WO2018100723A1 - Method for producing absorbent article - Google Patents

Method for producing absorbent article Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018100723A1
WO2018100723A1 PCT/JP2016/085820 JP2016085820W WO2018100723A1 WO 2018100723 A1 WO2018100723 A1 WO 2018100723A1 JP 2016085820 W JP2016085820 W JP 2016085820W WO 2018100723 A1 WO2018100723 A1 WO 2018100723A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sheet
absorbent article
hole
absorbent
punching
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2016/085820
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
鈴木 裕一
知行 嵯峨
細川 雅司
Original Assignee
ユニ・チャーム株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ユニ・チャーム株式会社 filed Critical ユニ・チャーム株式会社
Priority to JP2017524490A priority Critical patent/JP6250235B1/en
Priority to PCT/JP2016/085820 priority patent/WO2018100723A1/en
Publication of WO2018100723A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018100723A1/en

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/51Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the outer layers
    • A61F13/511Topsheet, i.e. the permeable cover or layer facing the skin
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/51Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the outer layers
    • A61F13/511Topsheet, i.e. the permeable cover or layer facing the skin
    • A61F13/512Topsheet, i.e. the permeable cover or layer facing the skin characterised by its apertures, e.g. perforations

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an absorbent article.
  • An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin is attached so as to be in direct contact with the wearer's skin, and is used to absorb and retain excretion such as menstrual blood excreted from the wearer. Accordingly, the absorbent article is required to have both good tactile sensation such as flexibility and cushioning properties and good absorption performance such as absorption speed and absorption capacity.
  • a technique for obtaining good tactile sensation for example, there is a method of using a non-woven fabric whose bulk has been recovered by heat treatment as a surface sheet.
  • the surface sheet bulges by heat treatment and contains a lot of air inside, so that it tends to provide a soft and plump feel.
  • a technique for obtaining good absorption performance for example, there is a method of using a nonwoven fabric having a plurality of pores as a top sheet. The surface sheet is effective for moving the fluid downward, for example, to the absorber through the plurality of holes.
  • a method for forming a plurality of holes in the surface sheet for example, the following method is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-519227.
  • a plurality of holes are formed in the sheet by piercing the sheet with a plurality of teeth that taper from the root toward the tip.
  • Patent Documents 3 and 4 US Pat. Nos. 5,628,097 and 5,916,661 cited in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-529721). ing.
  • the method includes melting and stabilizing a plurality of regions in a sheet for a top sheet with heat and pressure, and stretching the nonwoven fabric in the CD direction (width direction) to rupture the plurality of regions, A plurality of holes are formed in the plurality of regions.
  • Patent Document 1 teeth are formed by scraping the constituent fibers of a sheet and pushing them to the side surface (side wall) of the hole. Therefore, in the subsequent manufacturing process, when heat, pressure, tension, or the like is applied to the sheet, there is a possibility that the constituent fibers that have been pushed will close to the hole in an attempt to return to the original state.
  • Patent Documents 2 to 4 a predetermined region of the sheet is stretched in the width direction and ruptured, whereby a hole is formed. Therefore, in this case as well, when heat, pressure, tension, or the like is applied to the sheet, the constituent fibers that have been stretched in the width direction may return to the original state and close the hole. When a situation occurs in which these holes are blocked, it becomes difficult to move the fluid downward through the holes.
  • an object of the present invention is to improve the flexibility and cushioning of the surface sheet by recovering the bulk, while maintaining the absorption performance without causing fiber intrusion in the hole of the surface sheet or the like. It is in providing the manufacturing method of a property article.
  • the manufacturing method of the absorbent article of the present invention is as follows. (1) A method for producing an absorbent article comprising a topsheet containing a nonwoven fabric, a backsheet, and an absorbent body positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and containing absorbent fibers, In the bulk recovery step of recovering bulk by heat-treating the first sheet for the top sheet, and in the first sheet that has been bulk recovered, from one surface of the first sheet to the other of the first sheet A punching step of punching the first sheet with a plurality of punches for punching to form a plurality of holes in the first sheet, the first sheet, and the absorption
  • a plurality of holes are formed in the first sheet by punching out the first sheet of the nonwoven fabric for the topsheet whose bulk has been recovered with a punch for punching. Due to the bulk recovery, the flexibility and cushioning properties of the first sheet can be improved. At the same time, the bulk recovery process, in which the constituent fibers are easy to move, is performed before the punching process, so that the constituent fibers can easily move in the bulk recovery process and block the hole, which can occur when the bulk recovery process is performed after the punching process. Can be prevented.
  • the constituent fibers of the hole portions are punched and removed, so that the constituent fibers can be closed even if the first sheet undergoes deformation such as pressure or tension in the subsequent manufacturing process. There is almost no obstruction
  • the excreted liquid absorbed in the side surface portion of the hole portion can diffuse to the surrounding portion thereafter without staying in the side surface portion.
  • excrement can be efficiently transmitted through the hole, and excrement can also be efficiently transmitted through a portion other than the hole, particularly the surrounding portion. Therefore, an absorbent article capable of maintaining the absorption performance such as the absorption rate without causing fiber intrusion in the hole of the surface sheet while improving the flexibility and cushioning property of the surface sheet by restoring the bulk.
  • a manufacturing method can be provided.
  • the method for producing an absorbent article according to the present invention is (2) after the bulk recovery step and further comprising a cooling step for cooling the first sheet before the punching step.
  • the manufacturing method of an absorbent article may be sufficient.
  • the first sheet immediately after the bulk recovery step is plump and the distance between the constituent fibers is widened. Therefore, the first sheet has a heat insulating property, and it takes time to release the heat accumulated inside due to the bulk recovery. Therefore, if a punching process is performed in a state where heat dissipation is insufficient, the constituent fibers of the first sheet are likely to move, and the formed hole may be deformed.
  • the constituent fibers of the first sheet that has recovered the bulk can be hardly deformed by cooling.
  • a hole part can be formed, maintaining arrangement
  • the one surface of the first sheet corresponds to a skin side surface of the top sheet
  • the punching step includes the first sheet.
  • the manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in 2) may be sufficient.
  • a sheet (nonwoven fabric) for a surface sheet is manufactured by depositing fibers on a fiber support such as a net. The sheet has a surface that is in contact with the fiber support (net) at the time of manufacture, that is, a net surface, and an anti-net surface opposite to the net surface.
  • the fiber density of the constituent fibers is high, substantially uniform, and less uneven than the anti-net surface side portion. Therefore, in the bulk recovery step, the thickness on the net surface side is further increased, the flexibility is more likely to be increased, and a surface with less unevenness can be obtained.
  • the fiber density of the constituent fibers is lower than in the portion on the net surface side, and the constituent fibers can be easily moved. Therefore, in the bulk recovery step, the surface on the anti-net surface side is easily fuzzy, and the wearer tends to feel uncomfortable due to the constituent fibers coming into contact with the vicinity of the excretion opening.
  • a punch for punching is penetrated from a portion on the net surface side by using one surface of the first sheet corresponding to the skin side surface of the top sheet as a net surface.
  • the punch is driven from the part on the net surface side, so that no convex part is generated around the opening of the hole part in the part on the net surface side, and the sense of incongruity due to the convex part coming into contact with the vicinity of the excretion opening Can be prevented from occurring to the wearer.
  • the top sheet includes a skin-side upper layer sheet and a non-skin-side lower layer sheet
  • the bulk recovery step includes the second sheet for the upper layer sheet.
  • the step of recovering the bulk by heat treatment, the one surface of the second sheet recovered from the bulk, and the one surface of the third sheet for the lower layer sheet are joined to recover the first Forming the sheet, wherein the one surface of the second sheet is an anti-net surface that is a surface that was not in contact with a fiber support during the production of the second sheet,
  • the one surface of the third sheet is an anti-net surface that is not in contact with the fiber support during the production of the third sheet, and is opposite to the one surface of the second sheet.
  • the other surface corresponds to the one surface of the first sheet
  • Method for producing an absorbent article according to may be.
  • the fiber density of the constituent fibers is low compared to the portion on the net surface side, and the constituent fibers can be easily moved and fluffed easily. Therefore, in the manufacturing method of the present absorbent article, the top sheet has a two-layer structure of an upper layer sheet and a lower layer sheet, and at the time of manufacturing, the anti-net surface of the second sheet (upper layer sheet) after the bulk recovery and the third sheet ( The anti-net surface of the lower layer sheet) is opposed and joined.
  • the method for producing an absorbent article according to the present invention further comprises (5) an absorbent body joining step for joining the absorbent body to the first sheet after the bulk recovery step and before the punching step,
  • the punching step is a hole forming step of forming the plurality of holes in the bonded body by punching the bonded body of the first sheet and the absorber with the plurality of punches in the thickness direction.
  • or (4) containing this may be sufficient.
  • the hole formed in the absorber is a flow path that leads to the inside of the excrement (including highly viscous components that are difficult to absorb in menstrual blood) on the surface sheet, and increases the surface area of the absorber. Also contribute.
  • the hole part of an absorber can make it easy to transfer excrement to the inside of an absorber, and can improve the absorption rate of an absorbent article.
  • the density of the constituent fibers in the side surface portion of the hole portion becomes relatively high, and the excreted fluid absorbed in the side surface portion of the hole portion remains in the side surface portion, and the surrounding portion. There is a risk that it will be difficult to diffuse. As a result, there is a possibility that excrement cannot be efficiently diffused into the absorber through the hole. Therefore, in the manufacturing method of the present absorbent article, by having the above-described configuration, a plurality of holes are formed in the absorbent body in addition to the first sheet with punches for punching.
  • the absorber of the hole can be punched out and removed, so that blockage of the hole can be suppressed. Moreover, the increase in the fiber density in the side part of the hole part from which the absorber is punched can be suppressed to a low level. Thereby, the fiber density in the side part of the hole part of an absorber can be made into the same grade as the fiber density in the surrounding part of the absorber away from the side surface. As a result, the excretory fluid absorbed in the side surface portion of the hole of the absorber can diffuse to the peripheral portion of the absorber without staying on the side surface portion.
  • the hole part of the absorber formed by punching is a through hole, and there is no high-density bottom part formed by pressing, and the fiber density at the side part of the hole part is the surrounding as described above. Equal to the part, not expensive. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wearer from feeling uncomfortable and to impart a good tactile sensation.
  • the absorbent body joining step includes a step of joining the absorbent body to the other surface of the first sheet
  • the hole forming step includes The first sheet is punched by the plurality of punches from the one surface to the other surface, and the absorber is moved from the surface of the absorber on the first sheet side to the first surface.
  • Absorption according to (5) above including the step of forming the plurality of holes in the first sheet and the absorbent body by punching with a plurality of punches toward the surface opposite to the sheet.
  • the manufacturing method of a property article may be sufficient.
  • the punching step in order to drive a punch from the first sheet to the absorber in the bonded body, around the opening of the hole in the first sheet, Protrusions that protrude outward can be prevented from being generated. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the wearer from feeling uncomfortable due to the convex portion coming into contact with the vicinity of the excretion opening.
  • the absorbent body includes an absorbent core and a core wrap that covers at least the absorbent core on the first sheet side
  • the hole forming step includes: The manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in said (5) or (6) including the process of forming these hole part so that the said absorbent core and the said core wrap may be penetrated.
  • the hole penetrates the top sheet and the core wrap and extends to the absorbent core. Therefore, through the hole forming step, the constituent fibers of the edge of the hole in the top sheet, the constituent fibers of the edge of the hole in the core wrap, and the constituent fibers of the edge of the hole in the absorbent core are thickened. Intertwined in the direction.
  • the integration of the topsheet and the absorber can be promoted, that is, the integration of the holes of the topsheet and the absorber can be promoted.
  • the absorbent body is crushed by pressing like an embossing process and the topsheet and the absorbent body are integrated, the topsheet and the absorbent body are integrated by entanglement of the constituent fibers.
  • a highly rigid part is not formed in the absorbent article. Thereby, flexibility can be secured while contributing to maintenance of the shape of the absorbent article.
  • the manufacturing method of the absorbent article of the present invention further includes (8) an additive application step of applying an additive having a predetermined function to the one surface of the first sheet after the absorber bonding step.
  • the method for producing an absorbent article according to any one of (5) to (7) above may be used.
  • the additive is applied to the first sheet, that is, the connection between the constituent fibers of the first sheet is reinforced with the additive. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the constituent fibers in the opening portion of the hole portion in the first sheet from fraying after the additive application step, and it is possible to suppress the constituent fibers from entering the hole portion.
  • the additive is an additive having a skin care function
  • the hole forming step is performed after the additive application step (8)
  • the additive having a skin care function is present in the surface sheet and exhibits its function.
  • an additive having a skin care function is applied to the first sheet after the bulk recovery step and before the hole forming step.
  • the additive since the additive is applied to the first sheet having a relatively low density of the constituent fibers after the bulk recovery step, the additive can be diffused moderately in the first sheet. Thereby, since the additive was applied to the sheet having a relatively high density of the constituent fibers before the bulk recovery step, it is possible to prevent the additive from entering the sheet and remaining at a high concentration on the surface.
  • the additive is an additive having a blood modifying function
  • the hole forming step is performed before the additive applying step.
  • the manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in (8) may be sufficient.
  • the additive having a blood modifying function exerts its function even when present in the hole as well as the topsheet. Therefore, in the method for manufacturing an absorbent article, an additive having a blood modifying function is applied to the first sheet after the bulk recovery step and after the hole forming step. Thereby, an additive can be reliably apply
  • the additive in the hole can be increased.
  • the absorbent article which can maintain absorptive performance, without raising the penetration
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. It is the fragmentary sectional view which expanded a part of FIG.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. It is the fragmentary sectional view which expanded a part of FIG.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. It is the fragmentary sectional view which expanded a part of FIG.
  • FIG. 2 is a figure which shows the structural example of the surface sheet of the absorbent article which concerns on embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates typically the manufacturing method of the absorptive article concerning an embodiment.
  • the absorbent article according to the present embodiment will be described using a sanitary napkin as an example.
  • the excrement to be absorbed by the absorbent article is menstrual blood.
  • the type and application of the absorbent article are not particularly limited, and other absorbent articles may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • Examples of the absorbent article include panty liners, light incontinence pads, and disposable diapers.
  • FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 are diagrams showing a configuration example of an absorbent article 1 (sanitary napkin) according to the present embodiment.
  • 1 shows a plan view of the absorbent article 1 in an unfolded state
  • FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1
  • FIG. 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view enlarging a part of FIG. .
  • the absorbent article 1 has a longitudinal direction L, a width direction W, and a thickness direction T that are orthogonal to each other, and a main body 2 that extends in the longitudinal direction L in plan view, and a substantially center of the longitudinal direction L in the main body 2.
  • a pair of flap portions 3 and 3 extending from the portion to both outer sides in the width direction W.
  • the absorbent article 1 has a longitudinal center line CL extending in the longitudinal direction L through the center in the width direction W, and a width direction center line CW extending in the width direction W through the center in the longitudinal direction L of the pair of flap portions 3 and 3. And have. Since the longitudinal direction L, the width direction W, and the thickness direction T of the absorbent article 1 coincide with the longitudinal direction, the width direction, and the thickness direction of each material of the absorbent article 1, the absorbent article 1 and each material thereof However, the longitudinal direction L, the width direction W and the thickness direction T are used in common.
  • One and the other in the longitudinal direction L are the front and the rear, respectively, the one and the other in the width direction W are the left and the right, respectively, and one and the other in the thickness direction T are the upper and the lower, respectively.
  • the upper side and the lower side are the front and rear in the longitudinal direction L, respectively, and the left side and the right side are the left and right sides in the width direction W, respectively.
  • the front and back are the upper and lower sides in the thickness direction T.
  • the “plan view” means that the absorbent article 1 in a developed state is viewed in the thickness direction T from the upper surface side.
  • “Skin side” and “non-skin side” mean the side closer to the wearer's skin surface and the far side in the thickness direction T when the wearer wears the absorbent article 1, respectively.
  • the “in-plane direction” is a direction parallel to the plane including the width direction W and the longitudinal direction L.
  • a direction toward the longitudinal center line CL and a direction away from the longitudinal center line CL are defined as an inner direction and an outer direction in the width direction W, respectively.
  • a direction toward the center line CW in the width direction and a direction away from the center line CW are defined as the inner and outer directions of the longitudinal direction L, respectively.
  • the main body 2 has a rounded rectangular shape or a racetrack shape extending in the longitudinal direction L in plan view, and the outer edges of both end edges in the longitudinal direction L of the main body 2 are substantially semicircular or bowl-shaped.
  • Each of the pair of flap portions 3 and 3 has a trapezoidal shape whose lower base extends along the longitudinal direction L or a semicircular or semi-elliptical shape whose string extends along the longitudinal direction L. It is in contact with both side edges in the width direction W of the portion 2. Note that the shapes of the main body 2 and the flap 3 are arbitrary.
  • the absorbent article 1 includes a top sheet 8, a back sheet 14, an absorbent body 12 positioned on the skin side of the back sheet 14 on the non-skin side of the top sheet 8, that is, between the top sheet 8 and the back sheet 14, Is provided.
  • the top sheet 8 is a liquid permeable sheet located on the skin side of the wearer.
  • the surface sheet 8 include any liquid-permeable sheet such as a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric or woven fabric, a synthetic resin film having a liquid-permeable hole, and a composite sheet thereof. Particularly, a sheet whose volume has been recovered by heat treatment is used. It is done.
  • the absorbent article 1 further includes a pair of side sheets 13 and 13 that are joined to both ends in the width direction W of the top sheet 8 and extend to both outer sides in the width direction W.
  • the pair of side sheets 13 and 13 are water-repellent sheets that suppress leakage of excrement in the width direction W. Examples of each side sheet include a nonwoven fabric subjected to a water repellent treatment and a synthetic resin film having air permeability.
  • the top sheet 8 may have two layers in the thickness direction T.
  • the basis weight of the top sheet 8 is, for example, 5 g / m 2 to 100 g / m 2 , and preferably 20 g / m 2 to 50 g / m 2 .
  • the back surface sheet 14 is a liquid-impermeable sheet located on the non-skin side of the wearer.
  • the back sheet 14 include any liquid-impermeable sheet such as a liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric and a synthetic resin film, a composite sheet of a nonwoven fabric and a synthetic resin film, and an SMS nonwoven fabric.
  • a breathable exterior sheet may be further bonded to the non-skin side of the back sheet 14 with an adhesive or the like.
  • the absorbent body 12 is a layer having a rounded rectangular shape, a racetrack shape or an hourglass shape that is slightly smaller than the main body 2 and having liquid absorption performance and liquid retention performance.
  • the absorbent core 12b includes a liquid retaining material and an absorbent polymer.
  • the liquid retaining material include absorbent (water) fibers such as pulp.
  • Absorbent polymers include particulate or fibrous superabsorbent polymers (SAP) that can absorb and retain water.
  • the core wrap 12a is a sheet having liquid permeability, and includes, for example, a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric such as a tissue.
  • the absorbent polymer is preferably fixed to the core wrap 12a with a hot melt adhesive or the like (not shown), but may be covered with the core wrap 12a without being fixed.
  • the thickness of the absorber 12 is, for example, 0.2 to 15 mm, preferably 1 to 10 mm.
  • the basis weight of the absorbent body 12 is, for example, 20 to 1000 m / m 3 , preferably 50 to 800 g / m 3 .
  • the basis weight of the absorbent polymer is, for example, 50 to 500 g / m 2 , and preferably 100 to 400 g / m 2 for the absorbent body 12 as a whole.
  • the non-skin side surface of the top sheet 8 and the skin side surface of the absorbent body 12 are joined with an adhesive (eg, hot melt adhesive) or the like, and the non-skin side surface of the absorbent body 12
  • the back side sheet 14 is bonded to the skin side surface with an adhesive or the like.
  • the peripheral part of the surface on the non-skin side of the surface sheet 8 and the surface on the skin side of the back sheet 14 are joined with an adhesive or the like.
  • Both end portions in the width direction W of the skin side surface of the top sheet 8 and the inner end portions in the width direction W of the non-skin side surfaces of the pair of side sheets 13 and 13 are joined with an adhesive or the like.
  • the pair of flap portions 3, 3 the non-skin side surface of each of the pair of side sheets 13, 13 and the outer end portion in the width direction W on the skin side surface of the back sheet 14 are joined with an adhesive or the like.
  • the absorbent article 1 further includes an adhesive part 15 and a pair of adhesive parts 17 and 17 disposed on the non-skin surfaces of the main body part 2 and the pair of flap parts 3 and 3, respectively.
  • the adhesive portion 15 affixes the non-skin side surface of the main body 2 to the skin side surface of the underwear, and the pair of adhesive portions 17 and 17 are below the underwear.
  • the skin-side surfaces (the non-skin-side surfaces before folding) of the pair of flap portions 3 and 3 folded back are pasted on the non-skin-side surfaces of the underwear, respectively. Thereby, the absorbent article 1 is fixed to the underwear.
  • a known material can be used for each adhesive.
  • the top sheet 8 has a configuration in which two sheets are laminated in the thickness direction T.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the top sheet 8.
  • 4A is a partial plan view of the top sheet 8
  • FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVb-IVb ′ of FIG. 4A.
  • the surface sheet 8 includes an upper layer sheet 8a on the skin side and a lower layer sheet 8b on the non-skin side.
  • the upper layer sheet 8a is a so-called surface sheet, and has a first upper surface 8aE that is an upper surface in the thickness direction T and a first lower surface 8aF that is a downward surface, and extends in the in-plane direction. is there.
  • the upper layer sheet 8a is continuously provided along the longitudinal direction L between the plurality of convex portions 21 continuously extending along the longitudinal direction L on the first upper surface 8aE and the convex portions 21 adjacent to each other. And an extended base 23.
  • the convex portion 21 is a protruding portion that protrudes upward in the thickness direction T from the base portion 23 of the first upper surface 8aE, and is a softly swollen portion.
  • the lower layer sheet 8b is a so-called second sheet, and has a second upper surface 8bE that is an upward surface in the thickness direction T and a second lower surface 8bF that is a downward surface, and extends in the in-plane direction. is there.
  • the lower layer sheet 8 b may be slightly raised upward in the thickness direction T at the convex portion 21. That is, the boundary between the upper layer sheet 8 a and the lower layer sheet 8 b may be slightly convex at the convex portion 21.
  • the upper layer sheet 8a and the lower layer sheet 8b are joined at the joining portion 24 at the first lower surface 8aF and the second upper surface 8bE.
  • the joining portion 24 joins the first lower surface 8aF of the upper layer sheet 8a and the second upper surface 8bE of the lower layer sheet 8b, and is an adhesive exemplified by a hot melt adhesive in the present embodiment, and is clearly shown in the figure. Although not, it diffuses above and below in the thickness direction T.
  • the joining portion 24 overlaps with a region corresponding to each of the plurality of convex portions 21 of the upper layer sheet 8a in the thickness direction T. When viewed from above in the thickness direction T, that is, in plan view, at least a part of the region of each convex part 21 includes at least a part of the joint part 24.
  • the pattern of the joint portion 24 is a plurality of linear patterns (stripe patterns) extending along the longitudinal direction L and arranged in parallel with each other in the width direction W.
  • the pattern of the joint portion 24 is not particularly limited as long as it overlaps the region corresponding to the convex portion 21 in the thickness direction T, and may be an omega pattern, a web pattern, or a spiral pattern. If it is each said pattern, the area
  • the convex portion 21 can be made solid. Thereby, the convex part 21 can be maintained in a soft and swollen state, the skin side surface of the topsheet 8 can be given elasticity, and the softness and feel felt by the wearer with respect to the topsheet 8 can be improved. it can. That is, the flexibility and cushioning properties of the topsheet 8 can be improved. Moreover, the whole convex part 21 can be made into the movement path
  • the top sheet 8 further includes a pressing portion 22.
  • the pressing part 22 is intermittently arranged along the longitudinal direction L in each base part 23.
  • the pressing parts 22 are arranged at equal or different intervals in the longitudinal direction L at the base 23, and at the same position or different positions in the longitudinal direction L at the base 23 adjacent to the width direction W.
  • the base 23 is arranged in a checkered pattern.
  • the shape of the pressing unit 22 in a plan view is arbitrary such as an ellipse.
  • the pressing part 22 is formed by pressing from above the upper layer sheet 8a and below the lower layer sheet 8b in the thickness direction T, and joins the upper layer sheet 8a and the lower layer sheet 8b.
  • the pressing part 22 does not need to be formed.
  • the upper layer sheet 8a is manufactured by depositing fibers on a fiber support such as a net, and a surface that is in contact with the net (fiber support) at the time of manufacture is referred to as a net surface.
  • the surface opposite to the surface is referred to as an anti-net surface.
  • the first upper surface 8aE and the first lower surface 8aF of the upper layer sheet 8a are a net surface and an anti-net surface at the time of manufacturing the upper layer sheet 8a, respectively.
  • the second upper surface 8bE and the second lower surface 8bF of the lower layer sheet 8b are an anti-net surface and a net surface at the time of manufacturing the lower layer sheet 8b, respectively. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the anti-net surface of the upper layer sheet 8a and the anti-net surface of the lower layer sheet 8b are joined.
  • the basis weight of the convex part 21 and the base part 23 in the upper layer sheet 8a is substantially the same.
  • the fiber density of the convex part 21 is lower than the fiber density of the base part 23.
  • the fiber density of the base part 23 is lower than the fiber density of the pressing part 22. Since the fiber density of the convex part 21 is low, a wearer can feel softness.
  • Either the basis weight of the upper layer sheet 8a or the basis weight of the lower layer sheet 8b may be higher or the same.
  • the upper layer sheet 8a is a liquid-permeable sheet that is bulk-recoverable and recovers its bulk by a predetermined heat treatment.
  • the bulk recoverable sheet include nonwoven fabrics such as air-through nonwoven fabric, air laid nonwoven fabric, needle punched nonwoven fabric, and spunlace nonwoven fabric.
  • the constituent fibers of the upper layer sheet 8a include polyester-based and polyolefin-based fibers, or composite fibers thereof.
  • a composite fiber having a core / sheath structure of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) / polyethylene (PE) is used.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • PE polyethylene
  • a bulk-recoverable sheet may or may not be used.
  • PET / PE core / sheath fibers that are the same bulk-recoverable nonwoven fabric as the upper layer sheet 8a are used.
  • a sheet different from the upper layer sheet 8a may be used.
  • the excretory opening contact area 20 is set in the central region in the width direction W.
  • the excretion opening contact area is an area facing or contacting the wearer's excretion opening when the absorbent article is worn.
  • region 20 is suitably set according to the kind and application (example: the kind of excrement, a wearer's age, and sex) of the absorbent article 1.
  • the excretory opening contact area 20 is, for example, approximately 1/3 of the entire length of the absorbent body 12 in the longitudinal direction L, approximately at the center or near the front of the absorbent body 12, and in the width direction W, the absorbent body 12. Is set to a length of about 1/3 of the entire length of the absorber 12.
  • the positions of both end portions and the central portion of the excretory opening contact area 20 and the positions of both end portions (bases) and the central portion of the pair of flap portions 3 and 3 are substantially overlapped. It is formed.
  • the absorbent article 1 has a plan view in a region where the topsheet 8 and the absorbent body 12 in the main body portion 2 overlap in the thickness direction T, and in the middle region in the longitudinal direction L slightly in front of the width direction W. It has a hole existence area 25.
  • a plurality of holes 10 that penetrates the top sheet 8 and preferably extends into the absorber 12 in the thickness direction T are formed. That is, the hole 10 penetrates the top sheet 8 and the skin side surface of the core wrap 12a and extends into the absorbent core 12b.
  • the hole 10 preferably reaches a position deeper than half the thickness of the absorbent core 12b, and more preferably penetrates the absorbent core 12b.
  • a region outside the hole existing region 25 of the absorbent article 1 is a hole non-existing region.
  • the plurality of holes 10 are flow paths for transferring the excrement of the wearer from the surface of the top sheet 8 to the inside of the absorber 12. That is, there is substantially no member that becomes resistance to excrement movement in the plurality of holes 10. Therefore, the excrement on the top sheet 8 can be quickly transferred to the inside of the absorber 12 through the plurality of holes 10. Moreover, the surface area of the surface which absorbs the excrement in the absorber 12 is increasing.
  • the absorption rate of the excrement by the absorber 12 can be increased.
  • the hole 10 reaches a position deeper than the half of the thickness of the absorbent core 12b, or when penetrating the absorbent core 12b, the excrement on the topsheet 8 is removed from the absorbent body 12. It can be transferred to the deep part or the lower layer more quickly through the plurality of holes 10. Thereby, the absorption speed of excretion by absorber 12 can be raised more.
  • the number of the holes 10 is, for example, 0.5 to 5 holes / cm 2 in the hole existing area 25 in a plan view, and preferably 1 to 3 holes / cm 2 . If the number of the hole portions 10 is too small, the above effect is not achieved, and if it is too large, there is a risk of rewet.
  • the interval between the holes 10 (center-to-center distance) is about 2 to 20 mm, preferably 5 to 15 mm.
  • the opening diameter of the hole 10 is, for example, 0.3 to 6 mm, preferably 0.6 to 3 mm in plan view. If the opening diameter of the hole 10 is too small, the above effect is not achieved. If it is too large, the rigidity of the absorbent article 1 becomes low and it becomes easy to twist.
  • the plurality of holes 10 are formed by a method of punching the material of the surface sheet 8, preferably the material of the surface sheet 8 and the absorber 12, with a columnar, for example, cylindrical punch, that is, a punching method.
  • a columnar for example, cylindrical punch
  • the surface sheet 8 or the core wrap 12a is different from a technique such as squeezing, in which the surface sheet or the core wrap is stretched to form a hole deeply inside the hole. Hardly enters the inside of the hole 10, and therefore does not cover the side surface of the hole 10. Therefore, the absorbent body 12 in the side surface region 70 of the hole 10 is not significantly compressed by the topsheet 8 or the core wrap 12a.
  • the fiber density of the absorbent body 12 in the side surface region 70 of the hole 10 can be made the same as the fiber density of the absorbent body 12 in the peripheral region 71 adjacent to the side surface region 70.
  • the side surface region 70 is a region surrounding the side surface (side wall) 10WAL of the hole 10 with a predetermined thickness in the in-plane direction from the outside.
  • the surrounding region 71 is a region that surrounds the side surface (side wall) of the side region 70 with a predetermined thickness in the in-plane direction from the outside.
  • the predetermined thickness is, for example, the size of the opening diameter of the hole 10 or the thickness of the absorbent core 12b in the vicinity of the hole 10.
  • the same fiber density means that the difference between one fiber density and the other fiber density is within a range of ⁇ 10%.
  • the fiber density of the absorbent body 12 in the side surface region 70 of the hole 10 is higher than the fiber density of the absorbent body 12 in the surrounding region 71, excrement absorbed in the side surface region 70 is around the outside of the side surface region 70. It may be difficult to diffuse into the region including the region 71.
  • the fiber density of the absorbent body 12 in the side surface region 70 the same as the fiber density of the absorbent body 12 in the surrounding region 71 as in the present absorbent article 1, the excrement absorbed in the side surface region 70 is outside.
  • the absorber 12 can easily diffused into a region including the surrounding region 71, and the absorption speed of the absorbent article 1 can be improved more reliably. Moreover, the cross section of the absorber 12, ie, the absorptive core 12b and the core wrap 12a, is exposed inside the hole 10 formed by the punching technique, and the absorber 12 can easily absorb excrement therefrom.
  • the absorbent article 1 includes the compressed grooves 18 that are continuously or intermittently positioned on both outer sides in the width direction W and / or the longitudinal direction L in the hole existence region 25.
  • the pressing groove 18 is located in front of the hole existing area 25, and the pressing groove 18 a extending in the width direction W and the front side located on both outer sides in the width direction W of the hole existing area 25.
  • the compressed grooves 18b, 18b and the rear side 18c, 18c, and the compressed grooves 18d which are located behind the hole existing area 25 and extend in the width direction W, are included.
  • the absorbent article 1 further includes a pressing groove 19 and a pressing groove 19 on the front side of the pressing groove 18a and the rear side of the pressing groove 18d, respectively.
  • Each squeezing groove is formed by pressing the skin-side core wrap 12a and the absorbent core 12b of the absorbent body 12, or the surface sheet 8 and the skin-side core wrap 12a and the absorbent core 12b of the absorbent body 12. .
  • each pressing groove is formed by pressing the surface sheet 8, the core wrap 12a, and the absorptive core 12b.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of the manufacturing apparatus 300 for the absorbent article 1.
  • the manufacturing apparatus 300 includes a first forming unit 300A, a second forming unit 300B, a third forming unit 300C, a fourth forming unit 300D, and a fifth forming unit.
  • the manufacturing method of the absorbent article using the manufacturing apparatus 300 includes a first forming process performed by the first forming unit 300A, a second forming process performed by the second forming unit 300B, and a third forming process.
  • a third forming step performed by the unit 300C, a fourth forming step performed by the fourth forming unit 300D, and a fifth forming step performed by the fifth forming unit 300E are provided.
  • FIG. 6 to 10 are diagrams schematically illustrating a method for manufacturing the absorbent article 1.
  • the manufacturing apparatus 300 relates to the conveyance of each material (member) such as a sheet and each semi-finished product (described later), the conveyance direction MD, the transverse direction CD orthogonal to the conveyance direction MD and along the conveyance surface, and the conveyance direction MD and the transverse direction. It has a vertical direction TD perpendicular to the direction CD.
  • the longitudinal direction, the width direction, and the thickness direction of each material and each semi-finished product are all the same as the transport direction MD, the transverse direction CD, and the vertical direction TD. Therefore, in each material and each semi-finished product, the transport direction MD, the transverse direction CD, and the vertical direction TD are used for the longitudinal direction, the width direction, and the thickness direction, respectively.
  • the rotary drum 111 of the fiber stacking device 110 of the first forming unit 300A is rotated and the fiber stacking material (absorbing polymer supplied from the material feeder 113) is rotated.
  • the fiber stacking material absorbing polymer supplied from the material feeder 113
  • the absorptive core 12b of the absorber 12 is formed inside the groove of each pattern plate 112.
  • a continuous sheet-like upper tissue sheet UT is supplied from the roll WR1 to the transport belt 115.
  • a hot melt adhesive is applied to one surface of the upper tissue sheet UT by a coating device 301.
  • the absorbent core 12b is pressed onto one surface of the upper tissue sheet UT on the transport belt 115.
  • the semi-finished product P1 in which the absorbent core 12b is joined on the upper tissue sheet UT is formed.
  • the semi-finished product P1 is sucked by the suction device 116 and is transported by the transport belt 115 in the transport direction MD.
  • a continuous sheet-like lower layer tissue sheet LT is supplied to the conveyance belt 115 from the roll WR2.
  • a hot melt adhesive is applied to one surface of the lower tissue sheet LT by a coating device 302.
  • One surface of the lower tissue sheet LT is pressed against the semi-finished product P1 on the transport belt 115.
  • the semi-finished product P2 in which the absorbent core 12b is sandwiched between the upper layer tissue sheet UT and the lower layer tissue sheet LT is formed.
  • the semi-finished product P ⁇ b> 2 is pressed by the pressing device 120 and is cut into the shape of the absorber 12 by the cutting device 130.
  • the semi-finished product P3 which is the absorber 12 is formed.
  • the upper tissue sheet UT and the lower tissue sheet LT become core wraps 12a by cutting.
  • the semi-finished product P3 is delivered to the transport roll 141.
  • the continuous sheet-like bulk recovery surface sheet P ⁇ b> 10 (first sheet) whose volume has been recovered by the bulk recovery device 250 of the second forming unit 300 ⁇ / b> B is transferred to the transport roll 260.
  • a base portion and a convex portion are formed on one surface of the bulk recovery surface sheet P10.
  • the bulk recovery process of the bulk recovery device 250 will be described later.
  • Continuous sheet-like side sheets SSa and SSb are supplied from the rolls WR3a and WR3b to the transport roll 261.
  • a hot melt adhesive is applied to one surface of the side sheets SSa and SSb by the coating devices 303a and 303b.
  • the side sheets SSa and SSb supplied from the transport roll 261 are pressed on the transport roll 260 to both ends in the transverse direction CD of one surface of the bulk recovery surface sheet P10.
  • the continuous surface sheet P11 in which the side sheets SSa and SSb are joined to both sides in the transverse direction of the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 is formed.
  • the continuous surface sheet P11 is delivered to the conveyor belt 140. At this time, it arrange
  • FIG. A hot melt adhesive is applied to the other surface of the continuous surface sheet P11 by a coating device 304.
  • one surface of the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 is a net surface (described later).
  • the continuous surface sheet P11 is formed of only the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 in this step.
  • the continuous surface sheet P11 is conveyed in the conveyance direction MD in the third forming unit 300C, and the continuous surface sheet P11.
  • the other semi-finished product P3 (absorber 12) supplied from the transport roll 141 is placed on the other surface of the sheet at a predetermined interval and pressed.
  • the semi-finished product P4 jointd body by which the continuous surface sheet P11 and the semi-finished product P3 were joined is formed.
  • the fourth forming unit 300D has a plurality of punches 160bP for punching on the outer peripheral surface.
  • the semi-finished product P4 is supplied to the punching device 160 in which the punching roll 160b and the anvil roll 160a having a plurality of holes 160aH at positions corresponding to the plurality of punches 160bP are arranged facing each other.
  • the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 (corresponding to the surface sheet 8) in the continuous surface sheet P11 in the semi-finished product P4 faces the punching roll 160b
  • the semi-finished product P3 (corresponding to the absorber 12) in the semi-finished product P4 is anvil.
  • the semi-finished product P4 is inserted into the punching device 160 so as to face the roll 160a.
  • a plurality of punches 160bP are driven into the semi-finished product P4 from one surface (the surface on the continuous surface sheet P11 side) of the semi-finished product P4 toward the other surface of the semi-finished product P4 (a surface on the side of the semi-finished product P3). It is.
  • the semi-finished product P4 at the position of the hole 10 starts to be cut from the initial stage where the punch 160bP presses the semi-finished product P4, and is punched almost simultaneously when the punch 160bP passes through the semi-finished product P4. Therefore, compared with the case of pressing, the time for which the side region of the hole 10 is compressed is short, and the degree of compression is also small.
  • the punched portion is removed into the plurality of holes 160aH.
  • the semi-finished product P5 which is the semi-finished product P4 in which the some hole 10 was formed is formed.
  • a punch 160bP having a cylindrical shape and teeth at the tip is used.
  • the fiber density of the absorbent in the side area of the hole is higher than the fiber density of the absorbent in the surrounding area. Get higher.
  • the fiber density in the side region is higher than the fiber density in the surrounding region. In that case, it may be difficult for the excrement absorbed from the hole portion to the side region to diffuse into the region including the surrounding region outside the side region. If it becomes so, a hole and its side area can absorb excrement, but it becomes difficult for the area
  • this absorbent article 1 by forming the hole 10 by a punching technique, the fiber density of the absorbent body 12 in the side surface region 70 of the hole 10 and the fiber density of the absorbent body 12 in the surrounding region 71 Can be the same. Thereby, excrement absorbed in the side surface region 70 can be easily diffused to the outer region including the surrounding region 71. As a result, the absorption speed and absorption capacity of the absorbent article 1 can be improved more reliably.
  • the hole 10 of the absorber 12 formed by punching is a through-hole, and there is no high-density bottom formed by pressing, and as described above, in the side region 70 of the hole 10.
  • the fiber density is equivalent to the surrounding area 71 and is not high. Therefore, it is difficult for the wearer to feel the hardness of the portion around the hole 10. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wearer from feeling uncomfortable and to impart a good tactile sensation.
  • the semi-finished product P5 is squeezed by being sandwiched between the anvil roll and the embossing roll of the squeezing device 170 while being conveyed in the conveying direction MD (embossing).
  • the semi-finished product P6 which is the semi-finished product P5 in which the pressing grooves 18 and 19 are formed is formed.
  • the semi-finished product P6 is delivered to the transport roll 180.
  • the continuous sheet-like back sheet BS for the back sheet is supplied from the roll WR5 to the transport roll 181.
  • a hot melt adhesive is applied to one surface of the back sheet BS by a coating device 305.
  • the back sheet BS supplied from the transport roll 181 is pressed onto the one surface of the semi-finished product P6 on the transport roll 180.
  • the semi-finished product P7 which is the semi-finished product P6 joined to the back sheet BS is formed.
  • a release sheet CT with an adhesive is joined to the semi-finished product P7 (adhesive portions 15 and 17), the surrounding portions are cut and separated into the shape of the absorbent article 1, and the absorbent article 1 is formed.
  • the absorbent article 1 is conveyed to a packaging process. However, description is omitted about the packaging process performed by a well-known method.
  • the third to fifth forming steps can be referred to as a lamination step of laminating the top sheet, the absorber, and the back sheet.
  • the absorbent article 1 is manufactured.
  • flexibility and cushioning property of the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 can be improved by bulk recovery.
  • the constituent fibers can easily move in the bulk recovery process, which can occur when the bulk recovery process is performed after the punching process.
  • the situation of blockage can be prevented.
  • the constituent fibers of the portion that becomes the hole 10 are punched and removed, so that the hole 10 can be blocked even if deformation such as pressure or tension is applied to the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 in the subsequent manufacturing process. There is almost no component fiber, and thereby blockage of the hole 10 can be suppressed.
  • the sheet (nonwoven fabric) for the topsheet is manufactured by depositing fibers on a fiber support such as a net.
  • the sheet has a surface that is in contact with the fiber support (net) at the time of manufacture, that is, a net surface, and an anti-net surface opposite to the net surface.
  • the fiber density of the constituent fibers is high, substantially uniform, and less uneven than the anti-net surface side portion. Therefore, in the bulk recovery step, the thickness on the net surface side is further increased, the flexibility is more likely to be increased, and a surface with less unevenness can be obtained.
  • the fiber density of the constituent fibers is lower than in the portion on the net surface side, and the constituent fibers can be easily moved. Therefore, in the bulk recovery process, the surface on the side opposite to the net surface is likely to fluff, and the wearer tends to feel uncomfortable due to the constituent fibers coming into contact with the vicinity of the excretion opening. Therefore, in the preferable method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to the present embodiment, one of the bulk recovery surface sheets P10 in the continuous surface sheet P11 corresponding to the skin side surface of the surface sheet 8 in the fourth forming step (punching step). This surface is used as a net surface, and a punch 160bP for punching is penetrated from the net surface side.
  • the hole 10 penetrates through the core wrap 12a of the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 (surface sheet 8) and the semi-finished product P3 (absorber 12). And extends to the absorbent core 12b. Therefore, the constituent fiber at the edge of the hole 10 in the top sheet 8, the constituent fiber at the edge of the hole 10 in the core wrap 12a, and the constituent fiber at the edge of the hole 10 in the absorbent core 12b are in the vertical direction TD. They are entangled with each other in the (thickness direction T).
  • the integration of the topsheet 8 and the absorber 12 can be promoted, that is, the integration of the hole 10 of the topsheet 8 and the hole 10 of the absorber 12 can be promoted.
  • the constituent fibers are integrated together so that the absorbent article 1 is rigid. High part is not formed. Therefore, flexibility can be secured while contributing to the maintenance of the shape of the absorbent article 1.
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of the bulk recovery device 250.
  • the bulk recovery device 250 includes a first heat treatment device 251, a shaping device 257 having a first roll 252, a second roll 253, and a joining roll 256, a second heat treatment device 254, and an adhesive application device 255. And a cooling device 258.
  • the bulk recovery sheet supply process uses the first heat treatment process using the first heat treatment apparatus 251, the shaping process using the first roll 252 and the second roll 253, and the second heat treatment apparatus 254.
  • 12 to 15 are diagrams for schematically explaining the second forming step (bulk recovery sheet supplying step).
  • the upper layer sheet (second sheet) P12a unwound from the first material roll WR4a is heat-treated by the first heat treatment apparatus 251 while being conveyed in the conveyance direction MD, thereby recovering the bulk.
  • the material of the upper layer sheet P12a is a sheet capable of recovering bulk, and is the same as the material of the upper layer sheet 8a.
  • fibers of a PET / HDPE core / sheath structure are used.
  • one surface 220a of the upper layer sheet P12a is a net surface
  • the other surface 220b is an anti-net surface.
  • the upper layer sheet P12a recovers in bulk, and the upper layer sheet P12b is formed.
  • the upper layer sheet P12b has a substantially constant basis weight as compared with the upper layer sheet P12a, but the thickness is increased, and the density of the constituent fibers is reduced as a whole.
  • the temperature of the heat treatment at this time is lower than the melting point of the lowest melting point material among the materials constituting the upper layer sheet P12a from the viewpoint of bulk recovery of the material of the upper layer sheet P12a (the melting point ⁇ 50 degrees C.
  • the processing temperature is higher than the temperature of In the present embodiment, PET / HDPE core / sheath fibers are used as the material of the upper layer sheet P12a, the melting point of HDPE is 140 ° C., and the processing temperature is, for example, 130 ° C.
  • the upper layer sheet P12b is supplied to the meshing region B1 between the teeth 252a and grooves 252b of the first roll 252 and the teeth 253a and grooves 253b of the second roll 253.
  • a plurality of convex portions 221 are formed on one surface 220a of the upper layer sheet P12b in contact with the first roll 252 and a base portion 223 is formed between the adjacent convex portions 221.
  • a plurality of recesses 222 are formed on the other surface 220b of the upper layer sheet P12b in contact with the second roll 253.
  • the upper layer sheet P12c is formed.
  • One surface 220a and the other surface 220b correspond to the first upper surface 8aE and the first lower surface 8aF of the upper layer sheet 8a, and the convex portion 221 and the base portion 223 correspond to the convex portion 21 and the base portion 23.
  • the portion between the tooth portions 252a of the first roll 252 is moved from the other surface 220b side to the one surface 220a side by the tooth portions 253a of the second roll 253, that is, The first roll 252 is pushed toward the bottom 252s of the groove 252b.
  • the portion of the upper layer sheet P12b corresponding to the top portion 253t of the tooth portion 253a of the second roll 253 does not contact the bottom portion 252s (does not hit the bottom).
  • the portion between the tooth portions 253a of the second roll 253 is moved from one surface 220a side to the other surface 220b side by the top portion 252t of the tooth portion 252a of the first roll 252. That is, it is compressed by being pressed toward the bottom 253 s of the second roll 253.
  • the shape of the base 223 is fixed by the compression.
  • a concave shape that is, a concave portion 222 can be formed.
  • at least the outer peripheral surface of the first roll 252 is made of, for example, metal (for example, stainless steel), and at least the outer peripheral surface of the second roll 253 is made of, for example, a dielectric (for example, synthetic resin).
  • the convex portion 21 of the upper layer sheet P12b is not pressed against the bottom portion 252s of the first roll 252 and is not compressed. Therefore, since heat welding and plastic deformation of the constituent fibers do not occur, the convex portion 221 and the concave portion 222 of the upper layer sheet P12b are not substantially fixed in the vertical direction TD. As a result, when the tooth portion 253a of the second roll 253 is removed, the recess 222 of the upper layer sheet P12b can return to the state before being bitten by the tooth portion 253a due to the repulsive force (or elastic force) of the constituent fibers. It is in. That is, the plurality of recesses 222 on the other surface 220b of the upper layer sheet P12c that is in contact with the second roll 253 are temporarily formed in a state that can be restored to the original undepressed state.
  • the other surface 220b of the upper layer sheet P12c is pulled away from the second roll 253 while maintaining the state where the one surface 220a of the upper layer sheet P12c is in contact with the first roll 252.
  • the one surface 220a of the upper layer sheet P12c continues to contact the first roll 252 and the plurality of convex portions 221 are stable on the one surface 220a of the upper layer sheet P12c that contacts the first roll 252. Maintained.
  • the other surface 220b of the upper layer sheet P12c is separated from the second roll 253, and the plurality of concave portions 222 of the other surface 220b of the upper layer sheet P12c in contact with the second roll 253 are not in an original state. It will recover.
  • the lower layer sheet (third sheet) P13a unwound from the second material roll WR4b is heat-treated by the second heat treatment apparatus 254 while being conveyed in the conveyance direction MD, thereby recovering the bulk.
  • the material of the lower layer sheet P13a is a sheet that can be bulk recovered, and is the same as the material of the lower layer sheet 8b.
  • fibers of a PET / HDPE core / sheath structure are used.
  • One surface 230a of the lower layer sheet P13a is an anti-net surface, and the other surface 230b is a net surface.
  • the one surface 230a and the other surface 230b of the lower layer sheet P13a are exposed to hot air or a heated atmosphere, and the lower layer sheet P13a is bulk recovered to form the lower layer sheet P13b.
  • the sheet P13b for the lower layer has a substantially constant basis weight as compared with the sheet P13a for the lower layer, but the thickness increases and the density of the constituent fibers decreases as a whole.
  • the temperature of this heat treatment is the same as in the first heat treatment step.
  • One surface 230a and the other surface 230b correspond to the second upper surface 8bE and the second lower surface 8bF of the surface sheet. However, the bulk recovery may not be performed for the lower layer sheet P13a.
  • the heat-treated lower layer sheet P13b is supplied to the adhesive application device 255.
  • the lower layer sheet P13b is coated with an adhesive (eg, hot melt adhesive) in a predetermined pattern on one surface 230a.
  • an adhesive eg, hot melt adhesive
  • the predetermined pattern is a stripe pattern having a predetermined width extending along the transport direction as shown in FIG. 4 and arranged at a predetermined interval in the transverse direction.
  • the predetermined pattern corresponds to each of the plurality of convex portions 221 of the upper layer sheet P12c when the other surface 220b of the upper layer sheet P12c and the one surface 230a of the lower layer sheet P13c are joined in a later step.
  • the region and the adhesive are set so as to overlap in the vertical direction TD.
  • the width and interval of the adhesive, that is, the joint portion 224 may be the same as or different from the width and interval of the convex portion 221.
  • the upper layer sheet P12c and the lower layer sheet P13c are supplied to the facing region B2 of the tooth portion 252a and groove portion 252b of the first roll 252 and the base portion 256q of the joining roll 256 and the pin 256p.
  • the state where one surface 220a of the upper layer sheet P12c is in contact with the first roll 252 is maintained, and the plurality of convex portions 221 are maintained.
  • the other surface 220b of the upper layer sheet P12c is separated from the second roll 253, and the shape of the plurality of recesses 222 is relaxed (the recesses are reduced). Then, as shown in FIG.
  • the upper layer sheet P12c and the lower layer sheet P13c are sandwiched by the base portion 256q and the pin 256p of the joining roll 256 and the tooth portion 252a of the first roll 252, and the other layer of the upper layer sheet P12c.
  • the surface 220b and the one surface 230a of the lower layer sheet P13c are brought into close contact with each other and bonded together by a bonding portion 224 (adhesive).
  • a bulk recovery surface sheet P10 that is a laminate of the upper layer sheet P12c and the lower layer sheet P13c is formed.
  • the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 is substantially the surface sheet 8.
  • the distance between the one surface 220a of the upper layer sheet P12c and the other surface 220b of the lower layer sheet P13c is within 5%, preferably within 1% of the height in the vertical direction TD of the convex portion 221 from the base 223. Therefore, the convex portion 221 can have a solid shape. Therefore, the permeability of the liquid in the whole convex part 221 can be improved.
  • the anti-net surfaces of both sheets are bonded to each other. Therefore, the anti-net surface has a low fiber density and is easy to fluff.
  • the anti-net surfaces face each other, it is more certain that the fuzzy constituent fibers are in contact with each other and a hollow region is formed between them. Can be suppressed. That is, a solid structure can be formed in the convex portion 221 more reliably.
  • the anti-net surface does not face outward, that is, the fluffy constituent fibers on the surface are not easily exposed to the outside. It is possible to suppress the constituent fibers from being loosened and entering the hole 10.
  • the upper layer sheet P12c and the lower layer sheet P13c are further sandwiched and compressed (squeezed) by the pin 256p of the joining roll 256 and the tooth portion 252a of the first roll 252.
  • the pressing part 227 is formed in the pressed part. That is, in the base 23 of the upper layer sheet P12c, the compression in the vertical direction TD is intermittently performed along the conveying direction MD, so that the upper layer sheet P12c and the lower layer sheet P13c are intermittently bonded and bonded.
  • the joining of the part 224 is also strengthened.
  • the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 is cooled by the cooling device 258 while being transported in the transport direction MD.
  • the cooling device 2508 one surface and the other surface of the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 are exposed to cold air or a cooling atmosphere.
  • the state of the constituent fibers of the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 is fixed, and the state, for example, the basis weight and density of the constituent fibers are maintained substantially constant.
  • the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 immediately after the bulk recovery process (including immediately after the first heat treatment process and the joining process) is plump and the distance between the constituent fibers is widened. Therefore, the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 has a heat insulating property, and it takes time to release the heat accumulated inside by the bulk recovery.
  • the fourth forming step (punching step) is subsequently performed in a state where heat dissipation is insufficient, the constituent fibers of the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 can easily move, and the formed hole 10 may be deformed. is there. Therefore, by performing the cooling step after the bulk recovery step and before the punching step, the constituent fibers of the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 that has recovered the bulk can be made difficult to be deformed by cooling. Thereby, when forming the hole part 10 by a punching process, the hole part 10 can be formed, maintaining arrangement
  • the bulk recovery step is not limited to the above preferable example, and a known bulk recovery method as disclosed in, for example, JP-A-2004-137655 may be used.
  • the convex portion 221 is formed on one surface 220a of the upper layer sheet P12b, and the concave portion 222 is formed on the other surface (back surface) 220b.
  • the shape of the convex portion 221 is maintained by the first roll 252
  • the shape of the concave portion 222 separated from the second roll 253 is the repulsive force (or elastic force) of the constituent fibers of the upper layer sheet P 12 c. )
  • the recess 222 becomes a smaller (shallow and narrow) dent, and the dent and the lower layer sheet P13c are joined at the joint 224.
  • the upper layer is formed by joining the depression (the one formed by recovering the concave portion 222), that is, the region corresponding to the convex portion 221 on the other surface 220b of the upper layer sheet P12c and the lower layer sheet P13c.
  • the gap that may be generated between the sheet P12c for lower layer and the sheet P13c for the lower layer, that is, the formation of the hollow region in the convex part 221 can be suppressed, and the convex part 221 can be formed solid.
  • the upper layer sheet P12c can be partially separated from the lower layer sheet P13c so that a hollow region is not formed later. That is, formation of a hollow area
  • region can be suppressed in the convex part 21 of the bulk recovery surface sheet P10, Therefore
  • the convex part 21 can be made solid. Thereby, the softness and touch by the solid convex part 21 and the improvement of liquid permeability can be made compatible.
  • the skin side surface (one surface) of the continuous surface sheet P11 has a predetermined function after the third forming step (absorber bonding step).
  • the additive By applying the additive to the continuous surface sheet P11, the connection between the constituent fibers of the continuous surface sheet P11 can be reinforced with the additive. Therefore, after the additive coating process, after the hole forming process of the punching process, it is possible to suppress the constituent fibers of the opening part of the continuous surface sheet P11 and the semi-finished product P3 (absorbent body) from being frayed. It is possible to suppress the intrusion of the constituent fibers.
  • the hole forming step in the punching step is preferably performed after the additive applying step.
  • the additive M1 having a skin care function is present in the surface sheet 8 (continuous surface sheet P11) and exhibits its function. Therefore, the additive M1 having a skin care function is applied to the continuous surface sheet P11 after the bulk recovery step and before the hole forming step of the punching step.
  • the hole forming step is performed after the application of the additive M1, as shown in FIG. 13A, the additive M1 is prevented from falling into the hole 10 and being unable to perform its function.
  • the additive M1 can be left on the continuous surface sheet P11 (surface sheet 8), and the function can be effectively exhibited.
  • the additive M1 is applied to the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 of the continuous surface sheet P11 having a relatively low density of the constituent fibers after the bulk recovery step, the additive M1 is placed in the bulk recovery surface sheet P10. It can be diffused moderately. Thereby, since the additive was applied to the sheet having a relatively high density of the constituent fibers before the bulk recovery step, it is possible to prevent the additive from entering the sheet and remaining at a high concentration on the surface.
  • the additive M1 include various skin care agents such as humectants and lotions.
  • the additive is an additive M2 having a blood modifying function
  • the hole forming step in the punching step is preferably performed before the additive applying step.
  • the additive M ⁇ b> 2 having a blood modifying function is not only the surface sheet 8 (continuous surface sheet P ⁇ b> 11) but also the holes of the surface sheet 8 (continuous surface sheet P ⁇ b> 11) and the absorbent body 12 (semi-finished product P ⁇ b> 3). Even if it exists in the part 10, the function is demonstrated. Therefore, the additive M2 having a blood modifying function is applied to the continuous surface sheet P11 after the bulk recovery step and after the hole forming step of the punching step.
  • the additive M2 can be reliably apply
  • the additive M2 in the hole 10 can be increased.
  • the additive M2 include blood modifying agents described in JP2013-063245A, JP2013-179982A, and the like.
  • the basis weight described in each of the above embodiments was measured by the following method.
  • a part having a size of 5 cm ⁇ 5 cm is cut out from the sheet and used as a sample.
  • the sample is dried in an air atmosphere of 100 ° C. or higher.
  • a thickness gauge with a measuring element of 15cm 2 the Ltd. Daiei Chemical Seiki Seisakusho Model FS-60DS
  • the thickness of three places is measured with one sample, and the average value of the thicknesses of the three places is taken as the thickness of the sheet.
  • the thickness of the sheet may be obtained from a 3D image obtained by an X-ray fluoroscopic image.
  • ⁇ Fiber density of sheet> The fiber density of each sheet (including the absorbent layer) was measured by the following method. (1) The basis weight of the sheet and the thickness of the sheet are determined by the above method. (2) The fiber density of the sheet is calculated by dividing the weight of the sheet by the thickness of the sheet.
  • the absorbent article of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately combined and changed without departing from the object and spirit of the present invention.

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for producing an absorbent article in which the flexibility and the cushioning properties of a surface sheet can be improved through bulkiness recovery, and the entry of fibers into holes in the surface sheet can be prevented to maintain the absorption performance. The method for producing an absorbent article includes: a bulkiness recovery step in which a first sheet, serving as the surface sheet, is heat-treated to recover the bulkiness thereof; a punching step in which, in the first sheet (P10) that has undergone the bulkiness recovery, a plurality of holes are formed in the first sheet by punching the first sheet from one side of the first sheet to the other side of the first sheet with a plurality of punches for punching; and a laminating step in which a laminate body, in which the first sheet, an absorbent body (P1), and a sheet (BS) serving as a back sheet are laminated, is formed.

Description

[規則37.2に基づきISAが決定した発明の名称] 吸収性物品の製造方法[Name of invention determined by ISA based on Rule 37.2] Method for manufacturing absorbent articles
 本発明は、吸収性物品に関する。 The present invention relates to an absorbent article.
 生理用ナプキンのような吸収性物品は、着用者の肌に直に接するように装着され、着用者から排泄された経血などの排泄物を吸収し、保持するために用いられる。したがって、吸収性物品には、柔軟性やクッション性のような触感が良好であること、及び、吸収速度や吸収容量のような吸収性能が良好であること、の両立が求められる。 An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin is attached so as to be in direct contact with the wearer's skin, and is used to absorb and retain excretion such as menstrual blood excreted from the wearer. Accordingly, the absorbent article is required to have both good tactile sensation such as flexibility and cushioning properties and good absorption performance such as absorption speed and absorption capacity.
 良好な触感を得るための技術としては、例えば熱処理により嵩回復させた不織布を表面シートに用いる方法がある。その表面シートは、熱処理により嵩が膨らんで、内部に空気を多く含むため、柔らかくふっくらとした感触が得られる傾向にある。また、良好な吸収性能を得るための技術としては、例えば複数の孔部を有する不織布を表面シートに用いる方法がある。その表面シートは、複数の孔部を介して流体を下方へ、例えば吸収体へ移動させるために有効である。 As a technique for obtaining good tactile sensation, for example, there is a method of using a non-woven fabric whose bulk has been recovered by heat treatment as a surface sheet. The surface sheet bulges by heat treatment and contains a lot of air inside, so that it tends to provide a soft and plump feel. Moreover, as a technique for obtaining good absorption performance, for example, there is a method of using a nonwoven fabric having a plurality of pores as a top sheet. The surface sheet is effective for moving the fluid downward, for example, to the absorber through the plurality of holes.
 表面シートに複数の孔部を形成する方法としては、例えば特許文献1(特表2015-519227号公報)に以下の方法が開示されている。その方法は、根元から先端に向かって先細りになる複数の歯をシートに刺すことにより、シートに複数の孔部を形成する。また、特許文献2(特表2008-529721号公報)で引用された特許文献3、4(米国特許第5,628,097号、同第5,916,661号)に以下の方法が開示されている。その方法は、トップシート用のシートにおける複数の領域を熱と圧力で溶融安定化させ、その不織布をCD方向(幅方向)に延伸させることにより、それら複数の領域を破裂させて、その不織布のそれら複数の領域に複数の孔を形成する。 As a method for forming a plurality of holes in the surface sheet, for example, the following method is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-519227. In the method, a plurality of holes are formed in the sheet by piercing the sheet with a plurality of teeth that taper from the root toward the tip. The following methods are disclosed in Patent Documents 3 and 4 (US Pat. Nos. 5,628,097 and 5,916,661) cited in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-529721). ing. The method includes melting and stabilizing a plurality of regions in a sheet for a top sheet with heat and pressure, and stretching the nonwoven fabric in the CD direction (width direction) to rupture the plurality of regions, A plurality of holes are formed in the plurality of regions.
特表2015-519227号公報Special table 2015-519227 特表2008-529721号公報Special table 2008-529721 米国特許第5,628,097号US Pat. No. 5,628,097 米国特許第5,916,661号US Pat. No. 5,916,661
 特許文献1では、歯がシートの構成繊維をかき分けて孔部の側面(側壁)へ押し遣ることにより孔部が形成される。そのため、その後の製造工程において、シートに熱や圧力や張力などが加わると、押し遣られていた構成繊維が元の状態に戻ろうとして孔部を塞ぐおそれがある。また、特許文献2~4では、シートの所定領域が幅方向に延伸して破裂することにより、孔部が形成される。そのため、この場合にも、シートに熱や圧力や張力などが加わると、幅方向に延伸していた構成繊維が元の状態に戻ろうして孔部を塞ぐおそれがある。これら孔部が塞がれる事態が生じると、孔部を介しては流体を下方へ移動させ難くなる。そのような孔部が塞がれたシートを表面シートに使用した吸収性物品では、孔部が塞がれていない表面シートを使用した吸収性物品と比較して、孔部を介した排泄物の吸収速度が低下してしまい、それにより吸収性能が低下するおそれがある。特に生理用ナプキンの場合、排泄物(経血)における粘度の高い成分が吸収され難いため、孔部に引き込まれて表面から除去されることが期待されるが、孔部が塞がれると、そのような成分が孔部に入ることが困難となり、表面に残存して、吸収されないおそれがある。 In Patent Document 1, teeth are formed by scraping the constituent fibers of a sheet and pushing them to the side surface (side wall) of the hole. Therefore, in the subsequent manufacturing process, when heat, pressure, tension, or the like is applied to the sheet, there is a possibility that the constituent fibers that have been pushed will close to the hole in an attempt to return to the original state. In Patent Documents 2 to 4, a predetermined region of the sheet is stretched in the width direction and ruptured, whereby a hole is formed. Therefore, in this case as well, when heat, pressure, tension, or the like is applied to the sheet, the constituent fibers that have been stretched in the width direction may return to the original state and close the hole. When a situation occurs in which these holes are blocked, it becomes difficult to move the fluid downward through the holes. In an absorbent article using a sheet with such a hole blocked as a top sheet, compared with an absorbent article using a surface sheet with no hole blocked, excrement through the hole The absorption rate of the water may be reduced, which may reduce the absorption performance. Especially in the case of sanitary napkins, it is difficult to absorb high viscosity components in excrement (menstrual blood), so it is expected to be drawn into the hole and removed from the surface, but when the hole is blocked, It is difficult for such components to enter the pores, and they may remain on the surface and not be absorbed.
 そこで、本発明の目的は、嵩回復により表面シートの柔軟性やクッション性を向上させつつ、表面シートなどの孔部での繊維の侵入を起こさせずに吸収性能を維持することが可能な吸収性物品の製造方法を提供することにある。 Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to improve the flexibility and cushioning of the surface sheet by recovering the bulk, while maintaining the absorption performance without causing fiber intrusion in the hole of the surface sheet or the like. It is in providing the manufacturing method of a property article.
 本発明の吸収性物品の製造方法は次のとおりである。(1)不織布を含む表面シートと、裏面シートと、前記表面シートと前記裏面シートとの間に位置し、吸収性繊維を含む吸収体と、を備える吸収性物品の製造方法であって、前記表面シート用の第1のシートを熱処理して嵩回復させる嵩回復工程と、前記嵩回復された前記第1のシートにおいて、前記第1のシートの一方の面から、前記第1のシートの他方の面に向かって、パンチング加工用の複数のパンチで前記第1のシートを打ち抜くことにより、前記第1のシートに複数の孔部を形成するパンチング工程と、前記第1のシートと、前記吸収体と、前記裏面シート用のシートとが積層された積層体を形成する積層工程と、を備える、吸収性物品の製造方法。 The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of the present invention is as follows. (1) A method for producing an absorbent article comprising a topsheet containing a nonwoven fabric, a backsheet, and an absorbent body positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and containing absorbent fibers, In the bulk recovery step of recovering bulk by heat-treating the first sheet for the top sheet, and in the first sheet that has been bulk recovered, from one surface of the first sheet to the other of the first sheet A punching step of punching the first sheet with a plurality of punches for punching to form a plurality of holes in the first sheet, the first sheet, and the absorption The manufacturing method of an absorbent article provided with the lamination process which forms a laminated body by which the body and the sheet | seat for said back sheets were laminated | stacked.
 本吸収性物品の製造方法では、嵩回復された表面シート用の不織布の第1のシートを、パンチング加工用のパンチで打ち抜くことで、第1のシートに複数の孔部を形成する。その嵩回復により、第1のシートの柔軟性やクッション性を向上させることができる。それと共に、構成繊維が動き易い嵩回復工程をパンチング工程の前に行うので、嵩回復工程がパンチング工程の後に行われる場合に生じ得る、嵩回復過程で構成繊維が容易に動いて孔部を閉塞する、という事態を防止できる。更に、パンチング加工では孔部となる部分の構成繊維を打ち抜いて除去するため、その後の製造工程において第1のシートに圧力や張力などの変形が加わっても、孔部を塞ぎ得るような構成繊維がほとんどなく、それにより孔部の閉塞を抑制できる。そして、排泄物(経血)などにおける粘度の高い、吸収され難い成分を孔部に引き込んで表面から除去することが可能となる。更に、パンチング加工では、孔部の吸収体をパンチで打ち抜いて除去するとき、打ち抜かれた孔部の側面部分における繊維密度の増加を低く抑えることができる。その結果、孔部の側面部分での繊維密度を、その側面部分の外側の周囲部分での繊維密度と同程度にできる。それゆえ、孔部の側面部分に吸収された排泄液は、側面部分に留まることなく、その後に周囲部分に拡散することができる。それにより孔部を介して排泄物を効率よく伝達でき、かつ孔部以外の部分、特に周囲部分を介しても排泄物を効率よく伝達できる。よって嵩回復により表面シートの柔軟性やクッション性を向上させつつ、表面シートの孔部での繊維の侵入を起こさせずに吸収速度のような吸収性能を維持することが可能な吸収性物品の製造方法を提供できる。 In the manufacturing method of the present absorbent article, a plurality of holes are formed in the first sheet by punching out the first sheet of the nonwoven fabric for the topsheet whose bulk has been recovered with a punch for punching. Due to the bulk recovery, the flexibility and cushioning properties of the first sheet can be improved. At the same time, the bulk recovery process, in which the constituent fibers are easy to move, is performed before the punching process, so that the constituent fibers can easily move in the bulk recovery process and block the hole, which can occur when the bulk recovery process is performed after the punching process. Can be prevented. Furthermore, in punching processing, the constituent fibers of the hole portions are punched and removed, so that the constituent fibers can be closed even if the first sheet undergoes deformation such as pressure or tension in the subsequent manufacturing process. There is almost no obstruction | occlusion of the hole part by it. Then, it is possible to remove the highly viscous component in excrement (menstrual blood) and the like from the surface by drawing it into the hole. Further, in the punching process, when the absorber of the hole is punched and removed, an increase in fiber density in the side surface portion of the punched hole can be suppressed to a low level. As a result, the fiber density at the side surface portion of the hole can be made substantially the same as the fiber density at the peripheral portion outside the side surface portion. Therefore, the excreted liquid absorbed in the side surface portion of the hole portion can diffuse to the surrounding portion thereafter without staying in the side surface portion. Thereby, excrement can be efficiently transmitted through the hole, and excrement can also be efficiently transmitted through a portion other than the hole, particularly the surrounding portion. Therefore, an absorbent article capable of maintaining the absorption performance such as the absorption rate without causing fiber intrusion in the hole of the surface sheet while improving the flexibility and cushioning property of the surface sheet by restoring the bulk. A manufacturing method can be provided.
 本発明の吸収性物品の製造方法は、(2)前記嵩回復工程後であって、前記パンチング工程前に、前記第1のシートを冷却する冷却工程を更に備える、上記(1)に記載の吸収性物品の製造方法、であってもよい。
 嵩回復工程直後の第1のシートはふっくらとしていて、その構成繊維間の距離が拡がっている。そのため、第1のシートは断熱性があり、嵩回復により内部に蓄積された熱を放出するのに時間が掛かる。そのため、放熱が不十分な状態でパンチング工程を実行すると、第1のシートの構成繊維が動き易く、形成された孔部が変形してしまうおそれがある。そこで本吸収性物品の製造方法では、嵩回復工程後であって、パンチング工程前に冷却工程を更に備えているので、嵩回復した第1のシートの構成繊維を冷却により変形し難くできる。それによりパンチング工程で孔部を形成するときに、第1のシートの構成繊維の配置を維持しつつ、孔部を形成することができる。すなわち、孔部の形成の際に孔部の閉塞を抑制できる。
The method for producing an absorbent article according to the present invention is (2) after the bulk recovery step and further comprising a cooling step for cooling the first sheet before the punching step. The manufacturing method of an absorbent article may be sufficient.
The first sheet immediately after the bulk recovery step is plump and the distance between the constituent fibers is widened. Therefore, the first sheet has a heat insulating property, and it takes time to release the heat accumulated inside due to the bulk recovery. Therefore, if a punching process is performed in a state where heat dissipation is insufficient, the constituent fibers of the first sheet are likely to move, and the formed hole may be deformed. Therefore, in the manufacturing method of the absorbent article, since the cooling process is further provided after the bulk recovery process and before the punching process, the constituent fibers of the first sheet that has recovered the bulk can be hardly deformed by cooling. Thereby, when forming a hole part by a punching process, a hole part can be formed, maintaining arrangement | positioning of the constituent fiber of a 1st sheet | seat. That is, blockage of the hole can be suppressed when the hole is formed.
 本発明の吸収性物品の製造方法は、(3)前記第1のシートの前記一方の面が、前記表面シートにおける肌側の面に対応しており、前記パンチング工程は、前記第1のシートの前記一方の面が、前記第1のシートの製造時に繊維支持体に接していた面であるネット面になるように、前記第1のシートを供給する工程を含む、上記(1)又は(2)に記載の吸収性物品の製造方法、であってもよい。
 表面シート用のシート(不織布)は、ネットのような繊維支持体に繊維を堆積させて製造される。そのシートは、製造時に繊維支持体(ネット)に接していた面、すなわちネット面と、そのネット面の反対側の反ネット面と、を有する。そのシートにおけるネット面側の部分では、反ネット面側の部分と比較して、構成繊維の繊維密度が高く、概ね均一で凹凸が少ない。そのため、嵩回復工程において、ネット面側の部分では、厚みがより増加して、柔軟性がより高まり易く、凹凸の少ない面を得ることができる。一方、シートにおける反ネット面側の部分では、ネット面側の部分と比較して、構成繊維の繊維密度が低く、構成繊維の移動が容易である。そのため、嵩回復工程において、反ネット面側の部分では、表面が毛羽立ち易く、構成繊維が排泄口付近に接触することによる違和感を着用者に生じさせ易い。
 そこで、本吸収性物品の製造方法では、表面シートの肌側の面に対応する第1のシートの一方の面をネット面として、ネット面側の部分からパンチング加工用のパンチを貫通させる。それにより柔軟性の高いネット面側の部分が肌に接するので、より良好な触感を着用者に与えることができる。それと共にパンチング工程ではネット面側の部分からパンチを打ち込むため、ネット面側の部分における孔部の開口の周辺に凸部を生じさせないようにでき、凸部が排泄口付近に接触することによる違和感を着用者に生じさせないようにできる。
In the method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to the present invention, (3) the one surface of the first sheet corresponds to a skin side surface of the top sheet, and the punching step includes the first sheet. (1) or (1) including a step of supplying the first sheet such that the one surface of the first sheet is a net surface that is in contact with the fiber support when the first sheet is manufactured. The manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in 2) may be sufficient.
A sheet (nonwoven fabric) for a surface sheet is manufactured by depositing fibers on a fiber support such as a net. The sheet has a surface that is in contact with the fiber support (net) at the time of manufacture, that is, a net surface, and an anti-net surface opposite to the net surface. In the net surface side portion of the sheet, the fiber density of the constituent fibers is high, substantially uniform, and less uneven than the anti-net surface side portion. Therefore, in the bulk recovery step, the thickness on the net surface side is further increased, the flexibility is more likely to be increased, and a surface with less unevenness can be obtained. On the other hand, in the portion on the side opposite to the net surface of the sheet, the fiber density of the constituent fibers is lower than in the portion on the net surface side, and the constituent fibers can be easily moved. Therefore, in the bulk recovery step, the surface on the anti-net surface side is easily fuzzy, and the wearer tends to feel uncomfortable due to the constituent fibers coming into contact with the vicinity of the excretion opening.
Therefore, in the method for manufacturing the absorbent article, a punch for punching is penetrated from a portion on the net surface side by using one surface of the first sheet corresponding to the skin side surface of the top sheet as a net surface. Thereby, since the part by the side of a highly flexible net | network surface touches skin, a better tactile sensation can be given to a wearer. At the same time, in the punching process, the punch is driven from the part on the net surface side, so that no convex part is generated around the opening of the hole part in the part on the net surface side, and the sense of incongruity due to the convex part coming into contact with the vicinity of the excretion opening Can be prevented from occurring to the wearer.
 本発明の吸収性物品の製造方法は、(4)前記表面シートは肌側の上層シートと非肌側の下層シートとを含み、前記嵩回復工程は、前記上層シート用の第2のシートを熱処理して嵩回復させる工程と、前記嵩回復された前記第2のシートの一方の面と、前記下層シート用の第3のシートの一方の面とを接合して、嵩回復した前記第1のシートを形成する工程と、を含み、前記第2のシートの前記一方の面は、前記第2のシートの製造時に繊維支持体に接していなかった面である反ネット面であり、前記第3のシートの前記一方の面は、前記第3のシートの製造時に繊維支持体に接していなかった面である反ネット面であり、前記第2のシートの前記一方の面とは反対側の他方の面が、前記第1のシートの前記一方の面に対応している、上記(3)に記載の吸収性物品の製造方法、であってもよい。
 シートにおける反ネット面側の部分では、ネット面側の部分と比較して、構成繊維の繊維密度が低く、構成繊維の移動が容易であり、毛羽立ち易い。
 そこで、本吸収性物品の製造方法では、表面シートを上層シートと下層シートとの二層構造とし、製造時には、嵩回復した後の第2シート(上層シート)の反ネット面と第3シート(下層シート)の反ネット面とを対向させて接合する。それにより、第2のシートと第3のシートとが接合された第1のシートにおいて、反ネット面が外側に向かず、すなわち表面の毛羽立った構成繊維が外側に出ないので、その後の工程等で構成繊維がほぐれて孔部に入ることを抑制できる。
In the method for producing an absorbent article according to the present invention, (4) the top sheet includes a skin-side upper layer sheet and a non-skin-side lower layer sheet, and the bulk recovery step includes the second sheet for the upper layer sheet. The step of recovering the bulk by heat treatment, the one surface of the second sheet recovered from the bulk, and the one surface of the third sheet for the lower layer sheet are joined to recover the first Forming the sheet, wherein the one surface of the second sheet is an anti-net surface that is a surface that was not in contact with a fiber support during the production of the second sheet, The one surface of the third sheet is an anti-net surface that is not in contact with the fiber support during the production of the third sheet, and is opposite to the one surface of the second sheet. The other surface corresponds to the one surface of the first sheet, Method for producing an absorbent article according to) may be.
In the portion on the side opposite to the net surface of the sheet, the fiber density of the constituent fibers is low compared to the portion on the net surface side, and the constituent fibers can be easily moved and fluffed easily.
Therefore, in the manufacturing method of the present absorbent article, the top sheet has a two-layer structure of an upper layer sheet and a lower layer sheet, and at the time of manufacturing, the anti-net surface of the second sheet (upper layer sheet) after the bulk recovery and the third sheet ( The anti-net surface of the lower layer sheet) is opposed and joined. Thereby, in the 1st sheet | seat with which the 2nd sheet | seat and the 3rd sheet | seat were joined, since an anti- net surface does not face outward, ie, the fluffy constituent fiber of the surface does not come out, subsequent processes etc. It is possible to prevent the constituent fibers from being loosened and entering the hole.
 本発明の吸収性物品の製造方法は、(5)前記嵩回復工程後であって、前記パンチング工程前に、前記第1のシートに、前記吸収体を接合する吸収体接合工程を更に備え、前記パンチング工程は、前記第1のシートと前記吸収体との接合体を、前記厚さ方向に前記複数のパンチで打ち抜くことにより、前記接合体に前記複数の孔部を形成する孔部形成工程を含む、上記(1)乃至(4)のいずれか一項に記載の吸収性物品の製造方法、であってもよい。
 吸収体に形成された孔部は、表面シート上の排泄物(経血における粘度の高い、吸収され難い成分を含む)吸収体の内部へ誘導する流路であり、吸収体の表面積の増加にも寄与する。したがって、吸収体の孔部は、排泄物を吸収体の内部へ移行させ易くでき、吸収性物品の吸収速度を向上させることができる。
 ただし、孔部の形成方法によっては、孔部の側面部分の構成繊維の密度が相対的に高くなってしまい、孔部の側面部分に吸収された排泄液が、側面部分に留まり、その周囲部分に拡散し難くなるおそれがある。その結果、孔部を介して排泄物を吸収体の内部へ効率よく拡散できないおそれがある。
 そこで、本吸収性物品の製造方法では、上記構成を有することにより、第1のシートに加えて、吸収体にも、パンチング加工用のパンチで複数の孔部を形成する。パンチング加工では、孔部の吸収体をパンチで打ち抜いて除去することができるので、孔部の閉塞を抑制できる。また、吸収体が打ち抜かれた孔部の側面部分における繊維密度の増加を低く抑えることができる。それにより、吸収体の孔部の側面部分での繊維密度を、その側面から離れた吸収体の周囲部分での繊維密度と同程度にできる。その結果、吸収体の孔部の側面部分に吸収された排泄液は、その側面部分に留まることなく、吸収体の周囲部分に拡散することができる。それにより、吸収体の孔部を介して排泄物を効率よく拡散・吸収でき、かつ、吸収体の孔部の周囲部分を介しても排泄物を効率よく拡散・吸収できる。また、パンチング加工で形成された吸収体の孔部は貫通孔であり、圧搾されて形成される高密度な底部が存在せず、また上述のように孔部の側面部分での繊維密度は周囲部分と同等で、高くない。よって、着用者に違和感を生じさせないようにでき、良好な触感を付与できる。
The method for producing an absorbent article according to the present invention further comprises (5) an absorbent body joining step for joining the absorbent body to the first sheet after the bulk recovery step and before the punching step, The punching step is a hole forming step of forming the plurality of holes in the bonded body by punching the bonded body of the first sheet and the absorber with the plurality of punches in the thickness direction. The manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in any one of said (1) thru | or (4) containing this may be sufficient.
The hole formed in the absorber is a flow path that leads to the inside of the excrement (including highly viscous components that are difficult to absorb in menstrual blood) on the surface sheet, and increases the surface area of the absorber. Also contribute. Therefore, the hole part of an absorber can make it easy to transfer excrement to the inside of an absorber, and can improve the absorption rate of an absorbent article.
However, depending on the method of forming the hole, the density of the constituent fibers in the side surface portion of the hole portion becomes relatively high, and the excreted fluid absorbed in the side surface portion of the hole portion remains in the side surface portion, and the surrounding portion. There is a risk that it will be difficult to diffuse. As a result, there is a possibility that excrement cannot be efficiently diffused into the absorber through the hole.
Therefore, in the manufacturing method of the present absorbent article, by having the above-described configuration, a plurality of holes are formed in the absorbent body in addition to the first sheet with punches for punching. In the punching process, the absorber of the hole can be punched out and removed, so that blockage of the hole can be suppressed. Moreover, the increase in the fiber density in the side part of the hole part from which the absorber is punched can be suppressed to a low level. Thereby, the fiber density in the side part of the hole part of an absorber can be made into the same grade as the fiber density in the surrounding part of the absorber away from the side surface. As a result, the excretory fluid absorbed in the side surface portion of the hole of the absorber can diffuse to the peripheral portion of the absorber without staying on the side surface portion. Thereby, excrement can be efficiently diffused / absorbed through the pores of the absorber, and excrement can be efficiently diffused / absorbed through the peripheral portion of the pores of the absorber. Moreover, the hole part of the absorber formed by punching is a through hole, and there is no high-density bottom part formed by pressing, and the fiber density at the side part of the hole part is the surrounding as described above. Equal to the part, not expensive. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wearer from feeling uncomfortable and to impart a good tactile sensation.
 本発明の吸収性物品の製造方法は、(6)前記吸収体接合工程は、前記第1のシートの前記他方の面に、前記吸収体を接合する工程を含み、前記孔部形成工程は、前記第1のシートを、前記一方の面から前記他方の面に向かって、前記複数のパンチで打ち抜くと共に、前記吸収体を、前記吸収体の前記第1のシート側の面から前記第1のシートと反対側の面に向かって、前記複数のパンチで打ち抜くことにより、前記第1のシートと前記吸収体とに前記複数の孔部を形成する工程を含む、上記(5)に記載の吸収性物品の製造方法、であってもよい。
 本吸収性物品の製造方法において、パンチング工程(孔部形成工程)では、接合体における第1のシートから吸収体へ向かってパンチを打ち込むため、第1のシートにおける孔部の開口の周辺に、外側に向かってはみ出た凸部を生じさせないようにできる。それにより凸部が排泄口付近に接触することによる違和感を着用者に生じさせないようにできる。
In the method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to the present invention, (6) the absorbent body joining step includes a step of joining the absorbent body to the other surface of the first sheet, and the hole forming step includes The first sheet is punched by the plurality of punches from the one surface to the other surface, and the absorber is moved from the surface of the absorber on the first sheet side to the first surface. Absorption according to (5) above, including the step of forming the plurality of holes in the first sheet and the absorbent body by punching with a plurality of punches toward the surface opposite to the sheet. The manufacturing method of a property article may be sufficient.
In the manufacturing method of the present absorbent article, in the punching step (hole forming step), in order to drive a punch from the first sheet to the absorber in the bonded body, around the opening of the hole in the first sheet, Protrusions that protrude outward can be prevented from being generated. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the wearer from feeling uncomfortable due to the convex portion coming into contact with the vicinity of the excretion opening.
 本発明の吸収性物品の製造方法は、(7)前記吸収体は、吸収性コアと、少なくとも前記第1のシート側の前記吸収性コアを覆うコアラップと、を含み、前記孔部形成工程は、前記吸収性コア及び前記コアラップを貫通するように前記複数の孔部を形成する工程、を含む、上記(5)又は(6)に記載の吸収性物品の製造方法、であってもよい。
 本吸収性物品の製造方法では、孔部形成工程において、孔部が表面シート及びコアラップを貫通し、吸収性コアへ延びている。そのため、孔部形成工程により、表面シートにおける孔部の縁部の構成繊維と、コアラップにおける孔部の縁部の構成繊維と、吸収性コアにおける孔部の縁部の構成繊維とが、厚さ方向において互いに絡み合う。その結果、表面シートと吸収体との一体化を促進でき、すなわち表面シートの孔部と吸収体の孔部との一体化を促進できる。このとき、エンボス工程のような圧搾で吸収体が潰れて表面シートと吸収体とが一体化するのとは異なり、構成繊維同士が絡むことで表面シートと吸収体とが一体化されるので、吸収性物品に剛性の高い部分が形成されない。それにより、吸収性物品の形状の維持に寄与しつつ、柔軟性を確保できる。
(7) The absorbent body includes an absorbent core and a core wrap that covers at least the absorbent core on the first sheet side, and the hole forming step includes: The manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in said (5) or (6) including the process of forming these hole part so that the said absorbent core and the said core wrap may be penetrated.
In the manufacturing method of this absorbent article, in the hole forming step, the hole penetrates the top sheet and the core wrap and extends to the absorbent core. Therefore, through the hole forming step, the constituent fibers of the edge of the hole in the top sheet, the constituent fibers of the edge of the hole in the core wrap, and the constituent fibers of the edge of the hole in the absorbent core are thickened. Intertwined in the direction. As a result, the integration of the topsheet and the absorber can be promoted, that is, the integration of the holes of the topsheet and the absorber can be promoted. At this time, since the absorbent body is crushed by pressing like an embossing process and the topsheet and the absorbent body are integrated, the topsheet and the absorbent body are integrated by entanglement of the constituent fibers. A highly rigid part is not formed in the absorbent article. Thereby, flexibility can be secured while contributing to maintenance of the shape of the absorbent article.
 本発明の吸収性物品の製造方法は、(8)前記吸収体接合工程後に、前記第1のシートの前記一方の面に、所定の機能を有する添加剤を塗布する添加剤塗布工程を更に備える、上記(5)乃至(7)のいずれか一項に記載の吸収性物品の製造方法、であってもよい。
 本吸収性物品の製造方法では、第1のシートに添加剤が塗布されており、すなわち第1のシートの構成繊維同士のつながりが添加剤で補強されている。そのため、添加剤塗布工程後において、第1のシートにおける孔部の開口部分の構成繊維がほつれることを抑制でき、孔部内へ構成繊維が侵入することを抑制できる。
The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of the present invention further includes (8) an additive application step of applying an additive having a predetermined function to the one surface of the first sheet after the absorber bonding step. The method for producing an absorbent article according to any one of (5) to (7) above may be used.
In the manufacturing method of this absorbent article, the additive is applied to the first sheet, that is, the connection between the constituent fibers of the first sheet is reinforced with the additive. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the constituent fibers in the opening portion of the hole portion in the first sheet from fraying after the additive application step, and it is possible to suppress the constituent fibers from entering the hole portion.
 本発明の吸収性物品の製造方法は、(9)前記添加剤は、スキンケア機能を有する添加剤であり、前記孔部形成工程は、前記添加剤塗布工程の後に実行される、上記(8)に記載の吸収性物品の製造方法、であってもよい。
 スキンケア機能を有する添加剤は、表面シートに存在してその機能を発揮する。本吸収性物品の製造方法では、スキンケア機能を有する添加剤を、嵩回復工程の後、孔部形成工程の前に第1のシートに塗布する。孔部形成工程の前に添加剤を塗布することで、孔部に落ち込んで機能を発揮できなくなる添加剤が生じるのを防止して、その添加剤を第1のシート(表面シート)に残すことができ、その機能を効果的に発揮させることができる。そのとき、嵩回復工程後における構成繊維の密度が相対的に低い第1のシートに添加剤を塗布しているので、その添加剤を第1のシート内に程よく拡散させることができる。それにより、嵩回復工程前における構成繊維の密度が相対的に高いシートに添加剤を塗布したために添加剤がそのシート内に入りきらず表面に高濃度に残る、という事態を防止できる。
In the method for producing an absorbent article of the present invention, (9) the additive is an additive having a skin care function, and the hole forming step is performed after the additive application step (8) The manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in above.
The additive having a skin care function is present in the surface sheet and exhibits its function. In the method for manufacturing an absorbent article, an additive having a skin care function is applied to the first sheet after the bulk recovery step and before the hole forming step. By applying the additive before the hole forming step, an additive that falls into the hole and becomes unable to perform its function is prevented, and the additive is left in the first sheet (surface sheet). And the function can be effectively exhibited. At that time, since the additive is applied to the first sheet having a relatively low density of the constituent fibers after the bulk recovery step, the additive can be diffused moderately in the first sheet. Thereby, since the additive was applied to the sheet having a relatively high density of the constituent fibers before the bulk recovery step, it is possible to prevent the additive from entering the sheet and remaining at a high concentration on the surface.
 本発明の吸収性物品の製造方法は、(10)前記添加剤は、血液改質機能を有する添加剤であり、前記孔部形成工程は、前記添加剤塗布工程の前に実行される、上記(8)に記載の吸収性物品の製造方法、であってもよい。
 血液改質機能を有する添加剤は、表面シートだけでなく孔部に存在してもその機能を発揮する。そこで、本吸収性物品の製造方法では、血液改質機能を有する添加剤を、嵩回復工程の後、且つ、孔部形成工程の後に第1のシートに塗布する。それにより、第1のシート及び吸収体の孔部内に確実に添加剤を塗布することができる。また、孔部の厚さ方向の深さが相対的に深くなり、孔部の側面(側壁)の表面積が相対的に大きい段階で添加剤を塗布するので、より多くの添加剤を孔部に塗布することができ、血液改質機能を有する添加剤にその機能を効果的に発揮させることができる。すなわち、嵩回復工程前における孔部の厚さ方向の深さが相対的に浅く、孔部の側面の表面積が相対的に小さい段階で添加剤を塗布した後、嵩回復工程で孔部の厚さ方向の深さが深くなる場合と比較して、孔部での添加剤を多くすることができる。
In the method for producing an absorbent article of the present invention, (10) the additive is an additive having a blood modifying function, and the hole forming step is performed before the additive applying step. The manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in (8) may be sufficient.
The additive having a blood modifying function exerts its function even when present in the hole as well as the topsheet. Therefore, in the method for manufacturing an absorbent article, an additive having a blood modifying function is applied to the first sheet after the bulk recovery step and after the hole forming step. Thereby, an additive can be reliably apply | coated in the hole of a 1st sheet | seat and an absorber. In addition, since the depth of the hole in the thickness direction is relatively deep and the additive is applied at a stage where the surface area of the side surface (side wall) of the hole is relatively large, more additive is added to the hole. The additive can be applied, and the function can be effectively exhibited by an additive having a blood modifying function. That is, after applying the additive at a stage where the depth in the thickness direction of the hole before the bulk recovery process is relatively shallow and the surface area of the side surface of the hole is relatively small, the thickness of the hole in the bulk recovery process Compared with the case where the depth in the vertical direction is increased, the additive in the hole can be increased.
 本発明によれば、嵩回復により表面シートの柔軟性やクッション性を向上させつつ、表面シートなどの孔部での繊維の侵入を起こさせずに吸収性能を維持することが可能な吸収性物品の製造方法を提供できる。 ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the absorbent article which can maintain absorptive performance, without raising the penetration | invasion of the fiber in hole parts, such as a surface sheet, improving the softness | flexibility and cushioning property of a surface sheet by bulk recovery. Can be provided.
実施の形態に係る吸収性物品の構成例を示す平面図である。It is a top view which shows the structural example of the absorbent article which concerns on embodiment. 図1のII-II線に沿う断面図である。FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. 図2の一部を拡大した部分断面図である。It is the fragmentary sectional view which expanded a part of FIG. 実施の形態に係る吸収性物品の表面シートの構成例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structural example of the surface sheet of the absorbent article which concerns on embodiment. 実施の形態に係る吸収性物品の製造装置の構成例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structural example of the manufacturing apparatus of the absorbent article which concerns on embodiment. 実施の形態に係る吸収性物品の製造方法を模式的に説明する図である。It is a figure which illustrates typically the manufacturing method of the absorptive article concerning an embodiment. 実施の形態に係る吸収性物品の製造方法を模式的に説明する図である。It is a figure which illustrates typically the manufacturing method of the absorptive article concerning an embodiment. 実施の形態に係る吸収性物品の製造方法を模式的に説明する図である。It is a figure which illustrates typically the manufacturing method of the absorptive article concerning an embodiment. 実施の形態に係る吸収性物品の製造方法を模式的に説明する図である。It is a figure which illustrates typically the manufacturing method of the absorptive article concerning an embodiment. 実施の形態に係る吸収性物品の製造方法を模式的に説明する図である。It is a figure which illustrates typically the manufacturing method of the absorptive article concerning an embodiment. 図5の製造装置の嵩回復装置の構成例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structural example of the bulk recovery apparatus of the manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 実施の形態に係る吸収性物品の製造方法を模式的に説明する図である。It is a figure which illustrates typically the manufacturing method of the absorptive article concerning an embodiment. 実施の形態に係る吸収性物品の製造方法を模式的に説明する図である。It is a figure which illustrates typically the manufacturing method of the absorptive article concerning an embodiment. 実施の形態に係る吸収性物品の製造方法を模式的に説明する図である。It is a figure which illustrates typically the manufacturing method of the absorptive article concerning an embodiment. 実施の形態に係る吸収性物品の製造方法を模式的に説明する図である。It is a figure which illustrates typically the manufacturing method of the absorptive article concerning an embodiment. 実施の形態に係る吸収性物品の表面に添加剤を塗布した様子を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows a mode that the additive was apply | coated to the surface of the absorbent article which concerns on embodiment.
 本実施の形態に係る吸収性物品について生理用ナプキンを例に説明する。この場合、吸収性物品の吸収対象の排泄物は経血である。吸収性物品の種類及び用途は特に限定されるものではなく、本発明の範囲を逸脱しない限り、他の吸収性物品でもよい。その吸収性物品として、例えばパンティライナー、軽失禁パッド、使い捨ておむつが挙げられる。 The absorbent article according to the present embodiment will be described using a sanitary napkin as an example. In this case, the excrement to be absorbed by the absorbent article is menstrual blood. The type and application of the absorbent article are not particularly limited, and other absorbent articles may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Examples of the absorbent article include panty liners, light incontinence pads, and disposable diapers.
 図1~図3は本実施の形態に係る吸収性物品1(生理用ナプキン)の構成例を示す図である。図1は展開した状態の吸収性物品1の平面図を示し、図2は図1のII-II線に沿う断面図を示し、図3は図2の一部を拡大した部分断面図を示す。吸収性物品1は、互いに直交する長手方向L、幅方向W及び厚さ方向Tを有し、平面視にて、長手方向Lに延びる本体部2と、本体部2における長手方向Lの略中央部から幅方向Wの両外側に延出する一対のフラップ部3、3とを備える。吸収性物品1は、幅方向Wの中心を通り長手方向Lに延びる長手方向中心線CLと、一対のフラップ部3、3の長手方向Lの中心を通り幅方向Wに延びる幅方向中心線CWとを有する。吸収性物品1の長手方向L、幅方向W及び厚さ方向Tと、吸収性物品1の各資材の長手方向、幅方向及び厚さ方向とは一致するので、吸収性物品1及びその各資材に対して共通に長手方向L、幅方向W及び厚さ方向Tを用いる。長手方向Lの一方及び他方をそれぞれ前方及び後方とし、幅方向Wの一方及び他方をそれぞれ左方及び右方とし、厚さ方向Tの一方及び他方をそれぞれ上方及び下方とする。図1に描かれた吸収性物品1においては、向かって上方及び下方がそれぞれ長手方向Lの前方及び後方であり、向かって左方及び右方がそれぞれ幅方向Wの左方及び右方であり、向かって手前及び奥が厚さ方向Tの上方及び下方である。「平面視」とは展開した状態の吸収性物品1を上面側から厚さ方向Tに見ることをいう。「肌側」及び「非肌側」とは、装着者が吸収性物品1を装着したとき、厚さ方向Tにて相対的に装着者の肌面に近い側及び遠い側をそれぞれ意味する。「面内方向」とは幅方向W及び長手方向Lを含む面と平行な方向である。長手方向中心線CLに向かう方向及び遠ざかる方向をそれぞれ幅方向Wの内側及び外側の方向とする。幅方向中心線CWに向かう方向及び遠ざかる方向をそれぞれ長手方向Lの内側及び外側の方向とする。これら定義も吸収性物品1の各資材に共通に用いる。後述される凸部に関して「中実」という場合、凸部内での液体の移動を妨げるような中空領域(繊維密度が周囲と比較して著しく低い空間)を有さないことをいう。 FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 are diagrams showing a configuration example of an absorbent article 1 (sanitary napkin) according to the present embodiment. 1 shows a plan view of the absorbent article 1 in an unfolded state, FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view enlarging a part of FIG. . The absorbent article 1 has a longitudinal direction L, a width direction W, and a thickness direction T that are orthogonal to each other, and a main body 2 that extends in the longitudinal direction L in plan view, and a substantially center of the longitudinal direction L in the main body 2. A pair of flap portions 3 and 3 extending from the portion to both outer sides in the width direction W. The absorbent article 1 has a longitudinal center line CL extending in the longitudinal direction L through the center in the width direction W, and a width direction center line CW extending in the width direction W through the center in the longitudinal direction L of the pair of flap portions 3 and 3. And have. Since the longitudinal direction L, the width direction W, and the thickness direction T of the absorbent article 1 coincide with the longitudinal direction, the width direction, and the thickness direction of each material of the absorbent article 1, the absorbent article 1 and each material thereof However, the longitudinal direction L, the width direction W and the thickness direction T are used in common. One and the other in the longitudinal direction L are the front and the rear, respectively, the one and the other in the width direction W are the left and the right, respectively, and one and the other in the thickness direction T are the upper and the lower, respectively. In the absorbent article 1 depicted in FIG. 1, the upper side and the lower side are the front and rear in the longitudinal direction L, respectively, and the left side and the right side are the left and right sides in the width direction W, respectively. , The front and back are the upper and lower sides in the thickness direction T. The “plan view” means that the absorbent article 1 in a developed state is viewed in the thickness direction T from the upper surface side. “Skin side” and “non-skin side” mean the side closer to the wearer's skin surface and the far side in the thickness direction T when the wearer wears the absorbent article 1, respectively. The “in-plane direction” is a direction parallel to the plane including the width direction W and the longitudinal direction L. A direction toward the longitudinal center line CL and a direction away from the longitudinal center line CL are defined as an inner direction and an outer direction in the width direction W, respectively. A direction toward the center line CW in the width direction and a direction away from the center line CW are defined as the inner and outer directions of the longitudinal direction L, respectively. These definitions are also commonly used for each material of the absorbent article 1. When it is referred to as “solid” with respect to the convex portion described later, it means that it does not have a hollow region (a space where the fiber density is significantly lower than the surroundings) that prevents the liquid from moving within the convex portion.
 本体部2は、平面視にて、長手方向Lに延びる角丸長方形又はレーストラック形の形状を有し、本体部2の長手方向Lの両端縁部の外縁は、略半円形又はお椀形の形状を有する。一対のフラップ部3、3の各々は、下底が長手方向Lに沿って延びる台形又は弦が長手方向Lに沿って延びる半円形若しくは半楕円形の形状を有し、下底又は弦が本体部2の幅方向Wの両側縁に接している。なお、本体部2、フラップ部3の形状は任意である。 The main body 2 has a rounded rectangular shape or a racetrack shape extending in the longitudinal direction L in plan view, and the outer edges of both end edges in the longitudinal direction L of the main body 2 are substantially semicircular or bowl-shaped. Has a shape. Each of the pair of flap portions 3 and 3 has a trapezoidal shape whose lower base extends along the longitudinal direction L or a semicircular or semi-elliptical shape whose string extends along the longitudinal direction L. It is in contact with both side edges in the width direction W of the portion 2. Note that the shapes of the main body 2 and the flap 3 are arbitrary.
 吸収性物品1は、表面シート8と、裏面シート14と、表面シート8の非肌側で裏面シート14の肌側、すなわち表面シート8と裏面シート14との間に位置する吸収体12と、を備える。表面シート8は、着用者の肌側に位置する液透過性シートである。表面シート8としては、例えば液透過性の不織布や織布、液透過孔を有する合成樹脂フィルム、これらの複合シート等、任意の液透過性シートが挙げられ、特に熱処理で嵩回復したシートが用いられる。本実施の形態では、吸収性物品1は、表面シート8の幅方向Wの両端部に接合された、幅方向Wの両外側に延出する一対のサイドシート13、13を更に備えている。一対のサイドシート13、13は、排泄物の幅方向Wへの漏洩を抑制する撥水性シートである。各サイドシートとしては、撥水処理を施した不織布や通気性を有する合成樹脂フィルムが挙げられる。表面シート8は、厚さ方向Tに二層でもよい。表面シート8の坪量は、例えば5g/m~100g/mであり、好ましくは20g/m~50g/mである。また、裏面シート14は、着用者の非肌側に位置する液不透過性のシートである。裏面シート14としては、例えば液不透過性の不織布や合成樹脂フィルム、不織布と合成樹脂フィルムとの複合シート、SMS不織布等、任意の液不透過性シートが挙げられる。なお、裏面シート14の非肌面側に通気性の外装シートが接着剤等で更に接合されてもよい。吸収体12は、本体部2より一回り小さい角丸長方形、レーストラック形又は砂時計形の形状を有し、液吸収性能及び液保持性能を有する層であり、本実施の形態では、吸収性コア12bと吸収性コア12bの少なくとも肌面側を覆うコアラップ12aとを含む。吸収性コア12bは、液保持性物質及び吸収性ポリマーを含む。液保持性物質としては、例えばパルプなどの吸収(水)性繊維が挙げられる。吸収性ポリマーとしては、水を吸収し保持できる、粒子状又は繊維状の高吸収性ポリマー(SAP)が挙げられる。コアラップ12aとしては、液透過性を有するシートであり、例えばティッシュなどの親水性の不織布が挙げられる。吸収性ポリマーは、ホットメルト接着剤等(図示されず)でコアラップ12aに固定されることが好ましいが、固定されずにコアラップ12aで覆われてもよい。吸収体12の厚みは、例えば0.2~15mmであり、好ましくは1~10mmが挙げられる。吸収体12の坪量は、例えば20~1000m/mであり、好ましくは50~800g/mが挙げられる。吸収性ポリマーの坪量は、吸収体12全体としては例えば50~500g/mであり、好ましくは100~400g/mが挙げられる。 The absorbent article 1 includes a top sheet 8, a back sheet 14, an absorbent body 12 positioned on the skin side of the back sheet 14 on the non-skin side of the top sheet 8, that is, between the top sheet 8 and the back sheet 14, Is provided. The top sheet 8 is a liquid permeable sheet located on the skin side of the wearer. Examples of the surface sheet 8 include any liquid-permeable sheet such as a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric or woven fabric, a synthetic resin film having a liquid-permeable hole, and a composite sheet thereof. Particularly, a sheet whose volume has been recovered by heat treatment is used. It is done. In the present embodiment, the absorbent article 1 further includes a pair of side sheets 13 and 13 that are joined to both ends in the width direction W of the top sheet 8 and extend to both outer sides in the width direction W. The pair of side sheets 13 and 13 are water-repellent sheets that suppress leakage of excrement in the width direction W. Examples of each side sheet include a nonwoven fabric subjected to a water repellent treatment and a synthetic resin film having air permeability. The top sheet 8 may have two layers in the thickness direction T. The basis weight of the top sheet 8 is, for example, 5 g / m 2 to 100 g / m 2 , and preferably 20 g / m 2 to 50 g / m 2 . Moreover, the back surface sheet 14 is a liquid-impermeable sheet located on the non-skin side of the wearer. Examples of the back sheet 14 include any liquid-impermeable sheet such as a liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric and a synthetic resin film, a composite sheet of a nonwoven fabric and a synthetic resin film, and an SMS nonwoven fabric. Note that a breathable exterior sheet may be further bonded to the non-skin side of the back sheet 14 with an adhesive or the like. The absorbent body 12 is a layer having a rounded rectangular shape, a racetrack shape or an hourglass shape that is slightly smaller than the main body 2 and having liquid absorption performance and liquid retention performance. In this embodiment, the absorbent core 12b and a core wrap 12a covering at least the skin surface side of the absorbent core 12b. The absorbent core 12b includes a liquid retaining material and an absorbent polymer. Examples of the liquid retaining material include absorbent (water) fibers such as pulp. Absorbent polymers include particulate or fibrous superabsorbent polymers (SAP) that can absorb and retain water. The core wrap 12a is a sheet having liquid permeability, and includes, for example, a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric such as a tissue. The absorbent polymer is preferably fixed to the core wrap 12a with a hot melt adhesive or the like (not shown), but may be covered with the core wrap 12a without being fixed. The thickness of the absorber 12 is, for example, 0.2 to 15 mm, preferably 1 to 10 mm. The basis weight of the absorbent body 12 is, for example, 20 to 1000 m / m 3 , preferably 50 to 800 g / m 3 . The basis weight of the absorbent polymer is, for example, 50 to 500 g / m 2 , and preferably 100 to 400 g / m 2 for the absorbent body 12 as a whole.
 本体部2では、表面シート8の非肌側の面と吸収体12の肌側の面とは接着剤(例示:ホットメルト接着剤)等で接合され、吸収体12の非肌側の面と裏面シート14の肌側の面とは接着剤等で接合される。また、表面シート8の非肌側の面の周縁部と、裏面シート14の肌側の面とは接着剤等で接合される。表面シート8の肌側の面の幅方向Wの両端部と、一対のサイドシート13、13の各々の非肌側の面における幅方向Wの内側の端部とは接着剤等で接合される。一対のフラップ部3、3では、一対のサイドシート13、13の各々の非肌側の面と裏面シート14の肌側の面における幅方向Wの外側の端部とは接着剤等で接合される。 In the main body 2, the non-skin side surface of the top sheet 8 and the skin side surface of the absorbent body 12 are joined with an adhesive (eg, hot melt adhesive) or the like, and the non-skin side surface of the absorbent body 12 The back side sheet 14 is bonded to the skin side surface with an adhesive or the like. Moreover, the peripheral part of the surface on the non-skin side of the surface sheet 8 and the surface on the skin side of the back sheet 14 are joined with an adhesive or the like. Both end portions in the width direction W of the skin side surface of the top sheet 8 and the inner end portions in the width direction W of the non-skin side surfaces of the pair of side sheets 13 and 13 are joined with an adhesive or the like. . In the pair of flap portions 3, 3, the non-skin side surface of each of the pair of side sheets 13, 13 and the outer end portion in the width direction W on the skin side surface of the back sheet 14 are joined with an adhesive or the like. The
 吸収性物品1は、本体部2及び一対のフラップ部3、3の非肌の面にそれぞれ配置された粘着部15及び一対の粘着部17、17を更に備える。吸収性物品1が着用者の下着に装着されるとき、粘着部15は本体部2の非肌側の面を下着の肌側の面に貼り付け、一対の粘着部17、17は下着の下方へ折り返された一対のフラップ部3、3の肌側の面(折り返し前の非肌側の面)をそれぞれ下着の非肌側の面に貼り付ける。それにより、吸収性物品1は下着に固定される。各粘着剤は、公知の材料を用いることができる。 The absorbent article 1 further includes an adhesive part 15 and a pair of adhesive parts 17 and 17 disposed on the non-skin surfaces of the main body part 2 and the pair of flap parts 3 and 3, respectively. When the absorbent article 1 is attached to the wearer's underwear, the adhesive portion 15 affixes the non-skin side surface of the main body 2 to the skin side surface of the underwear, and the pair of adhesive portions 17 and 17 are below the underwear. The skin-side surfaces (the non-skin-side surfaces before folding) of the pair of flap portions 3 and 3 folded back are pasted on the non-skin-side surfaces of the underwear, respectively. Thereby, the absorbent article 1 is fixed to the underwear. A known material can be used for each adhesive.
 本実施の形態では、表面シート8は、二枚のシートが厚さ方向Tに積層された構成を有する。図4は表面シート8の構成例を示す図である。図4(a)は表面シート8の部分平面図であり、図4(b)は図4(a)のIVb-IVb’断面図である。表面シート8は、肌側の上層シート8aと、非肌側の下層シート8bと、を備える。上層シート8aは、所謂表面シートであり、厚さ方向Tの上方の面である第1の上面8aEと、下向きの面である第1の下面8aFとを有し、面内方向に拡がるシートである。上層シート8aは、第1の上面8aEに、長手方向Lに沿って連続的に延設された複数の凸部21と、互いに隣接する凸部21の間に長手方向Lに沿って連続的に延設された基部23と、を含む。凸部21は、第1の上面8aEの基部23から厚さ方向Tの上方に突出した突出部であり、柔らかく膨らんだ部分である。下層シート8bは、所謂セカンドシートであり、厚さ方向Tの上向きの面である第2の上面8bEと、下向きの面である第2の下面8bFとを有し、面内方向に拡がるシートである。下層シート8bは凸部21において厚さ方向Tの上向きにやや盛り上がっていてもよい。すなわち上層シート8aと下層シート8bとの境界は凸部21においてやや凸であってもよい。上層シート8aと下層シート8bとは、第1の下面8aFと第2の上面8bEとにおいて接合部24で接合される。 In the present embodiment, the top sheet 8 has a configuration in which two sheets are laminated in the thickness direction T. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the top sheet 8. 4A is a partial plan view of the top sheet 8, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVb-IVb ′ of FIG. 4A. The surface sheet 8 includes an upper layer sheet 8a on the skin side and a lower layer sheet 8b on the non-skin side. The upper layer sheet 8a is a so-called surface sheet, and has a first upper surface 8aE that is an upper surface in the thickness direction T and a first lower surface 8aF that is a downward surface, and extends in the in-plane direction. is there. The upper layer sheet 8a is continuously provided along the longitudinal direction L between the plurality of convex portions 21 continuously extending along the longitudinal direction L on the first upper surface 8aE and the convex portions 21 adjacent to each other. And an extended base 23. The convex portion 21 is a protruding portion that protrudes upward in the thickness direction T from the base portion 23 of the first upper surface 8aE, and is a softly swollen portion. The lower layer sheet 8b is a so-called second sheet, and has a second upper surface 8bE that is an upward surface in the thickness direction T and a second lower surface 8bF that is a downward surface, and extends in the in-plane direction. is there. The lower layer sheet 8 b may be slightly raised upward in the thickness direction T at the convex portion 21. That is, the boundary between the upper layer sheet 8 a and the lower layer sheet 8 b may be slightly convex at the convex portion 21. The upper layer sheet 8a and the lower layer sheet 8b are joined at the joining portion 24 at the first lower surface 8aF and the second upper surface 8bE.
 接合部24は、上層シート8aの第1の下面8aFと下層シート8bの第2の上面8bEとを接合し、本実施の形態ではホットメルト接着剤に例示される接着剤であり、図に明示していないが厚さ方向Tの上方及び下方に拡散している。接合部24は、上層シート8aの複数の凸部21の各々に対応する領域と厚さ方向Tに重なる。厚さ方向Tの上方から見ると、すなわち平面視で、各凸部21の領域の少なくとも一部に、接合部24の少なくとも一部が含まれる。接合部24のパターンは、本実施の形態では、長手方向Lに沿って延び、幅方向Wに互いに平行に並んだ複数の線状のパターン(ストライプパターン)である。ただし、接合部24のパターンとしては、凸部21に対応する領域と厚さ方向Tに重なれば特に制限は無く、オメガパターン、ウェブパターン、スパイラルパターンでもよい。上記各パターンであれば、表面シート8の全域のうち、少しの領域において凸部21の領域に接合部24が含まれていない領域が存在してもよい。 The joining portion 24 joins the first lower surface 8aF of the upper layer sheet 8a and the second upper surface 8bE of the lower layer sheet 8b, and is an adhesive exemplified by a hot melt adhesive in the present embodiment, and is clearly shown in the figure. Although not, it diffuses above and below in the thickness direction T. The joining portion 24 overlaps with a region corresponding to each of the plurality of convex portions 21 of the upper layer sheet 8a in the thickness direction T. When viewed from above in the thickness direction T, that is, in plan view, at least a part of the region of each convex part 21 includes at least a part of the joint part 24. In the present embodiment, the pattern of the joint portion 24 is a plurality of linear patterns (stripe patterns) extending along the longitudinal direction L and arranged in parallel with each other in the width direction W. However, the pattern of the joint portion 24 is not particularly limited as long as it overlaps the region corresponding to the convex portion 21 in the thickness direction T, and may be an omega pattern, a web pattern, or a spiral pattern. If it is each said pattern, the area | region where the junction part 24 is not included in the area | region of the convex part 21 may exist in a few area | regions in the whole region of the surface sheet 8. FIG.
 このように、凸部21の第1の下面12Fと下層シート8bの第2の上面13Eとを接合部24により接合するので、凸部21と下層シート8bとの間での隙間の形成を抑制でき、凸部21内を中実な形状にできる。それにより、凸部21が柔らかく膨らんだ状態を維持できるようにし、表面シート8の肌側の面に弾力性を持たせることができ、表面シート8に対して着用者の感じる柔らかさや肌触りを向上できる。すなわち、表面シート8の柔軟性やクッション性を向上させることができる。また、凸部21全体を液体の移動経路にでき、表面シート8の液透過性を向上できる。このようにして表面シート8では柔らかさや肌触りと液透過性とを両立させている。 Thus, since the 1st lower surface 12F of the convex part 21 and the 2nd upper surface 13E of the lower layer sheet 8b are joined by the junction part 24, formation of the clearance gap between the convex part 21 and the lower layer sheet 8b is suppressed. The convex portion 21 can be made solid. Thereby, the convex part 21 can be maintained in a soft and swollen state, the skin side surface of the topsheet 8 can be given elasticity, and the softness and feel felt by the wearer with respect to the topsheet 8 can be improved. it can. That is, the flexibility and cushioning properties of the topsheet 8 can be improved. Moreover, the whole convex part 21 can be made into the movement path | route of a liquid, and the liquid permeability of the surface sheet 8 can be improved. In this way, the surface sheet 8 achieves both softness, touch and liquid permeability.
 本実施の形態では、表面シート8は圧搾部22を更に備える。圧搾部22は、各基部23において長手方向Lに沿って間欠的に配置される。圧搾部22は、基部23にて長手方向Lに等間隔又は非等間隔に、幅方向Wに隣り合う基部23にて長手方向Lに互いに同じ位置又は異なる位置に、配置される。本実施の形態では、基部23に関して市松模様状に配置される。圧搾部22の平面視の形状は楕円状など任意である。圧搾部22は、厚さ方向Tにおいて上層シート8aの上方と下層シート8bの下方とから圧搾して形成され、上層シート8aと下層シート8bとを接合する。圧搾部22は形成されなくてもよい。 In the present embodiment, the top sheet 8 further includes a pressing portion 22. The pressing part 22 is intermittently arranged along the longitudinal direction L in each base part 23. The pressing parts 22 are arranged at equal or different intervals in the longitudinal direction L at the base 23, and at the same position or different positions in the longitudinal direction L at the base 23 adjacent to the width direction W. In the present embodiment, the base 23 is arranged in a checkered pattern. The shape of the pressing unit 22 in a plan view is arbitrary such as an ellipse. The pressing part 22 is formed by pressing from above the upper layer sheet 8a and below the lower layer sheet 8b in the thickness direction T, and joins the upper layer sheet 8a and the lower layer sheet 8b. The pressing part 22 does not need to be formed.
 本実施の形態では、上層シート8aはネットのような繊維支持体に繊維を堆積させて製造されており、その製造時にネット(繊維支持体)に接していた面をネット面と称し、そのネット面の反対側の面を反ネット面と称する。上層シート8aの第1の上面8aE及び第1の下面8aFは、それぞれ上層シート8aの製造時のネット面及び反ネット面である。更に、下層シート8bの第2の上面8bE及び第2の下面8bFは、それぞれ下層シート8bの製造時の反ネット面及びネット面である。したがって、本実施の形態では、上層シート8aの反ネット面と下層シート8bの反ネット面とが接合されている。 In the present embodiment, the upper layer sheet 8a is manufactured by depositing fibers on a fiber support such as a net, and a surface that is in contact with the net (fiber support) at the time of manufacture is referred to as a net surface. The surface opposite to the surface is referred to as an anti-net surface. The first upper surface 8aE and the first lower surface 8aF of the upper layer sheet 8a are a net surface and an anti-net surface at the time of manufacturing the upper layer sheet 8a, respectively. Furthermore, the second upper surface 8bE and the second lower surface 8bF of the lower layer sheet 8b are an anti-net surface and a net surface at the time of manufacturing the lower layer sheet 8b, respectively. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the anti-net surface of the upper layer sheet 8a and the anti-net surface of the lower layer sheet 8b are joined.
 上層シート8aにおける凸部21及び基部23の坪量は概ね同じである。凸部21の繊維密度は基部23の繊維密度よりも低い。基部23の繊維密度は圧搾部22の繊維密度よりも低い。凸部21の繊維密度が低いので着用者は柔らかさを感じられる。上層シート8aの坪量と下層シート8bの坪量とはどちらが高くてもよく、同じでもよい。 The basis weight of the convex part 21 and the base part 23 in the upper layer sheet 8a is substantially the same. The fiber density of the convex part 21 is lower than the fiber density of the base part 23. The fiber density of the base part 23 is lower than the fiber density of the pressing part 22. Since the fiber density of the convex part 21 is low, a wearer can feel softness. Either the basis weight of the upper layer sheet 8a or the basis weight of the lower layer sheet 8b may be higher or the same.
 上層シート8aは、液透過性であって、所定の熱処理で嵩が回復する嵩回復性のシートを用いる。嵩回復性のシートとしては不織布、例えばエアスルー不織布、エアレイド不織布、ニードルパンチ不織布、スパンレース不織布等の液透過性の不織布が挙げられる。上層シート8aの構成繊維として、例えばポリエステル系やポリオレフィン系の繊維、又はそれらの複合繊維が挙げられる。本実施の形態では、ポリエチレンテレフタレート(PET)/ポリエチレン(PE)の芯/鞘構造の複合繊維を用いる。一方、下層シート8bは、液透過性であれば、嵩回復性のシートを用いてもよく、用いなくてもよい。本実施の形態では、柔らかさの観点から、上層シート8aと同じ嵩回復性の不織布であるPET/PEの芯/鞘構造の繊維を用いる。ただし上層シート8aと異なるシートを用いてもよい。 The upper layer sheet 8a is a liquid-permeable sheet that is bulk-recoverable and recovers its bulk by a predetermined heat treatment. Examples of the bulk recoverable sheet include nonwoven fabrics such as air-through nonwoven fabric, air laid nonwoven fabric, needle punched nonwoven fabric, and spunlace nonwoven fabric. Examples of the constituent fibers of the upper layer sheet 8a include polyester-based and polyolefin-based fibers, or composite fibers thereof. In this embodiment, a composite fiber having a core / sheath structure of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) / polyethylene (PE) is used. On the other hand, as long as the lower layer sheet 8b is liquid permeable, a bulk-recoverable sheet may or may not be used. In the present embodiment, from the viewpoint of softness, PET / PE core / sheath fibers that are the same bulk-recoverable nonwoven fabric as the upper layer sheet 8a are used. However, a sheet different from the upper layer sheet 8a may be used.
 図1~図3に示すように、吸収性物品1では、平面視で、本体部2における表面シート8と吸収体12とが厚さ方向Tに重なる領域において、長手方向Lの中央やや前方寄りで幅方向Wの中央の領域に、排泄口当接域20が設定される。ここで、排泄口当接域とは、吸収性物品の着用時に、着用者の排泄口に対向する或いは当接する領域である。排泄口当接域20は、吸収性物品1の種類や用途(例示:排泄物の種類、着用者の年齢や性別)に応じて適宜設定される。排泄口当接域20は、例えば、長手方向Lにおいて吸収体12の略中央部又は前方寄りに、吸収体12全長の約1/3程度の長さで、且つ、幅方向Wにおいて吸収体12の略中央部に、吸収体12全長の約1/3程度の長さ、で設定される。本実施の形態では、長手方向Lにて、排泄口当接域20の両端部及び中央部の位置と一対のフラップ部3、3の両端部(付け根)及び中央部の位置がほぼ重なるように形成される。 As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in the absorbent article 1, in a plan view, in the region where the topsheet 8 and the absorbent body 12 in the main body 2 overlap in the thickness direction T, the center in the longitudinal direction L is slightly closer to the front. In the central region in the width direction W, the excretory opening contact area 20 is set. Here, the excretion opening contact area is an area facing or contacting the wearer's excretion opening when the absorbent article is worn. The excretion opening | mouth contact | abutting area | region 20 is suitably set according to the kind and application (example: the kind of excrement, a wearer's age, and sex) of the absorbent article 1. FIG. The excretory opening contact area 20 is, for example, approximately 1/3 of the entire length of the absorbent body 12 in the longitudinal direction L, approximately at the center or near the front of the absorbent body 12, and in the width direction W, the absorbent body 12. Is set to a length of about 1/3 of the entire length of the absorber 12. In the present embodiment, in the longitudinal direction L, the positions of both end portions and the central portion of the excretory opening contact area 20 and the positions of both end portions (bases) and the central portion of the pair of flap portions 3 and 3 are substantially overlapped. It is formed.
 吸収性物品1は、平面視で、本体部2における表面シート8と吸収体12とが厚さ方向Tに重なる領域において、長手方向Lの中央やや前方寄りで幅方向Wの中央の領域に、孔部存在領域25を有している。孔部存在領域25には、厚さ方向Tにおいて、表面シート8を貫通し、好ましくは吸収体12の内部に延びる複数の孔部10が形成されている。すなわち孔部10は、表面シート8とコアラップ12aの肌側の面とを貫通し、吸収性コア12bの内部に延びている。孔部10は、好ましくは吸収性コア12bの厚さの半分の位置よりも深い位置に達しており、より好ましくは吸収性コア12bを貫通している。平面視で、吸収性物品1の孔部存在領域25の外側の領域は、孔部非存在領域である。複数の孔部10は、着用者の排泄物を表面シート8の表面から吸収体12の内部へ移送するための流路である。すなわち、複数の孔部10内には排泄物の移動の抵抗となる部材が実質的に存在しない。したがって、表面シート8上の排泄物を吸収体12の内部へ、複数の孔部10を介して素早く移送できる。また、吸収体12における排泄物を吸収する面の表面積が増加している。それらにより、表面シート8だけを介して吸収体12の内部へ排泄物を拡散・吸収させる場合と比較して、吸収体12による排泄物の吸収速度を高めることができる。特に、孔部10が吸収性コア12bの厚さの半分の位置よりも深い位置に達する場合や、吸収性コア12bを貫通する場合には、表面シート8上の排泄物を吸収体12のより深部又は下層へ、複数の孔部10を介してより速く移送することができる。それにより、吸収体12による排泄物の吸収速度をより高めることができる。孔部10の数は、平面視で、孔部存在領域25において、例えば0.5~5個/cmであり、好ましくは1~3個/cmである。孔部10の数が少な過ぎると上記効果が奏されず、多過ぎるとリウェットのおそれがある。また、孔部10同士の間隔(中心間距離)は、大よそ2~20mmであり、好ましくは5~15mmである。また、孔部10の開口径は、平面視で、例えば0.3~6mmであり、好ましくは0.6~3mmである。孔部10の開口径が小さ過ぎると上記効果が奏されず、大き過ぎると吸収性物品1の剛性が低くなり撚れ易くなる。 The absorbent article 1 has a plan view in a region where the topsheet 8 and the absorbent body 12 in the main body portion 2 overlap in the thickness direction T, and in the middle region in the longitudinal direction L slightly in front of the width direction W. It has a hole existence area 25. In the hole presence region 25, a plurality of holes 10 that penetrates the top sheet 8 and preferably extends into the absorber 12 in the thickness direction T are formed. That is, the hole 10 penetrates the top sheet 8 and the skin side surface of the core wrap 12a and extends into the absorbent core 12b. The hole 10 preferably reaches a position deeper than half the thickness of the absorbent core 12b, and more preferably penetrates the absorbent core 12b. In a plan view, a region outside the hole existing region 25 of the absorbent article 1 is a hole non-existing region. The plurality of holes 10 are flow paths for transferring the excrement of the wearer from the surface of the top sheet 8 to the inside of the absorber 12. That is, there is substantially no member that becomes resistance to excrement movement in the plurality of holes 10. Therefore, the excrement on the top sheet 8 can be quickly transferred to the inside of the absorber 12 through the plurality of holes 10. Moreover, the surface area of the surface which absorbs the excrement in the absorber 12 is increasing. Thereby, compared with the case where excrement is diffused and absorbed into the inside of the absorber 12 only through the surface sheet 8, the absorption rate of the excrement by the absorber 12 can be increased. In particular, when the hole 10 reaches a position deeper than the half of the thickness of the absorbent core 12b, or when penetrating the absorbent core 12b, the excrement on the topsheet 8 is removed from the absorbent body 12. It can be transferred to the deep part or the lower layer more quickly through the plurality of holes 10. Thereby, the absorption speed of excretion by absorber 12 can be raised more. The number of the holes 10 is, for example, 0.5 to 5 holes / cm 2 in the hole existing area 25 in a plan view, and preferably 1 to 3 holes / cm 2 . If the number of the hole portions 10 is too small, the above effect is not achieved, and if it is too large, there is a risk of rewet. The interval between the holes 10 (center-to-center distance) is about 2 to 20 mm, preferably 5 to 15 mm. Further, the opening diameter of the hole 10 is, for example, 0.3 to 6 mm, preferably 0.6 to 3 mm in plan view. If the opening diameter of the hole 10 is too small, the above effect is not achieved. If it is too large, the rigidity of the absorbent article 1 becomes low and it becomes easy to twist.
 複数の孔部10は、後述されるように、柱状、例えば円柱状のパンチで、表面シート8の資材、好ましくは表面シート8及び吸収体12の資材を打ち抜く手法、すなわちパンチングの手法により形成される。このようにパンチングの手法で孔部10を形成する場合、表面シートやコアラップが引き伸ばされて孔部の内側に深く入り込んだ孔部を形成する圧搾等の手法とは異なり、表面シート8やコアラップ12aが孔部10の内側にほとんど入り込まず、したがって孔部10の側面を覆うことが無い。そのため、孔部10の側面領域70での吸収体12は、表面シート8やコアラップ12aによる圧縮をあまり受けない。それゆえ、孔部10の側面領域70での吸収体12の繊維密度を、側面領域70と隣接する周囲領域71での吸収体12の繊維密度と同じにすることができる。ただし、側面領域70とは、孔部10の側面(側壁)10WALを、外側から面内方向の所定の厚さで囲む領域である。周囲領域71とは、側面領域70の側面(側壁)を、外側から面内方向の所定の厚さで囲む領域である。ここで、所定の厚さは、例えば孔部10の開口径の大きさ、又は、孔部10近傍での吸収性コア12bの厚さである。また、繊維密度が同じとは、一方の繊維密度と他方の繊維密度との相違が±10%の範囲以内のことである。孔部10の側面領域70での吸収体12の繊維密度が、周囲領域71での吸収体12の繊維密度よりも高いと、側面領域70に吸収された排泄物が側面領域70の外側の周囲領域71を含む領域に拡散することが困難となるおそれがある。本吸収性物品1のように側面領域70での吸収体12の繊維密度を周囲領域71での吸収体12の繊維密度と同じにすることで、側面領域70に吸収された排泄物を外側の周囲領域71を含む領域に容易に拡散させることができ、吸収性物品1の吸収速度をより確実に向上させることができる。また、パンチングの手法で形成された孔部10の内側では、吸収体12、すなわち吸収性コア12bやコアラップ12aの断面が露出し、吸収体12はそこから排泄物を容易に吸収できる。 As will be described later, the plurality of holes 10 are formed by a method of punching the material of the surface sheet 8, preferably the material of the surface sheet 8 and the absorber 12, with a columnar, for example, cylindrical punch, that is, a punching method. The In this way, when the hole 10 is formed by the punching technique, the surface sheet 8 or the core wrap 12a is different from a technique such as squeezing, in which the surface sheet or the core wrap is stretched to form a hole deeply inside the hole. Hardly enters the inside of the hole 10, and therefore does not cover the side surface of the hole 10. Therefore, the absorbent body 12 in the side surface region 70 of the hole 10 is not significantly compressed by the topsheet 8 or the core wrap 12a. Therefore, the fiber density of the absorbent body 12 in the side surface region 70 of the hole 10 can be made the same as the fiber density of the absorbent body 12 in the peripheral region 71 adjacent to the side surface region 70. However, the side surface region 70 is a region surrounding the side surface (side wall) 10WAL of the hole 10 with a predetermined thickness in the in-plane direction from the outside. The surrounding region 71 is a region that surrounds the side surface (side wall) of the side region 70 with a predetermined thickness in the in-plane direction from the outside. Here, the predetermined thickness is, for example, the size of the opening diameter of the hole 10 or the thickness of the absorbent core 12b in the vicinity of the hole 10. Further, the same fiber density means that the difference between one fiber density and the other fiber density is within a range of ± 10%. When the fiber density of the absorbent body 12 in the side surface region 70 of the hole 10 is higher than the fiber density of the absorbent body 12 in the surrounding region 71, excrement absorbed in the side surface region 70 is around the outside of the side surface region 70. It may be difficult to diffuse into the region including the region 71. By making the fiber density of the absorbent body 12 in the side surface region 70 the same as the fiber density of the absorbent body 12 in the surrounding region 71 as in the present absorbent article 1, the excrement absorbed in the side surface region 70 is outside. It can be easily diffused into a region including the surrounding region 71, and the absorption speed of the absorbent article 1 can be improved more reliably. Moreover, the cross section of the absorber 12, ie, the absorptive core 12b and the core wrap 12a, is exposed inside the hole 10 formed by the punching technique, and the absorber 12 can easily absorb excrement therefrom.
 吸収性物品1は、孔部存在領域25における幅方向W及び/又は長手方向Lの両外側に連続的又は間欠的に位置する圧搾溝18を備える。本実施の形態では、圧搾溝18は、孔部存在領域25の前方に位置し、幅方向Wに延びる圧搾溝18aと、孔部存在領域25の幅方向Wの両外側に位置する前方側の圧搾溝18b、18b及び後方側の18c、18cと、孔部存在領域25の後方に位置し、幅方向Wに延びる圧搾溝18dとを含む。本実施の形態では、更に、吸収性物品1は、圧搾溝18aの前方及び圧搾溝18dの後方に、それぞれ圧搾溝19及び圧搾溝19を含む。各圧搾溝は、吸収体12の肌側のコアラップ12aと吸収性コア12bと、又は、表面シート8と吸収体12の肌側のコアラップ12aと吸収性コア12bと、が圧搾されて形成される。本実施の形態では、各圧搾溝は、表面シート8とコアラップ12aと吸収性コア12bとが圧搾されて形成されている。 The absorbent article 1 includes the compressed grooves 18 that are continuously or intermittently positioned on both outer sides in the width direction W and / or the longitudinal direction L in the hole existence region 25. In the present embodiment, the pressing groove 18 is located in front of the hole existing area 25, and the pressing groove 18 a extending in the width direction W and the front side located on both outer sides in the width direction W of the hole existing area 25. The compressed grooves 18b, 18b and the rear side 18c, 18c, and the compressed grooves 18d, which are located behind the hole existing area 25 and extend in the width direction W, are included. In the present embodiment, the absorbent article 1 further includes a pressing groove 19 and a pressing groove 19 on the front side of the pressing groove 18a and the rear side of the pressing groove 18d, respectively. Each squeezing groove is formed by pressing the skin-side core wrap 12a and the absorbent core 12b of the absorbent body 12, or the surface sheet 8 and the skin-side core wrap 12a and the absorbent core 12b of the absorbent body 12. . In this Embodiment, each pressing groove is formed by pressing the surface sheet 8, the core wrap 12a, and the absorptive core 12b.
 次に、吸収性物品1の製造方法について説明する。図5は吸収性物品1の製造装置300の構成例を示す模式図である。製造装置300は、第1の形成ユニット300Aと、第2の形成ユニット300Bと、第3の形成ユニット300Cと、第4の形成ユニット300Dと、第5の形成ユニットと、を備える。製造装置300を用いた吸収性物品の製造方法は、第1の形成ユニット300Aが実行する第1の形成工程と、第2の形成ユニット300Bが実行する第2の形成工程と、第3の形成ユニット300Cが実行する第3の形成工程と、第4の形成ユニット300Dが実行する第4の形成工程と、第5の形成ユニット300Eが実行する第5の形成工程と、を備える。また、図6~図10は吸収性物品1の製造方法を模式的に説明する図である。なお、製造装置300は、シートなどの各資材(部材)や各半製品(後述)の搬送に関し、搬送方向MD、搬送方向MDに直交し搬送面に沿う横断方向CD、及び搬送方向MDと横断方向CDとに直交する上下方向TDを有する。本実施の形態では、各資材や各半製品の長手方向、幅方向及び厚さ方向はいずれも搬送方向MD、横断方向CD及び上下方向TDと同じである。したがって各資材や各半製品においても、長手方向、幅方向及び厚さ方向についてそれぞれ搬送方向MD、横断方向CD及び上下方向TDを用いる。 Next, a method for manufacturing the absorbent article 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of the manufacturing apparatus 300 for the absorbent article 1. The manufacturing apparatus 300 includes a first forming unit 300A, a second forming unit 300B, a third forming unit 300C, a fourth forming unit 300D, and a fifth forming unit. The manufacturing method of the absorbent article using the manufacturing apparatus 300 includes a first forming process performed by the first forming unit 300A, a second forming process performed by the second forming unit 300B, and a third forming process. A third forming step performed by the unit 300C, a fourth forming step performed by the fourth forming unit 300D, and a fifth forming step performed by the fifth forming unit 300E are provided. 6 to 10 are diagrams schematically illustrating a method for manufacturing the absorbent article 1. FIG. The manufacturing apparatus 300 relates to the conveyance of each material (member) such as a sheet and each semi-finished product (described later), the conveyance direction MD, the transverse direction CD orthogonal to the conveyance direction MD and along the conveyance surface, and the conveyance direction MD and the transverse direction. It has a vertical direction TD perpendicular to the direction CD. In the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction, the width direction, and the thickness direction of each material and each semi-finished product are all the same as the transport direction MD, the transverse direction CD, and the vertical direction TD. Therefore, in each material and each semi-finished product, the transport direction MD, the transverse direction CD, and the vertical direction TD are used for the longitudinal direction, the width direction, and the thickness direction, respectively.
 第1の形成工程(嵩回復シート供給工程)では、第1の形成ユニット300Aの積繊装置110の回転ドラム111が回転されて、材料供給器113から供給された積繊材料(吸収性ポリマーを含む)が、回転ドラム111の外周面に並んで設置された複数のパターンプレート112における、負圧室111Nに連通した溝(図示されず)の内部に堆積される。それにより、各パターンプレート112の溝の内部に、吸収体12の吸収性コア12bが形成される。次に、各パターンプレート112が吸収性コア12bと共に正圧室111Pに到達すると、吸収性コア12bがパターンプレート112から離脱される。一方、連続シート状の上層ティッシュシートUTがロールWR1から搬送ベルト115に供給される。上層ティッシュシートUTの一方の面には塗布装置301によりホットメルト接着剤が塗布されている。そして、吸収性コア12bは、搬送ベルト115上の上層ティッシュシートUTの一方の面の上に押し付けられる。それにより上層ティッシュシートUT上に吸収性コア12bが接合された半製品P1が形成される。半製品P1はサクション装置116で吸引され搬送ベルト115で搬送方向MDに搬送される。次に、連続シート状の下層ティッシュシートLTがロールWR2から搬送ベルト115に供給される。下層ティッシュシートLTの一方の面には塗布装置302によりホットメルト接着剤が塗布されている。下層ティッシュシートLTの一方の面が搬送ベルト115上の半製品P1に押し付けられる。それにより、上層ティッシュシートUTと下層ティッシュシートLTとの間に吸収性コア12bが狭持された半製品P2が形成される。次に、半製品P2は押圧装置120で押圧され、切断装置130で吸収体12の形状に切断される。それにより、吸収体12である半製品P3が形成される。上層ティッシュシートUT及び下層ティッシュシートLTは、切断によりコアラップ12aとなる。半製品P3は搬送ロール141へ受け渡される。 In the first forming step (bulk recovery sheet supplying step), the rotary drum 111 of the fiber stacking device 110 of the first forming unit 300A is rotated and the fiber stacking material (absorbing polymer supplied from the material feeder 113) is rotated. Are deposited in a groove (not shown) communicating with the negative pressure chamber 111N in the plurality of pattern plates 112 arranged side by side on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating drum 111. Thereby, the absorptive core 12b of the absorber 12 is formed inside the groove of each pattern plate 112. Next, when each pattern plate 112 reaches the positive pressure chamber 111P together with the absorbent core 12b, the absorbent core 12b is detached from the pattern plate 112. On the other hand, a continuous sheet-like upper tissue sheet UT is supplied from the roll WR1 to the transport belt 115. A hot melt adhesive is applied to one surface of the upper tissue sheet UT by a coating device 301. Then, the absorbent core 12b is pressed onto one surface of the upper tissue sheet UT on the transport belt 115. Thereby, the semi-finished product P1 in which the absorbent core 12b is joined on the upper tissue sheet UT is formed. The semi-finished product P1 is sucked by the suction device 116 and is transported by the transport belt 115 in the transport direction MD. Next, a continuous sheet-like lower layer tissue sheet LT is supplied to the conveyance belt 115 from the roll WR2. A hot melt adhesive is applied to one surface of the lower tissue sheet LT by a coating device 302. One surface of the lower tissue sheet LT is pressed against the semi-finished product P1 on the transport belt 115. Thereby, the semi-finished product P2 in which the absorbent core 12b is sandwiched between the upper layer tissue sheet UT and the lower layer tissue sheet LT is formed. Next, the semi-finished product P <b> 2 is pressed by the pressing device 120 and is cut into the shape of the absorber 12 by the cutting device 130. Thereby, the semi-finished product P3 which is the absorber 12 is formed. The upper tissue sheet UT and the lower tissue sheet LT become core wraps 12a by cutting. The semi-finished product P3 is delivered to the transport roll 141.
 次に、第2の形成工程では、第2の形成ユニット300Bの嵩回復装置250により嵩回復された連続シート状の嵩回復表面シートP10(第1のシート)が搬送ロール260へ受け渡される。嵩回復表面シートP10の一方の面には基部と凸部が形成されている。嵩回復装置250の嵩回復工程については後述される。連続シート状のサイドシートSSa、SSbがロールWR3a、WR3bから搬送ロール261に供給される。サイドシートSSa、SSbの一方の面には塗布装置303a、303bによりホットメルト接着剤が塗布される。搬送ロール261から供給されるサイドシートSSa、SSbは、嵩回復表面シートP10における一方の面の横断方向CDの両端部に搬送ロール260上で押し付けられる。それにより、嵩回復表面シートP10の横断方向の両側にサイドシートSSa、SSbが接合された連続表面シートP11が形成される。連続表面シートP11は搬送ベルト140へ受け渡される。このとき、連続表面シートP11の嵩回復表面シートP10の一方の面、すなわち基部と凸部を有する面が搬送ベルト140に接するように配置される。の連続表面シートP11の他方の面には塗布装置304によりホットメルト接着剤が塗布される。なお、嵩回復表面シートP10の一方の面はネット面である(後述)。吸収性物品1の肌側のシートがサイドシート13、13を用いず表面シート8のみで構成されている場合、本工程において、連続表面シートP11は、嵩回復表面シートP10のみで形成される。 Next, in the second forming step, the continuous sheet-like bulk recovery surface sheet P <b> 10 (first sheet) whose volume has been recovered by the bulk recovery device 250 of the second forming unit 300 </ b> B is transferred to the transport roll 260. A base portion and a convex portion are formed on one surface of the bulk recovery surface sheet P10. The bulk recovery process of the bulk recovery device 250 will be described later. Continuous sheet-like side sheets SSa and SSb are supplied from the rolls WR3a and WR3b to the transport roll 261. A hot melt adhesive is applied to one surface of the side sheets SSa and SSb by the coating devices 303a and 303b. The side sheets SSa and SSb supplied from the transport roll 261 are pressed on the transport roll 260 to both ends in the transverse direction CD of one surface of the bulk recovery surface sheet P10. Thereby, the continuous surface sheet P11 in which the side sheets SSa and SSb are joined to both sides in the transverse direction of the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 is formed. The continuous surface sheet P11 is delivered to the conveyor belt 140. At this time, it arrange | positions so that the one surface of the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 of the continuous surface sheet P11, ie, the surface which has a base part and a convex part, may contact | connect the conveyance belt 140. FIG. A hot melt adhesive is applied to the other surface of the continuous surface sheet P11 by a coating device 304. In addition, one surface of the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 is a net surface (described later). When the skin-side sheet of the absorbent article 1 is composed of only the surface sheet 8 without using the side sheets 13 and 13, the continuous surface sheet P11 is formed of only the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 in this step.
 次に、第3の形成工程(吸収体接合工程)では、図5、図6に示すように、第3の形成ユニット300Cにおいて連続表面シートP11が搬送方向MDに搬送されつつ、連続表面シートP11の他方の面に、搬送ロール141から供給される個々の半製品P3(吸収体12)が所定の間隔で載置され、押し付けられる。それにより、図7に示すように、連続表面シートP11と半製品P3とが接合された、半製品P4(接合体)が形成される。 Next, in the third forming step (absorber joining step), as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the continuous surface sheet P11 is conveyed in the conveyance direction MD in the third forming unit 300C, and the continuous surface sheet P11. The other semi-finished product P3 (absorber 12) supplied from the transport roll 141 is placed on the other surface of the sheet at a predetermined interval and pressed. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 7, the semi-finished product P4 (joined body) by which the continuous surface sheet P11 and the semi-finished product P3 were joined is formed.
 次に、第4の形成工程(パンチング工程、孔部形成工程)では、図5、図8に示すように、第4の形成ユニット300Dにおいて、パンチング加工用の複数のパンチ160bPを外周面に有するパンチングロール160bと、複数のパンチ160bPに対応する位置に複数の穴160aHを有するアンビルロール160aとが対面配置されたパンチング装置160に、の半製品P4が供給される。このとき、半製品P4中の連続表面シートP11における嵩回復表面シートP10(表面シート8に対応)がパンチングロール160bに対面し、半製品P4中の半製品P3(吸収体12に対応)がアンビルロール160aに対面するように、半製品P4がパンチング装置160に挿入される。そして、半製品P4の一方の面(連続表面シートP11側の面)から、半製品P4の他方の面(半製品P3の側の面)に向かって、複数のパンチ160bPが半製品P4に打ち込まれる。孔部10の位置の半製品P4は、パンチ160bPが半製品P4を押圧する初期的な段階から切断され始め、パンチ160bPが半製品P4を通過するとほぼ同時に打ち抜かれる。したがって、圧搾の場合と比較して、孔部10の側面領域が圧縮される時間は短く、圧縮の程度も小さい。打ち抜かれた部分は、複数の穴160aHへ除去される。それにより、図9に示すように、複数の孔部10が形成された半製品P4である半製品P5が形成される。本実施の形態では、円筒状で先端に歯を有するパンチ160bPが用いられる。 Next, in the fourth forming step (punching step, hole forming step), as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the fourth forming unit 300D has a plurality of punches 160bP for punching on the outer peripheral surface. The semi-finished product P4 is supplied to the punching device 160 in which the punching roll 160b and the anvil roll 160a having a plurality of holes 160aH at positions corresponding to the plurality of punches 160bP are arranged facing each other. At this time, the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 (corresponding to the surface sheet 8) in the continuous surface sheet P11 in the semi-finished product P4 faces the punching roll 160b, and the semi-finished product P3 (corresponding to the absorber 12) in the semi-finished product P4 is anvil. The semi-finished product P4 is inserted into the punching device 160 so as to face the roll 160a. A plurality of punches 160bP are driven into the semi-finished product P4 from one surface (the surface on the continuous surface sheet P11 side) of the semi-finished product P4 toward the other surface of the semi-finished product P4 (a surface on the side of the semi-finished product P3). It is. The semi-finished product P4 at the position of the hole 10 starts to be cut from the initial stage where the punch 160bP presses the semi-finished product P4, and is punched almost simultaneously when the punch 160bP passes through the semi-finished product P4. Therefore, compared with the case of pressing, the time for which the side region of the hole 10 is compressed is short, and the degree of compression is also small. The punched portion is removed into the plurality of holes 160aH. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 9, the semi-finished product P5 which is the semi-finished product P4 in which the some hole 10 was formed is formed. In the present embodiment, a punch 160bP having a cylindrical shape and teeth at the tip is used.
 ここで、孔部を圧搾の手法で形成した場合、孔部の側面領域が圧縮されるため、孔部の側面領域での吸収体の繊維密度は、周囲領域での吸収体の繊維密度よりも高くなる。特に、嵩回復されたシートは、柔軟性が高く圧搾の影響を受け易いため、側面領域での繊維密度は、周囲領域での繊維密度よりもより高くなる。その場合、孔部から側面領域に吸収された排泄物が、側面領域の外側の周囲領域を含む領域に拡散することが困難となるおそれがある。そうなると、孔部及びその側面領域は排泄物を吸収できるが、側面領域の外側の周囲領域を含む領域は排泄物を吸収することが困難となる。その結果、吸収体の吸収速度や吸収容量が低下するおそれがある。一方、本吸収性物品1では、パンチングの手法で孔部10を形成することにより、孔部10の側面領域70での吸収体12の繊維密度と周囲領域71での吸収体12の繊維密度とを同じにすることができる。それにより側面領域70に吸収された排泄物を、周囲領域71を含む外側の領域に容易に拡散させることができる。その結果、吸収性物品1の吸収速度や吸収容量をより確実に向上できる。また、パンチング加工で形成された吸収体12の孔部10は貫通孔であり、圧搾されて形成される高密度な底部が存在せず、また上述のように孔部10の側面領域70での繊維密度は周囲領域71と同等で、高くない。したがって、着用者が孔部10の周辺の部分の固さを感じ難い。そのため、着用者に違和感を生じさせないようにでき、良好な触感を付与できる。 Here, when the hole is formed by a pressing method, the side area of the hole is compressed, so the fiber density of the absorbent in the side area of the hole is higher than the fiber density of the absorbent in the surrounding area. Get higher. In particular, since the bulk-recovered sheet is highly flexible and easily affected by pressing, the fiber density in the side region is higher than the fiber density in the surrounding region. In that case, it may be difficult for the excrement absorbed from the hole portion to the side region to diffuse into the region including the surrounding region outside the side region. If it becomes so, a hole and its side area can absorb excrement, but it becomes difficult for the area | region including the surrounding area outside a side area to absorb excrement. As a result, the absorption speed and absorption capacity of the absorber may be reduced. On the other hand, in this absorbent article 1, by forming the hole 10 by a punching technique, the fiber density of the absorbent body 12 in the side surface region 70 of the hole 10 and the fiber density of the absorbent body 12 in the surrounding region 71 Can be the same. Thereby, excrement absorbed in the side surface region 70 can be easily diffused to the outer region including the surrounding region 71. As a result, the absorption speed and absorption capacity of the absorbent article 1 can be improved more reliably. Moreover, the hole 10 of the absorber 12 formed by punching is a through-hole, and there is no high-density bottom formed by pressing, and as described above, in the side region 70 of the hole 10. The fiber density is equivalent to the surrounding area 71 and is not high. Therefore, it is difficult for the wearer to feel the hardness of the portion around the hole 10. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wearer from feeling uncomfortable and to impart a good tactile sensation.
 その後、半製品P5が搬送方向MDに搬送されつつ、圧搾装置170のアンビルロールとエンボスロールとに挟まれることにより圧搾される(エンボス加工)。それにより、圧搾溝18、19が形成された半製品P5である半製品P6が形成される。半製品P6は搬送ロール180に受け渡される。 Thereafter, the semi-finished product P5 is squeezed by being sandwiched between the anvil roll and the embossing roll of the squeezing device 170 while being conveyed in the conveying direction MD (embossing). Thereby, the semi-finished product P6 which is the semi-finished product P5 in which the pressing grooves 18 and 19 are formed is formed. The semi-finished product P6 is delivered to the transport roll 180.
 次に、第5の形成工程では、第5の形成ユニット300Eにおいて、裏面シート用の連続シート状の裏面シートBSがロールWR5から搬送ロール181に供給される。裏面シートBSの一方の面には塗布装置305によりホットメルト接着剤が塗布される。その後、搬送ロール181から供給される裏面シートBSは、半製品P6の一方の面に搬送ロール180上で押し付けられる。それにより、図10に示すように、裏面シートBSを接合された半製品P6である半製品P7が形成される。その後、半製品P7に粘着剤付きの剥離シートCTが接合され(粘着部15、17)、周囲部分を切断され、吸収性物品1の形状に分離されて、吸収性物品1が形成される。吸収性物品1は包装工程へ搬送される。ただし、公知の方法で行われる包装工程については記載を省略する。なお、第3~5の形成工程は、表面シート、吸収体、裏面シートを積層する積層工程ということができる。 Next, in the fifth forming step, in the fifth forming unit 300E, the continuous sheet-like back sheet BS for the back sheet is supplied from the roll WR5 to the transport roll 181. A hot melt adhesive is applied to one surface of the back sheet BS by a coating device 305. Thereafter, the back sheet BS supplied from the transport roll 181 is pressed onto the one surface of the semi-finished product P6 on the transport roll 180. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 10, the semi-finished product P7 which is the semi-finished product P6 joined to the back sheet BS is formed. Thereafter, a release sheet CT with an adhesive is joined to the semi-finished product P7 (adhesive portions 15 and 17), the surrounding portions are cut and separated into the shape of the absorbent article 1, and the absorbent article 1 is formed. The absorbent article 1 is conveyed to a packaging process. However, description is omitted about the packaging process performed by a well-known method. The third to fifth forming steps can be referred to as a lamination step of laminating the top sheet, the absorber, and the back sheet.
 以上のようにして、吸収性物品1が製造される。 As described above, the absorbent article 1 is manufactured.
 吸収性物品の製造方法では、嵩回復により、嵩回復表面シートP10の柔軟性やクッション性を向上させることができる。それと共に、構成繊維が動き易い嵩回復工程をパンチング工程の前に行うので、嵩回復工程がパンチング工程の後に行われる場合に生じ得る、嵩回復過程で構成繊維が容易に動いて孔部10を閉塞する、という事態を防止できる。更に、パンチング加工では孔部10となる部分の構成繊維を打ち抜いて除去するため、その後の製造工程において嵩回復表面シートP10に圧力や張力などの変形が加わっても、孔部10を塞ぎ得るような構成繊維がほとんどなく、それにより孔部10の閉塞を抑制できる。そして、排泄物(経血)における粘度の高い、吸収され難い成分を孔部に引き込んで表面から除去することが可能となる。更に、パンチング加工では、孔部10の吸収体をパンチで打ち抜いて除去するとき、打ち抜かれた孔部10の側面領域70における繊維密度の増加を低く抑えることができる。その結果、孔部10の側面領域70での繊維密度を、その周囲領域71での繊維密度と同程度にできる。それゆえ、孔部10の側面領域70に吸収された排泄液は、側面領域70に留まることなく、その後に周囲領域71に拡散できる。それにより、孔部10を介して排泄物を効率よく伝達でき、かつ、孔部10以外の部分、特に周囲部分を介しても排泄物を効率よく伝達できる。よって、嵩回復により表面シート8の柔軟性やクッション性を向上させつつ、表面シート8の孔部10での構成繊維の侵入を起こさせずに吸収速度のような吸収性能を維持することが可能となる。 In the manufacturing method of an absorbent article, the softness | flexibility and cushioning property of the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 can be improved by bulk recovery. At the same time, since the bulk recovery process in which the constituent fibers are easy to move is performed before the punching process, the constituent fibers can easily move in the bulk recovery process, which can occur when the bulk recovery process is performed after the punching process. The situation of blockage can be prevented. Furthermore, in the punching process, the constituent fibers of the portion that becomes the hole 10 are punched and removed, so that the hole 10 can be blocked even if deformation such as pressure or tension is applied to the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 in the subsequent manufacturing process. There is almost no component fiber, and thereby blockage of the hole 10 can be suppressed. Then, it is possible to remove the highly viscous component in the excrement (menstrual blood) that is difficult to be absorbed and removed from the surface. Furthermore, in punching, when the absorber of the hole 10 is punched and removed, an increase in fiber density in the side surface region 70 of the punched hole 10 can be suppressed to a low level. As a result, the fiber density in the side surface region 70 of the hole 10 can be made substantially the same as the fiber density in the surrounding region 71. Therefore, the excretory fluid absorbed in the side surface region 70 of the hole 10 can diffuse to the surrounding region 71 afterwards without staying in the side surface region 70. Thereby, excrement can be efficiently transmitted through the hole 10, and excrement can be efficiently transmitted through a part other than the hole 10, particularly the surrounding part. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the absorption performance such as the absorption speed without causing the invasion of the constituent fibers in the hole 10 of the topsheet 8 while improving the flexibility and cushioning properties of the topsheet 8 by the bulk recovery. It becomes.
 本実施の形態の好ましい態様では、表面シート用のシート(不織布)は、ネットのような繊維支持体に繊維を堆積させて製造される。そのシートは、製造時に繊維支持体(ネット)に接していた面、すなわちネット面と、そのネット面の反対側の反ネット面と、を有する。そのシートにおけるネット面側の部分では、反ネット面側の部分と比較して、構成繊維の繊維密度が高く、概ね均一で凹凸が少ない。そのため、嵩回復工程において、ネット面側の部分では、厚みがより増加して、柔軟性がより高まり易く、凹凸の少ない面を得ることができる。一方、シートにおける反ネット面側の部分では、ネット面側の部分と比較して、構成繊維の繊維密度が低く、構成繊維の移動が容易である。そのため嵩回復工程において、反ネット面側の部分では、表面が毛羽立ち易く、構成繊維が排泄口付近に接触することによる違和感を着用者に生じさせ易い。そこで、本実施の形態の好ましい吸収性物品の製造方法では、第4の形成工程(パンチング工程)において、表面シート8の肌側の面に対応する連続表面シートP11における嵩回復表面シートP10の一方の面をネット面として、ネット面側からパンチング加工用のパンチ160bPを貫通させる。それにより柔軟性の高いネット面側の部分が肌に接するので、より良好な触感を着用者に与えることができる。それと共に、パンチング工程ではネット面側からパンチ160bPを打ち込むため、ネット面側の部分に孔部10の開口の周辺に凸部を生じさせないようにでき、凸部が排泄口付近に接触することによる違和感を着用者に生じさせないようにできる。 In a preferred aspect of the present embodiment, the sheet (nonwoven fabric) for the topsheet is manufactured by depositing fibers on a fiber support such as a net. The sheet has a surface that is in contact with the fiber support (net) at the time of manufacture, that is, a net surface, and an anti-net surface opposite to the net surface. In the net surface side portion of the sheet, the fiber density of the constituent fibers is high, substantially uniform, and less uneven than the anti-net surface side portion. Therefore, in the bulk recovery step, the thickness on the net surface side is further increased, the flexibility is more likely to be increased, and a surface with less unevenness can be obtained. On the other hand, in the portion on the side opposite to the net surface of the sheet, the fiber density of the constituent fibers is lower than in the portion on the net surface side, and the constituent fibers can be easily moved. Therefore, in the bulk recovery process, the surface on the side opposite to the net surface is likely to fluff, and the wearer tends to feel uncomfortable due to the constituent fibers coming into contact with the vicinity of the excretion opening. Therefore, in the preferable method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to the present embodiment, one of the bulk recovery surface sheets P10 in the continuous surface sheet P11 corresponding to the skin side surface of the surface sheet 8 in the fourth forming step (punching step). This surface is used as a net surface, and a punch 160bP for punching is penetrated from the net surface side. Thereby, since the part by the side of a highly flexible net | network surface touches skin, a better tactile sensation can be given to a wearer. At the same time, since the punch 160bP is driven from the net surface side in the punching process, it is possible to prevent the convex portion from being generated around the opening of the hole portion 10 in the net surface side portion, and the convex portion comes into contact with the vicinity of the excretion opening. It is possible to prevent the wearer from feeling uncomfortable.
 本実施の形態の好ましい態様では、第4の形成工程(孔部形成工程)において、孔部10が嵩回復表面シートP10(表面シート8)及び半製品P3(吸収体12)のコアラップ12aを貫通し、吸収性コア12bへ延びている。そのため表面シート8における孔部10の縁部の構成繊維と、コアラップ12aにおける孔部10の縁部の構成繊維と、吸収性コア12bにおける孔部10の縁部の構成繊維とが、上下方向TD(厚さ方向T)において互いに絡み合う。その結果、表面シート8と吸収体12との一体化を促進でき、すなわち表面シート8の孔部10と吸収体12の孔部10との一体化を促進できる。このとき、エンボス工程のような圧搾で吸収体が潰れて表面シートと吸収体とが一体化するのとは異なり、構成繊維同士が絡むことで一体化されるので、吸収性物品1に剛性の高い部分が形成されない。よって吸収性物品1の形状の維持に寄与しつつ、柔軟性を確保できる。 In a preferred mode of the present embodiment, in the fourth forming step (hole forming step), the hole 10 penetrates through the core wrap 12a of the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 (surface sheet 8) and the semi-finished product P3 (absorber 12). And extends to the absorbent core 12b. Therefore, the constituent fiber at the edge of the hole 10 in the top sheet 8, the constituent fiber at the edge of the hole 10 in the core wrap 12a, and the constituent fiber at the edge of the hole 10 in the absorbent core 12b are in the vertical direction TD. They are entangled with each other in the (thickness direction T). As a result, the integration of the topsheet 8 and the absorber 12 can be promoted, that is, the integration of the hole 10 of the topsheet 8 and the hole 10 of the absorber 12 can be promoted. At this time, unlike the case where the absorbent body is crushed by pressing as in the embossing process and the surface sheet and the absorbent body are integrated, the constituent fibers are integrated together so that the absorbent article 1 is rigid. High part is not formed. Therefore, flexibility can be secured while contributing to the maintenance of the shape of the absorbent article 1.
 次に、第2の形成工程の嵩回復装置250により実行される嵩回復シート供給工程の一例について説明する。図11は嵩回復装置250の構成例を示す模式図である。嵩回復装置250は、第1の熱処理装置251と、第1のロール252、第2のロール253及び接合ロール256を有する賦形装置257と、第2の熱処理装置254と、接着剤塗布装置255と、冷却装置258とを備える。嵩回復シート供給工程は、第1の熱処理装置251を用いた第1の熱処理工程と、第1のロール252及び第2のロール253を用いた賦形工程と、第2の熱処理装置254を用いた第2の熱処理工程と、接着剤塗布装置255、第1のロール252及び接合ロール256を用いた接合工程と、冷却装置258を用いた冷却工程とを備える。図12~図15は第2の形成工程(嵩回復シート供給工程)を模式的に説明する図である。 Next, an example of the bulk recovery sheet supply process executed by the bulk recovery apparatus 250 in the second forming process will be described. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of the bulk recovery device 250. The bulk recovery device 250 includes a first heat treatment device 251, a shaping device 257 having a first roll 252, a second roll 253, and a joining roll 256, a second heat treatment device 254, and an adhesive application device 255. And a cooling device 258. The bulk recovery sheet supply process uses the first heat treatment process using the first heat treatment apparatus 251, the shaping process using the first roll 252 and the second roll 253, and the second heat treatment apparatus 254. A second heat treatment step, a bonding step using the adhesive application device 255, the first roll 252 and the bonding roll 256, and a cooling step using the cooling device 258. 12 to 15 are diagrams for schematically explaining the second forming step (bulk recovery sheet supplying step).
 第1の熱処理工程では、第1の資材ロールWR4aから巻き戻された上層用シート(第2のシート)P12aが、搬送方向MDに搬送されつつ、第1の熱処理装置251により熱処理されて嵩回復する。上層用シートP12aの材料は嵩回復可能なシートであり、上層シート8aの材料と同じであり、本実施の形態では、PET/HDPEの芯/鞘構造の繊維が用いられる。このとき、図12(a)に示すように、上層用シートP12aの一方の面220aはネット面であり、他方の面220bは反ネット面である。第1の熱処理装置251内では、上層用シートP12aの一方の面220a及び他方の面220bが熱風又は加熱雰囲気に曝される。それにより、図12(b)に示すように、上層用シートP12aが嵩回復して、上層用シートP12bが形成される。上層用シートP12bは上層用シートP12aと比較して、坪量は概ね一定だが、厚さが厚くなり、構成繊維の密度が全体的に低下している。このときの熱処理の温度は、上層用シートP12aの材料を嵩回復させる観点から、上層用シートP12aを構成する材料のうちの最も低い融点の材料の当該融点よりも低く、(当該融点-50度)の温度よりも高い処理温度である。本実施の形態では、上層用シートP12aの材料としてPET/HDPEの芯/鞘構造の繊維を用いており、HDPEの融点を140℃として、処理温度を例えば130℃とする。 In the first heat treatment step, the upper layer sheet (second sheet) P12a unwound from the first material roll WR4a is heat-treated by the first heat treatment apparatus 251 while being conveyed in the conveyance direction MD, thereby recovering the bulk. To do. The material of the upper layer sheet P12a is a sheet capable of recovering bulk, and is the same as the material of the upper layer sheet 8a. In this embodiment, fibers of a PET / HDPE core / sheath structure are used. At this time, as shown in FIG. 12A, one surface 220a of the upper layer sheet P12a is a net surface, and the other surface 220b is an anti-net surface. In the first heat treatment apparatus 251, one surface 220a and the other surface 220b of the upper layer sheet P12a are exposed to hot air or a heated atmosphere. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12B, the upper layer sheet P12a recovers in bulk, and the upper layer sheet P12b is formed. The upper layer sheet P12b has a substantially constant basis weight as compared with the upper layer sheet P12a, but the thickness is increased, and the density of the constituent fibers is reduced as a whole. The temperature of the heat treatment at this time is lower than the melting point of the lowest melting point material among the materials constituting the upper layer sheet P12a from the viewpoint of bulk recovery of the material of the upper layer sheet P12a (the melting point −50 degrees C. The processing temperature is higher than the temperature of In the present embodiment, PET / HDPE core / sheath fibers are used as the material of the upper layer sheet P12a, the melting point of HDPE is 140 ° C., and the processing temperature is, for example, 130 ° C.
 賦形工程では、第1のロール252の歯部252a及び溝部252bと第2のロール253の歯部253a及び溝部253bとの噛み合い領域B1に、上層用シートP12bが供給される。このとき、図13に示すように、第1のロール252に接する上層用シートP12bの一方の面220aに複数の凸部221が形成され、隣接する凸部221の間に基部223が形成され、第2のロール253に接する上層用シートP12bの他方の面220bに複数の凹部222が形成される。その結果、上層用シートP12cが形成される。一方の面220a及び他方の面220bは上層シート8aの第1の上面8aE及び第1の下面8aFに対応し、凸部221及び基部223は凸部21及び基部23に対応する。 In the shaping step, the upper layer sheet P12b is supplied to the meshing region B1 between the teeth 252a and grooves 252b of the first roll 252 and the teeth 253a and grooves 253b of the second roll 253. At this time, as shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of convex portions 221 are formed on one surface 220a of the upper layer sheet P12b in contact with the first roll 252 and a base portion 223 is formed between the adjacent convex portions 221. A plurality of recesses 222 are formed on the other surface 220b of the upper layer sheet P12b in contact with the second roll 253. As a result, the upper layer sheet P12c is formed. One surface 220a and the other surface 220b correspond to the first upper surface 8aE and the first lower surface 8aF of the upper layer sheet 8a, and the convex portion 221 and the base portion 223 correspond to the convex portion 21 and the base portion 23.
 このとき、上層用シートP12bでは、第1のロール252の歯部252a間の部分が、第2のロール253の歯部253aにより、他方の面220b側から一方の面220a側へ向かって、すなわち第1のロール252の溝部252bの底部252sに向かって押し出される。このとき、第2のロール253の歯部253aの頂部253tに対応する上層用シートP12bの部分は底部252sに接触しない(底当たりしない)。更に、上層用シートP12bでは、第2のロール253の歯部253a間の部分が、第1のロール252の歯部252aの頂部252tにより、一方の面220a側から他方の面220b側へ向かって、すなわち第2のロール253の底部253sに向かって押し付けられて圧縮される。その圧縮により、基部223の形状が固定される。これらにより、上層用シートP12bの一方の面220aに凸な形状、すなわち凸部221を形成でき、隣り合う凸部221間に基部223を形成でき、かつ、上層用シートP12bの他方の面220bに凹な形状、すなわち凹部222を形成できる。なお、第1のロール252では少なくとも外周面が例えば金属(例示:ステンレス)製であり、第2のロール253では少なくとも外周面が例えば誘電体(例示:合成樹脂)製である。 At this time, in the upper layer sheet P12b, the portion between the tooth portions 252a of the first roll 252 is moved from the other surface 220b side to the one surface 220a side by the tooth portions 253a of the second roll 253, that is, The first roll 252 is pushed toward the bottom 252s of the groove 252b. At this time, the portion of the upper layer sheet P12b corresponding to the top portion 253t of the tooth portion 253a of the second roll 253 does not contact the bottom portion 252s (does not hit the bottom). Furthermore, in the upper layer sheet P12b, the portion between the tooth portions 253a of the second roll 253 is moved from one surface 220a side to the other surface 220b side by the top portion 252t of the tooth portion 252a of the first roll 252. That is, it is compressed by being pressed toward the bottom 253 s of the second roll 253. The shape of the base 223 is fixed by the compression. Thus, a convex shape on one surface 220a of the upper layer sheet P12b, that is, a convex portion 221 can be formed, a base portion 223 can be formed between adjacent convex portions 221, and the other surface 220b of the upper layer sheet P12b can be formed. A concave shape, that is, a concave portion 222 can be formed. Note that at least the outer peripheral surface of the first roll 252 is made of, for example, metal (for example, stainless steel), and at least the outer peripheral surface of the second roll 253 is made of, for example, a dielectric (for example, synthetic resin).
 そのとき、上層用シートP12bでは、上層用シートP12bの凸部21が、第1のロール252の底部252sには押し付けられておらず、圧縮されていない。したがって、構成繊維同士の熱溶着や塑性変形が起こらないため、上層用シートP12bの凸部221及び凹部222は、実質的に上下方向TDに固定されない。その結果、第2のロール253の歯部253aが取り除かれると、構成繊維の反発力(又は弾性力)により、上層用シートP12bの凹部222は歯部253aにより噛まれる前の状態に戻り得る状態にある。すなわち、第2のロール253に接する上層用シートP12cの他方の面220bの複数の凹部222は元の凹んでいない状態に回復可能な状態で一時的に形成される。 At that time, in the upper layer sheet P12b, the convex portion 21 of the upper layer sheet P12b is not pressed against the bottom portion 252s of the first roll 252 and is not compressed. Therefore, since heat welding and plastic deformation of the constituent fibers do not occur, the convex portion 221 and the concave portion 222 of the upper layer sheet P12b are not substantially fixed in the vertical direction TD. As a result, when the tooth portion 253a of the second roll 253 is removed, the recess 222 of the upper layer sheet P12b can return to the state before being bitten by the tooth portion 253a due to the repulsive force (or elastic force) of the constituent fibers. It is in. That is, the plurality of recesses 222 on the other surface 220b of the upper layer sheet P12c that is in contact with the second roll 253 are temporarily formed in a state that can be restored to the original undepressed state.
 その後、上層用シートP12cの一方の面220aが第1のロール252と接した状態を維持しつつ、上層用シートP12cの他方の面220bを第2のロール253から引き離す。図14示すように、上層用シートP12cの一方の面220aが第1のロール252と接し続けて、第1のロール252に接する上層用シートP12cの一方の面220aに複数の凸部221が安定的に維持される。一方、上層用シートP12cの他方の面220bが第2のロール253から引き離され、第2のロール253に接する上層用シートP12cの他方の面220bの複数の凹部222は元の凹んでいない状態に回復してゆく。 Then, the other surface 220b of the upper layer sheet P12c is pulled away from the second roll 253 while maintaining the state where the one surface 220a of the upper layer sheet P12c is in contact with the first roll 252. As shown in FIG. 14, the one surface 220a of the upper layer sheet P12c continues to contact the first roll 252 and the plurality of convex portions 221 are stable on the one surface 220a of the upper layer sheet P12c that contacts the first roll 252. Maintained. On the other hand, the other surface 220b of the upper layer sheet P12c is separated from the second roll 253, and the plurality of concave portions 222 of the other surface 220b of the upper layer sheet P12c in contact with the second roll 253 are not in an original state. It will recover.
 第2の熱処理工程では、第2の資材ロールWR4bから巻き戻された下層用シート(第3のシート)P13aが、搬送方向MDに搬送されつつ、第2の熱処理装置254により熱処理されて嵩回復する。下層用シートP13aの材料は嵩回復可能なシートであり、下層シート8bの材料と同じであり、本実施の形態では、PET/HDPEの芯/鞘構造の繊維が用いられる。下層用シートP13aの一方の面230aは反ネット面であり、他方の面230bはネット面である。第2の熱処理装置254内では、下層用シートP13aの一方の面230a及び他方の面230bが熱風又は加熱雰囲気に曝されて、下層用シートP13aが嵩回復して、下層用シートP13bが形成される。下層用シートP13bは下層用シートP13aと比較して、坪量は概ね一定だが、厚さが厚くなり、構成繊維の密度が全体的に低下する。この熱処理の温度は、第1の熱処理工程と同様である。なお一方の面230a及び他方の面230bは表面シートの第2の上面8bE及び第2の下面8bFに対応する。ただし、下層用シートP13aについては嵩回復を実行しなくてもよい。 In the second heat treatment step, the lower layer sheet (third sheet) P13a unwound from the second material roll WR4b is heat-treated by the second heat treatment apparatus 254 while being conveyed in the conveyance direction MD, thereby recovering the bulk. To do. The material of the lower layer sheet P13a is a sheet that can be bulk recovered, and is the same as the material of the lower layer sheet 8b. In the present embodiment, fibers of a PET / HDPE core / sheath structure are used. One surface 230a of the lower layer sheet P13a is an anti-net surface, and the other surface 230b is a net surface. In the second heat treatment apparatus 254, the one surface 230a and the other surface 230b of the lower layer sheet P13a are exposed to hot air or a heated atmosphere, and the lower layer sheet P13a is bulk recovered to form the lower layer sheet P13b. The The sheet P13b for the lower layer has a substantially constant basis weight as compared with the sheet P13a for the lower layer, but the thickness increases and the density of the constituent fibers decreases as a whole. The temperature of this heat treatment is the same as in the first heat treatment step. One surface 230a and the other surface 230b correspond to the second upper surface 8bE and the second lower surface 8bF of the surface sheet. However, the bulk recovery may not be performed for the lower layer sheet P13a.
 次いで、接合工程の接着剤塗布工程では、熱処理された下層用シートP13bが、接着剤塗布装置255に供給される。そして、下層用シートP13bは、一方の面230aに接着剤(例示:ホットメルト接着剤)を所定のパターンで塗布される。それにより、接着剤を塗布された下層用シートP13b、すなわち下層用シートP13cが形成される。本実施の形態では、所定のパターンは、図4に示されるような搬送方向に沿って延び、横断方向に所定間隔で並んだ、所定幅のストライプパターンである。所定のパターンは、後工程で、上層用シートP12cの他方の面220bと下層用シートP13cの一方の面230aとが接合されたとき、上層用シートP12cの複数の凸部221の各々に対応する領域と接着剤とが上下方向TDに重なるように設定される。ただし、接着剤、すなわち接合部224の幅や間隔は、凸部221の幅や間隔と同じでも良いし、異なってもよい。 Next, in the adhesive application step of the joining step, the heat-treated lower layer sheet P13b is supplied to the adhesive application device 255. The lower layer sheet P13b is coated with an adhesive (eg, hot melt adhesive) in a predetermined pattern on one surface 230a. Thereby, the lower layer sheet P13b to which the adhesive is applied, that is, the lower layer sheet P13c is formed. In the present embodiment, the predetermined pattern is a stripe pattern having a predetermined width extending along the transport direction as shown in FIG. 4 and arranged at a predetermined interval in the transverse direction. The predetermined pattern corresponds to each of the plurality of convex portions 221 of the upper layer sheet P12c when the other surface 220b of the upper layer sheet P12c and the one surface 230a of the lower layer sheet P13c are joined in a later step. The region and the adhesive are set so as to overlap in the vertical direction TD. However, the width and interval of the adhesive, that is, the joint portion 224 may be the same as or different from the width and interval of the convex portion 221.
 次いで、接合工程の接合本工程では、第1のロール252の歯部252a及び溝部252bと接合ロール256の基部256q及びピン256pとの対面領域B2に上層用シートP12c及び下層用シートP13cが供給される。そのとき上層用シートP12cの一方の面220aが第1のロール252と接した状態が維持され、複数の凸部221が維持される。一方、上層用シートP12cの他方の面220bが第2のロール253から離され、複数の凹部222の形状が緩和する(凹みが小さくなる)。そして図15に示すように、接合ロール256の基部256q及びピン256p並びに第1のロール252の歯部252aにより、上層用シートP12cと下層用シートP13cとが挟持され、上層用シートP12cの他方の面220bと、下層用シートP13cの一方の面230aとが密接され接合部224(接着剤)で接合される。上層用シートP12cと下層用シートP13cとの積層体である嵩回復表面シートP10が形成される。嵩回復表面シートP10は実質的に表面シート8である。このとき上層用シートP12cの一方の面220aと下層用シートP13cの他方の面220bとの距離を、基部223からの凸部221の上下方向TDの高さの5%以内、好ましくは1%以内とすることができ、したがって凸部221を中実の形状とすることができる。よって凸部221全体での液体の透過性を高められる。 Next, in the main joining step of the joining step, the upper layer sheet P12c and the lower layer sheet P13c are supplied to the facing region B2 of the tooth portion 252a and groove portion 252b of the first roll 252 and the base portion 256q of the joining roll 256 and the pin 256p. The At that time, the state where one surface 220a of the upper layer sheet P12c is in contact with the first roll 252 is maintained, and the plurality of convex portions 221 are maintained. On the other hand, the other surface 220b of the upper layer sheet P12c is separated from the second roll 253, and the shape of the plurality of recesses 222 is relaxed (the recesses are reduced). Then, as shown in FIG. 15, the upper layer sheet P12c and the lower layer sheet P13c are sandwiched by the base portion 256q and the pin 256p of the joining roll 256 and the tooth portion 252a of the first roll 252, and the other layer of the upper layer sheet P12c. The surface 220b and the one surface 230a of the lower layer sheet P13c are brought into close contact with each other and bonded together by a bonding portion 224 (adhesive). A bulk recovery surface sheet P10 that is a laminate of the upper layer sheet P12c and the lower layer sheet P13c is formed. The bulk recovery surface sheet P10 is substantially the surface sheet 8. At this time, the distance between the one surface 220a of the upper layer sheet P12c and the other surface 220b of the lower layer sheet P13c is within 5%, preferably within 1% of the height in the vertical direction TD of the convex portion 221 from the base 223. Therefore, the convex portion 221 can have a solid shape. Therefore, the permeability of the liquid in the whole convex part 221 can be improved.
 本実施の形態では好ましい態様として、上層用シートP12cと下層用シートP13cとを接合するとき、両シートの反ネット面同士を接合する。そのため、反ネット面は繊維密度が低く、毛羽立ち易いため、反ネット面同士を対向させることで、互いの毛羽立った構成繊維が接触して、両者の間に中空領域が形成されることをより確実に抑制できる。すなわち、より確実に凸部221内に中実構造を形成することができる。また、上層用シートP12cと下層用シートP13cとが接合された嵩回復表面シートP10において、反ネット面が外側に向かず、すなわち表面の毛羽立った構成繊維が外側に出難いので、その後の工程等で構成繊維がほぐれて孔部10に入ることを抑制できる。 In this embodiment, as a preferred mode, when the upper layer sheet P12c and the lower layer sheet P13c are bonded, the anti-net surfaces of both sheets are bonded to each other. Therefore, the anti-net surface has a low fiber density and is easy to fluff. By making the anti-net surfaces face each other, it is more certain that the fuzzy constituent fibers are in contact with each other and a hollow region is formed between them. Can be suppressed. That is, a solid structure can be formed in the convex portion 221 more reliably. In addition, in the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 in which the upper layer sheet P12c and the lower layer sheet P13c are joined, the anti-net surface does not face outward, that is, the fluffy constituent fibers on the surface are not easily exposed to the outside. It is possible to suppress the constituent fibers from being loosened and entering the hole 10.
 本実施の形態では好ましい態様として、更に接合ロール256のピン256pと第1のロール252の歯部252aとにより、上層用シートP12c及び下層用シートP13cが狭持され、圧縮(圧搾)されて、圧搾された箇所に圧搾部227が形成される。すなわち、上層用シートP12cの基部23において、搬送方向MDに沿って間欠的に、上下方向TDの圧縮が行われるので、上層用シートP12cと下層用シートP13cとが間欠的に接合され、かつ接合部224(接着剤)の接合も強化される。 In the present embodiment, as a preferable aspect, the upper layer sheet P12c and the lower layer sheet P13c are further sandwiched and compressed (squeezed) by the pin 256p of the joining roll 256 and the tooth portion 252a of the first roll 252. The pressing part 227 is formed in the pressed part. That is, in the base 23 of the upper layer sheet P12c, the compression in the vertical direction TD is intermittently performed along the conveying direction MD, so that the upper layer sheet P12c and the lower layer sheet P13c are intermittently bonded and bonded. The joining of the part 224 (adhesive) is also strengthened.
 冷却工程では、嵩回復表面シートP10が、搬送方向MDに搬送されつつ、冷却装置258により冷却される。冷却装置258内では、嵩回復表面シートP10の一方の面及び他方の面が冷風又は冷却雰囲気に曝される。それにより、に、嵩回復表面シートP10の構成繊維の状態が固定され、その状態、例えば構成繊維の坪量や密度が概ね一定に維持される。嵩回復工程直後(第1の熱処理工程及び接合工程の直後を含む)の嵩回復表面シートP10はふっくらとしていて、その構成繊維間の距離が拡がっている。そのため、嵩回復表面シートP10は断熱性があり、嵩回復により内部に蓄積された熱を放出するのに時間が掛かる。そのため、放熱が不十分な状態でその後に上記第4の形成工程(パンチング工程)を実行すると、嵩回復表面シートP10の構成繊維が動き易く、形成された孔部10が変形してしまうおそれがある。そこで嵩回復工程後であって、パンチング工程前に冷却工程を実行することで、嵩回復した嵩回復表面シートP10の構成繊維を冷却により変形し難くできる。それによりパンチング工程で孔部10を形成するときに、嵩回復表面シートP10の構成繊維の配置を維持しつつ、孔部10を形成することができる。すなわち、孔部10の形成の際に孔部10の閉塞を抑制できる。 In the cooling step, the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 is cooled by the cooling device 258 while being transported in the transport direction MD. In the cooling device 258, one surface and the other surface of the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 are exposed to cold air or a cooling atmosphere. Thereby, the state of the constituent fibers of the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 is fixed, and the state, for example, the basis weight and density of the constituent fibers are maintained substantially constant. The bulk recovery surface sheet P10 immediately after the bulk recovery process (including immediately after the first heat treatment process and the joining process) is plump and the distance between the constituent fibers is widened. Therefore, the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 has a heat insulating property, and it takes time to release the heat accumulated inside by the bulk recovery. Therefore, if the fourth forming step (punching step) is subsequently performed in a state where heat dissipation is insufficient, the constituent fibers of the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 can easily move, and the formed hole 10 may be deformed. is there. Therefore, by performing the cooling step after the bulk recovery step and before the punching step, the constituent fibers of the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 that has recovered the bulk can be made difficult to be deformed by cooling. Thereby, when forming the hole part 10 by a punching process, the hole part 10 can be formed, maintaining arrangement | positioning of the constituent fiber of the bulk recovery surface sheet P10. That is, blockage of the hole 10 can be suppressed when the hole 10 is formed.
 なお、嵩回復工程については上記の好ましい一例に限定されるものではなく、例えば特開2004-137655に開示されているような公知の嵩回復方法を使用してもよい。 Note that the bulk recovery step is not limited to the above preferable example, and a known bulk recovery method as disclosed in, for example, JP-A-2004-137655 may be used.
 以上説明されたように、本吸収性物品の製造方法では、賦形工程において、上層用シートP12bの一方の面220aに凸部221を形成し、他方の面(裏面)220bに凹部222を形成する。その後、接合工程において、第1のロール252で凸部221の形状を維持しつつ、第2のロール253から離れた凹部222の形状が、上層用シートP12cの構成繊維の反発力(又は弾性力)により緩和されて、凹部222がより小さい(浅く狭い)窪みになり、その窪みと下層用シートP13cとが接合部224で接合される。このように、その窪み(凹部222が回復して形成されたもの)、すなわち上層用シートP12cの他方の面220bにおける凸部221に対応する領域と下層用シートP13cとを接合することで、上層用シートP12cと下層用シートP13cとの間に生じ得る隙間、すなわち凸部221内の中空領域の形成を抑制でき、凸部221を中実に形成できる。加えて、上層用シートP12cの他方の面220bにおける凸部221に対応する領域と下層用シートP13cとが形状で接するだけでなく、接合部24で接合するので、その後の工程で上層用シートP12cが下層用シートP13cから部分的に離間して中空領域が後発的に形成されないようにできる。すなわち嵩回復表面シートP10の凸部21内に中空領域の形成を抑制でき、よって凸部21を中実にすることができる。それにより、中実な凸部21による柔らかさや肌触りと、液透過性の向上とを両立させることができる。 As described above, in the manufacturing method of the present absorbent article, in the shaping step, the convex portion 221 is formed on one surface 220a of the upper layer sheet P12b, and the concave portion 222 is formed on the other surface (back surface) 220b. To do. Thereafter, in the joining step, while the shape of the convex portion 221 is maintained by the first roll 252, the shape of the concave portion 222 separated from the second roll 253 is the repulsive force (or elastic force) of the constituent fibers of the upper layer sheet P 12 c. ), The recess 222 becomes a smaller (shallow and narrow) dent, and the dent and the lower layer sheet P13c are joined at the joint 224. Thus, the upper layer is formed by joining the depression (the one formed by recovering the concave portion 222), that is, the region corresponding to the convex portion 221 on the other surface 220b of the upper layer sheet P12c and the lower layer sheet P13c. The gap that may be generated between the sheet P12c for lower layer and the sheet P13c for the lower layer, that is, the formation of the hollow region in the convex part 221 can be suppressed, and the convex part 221 can be formed solid. In addition, since the region corresponding to the convex portion 221 on the other surface 220b of the upper layer sheet P12c and the lower layer sheet P13c are not only in contact with each other in shape, but are joined at the joining portion 24, in the subsequent steps, the upper layer sheet P12c Can be partially separated from the lower layer sheet P13c so that a hollow region is not formed later. That is, formation of a hollow area | region can be suppressed in the convex part 21 of the bulk recovery surface sheet P10, Therefore The convex part 21 can be made solid. Thereby, the softness and touch by the solid convex part 21 and the improvement of liquid permeability can be made compatible.
 本実施の形態では好ましい形態として、第3の形成工程(吸収体接合工程)の後に、連続表面シートP11(第1のシート)の肌側の面(一方の面)に、所定の機能を有する添加剤を塗布する添加剤塗布工程を更に備えていてもよい。連続表面シートP11に添加剤を塗布することにより、連続表面シートP11の構成繊維同士のつながりを添加剤で補強することができる。そのため、添加剤塗布工程後において、パンチング工程の孔部形成工程の後に、連続表面シートP11や半製品P3(吸収体)における孔部の開口部分の構成繊維がほつれることを抑制でき、孔部内へ構成繊維が侵入することを抑制できる。 In the present embodiment, as a preferred embodiment, the skin side surface (one surface) of the continuous surface sheet P11 (first sheet) has a predetermined function after the third forming step (absorber bonding step). You may further provide the additive application | coating process which apply | coats an additive. By applying the additive to the continuous surface sheet P11, the connection between the constituent fibers of the continuous surface sheet P11 can be reinforced with the additive. Therefore, after the additive coating process, after the hole forming process of the punching process, it is possible to suppress the constituent fibers of the opening part of the continuous surface sheet P11 and the semi-finished product P3 (absorbent body) from being frayed. It is possible to suppress the intrusion of the constituent fibers.
 例えば、添加剤がスキンケア機能を有する添加剤M1である場合、パンチング工程の孔部形成工程は、添加剤塗布工程の後に実行されることが好ましい。吸収性物品1では、スキンケア機能を有する添加剤M1は、表面シート8(連続表面シートP11)に存在してその機能を発揮する。したがって、スキンケア機能を有する添加剤M1を、嵩回復工程の後、パンチング工程の孔部形成工程の前に連続表面シートP11に塗布する。それにより、添加剤M1の塗布後、孔部形成工程が行われたとき、図13(a)に示すように、添加剤M1が孔部10に落ち込んで機能を発揮できなくなることが防止され、その添加剤M1を連続表面シートP11(表面シート8)に残すことができ、その機能を効果的に発揮させることができる。そのとき、嵩回復工程後における構成繊維の密度が相対的に低い連続表面シートP11の嵩回復表面シートP10に添加剤M1を塗布しているので、その添加剤M1を嵩回復表面シートP10内に程よく拡散させることができる。それにより、嵩回復工程前における構成繊維の密度が相対的に高いシートに添加剤を塗布したために添加剤がそのシート内に入りきらず表面に高濃度に残る、という事態を防止できる。添加剤M1としては保湿剤やローション等の各種スキンケア剤が挙げられる。 For example, when the additive is the additive M1 having a skin care function, the hole forming step in the punching step is preferably performed after the additive applying step. In the absorbent article 1, the additive M1 having a skin care function is present in the surface sheet 8 (continuous surface sheet P11) and exhibits its function. Therefore, the additive M1 having a skin care function is applied to the continuous surface sheet P11 after the bulk recovery step and before the hole forming step of the punching step. Thereby, when the hole forming step is performed after the application of the additive M1, as shown in FIG. 13A, the additive M1 is prevented from falling into the hole 10 and being unable to perform its function. The additive M1 can be left on the continuous surface sheet P11 (surface sheet 8), and the function can be effectively exhibited. At that time, since the additive M1 is applied to the bulk recovery surface sheet P10 of the continuous surface sheet P11 having a relatively low density of the constituent fibers after the bulk recovery step, the additive M1 is placed in the bulk recovery surface sheet P10. It can be diffused moderately. Thereby, since the additive was applied to the sheet having a relatively high density of the constituent fibers before the bulk recovery step, it is possible to prevent the additive from entering the sheet and remaining at a high concentration on the surface. Examples of the additive M1 include various skin care agents such as humectants and lotions.
 あるいは、例えば添加剤が血液改質機能を有する添加剤M2であり、パンチング工程の孔部形成工程は、添加剤塗布工程の前に実行されることが好ましい。吸収性物品1では、血液改質機能を有する添加剤M2は、表面シート8(連続表面シートP11)だけでなく、表面シート8(連続表面シートP11)及び吸収体12(半製品P3)の孔部10内に存在してもその機能を発揮する。したがって血液改質機能を有する添加剤M2を、嵩回復工程の後、且つ、パンチング工程の孔部形成工程の後に連続表面シートP11に塗布する。それにより図13(b)に示すように、連続表面シートP11及び半製品P3の孔部10内に確実に添加剤M2を塗布することができる。また、孔部10の厚さ方向Tの深さが相対的に深くなり、孔部10の側面(側壁)の表面積が相対的に大きい段階で添加剤M2を塗布するので、より多くの添加剤M2を孔部10に塗布することができ、その機能を効果的に発揮させることができる。すなわち、嵩回復工程前における孔部の厚さ方向の深さが相対的に浅く、孔部の側面の表面積が相対的に小さい段階で添加剤を塗布した後、嵩回復工程で孔部の厚さ方向の深さが深くなる場合と比較して、孔部10での添加剤M2を多くすることができる。添加剤M2としては特開2013-063245号公報、特開2013-179982等に記載の血液改質剤が挙げられる。 Alternatively, for example, the additive is an additive M2 having a blood modifying function, and the hole forming step in the punching step is preferably performed before the additive applying step. In the absorbent article 1, the additive M <b> 2 having a blood modifying function is not only the surface sheet 8 (continuous surface sheet P <b> 11) but also the holes of the surface sheet 8 (continuous surface sheet P <b> 11) and the absorbent body 12 (semi-finished product P <b> 3). Even if it exists in the part 10, the function is demonstrated. Therefore, the additive M2 having a blood modifying function is applied to the continuous surface sheet P11 after the bulk recovery step and after the hole forming step of the punching step. Thereby, as shown in FIG.13 (b), the additive M2 can be reliably apply | coated in the hole 10 of the continuous surface sheet P11 and the semi-finished product P3. Moreover, since the depth of the thickness direction T of the hole part 10 becomes relatively deep, and the additive M2 is applied at a stage where the surface area of the side surface (side wall) of the hole part 10 is relatively large, more additives. M2 can be applied to the hole 10 and its function can be effectively exhibited. That is, after applying the additive at a stage where the depth in the thickness direction of the hole before the bulk recovery process is relatively shallow and the surface area of the side surface of the hole is relatively small, the thickness of the hole in the bulk recovery process Compared with the case where the depth in the vertical direction is deep, the additive M2 in the hole 10 can be increased. Examples of the additive M2 include blood modifying agents described in JP2013-063245A, JP2013-179982A, and the like.
 上記各実施の形態で記載された坪量などは以下の方法で測定された。
<シートの坪量>
 各シート(吸収層を含む)の坪量は以下の方法で測定した。(1)シートから5cm×5cmの大きさの部分を切り出して試料とする。(2)試料について、100℃以上の空気雰囲気で乾燥処理を行う。(3)試料の質量を測定する。(4)質量の測定値を試料の面積で割り算して試料の坪量を算出する。(5)10個の試料の坪量を平均した値をシートの坪量とする。
<シートの厚さ>
 各シート(吸収層を含む)の厚さは以下の方法で測定した。(1)シートから5cm×5cmの大きさの部分を切り出して試料とする。(2)試料について、100℃以上の空気雰囲気で乾燥処理を行う。(3)15cmの測定子を備えた厚さ計((株)大栄化学精器製作所製 型式FS-60DS)を用い、3g/cmの測定荷重の条件でシートの厚さを測定する。(4)1個の試料で3か所の厚さを測定し、3か所の厚さの平均値をシートの厚さとする。なおシートの厚さはX線透視画像による3D画像から求めてもよい。
<シートの繊維密度>
 各シート(吸収層を含む)の繊維密度は以下の方法で測定した。(1)上記方法でシートの坪量及びシートの厚みを求める。(2)シートの秤量を、シートの厚みで割り算してシートの繊維密度を算出する。
The basis weight described in each of the above embodiments was measured by the following method.
<Sheet weight of sheet>
The basis weight of each sheet (including the absorbent layer) was measured by the following method. (1) A part having a size of 5 cm × 5 cm is cut out from the sheet and used as a sample. (2) The sample is dried in an air atmosphere of 100 ° C. or higher. (3) Measure the mass of the sample. (4) The basis weight of the sample is calculated by dividing the measured mass value by the area of the sample. (5) A value obtained by averaging the basis weights of 10 samples is defined as the basis weight of the sheet.
<Sheet thickness>
The thickness of each sheet (including the absorption layer) was measured by the following method. (1) A part having a size of 5 cm × 5 cm is cut out from the sheet and used as a sample. (2) The sample is dried in an air atmosphere of 100 ° C. or higher. (3) using a thickness gauge with a measuring element of 15cm 2 (the Ltd. Daiei Chemical Seiki Seisakusho Model FS-60DS), to measure the thickness of the sheet under the conditions of measuring load of 3 g / cm 2. (4) The thickness of three places is measured with one sample, and the average value of the thicknesses of the three places is taken as the thickness of the sheet. Note that the thickness of the sheet may be obtained from a 3D image obtained by an X-ray fluoroscopic image.
<Fiber density of sheet>
The fiber density of each sheet (including the absorbent layer) was measured by the following method. (1) The basis weight of the sheet and the thickness of the sheet are determined by the above method. (2) The fiber density of the sheet is calculated by dividing the weight of the sheet by the thickness of the sheet.
 本発明の吸収性物品は、上述した各実施形態に制限されることなく、本発明の目的、趣旨を逸脱しない範囲内において、適宜組合せや変更等が可能である。 The absorbent article of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately combined and changed without departing from the object and spirit of the present invention.
 1  吸収性物品
 8  表面シート
 10  孔部
 12  吸収体
 P10  嵩回復表面シート(第1のシート)
 P1  半製品(吸収体)
 BS  裏面シート用シート
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Absorbent article 8 Surface sheet 10 Hole 12 Absorber P10 Bulk recovery surface sheet (first sheet)
P1 Semi-finished product (absorber)
BS Sheet for back sheet

Claims (10)

  1.  不織布を含む表面シートと、裏面シートと、前記表面シートと前記裏面シートとの間に位置し、吸収性繊維を含む吸収体と、を備える吸収性物品の製造方法であって、
     前記表面シート用の第1のシートを熱処理して嵩回復させる嵩回復工程と、
     前記嵩回復された前記第1のシートにおいて、前記第1のシートの一方の面から、前記第1のシートの他方の面に向かって、パンチング加工用の複数のパンチで前記第1のシートを打ち抜くことにより、前記第1のシートに複数の孔部を形成するパンチング工程と、
     前記第1のシートと前記吸収体と前記裏面シート用のシートとが積層された積層体を形成する積層工程と、
     を備える、
     吸収性物品の製造方法。
    A method for producing an absorbent article comprising a topsheet containing a nonwoven fabric, a backsheet, and an absorbent body located between the topsheet and the backsheet, and containing absorbent fibers,
    A bulk recovery step of heat-treating the first sheet for the topsheet to recover the bulk;
    In the first sheet that has been bulk-recovered, the first sheet is formed with a plurality of punches for punching from one surface of the first sheet toward the other surface of the first sheet. A punching step of forming a plurality of holes in the first sheet by punching;
    A laminating step of forming a laminate in which the first sheet, the absorber, and the sheet for the back sheet are laminated;
    Comprising
    Manufacturing method of absorbent article.
  2.  前記嵩回復工程後であって、前記パンチング工程前に、前記第1のシートを冷却する冷却工程を更に備える、
     請求項1に記載の吸収性物品の製造方法。
    A cooling step of cooling the first sheet after the bulk recovery step and before the punching step;
    The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of Claim 1.
  3.  前記第1のシートの前記一方の面が、前記表面シートにおける肌側の面に対応しており、
     前記パンチング工程は、
      前記第1のシートの前記一方の面が、前記第1のシートの製造時に繊維支持体に接していた面であるネット面になるように、前記第1のシートを供給する工程を含む、
     請求項1又は2に記載の吸収性物品の製造方法。
    The one surface of the first sheet corresponds to the skin side surface of the top sheet,
    The punching process includes
    Supplying the first sheet so that the one surface of the first sheet is a net surface that is in contact with a fiber support during the production of the first sheet;
    The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of Claim 1 or 2.
  4.  前記表面シートは肌側の上層シートと非肌側の下層シートとを含み、
     前記嵩回復工程は、
      前記上層シート用の第2のシートを熱処理して嵩回復させる工程と、
      前記嵩回復された前記第2のシートの一方の面と、前記下層シート用の第3のシートの一方の面とを接合して、嵩回復した前記第1のシートを形成する工程と、
      を含み、
     前記第2のシートの前記一方の面は、前記第2のシートの製造時に繊維支持体に接していなかった面である反ネット面であり、
     前記第3のシートの前記一方の面は、前記第3のシートの製造時に繊維支持体に接していなかった面である反ネット面であり、
     前記第2のシートの前記一方の面とは反対側の他方の面が、前記第1のシートの前記一方の面に対応している、
     請求項3に記載の吸収性物品の製造方法。
    The top sheet includes a skin side upper layer sheet and a non-skin side lower layer sheet,
    The bulk recovery step includes
    Heat-treating the second sheet for the upper layer sheet to recover the bulk;
    Joining one surface of the second sheet recovered from the bulk and one surface of the third sheet for the lower layer sheet to form the first sheet recovered from the bulk;
    Including
    The one surface of the second sheet is an anti-net surface that is a surface that was not in contact with the fiber support during the production of the second sheet;
    The one surface of the third sheet is an anti-net surface that is a surface that was not in contact with the fiber support during the production of the third sheet;
    The other surface opposite to the one surface of the second sheet corresponds to the one surface of the first sheet.
    The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of Claim 3.
  5.  前記嵩回復工程後であって、前記パンチング工程前に、前記第1のシートに、前記吸収体を接合する吸収体接合工程を更に備え、
     前記パンチング工程は、前記第1のシートと前記吸収体との接合体を、前記厚さ方向に前記複数のパンチで打ち抜くことにより、前記接合体に前記複数の孔部を形成する孔部形成工程を含む、
     請求項1乃至4のいずれか一項に記載の吸収性物品の製造方法。
    After the bulk recovery step and before the punching step, further comprising an absorbent body joining step for joining the absorbent body to the first sheet,
    The punching step is a hole forming step of forming the plurality of holes in the bonded body by punching the bonded body of the first sheet and the absorber with the plurality of punches in the thickness direction. including,
    The manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4.
  6.  前記吸収体接合工程は、前記第1のシートの前記他方の面に、前記吸収体を接合する工程を含み、
     前記孔部形成工程は、前記第1のシートを、前記一方の面から前記他方の面に向かって、前記複数のパンチで打ち抜くと共に、前記吸収体を、前記吸収体の前記第1のシート側の面から前記第1のシートと反対側の面に向かって、前記複数のパンチで打ち抜くことにより、前記第1のシートと前記吸収体とに前記複数の孔部を形成する工程を含む、
     請求項5に記載の吸収性物品の製造方法。
    The absorber bonding step includes a step of bonding the absorber to the other surface of the first sheet,
    In the hole forming step, the first sheet is punched out from the one surface toward the other surface with the plurality of punches, and the absorber is disposed on the first sheet side of the absorber. Forming the plurality of holes in the first sheet and the absorber by punching with the plurality of punches from the surface toward the surface opposite to the first sheet,
    The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of Claim 5.
  7.  前記吸収体は、吸収性コアと、少なくとも前記第1のシート側の前記吸収性コアを覆うコアラップと、を含み、
     前記孔部形成工程は、前記吸収性コア及び前記コアラップを貫通するように前記複数の孔部を形成する工程、を含む、
     請求項5又は6に記載の吸収性物品の製造方法。
    The absorber includes an absorbent core and a core wrap that covers at least the absorbent core on the first sheet side,
    The hole forming step includes a step of forming the plurality of holes so as to penetrate the absorbent core and the core wrap.
    The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of Claim 5 or 6.
  8.  前記吸収体接合工程後に、前記第1のシートの前記一方の面に、所定の機能を有する添加剤を塗布する添加剤塗布工程を更に備える、
     請求項5乃至7のいずれか一項に記載の吸収性物品の製造方法。
    An additive application step of applying an additive having a predetermined function to the one surface of the first sheet after the absorber bonding step;
    The manufacturing method of the absorbent article as described in any one of Claims 5 thru | or 7.
  9.  前記添加剤は、スキンケア機能を有する添加剤であり、
     前記孔部形成工程は、前記添加剤塗布工程の後に実行される、
     請求項8に記載の吸収性物品の製造方法。
    The additive is an additive having a skin care function,
    The hole forming step is performed after the additive applying step.
    The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of Claim 8.
  10.  前記添加剤は、血液改質機能を有する添加剤であり、
     前記孔部形成工程は、前記添加剤塗布工程の前に実行される、
     請求項8に記載の吸収性物品の製造方法。
    The additive is an additive having a blood modifying function,
    The hole forming step is performed before the additive applying step.
    The manufacturing method of the absorbent article of Claim 8.
PCT/JP2016/085820 2016-12-01 2016-12-01 Method for producing absorbent article WO2018100723A1 (en)

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