, the second rising member 105 and the second endless continuous belt 106a (described later) are connected to the other end in the transverse direction of the non-folding region 1a of the absorbent article 1 while continuing the conveyance. The folding region 1c is raised (S8) and is folded on the non-folding region 1a (S9). Thereby, each of the some absorbent article 1 is folded sequentially. In the second folding steps S6 to S9, the absorbent article 1 is folded at a location different from the location folded at the first folding step (pre-folding step) S2.

  In the sealing step S10, the lead tape 9 is attached to the end portion of the packaging sheet 3, the surface of the first folded region 1b folded first, and the end portion of the second folded region 1c folded later The tape 9 is affixed to fix the folded state of the absorbent article 1.

  Next, the manufacturing apparatus 100 used for 2nd folding process S6-S9 is demonstrated with reference to FIG.3 and FIG.4. 3 and 4 are a side view and a plan view schematically showing a configuration example of the manufacturing apparatus 100 used in the second folding steps S6 to S9, respectively.

  The manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a transport device 101 as a transport unit that sequentially transports each of the plurality of absorbent articles 1 in the transport direction. The transport apparatus 101 includes a transport belt 101a and a plurality of transport rolls (or pulleys) 101b around which the transport belt 101a is bridged. When at least one of the plurality of transport rolls 101b is rotationally driven, the transport belt 101a moves in the transport direction. The conveyance device 101 is conveyed from the delivery roll 110 and conveys the absorbent article 1 placed on the conveyance surface 101a0 of the conveyance belt 101a in the conveyance direction.

  In the present embodiment, manufacturing apparatus 100 further includes holding means. The holding means holds the absorbent article 1 being transported fixedly at a predetermined position on the transport belt 101a, and is a suction means, that is, a suction device (suction device) 102 in the present embodiment. The suction device 102 holds the absorbent article 1 in the non-folded region 1a so that the positional relationship of the absorbent article 1 with respect to the conveyance surface 101a0 of the conveyance belt 101a is maintained. The suction device 102 is disposed on the lower surface of the conveyor belt 101a on which the absorbent article 1 is placed on the upper surface. A plurality of holes (not shown) are opened in the transport belt 101a so that the suction device 102 can suck the absorbent article 1 through the transport belt 101a. Thereby, the absorbent article 1 placed on the upper surface of the transport belt 101a can be transported in the transport direction while being fixedly held at a predetermined position on the transport belt 101a.

  The installation location of the suction device 102 is not limited to the position below the conveyance surface 101a0 of the conveyance belt 101a, but may be another location, for example, the back side of the first endless continuous belt 104a or the second endless continuous belt 106a (described later). . In that case, a plurality of holes are opened in the endless continuous belt so that the suction device can suck the absorbent article 1 through the endless continuous belt. Further, the holding means is not limited to the suction device 102, and other holding means may be used. As another holding means, for example, a thin plate-like pressing member, that is, a pressing means is arranged on the opposite side of the absorbent article 1 from the conveying belt 101a, and the conveyed absorbent article 1 is pressed from above. The method of attaching can be considered.

  The manufacturing apparatus 100 further includes a first raising member 103 that is a raising member, and a first conveyor 104. The first raising member 103 has a shape that rises with respect to the conveyance surface 101a0 of the conveyance belt 101a toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction, and the upper surface 103a0 that is in contact with the first folding region 1b is a flat surface or the conveyance surface 101a0. Convex surface. The first raising member 103 raises the first folding region 1b with respect to the non-folding region 1a, and forms a fold FWX1 at the boundary between the first folding region 1b and the non-folding region 1a.

  The first conveyor 104 includes a first endless continuous belt 104a, which is an endless continuous belt, and a plurality of rolls (or pulleys) 104b around which the first endless continuous belt 104a is stretched. When at least one of the plurality of rolls 104b is rotationally driven, the belt surface 104a0 of the first endless continuous belt 104a moves in the transport direction. The first endless continuous belt 104a has a shape in which the belt surface 104a0 is twisted so as to cover the transport surface 101a0 of the transport belt 101a toward the downstream side in the transport direction. The first endless continuous belt 104a moves the belt surface 104a0 in the conveying direction while bringing the belt surface 104a0 into contact with the raised first folding region 1b, and moves the raised first folding region 1b to the non-folding region 1a. Fold it up.

  The downstream end of the first rising member 103 in the conveying direction and the upstream end of the first endless continuous belt 104a in the conveying direction overlap in the conveying direction, and the downstream end of the first rising member 103 is The first endless continuous belt 104a is preferably disposed on the inner side in the transverse direction than the upstream end. Thereby, the 1st folding area | region 1b which rose from the 1st raising member 103 to the 1st endless continuous belt 104a can be delivered smoothly.

  The manufacturing apparatus 100 further includes a second raising member 105 that is a raising member, and a second conveyor 106. The second raising member 105 has a shape that rises with respect to the conveyance surface 101a0 of the conveyance belt 101a toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction, and the upper surface 105a0 that is in contact with the second folding region 1c is a flat surface or the conveyance surface 101a0. Convex surface. The second raising member 105 raises the second folding region 1c with respect to the non-folding region 1a, and forms a fold FWX2 at the boundary between the second folding region 1c and the non-folding region 1a.

  The second conveyor 106 includes a second endless continuous belt 106a, which is an endless continuous belt, and a plurality of rolls (or pulleys) 106b around which the second endless continuous belt 106 is stretched. When at least one of the plurality of rolls 106b is driven to rotate, the belt surface 106a0 of the second endless continuous belt 106a moves in the transport direction. The second endless continuous belt 106a has a shape in which the belt surface 106a0 is twisted so as to cover the transport surface 101a0 of the transport belt 101a toward the downstream side in the transport direction. The second endless continuous belt 106a moves the belt surface 106a0 in the conveying direction while bringing the belt surface 106a0 into contact with the raised second folding region 1c, and moves the raised second folding region 1c to the non-folding region 1a. Fold it up.

  The downstream end of the second raising member 105 in the conveying direction and the upstream end of the second endless continuous belt 106a in the conveying direction overlap in the conveying direction, and the downstream end of the second raising member 105 is The second endless continuous belt 106a is preferably disposed on the inner side in the transverse direction than the upstream end. Thereby, the 2nd folding area | region 1c which rose from the 2nd raising member 105 to the 2nd endless continuous belt 106a can be delivered smoothly.

  In the present embodiment, the manufacturing apparatus 100 further includes a pressing device 107. The pressing device 107 includes a pressing belt 107a and a plurality of rolls 107b. The plurality of rolls 107b are stretched over the pressing belt 107a, and at least one of them is rotationally driven to move the belt surface 107a0 of the pressing belt 107a in the transport direction. The pressing belt 107a has a shape in which the belt surface 107a0 is parallel to the conveying surface 101a0 of the conveying belt 101a along the conveying direction. The distance between the belt surface 107a0 and the conveying surface 101a0 is the same as or smaller than the sum of the thickness of the unfolded region 1a and the thickness of the first folded region 1b. The pressing device 107 is configured so that the first folding region 1b and the first folding region 1b are not opened after the first folding region 1b is folded on the non-folding region 1a by the first endless continuous belt 104a. The area including the fold line with the folding area 1b is pressed. As a result, the first folding region 1b does not open again and can be folded more stably. However, when the first folding region 1b is sufficiently folded and does not open, the pressing device 107 may be omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the manufacturing apparatus 100 may further include a sealing device 108 for the sealing step S10. The sealing device 108 cuts the continuous sheet-like continuous tape for the lead tape 9 with the cutter roll while rewinding it with the cutter roll and the anvil roll, and forms the lead tape 9 on the outer surface of the anvil roll to absorb it. Affixed to a predetermined position on the upper surface of the active article 1.

  In the present embodiment, the crease roll 120 may be provided on the upstream side in the transport direction from the first rising member 103. The crease roll 120 presses the absorbent article 1 immediately before being conveyed to the first rising member 103 to form a fold groove at the positions of the fold lines FW1 and FW2. Thereby, the crease | fold in the appropriate position in the manufacturing apparatus 100 can be formed more reliably. The type, material, shape, and the like of each of the endless continuous belts are not particularly limited as long as the functions as the first and second endless continuous belts 104a and 106a can be exhibited.

  Next, 2nd folding process S6-S9 is further demonstrated with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5D show the Va-Va cross-section to Vd-Vd cross-section of FIG. 4, respectively, and FIGS. 6A to 6D show the VIa-VIa cross-section of FIG. 4 to VId-VId, respectively. A cross section is shown.

  The absorbent article 1 is placed on the transport belt 101a by the delivery roll 110 and transported in the transport direction. At this time, the absorbent article 1 is placed on the transport belt 101a so that both ends of the unfolded region 1a and both ends of the transport belt 101a overlap in the transverse direction. As a result, the absorbent article 1 moves in the conveyance direction along with the movement of the conveyance belt 101a while the non-folding region 1a is adsorbed and fixed to the upper surface of the conveyance belt 101a by the suction device 102.

  In the present embodiment, in the second folding steps S <b> 6 to S <b> 9, the non-folding region 1 a (or the first and second folding regions 1 b and 1 c) is held by a holding unit such as the suction device 102. Therefore, in the second folding steps S6 to S9, the first and second rising members 103 and 105 and the belt surfaces 104a0 and 106a0 are brought into contact with the respective folding regions, so that the respective folding regions from the respective rising members and the respective belt surfaces. Even if a force is applied to the absorbent article 1, the absorbent article 1 can be prevented from shifting or rotating. Thereby, the positional relationship of the absorbent article 1 with respect to the conveyance surface 101a0 is maintained, and the absorbent article 1 can be conveyed at a desired position and posture. The absorbent article 1 can be appropriately folded at a desired fold line by the above-described rising members and belt surfaces.

  In the first fold forming step S6, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the first folding region 1b is located at the upstream end in the transport direction of the first raising member 103, the non-folding region 1a. Is located on the conveyor belt 101a, the first folding region 1b is located on the upper surface 103a0 of the first rising member 103, and the second folding region 1c is located on the support member 101p. At this time, the upper surface 103a0 of the first rising member 103 is a flat surface, and the transport surface 101a0 of the transport belt 101a is a flat surface. Both ends of the non-folding region 1a, that is, the positions of the folding lines FW1 and FW2 overlap with the positions of both ends of the transport belt 101a in the thickness direction. In the present embodiment, the upper surface of the support member 101p is on the same plane as the upper surface of the transport belt 101a.

  At this time, the angle formed by the upper surface 103a0 and the transport surface 101a0 of the transport belt 101a at the upstream end in the transport direction of the first rising member 103 is 210 to 150 from the viewpoint of ease of transport before folding. °, preferably 195 to 165 °, more preferably 185 to 175 °. In this embodiment, it is 180 °. In the angle measurement, the upper surface 103a0 of the first rising member 103 is a tangential plane at a position closest to the transport belt 101a when the upper surface 103a0 is a curved surface. Further, the transport surface 101a0 of the transport belt 101a is a tangential plane at the bottom in the thickness direction when the transport surface 101a0 is a curved surface.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, as the absorbent article 1 is transported in the transport direction, the first folding region 1b is gradually moved with respect to the unfolded region 1a by the first raising member 103. To be launched. At the same time, a fold line FWX1 is formed between the first folding region 1b and the non-folding region 1a. At this time, the upper surface 103a0 of the first rising member 103 forms a convex surface with respect to the transport surface 101a0. And as shown in FIG.5 (c), when the absorbent article 1 reaches the downstream end part of the conveyance direction of the 1st raising member 103, the 1st folding area | region 1b will be made by the 1st raising member 103. As shown in FIG. The fold line FWX1 is completed between the first folding area 1b and the non-folding area 1a. The fold line FWX1 is formed along the fold line FW1. At this time, the angle formed between the upper surface 103a0 and the conveying surface 101a0 of the conveying belt 101a at the downstream end portion in the conveying direction of the first rising member 103 is 120 to 60 ° from the viewpoint of appropriately forming the fold line FWX1. Is 105 to 75 °, more preferably 95 to 85 °. In the present embodiment, it is 90 °.

  Next, in the first folding step S7, as shown in FIG. 5D, the absorbent article 1 has the first folding region 1b from the first rising member 103 to the first endless continuous belt 104a. Delivered. When the first folding region 1b of the absorbent article 1 reaches the upstream end in the conveying direction of the first endless continuous belt 104a, the non-folding region 1a is located on the conveying surface 101a of the conveying belt 101a, and the first The folding region 1b is located on the belt surface 104a0 side of the first endless continuous belt 104a0. At this time, the angle formed by the belt surface 104a0 and the conveying surface 101a0 of the conveying belt 101a at the upstream end in the conveying direction of the first endless continuous belt 104a is the angle between the upper surface 103a0 of the first rising member 103 From the viewpoint of continuity, the angle is 120 to 60 °, preferably 105 to 75 °, and more preferably 95 to 85 °. In the present embodiment, it is 90 °. When measuring the angle, the belt surface 104a0 of the first endless continuous belt 104a is a tangential plane at a position closest to the conveying belt 101a when the belt surface 104a0 is a curved surface.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6A, as the absorbent article 1 is transported in the transport direction, the first folding region 1b is moved from the non-folding region 1a by the first endless continuous belt 104a. It is gradually folded. At this time, the belt surface 104a0 of the first endless continuous belt 104a forms a concave surface with respect to the transport surface 101a0. Then, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), when the absorbent article 1 reaches the downstream end in the conveying direction of the first endless continuous belt 104a, the first folding is performed by the first endless continuous belt 104a. Region 1b is folded over unfolded region 1a. Thereby, folding of the absorbent article 1 at the fold line FW1 in FIG. 1 is completed. At this time, the angle formed by the belt surface 104a0 and the conveyance surface 101a0 of the conveyance belt 101a at the downstream end in the conveyance direction of the first endless continuous belt 104a is 30 to 0 ° from the viewpoint of completing folding. , Preferably 20 to 0 °, more preferably 10 to 0 °. In this embodiment, it is 10 °.

  On the other hand, in the second fold forming step S8, as shown in FIG. 5D, the second folding region 1c of the absorbent article 1 is transferred from the support member 101p to the second rising member 105. When the second folding region 1c reaches the upstream end in the conveying direction of the two raising members 105, the non-folding region 1a is positioned on the conveying belt 101a, and the second folding region 1c is the second raising member. It is located on the upper surface 105a0 of 105. At this time, the angle formed by the upper surface 105a0 of the second rising member 105 at the upstream end in the conveying direction and the conveying surface 101a0 of the conveying belt 101a is the upstream end of the first rising member 103 in the conveying direction. This is the same as the case where the upper surface 103a0 and the conveyance surface 101a0 of the conveyance belt 101a form an angle.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6A, as the absorbent article 1 is conveyed in the conveyance direction, the second folding region 1c is moved from the non-folded region 1a by the second raising member 105. It is launched gradually. At the same time, a fold line FWX2 is formed between the second folding region 1c and the non-folding region 1a. At this time, the upper surface 105a0 of the second raising member 105 forms a convex surface with respect to the transport surface 101a0. And as shown in FIG.6 (b), when the absorbent article 1 reaches the downstream end part of the conveyance direction of the 2nd raising member 105, the 2nd folding area | region 1c will be made by the 2nd raising member 105. As shown in FIG. It is raised with respect to the non-folding area | region 1a, and the fold FWX2 is completed between the 2nd folding area | region 1c and the non-folding area | region 1a. The fold line FWX2 is formed along the fold line FW2. At this time, the angle formed by the upper surface 105a0 and the transport surface 101a0 of the transport belt 101a at the downstream end in the transport direction of the second rising member 105 is the downstream end of the first lift member 103 in the transport direction. This is the same as the angle formed by the upper surface 103a0 and the conveying surface 101a0 of the conveying belt 101a.

  Next, in the second folding step S9, as shown in FIG. 6C, the absorbent article 1 has the second folding region 1c from the second rising member 105 to the second endless continuous belt 106a. Delivered. When the second folding region 1c of the absorbent article 1 reaches the upstream end in the transport direction of the second endless continuous belt 106a, the non-folding region 1a is located on the transport surface 101a0 of the transport belt 101a, and the second The folding region 1c is located on the belt surface 106a0 side of the second endless continuous belt 106a. At this time, the angle formed by the belt surface 106a0 at the upstream end in the transport direction of the second endless continuous belt 106a and the transport surface 101a0 of the transport belt 101a is the upstream end of the first endless continuous belt 104a in the transport direction. This is the same as the angle formed by the belt surface 104a0 and the conveyance surface 101a0 of the conveyance belt 101a.

  Next, as the absorbent article 1 is conveyed in the conveyance direction, the second folded region 1c is gradually folded with respect to the non-folded region 1a by the second endless continuous belt 106a. At this time, the belt surface 106a0 of the second endless continuous belt 106a forms a concave surface with respect to the transport surface 101a0. Then, as shown in FIG. 6D, when the absorbent article 1 reaches the downstream end in the transport direction of the second endless continuous belt 106a, the second endless continuous belt 106a makes the second folding region 1c non- The folding region 1a is folded. Thereby, folding of the absorbent article 1 at the fold line FW2 in FIG. 1 is completed. Note that the folding of the second folding region 1c also causes folding at the fold line FW2 'on the rear side of the absorbent article 1 in FIG. 1, but description thereof is omitted including illustration. At this time, the angle formed by the belt surface 106a0 at the downstream end in the transport direction of the second endless continuous belt 106a and the transport surface 101a0 of the transport belt 101a is the downstream end of the first endless continuous belt 104a in the transport direction. This is the same as the case of the angle formed by the belt surface 104a0 and the conveying surface 101a0 of the conveying belt 101a.

  In the present embodiment, a pressing step is further performed on the first folding region 1b side after the first folding step S7 and before the sealing step S10. In the pressing step, as shown in FIG. 6C, in the absorbent article 1, the first folded region 1 b is transferred from the first endless continuous belt 104 a to the pressing belt 107 a of the pressing device 107. When the first folding region 1b reaches the upstream end in the conveying direction of the pressing belt 107a, the non-folding region 1a is positioned on the conveying surface 101a0 of the conveying belt 101a, and the first folding region 1b is the pressing belt 107a. Located so that it touches. Next, as the absorbent article 1 is transported in the transport direction, the absorbent article 1 is continuously pressed by the pressing belt 107a of the pressing device 107 in the first folding region 1b (including the fold line FWX1). Accordingly, the fold line FWX1 can be stably maintained during the second folding step S9 as compared with the case where the pressure belt 107a is not pressed.

  In the present embodiment, the speed component in the transport direction of the transport surface 101a0 of the transport belt 101a, the speed component in the transport direction of the belt surface 104a0 of the first endless continuous belt 104a, and the belt of the second endless continuous belt 106a. The speed component in the transport direction of the surface 106a0 is made equal within a predetermined range. However, within the predetermined range is, for example, within the range of the control error of the manufacturing apparatus 100 when both speeds are to be made the same. Thereby, the 1st folding area | region 1b, the 2nd folding area | region 1c, and the non-folding area | region 1a can be conveyed in a conveyance direction at a substantially equal speed. As a result, the relative speed of the first folding region 1b with respect to the belt surface 104a0 and the relative speed of the second folding region 1c with respect to the belt surface 106a0 become substantially zero, and the frictional resistance between them can be made substantially zero. As a result, bending of the fold line or crease can be further suppressed, and the absorbent article 1 can be appropriately folded. At this time, the moving speed of the belt surface 104a0 of the first endless continuous belt 104a and the belt surface 106a0 of the second endless continuous belt 106a is faster than the moving speed of the conveying surface 101a0 of the conveying belt 101a. In the present embodiment, from the viewpoint of speeding up the folding of the absorbent article 1, the second fold forming step S8 is performed almost simultaneously with the first fold forming step S7, but the second fold forming step S8 is performed. You may implement from the middle of 1st folding process S7 or after completion | finish. The second crease formation step S8 may be performed simultaneously with the first crease formation step S6.

  As described above, the absorbent article 1 is folded.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining one of the operations of the manufacturing method of the present embodiment. FIG. 7A shows a case where the surface of the first rising member 103 that is in contact with the first folding region 1b is convex with respect to the conveyance surface of the conveyance belt 101a. FIG. 7B shows a case where the surface of the rising member 103 that is in contact with the first folding region 1b is a flat surface. FIG. 7C illustrates a case where the surface of the rising member 103 that is in contact with the first folding region 1b is concave with respect to the conveyance surface of the conveyance belt 101a. Each rising member 103, for comparison, in the plane PL intersecting at an angle theta ₀ with respect to a plane including the conveying surface 101A0, intersections of the first fold region 1b and the non-folded region 1a intersect position FWP To pass through a position P0 at a predetermined distance from.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the surface of the first rising member 103 that contacts the first folding region 1b is a convex surface, the tangential plane of the rising member 103 at the position FWP The angle formed by the plane including the transport surface is α. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, if the surface of the rising member 103 that is in contact with the first folding region 1b is a plane, the surface includes the tangential plane of the rising member 103 at the position FWP and the conveyance surface 101a0. The angle formed with the plane is β. Further, as shown in FIG. 7C, if the surface of the rising member 103 that contacts the first folding region 1b is a concave surface, the surface includes the tangential plane of the rising member 103 at the position FWP and the conveyance surface 101a0. The angle formed with the plane is γ. In this case, α> β> γ holds.

  Here, the angles α, β, and γ indicate the rising degree of the surface of the first rising member 103 that is in contact with the first folding region 1b (the upper surface of the rising member 103) with respect to the conveying surface of the conveying belt 101a. Yes. Therefore, since α> β> γ holds, it can be seen that the rising state of the upper surface of the first rising member 103 is sharper in the case of a convex surface or a flat surface than in the case of a concave surface. Therefore, in the present embodiment, by using the first rising member 103 having a convex surface (or a flat surface), the first folding region can be compared with a member or belt having a concave surface at the initial stage of folding. 1b can be satisfactorily raised with respect to the unfolded region 1a. Thereby, the first fold line FWX1 can be formed at an appropriate position of the absorbent article 1. Further, since the second rising member 105 is the same as the first rising member 103, the use of the second rising member 105 having a convex surface (or a flat surface) makes it possible to obtain the appropriateness of the absorbent article 1. The first fold line FWX2 can be formed at any position. At this time, even when the first rising member 103 and the second rising member 105 are used, the usage range is up to the rising of the first folding region 1b and the second folding region 1c. The frictional resistance between the region and each rising member can be kept small. Thereby, it can suppress that the crease | fold FWX1, FWX2 formed in the proper position slip | deviates, and bends.

  In the present embodiment, in the first and second folding steps S7 and S9, the belt surfaces 104a0 and 106a0 of the first and second endless continuous belts 104a and 106a are conveyed in the same manner as the absorbent article 1. Has been moved in the direction. Therefore, the relative speed with respect to the 1st, 2nd folding area | region 1b, 1c can be made smaller than the case where the guide member which does not move like a sailor is used. Also when folding, deceleration of each folding area by each endless continuous belt can be significantly suppressed. At this time, even when an endless continuous belt is used, the twist range of each endless continuous belt is the range from the start of each folding area until it is folded, so that complicated deformation can be applied to each endless continuous belt or each folding area.・ No need to operate. Further, since the folds FWX1 and FWX2 can be formed at desired folding positions by the rising member having a flat surface or a convex surface in the first and second fold forming steps S6 and S8, each folding region can be easily formed on the non-folding region. Can be folded. Thereby, the part containing the absorber of the absorbent article which is thick and rigid can be appropriately folded at the position of the fold line.

  As a preferable form of the manufacturing method of the absorbent article according to the present embodiment, the first folding region 1b can be appropriately folded when folded into the non-folding region 1c, and the second folding region 1c is further unfolded. When folding into the region 1a, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the first folding region 1b is not sufficiently folded and the first folding region 1b and the second folding region 1c collide with each other and the two are not properly folded.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining another operation of the manufacturing method of the present embodiment. In the manufacturing method of the absorbent article according to the present embodiment, as a preferred embodiment, the end of the transport surface of the transport belt 101a on the first endless continuous belt 104a side and the transport belt 101a of the first endless continuous belt 104a are arranged. The first endless continuous belt 104a is disposed along the conveying surface 101a0 of the conveying belt 101a so that the distance from the portion facing the conveying surface is not more than twice (2d) the thickness d of the absorbent article 1. . Temporarily, the end of the conveying surface of the conveying belt 101a on the first endless continuous belt 104a side is too far from the portion of the first endless continuous belt 104a on the conveying surface side of the conveying belt 101a, and a large gap is formed between them. If there is, the area where the folds can be formed is widened by the large gap, and there is a possibility that an error is likely to occur in the position of the folds. Therefore, considering that the absorbent article 1 is folded in at least two, the distance between the two is set to be not more than twice the thickness d of the absorbent article 1 (both may be in contact with each other), so that both are absorbent. Compared to a case where the thickness of the article 1 is more than twice the thickness d, the region where the fold can be formed can be substantially limited to a narrow range, and the first fold can be formed at a more appropriate position.

  This also applies to the distance between the end of the transport surface of the transport belt 101a on the second endless continuous belt 106a side and the portion of the second endless continuous belt 106a on the transport surface side of the transport belt 101a. Applicable. Furthermore, the end portion on the first rising member 103 side and the end portion on the second rising member 105 side on the conveying surface of the conveying belt 101a, and the conveying belt 101a on the first rising member 103 and the second rising member 105 are arranged. The present invention can be similarly applied to the distance from the conveyance surface side portion.

  As a preferable form of the manufacturing method of the present embodiment, the absorbent article 1 is covered with the packaging sheet 3 to reduce the degree of unevenness on the surface of the product. Therefore, the uniformity of the surface in the transverse direction of the absorbent article 1 can be increased. Thereby, when a fold line is set to a desired position, even if it folds with the fold line, it can suppress that a crease | fold will be bent, and the absorbent article 1 can be folded appropriately. Moreover, as a preferable form of the manufacturing method of this Embodiment, the absorbent article 1 whose dimension in a cross direction is longer than the dimension in a conveyance direction is folded. Therefore, the dimension in the conveyance direction of the folding region that may rub against the belt surface can be reduced compared to the opposite case where the dimension in the conveyance direction is longer than the dimension in the transverse direction. Thereby, the contact area between the belt surface and the folding region can be reduced, and the frictional resistance generated between the two can be reduced. As a result, bending of the fold line between the folded region and the non-folded region can be suppressed, and the absorbent article can be folded appropriately. Moreover, as a preferable form of the manufacturing method of this Embodiment, the absorbent article 1 is further folded in the location different from the location once folded. Since the absorbent article 1 that has been folded once and has increased in thickness is folded, the rigidity at the position of the fold line is increased, and the position of the fold line once formed is difficult to shift. Thereby, bending of a fold line can be suppressed and the absorbent article 1 can be folded appropriately.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Absorbent article 1a Unfolding area | region 1b Folding area | region 1c Folding area | region 101a0 Conveying surface 103 Starting member 104a 1st endless continuous belt 104a0 Belt surface

Claims (9)

While each of the plurality of absorbent articles independent of each other is sequentially transported along the transport direction, the outer folded region in the transverse direction perpendicular to the transport direction in each absorbent article is the non-folded region inside the transverse direction. Each of the absorbent articles has an absorbent body straddling the folding area and the non-folding area, and the non-folding area is placed on a conveyance surface of a conveyance means. A method of manufacturing an absorbent article,
The folding step includes
A rising member having a shape that rises with respect to the conveying surface as it goes downstream in the conveying direction, and a surface that is in contact with the folding region is a flat surface or a convex surface with respect to the conveying surface, and the folding region is A crease forming step of raising the unfolded region and forming a crease therebetween;
The belt surface of the endless continuous belt having a shape twisted so as to cover the transport surface as it goes downstream in the transport direction is moved in the transport direction while contacting the raised folding region. A folding step of folding the raised folding area on the non-folding area;
Bei to give a,
The folding region is
A first folding region coupled to the transverse end of the unfolded region;
A second folding region connected to the other end in the transverse direction of the non-folding region,
The crease forming step includes
A first crease forming step of raising the first folding region with respect to the non-folding region with the first raising member being the raising member, and forming a crease therebetween;
A second crease forming step of raising the second folding region with respect to the non-folding region with the second raising member being the raising member, and forming a crease therebetween. ,
The folding process includes
The belt surface of the first endless continuous belt, which is the endless continuous belt, is moved in the conveying direction while being brought into contact with the raised first folding region, so that the raised first folding region is A first folding step of folding over the unfolded region;
The belt surface of the second endless continuous belt, which is the endless continuous belt, is moved in the transport direction while being brought into contact with the raised second folding region, so that the raised second folding region is A second folding step of folding over the unfolded region,
The second crease forming step is performed after the first fold forming step, and the second fold step is performed after the first fold step.
Manufacturing method of absorbent article. The folding step operates the transport means and the endless continuous belt so that a speed component of the transport surface in the transport direction is equal to a speed component of the belt surface in the transport direction within a predetermined range. Including the step of
The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of Claim 1 . In the crease forming step and the folding step, when the absorbent article is being transported, at least one of the non-folded region and the folded region is retained so that the absorbent article maintains a positional relationship with the transport surface. Held by means,
The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of Claim 1 or 2 . The holding means includes a suction means for sucking the absorbent article, or a pressing means for pressing the absorbent article,
In the fold forming step and the folding step, at least one of the non-folding region and the folding region is sucked by the suction unit, or at least one of the non-folding region and the folding region is pressed by the pressing unit. The
The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of Claim 3 . As for the said raising member, the upstream end part of the said conveyance direction makes an angle of 210-150 degrees with respect to the said conveyance surface, and the downstream end part of the said conveyance direction is an angle of 120-60 degrees with respect to the said conveyance surface Formed to form
In the endless continuous belt, the upstream end in the transport direction forms an angle of 120 to 60 ° with respect to the transport surface, and the downstream end in the transport direction forms an angle of 30 to 0 ° with respect to the transport surface. Formed to form,
The manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4 . The distance between the end on the rising member side and the end on the endless continuous belt side of the conveying surface and the portion facing the end of the conveying surface in the rising member and the endless continuous belt is The rising member or the endless continuous belt is disposed along the conveying surface so that the thickness of the absorbent article is twice or less.
The manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5 . In the folding step, the absorbent article to be folded has a dimension in the transverse direction longer than a dimension in the transport direction,
The manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6 . The folding step of folding the absorbent article covered with a packaging sheet;
The manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 7 . Before the fold forming step and the folding step, further comprising a pre-folding step of folding the absorbent article,
The crease forming step and the folding step further fold the absorbent article at a location different from the location folded at the pre-folding step,
The manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 8 .

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