JP6764643B2 - Absorber manufacturing method and absorber manufacturing equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method for producing an absorber for an absorbent article and an apparatus for producing an absorber.

Absorbents used in absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, and incontinence pads are made of a raw material for an absorbent core containing pulp fibers and an absorbent polymer in an air stream formed on the outer peripheral surface of a rotating drum. It is manufactured by sucking and depositing it in a recess, then transferring the fiber stack deposited in the recess onto a water-permeable sheet material, and coating the fiber stack with a water-permeable sheet material (for example, patent). Document 1).

In Patent Document 1, the fiber stack formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fiber stacking drum is separated from the fiber stacking drum by the air ejected from the inside of the fiber stacking drum through the outer peripheral surface, and transferred to a wrapping sheet transported on the transport line. The method of manufacturing the absorber and the manufacturing apparatus of the absorber are described.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-115911

However, Patent Document 1 does not describe the relationship between the air ejected from the inside of the fiber stacking drum through the outer peripheral surface and the suction when the fiber stack is transferred onto the wrapping sheet. Further, if the absorber is manufactured by using the absorber manufacturing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the raw material of the absorbent core is scattered by the air ejected from the inside of the fiber stacking drum through the outer peripheral surface, and the manufacturing apparatus. Will cause equipment pollution. Further, in order to recover or clean the scattered absorbent core raw material, it is necessary to completely stop the manufacturing apparatus, and it is difficult to improve the production efficiency.

Therefore, the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for manufacturing an absorber that can eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

The present invention is a method for manufacturing an absorber in which an absorbent core containing a fiber material and absorbent particles is wrapped with a core wrap sheet, and the absorbent core is formed in a recess for integration provided on an outer peripheral surface of a rotating drum. In the fiber stacking process of accumulating raw materials to form a fiber stack, gas is blown from the inside of the rotary drum to the fiber stack in the accumulator recess, and on a breathable belt of a vacuum conveyor. A transfer in which the fiber stack in the accumulating recess of the rotary drum is sucked by the vacuum conveyor via the arranged strip-shaped core wrap sheet, and the fiber stack is transferred onto the strip-shaped core wrap sheet. In the transfer step, the relationship between the air volume Qp blown from the inside of the rotating drum to the fiber stack in the accumulating recess and the suction air volume Qr of the vacuum conveyor that sucks the fiber stack is established. , Qp ≦ Qr, and provides a method for producing an absorber.

Further, the present invention is an apparatus for producing an absorber in which an absorbent core containing a fiber material and absorbent particles is wrapped with a core wrap sheet, and has an accumulation recess on an outer peripheral surface for accumulating raw materials of the absorbent core. A rotating drum and a vacuum conveyor having a breathable belt for transporting a strip-shaped core wrap sheet and sucking the fiber stack in the accumulating recess of the rotating drum through the strip-shaped core wrap sheet. An absorber in which the relationship between the air volume Qp blown from the inside of the rotating drum to the fiber stack in the accumulating recess and the suction air volume Qr of the vacuum conveyor that sucks the fiber stack is Qp ≦ Qr. It provides the manufacturing equipment of.

According to the present invention, equipment contamination is unlikely to occur, and production efficiency is improved.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of the absorber manufacturing apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of a main part of the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the side. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the top plate of the vacuum box provided in the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the top surface.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on its preferred embodiment with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an outline of the manufacturing apparatus 1 of a preferred embodiment of the absorbing body manufacturing apparatus of the present invention. The manufacturing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is an apparatus for manufacturing the absorber 3 in which the absorbent core 33 including the fiber material 31 and the absorbent particles 32 is wrapped with the core wrap sheet 34. The manufacturing apparatus 1 has a rotating drum 2 having an accumulation recess 22 on the outer peripheral surface 21 for accumulating the raw materials of the absorbent core 33, and a breathable belt 41 for conveying the band-shaped core wrap sheet 34, and has a band-shaped core. It is provided with a vacuum conveyor 4 that sucks the fiber product 33B in the accumulating recess 22 of the rotary drum 2 via the lap sheet 34 and transfers it onto the core wrap sheet 34. In the present embodiment, in addition to the rotary drum 2 and the vacuum conveyor 4, the manufacturing apparatus 1 provides a duct 5 and a duct 5 for supplying the raw material of the absorbent core toward the outer peripheral surface 21 of the rotary drum 2 in a scattered state. The fiber material supply unit 6 that supplies the fiber material 31 that is the raw material of the absorbent core and the absorption that is arranged along the outer peripheral surface 21 of the rotary drum 2 adjacent to the downstream side of the duct 5 and accumulated in the accumulation recess 22. It is provided with a pressing belt 7 for pressing the fiber product 33B, which is a raw material of the sex core, and a cutting device 8 arranged on the downstream side of the vacuum conveyor 4.

In the manufacturing apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the rotary drum 2 has a cylindrical shape, and a member forming the outer peripheral surface 21 thereof receives power from a prime mover (not shown) such as a motor around the horizontal axis. It is designed to rotate in the R direction of the arrow. The drum body 23 located inside the member forming the outer peripheral surface 21 is fixed and does not rotate. As shown in FIG. 1, the rotary drum 2 has an accumulation recess 22 on the outer peripheral surface 21 on which the raw material of the absorbent core is stacked. A plurality of integration recesses 22 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction (2X direction) of the rotating drum 2. In FIG. 1, the 2X direction is the circumferential direction of the rotating drum 2, and the 2Y direction is the width direction of the rotating drum 2 (the direction parallel to the rotating axis of the rotating drum 2).

The rotating drum 2 has a plurality of spaces that are independent of each other inside, and the manufacturing apparatus 1 has three spaces A to C as shown in FIG. The spaces A to C are partitioned by a plate provided from the rotation shaft side of the rotary drum 2 toward the outer peripheral surface 21 side. An intake fan (not shown) is connected to the rotating drum 2, and the pressure of the partitioned spaces A to C in the rotating drum 2 can be adjusted by driving the intake fan. In, the space A is maintained at a negative pressure, the space B is maintained at a negative pressure or zero pressure (atmospheric pressure) weaker than the space A, and the space C is set at an atmospheric pressure (zero pressure) or a positive pressure. .. Further, an air discharge device (not shown) is connected to the rotary drum 2, and by driving the air discharge device, air as a gas is released from the discharge port 24 (see FIG. 3) connected to the air discharge device. It is designed to be blown out, and in the manufacturing apparatus 1, the discharge port 24 is arranged in the space C. Therefore, in the manufacturing apparatus 1, air can be blown from the discharge port 24 arranged inside the rotary drum 2 to the fiber stack 33B in the accumulation recess 22 at the position of the space C. There is.

In the manufacturing apparatus 1, the bottom surface 22a of each integration recess 22 is made of a porous member as shown in FIG. While the accumulation recess 22 passes over the spaces A and B maintained at a negative pressure, the pores of the porous member on the bottom surface 22a of the accumulation recess 22 function as suction holes. As the porous member, those conventionally used in this type of fiber stacking device can be used without particular limitation. For example, a large number of metal or resin mesh plates or metal or resin plates are etched or punched. Those having pores formed in the above can be used.

As the raw material of the absorber 3, various materials conventionally used for absorbents of absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and disposable diapers can be used without particular limitation. The fiber material 31 that is the raw material of the absorbent core 33 includes short fibers of cellulose-based fibers such as pulp fibers, rayon fibers, and cotton fibers, and short fibers that have been hydrophilized from synthetic fibers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate. Is preferable. One of these fibers may be used alone, or two or more of these fibers may be used in combination. Examples of the absorbent particles 32 that are the raw materials of the absorbent core 33 include starch-based, cellulosic-based, synthetic polymers, and highly absorbent polymer-based particles. Examples of the highly absorbent polymer include a starch-acrylic acid (salt) graft copolymer, a saponified product of a starch-acrylonitrile copolymer, a crosslinked product of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and a polymer composed of an acrylic acid (salt) polymer. Can be used. As a raw material for the absorbent core 33, a deodorant, an antibacterial agent, or the like can be used, if necessary, together with the fiber material 31 and the absorbent particles 32. As the core wrap sheet 34, a non-woven fabric sheet, tissue paper, or the like can be used.

In the manufacturing apparatus 1, the vacuum conveyor 4 is arranged below the rotary drum 2 as shown in FIG. 1, and is located in a space C set to a weak positive pressure or zero pressure (atmospheric pressure) of the rotary drum 2. It is arranged so as to face the located outer peripheral surface 21. The vacuum conveyor 4 includes an endless breathable belt 41 spanning the drive roll 42 and the driven rolls 43, 43, and an outer peripheral surface 21 located in the space C of the rotating drum 2 with the breathable belt 41 sandwiched between them. It is provided with a vacuum box 44 arranged at opposite positions. An intake fan (not shown) is connected to the vacuum box 44, and the suction force from the opening arranged in the top plate 44T of the vacuum box 44 can be adjusted by driving the intake fan. A band-shaped core wrap sheet 34 is introduced on the breathable belt 41 of the vacuum conveyor 4 so that the conveyor wrap sheet 34 is conveyed in one direction (Y direction).

In the manufacturing apparatus 1, the amount of air blown from the discharge port 24 arranged inside the rotary drum 2 to the fiber stack 33B in the accumulation recess 22 by the air discharge device (not shown), and the intake fan (not shown). The amount of air sucked from the opening 45 arranged in the top plate 44T of the vacuum box 44 can be adjusted separately according to (shown). In the manufacturing apparatus 1, the relationship between the air volume Qp blown from the inside of the rotary drum 2 to the fiber stack 33B in the accumulation recess 22 and the suction air volume Qr of the vacuum conveyor 4 sucking the fiber 33B is determined by the air blown out. Even if the raw material of the absorbent core 33 is scattered, it can be sucked by the vacuum box 44, it is unlikely to cause equipment contamination of the manufacturing apparatus 1, and it is preferable that Qp ≦ Qr and Qp <Qr from the viewpoint of improving the production efficiency. .. From the same viewpoint, the value of Qr / Qp is preferably 1.5 or more, and more preferably 3.0 or more.

The vacuum conveyor 4 is viewed from the suction series of the region CT corresponding to the central portion in the width direction when viewed from the transport direction (Y direction) of the strip-shaped core wrap sheet 34 and the transport direction (Y direction) of the strip-shaped core wrap sheet 34. The suction sequence of the region ST corresponding to both side portions in the width direction may not be separated, but in the manufacturing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the suction sequence of the region CT corresponding to the central portion and the suction sequence , The suction series of the region ST corresponding to both sides is separated. Here, the region CT corresponding to the central portion also corresponds to the position where the fiber stack 33B is transferred onto the core wrap sheet 34. When the suction series are separated in this way, the center suction air volume Qc that sucks the fiber product 33B through the core wrap sheet 34 at the center in the width direction when viewed from the transport direction (Y direction) of the strip-shaped core wrap sheet 34. And the side suction air volume Qs that sucks the core wrap sheet 34 on both sides in the width direction when viewed from the transport direction (Y direction) of the strip-shaped core wrap sheet 34 can be easily adjusted separately, and the center suction air volume Qc and the side suction air volume The relationship with Qs can be easily set to Qc> Qs.

Further, in the vacuum conveyor 4, the suction series of the region ST1 corresponding to one side portion in the width direction when the region ST corresponding to both side portions corresponds to the transport direction (Y direction) of the strip-shaped core wrap sheet 34 and the strip-shaped core. The suction series of the region ST2 corresponding to the other side portion in the width direction when viewed from the transport direction (Y direction) of the wrap sheet 34 does not have to be separated, but in the manufacturing apparatus 1, one side as shown in FIG. The suction series of the region ST1 corresponding to the portion and the suction series of the region ST2 corresponding to the other side portion are separated. When the suction series are separated in this way, the side suction air volume Qs1 on one side that sucks the core wrap sheet 34 on one side in the width direction when viewed from the transport direction (Y direction) of the band-shaped core wrap sheet 34 and the band shape. It is easy to separately adjust the side suction air volume Qs2 on the other side that sucks the core wrap sheet 34 on the other side in the width direction when viewed from the transport direction (Y direction) of the core wrap sheet 34, and the side suction air volume Qs1 on one side. The relationship between the air and the side suction air volume Qs2 on the other side is easily set to Qs1 = Qs2.
The amount of air blown from the discharge port 24 and the suction air volume of each suction series of the regions ST and CT corresponding to the central part and both sides are measured by using a Pitot tube flow meter installed in the substantially central part of each pipe. Measure.

From the viewpoint of facilitating the relationship between the center suction air volume Qc and the side suction air volume Qs so that Qc> Qs, in the manufacturing apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 4, the top plate 44T of the vacuum box 44 of the vacuum conveyor 4 has a strip shape. The total opening area Sc of the region CT corresponding to the central portion in the width direction when viewed from the transport direction (Y direction) of the core wrap sheet 34, and both sides in the width direction when viewed from the transport direction (Y direction) of the strip-shaped core wrap sheet 34. The relationship between the total opening area Ss of the region ST corresponding to the portion is Sc> Ss. From the same viewpoint, the Sc / Ss value is preferably 1.5 or more, and more preferably 2.0 or more. Here, the total opening area Sc of the region CT corresponding to the central portion is, as shown in FIG. 4, the closest position between the outer peripheral surface 21 of the rotating drum 2 and the vacuum conveyor 4 with respect to the top plate 44T of the vacuum box 44. It means the total opening area of the opening 45 in the portion 44CT where the fiber product 33B exists in the region CT from P1 (see FIG. 3) to the position P2 (see FIG. 3) at the downstream end of the vacuum box 44. Further, the total opening area Ss of the region ST corresponding to both side portions in the width direction when viewed from the transport direction (Y direction) of the strip-shaped core wrap sheet 34 is the outer peripheral surface of the rotating drum 2 with respect to the top plate 44T of the vacuum box 44. It is in the portion 44NT excluding the portion where the fiber product 33B exists in the region ST from the closest position P1 (see FIG. 3) between the 21 and the vacuum conveyor 4 to the position P2 (see FIG. 3) at the downstream end of the vacuum box 44. It means the total opening area of the opening 45.

Further, from the viewpoint of making it easier for the raw material of the absorbent core 33 scattered by the air blown from the discharge port 24 to flow to the area CT corresponding to the central portion and making it less likely to cause equipment contamination of the manufacturing apparatus 1, the vacuum box 44 In the region CT corresponding to the central portion of the top plate 44T, as shown in FIG. 4, the opening area of each opening 45 on the closest contact position P1 side between the outer peripheral surface 21 of the rotating drum 2 and the vacuum conveyor 4 is larger. , It is preferable that it is larger than the opening area of each opening 45 on the position P2 side of the downstream end of the vacuum box 44.

In the manufacturing apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the duct 5 extends from the fiber material supply unit 6 described later to the rotary drum 2, and the opening end on the downstream side of the duct 5 is maintained at a negative pressure. It covers the outer peripheral surface 21 located in the space A of the rotating drum 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the duct 5 has an absorbent particle introducing portion 51 for introducing the absorbent particles 32 in the middle thereof. In the duct 5, the intake fan (not shown) of the rotary drum 2 is operated to generate an air flow in the duct 5 for the raw material of the absorbent core to flow toward the outer peripheral surface 21 of the rotary drum 2.

In the manufacturing apparatus 1, the fiber material supply unit 6 is a portion that supplies the fiber material 31, which is the raw material of the absorbent core, to the duct 5, as shown in FIG. The fiber material supply unit 6 includes a defibrator 61. The fiber material supply unit 6 defibrate the raw fabric 30 by introducing the sheet-shaped raw fabric 30 of the fiber material 31 into the defibrating machine 61, and supplies the defibrated fiber material 31 into the duct 5. It has become.

In the manufacturing apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the pressing belt 7 is arranged along the outer peripheral surface 21 of the rotating drum 2 adjacent to the downstream side of the position of the duct 5 of the rotating drum 2. It is arranged along the outer peripheral surface 21 located in the space B set to a negative pressure or zero pressure (atmospheric pressure) weaker than the space A of 2. The pressing belt 7 is an endless, breathable or non-breathable belt, which is bridged between the rolls 71 and 72 and is adapted to rotate with the rotation of the rotating drum 2. When the pressing belt 7 is a breathable belt, it is preferable that the raw material in the accumulation recess 22 does not substantially pass through. Even if the pressure in the space B is set to atmospheric pressure by the pressing belt 7, the fiber stack 33B in the accumulation recess 22 can be held in the accumulation recess 22 until it is transferred onto the vacuum conveyor 4 on the downstream side. It has become.

In the manufacturing apparatus 1, as the cutting apparatus 8, for example, in the production of absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins and diapers, those conventionally used for cutting an absorber continuum can be used without particular limitation. The cutting device 8 shown in FIG. 1 includes a cutter roll 82 having a cutting blade 81 on the peripheral surface, and an anvil roll 83 having a smooth peripheral surface for receiving the cutting blade.

Next, a method of continuously manufacturing the absorber 3 by using the manufacturing apparatus 1 described above will be described.
The method for manufacturing the absorber 3 of the present embodiment includes a fiber stacking step of forming a fiber stack 33B in the stacking recess 22 of the rotary drum 2, and sucking the fiber stack 33B in the stacking recess 22 with a vacuum conveyor 4. A transfer step of transferring the fiber product 33B onto the band-shaped core wrap sheet 34 is provided. Hereinafter, a method for producing the absorber 3 of the present embodiment using the manufacturing apparatus 1 will be specifically described.

First, the spaces A and B in the rotary drum 2 and the inside of the vacuum box 44 of the vacuum conveyor 4 are made negative pressure by operating an intake fan (not shown) connected to each. By creating a negative pressure in the spaces A and B, an air flow (vacuum air) that conveys the raw material of the absorbent core 33 to the outer peripheral surface 21 of the rotating drum 2 is generated in the duct 5. Further, the rotary drum 2 is rotated to operate the pressing belt 7.

Next, the defibrating machine 61 of the fiber material supply unit 6 is operated to defibrate the sheet-like raw fabric of the fiber material 31, and the defibrated fiber material 31 is supplied into the duct 5. Further, the absorbent particles 32 are introduced into the duct 5 from the absorbent particle introducing portion 51 arranged in the middle of the duct 5.

Next, in the present embodiment, the raw materials of the absorbent core 33 are accumulated in the accumulation recess 22 provided on the outer peripheral surface 21 of the rotary drum 2 to form the fiber stack 33B (fiber stacking step). Preferably, the introduced absorbent particles 32 are scattered along the flow of the fiber material 31, and the fiber material 31 and the absorbent particles 32 spread throughout the duct 5 while corresponding to the space A of the rotating drum 2. In, the fiber is supplied to the accumulation recess 22 on the outer peripheral surface 21 and the fiber stack 33B is formed in the accumulation recess 22.

In this way, the raw materials of the absorbent core having the fiber material 31 and the absorbent particles 32 are stacked in the accumulation recess 22 to obtain the fiber stack 33B, and then as shown in FIG. 2 is rotated, and in the region corresponding to the space B of the rotating drum 2, the fiber stack 33B is pressed into the accumulating recess 22 by the pressing belt 7 and conveyed to the vacuum conveyor 4.

Next, in the present embodiment, gas (air) is blown out from the inside of the rotating drum 2 to the fiber stack 33B in the accumulation recess 22, and the band shape is arranged on the breathable belt 41 of the vacuum conveyor 4. The fiber stack 33B in the accumulating recess 22 of the rotary drum 2 is sucked by the vacuum conveyor 4 via the core wrap sheet 34 of the above, and the fiber stack 33B is transferred onto the strip-shaped core wrap sheet 34 (transfer step). .. Preferably, when the fiber stack 33B in the accumulation recess 22 comes to the opposite region of the vacuum box 44, which is the region corresponding to the space C of the rotating drum 2, the air is blown out from the discharge port 24 and the vacuum box 44 The mold is released from the accumulating recess 22 and delivered onto the strip-shaped core wrap sheet 34 introduced on the vacuum conveyor 4.

Here, in the transfer step of the present embodiment, the air volume Qp blown from the discharge port 24 arranged inside the rotary drum 2 to the fiber stack 33B in the accumulation recess 22 and the vacuum conveyor 4 that sucks the fiber stack 33B. The relationship with the suction air volume Qr is Qp ≦ Qr. Because of this relationship, in the method of manufacturing the absorber 3 of the present embodiment, even if the raw material of the absorbent core 33 is scattered by the air blown from the discharge port 24, it can be sucked by the vacuum box 44, and the manufacturing apparatus 1 It is less likely to cause equipment contamination, requires less time to clean the equipment, and improves production efficiency. Further, even if the raw material of the absorbent core 33 is scattered by the air blown from the discharge port 24, it can be sucked by the vacuum box 44, the recovery work of the scattered raw material of the absorbent core is reduced, and the production efficiency is improved.

Further, in the transfer step of the present embodiment, the fiber stack 33B is transferred to the central portion in the width direction when viewed from the transport direction (Y direction) of the band-shaped core wrap sheet 34 transported by the belt 41. That is, the fiber stack 33B is transferred to the central portion in the width direction orthogonal to the transport direction (Y direction). Then, in the transfer step of the present embodiment, the center suction air volume Qc for sucking the fiber stack 33B through the core wrap sheet 34 at the central portion in the width direction when viewed from the transport direction (Y direction) of the strip-shaped core wrap sheet 34. It is preferable that Qc> Qs is the relationship with the side suction air volume Qs that sucks the core wrap sheet 34 on both sides in the width direction when viewed from the transport direction (Y direction) of the strip-shaped core wrap sheet 34. In this relationship, in the method of manufacturing the absorber 3 of the present embodiment, the air blown from the discharge port 24 to the fiber stack 33B in the accumulation recess 22 is in the transport direction of the strip-shaped core wrap sheet 34. The area CT corresponding to the central portion in the width direction when viewed from the transport direction (Y direction) of the strip-shaped core wrap sheet 34 is more likely to be sucked than the region ST corresponding to both side portions in the width direction when viewed from (Y direction). Therefore, the raw material of the absorbent core 33 scattered by the air blown from the discharge port 24 is more likely to flow to the region CT corresponding to the central portion than the region ST corresponding to both side portions, further contaminating the equipment of the manufacturing apparatus 1. It is difficult to invite and the production efficiency is likely to be further improved. From the same viewpoint, the value of Qc / Qs is preferably 1.1 or more, and more preferably 1.5 or more.

In order to facilitate the relationship between the center suction air volume Qc and the side suction air volume Qs so that Qc> Qs, in the manufacturing apparatus 1 used in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the top of the vacuum box 44 included in the vacuum conveyor 4 In the plate 44T, from the total opening area Sc of the region CT corresponding to the central portion in the width direction when viewed from the transport direction (Y direction) of the strip-shaped core wrap sheet 34 and the transport direction (Y direction) of the strip-shaped core wrap sheet 34. The relationship with the total opening area Ss of the region ST corresponding to both side portions in the width direction is Sc> Ss.

Further, in the transfer step of the present embodiment, the side suction air volume Qs1 on one side that sucks the core wrap sheet 34 on one side in the width direction when viewed from the transport direction (Y direction) of the band-shaped core wrap sheet 34 and the band-shaped core wrap sheet 34. It is preferable that Qs1 = Qs2 is the relationship with the side suction air volume Qs2 on the other side that sucks the core wrap sheet 34 on the other side in the width direction when viewed from the transport direction (Y direction) of the core wrap sheet 34. In such a relationship, in the method for manufacturing the absorber 3 of the present embodiment, all of the air blown from the discharge port 24 to the fiber stack 33B in the accumulation recess 22 is the band-shaped core wrap sheet 34. Even if the air blown out from the unsucked discharge port 24 is not sucked in the region CT corresponding to the central portion in the width direction when viewed from the transport direction (Y direction), the air blown out from the discharge port 24 is from the transport direction (Y direction) in the region ST. As seen, the area ST1 corresponding to one side portion in the width direction and the region ST2 corresponding to the other side portion can be easily sucked evenly. Therefore, even if the raw material of the absorbent core 33 scattered by the air blown from the discharge port 24 flows to the region ST corresponding to both side portions, the region ST1 corresponding to one side portion and the region corresponding to the other side portion. It easily flows evenly into ST2, is less likely to cause equipment contamination of the manufacturing apparatus 1, and is more likely to improve production efficiency. Further, with such a relationship, it is possible to suppress meandering during transportation of the strip-shaped core wrap sheet 34.

Next, as shown in FIG. 1, both side portions of the strip-shaped core wrap sheet 34 along the transport direction (Y direction) are folded back by a folding guide plate (not shown) and intermittently in the transport direction (Y direction). A strip-shaped absorber 3 is produced in which both the upper and lower surfaces of each of the plurality of arranged fiber products 33B are covered with the core wrap sheet 34.

After that, as shown in FIG. 1, the strip-shaped absorber 3 is conveyed between the cutter roll 82 and the anvil roll 83 of the cutting device 8, and the fibers 33B and 33B adjacent to each other in the conveying direction (Y direction) are conveyed to each other. The individual absorber 3 is produced by cutting every interval. In this way, the absorber 3 in which the absorbent core 33 including the fiber material 31 and the absorbent particles 32 is wrapped with the core wrap sheet 34 is continuously produced.

The apparatus for producing the absorber of the present invention is not limited to the apparatus 1 for manufacturing the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately modified. Further, the method for producing the absorber of the present invention is not limited to the method for producing the absorber of the present embodiment using the above-mentioned manufacturing apparatus 1, and can be appropriately changed.

For example, the shape of the manufactured fiber 33B may be changed such as the shape of the accumulating recess 22 such as an absorber having a slit penetrating in the thickness direction or an absorber having a groove intersecting in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. It may be changed more flexibly.
For example, in the manufacturing apparatus 1 of the above-described embodiment, the laminate is intermittently formed in the transport direction, but a continuous laminate is formed in the transport direction, and the core wrap is covered with the core wrap sheet. It may be cut together with the sheet.

The absorber produced in the present invention is preferably used as an absorber for absorbent articles. Absorbable articles are mainly used for absorbing and retaining body fluids excreted from the body such as urine and menstrual blood. Absorbable articles include, but are not limited to, for example, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence pads, panty liners, etc., and broadly include articles used for absorbing liquid discharged from the human body. To do.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to Examples. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to such examples.

<Experiment 1>
[Example 1]
The absorber 3 was manufactured using the manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. Specifically, in the manufacturing apparatus of the first embodiment, the blown air volume Qp from the inside of the rotating drum 2 to the fiber stack 33B in the accumulation recess 22 and the suction air volume Qr of the vacuum conveyor 4 that sucks the fiber stack 33B. The value of the relationship (Qr / Qp) was 1.8.

[Comparative Example 1]
The absorber 3 was manufactured using the manufacturing apparatus of Comparative Example 1 similar to the manufacturing apparatus of Example 1 except that the value of the relationship (Qr / Qp) between the blown air volume Qp and the suction air volume Qr was 0.7. ..

[Evaluation]
The absorber 3 is continuously manufactured for 3 minutes using the manufacturing apparatus of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, and then air is blown to the entire manufacturing apparatus, and the scattered raw material of the absorbent core 33 is brushed. The amounts of raw materials collected and recovered from the absorbent core 33 were compared. As a result, the amount of the raw material of the absorbent core 33 scattered in the manufacturing apparatus of Example 1 was very small as compared with Comparative Example 1.
As can be seen from the above results, the relationship between the air flow rate Qp from the inside of the rotating drum to the fiber stack in the accumulation recess and the suction air volume Qr of the vacuum conveyor that sucks the fiber product is set to Qp ≤ QR. Therefore, it was found that equipment pollution is unlikely to occur and that improvement in production efficiency can be expected.

<Experiment 2>
(1) Preparation of Vacuum Box 44 Regarding the top plate 44T of the vacuum box 44, the total opening area Sc of the region CT corresponding to the central portion in the width direction when viewed from the transport direction (Y direction) is 0.050 m ² , and the transport is performed. The total opening area Ss of the region ST corresponding to both side portions in the width direction when viewed from the direction (Y direction) was 0.015 m ² .

[Example 2]
The absorber 3 was manufactured using the manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. Specifically, in the manufacturing apparatus of the second embodiment, the air volume Qp blown out from the inside of the rotary drum 2 to the fiber product 33B in the recess 22 for integration and the suction air volume Qr of the vacuum conveyor 4 that sucks the fiber product 33B. The value of the relationship (Qr / Qp) was 4.3. Further, in the transfer step, the relationship between the center suction air volume Qc in the central portion in the width direction when viewed from the transport direction (Y direction) and the side suction air volume Qs in the width direction when viewed from the transport direction (Y direction) (Qc / The value of Qs) was 0.2.

[Example 3]
Except that the value of the relationship between the blown air volume Qp and the suction air volume Qr (Qr / Qp) is 3.7, and the value of the relationship between the center suction air volume Qc and the side suction air volume Qs (Qc / Qs) is 1.1. , The absorber 3 was manufactured using the manufacturing apparatus of Example 3 similar to the manufacturing apparatus of Example 1.

[Example 4]
Except that the value of the relationship between the blown air volume Qp and the suction air volume Qr (Qr / Qp) is 4.4, and the value of the relationship between the center suction air volume Qc and the side suction air volume Qs (Qc / Qs) is 1.5. , The absorber 3 was manufactured using the manufacturing apparatus of Example 4 similar to the manufacturing apparatus of Example 1.

[Example 5]
Except that the value of the relationship between the blown air volume Qp and the suction air volume Qr (Qr / Qp) is 5.2, and the value of the relationship between the center suction air volume Qc and the side suction air volume Qs (Qc / Qs) is 1.9. , The absorber 3 was manufactured using the manufacturing apparatus of Example 5 similar to the manufacturing apparatus of Example 1.

[Example 6]
Except that the value of the relationship between the blown air volume Qp and the suction air volume Qr (Qr / Qp) is 3.3, and the value of the relationship between the center suction air volume Qc and the side suction air volume Qs (Qc / Qs) is 3.9. , The absorber 3 was manufactured using the manufacturing apparatus of Example 6 similar to the manufacturing apparatus of Example 1.

[Example 7]
Except that the value of the relationship between the blown air volume Qp and the suction air volume Qr (Qr / Qp) is 4.0 and the value of the relationship between the center suction air volume Qc and the side suction air volume Qs (Qc / Qs) is 5.1. , The absorber 3 was manufactured using the manufacturing apparatus of Example 7 similar to the manufacturing apparatus of Example 1.

[Evaluation]
The absorber 3 is continuously manufactured for 4 hours or more using the manufacturing devices of Examples 2 to 7, and then air is blown to the entire manufacturing device to collect the scattered raw materials of the absorbent core 33 with a brush. , The weight of the raw material of the recovered absorbent core 33 was measured. Then, the reduction rate with respect to the weight of the raw material of the absorbent core 33 recovered when the manufacturing apparatus of Example 2 was used was measured. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

As is clear from the results shown in Table 1, when the absorber 3 is manufactured by using the manufacturing apparatus of Examples 3 to 7, the absorber 3 is manufactured by using the manufacturing apparatus of Example 1 as compared with the case of manufacturing the absorber 3. The weight of the raw material of the recovered absorbent core 33 was small. Therefore, if the relationship between the center suction air volume Qc and the side suction air volume Qs is Qc> Qs, it is less likely to cause equipment contamination, and further improvement in production efficiency can be expected.

1 Fiber stacking device 2 Rotating drum 21 Outer peripheral surface 22 Accumulation recess 23 Drum body 3 Absorber 30 Sheet-like raw fabric of fiber material 31 Fiber material 32 Absorbent particles 33 Stacked fiber 34 Core wrap sheet 4 Vacuum conveyor 41 Breathability Belt 42 Drive roll 43 Driven roll 44 Vacuum box 44T Top plate 5 Duct 51 Absorbent particle introduction part 6 Fiber material supply part 61 Defibering machine 7 Pressing belt 71, 72 roll 8 Cutting device 81 Cutting blade 82 Cutter roll 83 Anvil roll

Claims (6)

A method for producing an absorber in which an absorbent core containing a fiber material and absorbent particles is wrapped in a core wrap sheet.
A fiber stacking process in which raw materials of an absorbent core are accumulated in a stacking recess provided on the outer peripheral surface of a rotating drum to form a fiber stack.
A gas is blown from the inside of the rotating drum to the fiber stack in the accumulation recess, and the vacuum conveyor uses a band-shaped core wrap sheet arranged on a breathable belt of the vacuum conveyor. It is provided with a transfer step of sucking the fiber product in the accumulation recess of the rotary drum and transferring the fiber product onto the band-shaped core wrap sheet.
In the transfer step, the blown air volume Qp from the inside of the rotating drum to the stacking fiber in the accumulating recess and the suction air volume Qr of the vacuum conveyor that sucks the stacking fiber through the core wrap sheet. Let the relationship be Qp≤Qr and
In the transfer step, the fiber stack is transferred to the central portion in the width direction of the strip-shaped core wrap sheet transported by the belt when viewed from the transport direction.
The relationship between the center suction air volume Qc that sucks the fiber stack through the core wrap sheet at the central portion in the width direction and the side suction air volume Qs that sucks the core wrap sheet at both side portions in the width direction. A method for producing an absorber in which Qc> Qs. In the transfer step, the fiber stack is transferred to the central portion in the width direction of the strip-shaped core wrap sheet transported by the belt when viewed from the transport direction.
In the top plate of the vacuum box of the vacuum conveyor, the relationship between the total opening area Sc of the region corresponding to the central portion in the width direction and the total opening area Ss of the region corresponding to both side portions in the width direction is defined as Sc. The method for producing an absorber according to claim 1, wherein Ss is used. One side suction air volume Qs1 that sucks the core wrap sheet on one side in the width direction when viewed from the transport direction of the strip-shaped core wrap sheet, and the other side that sucks the core wrap sheet on the other side in the width direction. The method for producing an absorber according to claim 2, wherein the relationship with the side suction air volume Qs2 on the side is Qs1 = Qs2. An absorber manufacturing device in which an absorbent core containing a fiber material and absorbent particles is wrapped in a core wrap sheet.
A rotating drum having an accumulation recess on the outer peripheral surface for accumulating the raw material of the absorbent core,
It has a breathable belt for transporting a strip-shaped core wrap sheet, and is provided with a vacuum conveyor for sucking a stack of fibers accumulated in the accumulating recess of the rotating drum through the strip-shaped core wrap sheet.
The relationship between the air volume Qp blown from the inside of the rotating drum to the fiber stack in the accumulating recess and the suction air volume Qr of the vacuum conveyor that sucks the fiber stack through the core wrap sheet is Qp ≦ Qr,
The vacuum conveyor is an absorber in which a suction series in a region corresponding to the central portion in the width direction when viewed from the transport direction of the strip-shaped core wrap sheet and a suction series in a region corresponding to both side portions in the width direction are separated. Manufacturing equipment. In the top plate of the vacuum box of the vacuum conveyor, the total opening area Sc of the region corresponding to the central portion in the width direction when viewed from the transport direction of the strip-shaped core wrap sheet and the region corresponding to both side portions in the width direction. The absorber manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the relationship with the total opening area Ss is Sc> Ss. The vacuum conveyor is divided into a suction series in a region corresponding to one side portion in the width direction and a suction series in a region corresponding to the other side portion in the width direction when viewed from the transport direction of the strip-shaped core wrap sheet. The absorber manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5.

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