WO2022130775A1 - Fiber lamination device, and method and device for producing absorber - Google Patents

Fiber lamination device, and method and device for producing absorber Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022130775A1
WO2022130775A1 PCT/JP2021/038740 JP2021038740W WO2022130775A1 WO 2022130775 A1 WO2022130775 A1 WO 2022130775A1 JP 2021038740 W JP2021038740 W JP 2021038740W WO 2022130775 A1 WO2022130775 A1 WO 2022130775A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
drum
suction
suction region
basis weight
fiber
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2021/038740
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
仁 鈴木
知之 茂木
優喜 加藤
健佑 岡田
Original Assignee
花王株式会社
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
Priority claimed from JP2021000528A external-priority patent/JP2022105905A/en
Priority claimed from JP2021168287A external-priority patent/JP7366100B2/en
Application filed by 花王株式会社 filed Critical 花王株式会社
Priority to CN202180084922.3A priority Critical patent/CN116600755A/en
Publication of WO2022130775A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022130775A1/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS 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
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a technique for manufacturing an absorber having a partially different basis weight.
  • an absorber used for absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, and incontinence pads
  • the basis weight of fiber materials such as wood pulp
  • the basis weight is relatively large.
  • An unevenly distributed absorber having a low basis weight portion having a relatively small basis weight is known.
  • a portion (so-called middle / high portion) in which the basis weight of the fiber material is larger than that of the peripheral portion is provided in the central portion in the direction corresponding to the front-back direction (vertical direction) of the wearer of the absorbent article. Things are known.
  • a body fluid-absorbing (hydrophilic) fiber material is unevenly distributed in a portion where high liquid absorption is required, and in other portions, the basis weight of the fiber material is suppressed and the thickness is increased. Because it is thin, it has good liquid absorption and a feeling of wearing.
  • Patent Documents 1 to 4 A fiber stacking device configured to stack a material in the accumulation recess is known (Patent Documents 1 to 4).
  • a suction chamber arranged inside a rotating drum is divided into a plurality of suction chambers in a cross section along a flow direction, and the fiber stacking device is provided with suction means individually in the plurality of suction chambers. Is described.
  • Patent Document 1 it is possible to make the thickness of the absorber uniform in the width direction, partially change the basis weight of the absorber, and form a bulky portion on the absorber. Is supposed to be.
  • the fiber stacking device described in Patent Document 1 cannot control the basis weight of the absorber in the flow direction at the time of manufacturing the absorber.
  • Patent Document 2 describes a fiber stacking device including a core pocket and an air distribution manifold operably associated with the core pocket. Since the fiber stacking device described in Patent Document 2 has a relatively complicated device configuration, there are concerns about soaring manufacturing costs, device failure, and the like.
  • Patent Document 3 on the inner surface side of the porous member in the rotating drum, an arranged region and a non-arranged region of the adjusting body for adjusting the air volume and flow of the vacuum air are arranged and fixed in the rotation direction of the rotating drum.
  • a fiber stacking device in which a selective suction region where suction is partially enabled and a full suction region where suction is fully enabled are arranged in this order on the outer peripheral portion of the drum in the rotational direction. Is described. According to the fiber stacking device described in Patent Document 3, it is said that an unevenly distributed absorber can be stably produced with a relatively simple structure.
  • Patent Document 4 has a duct for supplying the fiber material toward the outer peripheral surface of the rotating drum in a scattered state, and an excess portion of the fiber material overflowing from the accumulating recess of the rotating drum is arranged in the duct. Described is a fiber stacking apparatus configured to scrape with a scuffing roll and restack the scraped fiber material into a recess for accumulation. According to the fiber stacking device described in Patent Document 4, it is said that an unevenly distributed absorber can be stably produced.
  • the present invention (first invention) includes a fixed drum and a rotating drum that is rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum and has an accumulation recess for stacking fiber materials on the outer peripheral portion. While rotating the drum to convey the integration recess in the transport direction along the drum circumferential direction, the fiber material conveyed by the air flow generated by the suction from the fixed drum side is transferred to a predetermined position in the drum circumferential direction.
  • the present invention relates to a fiber stacking device for producing a fiber stack having a plurality of portions having different basis weights in the transport direction by stacking fibers on the bottom surface of the accumulation recess in a suction region.
  • the stacking recess has a plurality of fiber stacking regions corresponding to a plurality of portions of the fiber stack having different basis weights in the circumferential direction of the drum. It is preferable that the plurality of fiber stacking regions include a first fiber stacking region and a second fiber stacking region forming a portion having a higher basis weight than the first fiber stacking region.
  • the suction region includes a first suction region where suction from the fixed drum side is partially possible, and the suction is entirely possible. It is preferable to have a possible second suction region in the circumferential direction of the drum.
  • the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum has a first suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the first suction region and a second suction region corresponding to the second suction region. 2 It is preferable that a suction area corresponding portion is arranged.
  • the first suction region corresponding portion is composed of a non-breathable member having a partially provided opening, and the air flow is the opening. It is preferable that the portion corresponding to the first suction region can be passed through in the thickness direction only through.
  • the second suction region corresponding portion does not include a non-breathable member, and the air flow thickens the entire area of the second suction region corresponding portion. It is preferable that the passage is possible in the direction.
  • a non-breathable first opening corresponding to the first stacking fiber region is provided at a portion of the rotating drum facing the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum. It is preferable that the portion closing member and the non-breathable second opening closing member corresponding to the second stacking fiber region are arranged.
  • the first opening is inserted into the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion during transportation of the accumulation recess in the first suction region. It is preferable that the portion closing member and the second opening closing member overlap each other to reduce the flow rate of the air flow in the first stacking fiber region and the second stacking fiber region.
  • the above-mentioned configuration of the present invention (first invention) may also include the present invention (second invention) described later.
  • the first opening closing member in the state where the first opening closing member overlaps the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion in the first suction region, the first It is preferable that the portion corresponding to one suction region and the first opening closing member are separated from each other with a predetermined separation distance G1.
  • the first opening closing member has a transport orthogonal direction orthogonal to the transport direction as compared with the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion. In a state where the first opening closing member overlaps the opening in the first suction region, the first opening closing member extends the opening over the entire length in the transport orthogonal direction. It is preferable to do so. In one embodiment of the fiber stacking device of the present invention (second invention), the second opening closing member has a shorter length in the transport orthogonal direction than the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion. In the state where the second opening closing member overlaps the opening in the first suction region, a portion of the opening in the transport orthogonal direction is not covered by the second opening closing member. It is preferable to be present.
  • the present invention (third invention) relates to a method for manufacturing an absorber, which uses a fiber stacking device to manufacture an absorber having a plurality of portions having different basis weights in one direction.
  • the fiber stacking device is provided rotatably around a fixed drum and an outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, and a fiber material is stacked.
  • An air flow generated by suction from the fixed drum side is provided with a rotating drum having an accumulation recess on the outer peripheral portion, and the rotating drum is rotated to convey the accumulation recess in the transport direction along the circumferential direction of the drum.
  • the fiber material carried on the drum is stacked on the bottom surface of the accumulation recess in a predetermined suction region in the circumferential direction of the drum.
  • the accumulation recess has a plurality of fiber stacking regions corresponding to a plurality of portions of the absorber having different basis weights in a drum circumferential direction. It is preferable to have it in.
  • the suction region includes a first suction region in which suction from the fixed drum side is partially possible, and the suction region is the entire surface. It is preferable to have a second suction region which is possible in the circumferential direction of the drum.
  • the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum corresponds to a first suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the first suction region and a second suction region corresponding to the second suction region. It is preferable that the second suction region corresponding portion is arranged.
  • the first suction region corresponding portion is made of a non-breathable member having a partially provided opening, and the air flow is the same. It is preferable that the portion corresponding to the first suction region can be passed through the opening only through the opening in the thickness direction.
  • the second suction region corresponding portion does not include a non-breathable member, and the air flow is the entire area of the second suction region corresponding portion. It is preferable that the material can pass through in the thickness direction.
  • at least a part of the plurality of fiber stacking regions of the accumulation recess is located at a portion of the rotating drum facing the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum.
  • a plurality of non-breathable opening closing members are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction of the drum.
  • the opening is opened in the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion during transportation of the integration recess in the first suction region. It is preferable that the closing members overlap to reduce the flow rate of the air flow in the fiber stacking region corresponding to the opening closing member in the accumulation recess.
  • the above-mentioned configuration of the present invention (third invention) may also include the present invention (fourth invention) described later.
  • the plurality of opening closing members arranged in the circumferential direction of the drum are each the said portion corresponding to the first suction region in the first suction region. In the state of overlapping the opening, it is preferable that the portion corresponding to the first suction region is separated from the first suction region by a predetermined distance. In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing an absorber of the present invention (third invention), the distance between the plurality of opening closing members arranged in the circumferential direction of the drum is different from each other, and the distance from one side to the other in the circumferential direction of the drum is different. It is preferable that the plurality of opening closing members are arranged so that the separation distance gradually changes toward the direction.
  • the rotating drum is rotated around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, and the fiber material is scattered with respect to the outer peripheral portion of the rotating drum. It is preferable to have a fiber stacking step of supplying the fibers in the suction region and stacking the fibers in the accumulating recess.
  • the fiber stacking step in the fiber stacking step, in the first suction region, the plurality of fiber stacking regions corresponding to the plurality of opening closing members are used. It is preferable that the longer the separation distance is, the larger the flow rate of the air flow is.
  • the plurality of opening closing members are arranged so that the lengths of the opening closing members gradually change from one side in the circumferential direction of the drum toward the other side in the transport orthogonal direction. Is preferable.
  • the rotating drum is rotated around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, and the fiber material is scattered with respect to the outer peripheral portion of the rotating drum.
  • a fiber stacking step of supplying the fibers in the suction region and stacking the fibers in the accumulating recess it is preferable to have a fiber stacking step of supplying the fibers in the suction region and stacking the fibers in the accumulating recess.
  • the plurality of fiber stacking regions corresponding to the plurality of opening closing members are used in the fiber stacking step. It is preferable that the shorter the length of the opening closing member in the direction perpendicular to the transport, the larger the flow rate of the air flow.
  • the present invention uses a fiber stacking device to manufacture an absorber having a high basis weight portion having a relatively large basis weight portion and a low basis weight portion having a relatively small basis weight portion of the fiber material in one direction.
  • the present invention relates to a method for producing an absorber.
  • the fiber stacking device is provided rotatably around a fixed drum and an outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, and a fiber material is stacked.
  • a rotating drum having an accumulation recess on the outer periphery thereof is provided, and the fiber material conveyed by the air flow generated by suction from the fixed drum side is stacked on the bottom surface of the accumulation recess. Is preferable.
  • the integration recess has a high basis weight portion corresponding portion forming the high basis weight portion and a low basis portion forming the low basis weight portion. It is preferable to have a portion corresponding to the basis weight portion in the circumferential direction of the drum.
  • the rotating drum is rotated around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, and the fiber material is scattered with respect to the outer peripheral portion of the rotating drum. It is preferable to have a fiber stacking step in which the fibers are stacked in the accumulation recess in a predetermined suction region in the circumferential direction of the drum.
  • the fiber material laminated on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion is arranged to face the outer peripheral portion of the rotary drum. It is preferable to have a re-stacking step of scraping the scraped fiber material using a scuffing roll and re-stacking the scraped fiber material in the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion.
  • the fiber stacking step is a high basis weight portion priority fiber stacking step in which a fiber material is preferentially stacked in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion.
  • the fiber material is laminated in both the high basis weight portion corresponding portion and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion. It is preferable to have an entire area fiber process.
  • the high basis weight portion priority stacking fiber step in the high basis weight portion priority stacking fiber step, the high basis weight portion corresponding portion and the low basis weight portion are compared with the full area fiber step. It is preferable to increase the difference in the flow rate of the air flow from the portion corresponding to the quantity portion.
  • the present invention is to manufacture an absorber that can be used for manufacturing an absorber having a high basis weight portion having a relatively large basis weight portion and a low basis weight portion having a relatively small basis weight portion of the fiber material in one direction.
  • a fixed drum and a concave portion for accumulation which is rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum and in which a fiber material is stacked, are provided on the outer peripheral portion.
  • the fiber material carried by the air flow generated by the suction from the fixed drum side is accumulated in a predetermined suction region in the circumferential direction of the drum while rotating the rotating drum.
  • the fibers are stacked on the bottom surface of the recess.
  • the integration recess has a high basis weight portion corresponding portion forming the high basis weight portion and a low basis portion forming the low basis weight portion. It is preferable to have a portion corresponding to the basis weight portion in the circumferential direction of the drum.
  • the suction region includes a first suction region in which the fiber material is preferentially stacked on the portion corresponding to the high basis weight portion, and the high basis weight portion.
  • both the portion corresponding to the weight portion and the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion have a second suction region for stacking the fiber material in the circumferential direction of the drum.
  • the first suction region has a high basis weight portion corresponding portion and a low basis weight portion corresponding portion as compared with the second suction region. It is preferable that the difference between the flow rate of the air flow and the air flow rate is large.
  • a fiber material further provided with scuffing rolls arranged to face each other on the outer peripheral portion of the rotary drum, and fiber material piled up on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion. It is preferable that the scraped fiber material is scraped off and the scraped fiber material is re-stacked in the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the absorber provided by the present invention (1st to 4th inventions).
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an embodiment of the fiber stacking apparatus of the present invention (the first to fourth inventions) through a partial perspective.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the fiber stacking device shown in FIG. 2 when viewed from the drum axis direction.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the integrated portion of the fiber stacking device shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a part of the accumulation recess of the fiber stacking apparatus shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of the suction region of the fiber stacking device shown in FIG. FIG.
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section (a cross section along the drum axis direction of the first layered fiber region) along the line I-I of FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 (a) is a first suction region. 7 (b) shows the suction state in the second suction region.
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section taken along the line III-III of FIG. 5 (a cross section along the drum axis direction of the third layered fiber region), and FIG. 8A is a first suction region. The suction state of FIG. 8 (b) shows the suction state in the second suction region.
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section (a cross section along the drum circumferential direction of the accumulating recess) in line IV-IV of FIG.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section (a cross section along the drum axis direction of the first stacking fiber region) of FIG. 5 in one embodiment of the fiber stacking apparatus shown in FIG. , Is a diagram showing a suction state in the first suction region.
  • FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section (a cross section along the drum axis direction of the second stacking region region) of FIG. 5 in the fiber stacking apparatus shown in FIG. 10 along the line II-II, and is a first suction.
  • FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section (a cross section along the drum circumferential direction of the accumulator recess) of FIG. 5 in the fiber stacking apparatus shown in FIG. 10 in the first suction region. It is a figure which shows the suction state.
  • FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section (a cross section along the drum axis direction of the second stacking fiber region) of FIG. 5 in line II-II in another embodiment of the fiber stacking apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the suction state in the 1st suction region.
  • FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section (a cross section along the drum circumferential direction of the accumulator recess) of FIG. 5 in the fiber stacking apparatus shown in FIG. 10 in the first suction region. It is a figure which shows the suction state.
  • FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section (a cross section along the
  • FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section (a cross section along the drum circumferential direction of the accumulating recess) in the IV-IV line of FIG. 5 in the fiber stacking apparatus shown in FIG. 13, and is a cross-sectional view in the first suction region. It is a figure which shows the suction state.
  • FIG. 15 shows a cross section (drum axis of the first fiber region or the second fiber region) in the I-I line or II-II line of FIG. 5 in still another embodiment of the fiber stacking apparatus shown in FIG. It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the cross section along the direction), and is the figure which shows the suction state in the 1st suction region.
  • FIG. 16 (a) and 16 (b) are schematic perspective views of an embodiment of the absorber provided by the present invention (5th to 6th inventions), respectively.
  • FIG. 17 is a perspective view schematically showing one embodiment of the absorber manufacturing apparatus of the present invention (the fifth to sixth inventions) through a partial perspective.
  • FIG. 18 is a schematic side view of the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 17 when viewed from the drum axis direction.
  • FIG. 19 is a schematic plan view of a part of the integration recess of the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 20 is a schematic plan view of a suction region of the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section (a cross section along the drum axis direction of the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion) along the line I-I of FIG. 19, and FIG. 21 (a) is a first suction region (a first suction region).
  • the suction state in the high basis weight portion priority stacking process) and FIG. 21B show the suction state in the second suction region (total area fiber process).
  • FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section of FIG. 19 taken along line II-II (a cross section along the drum axis direction of the portion corresponding to the high basis weight portion), and FIG. 22 (a) is a first suction region (a first suction region).
  • FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section (a cross section along the drum circumferential direction of the accumulation recess) along the line III-III of FIG. 24 (a) and 24 (b) are diagrams showing the state of the re-stacking process in one embodiment of the manufacturing method using the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 17, respectively.
  • an unevenly distributed absorber As an unevenly distributed absorber, it has a long shape in one direction (typically, in the front-back direction of the wearer of the absorbent article), and the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material is large in the longitudinal direction thereof, and the high basis weight portion and the low basis area. There is a demand for a material having a relatively large difference in basis weight from the weight part, but the fact is that the conventional absorption material manufacturing technique does not sufficiently meet such a demand.
  • the longitudinal direction of the absorber having such a long shape in one direction typically coincides with the flow direction at the time of its manufacture, and the amount of fibers of the fiber material in the flow direction can be adjusted by a relatively simple device configuration. No technology has yet been provided that can be adequately controlled.
  • the present invention (1st to 4th inventions) relates to a technique capable of providing an absorber having a large degree of uneven distribution of a fiber material in a direction corresponding to a flow direction during manufacturing.
  • an uneven distribution absorber there is a demand for a material in which the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material is large and a relatively large basis weight difference exists between the high basis weight portion and the low basis weight portion.
  • the fact is that the manufacturing technology of tsubo does not fully meet such demands.
  • the technique can manufacture an absorber having a large degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material, it is difficult to carry out the technique if the device configuration for carrying it is complicated.
  • the degree of uneven distribution of the absorber increases and the basis weight of the low basis weight portion is further reduced, the uniformity of the basis weight of the low basis weight portion decreases, and the performance of the absorber deteriorates. Where there is a risk of inviting, the technology that can solve such problems has not yet been provided.
  • the present invention (5th to 6th inventions) relates to a technique capable of providing an absorber in which the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material is large and the basis weight of the low basis weight portion is uniform.
  • the absorber provided by the present invention can absorb an aqueous liquid including a body fluid.
  • the use of the absorber is not particularly limited, but it is particularly suitable as an absorber for an absorbent article.
  • the term "absorbable article” broadly includes articles used for absorbing body fluids (urine, loose stool, menstrual blood, sweat, etc.) discharged from the human body, and includes, for example, disposable diapers, menstrual napkins, and sanitary items. Includes shorts, incontinence pads, etc.
  • the absorbent article is typically an absorber, a liquid permeable surface sheet located closer to the wearer's skin than the absorber, and a side farther from the wearer's skin than the absorber. It is configured to include a poorly permeable or impermeable back sheet to be arranged in the liquid.
  • FIG. 1 shows an absorber 10 which is an embodiment of the absorber provided by the present invention (the first to fourth inventions).
  • the absorber 10 is for an absorbent article and has a vertical direction X corresponding to the front-back direction of the wearer of the absorbent article and a lateral direction Y orthogonal to the vertical direction X.
  • the vertical direction X corresponds to the flow direction MD (Machine Direction) at the time of manufacturing the absorber 10, which will be described later
  • the horizontal direction Y corresponds to the transport orthogonal direction CD (Cross machine Direction) which is the direction orthogonal to the flow direction MD. do.
  • the flow direction MD coincides with the rotation direction R1 (transport direction of the integration recess 40) of the rotating drum 3 along the drum circumferential direction X1 described later
  • the transport orthogonal direction CD coincides with the drum axial direction Y1 described later. (See FIG. 2).
  • the absorber 10 is mainly made of a fiber material.
  • the content of the fibrous material in the absorber 10 is at least 50% by mass or more, and may be formed from 100% by mass, that is, only the fibrous material.
  • the type of fiber material is not particularly limited, and hydrophobic fibers made of synthetic resins such as thermoplastic resins can be used, but hydrophilic fibers are typically used.
  • the hydrophilic fiber include wood pulp such as coniferous tree pulp and broadleaf tree pulp, natural fiber such as non-wood pulp such as cotton pulp and hemp pulp; and modified pulp such as cationized pulp and marcelled pulp (above, cellulose-based fiber). ); Hydrophilic synthetic fibers and the like can be mentioned, and one of these can be used alone or in combination of two or more.
  • the absorber 10 may further contain a water-absorbent polymer in addition to the fiber material.
  • a water-absorbent polymer a particulate polymer is generally used, but a fibrous polymer may also be used.
  • the shape of the particulate water-absorbent polymer is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, spherical, lumpy, bale-shaped, or indefinite.
  • the water-absorbent polymer is typically composed mainly of a polymer or copolymer of acrylic acid or an alkali metal salt of acrylic acid.
  • the absorber 10 has a high basis weight portion 11 having a relatively large basis weight of the fiber material and a low basis weight portion 12 having a relatively small basis weight portion 12 in one direction.
  • the absorber 10 has a long shape (substantially rectangular shape) in the vertical direction X in a plan view, and the high basis weight portion 11 and both ends of the vertical direction X are located in the central portion of the longitudinal direction, that is, the vertical direction X.
  • the low basis weight portion 12 is arranged in the portion, and the low basis weight portion 12, the high basis weight portion 11, and the low basis weight portion 12 are arranged in the vertical direction X in this order.
  • the high basis weight portion 11 is a region including a portion where the basis weight of the fiber material is larger than that of the low basis weight portion 12 in one direction (vertical direction X) in which the high basis weight portion 11 and the low basis weight portion 12 are connected.
  • the site and the site and another site at the same position in the vertical direction X are included.
  • the middle-high portion 11A which is the portion where the basis weight of the fiber material is the largest in the absorber 10
  • the middle-high portion 11A is formed in the central portion in the lateral direction Y (short direction) of the high basis weight portion 11, and the middle-high portion 11A is formed.
  • Both outer sides in the lateral direction Y across 11A are standard basis weight portions 11B having a smaller basis weight of the fiber material than the middle and high parts 11A, and the middle and high parts 11A and the standard basis weight portions 11B (middle and high parts 11A).
  • the entire region including other portions at the same position in the vertical direction X) is the high basis weight portion 11.
  • the middle-high portion 11A is thicker than the peripheral portion, protrudes toward one surface of the absorber 10, and has a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the vertical direction X in a plan view.
  • the absorber 10 may be used so that the protruding surface (upper surface in FIG.
  • the middle and high portion 11A faces the skin side of the wearer of the absorbent article in which the absorber 10 is used, or the protruding surface of the middle and high portion 11A. It may be used with the surface opposite to the surface side facing the wearer's skin side.
  • the standard basis weight portion 11B may have a smaller basis weight of the fiber material than the low basis weight portion 12.
  • the low basis weight portion 12 may have a uniform basis weight over the entire area, or may have a partially different basis weight. As an example of the latter case, the inner side (high basis weight portion 11 side) of the low basis weight portion 12 in the vertical direction X has a larger or less basis weight of the fiber material than the outer side. ..
  • the central portion 12A of the low basis weight portion 12 in the lateral direction Y (the portion shaded in the middle of FIG. 1) is the both end portions 12B of the low basis weight portion 12 in the lateral direction Y.
  • Examples thereof include a form in which the basis weight of the fiber material is larger or smaller than that of 12B.
  • the high basis weight portion 11 and the low basis weight portion 12 are divided into a plurality of regions by a plurality of groove-shaped recesses 13X and 13Y, which are linear in a plan view and intersect with each other, respectively.
  • the groove-shaped recess 13X extends in the vertical direction X
  • the groove-shaped recess 13Y extends in the horizontal direction Y.
  • the groove-shaped recesses 13X and 13Y are formed on the protruding surface (upper surface in FIG. 1) side of the middle and high portions 11A in the absorber 10, but are formed on the surface opposite to the protruding surface side. You may be.
  • the groove-shaped recesses 13X and 13Y can improve the liquid absorption capacity of the absorber 10 by functioning as a flow path for liquid such as excrement, and also enhance the flexibility and flexibility of the absorber 10 to absorb the liquid. It is possible to improve the followability of the wearer of the article to the body.
  • the groove-shaped recesses 13X and 13Y may not be provided.
  • the high basis weight portion 11 mainly contributes to the improvement of the liquid absorbency of the absorber 10
  • the low basis weight portion 12 mainly contributes to the improvement of the wearing feeling of the absorbent article provided with the absorber 10.
  • the crotch portion (excretion portion such as the penis and vaginal opening) of the wearer of the absorbent article is used.
  • the central portion in the vertical direction X which is a portion arranged in the vertical direction X, is a high basis weight portion 11, and the other portion is a low basis weight portion 12.
  • the central portion of the absorber 10 in the vertical direction X is a portion where the wearer's excrement is concentrated, sufficient liquid absorption is ensured and absorption is ensured by setting the central portion as the high basis weight portion 11. Since the part of the body 10 other than the central part is less likely to be used for liquid absorption than the central part, the basis weight of the fiber material is reduced as much as possible to reduce the thickness to improve the wearing feeling. ing.
  • the fiber stacking device 1 includes a fixed drum 2 and a rotary drum 3 rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 and having an accumulation recess 40 in the outer peripheral portion 3S on which the fiber material is stacked.
  • the air flow generated by suction from the fixed drum 2 side (hereinafter, also referred to as “vacuum air”).
  • the fiber material carried on the drum is stacked on the bottom surface of the accumulation recess 40 in a predetermined suction region S in the drum circumferential direction X1, and the absorber 10 having a plurality of portions having different basis weights in the transport direction. (Fibers) are designed to be manufactured.
  • the absorber 10 has at least a high basis weight portion 11 and a low basis weight portion 12 in the vertical direction X corresponding to the transport direction of the accumulation recess 40, and both basis weight portions 11 and 12 have.
  • Each may have a plurality of portions having different basis weights in the vertical direction X, and may have three or more portions having different basis weights in the vertical direction X.
  • the low basis weight portion 12 may have a larger basis weight on the inner side (high basis weight portion 11 side) in the vertical direction X than on the outer side.
  • the fiber stacking device 1 includes an integrated unit 4 including a fixed drum 2 and a rotating drum 3, a raw material supply mechanism 5 that supplies raw materials such as fiber materials to the integrated unit 4 (rotating drum 3), and a rotating drum. It is provided with a transport mechanism 6 for transporting the absorber 10 (fiber stack of raw materials such as fiber materials) discharged from the accumulation recess 40 of 3.
  • the raw material supply mechanism 5 includes a duct 51 having a raw material supply path 50 inside, and a raw material introduction unit 52 for introducing the raw material into the duct 51. Both ends of the duct 51 in the supply direction of the raw material are open, the opening on one end side covers a part of the outer peripheral portion (rotary drum 3) of the integrated portion 4, and the opening on the other end side is the raw material introduction portion 52.
  • the crusher 53 provided in the above is arranged.
  • the raw material introduction unit 52 is configured to crush the sheet-shaped wood pulp SP with a crusher 53 into pulp fibers as a fiber material, and feed the pulp fibers into the duct 51.
  • the duct 51 is provided with a water-absorbent polymer introduction section 54 for introducing the water-absorbent polymer particles into the supply path 50.
  • the transport mechanism 6 is arranged below the stacking section 4 and includes a vacuum conveyor (not shown) that transports the absorber 10 discharged from the stacking section 4 while sucking it onto the transport surface.
  • a blow generation mechanism (not shown) is arranged inside the fixed drum 2 in the integrated portion 4, and air from the inside side of the integrated portion 4 by the blow generation mechanism to the outer peripheral portion 3S side of the rotating drum 3 is arranged. By spraying, the absorber 10 is discharged from the accumulation recess 40 of the outer peripheral portion 3S and transferred onto the transport surface of the vacuum conveyor.
  • a sheet material 14 called a core wrap sheet or the like that covers the outer surface of the absorber 10 is arranged in advance on the transport surface of the vacuum conveyor, and the absorber 10 discharged from the accumulating portion 4 is a sheet. It is transferred onto the material 14 and conveyed together with the sheet material 14. The sheet material 14 is bent so as to cover the entire absorber 10 during transportation by the vacuum conveyor.
  • the integrated part 4 which is the main part of the fiber stacking device 1, will be described.
  • the integrated portion 4 is mainly composed of a fixed drum 2 made of a rigid metal body and a rotating drum 3 arranged so as to be overlapped with the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2, and is a cylinder. It has a shape.
  • the integrated portion 4 has a drum circumferential direction X1 corresponding to the circumferential direction of both drums 2 and 3, and a drum axial direction Y1 corresponding to the direction in which the rotation axis of the rotating drum 3 extends.
  • the fixed drum 2 has a cylindrical shape, and the openings at both ends of the cylindrical fixed drum 2 in the axial direction are hermetically sealed by a side wall 21 and a sealing material (not shown) such as felt.
  • the inside of the fixed drum 2 is divided into a plurality of spaces (three in the present embodiment) in the circumferential direction by the partition wall 22, and a plurality of spaces A to C corresponding to each division are formed.
  • a decompression mechanism (not shown) for depressurizing the inside of the fixed drum 2 is connected to the fixed drum 2.
  • the decompression mechanism includes an exhaust pipe (not shown) connected to the side wall 21 and an exhaust fan (not shown) connected to the exhaust pipe.
  • any one of the plurality of spaces A to C in the fixed drum 2 is maintained at a negative pressure.
  • the fixed drum 2 is capable of independently adjusting the negative pressures (suction forces) of the plurality of spaces A to C partitioned by the partition wall 22.
  • the rotating drum 3 receives power from a prime mover such as a motor and rotates in the direction R1 along the drum circumferential direction X1 with the horizontal rotation axis as the center of rotation, whereas the fixed drum 2 does not rotate.
  • the rotary drum 3 has an outer layer composed of a metal cylindrical drum main body 3A and a plurality of members 33 to 38 arranged on the outer peripheral portion 3AS of the drum main body 3A. Including part 3B.
  • the drum body 3A is a member of the rotating drum 3 that is closest to the fixed drum 2, and is arranged so as to face the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2.
  • the drum body 3A is an annular member continuous over the entire length of the drum circumferential direction X1, while the plurality of members 33 to 38 constituting the outer layer portion 3B are each divided into a plurality of members in the drum circumferential direction X1. ..
  • These plurality of members 33 to 38 are joined to each other in a detachable manner by means of a fastener such as a bolt or a joining means such as an adhesive, and are joined to the outer peripheral portion 3AS of the drum body 3A in a detachable manner.
  • a fastener such as a bolt or a joining means such as an adhesive
  • the plurality of members constituting the outer layer portion 3B have a first suction adjusting plate 33, a first recessed bottom surface forming plate 34, and a second suction adjusting plate 35 in the order of proximity to the drum body 3A.
  • the second recess bottom surface forming plate 36, the recess partition plate 37 and the ring plate 38 are included.
  • the four plates of the first suction adjusting plate 33, the second suction adjusting plate 35, the second recessed bottom surface forming plate 36, and the recessed partition plate 37 have a length (width) of Y1 in the drum axial direction.
  • the ring plate 38 is arranged on the outermost side of the rotating drum 3.
  • the ring plates 38 have a narrower width than the four plates 33, 35 to 37, and as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the ring plates 38 are arranged in pairs on both sides of the drum axial direction Y1 with the integration recess 40 interposed therebetween. ..
  • the recessed partition plate 37 is for forming groove-shaped recesses 13X and 13Y in the absorber 10, and a plurality of partition members 370 (FIG. 3) intersecting each other in the portion of the recessed partition plate 37 corresponding to the accumulating recess 40.
  • the first recessed bottom surface forming plate 34 and the second recessed bottom surface forming plate 36 each form the bottom surface of the accumulating recess 40 in which the fiber material is stacked, and have a large number of suction holes through which vacuum air can pass. It is a member.
  • the first recess bottom surface forming plate 34 is used for forming the middle-high portion 11A which is a part of the high basis weight portion 11 of the absorber 10, and is used in the third layered fiber region 41C described later of the accumulation recess 40. It corresponds.
  • the first recessed bottom surface forming plate 34 has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and is narrower than the second recessed bottom surface forming plate 36.
  • the second recess bottom surface forming plate 36 is used for forming a portion other than the middle and high portions 11A of the absorber 10, and the first stacking fiber region 41A and the second stacking fiber region 41B, which will be described later, of the accumulating recess 40. And the portion other than the portion corresponding to the middle and high portion 11A in the third layered fiber region 41C.
  • an opening 360 having the same shape as the plan view of the plate 34 is formed corresponding to the plate 34.
  • the first suction adjusting plate 33 is made of a non-breathable member having a plurality of openings 330,331,332 through which vacuum air can pass, and can be sucked only through the openings 330,331,332, and the openings 330,331 can be sucked. , 332 and other parts cannot be sucked.
  • the opening 332 is arranged at the center of the drum axial direction Y1 of the portion corresponding to the third layered fiber region 41C in the first suction adjusting plate 33, corresponding to the first concave bottom surface forming plate 34, and is arranged in the opening 332.
  • the openings 330 are arranged on both sides of the drum axial direction Y1 so as to sandwich the above.
  • the second suction adjusting plate 35 is made of a non-breathable member having a plurality of openings 350 and 351 through which vacuum air can pass, and can be sucked only through the openings 350 and 351. It cannot be sucked.
  • the configuration of the outer layer portion 3B of the rotary drum 3 is not limited to the illustrated form, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.
  • the outer layer portion 3B may not include the first suction adjusting plate 33 and the second suction adjusting plate 35.
  • Both suction adjusting plates 33 and 35 function as suction adjusting bodies for adjusting the flow rate of vacuum air (hereinafter, also referred to as "suction air volume”) in the accumulating recess 40.
  • suction air volume adjusting the setting of the suction adjusting body, a plurality of openings arranged corresponding to the accumulation recess 40 (for example, openings 330, 331, 332 of the first suction adjusting plate 33, and a second suction).
  • the opening area of all or part of the openings 350, 351) of the adjusting plate 35 can be individually adjusted, whereby the flow rate (suction air volume) of the vacuum air passing through the plurality of openings can be individually adjusted. can do.
  • the suction adjusting body the suction adjusting body according to the fifth to sixth inventions described later can be adopted.
  • the integration recess 40 of the rotary drum 3 in the outer peripheral portion 3S is a plurality of portions (for example, a high basis weight portion) having different basis weights of the absorber 10 (fiber stack) which is a manufacturing object.
  • the plurality of fiber stacking regions 41 corresponding to the low basis weight portion 12) are provided in the drum circumferential direction X1, and the plurality of fiber stacking regions 41 are the first fiber stacking region 41A and the first fiber stacking region 41. It includes a second stacking region 41B forming a high basis weight portion of the stacking body as compared to 41A.
  • the number of the fiber stacking regions 41 included in the accumulation recess 40 is determined by the number of portions having different basis weights, which the fiber stacking body, which is a manufacturing object, has in the direction corresponding to the flow direction MD at the time of manufacturing.
  • the above-mentioned absorber 10 has at least a high basis weight portion 11 and a low basis weight portion as portions having different basis weights in the vertical direction X corresponding to the flow direction MD (rotational direction R1 of the rotary drum 3) at the time of manufacture. Since each of the high basis weight portion 11 and the low basis weight portion 12 may have a plurality of portions having different basis weights in the vertical direction X, one absorber 10 is used.
  • the number of the fiber stacking regions 41 included in the integration recess 40 for manufacturing is at least two, and may be three, four, or five or more.
  • the accumulation recess 40 is a stacking region 41, and as shown in FIG. 5, in addition to the first stacking region 41A and the second stacking region 41B, the third stacking region 41C is further formed. Is provided in the drum circumferential direction X1.
  • the first stacking fiber region 41A and the second stacking fiber region 41B are portions that form the low basis weight portion 12 of the absorber 10, respectively, and have an opening closing member 30 described later (opening in a plan view). It is a fiber stacking region where suction is restricted by the opening closing member 30), which overlaps with the portion closing member 30.
  • the third layered fiber region 41C is a portion forming the high basis weight portion 11 of the absorber 10 and does not have the opening closing member 30 described later (with the opening closing member 30 in a plan view). It is a fiber stacking area where suction is not restricted by the opening closing member 30).
  • a region having no opening closing member 30 (suction is not restricted by the opening closing member 30) in the accumulation recess 40, such as the third stacking fiber region 41C, is also referred to as a “suction non-restricted region”.
  • the suction limiting region may be three or more in the accumulation recess 40 for manufacturing one laminated fiber.
  • the suction non-restricted region is typically one in the integration recess 40 for producing one absorber 10 (fiber stack).
  • the integration recesses 40 are continuously arranged over the entire length of the drum circumferential direction X1 of the rotating drum 3, and the first stacking fiber region 41A and the second stacking fiber adjacent to the drum circumferential direction X1 are arranged.
  • the region 41B (suction restricted region) and the third fiber stacking region 41C (suction non-restricted region) are alternately arranged over the entire length of the drum circumferential direction X1.
  • the absorber 10 discharged from the accumulation recess 40 to the vacuum conveyor of the transport mechanism 6 is an absorber continuum in which a plurality of absorbers 10 are continuous in the vertical direction X.
  • the rotating drum 3 surrounds the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 in the order of the region corresponding to the space A, the region corresponding to the space B, and the region corresponding to the space C from the upstream side to the downstream side in the rotation direction R1.
  • the "region corresponding to the space A” overlaps with the extension portion when the space A of the fixed drum 2 is virtually extended outward in the radial direction (direction orthogonal to the drum axis direction) of the fixed drum 2. Refers to an area. Regarding the "region corresponding to the space B" and the "region corresponding to the space C", "space A” is replaced with “space B” or "space C” in the above description of the "region corresponding to the space A”. Things apply.
  • the region corresponding to the spaces A and B is the suction region S in which the fiber stacking material is stacked in the accumulation recess 40, and the opening on one end side of the duct 51 of the raw material supply mechanism 5 is the suction region. It covers S.
  • the suction areas S the area corresponding to the space A is the first suction area S1 in which suction from the fixed drum 2 side is partially possible, and the area corresponding to the space B is the fixed drum 2 side.
  • the suction region S has a first suction region S1 and a second suction region S2 in the drum circumferential direction X1.
  • the integration recess 40 of the rotating drum 3 becomes the spaces A and B.
  • the negative pressure in the spaces A and B acts on the breathable members (recessed bottom surface forming plates 34 and 36) forming the bottom surface of the accumulation recess 40, and the said.
  • Air is sucked through a large number of suction holes of the breathable member.
  • the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 includes a first suction region corresponding portion 23 corresponding to the first suction region S1 and a second suction region corresponding portion 24 corresponding to the second suction region S2. Is arranged.
  • the rotating drums 3 are arranged in this order in the rotation direction R1 (transportation direction of the integration recess 40).
  • the first suction region corresponding portion 23 is a portion where suction from the inner side of the fixed drum 2 is partially enabled, and can be rephrased as a selective suction region 23.
  • the second suction region corresponding portion 24 is a portion where suction from the inner side of the fixed drum 2 is fully possible, and can be rephrased as a full suction region 24.
  • the first suction region corresponding portion 23 is made of a non-breathable member having an opening partially provided, and vacuum air is allowed to pass through the first suction region corresponding portion 23 only through the opening in the thickness direction.
  • the suction control body 25 corresponding to the above-mentioned "non-breathable member partially provided with an opening" in the portion corresponding to the first suction region corresponding portion 23 in the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2. Is arranged.
  • the suction control body 25 has one or more control body openings 26 that penetrate the suction control body 25 in the thickness direction.
  • the control body openings 26 have a band shape (straight line shape) extending in the drum circumferential direction X1 in a plan view, and are arranged in plurality at predetermined intervals in the drum axial direction Y1.
  • the suction control body 25 is non-breathable, and therefore, suction is not possible at a portion of the suction control body 25 other than the control body opening 26.
  • the non-breathable member constituting the suction control body 25 a metal, a resin, or the like can be used.
  • the second suction region corresponding portion 24 does not include the non-breathable member, and the entire portion corresponding to the accumulation recess is open. Therefore, the vacuum air can pass through the entire area of the second suction region corresponding portion 24 in the thickness direction.
  • the "plan view” or “plan view” of a curved portion such as the outer peripheral portion of the integrated portion 4 (fixed drum 2, rotary drum 3) is the curved portion (for example, a suction control body).
  • the accumulation recess 40, etc. means a case where the curved portion is viewed from the outside in the normal direction (direction orthogonal to the drum axis direction).
  • the outer peripheral portion 3AS of the drum main body 3A which is a portion of the rotating drum 3 facing the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2, is formed on the outer peripheral portion 3AS.
  • a non-breathable opening closing member 30 that closes the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23 is arranged.
  • the opening closing member 30 is configured such that the integration recess 40 closes the control body opening 26 while the first suction region S1 is being conveyed.
  • the opening closing member 30 corresponds to the first stacking fiber region 41A of the accumulation recess 40 (overlaps with the first stacking fiber region 41A in a plan view), and the first opening closing member 30A. And a second opening closing member 30B corresponding to the second stacking fiber region 41B of the accumulation recess 40 (overlapping with the second stacking fiber region 41B in a plan view). Both opening closing members 30A and 30B are arranged side by side in the drum circumferential direction X1 corresponding to both fiber stacking regions 41A and 41B.
  • the number of the fiber stacking regions 41 included in the accumulation recess 40 for manufacturing one fiber stack (absorbent) is not particularly limited on the premise that there are a plurality of fiber stacking regions 41. Where there may be three or more, in that case, three or more opening closing members 30 may be arranged side by side in the drum circumferential direction X1. Unless otherwise specified, the description of the opening closing member 30 in the present specification includes a plurality of fiber stacking devices of the present invention, including the first opening closing member 30A and the second opening closing member 30B. Applies to opening closure members.
  • the accumulation recess 40 further includes the high basis weight portion 11 of the absorber 10 in addition to the first stacking fiber region 41A and the second stacking fiber region 41B (suction limiting region).
  • the third layered fiber region 41C (suction non-restricted region) to be formed is provided, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, it corresponds to the third layered fiber region 41C in the outer peripheral portion 3AS of the drum body 3A.
  • the opening closing member 30 is not arranged in the portion 32. As the non-breathable material forming the opening closing member 30, metal, resin or the like can be used.
  • the suction obstruction portion 31 in which the opening closing member 30 is arranged and the opening closing member 30 are not arranged in the outer peripheral portion 3AS of the drum main body 3A, and the outer peripheral portion 30 is not arranged.
  • a suction non-inhibiting portion 32 formed of a through hole penetrating the portion 3AS in the thickness direction is alternately arranged in the drum circumferential direction X1.
  • the number of arrangements of the opening closing member 30 in the drum axial direction Y1 is the drum axial direction of the control body opening 26 in the first suction region corresponding portion 23 of the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2. It is set to be the same as the number of arrangements in Y1.
  • the number of arrangements of the control body opening 26 in the drum axial direction Y1 is 3, so the number of arrangements of the opening closing member 30 in the suction obstruction portion 31 in the drum axial direction Y1 is also 3.
  • the plurality (three) opening closing members 30 have a band shape (straight line) extending in the drum circumferential direction X1 in a plan view, and are intermittently arranged in the drum axial direction Y1. ing. Further, the opening closing member 30 is arranged at the same position in the control body opening 26 and the drum axial direction Y1, and the first suction region corresponding portion 23 and the suction inhibition portion 31 are overlapped with each other in the first suction region.
  • the control body opening 26 of the corresponding portion 23 is closed by the opening closing member 30 of the suction inhibition portion 31.
  • the term "closed” as used herein includes 1) an opening closing member 30 so that vacuum air cannot pass through the control body opening 26, that is, suction at the control body opening 26 is completely impossible. 2)
  • the opening closing member 30 overlaps the control body opening 26 to the extent that suction at the control body opening 26 is possible to some extent. Both of the above 1) and 2) are the same in that the suction at the control body opening 26 is hindered by the opening closing member 30.
  • the suction non-inhibiting portion 32 does not include a non-breathable member such as the opening closing member 30, and the entire portion corresponding to the accumulation recess is open. Therefore, the vacuum air can pass through the entire area of the suction non-inhibiting portion 32 in the thickness direction.
  • the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 corresponds to the first suction region during the transportation of the integration recess 40 in the first suction region S1.
  • the opening closing member 30 overlaps the control body opening 26 (opening required for suction from the fixed drum 2 side) of the portion 23.
  • the flow rate (suction air volume) of the vacuum air in the first stacking fiber region 41A and the second stacking fiber region 41B (suction limiting region) of the accumulation recess 40 is reduced.
  • the region corresponding to the space A is the first suction region S1 (the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 in the outer peripheral portion 3S of the rotating drum 3).
  • the region corresponding to the first suction region corresponding portion 23 and the space B in a plan view corresponds to the second suction region S2 (corresponding to the second suction region of the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 in the outer peripheral portion 3S of the rotating drum 3).
  • both suction regions S1 and S2 are located in the rotation direction R1 of the rotary drum 3, that is, from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction (flow direction MD) of the accumulation recess 40. They are arranged in order.
  • the positions of both suction regions S1 and S2 are not particularly limited, and contrary to the illustrated embodiment, the second suction region S2 is directed from the upstream side to the downstream side of the flow direction MD.
  • the first suction region S1 may be arranged in this order.
  • the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 which is the source (suction source) of the vacuum air corresponds to the first suction region S1 and includes a first suction control body 25 having a control body opening 26 partially.
  • a suction region corresponding portion 23 and a second suction region corresponding portion 24 corresponding to the second suction region S2 and having an entire portion corresponding to the accumulation recess 40 open are arranged.
  • the outer peripheral portion 3AS of the drum main body 3A which is a portion of the rotating drum 3 facing the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2
  • the first stacking fiber region 41A and the second stacking region 41A which are a part of the integration recess 40, are stacked.
  • the opening closing member 30 is not arranged, and the suction non-inhibiting portion 32 is composed of a through hole penetrating the outer peripheral portion 3AS in the thickness direction. Is arranged.
  • the accumulation recess 40 changes the suction region S into the first suction region S1 and the second suction region S2, as shown in FIG. Move in the order of.
  • FIG. 7 shows a suction state in both suction regions S1 and S2 of the first stacking fiber region 41A (suction limiting region), and FIG. 8 shows both suctions of the third stacking fiber region 41C (suction non-restricted region).
  • the suction states in the regions S1 and S2 are shown, respectively.
  • the arrows in FIGS. 7 and 8 indicate vacuum air.
  • 7 (a) and 8 (a) show the suction state in the first suction region S1
  • FIGS. 7 (b) and 8 (b) show the suction state in the second suction region S2.
  • the first stacking fiber region 41A and the second stacking fiber region 41B are a control body opening 26 of the fixed drum 2 and an opening closing member 30 (30A, 30B) of the rotating drum 3.
  • the separation distance is different and the flow rate of vacuum air (suction air volume) may be different due to the influence thereof, the suction air volume control method itself implemented by using the control body opening 26 and the opening closing member 30 in the first suction region S1. Is substantially the same. Therefore, the description of the mode shown in FIG. 7 and the method of controlling the suction air volume for the first stacking fiber region 41A (first opening closing member 30A) based on FIG. 7 is described in the second stacking fiber region 41B ( It can also be applied to the second opening closing member 30B).
  • the rotating drum When the accumulation recess 40 is passing through the first suction region S1, in the first stacking fiber region 41A (suction restriction region), the rotating drum is inserted into the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23 of the fixed drum 2.
  • the control body opening 26 is closed by overlapping the opening closing member 30 (first opening closing member 30A) of No. 3 (see FIG. 7A), but the third stacking fiber region 41C (suction non-restriction). In the region), the control body opening 26 is not closed (see FIG. 8A). Therefore, while the accumulation recess 40 passes through the first suction region S1, suction from the fixed drum 2 side (passing through the vacuum air control body opening 26) is impossible or significantly restricted in the first stacking fiber region 41A.
  • the suction air volume is zero or significantly reduced, the suction of the fiber material is hindered, and in the third stacking fiber region 41C, the suction from the fixed drum 2 side is not substantially restricted, so that the suction air volume is substantially reduced.
  • the fiber material is preferentially stacked as compared with the first stacking region 41A.
  • the second suction region corresponding portion 24 of the fixed drum 2 corresponding to the second suction region S2 provides a non-breathable member such as the suction control body 25.
  • the plurality of fiber stacking regions 41 (this) divided into the drum circumferential direction X1 of the accumulation recess 40 are not included.
  • the suction from the fixed drum 2 side is substantially not restricted in each of the first stacking fiber region 41A, the second stacking fiber region 41B, and the third stacking fiber region 41C), and the suction air volume is substantially. Since it is not reduced, the fiber stacking material can be stacked on the entire accumulation recess 40 (see FIGS. 7 (b) and 8 (b)).
  • the periodic overlap of the control body opening 26 of the fixed drum 2 and the opening closing member 30 (30A, 30B) of the rotary drum 3 due to the rotation of the rotary drum 3 is utilized.
  • the first suction region S1 which is a part of the suction region S, only the flow of vacuum air related to the first fiber region 41A and the second fiber region 41B (suction restriction region) is selectively inhibited.
  • This allows concentrated fiber material stacking in the third stacking region 41C (suction non-restricted region).
  • the fiber material is preferentially stacked in the third fiber stacking region 41C.
  • the fiber material is substantially piled up only in the third fiber stacking region 41C, and the fiber material is completely stacked in the first fiber stacking region 41A and the second fiber stacking region 41B. Even if the fibers are not fiberized or are stacked, the amount of fiber stacking can be extremely small as compared with the third fiber stacking region 41C.
  • the second suction region S2 such selective suction inhibition is not performed, and the fibers are stacked in the entire accumulation recess 40. Therefore, the accumulation recess 40 after passing through the suction region S has a second position.
  • the ratio of the area of the control body opening 26 to the area of 23 is preferably 5% or more, more preferably 15% or more, and preferably 80% or less, more preferably 60% or less.
  • the third stacking fiber region 41C (suction non-restricted region) has a recess depth as compared with the first stacking fiber region 41A and the second stacking fiber region 41B (suction limiting region). Is deep.
  • the central portion (the portion forming the middle and high portion 11A of the absorber 10) of the third stacking fiber region 41C in the drum axial direction Y1 is both.
  • the recess depth is deeper than that of both the fiber stacking regions 41A and 41B and the portions of the third fiber stacking region 41C other than the central portion (both ends of the drum axial direction Y1 of the third fiber stacking region 41C).
  • the first recessed bottom surface forming plate 34 forming the bottom surface of the central portion of the third layered fiber region 41C in the drum axial direction Y1 has the central portion in both the fiber stacking region 41A and 41B and the third layered fiber region 41C. It is located closer to the fixed drum 2 than the second concave bottom surface forming plate 36 that forms the bottom surface of the portion other than the above.
  • the "recess depth” refers to a separation distance between the outer surface of a member located on both sides of the drum axial direction Y1 across the accumulation recess 40 and the bottom surface of the accumulation recess 40, and in the present embodiment, the member is The ring plate 38. As described above, it is shown in FIG.
  • the first recessed bottom surface forming plate 34 may have the same depth as the second recessed bottom surface forming plate 36.
  • the first suction region corresponding portion 23 (specifically, the suction control body 25 forming the first suction region corresponding portion 23) and the first opening closing member 30A. Is made to be separated from each other.
  • FIG. 7A there is a gap G0 between the first suction region corresponding portion 23 (suction control body 25) and the first opening closing member 30A (the portion surrounded by ⁇ in FIG. 7A). ) Exists, and they are separated from each other.
  • the second opening closing member 30B of the rotary drum 3 is overlapped with the control body opening 26, the first suction region corresponding portion 23 (suction control body 25) and the second opening closing member 30B are separated from each other. is doing.
  • the fiber stacking device 1 is configured in this way to eliminate the above-mentioned concerns, and an absorber (fiber stacking body) having a large degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the direction corresponding to the flow direction MD at the time of manufacturing. It can be manufactured stably.
  • the suction region S is used for integration.
  • the recess 40 is divided into a first suction region S1 and a second suction region S2 in the transport direction, and in one of the first suction regions S1, the control body opening 26 and the opening closing member 30 are used.
  • the flow rate of vacuum air in the fiber stacking region 41A of 1 and the fiber stacking region 41B (suction limiting region) of the second fiber stacking region 41B (suction limiting region) is reduced (configuration A).
  • the fiber stacking device of the present invention is characterized in that, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in addition to the above-mentioned configuration A, the configuration B1 or B2 described below is further provided.
  • Configuration B1 In the first suction region S1, the separation distance between the first suction region corresponding portion 23 and the opening closing member 30 in a state where the opening closing member 30 overlaps the control body opening 26 is set to the drum circumferential direction X1.
  • a plurality of side-by-side opening closing members 30 (specifically, for example, the first opening closing member 30A and the second opening closing member 30B) are different from each other. More specifically, in the configuration B1, the separation distances of the plurality of opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum peripheral direction X1 are different from each other, and the separation distances from one side to the other side of the drum peripheral direction X1.
  • the plurality of opening closing members 30 are arranged so as to gradually change.
  • Configuration B2 A plurality of opening closing members 30 (specifically, for example, the first opening closing member 30A and the second opening closing member 30B) arranged in the drum circumferential direction X1 are orthogonal to each other.
  • the length of the directional CD width, length in the drum axis direction Y1 is different. More specifically, in the configuration B2, the widths of the opening closing members 30 are different from each other among the plurality of opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum peripheral direction X1, and the widths of the opening closing members 30 are different from each other, and the widths of the opening closing members 30 are different from each other and are directed from one side to the other side of the drum peripheral direction X1.
  • the plurality of opening closing members 30 are arranged so that the width of the opening closing member 30 gradually changes.
  • the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23 corresponds to the first stacking fiber region 41A of the accumulation recess 40.
  • the first suction region corresponding portion 23 suction control body 25
  • the first opening closing member 30A are separated from each other with a predetermined separation distance G1.
  • the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23 has a second opening closing member corresponding to the second stacking fiber region 41B of the accumulation recess 40.
  • the first suction region corresponding portion 23 suction control body 25
  • the second opening closing member 30B are separated from each other with a predetermined separation distance G2. Then, the magnitude relationship of "separation distance G1 ⁇ separation distance G2" is established. That is, the second opening closing member 30B corresponding to the second stacking fiber region 41B has a control body opening 26 as compared with the first opening closing member 30A corresponding to the first stacking fiber region 41A.
  • the separation distance from the first suction region corresponding portion 23 in the overlapped state is long.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross section of the first stacking fiber region 41A in FIG. 12 along the drum axial direction Y1
  • FIG. 11 is a cross section of the second stacking fiber region 41B in FIG. 12 along the drum axial direction Y1.
  • the third layered fiber region 41C is a suction non-restricted region having no opening closing member 30.
  • the difference between the separation distance G1 and the separation distance G2 is preferably 0.1 mm or more when the separation distance G1 is subtracted from the separation distance G2. It is 9 mm or less, more preferably 0.1 mm or more and 1.9 mm or less.
  • the separation distances G1 and G2 are too short, there is a concern about wear due to contact between the above-mentioned opening closing member 30 (30A, 30B) and the first suction region corresponding portion 23 (suction control body 25), and vacuum. Since it is substantially impossible for air to pass through the control body opening 26, it becomes difficult to control the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the flow direction MD by adjusting the separation distances G1 and G2. Further, if the separation distances G1 and G2 are too long, it is insufficient to intentionally reduce the suction air volume in the suction limiting region (fiber stacking regions 41A and 41B) in the first suction region S1 (the effect of the configuration A).
  • the separation distances G1 and G2 are preferably larger than 0 mm and 3 mm or less, and more preferably larger than 0 mm and 2 mm or less, respectively.
  • the number of the fiber stacking regions 41 included in the accumulation recess 40 is not particularly limited on the premise that the number of the fiber stacking regions 41 is a plurality, and the fiber stacking body, which is the object of manufacture, has a flow direction MD at the time of manufacture.
  • the number may be three or more, and in that case, three or more opening closing members 30 are lined up in the drum circumferential direction X1. Can be distributed.
  • the first opening closing member and the second opening are from the upstream side to the downstream side of the flow direction MD (rotational direction R1 of the rotary drum 3 and the transport direction of the integration recess 40) at the time of manufacture.
  • the nth opening closing member (hereinafter, also referred to as "specific form A") is included.
  • the n (n is a natural number of 3 or more) opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum circumferential direction X1 are each the first in the first suction region S1.
  • the first suction region corresponding portion 23 is separated from the first suction region corresponding portion 23 with a predetermined separation distance G. Then, the separation distance G is different between the n opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum peripheral direction X1, and the separation distance G gradually changes from one side to the other side of the drum peripheral direction X1.
  • a plurality of opening closing members 30 are arranged. For example, from the upstream side to the downstream side of the flow direction MD along the drum circumferential direction X1, the first opening closing member, the second opening closing member, the third opening closing member ...
  • the separation distance of the first opening closing member G1 ⁇ the separation distance of the second opening closing member G2 ⁇ the separation distance of the third opening closing member G3 ⁇ ...
  • the magnitude relationship of Gn is established.
  • a plurality of (natural numbers of n or more) fiber stacking regions 41 (suction restriction regions) corresponding to n opening closing members 30 are used in the first suction region S1.
  • the longer the separation distance G the larger the suction air volume. Therefore, regarding the basis weight of the fiber material sucked into the accumulation recess 40 and stacked, "corresponding to the opening closing member 30 having a relatively short separation distance G".
  • the size relationship of the fiber stacking region 41 ⁇ the fiber stacking region 41 corresponding to the opening closing member 30 having a relatively long separation distance G ” is established, and in combination with the above-mentioned action and effect of the configuration A, at the time of manufacture. It is possible to increase the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the flow direction MD.
  • the separation distance Gn referred to here can be set in the same range as the above-mentioned separation distances G1 and G2.
  • the first suction region corresponding portion 23 is the first with respect to the width W1 of the first opening closing member 30A with reference to FIG.
  • the width W26 of the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23 overlapping the opening closing member 30A is preferably 10% or more, more preferably 20% or more, and preferably 90% or less, more preferably 80. % Or less.
  • the width W26 of the opening 26 is preferably 10% or more, more preferably 20% or more, and preferably 90% or less, more preferably 80% or less. That is, the width of the opening closing member 30 (the length of the CD in the orthogonal direction of transport) is slightly larger than the width W26 of the control body opening 26 that overlaps with the opening closing member 30 in the first suction region corresponding portion 23. Longer is preferable.
  • the ratio of the control body opening 26 to the width W26 is also preferably within the above range.
  • the width W1 of the first opening closing member 30A and the width W2 of the second opening closing member 30B may be the same or different, but are typical. Both widths W1 and W2 are the same.
  • the width W1 of the first opening closing member 30A is longer than the width W26 of the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23, and the first suction is performed.
  • the first opening closing member 30A extends the control body opening 26 over the entire length of the transport orthogonal direction CD (drum axial direction Y1). It exists.
  • the width W2 of the second opening closing member 30B1 is shorter than the width W26 of the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23, and the control body opening in the first suction region S1.
  • FIG. 14 shows a state in which a portion corresponding to one product unit (one absorber 10) of the accumulation recess 40 is located in the first suction region S1 in the fiber stacking device provided with the configuration B2. , A cross section along the drum circumferential direction X1 is shown.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross section of the first stacking fiber region 41A in FIG. 14 along the drum axial direction Y1
  • FIG. 13 is a cross section of the second stacking fiber region 41B in FIG. 14 along the drum axial direction Y1.
  • the third layered fiber region 41C is a suction non-restricted region having no opening closing member 30.
  • the width W26 of the control body opening 26 is typically constant in the fiber stacking device regardless of the width of the opening closing member 30 overlapping the width W26. be.
  • the first opening closing member 30A covers the entire side of the rotating drum 3 of the control body opening 26, whereas the second opening closing member Since 30B does not cover a part of the control body opening 26 on the rotating drum 3 side, the first stacking fiber region 41A corresponding to the first opening closing member 30A and the second opening closing member 30B corresponding to the first opening closing member 30A.
  • the magnitude relationship of the first stacking fiber region 41A ⁇ the second stacking fiber region 41B is established with the stacking fiber region 41B of 2. Therefore, according to the fiber stacking device provided with the configuration B2.
  • the magnitude relationship of the first fiber stacking region 41A ⁇ second fiber stacking region 41B is established. Together, it makes it possible to increase the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the flow direction MD at the time of manufacturing.
  • n is a natural number of 3 or more opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum circumferential direction X1 are used to form the opening closing member 30.
  • the plurality of opening closing members 30 are arranged so that the width W (the length of the CD in the orthogonal direction of transport) is different from each other and the width W gradually changes from one side in the circumferential direction of the drum to the other side. For example, from the upstream side to the downstream side of the flow direction MD along the drum circumferential direction X1, the first opening closing member, the second opening closing member, the third opening closing member ...
  • the width W1 of the first opening closing member ⁇ the width W2 of the second opening closing member ⁇ the width W3 of the third opening closing member W3 ⁇ ... ⁇ the width of the nth opening closing member
  • the magnitude relationship of Wn is established.
  • a plurality of (natural numbers of n or more) fiber stacking regions 41 (suction restriction regions) corresponding to n opening closing members 30 are used.
  • the width W26 is short.
  • the basis weight of the fiber material sucked into the accumulation recess 40 and stacked is "the fiber stacking region 41 ⁇ width W corresponding to the opening closing member 30 having a relatively long width W".
  • the size relationship of the fiber stacking region 41 corresponding to the relatively short opening closing member 30 is established, and in combination with the above-mentioned action and effect of the configuration A, the fiber material is unevenly distributed in the flow direction MD during manufacturing. It is possible to increase the degree of.
  • the wide opening closing member 30 having a longer width (length of the transport orthogonal direction CD) than the control body opening 26 having an overlapping relationship in the first suction region S1, such as the first opening closing member 30A.
  • the width of the wide opening closing member 30 is longer than the width of the control body opening 26, the width is preferably 110% or more, more preferably 110% or more, based on the width of the control body opening 26. It is 125% or more, preferably 1000% or less, and more preferably 500% or less.
  • the width of the narrow opening closing member 30 is shorter than the width of the control body opening 26, it is preferably 50% or more with respect to the width of the control body opening 26. %, More preferably 60% or more and less than 100%.
  • the first suction region S1 the first suction region corresponding portion 23 and the first opening closing member 30A are in a state where the first opening closing member 30A is overlapped with the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23. It is preferable that they are separated by a predetermined separation distance, and the separation distance is preferably larger than 0 mm and 3 mm or less, more preferably larger than 0 mm and 2 mm or less.
  • the first suction region corresponding portion 23 and the second opening portion are in a state where the second opening closing member 30B is overlapped with the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23.
  • the closing member 30B is separated from each other with a predetermined separation distance, and the separation distance is preferably larger than 0 mm and 3 mm or less, more preferably larger than 0 mm and 2 mm or less.
  • the separation distance from the corresponding portion 23 is also preferably within the above range.
  • the rotating drum 3 is located farther from the fixed drum 2 than the drum main body 3A arranged to face the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 and the drum main body 3A.
  • the opening closing member 30 includes the outer layer portion 3B to be arranged, from the outer layer portion 3B in the drum main body 3A. It is arranged at a position separated by a predetermined distance on the drum main body 3A side.
  • the opening closing member 30 is arranged with a separation distance L from the outer layer portion 3B to the fixed drum 2 side, and has a first suction region corresponding portion 23 and a second suction region corresponding portion 24. It is arranged in the vicinity of the outer peripheral portion 2S of the drum 2.
  • the method for producing an absorber of the present invention will be described by taking as an example a method for producing an absorber 10 (an absorber having a plurality of portions having different basis weights in one direction) using the above-mentioned fiber stacking device 1. ..
  • the above-mentioned description of the fiber stacking device 1 is appropriately applied to the points not particularly described about such a manufacturing method.
  • the method for producing an absorber using the fiber stacking device 1 includes a fiber stacking step. In the fiber stacking step, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rotating drum 3 is rotated around the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2, and the fiber material is scattered with respect to the outer peripheral portion 3S of the rotating drum 3. This is a step of stacking fibers in the accumulation recess 40 in a predetermined suction region S in the peripheral direction X1 of the drum.
  • the fiber stacking device 1 divides the suction region S into a first suction region S1 and a second suction region S2 in the transport direction of the integration recess 40, and is one of them.
  • the control body opening 26 and the opening closing member 30 are used to reduce the flow rate of vacuum air in the plurality of fiber stacking regions 41 (suction limiting region)), and further, the above-mentioned configuration.
  • the plurality of opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum circumferential direction X1 are placed on the first suction region corresponding portion 23 in a state of overlapping the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23 in the first suction region S1.
  • the separation distances G are different from each other among the plurality of opening closing members 30 arranged at a predetermined separation distance G and arranged in the drum circumferential direction X1, and the separation distances G are different from each other, and the distances G are directed from one side to the other side in the drum circumferential direction X1. Since the plurality of opening closing members 30 are arranged so that the separation distance G gradually changes. In the fiber stacking step, in the first suction region S1, between the plurality of fiber stacking regions 41 (the suction limiting regions) corresponding to the plurality of opening closing members 30, the longer the separation distance G, the more the flow rate of vacuum air. Will increase.
  • the magnitude relationship of the fiber stacking region 41 "corresponding to the opening closing member 30" is established.
  • the suction limiting region includes the first fiber stacking region 41A and the second fiber stacking region 41B, and the separation distance G related to both fiber stacking regions 41A and 41B is described above.
  • the magnitude relation of the separation distance G1 ⁇ separation distance G2 is established, the magnitude relation of the first stacking fiber region 41A ⁇ the second stacking fiber region 41B is established with respect to the flow rate of the vacuum air, and therefore, the magnitude relation of the fiber material is established.
  • the same magnitude relationship holds for the basis weight (amount of fiber).
  • the third stacking fiber region 41C does not have the opening closing member 30, and the suction is restricted by this.
  • the first stacking fiber region 41A suction limiting region
  • second stacking fiber region 41B suction limiting region
  • third stacking fiber region 41C suction non-restricted region
  • the largest number of fiber materials are stacked in the third fiber stacking region 41C, and the fibers are stacked in descending order of the amount of fiber stacking. It becomes the 2nd stacking fiber region 41B and the 1st stacking fiber region 41A.
  • the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material is large in the direction corresponding to the flow direction at the time of production.
  • An absorber is obtained. Further, in the state where the opening closing member 30 included in the fiber stacking device overlaps the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23 in the first suction region S1, the opening closing member 30 with respect to the first suction region corresponding portion 23.
  • the body 10 can be stably manufactured.
  • the plurality of opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum circumferential direction X1 adjust the separation distance G from the first suction region corresponding portion 23 in the first suction region S1 to the drum circumferential direction X1. It was to control the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the flow direction MD at the time of manufacturing along, but by applying this to the drum axial direction Y1, the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the transport orthogonal direction CD can be controlled. It is also possible to control. Specifically, in the above-mentioned fiber stacking device 1, a plurality (three) of control body openings 26 are provided side by side in the drum axial direction Y1 in the first suction region corresponding portion 23, and the rotary drum 3 is provided.
  • a plurality (three) opening closing members 30 are arranged side by side in the drum axial direction Y1 on the portion of the fixed drum 2 facing the outer peripheral portion 2S (the outer peripheral portion 3AS of the drum main body 3A), and the integration recess 40 is arranged.
  • the plurality of control body openings 26 arranged in the drum axial direction Y1 are overlapped with the plurality of opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum axial direction Y1 so as to overlap with each other in the drum axial direction.
  • the plurality of opening closing members 30 arranged in Y1 are predetermined with respect to the first suction region corresponding portion 23 in a state where they overlap the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23 in the first suction region S1.
  • the distances G are separated from each other (see FIGS. 4, 6, 10, 11 and the like).
  • Configuration B1a is adopted for the fiber stacking device 1 having such a configuration.
  • Configuration B1a The separation distance G is different between the plurality of opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum axial direction Y1, and the separation distance G gradually changes from one side to the other side in the drum axial direction Y1.
  • a plurality of opening closing members 30 are arranged.
  • a plurality of opening closing members 30 are arranged so that the separation distance G gradually increases from the outer side to the inner side in the drum axial direction Y1.
  • the magnitude relationship of the fiber stacking region 41 located on the outer side of the drum axial direction Y1 ⁇ the fiber stacking region 41 located on the inner side of the drum axial direction Y1 is established. Therefore, the same magnitude relationship is established for the basis weight (volume of fibers) of the fiber material.
  • the drum in the first suction region S1 in the fiber stacking step As described above, according to the method for producing an absorber of the present invention using the fiber stacking device provided with the configuration A, the configuration B1 and the configuration B1a, the drum in the first suction region S1 in the fiber stacking step.
  • the basis weight of the fiber material sucked into the accumulation recess 40 and stacked in both the circumferential direction X1 and the drum axial direction Y1 "the stacking fiber corresponding to the opening closing member 30 having a relatively short separation distance G". Since the magnitude relationship of the region 41 ⁇ the fiber stacking region 41 corresponding to the opening closing member 30 having a relatively long separation distance G "is established, the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material can be controlled to a higher degree.
  • the fiber stacking device 1 divides the structure A (suction area S into a first suction area S1 and a second suction area S2 in the transport direction of the accumulation recess 40 in the above-mentioned specific embodiment A, and one of them.
  • the control body opening 26 and the opening closing member 30 are used to reduce the flow rate of vacuum air in the plurality of fiber stacking regions 41 (suction limiting region)).
  • the width W (length of the transport orthogonal direction CD) of the opening closing members 30 is different between the plurality of opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum circumferential direction X1, and the openings are made from one side to the other side of the drum circumferential direction X1.
  • the width W of the opening closing member 30 is shorter between the plurality of fiber stacking regions 41 (the suction limiting region) corresponding to the plurality of opening closing members 30.
  • the flow rate of vacuum air increases. That is, regarding the basis weight of the fiber material sucked into the accumulation recess 40 and stacked, "the fiber stacking region 41 corresponding to the opening closing member 30 having a relatively long width W ⁇ the opening having a relatively short width W". The magnitude relationship of the fiber stacking region 41 "corresponding to the closing member 30" is established.
  • the suction limiting region includes a first stacking fiber region 41A and a second stacking fiber region 41B, and the suction non-restricting region includes a third stacking fiber region 41C, respectively. Since the width W of the opening closing member 30 related to both the fiber stacking regions 41A and 41B is as described above, regarding the flow rate of the vacuum air, the first stacking fiber region 41A ⁇ the second stacking fiber region 41B ⁇ third. The magnitude relationship of the fiber stacking region 41C is established, and the same magnitude relationship is also established for the basis weight (fiber stacking amount) of the fiber material.
  • the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material is large in the direction corresponding to the flow direction at the time of production. An absorber is obtained.
  • the width W of the opening closing members 30 is adjusted between the plurality of opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum peripheral direction X1, so that the fibers in the flow direction MD at the time of manufacturing along the drum peripheral direction X1 are used.
  • the degree of uneven distribution of the material was controlled, but by applying this to the drum axial direction Y1, it is also possible to control the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the transport orthogonal direction CD.
  • a plurality (three) of control body openings 26 are provided side by side in the drum axial direction Y1 in the first suction region corresponding portion 23, and the rotary drum 3 is provided.
  • a plurality (three) opening closing members 30 are arranged side by side in the drum axial direction Y1 on the portion of the fixed drum 2 facing the outer peripheral portion 2S (the outer peripheral portion 3AS of the drum main body 3A), and the integration recess 40 is arranged.
  • the plurality of control body openings 26 arranged in the drum axial direction Y1 are overlapped with the plurality of opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum axial direction Y1 (FIG. 4, FIG. See FIGS. 6, 10, 11 and the like).
  • the following configuration B2a is adopted for the fiber stacking device 1 having such a configuration.
  • Configuration B2a The width W (length of the transport orthogonal direction CD) of the opening closing members 30 is different between the plurality of opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum axial direction Y1, and one side to the other side of the drum axial direction Y1.
  • the plurality of opening closing members 30 are arranged so that the width W of the opening closing member 30 gradually changes toward.
  • a plurality of opening closing members 30 are arranged so that the width W of the opening closing member 30 gradually decreases from the outer side to the inner side in the drum axial direction Y1. Things can be mentioned.
  • the magnitude relationship of the fiber stacking region 41 located on the outer side of the drum axial direction Y1 ⁇ the fiber stacking region 41 located on the inner side of the drum axial direction Y1 is established. Therefore, the same magnitude relationship is established for the basis weight (volume of fibers) of the fiber material.
  • the drum in the first suction region S1 in the fiber stacking step As described above, according to the method for producing an absorber of the present invention using the fiber stacking device including the configuration A, the configuration B2 and the configuration B2a, the drum in the first suction region S1 in the fiber stacking step.
  • the basis weight of the fiber material sucked into the accumulation recess 40 and stacked in both the circumferential direction X1 and the drum axial direction Y1 "the fiber stacking region corresponding to the opening closing member 30 having a relatively long width W". Since the magnitude relationship of 41 ⁇ the fiber stacking region 41 corresponding to the opening closing member 30 having a relatively short width W is established, the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material can be controlled to a higher degree.
  • ⁇ 1A> It is provided with a fixed drum and a rotating drum that is rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum and has an accumulation recess on the outer periphery on which the fiber material is stacked.
  • the fiber material conveyed by the air flow generated by the suction from the fixed drum side is carried in the predetermined suction region in the drum circumferential direction while being conveyed in the transport direction along the drum circumferential direction.
  • a fiber stacking device for producing a fiber stack having a plurality of portions having different basis weights in the transport direction by stacking fibers on the bottom surface.
  • the accumulation recess has a plurality of fiber stacking regions corresponding to a plurality of portions of the fiber stack having different basis weights in the circumferential direction of the drum, and the plurality of fiber stacking regions are the first fiber stacking regions. And a second stacking region that forms a portion with a higher basis weight than the first stacking region.
  • the suction region has a first suction region in which suction from the fixed drum side is partially enabled and a second suction region in which the suction is fully enabled in the drum circumferential direction.
  • a first suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the first suction region and a second suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the second suction region are arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum.
  • the first suction region corresponding portion is made of a non-breathable member in which an opening (control body opening 26) is partially provided, and the air flow passes through the first suction region corresponding portion only through the opening. It is made possible to pass in the thickness direction,
  • the second suction region corresponding portion does not include a non-breathable member, and the air flow can pass through the entire area of the second suction region corresponding portion in the thickness direction.
  • a non-breathable first opening closing member corresponding to the first stacking region and a non-breathable non-breathable portion corresponding to the second stacking region.
  • a second opening closing member of sex is arranged, During the transportation of the accumulation recess in the first suction region, the first opening closing member and the second opening closing member overlap with the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion, whereby the said. It is designed to reduce the flow rate of the air flow in the first stacking region and the second stacking region.
  • the first opening closing member overlaps the opening of the first suction area corresponding portion in the first suction region
  • the first suction region corresponding portion and the first opening closing member are predetermined.
  • the separation distance G1 is placed and separated,
  • the first suction region corresponding portion and the second opening closing member are predetermined.
  • the transport orthogonal direction of the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion that overlaps with the second opening closing member in the first suction region.
  • ⁇ 4A> It is provided with a fixed drum and a rotating drum that is rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum and has an accumulation recess on the outer periphery on which fiber materials are stacked.
  • the fiber material conveyed by the air flow generated by the suction from the fixed drum side is carried in the predetermined suction region in the drum circumferential direction while being conveyed in the transport direction along the drum circumferential direction.
  • a fiber stacking device for producing a fiber stack having a plurality of portions having different basis weights in the transport direction by stacking fibers on the bottom surface.
  • the accumulation recess has a plurality of fiber stacking regions corresponding to a plurality of portions of the fiber stack having different basis weights in the circumferential direction of the drum, and the plurality of fiber stacking regions are the first fiber stacking regions. And a second stacking region that forms a portion with a higher basis weight than the first stacking region.
  • the suction region has a first suction region in which suction from the fixed drum side is partially enabled and a second suction region in which the suction is fully enabled in the drum circumferential direction.
  • a first suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the first suction region and a second suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the second suction region are arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum.
  • the first suction region corresponding portion is made of a non-breathable member in which an opening (control body opening 26) is partially provided, and the air flow passes through the first suction region corresponding portion only through the opening. It is made possible to pass in the thickness direction,
  • the second suction region corresponding portion does not include a non-breathable member, and the air flow can pass through the entire area of the second suction region corresponding portion in the thickness direction.
  • a non-breathable first opening closing member corresponding to the first stacking region and a non-breathable non-breathable portion corresponding to the second stacking region.
  • a second opening closing member of sex is arranged, During the transportation of the accumulation recess in the first suction region, the first opening closing member and the second opening closing member overlap with the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion, whereby the said. It is designed to reduce the flow rate of the air flow in the first stacking region and the second stacking region.
  • the first opening closing member has a longer length in the transport orthogonal direction orthogonal to the transport direction than the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion, and the opening in the first suction region. When the first opening closing members are overlapped with each other, the first opening closing member extends the opening over the entire length in the direction orthogonal to the transport.
  • the length of the second opening closing member in the transport orthogonal direction is shorter than that of the opening corresponding to the first suction region, and the second opening is closed at the opening in the first suction region.
  • a fiber stacking device in which, in a state where the members are overlapped, a portion of the opening in the direction orthogonal to the transport is not covered by the second opening closing member.
  • the first opening closing member (a wide opening closing member having a longer length in the transport orthogonal direction than the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion which is in an overlapping relationship in the first suction region).
  • the length in the transport orthogonal direction is preferably 110% or more, more preferably 125% or more, and preferably 1000 with respect to the length in the transport orthogonal direction of the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion. % Or less, more preferably 500% or less, according to the above ⁇ 4A>.
  • the second opening closing member (a narrow opening closing member having a shorter length in the transport orthogonal direction than the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion that overlaps in the first suction region).
  • the length in the transport orthogonal direction is preferably 50% or more and less than 100%, more preferably 60% or more and 100% with respect to the length in the transport orthogonal direction of the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion.
  • the fiber stacking device according to ⁇ 4A> or ⁇ 5A>, which is less than or equal to.
  • ⁇ 7A> In the first suction region, in a state where the first opening closing member overlaps the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion, the first suction region corresponding portion and the first opening closing member are from 0 mm. Also separated at a distance of 3 mm or less, In the first suction region, in a state where the second opening closing member overlaps the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion, the first suction region corresponding portion and the second opening closing member are from 0 mm.
  • the fiber stacking device according to any one of ⁇ 4A> to ⁇ 6A>, which is separated by a large distance of 3 mm or less.
  • the described fiber stacking device ⁇ 9A>
  • the rotating drum includes a drum body arranged to face the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, and an outer layer portion arranged farther from the fixed drum than the drum body.
  • the first opening closing member and the second opening closing member are arranged at positions separated from the outer layer portion of the drum main body by a predetermined distance from the outer layer portion, respectively, of the above ⁇ 1A> to ⁇ 8A.
  • the fiber stacking device according to any one of.
  • the outer layer portion forms the bottom surface of the accumulation recess, and forms a recess bottom forming plate made of a breathable member having a large number of suction holes through which the air flow can pass, and a groove-shaped recess in the fiber stack.
  • the fiber stacking device according to ⁇ 9A> which includes a recessed partition plate which is a member for the above.
  • ⁇ 11A> The fiber stacking device according to ⁇ 9A> or ⁇ 10A>, wherein the outer layer portion includes a suction adjusting plate which is a member for adjusting the flow rate of the air flow in the accumulating recess.
  • ⁇ 12A> Item 1 of any one of ⁇ 1A> to ⁇ 11A>, wherein the accumulation recess further has a suction non-restricted region in which suction is not restricted in addition to the first stacking region and the second stacking region.
  • the fiber stacking device described in. ⁇ 13A> The suction non-restricted region does not have the opening closing member (the first opening closing member and the second opening closing member) (does not overlap with the opening closing member in a plan view), and the ⁇ 12A. > Described in the fiber stacking device.
  • a method for manufacturing an absorber which comprises using a fiber stacking device to manufacture an absorber having a plurality of portions having different basis weights in one direction.
  • the fiber stacking device includes a fixed drum and a rotary drum that is rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum and has an accumulation recess for stacking fibers on the outer peripheral portion, and rotates the rotary drum.
  • the fiber material conveyed by the air flow generated by the suction from the fixed drum side is brought into a predetermined suction region in the drum circumferential direction while the accumulation recess is conveyed in the transport direction along the drum circumferential direction.
  • the fiber is stacked on the bottom surface of the accumulation recess.
  • the accumulation recess has a plurality of fiber stacking regions corresponding to a plurality of portions of the absorber having different basis weights in the circumferential direction of the drum.
  • the suction region has a first suction region in which suction from the fixed drum side is partially enabled and a second suction region in which the suction is fully enabled in the drum circumferential direction.
  • a first suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the first suction region and a second suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the second suction region are arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum.
  • the first suction region corresponding portion is made of a non-breathable member having a partially provided opening, and the air flow can pass through the first suction region corresponding portion only through the opening in the thickness direction.
  • the second suction region corresponding portion does not include a non-breathable member, and the air flow can pass through the entire area of the second suction region corresponding portion in the thickness direction.
  • a plurality of non-breathable opening closing members are provided in the circumferential direction of the drum so as to correspond to at least a part of the plurality of fiber stacking regions of the accumulation recess on the portion of the rotating drum facing the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum. Arranged side by side, During the transportation of the accumulation recess in the first suction region, the opening closing member overlaps the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion, thereby corresponding to the opening closing member in the integration recess. It is designed to reduce the flow rate of the air flow in the fiber stacking region.
  • the plurality of opening closing members arranged in the circumferential direction of the drum are predetermined with respect to the first suction region corresponding portion in a state where they overlap the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion in the first suction region.
  • the distance between the plurality of opening closing members arranged in the circumferential direction of the drum is different from each other, and the distance gradually increases from one side to the other in the circumferential direction of the drum.
  • the plurality of opening closing members are arranged so as to change. While rotating the rotary drum around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, the fiber material is supplied to the outer peripheral portion of the rotary drum in a scattered state, and the fiber is stacked in the accumulation recess in the suction region.
  • a plurality of openings are provided side by side in the drum axial direction in the first suction region corresponding portion, and the opening closing member is provided in the drum axial direction at a portion of the rotating drum facing the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum.
  • a plurality of opening closing members arranged in the drum axial direction are overlapped with the plurality of openings arranged in the drum axial direction during the transportation of the accumulation recess in the first suction region.
  • the plurality of opening closing members arranged in the drum axis direction are predetermined with respect to the first suction region corresponding portion in a state where they overlap the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion in the first suction region.
  • the separation distances are different from each other among the plurality of opening closing members arranged in the drum axis direction, and the separation distances gradually increase from one side to the other side in the drum axis direction.
  • a method for manufacturing an absorber which comprises using a fiber stacking device to manufacture an absorber having a plurality of portions having different basis weights in one direction.
  • the fiber stacking device includes a fixed drum and a rotary drum that is rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum and has an accumulation recess for stacking fibers on the outer peripheral portion, and rotates the rotary drum.
  • the fiber material conveyed by the air flow generated by the suction from the fixed drum side is brought into a predetermined suction region in the drum circumferential direction while the accumulation recess is conveyed in the transport direction along the drum circumferential direction.
  • the fiber is stacked on the bottom surface of the accumulation recess.
  • the accumulation recess has a plurality of fiber stacking regions corresponding to a plurality of portions of the absorber having different basis weights in the circumferential direction of the drum.
  • the suction region has a first suction region in which suction from the fixed drum side is partially enabled and a second suction region in which the suction is fully enabled in the drum circumferential direction.
  • a first suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the first suction region and a second suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the second suction region are arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum.
  • the first suction region corresponding portion is made of a non-breathable member having a partially provided opening, and the air flow is made possible to pass through the first suction region corresponding portion only through the opening in the thickness direction.
  • the second suction region corresponding portion does not include a non-breathable member, and the air flow can pass through the entire area of the second suction region corresponding portion in the thickness direction.
  • a plurality of non-breathable opening closing members are provided in the circumferential direction of the drum so as to correspond to at least a part of the plurality of fiber stacking regions of the accumulation recess on the portion of the rotating drum facing the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum. Arranged side by side, During the transportation of the accumulation recess in the first suction region, the opening closing member overlaps the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion, thereby corresponding to the opening closing member in the integration recess. It is designed to reduce the flow rate of the air flow in the fiber stacking region.
  • the plurality of opening closing members arranged in the circumferential direction of the drum have different lengths in the transport orthogonal direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the opening closing members, and the openings are directed from one side to the other side in the peripheral direction of the drum.
  • the plurality of opening closing members are arranged so that the length of the portion closing member in the transport orthogonal direction gradually changes.
  • a method for manufacturing an absorber that increases the flow rate of air flow In the fiber stacking step, in the first suction region, in the plurality of fiber stacking regions corresponding to the plurality of opening closing members, the shorter the length of the opening closing member in the transport orthogonal direction is, the more the said.
  • a method for manufacturing an absorber that increases the flow rate of air flow ⁇ 17A>
  • a plurality of openings are provided side by side in the drum axial direction in the first suction region corresponding portion, and the opening closing member is provided in the drum axial direction at a portion of the rotating drum facing the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum.
  • a plurality of opening closing members arranged in the drum axial direction are overlapped with the plurality of openings arranged in the drum axial direction during the transportation of the accumulation recess in the first suction region.
  • the plurality of opening closing members arranged in the drum axis direction have different lengths of the opening closing members in the transport orthogonal direction orthogonal to the transport direction, and the openings are directed from one side to the other side in the drum axis direction.
  • the fifth to sixth inventions will mainly explain the configurations different from those of the first to fourth inventions described above, and the same configurations as those of the first to fourth inventions will be designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.
  • the configurations not particularly described in the fifth to sixth inventions the above-mentioned description of the first to fourth inventions is appropriately applied.
  • FIG. 16 shows absorbers 10A and 10B, which are embodiments of the absorbers provided by the present invention (5th to 6th inventions).
  • both absorbers 10A and 10B are collectively referred to as "absorbent 10".
  • the absorber 10 is for an absorbent article and has a vertical direction X corresponding to the front-back direction of the wearer of the absorbent article and a lateral direction Y orthogonal to the vertical direction X.
  • the absorbent body 10A and the absorbent body 10B have the same content mass of the fiber material, but the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material is different. That is, the absorber 10A has more fiber materials in the high basis weight portion 11 than the absorber 10B, and the basis weight difference between the high basis weight portion 11 and the low basis weight portion 12 is large.
  • an absorber used for absorbent articles such as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins is desired to have excellent liquid absorption, but the liquid absorption performance is fully utilized in normal use. It is only the part arranged in the crotch part of the wearer of the absorbent article and its vicinity, and the liquid absorption performance may be hardly utilized in the other parts.
  • the fiber material hydrophilic fiber
  • the fiber material has a large basis weight, but when the basis weight of the fiber material is large, the flexibility decreases and the absorbency is reduced. It may lead to a decrease in the wearing feeling of the article, and from the viewpoint of improving the wearing feeling, it is preferable that the basis weight of the fiber material is small. Therefore, in the absorbent body suitable for the absorbent article considered by the present inventor, a large amount of fiber material (hydrophilic fiber) is present in the portion where high liquid absorbency is required, and the portion where liquid absorbability is not so required is present. It is an absorber with a small amount of fiber material and a thin thickness, and a large degree of uneven distribution of fiber material.
  • the absorber 10A having a larger degree of uneven distribution is one form of the absorber aimed at by the present invention.
  • Such an absorber can be compatible with a high level of liquid absorption and wearing feeling.
  • the present invention (5th to 6th inventions) has been made in view of such drawbacks of the prior art, and one of the important problems thereof is that the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material is large and the basis weight portion is low.
  • the purpose is to provide a technique capable of providing an absorber having a uniform basis weight.
  • the characteristic configuration of the present invention which will be described later, is a relatively simple device configuration, but the basis weight of the low basis weight portion is increased while the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material is increased to concentrate the fiber material on the high basis weight portion. It is possible to ensure the uniformity of.
  • the manufacturing apparatus 1A includes a fixed drum 2 and a rotating drum 3 rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 and having an accumulation recess 40 in the outer peripheral portion 3S on which the fiber material is stacked. While rotating the rotating drum 3, the fiber material conveyed on the air flow (vacuum air) generated by suction from the fixed drum 2 side is collected in the predetermined suction region S in the drum circumferential direction X1. It is designed to be stacked on the bottom of the drum.
  • the manufacturing apparatus 1A includes an integrated unit 4 including a fixed drum 2 and a rotating drum 3, a raw material supply mechanism 5 that supplies raw materials such as fiber materials to the integrated unit 4 (rotating drum 3), and a rotating drum 3. It is provided with a transport mechanism 6 for transporting an absorber 10 (a stacked fiber of a raw material such as a fiber material) discharged from the accumulation recess 40 of the above.
  • the basic configuration of each of these parts included in the manufacturing apparatus 1A is the same as that of each part in the fiber stacking device (absorbent manufacturing device) 1 which is one embodiment of the first to fourth inventions described above, and the description of the fiber stacking device 1 FIG. 4 used in 1A can be applied to the manufacturing apparatus 1A.
  • the rotary drum 3 has an accumulation recess 40 in which the fiber material is stacked on the outer peripheral portion 3S thereof.
  • the integration recess 40 forms a high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 forming the high basis weight portion 11 of the absorber 10 which is a manufacturing object, and a low basis weight portion 12 of the absorber 10.
  • a low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 is provided in the drum circumferential direction X1.
  • the bottom surface of the accumulation recess 40 on which the fiber material is stacked is formed of a breathable member (recess bottom bottom forming plates 34, 36) having a large number of suction holes through which vacuum air can pass, and has breathability. ing.
  • the "high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410" referred to in the fifth to sixth inventions corresponds to the third layered fiber region 41C in the first to fourth inventions described above, and the "low basis weight portion corresponding to the fifth to sixth inventions".
  • the part-corresponding part 420 corresponds to the first stacking fiber region 41A and the second stacking fiber region 41B in the first to fourth inventions (see FIG. 5).
  • the integration recesses 40 are continuously arranged over the entire length of the drum peripheral direction X1 of the rotating drum 3, and the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 are arranged in the drum circumferential direction. They are arranged alternately over the entire length of X1. Since one high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 and two low basis weight portion corresponding portions 420 and 420 arranged in front of and behind the drum circumferential direction X1 sandwiching the portion correspond to one absorber 10, they are integrated.
  • the absorber 10 discharged from the recess 40 to the vacuum conveyor of the transport mechanism 6 is an absorber continuum in which a plurality of absorbers 10 are continuous in the vertical direction X.
  • a non-breathable opening closing member 30 is arranged on the outer peripheral portion 3AS of the drum main body 3A corresponding to the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 (see FIG. 19) of the integration recess 40. ing. On the other hand, the opening closing member 30 is not arranged in the portion 32 of the outer peripheral portion 3AS of the drum main body 3A corresponding to the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 (see FIG. 19) of the integration recess 40.
  • the second concave portion bottom surface forming plate 36 is formed into a portion other than the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion 420 of the accumulation recess 40 and the portion corresponding to the middle and high portion 11A in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410. It corresponds.
  • the rotating drum 3 is provided with a suction adjusting body for adjusting the flow rate (suction air volume) of the vacuum air in the accumulating recess 40.
  • a suction adjusting body for adjusting the flow rate (suction air volume) of the vacuum air in the accumulating recess 40.
  • a plurality of openings arranged corresponding to the accumulation recess 40 for example, openings 330, 331, 332 of the first suction adjusting plate 33, and a second suction.
  • the opening area of all or part of the openings 350, 351) of the adjusting plate 35 can be individually adjusted, whereby the flow rate (suction air volume) of the vacuum air passing through the plurality of openings can be individually adjusted. can do.
  • the two suction adjusting plates 33 and 35 function as the suction adjusting body.
  • the first suction adjusting plate 33 is made of a non-breathable member having a plurality of openings 330 and 331 through which vacuum air can pass, and can be sucked only through the openings 330 and 331, except for the openings 330 and 331. It cannot be sucked.
  • the opening 330 is arranged in the portion corresponding to the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410
  • the opening portion 331 is arranged in the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420. It is arranged.
  • the opening 331 includes an opening 331A arranged at both ends of the drum axial direction Y1 and an opening 331B arranged at the center of the drum axial direction Y1 and having a smaller opening area than the opening 331A.
  • both openings 331A and 331B are also collectively referred to as "openings 331", and the description of the openings 331 applies to both openings 331A and 331B unless otherwise specified.
  • An opening 332 corresponding to the first recess bottom surface forming plate 34 is arranged in the central portion of the drum axial direction Y1 of the portion corresponding to the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 in the first suction adjusting plate 33, and the opening is provided.
  • Openings 330 are arranged on both sides of the drum axial direction Y1 with 332 in between.
  • the second suction adjusting plate 35 is made of a non-breathable member having a plurality of openings 350 and 351 through which vacuum air can pass, and can be sucked only through the openings 350 and 351. It cannot be sucked.
  • the opening 350 is arranged in the portion corresponding to the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410
  • the opening portion 351 is arranged in the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420. It is arranged.
  • the openings 330 and 331 of the first suction adjustment plate 33 and the openings 350 and 351 of the second suction adjustment plate 35 have a one-to-one correspondence. That is, in the plan view of the integration recess 40 as shown in FIG. 19, in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410, the opening 330 of the first suction adjustment plate 33 and the opening 350 of the second suction adjustment plate 35 are paired. In the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420, the opening 331 (331A, 331B) of the first suction adjustment plate 33 and the opening 351 of the second suction adjustment plate 35 overlap each other on a one-to-one basis. Further, the one-to-one overlapping openings of the two plates 33 and 35 have a similar plan view shape to each other.
  • the openings 330 and 331 of the first suction adjusting plate 33 that are relatively close to the fixed drum 2 become the openings 350 and 351 of the second suction adjusting plate 35 that are relatively far from the fixed drum 2.
  • the opening area is small.
  • the flow rate (suctioned air volume) of the vacuum air in the portion where there are a plurality of openings having a similar relationship with each other in the passage direction of the vacuum air (radial direction of the rotating drum 3) is the same as that of the plurality of openings.
  • an opening having a relatively small opening area hereinafter, also referred to as a "small opening” has no small opening and a relatively large opening area (hereinafter, "large opening").
  • part It is also called “part", which is reduced as compared with the case where only “part” is present.
  • the vacuum air flow path connecting the opening 330 (small opening) and the opening 350 (large opening) due to the influence of the opening 330, there is no opening 330 in the flow path and only the opening 350 is present.
  • the suction air volume is reduced as compared to when it is present.
  • the vacuum air flow path connecting the openings 331 (331A, 331B) (small openings) and the openings 351 (large openings) there is no opening 331 in the flow path due to the influence of the openings 331.
  • the suction air volume is reduced as compared with the case where only the opening 351 is present.
  • the suction adjusting body is configured to include a plurality of openings that overlap in the passage direction of the vacuum air (radial direction of the rotating drum 3) and have a similar relationship with each other, and pass through the plurality of openings.
  • the flow rate of the vacuum air can be reduced as compared with that before the installation of the suction adjusting body (the plurality of openings).
  • the opening areas of the plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality of flow paths of the vacuum air passing between the fixed drum 2 and the accumulating recess 40 can be individually adjusted, so that the flow can be adjusted.
  • the suction air volume of the integration recess 40 can be partially different in both the direction MD (rotational direction R1 of the rotating drum 3) and the direction CD (drum axial direction Y1) orthogonal to the direction MD.
  • openings 331A and 331B exist as two types of small openings having different opening areas in the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420, and the drum shaft of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420.
  • An opening 331A having a relatively large opening area is arranged at both ends of the direction Y1 (a portion adjacent to the pair of ring plates 38, 38), and is located at the center of the drum axial direction Y1 of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420.
  • An opening 331B having a relatively large opening area is arranged.
  • both ends of the drum axial direction Y1 are portions where the vacuum air flow path connecting the above-mentioned opening 330 (small opening) and opening 350 (large opening) is arranged.
  • the suction air volume is reduced as compared with the case where there is no opening 330 and only the opening 350 exists in the flow path. Therefore, in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410, the magnitude relationship of "the central portion of the drum axial direction Y1> the end portion of the drum axial direction Y1" is established for the suction air volume. Therefore, in the present embodiment, regarding the suction air volume (vacuum air flow rate), "the end of the drum axial direction Y1 of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410> the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420> the drum of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420.
  • the magnitude relationship of "the central portion of the axial direction Y1" is established, and the fiber materials are easily stacked in this order. More specifically, in the present embodiment, regarding the suction air volume, "the central portion of the drum axial direction Y1 of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410> the end portion of the drum axial direction Y1 of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410> the low basis weight amount.
  • the rotary drum 3 having the above-described configuration rotates and the accumulation recess 40 of the outer peripheral portion 3S of the rotary drum 3 passes through the suction region S (see FIG. 18), the raw materials including the fiber material supplied by the duct 51 accumulate.
  • An absorber 10 is formed in the accumulating recess 40 by stacking fibers in the recess 40.
  • the transport path of the accumulation recess 40 in the suction region S is divided into a plurality of regions S1 and S2 in the transport direction (drum circumferential direction X1), and the fiber stacking methods of the regions S1 and S2 are different from each other. ..
  • the suction region S of the manufacturing apparatus 1A includes a first suction region S1 for preferentially stacking fiber materials on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410, a high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410, and a low basis weight portion.
  • a second suction region S2 for stacking fiber materials on both of the corresponding portions 420 is provided in the drum circumferential direction X1.
  • the first suction region S1 can be rephrased as "high basis weight portion priority stacking fiber region S1" because the high basis weight portion priority stacking fiber step described later is carried out.
  • the second suction region S2 can be rephrased as "total fiber stacking region S2" because the entire area fiber process described later is carried out.
  • the region corresponding to the space A is the first suction region S1
  • the region corresponding to the space B is the second suction region S2
  • the rotation direction R1 of the rotating drum 3 is defined as the second suction region S2. That is, they are arranged in this order in the flow direction MD.
  • the positions of both regions S1 and S2 are not particularly limited, and contrary to the illustrated embodiment, the second suction region is directed from the upstream side to the downstream side of the flow direction MD. S2 and the first suction region S1 may be arranged in this order.
  • the vacuum air control method is different between the first suction region S1 and the second suction region S2, so that the fiber stacking methods of both regions S1 and S2 are different from each other.
  • the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 which is the source (suction source) of the vacuum air is covered with the outer peripheral portion 2S. It corresponds to the first suction area corresponding part (selective suction area) 23 including the suction control body 25 which corresponds to the area S1 and partially has the control body opening 26, and corresponds to the area S2 and corresponds to the accumulation recess 40.
  • the outer peripheral portion 3AS of the drum main body 3A which is a portion of the rotating drum 3 facing the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2, corresponds to the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 which is a part of the integration recess 40, and is not.
  • the opening closing member 30 is not arranged.
  • a suction non-inhibiting portion 32 formed of a through hole penetrating the outer peripheral portion 3AS in the thickness direction is arranged.
  • FIG. 21 shows the suction state of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 in the regions S1 and S2
  • FIG. 22 shows the suction state of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 in the regions S1 and S2, respectively.
  • the arrows in FIGS. 21 and 22 indicate vacuum air.
  • 21 (a) and 22 (a) are suction states in the region S1 (the first suction region corresponding portion 23 of the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2), and FIGS. 21 (b) and 22 (b) are shown.
  • the suction state in the region S2 (the second suction region corresponding portion 24 of the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2) is shown.
  • the opening closing member 30 of the rotary drum 3 is provided in the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23 of the fixed drum 2.
  • the control body opening 26 is closed by overlapping (see FIG. 21 (a)), but the control body opening 26 is not closed in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 (see FIG. 22 (a)).
  • the vacuum air can hardly pass through the control body opening 26, so that the fiber material is not substantially stacked and the high basis weight portion. Since the vacuum air can pass through the control body opening 26 in the portion corresponding portion 410, the fiber material can be sucked and the fibers are stacked. As described above, in the region S1, the suction of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 is selectively inhibited.
  • the above-mentioned "in the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420, the vacuum air can hardly pass through the control body opening 26" specifically means that the integration recess 40 corresponds to the high basis weight portion while passing through the region S1.
  • the ratio of the suction air volume of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 to the suction air volume of the portion 410 is preferably 5% or less, more preferably 3% or less, still more preferably 1% or less.
  • the second suction region corresponding portion 24 of the fixed drum 2 corresponding to the region S2 does not include a non-breathable member such as the suction control body 25, and the region 24 Since the entire area corresponding to the accumulation recess 40 in the above is open, the fiber material can be sucked by vacuum air in both the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 and the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410, and the fibers can be stacked. This is done (see FIGS. 21 (b) and 22 (b)).
  • one of the suction regions S is utilized by utilizing the periodic overlap of the control body opening 26 of the fixed drum 2 and the opening closing member 30 of the rotary drum 3 with the rotation of the rotary drum 3.
  • the product of concentrated fiber material on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 By selectively inhibiting only the flow of vacuum air related to the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 in the first suction region S1 which is a portion, the product of concentrated fiber material on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410. It enables fiber.
  • the fiber material is preferentially stacked on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410.
  • the fiber material is substantially piled up only in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410, and the fiber material is not piled up or piled up in the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 at all. Is extremely small compared to the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410.
  • the fibers are stacked in the entire accumulation recess 40. Therefore, if there is no re-stacking step by the scuffing roll 45 described later, the fibers are stacked.
  • the flow path of the vacuum air related to the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 Controlled by periodically stacking the opening closing member 30 on the control body opening 26 of the outer peripheral portion 2S (first suction region corresponding portion 23) of the fixed drum 2 that functions as When the body opening 26 is periodically closed (see FIG. 21A), when the control body opening 26 is closed by the opening closing member 30, the opening closing member 30 and the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum 2 are closed. If it is designed to come into contact with the 2S, there is a concern that each time these members come into contact with each other, they will wear out, causing inconveniences such as failure in a relatively short time.
  • the opening closing member 30 is superposed on the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23 (in a plan view).
  • the peripheral portion of the control body opening 26 typically, the region within 3 mm from the control body opening 26 in the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 and the opening.
  • a gap G (a portion surrounded by a circle in FIG. 21A) is provided between the portion closing member 30 and the portion closed member 30, thereby dispelling the above-mentioned concern.
  • the gap G is preferably larger than 0 mm and 3 mm or less, more preferably larger than 0 mm and 2 mm or less, from the viewpoint of preventing inconvenience due to the gap G being too large while obtaining the effect of providing the gap G.
  • the manufacturing apparatus 1A in order to obtain an absorber having a large degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material, not only the plurality of regions S1 and S2 having different fiber stacking methods are arranged in the suction region S, but also the plurality of regions S1 and S1 The difference in the flow rate of the vacuum air (difference in the suction air volume) of each part of the accumulation recess 40 is made different between S2. Specifically, in the manufacturing apparatus 1A, in the region S1, the suction air volume difference between the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 is larger than that in the region S2.
  • the suction air volume of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is 41V and the suction air volume of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 is 42V
  • the ratio (41V / 42V) of the suction air volume between the two is "region”.
  • the magnitude relationship of "S1> region S2" is established, and the fiber material is preferentially stacked in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 in the region S1.
  • the suction region S is divided into a plurality of regions S1 and S2 in the flow direction MD" (configuration 1) and "the ratio of the suction air volume in the region S1" ( 41V / 42V) is larger than that of region S2 ”(Structure 2). It enables the production of.
  • the former> the latter magnitude relationship is established between the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 at least in the region S1, and suction is established.
  • the ratio of the air volume (41V / 42V)> 1 1, and in addition to this, as a means for realizing the above configuration 2 and preferentially stacking the fiber material on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 in the region S1, described above.
  • the opening (control body opening 26) through which the vacuum air in the fixed drum 2 passes, and in the region S1, the portion corresponding to the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 does not hinder suction and has a low basis weight.
  • the control method using vacuum air is adopted, that is, only the portion corresponding to the volume portion corresponding portion 420 inhibits suction, and in the region S2, the portion corresponding to both corresponding portions 410 and 420 does not inhibit suction.
  • the ratio of the suction air volume in the region S1 (41V / 42V) is larger than that in the region S2, and the configurations of 1) and 2) are integrally adopted.
  • the difference in suction air volume between the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 may be zero.
  • the suction air volume of at least a part of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is changed to the suction air volume of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420.
  • the suction air volume of at least a part of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is the suction air volume of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420. That is, there is a form in which the magnitude relationship of “(41V / 42V) ⁇ 1” is established.
  • the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 is used as a method of adjusting the difference between the ratio of the suction air volume in the region S1 (41V / 42V) and that in the region S2, for example, in the manufacturing apparatus 1A having the above configuration.
  • a method of adjusting the degree of closure of the control body opening 26 of the corresponding portion by the opening closing member 30 can be mentioned.
  • the adjustment of this "degree of closure of the control body opening 26" is, for example, the size of the control body opening 26 and / or the opening closing member 30 in a plan view, or the gap G between both members 26 and 30 described above. (See FIG. 21 (a)) can be adjusted as appropriate.
  • the ratio of the suction air volume ratio (41V / 42V) in the region S1 to the suction air volume ratio (41V / 42V) in the region S2 is preferably 2 or more, more preferably 4 or more, and more preferably 4 or more, assuming the former> the latter. It is preferably 1000 or less, more preferably 500 or less.
  • the ratio of the suction air volume in the region S1 (41V / 42V) is preferably 20 or more, more preferably 30 or more, and preferably 1000 or less, more preferably 500 or less.
  • the ratio of the suction air volume in the region S2 (41V / 42V) is preferably 1 or more, more preferably 2 or more, and preferably 10 or less, more preferably 5 or less.
  • the suction air volume (vacuum air flow rate) of each part of the accumulation recess 40 can be measured by a high temperature Anemomaster (registered trademark) anemometer (Japan Kanomax Co., Ltd., Model 6162). After measuring the wind speed using the measuring device, the suction flow rate is calculated from the cross section of the suction.
  • the suction air volume 41V of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is a measured value of the suction air volume on the first concave bottom bottom forming plate 34 corresponding to the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 of the manufacturing apparatus 1A, and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420.
  • the suction air volume 42V is a measured value of the suction air volume on the second concave bottom bottom forming plate 36 corresponding to the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 of the manufacturing apparatus 1A.
  • the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 has a deeper recess than the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420.
  • the central portion (the portion forming the middle and high portion 11A of the absorber 10) of the drum axial direction Y1 of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is low.
  • the recess depth is deeper than both of the portions other than the central portion (both ends of the drum axial direction Y1 of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410) in the basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 and the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410.
  • the first recessed bottom surface forming plate 34 forming the bottom surface of the central portion of the drum axial direction Y1 of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is the central portion of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 and the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410. It is located closer to the fixed drum 2 than the second concave bottom surface forming plate 36 that forms the bottom surface of the portion other than the above.
  • the "recess depth” refers to a separation distance between the outer surface of a member located on both sides of the drum axial direction Y1 across the accumulation recess 40 and the bottom surface of the accumulation recess 40, and in the present embodiment, the member is The ring plate 38.
  • the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 has a deeper recessed depth than the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 in the unevenly distributed absorber such as the absorber 10A shown in FIG. 16A.
  • the unevenly distributed absorber such as the absorber 10A shown in FIG. 16A.
  • the length of the drum circumferential direction X1 of the region S1 is relative to the length of the drum circumferential direction X1 of the suction region S (the portion covered by the duct 51 in the outer peripheral portion 3S of the rotary drum 3). It is preferably 2/3 or less, more preferably 1/2 or less. That is, the ratio of the total length of the region S to the total length of the suction region S is preferably about 70% or less. On the other hand, the lower limit of such a ratio is preferably 1/8 or more, more preferably 1/4 or more, from the viewpoint of surely obtaining an absorber having a large degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material.
  • the region S1 corresponds to the first suction region corresponding portion 23 of the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2, and the region S corresponds to the first suction region corresponding portion 23 and the second suction region corresponding to the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2. Since it corresponds to S2, it is preferable that the ratio of the total length of the drum peripheral direction X1 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23 to the total total length of the drum peripheral directions X1 of both regions 23 and 24 is also within the above range.
  • the first suction region S1 and the second suction region S2 can individually adjust the flow rate (suction air volume) of the vacuum air.
  • the inside of the fixed drum 2 is divided into a plurality of spaces A to C in the drum circumferential direction X1, and the negative pressure (suction force) of the plurality of spaces A to C is generated.
  • the decompression mechanism (not shown) connected to the fixed drum 2 allows each to be adjusted independently, and the space A corresponds to the area S1 and the space B corresponds to the area S2 (see FIG. 18). ),
  • the suction air volume in the regions S1 and S2 can be individually adjusted by operating the depressurizing mechanism.
  • the suction air volume of the regions S1 and S2 can be adjusted individually in this way, for example, the magnitude relationship of "region S1> region S2" can be established for the suction air volume, and this magnitude relationship and the above configurations 1 and 2 can be established.
  • the synergistic effect with it becomes possible to further increase the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the absorber.
  • a method for increasing the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the absorber in addition to the method by controlling the suction air volume described above, for example, the fiber material in a part of the accumulation recess 40 (the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion 420).
  • a partition plate 43 is provided as a means for physically blocking the supply of the fiber material.
  • the partition plate 43 is provided inside the duct 51 of the suction region S, and as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the partition plate 43 is arranged on both sides of the drum axial direction Y1 with the integration recess 40 interposed therebetween. There is.
  • the pair of partition plates 43, 43 are fixed on the ring plate 38 forming the outer surface of the rotary drum 3, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the partition plate 43 needs to come into contact with the fiber material before the fiber material supplied from the duct 51 to the suction region S is piled up in the accumulation recess 40.
  • the partition plate 43 At least a part of the partition plate 43 at the intersection of the fiber material supply path 50 in the duct 51 and the suction region S (the duct 51 covering the suction region S) (the opening on the suction region S side of the duct 51). Are arranged so that they overlap.
  • the partition plate 43 extends over substantially the entire length of the drum circumferential direction X1 of the first suction region S1 located on the upstream side of the flow direction MD of the suction region S.
  • the material of the partition plate 43 is not particularly limited, but for example, a metal, a synthetic resin, or a material in which these are combined can be used.
  • the pair of partition plates 43, 43 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the drum axial direction Y1, and the regions corresponding to the intervals in the integration recess 40, specifically, Is configured so that the fiber material is intensively supplied to the central portion of the drum axial direction Y1 of the accumulation recess 40.
  • Both ends of the drum axial direction Y1 of the accumulation recess 40 are covered with a pair of partition plates 43, 43, which physically hinders the supply of the fiber material to the both ends.
  • the facing surface of each of the pair of partition plates 43 and 43 with the other partition plate 43 comes into contact with the scattered fiber material supplied from the duct 51 and hinders the supply of the fiber material into the accumulation recess 40. ,
  • the supply inhibition surface 43a is provided at predetermined intervals in the drum axial direction Y1, and the regions corresponding to the intervals in the integration recess 40, specifically, Is configured so that the fiber material is intensively supplied to the central portion of the drum axial direction Y1 of the accumulation recess
  • the supply blocking surface 43a is inclined with respect to the radial direction of the rotary drum 3 and extends from the outer side to the inner side (from the upper side to the lower side in FIG. 21 or 22) in the radial direction. Therefore, the distance between the supply blocking surface 43a of one of the pair of partition plates 43, 43 and that of the other is gradually shortened from the outer side to the inner side in the radial direction of the rotary drum 3. Since the supply obstruction surface 43a is inclined in this way, it becomes difficult for the fiber material to accumulate on the supply obstruction surface 43a.
  • the supply of the fiber material is hindered at the portion of the accumulation recess 40 covered by the partition plate 43 (both ends of the drum axial direction Y1 of the integration recess 40).
  • Most of the fiber material is supplied to the portion of the accumulation recess 40 that is not covered by the partition plate 43 (the central portion of the accumulation recess 40 in the drum axial direction Y1).
  • the partition plate 43 in the integration recess 40 is not provided.
  • the fibrous material that was supposed to be supplied to the portion covered with is also supplied, an excess amount of fibrous material such as having a height exceeding the ring plate 38 can be stacked. Therefore, in addition to the above-mentioned control of the suction air volume (the above configurations 1 and 2), by adopting a method of physically blocking the supply of the fiber material to the accumulation recess 40 such as the partition plate 43, the absorber It is possible to further increase the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in. From the viewpoint of stably producing an absorber having a relatively large uneven distribution of the fiber material, the unit time of the fiber material in the arrangement region of the partition plate 43 (the region at the same position in the partition plate 43 and the drum circumferential direction X1).
  • the ratio of the feed weight is preferably 70% or more, more preferably 80% or more, still more preferably 90% or more.
  • the manufacturing apparatus 1A includes a scuffing roll 45 arranged to face the outer peripheral portion 3S of the rotary drum 3, and scrapes the fiber material piled up on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410.
  • the scraped fiber material is re-stacked in the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420.
  • the scuffing roll 45 is arranged inside the duct 51 on the downstream side of the flow direction MD of the suction region S, specifically, on the downstream side of the flow direction MD of the second suction region S2.
  • the characteristic configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 1A described above was mainly intended to increase the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the unevenly distributed absorber such as the absorber 10A shown in FIG. 16 (a).
  • the step of re-stacking the fiber material using the scuffing roll 45 is mainly aimed at improving the uniformity of the basis weight of the low basis weight portion in the unevenly distributed absorber.
  • FIGS. 24 (a) and 24 (b) show the state of the re-stacking process using the scuffing roll 45, both of which are embodiments of the present invention.
  • the scuffing roll 45, and the form shown in FIG. 24B is a combination of the rotary drum 3 in which the recess depth D of the accumulation recess 40 is made uniform and the scuffing roll 45.
  • the following description applies to both of the two forms shown in FIG. 24, unless otherwise noted.
  • the scuffing roll 45 has a cylindrical roll main body 451 and a large number of scraping protrusions 452 erected on the outer peripheral portion of the roll main body 451.
  • the roll axis direction of the main body 451 coincides with the drum axis direction Y1 and is arranged over substantially the entire length of the drum axis direction Y1 of the integration recess 40.
  • the protrusions 452 are preferably arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the roll main body 451 at least in a region corresponding to the central portion of the drum axial direction Y1 of the integration recess 40, and are arranged over the entire length of the drum axial direction Y1. More preferred.
  • the scuffing roll 45 rotates around a horizontal axis by receiving power from a prime mover (not shown) such as a motor.
  • the rotation direction of the scuffing roll 45 is the same as the rotation direction R1 of the rotary drum 3.
  • the peripheral speed of the scuffing roll 45 is more than twice the peripheral speed of the rotary drum 3 from the viewpoint of the balance between the amount of scraped fiber material and the re-stacking of the scraped fiber material in the near field. It is preferably 10 times or less, and more preferably 3 times or more and 5 times or less.
  • the scuffing roll 45 is installed for scraping the fiber material laminated on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 and re-stacking the fiber material on the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420.
  • the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 has a height exceeding the ring plate 38.
  • the excess amount of fiber material is stacked, and then the excess amount of fiber material of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is scraped off by the scuffing roll 45 and re-stacked into the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420.
  • reference numeral RP indicates a fibrous material that is scraped off by a scuffing roll 45 and re-stacked elsewhere.
  • control of the suction air volume using the suction adjustment body (suction adjustment plates 33, 35) described above or a partition plate 43 was used. This can be done by controlling the supply destination of the fiber material.
  • the amount of scraping of the fiber material of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 by the scuffing roll 45 is adjusted by adjusting the clearance between the scuffing roll 45 and the fiber material of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 to be scraped. It is possible.
  • the scuffing roll 45 inside the duct 51
  • a guide member 44 for guiding the scattered fiber material RP scraped off by the scuffing roll 45 to a desired position in the integration recess 40 is located upstream of the flow direction MD (rotational direction R1 of the rotary drum 3). It is provided.
  • the guide member 44 is from the surface facing the accumulation recess 40 on the inner surface of the duct 51 toward the integration recess 40 side, that is, from the outer side to the inner side in the radial direction of the rotary drum 3 (from above in FIG.
  • the tip of the guide member 44 does not enter the integration recess 40, and is located on the outer side in the radial direction of the rotary drum 3 with respect to the ring plate 38 forming the outer surface of the rotary drum 3. Further, the guide member 44 extends over the entire length of the drum axial direction Y1 of the integration recess 40. Further, the guide member 44 has a portion that is convexly curved toward the upstream side of the flow direction MD in a cross-sectional view along the drum circumferential direction X1 as shown in FIG. 24.
  • the guide member 44 When the guide member 44 is provided at an appropriate position in relation to the scuffing roll 45 in this way, the scattered fiber material RP scraped off by the scuffing roll 45 is a portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion scheduled to be re-stacked.
  • the inconvenience of being stacked on the upstream side of the flow direction MD beyond 420 is suppressed, and it becomes easy to stack the fiber material RP on the desired low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420.
  • the shape and position of the guide member 44 are not particularly limited and may be appropriately adjusted so as to achieve a predetermined purpose.
  • the method of installing the guide member 44 is not particularly limited, and for example, a method of fixing the guide member 44 as a member separate from the duct 51 to the inner surface of the duct 51 (for example, the surface facing the accumulation recess 40) may be used. Alternatively, a method may be used in which the wall portion itself constituting the duct 51 is processed into a shape capable of functioning as the guide member 44.
  • the manufacturing apparatus 1A is capable of adjusting the rotation of the scuffing roll 45, specifically, for example, the rotation direction and the rotation speed.
  • the rotation of the scuffing roll 45 is closely related to the flight distance and the drop position of the fiber material RP that has been scraped off by the scuffing roll 45 and is in a scattered state.
  • the above-mentioned characteristic configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 1A including the above configurations 1 and 2 mainly functions at the time of laminating the fiber material, and the fiber material is intensively stacked on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410. Although it contributes to increasing the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the uneven distribution absorber, it is difficult to ensure the uniformity of the basis weight in the low basis weight portion only by these configurations.
  • the manufacturing apparatus 1A is provided with a fiber material re-stacking mechanism using the scuffing roll 45 described above, whereby the high-basis section corresponding section 410 to the low-basis section corresponding section, which tends to be excessively stacked, are provided.
  • the fiber material is distributed to 420, the basis weight adjustment of both the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 is appropriately performed, the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material is large, and the basis weight as a whole is large. It is possible to produce a well-balanced unevenly distributed absorber.
  • the technique of re-stacking fiber using scuffing roll in the present invention for example, the technique described in JP-A-2018-11630 can be appropriately used.
  • the re-stacking mechanism of the fiber material using the scuffing roll 45 basically does not select the form of the recess 40 for integration, and can be applied to any of the two forms shown in FIG. 24, for example, but in particular, FIG. 24 (a).
  • FIG. 24 (a) When at least a part of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is applied to a form in which the recess depth D is deeper than that of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 as in the form shown in FIG. 24 (b), the form shown in FIG. 24 (b).
  • the recess depth D of the integration recess 40 is applied to a uniform form, further improvement in the uniformity of the basis weight of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 can be expected.
  • the fiber material corresponds to the low basis weight portion.
  • the outer surface of the fiber stack immediately after the fiber stacking in the portion 420 (the surface opposite to the contact surface side with the bottom surface of the stacking recess 40) is located inside the stacking recess 40. It becomes difficult for the protrusion 452 of the scuffing roll 45 to come into contact with the outer surface of the fiber stack (see FIG. 24 (b)).
  • the fiber material is preferentially stacked in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410. Since the difference in the depth D of the recesses of the corresponding portions 410 and 420 corresponds to the difference in the fiber stacking amount of both the corresponding portions 410 and 420, the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material between the two corresponding portions 410 and 420 is increased.
  • the outer surface of the fiber stack immediately after the fiber material is stacked in the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 is located outside the accumulation recess 40 (outward side in the radial direction of the rotary drum 3 with respect to the ring plate 38). Is possible. Then, in the re-stacking step using the scuffing roll 45 performed after the fiber material is stacked, the outer surface of the stacked fiber in the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 can be leveled by the protrusions 452 of the scuffing roll 45. (See FIG. 24A), which makes it possible to improve the uniformity of the basis weight of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420.
  • the method for producing an absorber using the manufacturing apparatus 1A includes a fiber stacking step and a re-stacking step.
  • the fiber stacking step as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the rotating drum 3 is rotated around the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2, and the fiber material is scattered with respect to the outer peripheral portion 3S of the rotating drum 3.
  • the scuffing roll 45 in which the fiber material stacked in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is arranged to face the outer peripheral portion 3S of the rotary drum 3
  • the fiber stacking step includes a high basis weight portion priority stacking fiber stacking fiber step (first suction step) in which the fiber material is preferentially stacked on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410, and the high basis weight portion in the suction region S.
  • a full-area fibering process (second suction step) in which the fiber material is stacked on both the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420, which is carried out in a region different from the implementation region of the priority stacking process. have.
  • the high basis weight portion priority stacking process is carried out in the first suction region (high basis weight portion priority stacking region) S1
  • the total area fiber step is the second suction.
  • the difference in the flow rate (suction air volume) of the vacuum air between the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 is set as compared with the total area fiber process. Enlarge. This point is as described in the description of the manufacturing apparatus 1A. According to the manufacturing method of the present invention having the above steps, an absorber such as the absorber 10A shown in FIG. 16A, in which the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material is large and the basis weight of the low basis weight portion is uniform is obtained. can get.
  • the order of carrying out the above two steps is not particularly limited, and the whole area fiber step and the high basis weight portion priority stacking step may be carried out in this order, but the predetermined effect of the present invention can be achieved. From the viewpoint of ensuring reliable performance, it is preferable to carry out in the order of the high basis weight portion priority stacking process and the total area fiber process. In the manufacturing method using the manufacturing apparatus 1A, the manufacturing method is carried out in this preferred order (see FIG. 20).
  • the suction air volume of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 may be uniform or non-uniform in the drum axial direction Y1. Both can be adopted for the purpose of equalizing the basis weight of the low basis weight portion of the unevenly distributed absorber.
  • the fiber material is concentratedly stacked in the central portion of the drum axial direction Y1 of the accumulation recess 40, and is not substantially stacked at both ends of the drum axial direction Y1. Therefore, as it is, the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 has a non-uniform basis weight of the fiber material, contrary to the object of the present invention.
  • the suction air volume at both ends of the drum axial direction Y1 which is a portion where the supply of the fiber material is hindered by the partition plate 43 in the accumulation recess 40, is determined by the partition plate 43.
  • the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material is further increased, and the uniformity of the basis weight of the low basis weight part is ensured. Is possible.
  • the manufacturing apparatus 1A as described above, as shown in FIGS.
  • the suction air volume of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 may be uniform or non-uniform in the drum axial direction Y1.
  • the suction air volume of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is set non-uniformly in the drum axial direction Y1.
  • the standard basis weight portion 11B which is both ends in the direction orthogonal to one direction (vertical direction X) (horizontal direction Y), is the standard basis weight portion.
  • the basis weight of the fiber material is smaller than that of the central high portion 11A sandwiched between the 11Bs, when the absorber 10 is manufactured, the basis weight of the fiber material is uneven in the fiber stacking step.
  • the suction air volume at both ends (the portion corresponding to the standard basis weight portion 11B) of the drum axial direction Y1 of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is set to the drum axial direction Y1 of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410. Make it smaller than the suction air volume in the central part of. In the manufacturing apparatus 1A, as described above, as shown in FIGS.
  • the suction air volume of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is a low basis weight. It is set to be larger than the suction air volume of the portion corresponding portion 420.
  • the suction air volume of the portion of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 where the suction air volume is maximum is 100%, the integration recess 40
  • the suction air volume of each part can be set as follows.
  • the suction air volume of the portion of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 other than the portion where the suction air volume is maximum is preferably 5 to 50%, more preferably. Is 10-40%.
  • the suction air volume at the end of the drum axial direction Y1 of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 is preferably 10 to 50%, more preferably 15 to 40%.
  • the suction air volume at the center of the drum axial direction Y1 of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 is preferably 5 to 50%, more preferably 10 to 30%.
  • suction of at least a part of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 in the high basis weight portion priority stacking process suction of at least a part of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 in the high basis weight portion priority stacking process.
  • the air volume is preferably larger than the suction air volume of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420. Further, in the whole area fiber process, it is preferable that the suction air volume of at least a part of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is equal to or higher than the suction air volume of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420.
  • the suction air volume of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is 41 V and the suction air volume of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 is 42 V, in the first suction region S1 where the high basis weight portion priority stacking step is carried out. It is preferable that the magnitude relationship of "(41V / 42V)> 1" is established, and the magnitude relationship of "(41V / 42V) ⁇ 1" is established in the second suction region S2 where the entire area fiber process is carried out.
  • the supply of the fiber material to at least a part of the accumulation recess 40 may be suppressed.
  • the fiber material is supplied to both ends of the drum axial direction Y1 of the integration recess 40 by the function of the partition plate 43 (FIGS. 17, 18, 21, and 22) described above.
  • the central portion of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 in the drum axial direction Y1 has a height exceeding the ring plate 38. Excessive amounts of fiber material can be stacked.
  • an excessive amount of fiber material is stacked in the central portion of the drum axial direction Y1 of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 by the partition plate 43 in the high basis weight portion priority fiber stacking step.
  • the scuffing roll 45 described above scrapes off the excess amount of fiber material accumulated in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410, and corresponds to the low basis weight portion. It is re-stacked in part 420.
  • the supply amount of the fiber material to the accumulation recess 40 may be different between the high basis weight portion priority fiber stacking step and the total area fiber step.
  • the supply amount of the fiber material to the recess 40 for accumulation can be set so that the magnitude relationship of "high basis weight portion priority stacking process> total area fiber process" is established, whereby the above-mentioned invention can be set.
  • the action and effect of the characteristic composition of it is possible to further increase the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the absorber.
  • As a method of making the supply amount of the fiber material different from the accumulation recess 40 between the high basis weight portion priority fiber stacking process and the total area fiber process for example, in the inside of the duct 51 (the supply path 50 of the raw material including the fiber material).
  • the inside thereof is divided into a portion corresponding to the first suction region S1 where the high basis weight portion priority stacking process is carried out and a second suction region S2 where the entire area fiber process is carried out.
  • the water-absorbent polymer may be supplied to the accumulation recess 40.
  • a water-absorbent polymer introduction unit 54 for introducing the water-absorbent polymer particles into the supply path 50 is arranged in the duct 51, and the superabsorbent polymer introduction unit 54 is integrated by using the water-absorbent polymer introduction unit 54.
  • a method for manufacturing an absorber which uses a fiber stacking device to manufacture an absorber having a high basis weight portion having a relatively large basis weight portion and a low basis weight portion having a relatively small basis weight portion of a fiber material in one direction.
  • the fiber stacking device includes a fixed drum and a rotary drum rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum and having an accumulation recess for stacking fibers on the outer peripheral portion, from the fixed drum side.
  • the fiber material carried by the air flow generated by the suction of the drum is made to be stacked on the bottom surface of the accumulation recess.
  • the integration recess has a high basis weight portion corresponding portion forming the high basis weight portion and a low basis weight portion corresponding portion forming the low basis weight portion in the circumferential direction of the drum.
  • the fiber stacking process and the fiber stacking process After the fiber stacking step, the fiber material stacked on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion is scraped off by using a scuffing roll arranged opposite to the outer peripheral portion of the rotary drum, and the scraped fiber material is scraped off by the low basis weight portion. It has a re-stacking process for re-stacking in the corresponding section.
  • the fiber stacking step includes a high basis weight portion priority stacking process in which the fiber material is preferentially stacked in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion, and an implementation area of the high basis weight portion priority stacking process in the suction region.
  • the absorber that increases the difference in the flow rate of the air flow between the high basis weight portion corresponding portion and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion as compared with the total area fiber step.
  • Manufacturing method. ⁇ 2B> The method for producing an absorber according to ⁇ 1B>, wherein in the fiber stacking step, the flow rate of the air flow in the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion is made non-uniform in the drum axis direction.
  • the flow rate of the air flow at the center of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion in the drum axial direction is made smaller than that at both ends of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion in the drum axial direction.
  • the flow rate of the air flow of at least a part of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion is made larger than the flow rate of the air flow of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion.
  • the flow rate of the air flow of at least a part of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion is equal to or higher than the flow rate of the air flow of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion.
  • ⁇ 5B> The method for producing an absorber according to any one of ⁇ 1B> to ⁇ 4B>, which is carried out in the order of the high basis weight portion priority stacking step and the total area fiber step.
  • ⁇ 6B> The method for producing an absorber according to any one of ⁇ 1B> to ⁇ 5B>, which suppresses the supply of a fiber material to at least a part of the accumulation recess in the high basis weight portion priority fiber stacking step.
  • ⁇ 7B> The absorber according to any one of ⁇ 1B> to ⁇ 6B>, wherein the supply amount of the fiber material to the accumulation recess is different between the high basis weight portion priority fiber stacking step and the total area fiber step. Manufacturing method.
  • ⁇ 8B> In the high basis weight portion of the absorber, both ends in a direction orthogonal to the one direction have a smaller basis weight of the fiber material than the central portion sandwiched between the both ends. In the fiber stacking process, the flow rate of the air flow at both ends in the drum axial direction of the high basis weight portion corresponding to the high basis weight portion is measured in the drum axial direction of the high basis weight portion.
  • An absorber manufacturing device that can be used to manufacture an absorber having a high basis weight portion having a relatively large basis weight and a low basis weight portion having a relatively small basis weight portion of the fiber material in one direction.
  • the fixed drum is provided with a fixed drum and a rotating drum that is rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum and has a concave portion for accumulating fibers on the outer peripheral portion, and the fixed drum is rotated while rotating the rotating drum.
  • the fiber material carried on the air flow generated by suction from the side is made to be stacked on the bottom surface of the accumulation recess in a predetermined suction region in the circumferential direction of the drum.
  • the integration recess has a high basis weight portion corresponding portion forming the high basis weight portion and a low basis weight portion corresponding portion forming the low basis weight portion in the circumferential direction of the drum.
  • the fiber material is loaded on both the first suction region in which the fiber material is preferentially stacked on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion and the high basis weight portion corresponding portion and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion. It has a second suction area to be fiberized in the circumferential direction of the drum. In the first suction region, the difference in the flow rate of the air flow between the high basis weight portion corresponding portion and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion is larger than that in the second suction region.
  • a scuffing roll arranged to face the outer peripheral portion of the rotary drum is provided, and the fiber material piled up in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion is scraped off, and the scraped fiber material is re-used in the low basis weight portion corresponding portion.
  • a first suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the first suction region and a second suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the second suction region are arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum.
  • the first suction region corresponding portion is made of a non-breathable member having a partially provided opening, and the air flow can pass through the first suction region corresponding portion only through the opening in the thickness direction.
  • the second suction region corresponding portion does not include a non-breathable member, and the air flow can pass through the entire area of the second suction region corresponding portion in the thickness direction.
  • a non-breathable opening closing member is arranged on the portion of the rotating drum facing the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, corresponding to the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion, and the portion corresponding to the high basis weight portion in the facing portion.
  • the opening closing member is not arranged in the portion corresponding to In the first suction region, by superimposing the opening closing member on the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion, the suction of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion is hindered. > Or the absorber manufacturing apparatus according to ⁇ 11B>.
  • ⁇ 13B> In the first suction region, there is a gap between the peripheral edge of the opening and the opening closing member in a state where the opening closing member is overlapped with the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion.
  • ⁇ 14B> Regarding the flow rate of the air flow, a magnitude relationship is established such that the high basis weight portion corresponding portion> the end portion of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion in the drum axial direction> the central portion of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion in the drum axial direction.
  • ⁇ 15B> The absorber manufacturing apparatus according to any one of ⁇ 10B> to ⁇ 14B>, wherein at least a part of the portion corresponding to the high basis weight portion has a deeper recess than the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion. .. ⁇ 16B>
  • ⁇ 17B> The absorber manufacturing apparatus according to any one of ⁇ 10B> to ⁇ 16B>, comprising a member for suppressing the supply of the fiber material to at least a part of the accumulation recess.
  • ⁇ 18B> The absorber manufacturing apparatus according to ⁇ 17B>, wherein the member that suppresses the supply of the fiber material is a partition plate that physically blocks the supply of the fiber material.
  • a duct is provided so as to cover the suction area and has a supply path for raw materials including a fiber material inside.
  • each of the pair of the partition plates with the other partition plate is inclined with respect to the radial direction of the rotary drum and extends from the outside to the inside in the radial direction.
  • the distance between the facing surface of one of the pair of partition plates and the facing surface of the other is gradually shortened from the outer side to the inner side in the radial direction of the rotating drum, according to the above ⁇ 19B>.
  • Absorber manufacturing equipment. ⁇ 21B> The partition plate is arranged so that at least a part of the partition plate overlaps the portion where the supply path and the suction region intersect (the opening on the suction region side of the duct). Or the absorber manufacturing apparatus according to ⁇ 20B>.
  • a duct is provided so as to cover the suction area and has a supply path for raw materials including a fiber material inside.
  • the scuffing roll is arranged in any one of ⁇ 10B> to ⁇ 21B>, which is arranged inside the duct on the downstream side of the suction region (the second suction region) in the rotation direction of the rotary drum.
  • the absorber manufacturing apparatus described.
  • ⁇ 23B> The apparatus for manufacturing an absorber according to any one of ⁇ 10B> to ⁇ 22B>, wherein the rotation of the scuffing roll can be adjusted.
  • ⁇ 24B> A duct arranged so as to cover the suction region and having a supply path for the raw material including the fiber material inside, and the scattered fiber material scraped off by the scuffing roll are guided to a desired position in the accumulation recess. Equipped with a guide member, The absorption according to any one of ⁇ 10B> to ⁇ 23B>, wherein the guide member extends from the surface of the inner surface of the duct facing the accumulation recess toward the integration recess side. Body manufacturing equipment. ⁇ 25B> The absorber manufacturing apparatus according to ⁇ 24B>, wherein the guide member is provided inside the duct on the upstream side of the rotating drum in the rotational direction with respect to the scuffing roll. ⁇ 26B> Item 3. The apparatus for manufacturing an absorber according to any one of ⁇ 10B> to ⁇ 25B>, wherein the first suction fiber region and the second suction region are individually adjustable in the flow rate of the air flow. ..
  • an absorber having a large degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the direction corresponding to the flow direction at the time of production is provided. Further, according to the present invention (5th to 6th inventions), there is provided an absorber in which the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material is large and the basis weight of the low basis weight portion is uniform.

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Abstract

In this fiber lamination device (1), a suction area (S) is divided into two areas (S1 and S2) in a flow direction (MD), and in said area (S1), the flow rate of vacuuming air in portions (41A, 41B) of a plurality of fiber lamination areas (41) that are lined up in the flow direction (MD) in an accumulation recess (40) is reduced by control-body opening sections (26) in a first-suction-area-corresponding part (23) of a stationary drum (2) and by opening-section closing members (30) of a rotary drum (3). In addition, an adjustment is made to the clearance between the first-suction-area-corresponding part (23) and the opening-section closing members (30) that overlap with each other in said area (S1), or to the width of the opening-section closing members (30) in relation to the width of the control-body opening sections (26) overlapping with the opening-section closing members (30) in the said area (S1).

Description

積繊装置並びに吸収体の製造方法及び製造装置Manufacturing method and manufacturing equipment for fiber stacking equipment and absorbers
　本発明は、坪量が部分的に異なる吸収体の製造技術に関する。 The present invention relates to a technique for manufacturing an absorber having a partially different basis weight.
　使い捨ておむつ、生理用ナプキン、失禁パッド等の吸収性物品に用いられる吸収体として、木材パルプなどの繊維材料の坪量が部分的に異なり、該坪量が相対的に多い高坪量部と該坪量が相対的に少ない低坪量部とを有する偏在吸収体が知られている。偏在吸収体の典型例として、吸収性物品の着用者の前後方向に対応する方向（縦方向）の中央部に、周辺部に比べて繊維材料の坪量が大きい部分（いわゆる中高部）を有するものが知られている。このような偏在吸収体は、高い液吸収性が要求される部分に体液吸収性（親水性）の繊維材料が偏在し、それ以外の他の部分は繊維材料の坪量が抑制されて厚みが薄いため、液吸収性及び着用感の双方が良好である。 As an absorber used for absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, and incontinence pads, the basis weight of fiber materials such as wood pulp is partially different, and the basis weight is relatively large. An unevenly distributed absorber having a low basis weight portion having a relatively small basis weight is known. As a typical example of an unevenly distributed absorber, a portion (so-called middle / high portion) in which the basis weight of the fiber material is larger than that of the peripheral portion is provided in the central portion in the direction corresponding to the front-back direction (vertical direction) of the wearer of the absorbent article. Things are known. In such an unevenly distributed absorber, a body fluid-absorbing (hydrophilic) fiber material is unevenly distributed in a portion where high liquid absorption is required, and in other portions, the basis weight of the fiber material is suppressed and the thickness is increased. Because it is thin, it has good liquid absorption and a feeling of wearing.
　また、吸収体の製造装置として、固定ドラムと、外周部に集積用凹部を有する回転ドラムとを備え、該固定ドラム側からの吸引によって生じた空気流（バキュームエア）に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、該集積用凹部内に積繊させるように構成された積繊装置が知られている（特許文献１～４）。
　特許文献１には、回転ドラムの内側に配設される吸引チャンバを、流れ方向に沿う断面で複数の吸引チャンバに区画するとともに、該複数の吸引チャンバに個別に吸引手段を設けた積繊装置が記載されている。特許文献１に記載の積繊装置によれば、吸収体の厚みを幅方向に均一化させる、吸収体の坪量を部分的に変化させる、吸収体に嵩高部を形成する、といったことが可能になるとされている。特許文献１に記載の積繊装置は、吸収体の製造時における流れ方向において吸収体の坪量を制御することはできない。
　特許文献２には、コアポケットと、該コアポケットに動作可能に関連付けられた空気分配マニホールドとを含む積繊装置が記載されている。特許文献２に記載の積繊装置は、装置構成が比較的複雑であるため、製造コストの高騰、装置の故障等が懸念される。
　特許文献３には、回転ドラムにおける多孔性部材の内面側に、バキュームエアの風量及び流れを調整する調整体の配置領域と非配置領域とが、回転ドラムの回転方向に配され、また、固定ドラムの外周部に、吸引が部分的に可能になされた選択的吸引領域と、吸引が全面的に可能になされた全面的吸引領域とが、該回転方向にこの順で配された積繊装置が記載されている。特許文献３に記載の積繊装置によれば、比較的簡単な構造で、偏在吸収体を安定的に製造できるとされている。
　特許文献４には、回転ドラムの外周面に向けて繊維材料を飛散状態にて供給するダクト有し、回転ドラムの集積用凹部からあふれた繊維材料の過剰部分を、該ダクト内に配置されたスカッフィングロールで掻き取り、掻き取った繊維材料を集積用凹部に再積繊させるように構成された積繊装置が記載されている。特許文献４に記載の積繊装置によれば、偏在吸収体を安定的に製造できるとされている。 Further, as an absorber manufacturing apparatus, a fixed drum and a rotating drum having a recess for integration on the outer peripheral portion are provided, and the fiber is carried on an air flow (vacuum air) generated by suction from the fixed drum side. A fiber stacking device configured to stack a material in the accumulation recess is known (Patent Documents 1 to 4).
In Patent Document 1, a suction chamber arranged inside a rotating drum is divided into a plurality of suction chambers in a cross section along a flow direction, and the fiber stacking device is provided with suction means individually in the plurality of suction chambers. Is described. According to the fiber stacking device described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to make the thickness of the absorber uniform in the width direction, partially change the basis weight of the absorber, and form a bulky portion on the absorber. Is supposed to be. The fiber stacking device described in Patent Document 1 cannot control the basis weight of the absorber in the flow direction at the time of manufacturing the absorber.
Patent Document 2 describes a fiber stacking device including a core pocket and an air distribution manifold operably associated with the core pocket. Since the fiber stacking device described in Patent Document 2 has a relatively complicated device configuration, there are concerns about soaring manufacturing costs, device failure, and the like.
In Patent Document 3, on the inner surface side of the porous member in the rotating drum, an arranged region and a non-arranged region of the adjusting body for adjusting the air volume and flow of the vacuum air are arranged and fixed in the rotation direction of the rotating drum. A fiber stacking device in which a selective suction region where suction is partially enabled and a full suction region where suction is fully enabled are arranged in this order on the outer peripheral portion of the drum in the rotational direction. Is described. According to the fiber stacking device described in Patent Document 3, it is said that an unevenly distributed absorber can be stably produced with a relatively simple structure.
Patent Document 4 has a duct for supplying the fiber material toward the outer peripheral surface of the rotating drum in a scattered state, and an excess portion of the fiber material overflowing from the accumulating recess of the rotating drum is arranged in the duct. Described is a fiber stacking apparatus configured to scrape with a scuffing roll and restack the scraped fiber material into a recess for accumulation. According to the fiber stacking device described in Patent Document 4, it is said that an unevenly distributed absorber can be stably produced.
特開２００２－２７２７８２号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-272782 米国特許出願公開第２００８／１１１２７０号明細書US Patent Application Publication No. 2008/11270 特開２０１５－５９２８７号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-59287 特開２０１８－１１６３０号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-11630
　本発明（第１発明）は、固定ドラムと、該固定ドラムの外周部周りを回転可能に設けられ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部を外周部に有する回転ドラムとを備え、該回転ドラムを回転させて該集積用凹部をドラム周方向に沿う搬送方向に搬送させつつ、該固定ドラム側からの吸引によって生じた空気流に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、ドラム周方向の所定の吸引領域にて該集積用凹部の底面上に積繊させ、坪量が互いに異なる複数の部分を該搬送方向に有する積繊体を製造する、積繊装置に関する。
　本発明（第１発明）の積繊装置の一実施形態では、前記集積用凹部は、前記積繊体の前記坪量が互いに異なる複数の部分に対応する複数の積繊領域をドラム周方向に有し、該複数の積繊領域は、第１の積繊領域と、該第１の積繊領域に比べて高坪量の部分を形成する第２の積繊領域とを含むことが好ましい。
　本発明（第１発明）の積繊装置の一実施形態では、前記吸引領域は、前記固定ドラム側からの吸引が部分的に可能になされている第１吸引領域と、該吸引が全面的に可能になされている第２吸引領域とをドラム周方向に有していることが好ましい。
　本発明（第１発明）の積繊装置の一実施形態では、前記固定ドラムの外周部に、前記第１吸引領域に対応する第１吸引領域対応部と、前記第２吸引領域に対応する第２吸引領域対応部とが配されていることが好ましい。
　本発明（第１発明）の積繊装置の一実施形態では、前記第１吸引領域対応部は、開口部が部分的に設けられた非通気性部材からなり、前記空気流は、該開口部を通じてのみ該第１吸引領域対応部を厚み方向に通過可能になされていることが好ましい。
　本発明（第１発明）の積繊装置の一実施形態では、前記第２吸引領域対応部は、非通気性部材を含まず、前記空気流は、該第２吸引領域対応部の全域を厚み方向に通過可能になされていることが好ましい。
　本発明（第１発明）の積繊装置の一実施形態では、前記回転ドラムの前記固定ドラムの外周部との対向部分に、前記第１の積繊領域に対応する非通気性の第１開口部閉鎖部材と、前記第２の積繊領域に対応する非通気性の第２開口部閉鎖部材とが配されていることが好ましい。
　本発明（第１発明）の積繊装置の一実施形態では、前記集積用凹部の前記第１吸引領域での搬送中に、前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に、前記第１開口部閉鎖部材及び前記第２開口部閉鎖部材が重なることで、前記第１の積繊領域及び前記第２の積繊領域の前記空気流の流量を低減するようになされていることが好ましい。
　以上の本発明（第１発明）の構成は、後述する本発明（第２発明）も具備し得る。 The present invention (first invention) includes a fixed drum and a rotating drum that is rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum and has an accumulation recess for stacking fiber materials on the outer peripheral portion. While rotating the drum to convey the integration recess in the transport direction along the drum circumferential direction, the fiber material conveyed by the air flow generated by the suction from the fixed drum side is transferred to a predetermined position in the drum circumferential direction. The present invention relates to a fiber stacking device for producing a fiber stack having a plurality of portions having different basis weights in the transport direction by stacking fibers on the bottom surface of the accumulation recess in a suction region.
In one embodiment of the fiber stacking device of the present invention (first invention), the stacking recess has a plurality of fiber stacking regions corresponding to a plurality of portions of the fiber stack having different basis weights in the circumferential direction of the drum. It is preferable that the plurality of fiber stacking regions include a first fiber stacking region and a second fiber stacking region forming a portion having a higher basis weight than the first fiber stacking region.
In one embodiment of the fiber stacking apparatus of the present invention (first invention), the suction region includes a first suction region where suction from the fixed drum side is partially possible, and the suction is entirely possible. It is preferable to have a possible second suction region in the circumferential direction of the drum.
In one embodiment of the fiber stacking device of the present invention (first invention), the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum has a first suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the first suction region and a second suction region corresponding to the second suction region. 2 It is preferable that a suction area corresponding portion is arranged.
In one embodiment of the fiber stacking device of the present invention (first invention), the first suction region corresponding portion is composed of a non-breathable member having a partially provided opening, and the air flow is the opening. It is preferable that the portion corresponding to the first suction region can be passed through in the thickness direction only through.
In one embodiment of the fiber stacking device of the present invention (first invention), the second suction region corresponding portion does not include a non-breathable member, and the air flow thickens the entire area of the second suction region corresponding portion. It is preferable that the passage is possible in the direction.
In one embodiment of the fiber stacking device of the present invention (first invention), a non-breathable first opening corresponding to the first stacking fiber region is provided at a portion of the rotating drum facing the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum. It is preferable that the portion closing member and the non-breathable second opening closing member corresponding to the second stacking fiber region are arranged.
In one embodiment of the fiber stacking apparatus of the present invention (first invention), the first opening is inserted into the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion during transportation of the accumulation recess in the first suction region. It is preferable that the portion closing member and the second opening closing member overlap each other to reduce the flow rate of the air flow in the first stacking fiber region and the second stacking fiber region.
The above-mentioned configuration of the present invention (first invention) may also include the present invention (second invention) described later.
　本発明（第１発明）の積繊装置の一実施形態では、前記第１吸引領域において前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に前記第１開口部閉鎖部材が重なった状態では、該第１吸引領域対応部と該第１開口部閉鎖部材とが所定の離間距離Ｇ１を置いて離間していることが好ましい。
　本発明（第１発明）の積繊装置の一実施形態では、前記第１吸引領域において前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に前記第２開口部閉鎖部材が重なった状態では、該第１吸引領域対応部と該第２開口部閉鎖部材とが所定の離間距離Ｇ２を置いて離間していることが好ましい。
　本発明（第１発明）の積繊装置の一実施形態では、前記離間距離Ｇ１＜前記離間距離Ｇ２の大小関係が成立することが好ましい。 In one embodiment of the fiber stacking device of the present invention (first invention), in the state where the first opening closing member overlaps the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion in the first suction region, the first It is preferable that the portion corresponding to one suction region and the first opening closing member are separated from each other with a predetermined separation distance G1.
In one embodiment of the fiber stacking device of the present invention (first invention), in the state where the second opening closing member overlaps the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion in the first suction region, the first It is preferable that the portion corresponding to the 1 suction region and the second opening closing member are separated from each other with a predetermined separation distance G2.
In one embodiment of the fiber stacking device of the present invention (first invention), it is preferable that the magnitude relationship of the separation distance G1 <the separation distance G2 is established.
　本発明（第２発明）の積繊装置の一実施形態では、前記第１開口部閉鎖部材は、前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に比べて、前記搬送方向と直交する搬送直交方向の長さが長く、前記第１吸引領域において該開口部に該第１開口部閉鎖部材が重なった状態では、該第１開口部閉鎖部材が該開口部を該搬送直交方向の全長にわたって延在していることが好ましい。
　本発明（第２発明）の積繊装置の一実施形態では、前記第２開口部閉鎖部材は、前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に比べて、前記搬送直交方向の長さが短く、前記第１吸引領域において該開口部に該第２開口部閉鎖部材が重なった状態では、該開口部の該搬送直交方向の一部に、該第２開口部閉鎖部材で覆われない部分が存在することが好ましい。 In one embodiment of the fiber stacking device of the present invention (second invention), the first opening closing member has a transport orthogonal direction orthogonal to the transport direction as compared with the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion. In a state where the first opening closing member overlaps the opening in the first suction region, the first opening closing member extends the opening over the entire length in the transport orthogonal direction. It is preferable to do so.
In one embodiment of the fiber stacking device of the present invention (second invention), the second opening closing member has a shorter length in the transport orthogonal direction than the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion. In the state where the second opening closing member overlaps the opening in the first suction region, a portion of the opening in the transport orthogonal direction is not covered by the second opening closing member. It is preferable to be present.
　本発明（第３発明）は、積繊装置を用い、坪量が互いに異なる複数の部分を一方向に有する吸収体を製造する、吸収体の製造方法に関する。
　本発明（第３発明）の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、前記積繊装置は、固定ドラムと、該固定ドラムの外周部周りを回転可能に設けられ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部を外周部に有する回転ドラムとを備え、該回転ドラムを回転させて該集積用凹部をドラム周方向に沿う搬送方向に搬送させつつ、該固定ドラム側からの吸引によって生じた空気流に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、ドラム周方向の所定の吸引領域にて該集積用凹部の底面上に積繊させるようになされていることが好ましい。
　本発明（第３発明）の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、前記集積用凹部は、前記吸収体の前記坪量が互いに異なる複数の部分に対応する複数の積繊領域をドラム周方向に有していることが好ましい。
　本発明（第３発明）の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、前記吸引領域は、前記固定ドラム側からの吸引が部分的に可能になされている第１吸引領域と、該吸引が全面的に可能になされている第２吸引領域とをドラム周方向に有していることが好ましい。
　本発明（第３発明）の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、前記固定ドラムの外周部に、前記第１吸引領域に対応する第１吸引領域対応部と、前記第２吸引領域に対応する第２吸引領域対応部とが配されていることが好ましい。
　本発明（第３発明）の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、前記第１吸引領域対応部は、開口部が部分的に設けられた非通気性部材からなり、前記空気流は、該開口部を通じてのみ該第１吸引領域対応部を厚み方向に通過可能になされていることが好ましい。
　本発明（第３発明）の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、前記第２吸引領域対応部は、非通気性部材を含まず、前記空気流は、該第２吸引領域対応部の全域を厚み方向に通過可能になされていることが好ましい。
　本発明（第３発明）の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、前記回転ドラムの前記固定ドラムの外周部との対向部分に、前記集積用凹部の前記複数の積繊領域の少なくとも一部に対応して、非通気性の開口部閉鎖部材がドラム周方向に複数並んで配されていることが好ましい。
　本発明（第３発明）の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、前記集積用凹部の前記第１吸引領域での搬送中に、前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に前記開口部閉鎖部材が重なることで、該集積用凹部における該開口部閉鎖部材に対応する前記積繊領域の前記空気流の流量を低減するようになされていることが好ましい。
　以上の本発明（第３発明）の構成は、後述する本発明（第４発明）も具備し得る。 The present invention (third invention) relates to a method for manufacturing an absorber, which uses a fiber stacking device to manufacture an absorber having a plurality of portions having different basis weights in one direction.
In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing an absorber of the present invention (third invention), the fiber stacking device is provided rotatably around a fixed drum and an outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, and a fiber material is stacked. An air flow generated by suction from the fixed drum side is provided with a rotating drum having an accumulation recess on the outer peripheral portion, and the rotating drum is rotated to convey the accumulation recess in the transport direction along the circumferential direction of the drum. It is preferable that the fiber material carried on the drum is stacked on the bottom surface of the accumulation recess in a predetermined suction region in the circumferential direction of the drum.
In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing an absorber of the present invention (third invention), the accumulation recess has a plurality of fiber stacking regions corresponding to a plurality of portions of the absorber having different basis weights in a drum circumferential direction. It is preferable to have it in.
In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing an absorber of the present invention (third invention), the suction region includes a first suction region in which suction from the fixed drum side is partially possible, and the suction region is the entire surface. It is preferable to have a second suction region which is possible in the circumferential direction of the drum.
In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing an absorber of the present invention (third invention), the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum corresponds to a first suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the first suction region and a second suction region corresponding to the second suction region. It is preferable that the second suction region corresponding portion is arranged.
In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing an absorber of the present invention (third invention), the first suction region corresponding portion is made of a non-breathable member having a partially provided opening, and the air flow is the same. It is preferable that the portion corresponding to the first suction region can be passed through the opening only through the opening in the thickness direction.
In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing an absorber of the present invention (third invention), the second suction region corresponding portion does not include a non-breathable member, and the air flow is the entire area of the second suction region corresponding portion. It is preferable that the material can pass through in the thickness direction.
In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing an absorber of the present invention (third invention), at least a part of the plurality of fiber stacking regions of the accumulation recess is located at a portion of the rotating drum facing the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum. Correspondingly, it is preferable that a plurality of non-breathable opening closing members are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction of the drum.
In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing an absorber of the present invention (third invention), the opening is opened in the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion during transportation of the integration recess in the first suction region. It is preferable that the closing members overlap to reduce the flow rate of the air flow in the fiber stacking region corresponding to the opening closing member in the accumulation recess.
The above-mentioned configuration of the present invention (third invention) may also include the present invention (fourth invention) described later.
　本発明（第３発明）の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、ドラム周方向に並ぶ前記複数の開口部閉鎖部材は、それぞれ、前記第１吸引領域において前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に重なった状態では、該第１吸引領域対応部に対して所定の離間距離を置いて離間していることが好ましい。
　本発明（第３発明）の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、ドラム周方向に並ぶ前記複数の開口部閉鎖部材どうしで前記離間距離が互いに異なり、ドラム周方向の一方側から他方側に向かって該離間距離が漸次変化するように、該複数の開口部閉鎖部材が配されていることが好ましい。
　本発明（第３発明）の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、前記回転ドラムを前記固定ドラムの外周部周りに回転させつつ、該回転ドラムの外周部に対して繊維材料を飛散状態にて供給し、前記吸引領域にて前記集積用凹部に積繊させる積繊工程を有していることが好ましい。
　本発明（第３発明）の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、前記積繊工程では、前記第１吸引領域において、前記複数の開口部閉鎖部材に対応する前記複数の積繊領域どうしでは、前記離間距離が長いものほど前記空気流の流量が多くなることが好ましい。 In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing an absorber of the present invention (third invention), the plurality of opening closing members arranged in the circumferential direction of the drum are each the said portion corresponding to the first suction region in the first suction region. In the state of overlapping the opening, it is preferable that the portion corresponding to the first suction region is separated from the first suction region by a predetermined distance.
In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing an absorber of the present invention (third invention), the distance between the plurality of opening closing members arranged in the circumferential direction of the drum is different from each other, and the distance from one side to the other in the circumferential direction of the drum is different. It is preferable that the plurality of opening closing members are arranged so that the separation distance gradually changes toward the direction.
In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing an absorber of the present invention (third invention), the rotating drum is rotated around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, and the fiber material is scattered with respect to the outer peripheral portion of the rotating drum. It is preferable to have a fiber stacking step of supplying the fibers in the suction region and stacking the fibers in the accumulating recess.
In one embodiment of the method for producing an absorber of the present invention (third invention), in the fiber stacking step, in the first suction region, the plurality of fiber stacking regions corresponding to the plurality of opening closing members are used. It is preferable that the longer the separation distance is, the larger the flow rate of the air flow is.
　本発明（第４発明）の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、ドラム周方向に並ぶ前記複数の開口部閉鎖部材どうしで該開口部閉鎖部材の前記搬送方向と直交する搬送直交方向の長さが互いに異なり、ドラム周方向の一方側から他方側に向かって該開口部閉鎖部材の該搬送直交方向の長さが漸次変化するように、該複数の開口部閉鎖部材が配されていることが好ましい。
　本発明（第４発明）の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、前記回転ドラムを前記固定ドラムの外周部周りに回転させつつ、該回転ドラムの外周部に対して繊維材料を飛散状態にて供給し、前記吸引領域にて前記集積用凹部に積繊させる積繊工程を有していることが好ましい。
　本発明（第４発明）の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、前記積繊工程では、前記第１吸引領域において、前記複数の開口部閉鎖部材に対応する前記複数の積繊領域どうしでは、前記開口部閉鎖部材の前記搬送直交方向の長さが短いものほど前記空気流の流量が多くなることが好ましい。 In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing an absorber of the present invention (fourth invention), the lengths of the plurality of opening closing members arranged in the circumferential direction of the drum in the transport orthogonal direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the opening closing members. The plurality of opening closing members are arranged so that the lengths of the opening closing members gradually change from one side in the circumferential direction of the drum toward the other side in the transport orthogonal direction. Is preferable.
In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing an absorber of the present invention (fourth invention), the rotating drum is rotated around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, and the fiber material is scattered with respect to the outer peripheral portion of the rotating drum. It is preferable to have a fiber stacking step of supplying the fibers in the suction region and stacking the fibers in the accumulating recess.
In one embodiment of the method for producing an absorber of the present invention (fourth invention), in the fiber stacking step, in the first suction region, the plurality of fiber stacking regions corresponding to the plurality of opening closing members are used. It is preferable that the shorter the length of the opening closing member in the direction perpendicular to the transport, the larger the flow rate of the air flow.
　本発明（第５発明）は、積繊装置を用い、繊維材料の坪量が相対的に多い高坪量部と相対的に少ない低坪量部とを一方向に有する吸収体を製造する、吸収体の製造方法に関する。
　本発明（第５発明）の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、前記積繊装置は、固定ドラムと、該固定ドラムの外周部周りを回転可能に設けられ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部を外周部に有する回転ドラムとを備え、該固定ドラム側からの吸引によって生じた空気流に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、該集積用凹部の底面上に積繊させるようになされていることが好ましい。
　本発明（第５発明）の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、前記集積用凹部は、前記高坪量部を形成する高坪量部対応部と、前記低坪量部を形成する低坪量部対応部とを、ドラム周方向に有していることが好ましい。
　本発明（第５発明）の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、前記回転ドラムを前記固定ドラムの外周部周りに回転させつつ、該回転ドラムの外周部に対して繊維材料を飛散状態にて供給し、ドラム周方向の所定の吸引領域にて前記集積用凹部に積繊させる積繊工程を有していることが好ましい。
　本発明（第５発明）の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、前記積繊工程の後、前記高坪量部対応部に積繊した繊維材料を前記回転ドラムの外周部に対向配置されたスカッフィングロールを用いて掻き取り、掻き取った繊維材料を前記低坪量部対応部に再積繊する再積繊工程を有していることが好ましい。
　本発明（第５発明）の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、前記積繊工程は、前記高坪量部対応部に優先的に繊維材料を積繊させる高坪量部優先積繊工程と、前記吸引領域における該高坪量部優先積繊工程の実施領域とは異なる領域で実施され、該高坪量部対応部及び前記低坪量部対応部の双方に繊維材料を積繊させる全面積繊工程とを有していることが好ましい。
　本発明（第５発明）の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、前記高坪量部優先積繊工程では、前記全面積繊工程に比べて、前記高坪量部対応部と前記低坪量部対応部との前記空気流の流量の差を大きくすることが好ましい。 The present invention (fifth invention) uses a fiber stacking device to manufacture an absorber having a high basis weight portion having a relatively large basis weight portion and a low basis weight portion having a relatively small basis weight portion of the fiber material in one direction. The present invention relates to a method for producing an absorber.
In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing an absorber of the present invention (fifth invention), the fiber stacking device is provided rotatably around a fixed drum and an outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, and a fiber material is stacked. A rotating drum having an accumulation recess on the outer periphery thereof is provided, and the fiber material conveyed by the air flow generated by suction from the fixed drum side is stacked on the bottom surface of the accumulation recess. Is preferable.
In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing an absorber of the present invention (fifth invention), the integration recess has a high basis weight portion corresponding portion forming the high basis weight portion and a low basis portion forming the low basis weight portion. It is preferable to have a portion corresponding to the basis weight portion in the circumferential direction of the drum.
In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing an absorber of the present invention (fifth invention), the rotating drum is rotated around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, and the fiber material is scattered with respect to the outer peripheral portion of the rotating drum. It is preferable to have a fiber stacking step in which the fibers are stacked in the accumulation recess in a predetermined suction region in the circumferential direction of the drum.
In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing an absorber of the present invention (fifth invention), after the fiber stacking step, the fiber material laminated on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion is arranged to face the outer peripheral portion of the rotary drum. It is preferable to have a re-stacking step of scraping the scraped fiber material using a scuffing roll and re-stacking the scraped fiber material in the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion.
In one embodiment of the method for producing an absorber of the present invention (fifth invention), the fiber stacking step is a high basis weight portion priority fiber stacking step in which a fiber material is preferentially stacked in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion. And, it is carried out in a region different from the implementation region of the high basis weight portion priority fiber stacking process in the suction region, and the fiber material is laminated in both the high basis weight portion corresponding portion and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion. It is preferable to have an entire area fiber process.
In one embodiment of the method for producing an absorber of the present invention (fifth invention), in the high basis weight portion priority stacking fiber step, the high basis weight portion corresponding portion and the low basis weight portion are compared with the full area fiber step. It is preferable to increase the difference in the flow rate of the air flow from the portion corresponding to the quantity portion.
　本発明（第６発明）は、繊維材料の坪量が相対的に多い高坪量部と相対的に少ない低坪量部とを一方向に有する吸収体の製造に使用可能な吸収体の製造装置に関する。
　本発明（第６発明）の吸収体の製造装置の一実施形態では、固定ドラムと、該固定ドラムの外周部周りを回転可能に設けられ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部を外周部に有する回転ドラムとを備え、該回転ドラムを回転させつつ、該固定ドラム側からの吸引によって生じた空気流に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、ドラム周方向の所定の吸引領域にて該集積用凹部の底面上に積繊させるようになされていることが好ましい。
　本発明（第６発明）の吸収体の製造装置の一実施形態では、前記集積用凹部は、前記高坪量部を形成する高坪量部対応部と、前記低坪量部を形成する低坪量部対応部とを、ドラム周方向に有していることが好ましい。
　本発明（第６発明）の吸収体の製造装置の一実施形態では、前記吸引領域は、前記高坪量部対応部に優先的に繊維材料を積繊させる第１吸引領域と、該高坪量部対応部及び前記低坪量部対応部の双方に繊維材料を積繊させる第２吸引領域とをドラム周方向に有していることが好ましい。
　本発明（第６発明）の吸収体の製造装置の一実施形態では、前記第１吸引領域は、前記第２吸引領域に比べて、前記高坪量部対応部と前記低坪量部対応部との前記空気流の流量の差が大きくなされていることが好ましい。
　本発明（第６発明）の吸収体の製造装置の一実施形態では、更に、前記回転ドラムの外周部に対向配置されたスカッフィングロールを備え、前記高坪量部対応部に積繊した繊維材料を掻き取り、掻き取った繊維材料を前記低坪量部対応部に再積繊するようになされていることが好ましい。
　本発明の他の特徴、効果及び実施形態は、以下に説明される。 The present invention (sixth invention) is to manufacture an absorber that can be used for manufacturing an absorber having a high basis weight portion having a relatively large basis weight portion and a low basis weight portion having a relatively small basis weight portion of the fiber material in one direction. Regarding the device.
In one embodiment of the absorber manufacturing apparatus of the present invention (sixth invention), a fixed drum and a concave portion for accumulation, which is rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum and in which a fiber material is stacked, are provided on the outer peripheral portion. The fiber material carried by the air flow generated by the suction from the fixed drum side is accumulated in a predetermined suction region in the circumferential direction of the drum while rotating the rotating drum. It is preferable that the fibers are stacked on the bottom surface of the recess.
In one embodiment of the absorber manufacturing apparatus of the present invention (sixth invention), the integration recess has a high basis weight portion corresponding portion forming the high basis weight portion and a low basis portion forming the low basis weight portion. It is preferable to have a portion corresponding to the basis weight portion in the circumferential direction of the drum.
In one embodiment of the absorber manufacturing apparatus of the present invention (sixth invention), the suction region includes a first suction region in which the fiber material is preferentially stacked on the portion corresponding to the high basis weight portion, and the high basis weight portion. It is preferable that both the portion corresponding to the weight portion and the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion have a second suction region for stacking the fiber material in the circumferential direction of the drum.
In one embodiment of the absorber manufacturing apparatus of the present invention (sixth invention), the first suction region has a high basis weight portion corresponding portion and a low basis weight portion corresponding portion as compared with the second suction region. It is preferable that the difference between the flow rate of the air flow and the air flow rate is large.
In one embodiment of the absorber manufacturing apparatus of the present invention (sixth invention), a fiber material further provided with scuffing rolls arranged to face each other on the outer peripheral portion of the rotary drum, and fiber material piled up on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion. It is preferable that the scraped fiber material is scraped off and the scraped fiber material is re-stacked in the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion.
Other features, effects and embodiments of the invention are described below.
図１は、本発明（第１ないし４発明）によって提供される吸収体の一実施形態の模式的な斜視図である。FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the absorber provided by the present invention (1st to 4th inventions). 図２は、本発明（第１ないし４発明）の積繊装置の一実施形態を一部透視して模式的に示す斜視図である。FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an embodiment of the fiber stacking apparatus of the present invention (the first to fourth inventions) through a partial perspective. 図３は、図２に示す積繊装置をドラム軸方向から見た場合の模式的な側面図である。FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the fiber stacking device shown in FIG. 2 when viewed from the drum axis direction. 図４は、図２に示す積繊装置の集積部の模式的な分解斜視図である。FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the integrated portion of the fiber stacking device shown in FIG. 図５は、図２に示す積繊装置の集積用凹部の一部の模式的な平面図である。FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a part of the accumulation recess of the fiber stacking apparatus shown in FIG. 図６は、図２に示す積繊装置の吸引領域の模式的な平面図である。FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of the suction region of the fiber stacking device shown in FIG. 図７は、図５のＩ－Ｉ線での断面（第１の積繊領域のドラム軸方向に沿う断面）を模式的に示す断面図であり、図７（ａ）は第１吸引領域での吸引状態、図７（ｂ）は第２吸引領域での吸引状態を示す。FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section (a cross section along the drum axis direction of the first layered fiber region) along the line I-I of FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 (a) is a first suction region. 7 (b) shows the suction state in the second suction region. 図８は、図５のＩＩＩ－ＩＩＩ線での断面（第３の積繊領域のドラム軸方向に沿う断面）を模式的に示す断面図であり、図８（ａ）は第１吸引領域での吸引状態、図８（ｂ）は第２吸引領域での吸引状態を示す。FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section taken along the line III-III of FIG. 5 (a cross section along the drum axis direction of the third layered fiber region), and FIG. 8A is a first suction region. The suction state of FIG. 8 (b) shows the suction state in the second suction region. 図９は、図５のＩＶ－ＩＶ線での断面（集積用凹部のドラム周方向に沿う断面）を模式的に示す断面図である。FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section (a cross section along the drum circumferential direction of the accumulating recess) in line IV-IV of FIG. 図１０は、図２に示す積繊装置の一実施形態における図５のＩ－Ｉ線での断面（第１の積繊領域のドラム軸方向に沿う断面）を模式的に示す断面図であり、第１吸引領域での吸引状態を示す図である。FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section (a cross section along the drum axis direction of the first stacking fiber region) of FIG. 5 in one embodiment of the fiber stacking apparatus shown in FIG. , Is a diagram showing a suction state in the first suction region. 図１１は、図１０に示す積繊装置における図５のＩＩ－ＩＩ線での断面（第２の積繊領域のドラム軸方向に沿う断面）を模式的に示す断面図であり、第１吸引領域での吸引状態を示す図である。FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section (a cross section along the drum axis direction of the second stacking region region) of FIG. 5 in the fiber stacking apparatus shown in FIG. 10 along the line II-II, and is a first suction. It is a figure which shows the suction state in a region. 図１２は、図１０に示す積繊装置における図５のＩＶ－ＩＶ線での断面（集積用凹部のドラム周方向に沿う断面）を模式的に示す断面図であり、第１吸引領域での吸引状態を示す図である。FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section (a cross section along the drum circumferential direction of the accumulator recess) of FIG. 5 in the fiber stacking apparatus shown in FIG. 10 in the first suction region. It is a figure which shows the suction state. 図１３は、図２に示す積繊装置の他の実施形態における図５のＩＩ－ＩＩ線での断面（第２の積繊領域のドラム軸方向に沿う断面）を模式的に示す断面図であり、第１吸引領域での吸引状態を示す図である。FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section (a cross section along the drum axis direction of the second stacking fiber region) of FIG. 5 in line II-II in another embodiment of the fiber stacking apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the suction state in the 1st suction region. 図１４は、図１３に示す積繊装置における図５のＩＶ－ＩＶ線での断面（集積用凹部のドラム周方向に沿う断面）を模式的に示す断面図であり、第１吸引領域での吸引状態を示す図である。FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section (a cross section along the drum circumferential direction of the accumulating recess) in the IV-IV line of FIG. 5 in the fiber stacking apparatus shown in FIG. 13, and is a cross-sectional view in the first suction region. It is a figure which shows the suction state. 図１５は、図２に示す積繊装置の更に他の実施形態における図５のＩ－Ｉ線又はＩＩ－ＩＩ線での断面（第１の積繊領域又は第２の積繊領域のドラム軸方向に沿う断面）を模式的に示す断面図であり、第１吸引領域での吸引状態を示す図である。FIG. 15 shows a cross section (drum axis of the first fiber region or the second fiber region) in the I-I line or II-II line of FIG. 5 in still another embodiment of the fiber stacking apparatus shown in FIG. It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the cross section along the direction), and is the figure which shows the suction state in the 1st suction region.
図１６（ａ）及び図１６（ｂ）は、それぞれ、本発明（第５ないし６発明）によって提供される吸収体の一実施形態の模式的な斜視図である。16 (a) and 16 (b) are schematic perspective views of an embodiment of the absorber provided by the present invention (5th to 6th inventions), respectively. 図１７は、本発明（第５ないし６発明）の吸収体の製造装置の一実施形態を一部透視して模式的に示す斜視図である。FIG. 17 is a perspective view schematically showing one embodiment of the absorber manufacturing apparatus of the present invention (the fifth to sixth inventions) through a partial perspective. 図１８は、図１７に示す製造装置をドラム軸方向から見た場合の模式的な側面図である。FIG. 18 is a schematic side view of the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 17 when viewed from the drum axis direction. 図１９は、図１７に示す製造装置の集積用凹部の一部の模式的な平面図である。FIG. 19 is a schematic plan view of a part of the integration recess of the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 図２０は、図１７に示す製造装置の吸引領域の模式的な平面図である。FIG. 20 is a schematic plan view of a suction region of the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 図２１は、図１９のＩ－Ｉ線での断面（低坪量部対応部のドラム軸方向に沿う断面）を模式的に示す断面図であり、図２１（ａ）は第１吸引領域（高坪量部優先積繊工程）での吸引状態、図２１（ｂ）は第２吸引領域（全面積繊工程）での吸引状態を示す。21 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section (a cross section along the drum axis direction of the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion) along the line I-I of FIG. 19, and FIG. 21 (a) is a first suction region (a first suction region). The suction state in the high basis weight portion priority stacking process) and FIG. 21B show the suction state in the second suction region (total area fiber process). 図２２は、図１９のＩＩ－ＩＩ線での断面（高坪量部対応部のドラム軸方向に沿う断面）を模式的に示す断面図であり、図２２（ａ）は第１吸引領域（高坪量部優先積繊工程）での吸引状態、図８２２（ｂ）は第２吸引領域（全面積繊工程）での吸引状態を示す。FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section of FIG. 19 taken along line II-II (a cross section along the drum axis direction of the portion corresponding to the high basis weight portion), and FIG. 22 (a) is a first suction region (a first suction region). The suction state in the high basis weight portion priority stacking process) and FIG. 822 (b) show the suction state in the second suction region (total area fiber process). 図２３は、図１９のＩＩＩ－ＩＩＩ線での断面（集積用凹部のドラム周方向に沿う断面）を模式的に示す断面図である。FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section (a cross section along the drum circumferential direction of the accumulation recess) along the line III-III of FIG. 図２４（ａ）及び図２４（ｂ）は、それぞれ、図１７に示す製造装置を用いた製造方法の一実施形態における再積繊工程の様子を示す図である。24 (a) and 24 (b) are diagrams showing the state of the re-stacking process in one embodiment of the manufacturing method using the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 17, respectively.
発明の詳細な説明Detailed description of the invention
　偏在吸収体として、一方向（典型的には、吸収性物品の着用者の前後方向）に長い形状を有し、その長手方向において繊維材料の偏在の程度が大きく、高坪量部と低坪量部との間に比較的大きな坪量差が存在するものが要望されているが、従来の吸収体の製造技術では、斯かる要望に十分に応えられていないのが実情である。このような一方向に長い形状を有する吸収体の長手方向は、典型的には、その製造時の流れ方向に一致するところ、流れ方向における繊維材料の積繊量を比較的簡単な装置構成で適切に制御し得る技術は未だ提供されていない。 As an unevenly distributed absorber, it has a long shape in one direction (typically, in the front-back direction of the wearer of the absorbent article), and the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material is large in the longitudinal direction thereof, and the high basis weight portion and the low basis area. There is a demand for a material having a relatively large difference in basis weight from the weight part, but the fact is that the conventional absorption material manufacturing technique does not sufficiently meet such a demand. The longitudinal direction of the absorber having such a long shape in one direction typically coincides with the flow direction at the time of its manufacture, and the amount of fibers of the fiber material in the flow direction can be adjusted by a relatively simple device configuration. No technology has yet been provided that can be adequately controlled.
　本発明（第１ないし４発明）は、製造時の流れ方向に対応する方向において繊維材料の偏在の程度が大きい吸収体を提供し得る技術に関する。 The present invention (1st to 4th inventions) relates to a technique capable of providing an absorber having a large degree of uneven distribution of a fiber material in a direction corresponding to a flow direction during manufacturing.
　また、偏在吸収体として、繊維材料の偏在の程度が大きく、高坪量部と低坪量部との間に比較的大きな坪量差が存在するものが要望されているが、従来の吸収体の製造技術では、斯かる要望に十分に応えられていないのが実情である。また、繊維材料の偏在の程度が大きな吸収体を製造可能な技術であっても、それを実施するための装置構成が複雑では実施が困難となる。また後述するように、吸収体の偏在の程度が大きくなり、低坪量部の一層の低坪量化が進むと、低坪量部の坪量の均一性が低下し、吸収体の性能低下を招くおそれがあるところ、斯かる課題を解決し得る技術は未だ提供されていない。 Further, as an uneven distribution absorber, there is a demand for a material in which the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material is large and a relatively large basis weight difference exists between the high basis weight portion and the low basis weight portion. The fact is that the manufacturing technology of tsubo does not fully meet such demands. Further, even if the technique can manufacture an absorber having a large degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material, it is difficult to carry out the technique if the device configuration for carrying it is complicated. Further, as will be described later, as the degree of uneven distribution of the absorber increases and the basis weight of the low basis weight portion is further reduced, the uniformity of the basis weight of the low basis weight portion decreases, and the performance of the absorber deteriorates. Where there is a risk of inviting, the technology that can solve such problems has not yet been provided.
　本発明（第５ないし６発明）は、繊維材料の偏在の程度が大きく、且つ低坪量部の坪量が均一な吸収体を提供し得る技術に関する。 The present invention (5th to 6th inventions) relates to a technique capable of providing an absorber in which the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material is large and the basis weight of the low basis weight portion is uniform.
　以下、本発明（第１ないし６発明）をその好ましい実施形態に基づき図面を参照しながら説明する。なお、以下の図面の記載において、同一又は類似の部分には、同一又は類似の符号を付している。図面は基本的に模式的なものであり、各寸法の比率などは現実のものとは異なる場合がある。 Hereinafter, the present invention (1st to 6th inventions) will be described based on the preferred embodiment with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings below, the same or similar parts are designated by the same or similar reference numerals. The drawings are basically schematic, and the ratio of each dimension may differ from the actual one.
　本発明（第１ないし６発明）によって提供される吸収体は、体液をはじめとする水性液を吸収し得るものである。吸収体の用途は特に限定されないが、吸収性物品の吸収体として特に好適である。ここでいう「吸収性物品」には、人体から排出される体液（尿、軟便、経血、汗等）の吸収に用いられる物品が広く包含され、例えば、使い捨ておむつ、生理用ナプキン、生理用ショーツ、失禁パッド等が包含される。
　吸収性物品は、典型的には、吸収体と、該吸収体よりも着用者の肌から近い側に配される液透過性の表面シートと、該吸収体よりも着用者の肌から遠い側に配される液難透過性ないし不透過性の裏面シートとを含んで構成されている。 The absorber provided by the present invention (1st to 6th inventions) can absorb an aqueous liquid including a body fluid. The use of the absorber is not particularly limited, but it is particularly suitable as an absorber for an absorbent article. The term "absorbable article" broadly includes articles used for absorbing body fluids (urine, loose stool, menstrual blood, sweat, etc.) discharged from the human body, and includes, for example, disposable diapers, menstrual napkins, and sanitary items. Includes shorts, incontinence pads, etc.
The absorbent article is typically an absorber, a liquid permeable surface sheet located closer to the wearer's skin than the absorber, and a side farther from the wearer's skin than the absorber. It is configured to include a poorly permeable or impermeable back sheet to be arranged in the liquid.
　以下、第１ないし４発明について説明する。
　図１には、本発明（第１ないし４発明）によって提供される吸収体の一実施形態である吸収体１０が示されている。吸収体１０は、吸収性物品用のものであり、吸収性物品の着用者の前後方向に対応する縦方向Ｘとこれに直交する横方向Ｙとを有する。 Hereinafter, the first to fourth inventions will be described.
FIG. 1 shows an absorber 10 which is an embodiment of the absorber provided by the present invention (the first to fourth inventions). The absorber 10 is for an absorbent article and has a vertical direction X corresponding to the front-back direction of the wearer of the absorbent article and a lateral direction Y orthogonal to the vertical direction X.
　縦方向Ｘは、後述する吸収体１０の製造時における流れ方向ＭＤ（Machine Direction）に一致し、横方向Ｙは、流れ方向ＭＤと直交する方向である搬送直交方向ＣＤ（Cross machine Direction）に一致する。なお、流れ方向ＭＤは、後述するドラム周方向Ｘ１に沿う回転ドラム３の回転方向Ｒ１（集積用凹部４０の搬送方向）に一致し、搬送直交方向ＣＤは、後述するドラム軸方向Ｙ１に一致する（図２参照）。 The vertical direction X corresponds to the flow direction MD (Machine Direction) at the time of manufacturing the absorber 10, which will be described later, and the horizontal direction Y corresponds to the transport orthogonal direction CD (Cross machine Direction) which is the direction orthogonal to the flow direction MD. do. The flow direction MD coincides with the rotation direction R1 (transport direction of the integration recess 40) of the rotating drum 3 along the drum circumferential direction X1 described later, and the transport orthogonal direction CD coincides with the drum axial direction Y1 described later. (See FIG. 2).
　吸収体１０は、繊維材料を主体とする。吸収体１０における繊維材料の含有量は、少なくとも５０質量％以上であり、１００質量％すなわち繊維材料のみから形成されていてもよい。繊維材料の種類は特に制限されず、熱可塑性樹脂等の合成樹脂からなる疎水性繊維を用いることもできるが、典型的には、親水性繊維が用いられる。親水性繊維としては、例えば、針葉樹パルプや広葉樹パルプ等の木材パルプ、綿パルプや麻パルプ等の非木材パルプ等の天然繊維；カチオン化パルプ、マーセル化パルプ等の変性パルプ（以上、セルロース系繊維）；親水性合成繊維等が挙げられ、これらの１種を単独で又は２種以上を混合して用いることができる。
　吸収体１０は、繊維材料に加えて更に、吸水性ポリマーを含有してもよい。吸水性ポリマーとしては、一般に粒子状のものが用いられるが、繊維状のものでもよい。粒子状の吸水性ポリマーの形状は特に限定されず、例えば、球状、塊状、俵状、不定形状であり得る。吸水性ポリマーは、典型的には、アクリル酸又はアクリル酸アルカリ金属塩の重合物又は共重合物を主体とする。 The absorber 10 is mainly made of a fiber material. The content of the fibrous material in the absorber 10 is at least 50% by mass or more, and may be formed from 100% by mass, that is, only the fibrous material. The type of fiber material is not particularly limited, and hydrophobic fibers made of synthetic resins such as thermoplastic resins can be used, but hydrophilic fibers are typically used. Examples of the hydrophilic fiber include wood pulp such as coniferous tree pulp and broadleaf tree pulp, natural fiber such as non-wood pulp such as cotton pulp and hemp pulp; and modified pulp such as cationized pulp and marcelled pulp (above, cellulose-based fiber). ); Hydrophilic synthetic fibers and the like can be mentioned, and one of these can be used alone or in combination of two or more.
The absorber 10 may further contain a water-absorbent polymer in addition to the fiber material. As the water-absorbent polymer, a particulate polymer is generally used, but a fibrous polymer may also be used. The shape of the particulate water-absorbent polymer is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, spherical, lumpy, bale-shaped, or indefinite. The water-absorbent polymer is typically composed mainly of a polymer or copolymer of acrylic acid or an alkali metal salt of acrylic acid.
　吸収体１０は、図１に示すように、繊維材料の坪量が相対的に多い高坪量部１１と、相対的に少ない低坪量部１２とを一方向に有する。本実施形態では、吸収体１０は、平面視で縦方向Ｘに長い形状（略長方形形状）を有し、その長手方向すなわち縦方向Ｘの中央部に高坪量部１１、縦方向Ｘの両端部に低坪量部１２が配されており、低坪量部１２、高坪量部１１、低坪量部１２の順に縦方向Ｘに配置されている。 As shown in FIG. 1, the absorber 10 has a high basis weight portion 11 having a relatively large basis weight of the fiber material and a low basis weight portion 12 having a relatively small basis weight portion 12 in one direction. In the present embodiment, the absorber 10 has a long shape (substantially rectangular shape) in the vertical direction X in a plan view, and the high basis weight portion 11 and both ends of the vertical direction X are located in the central portion of the longitudinal direction, that is, the vertical direction X. The low basis weight portion 12 is arranged in the portion, and the low basis weight portion 12, the high basis weight portion 11, and the low basis weight portion 12 are arranged in the vertical direction X in this order.
　高坪量部１１は、高坪量部１１及び低坪量部１２が連なる一方向（縦方向Ｘ）における、低坪量部１２に比べて繊維材料の坪量が多い部位を含む領域であり、該部位以外の他の部位を含む場合は、該部位と、該部位と縦方向Ｘにおいて同位置にある他の部位との双方を含む。例えば、本実施形態では、高坪量部１１の横方向Ｙ（短手方向）の中央部に、吸収体１０において繊維材料の坪量が最大の部分である中高部１１Ａが形成され、中高部１１Ａを挟んで横方向Ｙの両外方は、中高部１１Ａに比べて繊維材料の坪量が少ない標準坪量部１１Ｂとなっており、中高部１１Ａと標準坪量部１１Ｂ（中高部１１Ａと縦方向Ｘにおいて同位置にある他の部位）とからなる領域全体が、高坪量部１１である。
　中高部１１Ａは、周辺部に比べて厚みが大きく、吸収体１０の一方の面側に突出しており、また、平面視において縦方向Ｘに長い略長方形形状を有している。吸収体１０は、中高部１１Ａの突出面（図１では上面）を、該吸収体１０が用いられる吸収性物品の着用者の肌側に向けて使用されてもよく、あるいは中高部１１Ａの突出面側とは反対側の面を該着用者の肌側に向けて使用されてもよい。
　標準坪量部１１Ｂは、低坪量部１２に比べて繊維材料の坪量が少ない場合があり得る。
　低坪量部１２は、その全域にわたって坪量が均一でもよく、坪量が部分的に異なっていてもよい。後者の場合の一例として、低坪量部１２の縦方向Ｘの内方側（高坪量部１１側）が、外方側に比べて繊維材料の坪量が多いか又は少ない形態が挙げられる。また、後者の場合の他の一例として、低坪量部１２の横方向Ｙの中央部１２Ａ（図１中斜線を付した部分）が、低坪量部１２の横方向Ｙの両端部１２Ｂ，１２Ｂに比べて繊維材料の坪量が多いか又は少ない形態が挙げられる。 The high basis weight portion 11 is a region including a portion where the basis weight of the fiber material is larger than that of the low basis weight portion 12 in one direction (vertical direction X) in which the high basis weight portion 11 and the low basis weight portion 12 are connected. , When including a site other than the site, the site and the site and another site at the same position in the vertical direction X are included. For example, in the present embodiment, the middle-high portion 11A, which is the portion where the basis weight of the fiber material is the largest in the absorber 10, is formed in the central portion in the lateral direction Y (short direction) of the high basis weight portion 11, and the middle-high portion 11A is formed. Both outer sides in the lateral direction Y across 11A are standard basis weight portions 11B having a smaller basis weight of the fiber material than the middle and high parts 11A, and the middle and high parts 11A and the standard basis weight portions 11B (middle and high parts 11A). The entire region including other portions at the same position in the vertical direction X) is the high basis weight portion 11.
The middle-high portion 11A is thicker than the peripheral portion, protrudes toward one surface of the absorber 10, and has a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the vertical direction X in a plan view. The absorber 10 may be used so that the protruding surface (upper surface in FIG. 1) of the middle and high portion 11A faces the skin side of the wearer of the absorbent article in which the absorber 10 is used, or the protruding surface of the middle and high portion 11A. It may be used with the surface opposite to the surface side facing the wearer's skin side.
The standard basis weight portion 11B may have a smaller basis weight of the fiber material than the low basis weight portion 12.
The low basis weight portion 12 may have a uniform basis weight over the entire area, or may have a partially different basis weight. As an example of the latter case, the inner side (high basis weight portion 11 side) of the low basis weight portion 12 in the vertical direction X has a larger or less basis weight of the fiber material than the outer side. .. Further, as another example of the latter case, the central portion 12A of the low basis weight portion 12 in the lateral direction Y (the portion shaded in the middle of FIG. 1) is the both end portions 12B of the low basis weight portion 12 in the lateral direction Y. Examples thereof include a form in which the basis weight of the fiber material is larger or smaller than that of 12B.
　本実施形態では、高坪量部１１及び低坪量部１２は、それぞれ、互いに交差する平面視直線状の複数の溝状凹部１３Ｘ，１３Ｙによって複数の領域に区分されている。溝状凹部１３Ｘは縦方向Ｘに延び、溝状凹部１３Ｙは横方向Ｙに延びている。図示の形態では、溝状凹部１３Ｘ，１３Ｙは、吸収体１０における中高部１１Ａの突出面（図１では上面）側に形成されているが、該突出面側とは反対側の面に形成されていてもよい。
　溝状凹部１３Ｘ，１３Ｙは、排泄物等の液の流路として機能することで吸収体１０の液吸収能を向上させ得るとともに、吸収体１０の柔軟性、可撓性を高めて、吸収性物品の着用者の身体に対する追従性を向上させ得る。溝状凹部１３Ｘ，１３Ｙは無くてもよい。 In the present embodiment, the high basis weight portion 11 and the low basis weight portion 12 are divided into a plurality of regions by a plurality of groove-shaped recesses 13X and 13Y, which are linear in a plan view and intersect with each other, respectively. The groove-shaped recess 13X extends in the vertical direction X, and the groove-shaped recess 13Y extends in the horizontal direction Y. In the illustrated form, the groove-shaped recesses 13X and 13Y are formed on the protruding surface (upper surface in FIG. 1) side of the middle and high portions 11A in the absorber 10, but are formed on the surface opposite to the protruding surface side. You may be.
The groove-shaped recesses 13X and 13Y can improve the liquid absorption capacity of the absorber 10 by functioning as a flow path for liquid such as excrement, and also enhance the flexibility and flexibility of the absorber 10 to absorb the liquid. It is possible to improve the followability of the wearer of the article to the body. The groove-shaped recesses 13X and 13Y may not be provided.
　高坪量部１１は、主に吸収体１０の液吸収性の向上に寄与し、低坪量部１２は、主に吸収体１０を備える吸収性物品の着用感の向上に寄与する。吸収体１０では、吸収体１０が使い捨ておむつや生理用ナプキンなどの吸収性物品の吸収体として使用された場合に、その吸収性物品の着用者の股間部（陰茎、膣口などの排泄部）に配される部分である、縦方向Ｘの中央部を高坪量部１１とし、それ以外の部分を低坪量部１２としている。吸収体１０の縦方向Ｘの中央部は、着用者の排泄物が集中する部位であるので、該中央部を高坪量部１１とすることで十分な液吸収性を確保し、また、吸収体１０における該中央部以外の部分は、液吸収に使用される機会が該中央部に比べて少ないので、繊維材料の坪量を極力低減して厚みを薄くすることで着用感の向上を図っている。 The high basis weight portion 11 mainly contributes to the improvement of the liquid absorbency of the absorber 10, and the low basis weight portion 12 mainly contributes to the improvement of the wearing feeling of the absorbent article provided with the absorber 10. In the absorbent body 10, when the absorbent body 10 is used as an absorbent body for an absorbent article such as a disposable diaper or a menstrual napkin, the crotch portion (excretion portion such as the penis and vaginal opening) of the wearer of the absorbent article is used. The central portion in the vertical direction X, which is a portion arranged in the vertical direction X, is a high basis weight portion 11, and the other portion is a low basis weight portion 12. Since the central portion of the absorber 10 in the vertical direction X is a portion where the wearer's excrement is concentrated, sufficient liquid absorption is ensured and absorption is ensured by setting the central portion as the high basis weight portion 11. Since the part of the body 10 other than the central part is less likely to be used for liquid absorption than the central part, the basis weight of the fiber material is reduced as much as possible to reduce the thickness to improve the wearing feeling. ing.
　以下、本発明（第１ないし４発明）の積繊装置及び吸収体の製造方法について、前述した吸収体１０の製造方法を例にとり図面を参照しながら説明する。図２及び図３には、本発明の吸収体の積繊装置の一実施形態である積繊装置１の全体構成が示されている。
　積繊装置１は、固定ドラム２と、固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓの周りを回転可能に設けられ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部４０を外周部３Ｓに有する回転ドラム３とを備え、回転ドラム３を回転させて集積用凹部４０をドラム周方向Ｘ１に沿う搬送方向に搬送しつつ、固定ドラム２側からの吸引によって生じた空気流（以下、「バキュームエア」とも言う。）に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、ドラム周方向Ｘ１の所定の吸引領域Ｓにて集積用凹部４０の底面上に積繊させ、坪量が互いに異なる複数の部分を該搬送方向に有する吸収体１０（積繊体）を製造するようになされている。
　吸収体１０は前述したように、集積用凹部４０の搬送方向に対応する縦方向Ｘに、少なくとも高坪量部１１及び低坪量部１２を有し、また、両坪量部１１，１２は、それぞれ、坪量が互いに異なる複数の部分を縦方向Ｘに有していてもよく、坪量が互いに異なる部分を縦方向にＸに３つ以上有し得る。例えば低坪量部１２は、縦方向Ｘの内方側（高坪量部１１側）が、外方側に比べて坪量が多い場合があり得る。 Hereinafter, the method for producing the fiber stacking device and the absorber of the present invention (the first to fourth inventions) will be described with reference to the drawings, taking the above-mentioned method for producing the absorber 10 as an example. 2 and 3 show the overall configuration of the fiber stacking device 1 which is an embodiment of the fiber stacking device of the absorber of the present invention.
The fiber stacking device 1 includes a fixed drum 2 and a rotary drum 3 rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 and having an accumulation recess 40 in the outer peripheral portion 3S on which the fiber material is stacked. , While rotating the rotary drum 3 to convey the integration recess 40 in the transport direction along the drum circumferential direction X1, the air flow generated by suction from the fixed drum 2 side (hereinafter, also referred to as “vacuum air”). The fiber material carried on the drum is stacked on the bottom surface of the accumulation recess 40 in a predetermined suction region S in the drum circumferential direction X1, and the absorber 10 having a plurality of portions having different basis weights in the transport direction. (Fibers) are designed to be manufactured.
As described above, the absorber 10 has at least a high basis weight portion 11 and a low basis weight portion 12 in the vertical direction X corresponding to the transport direction of the accumulation recess 40, and both basis weight portions 11 and 12 have. , Each may have a plurality of portions having different basis weights in the vertical direction X, and may have three or more portions having different basis weights in the vertical direction X. For example, the low basis weight portion 12 may have a larger basis weight on the inner side (high basis weight portion 11 side) in the vertical direction X than on the outer side.
　本実施形態では、積繊装置１は、固定ドラム２及び回転ドラム３を含む集積部４と、集積部４（回転ドラム３）に繊維材料等の原材料を供給する原材料供給機構５と、回転ドラム３の集積用凹部４０から排出された吸収体１０（繊維材料等の原材料の積繊物）を搬送する搬送機構６とを備えている。 In the present embodiment, the fiber stacking device 1 includes an integrated unit 4 including a fixed drum 2 and a rotating drum 3, a raw material supply mechanism 5 that supplies raw materials such as fiber materials to the integrated unit 4 (rotating drum 3), and a rotating drum. It is provided with a transport mechanism 6 for transporting the absorber 10 (fiber stack of raw materials such as fiber materials) discharged from the accumulation recess 40 of 3.
　原材料供給機構５は、原材料の供給路５０を内部に有するダクト５１と、ダクト５１内に原材料を導入する原材料導入部５２とを備えている。ダクト５１は原材料の供給方向の両端が開口し、その一端側の開口部が、集積部４の外周部（回転ドラム３）の一部を覆い、他端側の開口部に、原材料導入部５２が備える粉砕機５３が配されている。原材料導入部５２は、シート状の木材パルプＳＰを粉砕機５３により粉砕して繊維材料であるパルプ繊維とし、そのパルプ繊維をダクト５１内に送り込むように構成されている。また、ダクト５１には、吸水性ポリマー粒子を供給路５０内に導入する吸水性ポリマー導入部５４が配されている。 The raw material supply mechanism 5 includes a duct 51 having a raw material supply path 50 inside, and a raw material introduction unit 52 for introducing the raw material into the duct 51. Both ends of the duct 51 in the supply direction of the raw material are open, the opening on one end side covers a part of the outer peripheral portion (rotary drum 3) of the integrated portion 4, and the opening on the other end side is the raw material introduction portion 52. The crusher 53 provided in the above is arranged. The raw material introduction unit 52 is configured to crush the sheet-shaped wood pulp SP with a crusher 53 into pulp fibers as a fiber material, and feed the pulp fibers into the duct 51. Further, the duct 51 is provided with a water-absorbent polymer introduction section 54 for introducing the water-absorbent polymer particles into the supply path 50.
　搬送機構６は、集積部４の下方に配され、集積部４から排出された吸収体１０を搬送面上に吸引しつつ搬送するバキュームコンベア（図示せず）を備えている。集積部４における固定ドラム２の内部には、ブロー発生機構（図示せず）が配されており、該ブロー発生機構による集積部４の内部側から回転ドラム３の外周部３Ｓ側へのエアーの吹きつけにより、外周部３Ｓの集積用凹部４０から吸収体１０が排出され、前記バキュームコンベアの搬送面上に転写されるようになされている。
　本実施形態では、前記バキュームコンベアの搬送面上に、吸収体１０の外面を被覆するコアラップシートなどとも呼ばれるシート材１４が予め配されており、集積部４から排出された吸収体１０はシート材１４上に転写され、シート材１４ごと搬送される。シート材１４は、前記バキュームコンベアによる搬送途中で、吸収体１０の全体を被覆するように折り曲げられる。 The transport mechanism 6 is arranged below the stacking section 4 and includes a vacuum conveyor (not shown) that transports the absorber 10 discharged from the stacking section 4 while sucking it onto the transport surface. A blow generation mechanism (not shown) is arranged inside the fixed drum 2 in the integrated portion 4, and air from the inside side of the integrated portion 4 by the blow generation mechanism to the outer peripheral portion 3S side of the rotating drum 3 is arranged. By spraying, the absorber 10 is discharged from the accumulation recess 40 of the outer peripheral portion 3S and transferred onto the transport surface of the vacuum conveyor.
In the present embodiment, a sheet material 14 called a core wrap sheet or the like that covers the outer surface of the absorber 10 is arranged in advance on the transport surface of the vacuum conveyor, and the absorber 10 discharged from the accumulating portion 4 is a sheet. It is transferred onto the material 14 and conveyed together with the sheet material 14. The sheet material 14 is bent so as to cover the entire absorber 10 during transportation by the vacuum conveyor.
　積繊装置１の要部である集積部４について説明する。集積部４は、図２～図４に示すように、金属製の剛体からなる固定ドラム２と、固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓに重ねて配された回転ドラム３とを主体として構成され、円筒状を有している。集積部４は、両ドラム２，３の周方向に対応するドラム周方向Ｘ１と、回転ドラム３の回転軸が延びる方向に対応するドラム軸方向Ｙ１とを有している。 The integrated part 4, which is the main part of the fiber stacking device 1, will be described. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the integrated portion 4 is mainly composed of a fixed drum 2 made of a rigid metal body and a rotating drum 3 arranged so as to be overlapped with the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2, and is a cylinder. It has a shape. The integrated portion 4 has a drum circumferential direction X1 corresponding to the circumferential direction of both drums 2 and 3, and a drum axial direction Y1 corresponding to the direction in which the rotation axis of the rotating drum 3 extends.
　固定ドラム２は円筒状を有し、その円筒状の固定ドラム２の軸方向両端の開口部は、側壁２１及びフェルト等のシール材（図示せず）によって気密に封鎖されている。固定ドラム２の内部は、隔壁２２によって周方向に複数（本実施形態では３つ）に区分され、各該区分に対応した複数の空間Ａ～Ｃが形成されている。
　固定ドラム２には、その内部を減圧する減圧機構（図示せず）が接続されている。前記減圧機構は、側壁２１に接続された排気管（図示せず）と該排気管に接続された排気ファン（図示せず）とを含んで構成されている。前記減圧機構を作動させることで、固定ドラム２内の複数の空間Ａ～Ｃのうちの任意のものが負圧に維持される。固定ドラム２は、隔壁２２によって仕切られた複数の空間Ａ～Ｃの負圧（吸引力）をそれぞれ独立に調整可能になされている。
　回転ドラム３は、モータ等の原動機からの動力を受けて、水平な回転軸を回転中心としてドラム周方向Ｘ１に沿って方向Ｒ１に回転するのに対し、固定ドラム２は回転しない。 The fixed drum 2 has a cylindrical shape, and the openings at both ends of the cylindrical fixed drum 2 in the axial direction are hermetically sealed by a side wall 21 and a sealing material (not shown) such as felt. The inside of the fixed drum 2 is divided into a plurality of spaces (three in the present embodiment) in the circumferential direction by the partition wall 22, and a plurality of spaces A to C corresponding to each division are formed.
A decompression mechanism (not shown) for depressurizing the inside of the fixed drum 2 is connected to the fixed drum 2. The decompression mechanism includes an exhaust pipe (not shown) connected to the side wall 21 and an exhaust fan (not shown) connected to the exhaust pipe. By operating the decompression mechanism, any one of the plurality of spaces A to C in the fixed drum 2 is maintained at a negative pressure. The fixed drum 2 is capable of independently adjusting the negative pressures (suction forces) of the plurality of spaces A to C partitioned by the partition wall 22.
The rotating drum 3 receives power from a prime mover such as a motor and rotates in the direction R1 along the drum circumferential direction X1 with the horizontal rotation axis as the center of rotation, whereas the fixed drum 2 does not rotate.
　本実施形態では、回転ドラム３は、図４に示すように、金属製の円筒状のドラム本体３Ａと、ドラム本体３Ａの外周部３ＡＳに重ねて配される複数の部材３３～３８からなる外層部３Ｂとを含む。ドラム本体３Ａは、回転ドラム３において固定ドラム２に最も近接する部材であり、固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓに対向配置されている。
　ドラム本体３Ａは、ドラム周方向Ｘ１の全長にわたって連続する環状の部材であるのに対し、外層部３Ｂを構成する複数の部材３３～３８は、それぞれ、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に複数に分割されている。これら複数の部材３３～３８は、ボルト等の締結具、接着剤等の接合手段により、相互に接離自在に接合されるとともに、ドラム本体３Ａの外周部３ＡＳに接離自在に接合される。 In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the rotary drum 3 has an outer layer composed of a metal cylindrical drum main body 3A and a plurality of members 33 to 38 arranged on the outer peripheral portion 3AS of the drum main body 3A. Including part 3B. The drum body 3A is a member of the rotating drum 3 that is closest to the fixed drum 2, and is arranged so as to face the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2.
The drum body 3A is an annular member continuous over the entire length of the drum circumferential direction X1, while the plurality of members 33 to 38 constituting the outer layer portion 3B are each divided into a plurality of members in the drum circumferential direction X1. .. These plurality of members 33 to 38 are joined to each other in a detachable manner by means of a fastener such as a bolt or a joining means such as an adhesive, and are joined to the outer peripheral portion 3AS of the drum body 3A in a detachable manner.
　外層部３Ｂを構成する複数の部材は、具体的には図４に示すように、ドラム本体３Ａに近い順に、第１吸引調整プレート３３、第１凹部底面形成プレート３４、第２吸引調整プレート３５、第２凹部底面形成プレート３６、凹部区画プレート３７及びリングプレート３８を含む。これら複数の部材のうち、第１吸引調整プレート３３、第２吸引調整プレート３５、第２凹部底面形成プレート３６及び凹部区画プレート３７の４枚のプレートは、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１の長さ（幅）が互いに同じであり、外層部３Ｂの幅は、これら４枚のプレート３３，３５～３７それぞれの幅と同じである。
　リングプレート３８は、回転ドラム３の最も外側に配される。リングプレート３８は、前記４枚のプレート３３，３５～３７に比べて幅が狭く、図４及び図５に示すように、集積用凹部４０を挟んでドラム軸方向Ｙ１の両側に一対配される。
　凹部区画プレート３７は、吸収体１０に溝状凹部１３Ｘ，１３Ｙを形成するためのもので、凹部区画プレート３７の集積用凹部４０に対応する部分には、互いに交差する複数の仕切り部材３７０（図４参照）が、溝状凹部１３Ｘ，１３Ｙと同じパターンで配されている。
　第１凹部底面形成プレート３４及び第２凹部底面形成プレート３６は、それぞれ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部４０の底面を形成し、バキュームエアが通過可能な多数の吸引孔を有する通気性部材である。
　第１凹部底面形成プレート３４は、吸収体１０の高坪量部１１の一部である中高部１１Ａの形成に使用されるもので、集積用凹部４０の後述する第３の積繊領域４１Ｃに対応している。第１凹部底面形成プレート３４は平面視で略長方形形状を有しており、第２凹部底面形成プレート３６に比べて幅が狭い。
　第２凹部底面形成プレート３６は、吸収体１０の中高部１１Ａ以外の部分の形成に使用されるもので、集積用凹部４０の後述する第１の積繊領域４１Ａ及び第２の積繊領域４１Ｂと、第３の積繊領域４１Ｃにおける中高部１１Ａに対応する部分以外の部分とに対応している。第２凹部底面形成プレート３６における第１凹部底面形成プレート３４と平面視で重なる部分には、該プレート３４に対応して、該プレート３４の平面視形状と同形状の開口部３６０が形成されている。
　第１吸引調整プレート３３は、バキュームエアが通過可能な複数の開口部３３０，３３１，３３２を有する非通気性部材からなり、開口部３３０，３３１，３３２でのみ吸引可能で、開口部３３０，３３１，３３２以外の部分では吸引不可である。開口部３３２は、第１吸引調整プレート３３における第３の積繊領域４１Ｃに対応する部分のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部に、第１凹部底面形成プレート３４に対応して配され、開口部３３２を挟んでドラム軸方向Ｙ１の両側に開口部３３０が配されている。第２吸引調整プレート３５は、バキュームエアが通過可能な複数の開口部３５０，３５１を有する非通気性部材からなり、開口部３５０，３５１でのみ吸引可能で、開口部３５０，３５１以外の部分では吸引不可である。 Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of members constituting the outer layer portion 3B have a first suction adjusting plate 33, a first recessed bottom surface forming plate 34, and a second suction adjusting plate 35 in the order of proximity to the drum body 3A. , The second recess bottom surface forming plate 36, the recess partition plate 37 and the ring plate 38 are included. Of these plurality of members, the four plates of the first suction adjusting plate 33, the second suction adjusting plate 35, the second recessed bottom surface forming plate 36, and the recessed partition plate 37 have a length (width) of Y1 in the drum axial direction. Are the same as each other, and the width of the outer layer portion 3B is the same as the width of each of these four plates 33, 35 to 37.
The ring plate 38 is arranged on the outermost side of the rotating drum 3. The ring plates 38 have a narrower width than the four plates 33, 35 to 37, and as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the ring plates 38 are arranged in pairs on both sides of the drum axial direction Y1 with the integration recess 40 interposed therebetween. ..
The recessed partition plate 37 is for forming groove-shaped recesses 13X and 13Y in the absorber 10, and a plurality of partition members 370 (FIG. 3) intersecting each other in the portion of the recessed partition plate 37 corresponding to the accumulating recess 40. 4) are arranged in the same pattern as the groove-shaped recesses 13X and 13Y.
The first recessed bottom surface forming plate 34 and the second recessed bottom surface forming plate 36 each form the bottom surface of the accumulating recess 40 in which the fiber material is stacked, and have a large number of suction holes through which vacuum air can pass. It is a member.
The first recess bottom surface forming plate 34 is used for forming the middle-high portion 11A which is a part of the high basis weight portion 11 of the absorber 10, and is used in the third layered fiber region 41C described later of the accumulation recess 40. It corresponds. The first recessed bottom surface forming plate 34 has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and is narrower than the second recessed bottom surface forming plate 36.
The second recess bottom surface forming plate 36 is used for forming a portion other than the middle and high portions 11A of the absorber 10, and the first stacking fiber region 41A and the second stacking fiber region 41B, which will be described later, of the accumulating recess 40. And the portion other than the portion corresponding to the middle and high portion 11A in the third layered fiber region 41C. In the portion of the second concave bottom surface forming plate 36 that overlaps the first concave bottom surface forming plate 34 in a plan view, an opening 360 having the same shape as the plan view of the plate 34 is formed corresponding to the plate 34. There is.
The first suction adjusting plate 33 is made of a non-breathable member having a plurality of openings 330,331,332 through which vacuum air can pass, and can be sucked only through the openings 330,331,332, and the openings 330,331 can be sucked. , 332 and other parts cannot be sucked. The opening 332 is arranged at the center of the drum axial direction Y1 of the portion corresponding to the third layered fiber region 41C in the first suction adjusting plate 33, corresponding to the first concave bottom surface forming plate 34, and is arranged in the opening 332. The openings 330 are arranged on both sides of the drum axial direction Y1 so as to sandwich the above. The second suction adjusting plate 35 is made of a non-breathable member having a plurality of openings 350 and 351 through which vacuum air can pass, and can be sucked only through the openings 350 and 351. It cannot be sucked.
　なお、本発明では、回転ドラム３の外層部３Ｂの構成は、図示の形態に制限されず、本発明の趣旨を逸脱しない範囲で適宜変更可能である。例えば外層部３Ｂは、第１吸引調整プレート３３及び第２吸引調整プレート３５を含まなくてもよい。両吸引調整プレート３３，３５は、集積用凹部４０のバキュームエアの流量（以下、「吸引風量」とも言う。）を調整するための吸引調整体として機能するものである。前記吸引調整体の設定を適宜調整することで、集積用凹部４０に対応して配置された複数の開口部（例えば、第１吸引調整プレート３３の開口部３３０，３３１，３３２、及び第２吸引調整プレート３５の開口部３５０，３５１）の全部又は一部の開口面積を個別に調整することができ、これにより、該複数の開口部を通過するバキュームエアの流量（吸引風量）を個別に調整することができる。前記吸引調整体としては、後述の第５ないし６発明における吸引調整体を採用することができる。 In the present invention, the configuration of the outer layer portion 3B of the rotary drum 3 is not limited to the illustrated form, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the outer layer portion 3B may not include the first suction adjusting plate 33 and the second suction adjusting plate 35. Both suction adjusting plates 33 and 35 function as suction adjusting bodies for adjusting the flow rate of vacuum air (hereinafter, also referred to as "suction air volume") in the accumulating recess 40. By appropriately adjusting the setting of the suction adjusting body, a plurality of openings arranged corresponding to the accumulation recess 40 (for example, openings 330, 331, 332 of the first suction adjusting plate 33, and a second suction). The opening area of all or part of the openings 350, 351) of the adjusting plate 35 can be individually adjusted, whereby the flow rate (suction air volume) of the vacuum air passing through the plurality of openings can be individually adjusted. can do. As the suction adjusting body, the suction adjusting body according to the fifth to sixth inventions described later can be adopted.
　回転ドラム３が外周部３Ｓに有する集積用凹部４０は、図５に示すように、製造目的物である吸収体１０（積繊体）の坪量が互いに異なる複数の部分（例えば高坪量部１１、低坪量部１２）に対応する、複数の積繊領域４１をドラム周方向Ｘ１に有し、複数の積繊領域４１は、第１の積繊領域４１Ａと、第１の積繊領域４１Ａに比べて積繊体の高坪量の部分を形成する第２の積繊領域４１Ｂとを含む。 As shown in FIG. 5, the integration recess 40 of the rotary drum 3 in the outer peripheral portion 3S is a plurality of portions (for example, a high basis weight portion) having different basis weights of the absorber 10 (fiber stack) which is a manufacturing object. 11. The plurality of fiber stacking regions 41 corresponding to the low basis weight portion 12) are provided in the drum circumferential direction X1, and the plurality of fiber stacking regions 41 are the first fiber stacking region 41A and the first fiber stacking region 41. It includes a second stacking region 41B forming a high basis weight portion of the stacking body as compared to 41A.
　本発明では、集積用凹部４０が有する積繊領域４１の数は、製造目的物である積繊体が製造時の流れ方向ＭＤに対応する方向において有する、坪量が互いに異なる部分の数によって定まり、特に制限されない。例えば、前述した吸収体１０は、製造時の流れ方向ＭＤ（回転ドラム３の回転方向Ｒ１）に対応する縦方向Ｘにおいて坪量が互いに異なる部分として、少なくとも高坪量部１１及び低坪量部１２の２つを有し、更に、高坪量部１１及び低坪量部１２それぞれが、縦方向Ｘにおいて坪量が互いに異なる複数の部分を有する場合があるので、１個の吸収体１０を製造するための集積用凹部４０が有する積繊領域４１の数は、少なくとも２つであり、３つ、４つ、あるいは５つ以上があり得る。 In the present invention, the number of the fiber stacking regions 41 included in the accumulation recess 40 is determined by the number of portions having different basis weights, which the fiber stacking body, which is a manufacturing object, has in the direction corresponding to the flow direction MD at the time of manufacturing. , There are no particular restrictions. For example, the above-mentioned absorber 10 has at least a high basis weight portion 11 and a low basis weight portion as portions having different basis weights in the vertical direction X corresponding to the flow direction MD (rotational direction R1 of the rotary drum 3) at the time of manufacture. Since each of the high basis weight portion 11 and the low basis weight portion 12 may have a plurality of portions having different basis weights in the vertical direction X, one absorber 10 is used. The number of the fiber stacking regions 41 included in the integration recess 40 for manufacturing is at least two, and may be three, four, or five or more.
　本実施形態では、集積用凹部４０は積繊領域４１として、図５に示すように、第１の積繊領域４１Ａ及び第２の積繊領域４１Ｂに加えて更に、第３の積繊領域４１Ｃをドラム周方向Ｘ１に有している。
　第１の積繊領域４１Ａ及び第２の積繊領域４１Ｂは、それぞれ、吸収体１０の低坪量部１２を形成する部分であり、後述する開口部閉鎖部材３０を有し（平面視で開口部閉鎖部材３０と重なり）、開口部閉鎖部材３０によって吸引が制限される積繊領域である。
　これに対し、第３の積繊領域４１Ｃは、吸収体１０の高坪量部１１を形成する部分であり、後述する開口部閉鎖部材３０を有さず（平面視で開口部閉鎖部材３０と重ならず）、開口部閉鎖部材３０によって吸引が制限されない積繊領域である。
　以下、第１の積繊領域４１Ａ及び第２の積繊領域４１Ｂの如き、集積用凹部４０における開口部閉鎖部材３０を有する（開口部閉鎖部材３０によって吸引が制限される）領域を「吸引制限領域」とも言う。また、第３の積繊領域４１Ｃの如き、集積用凹部４０における開口部閉鎖部材３０を有さない（開口部閉鎖部材３０によって吸引が制限されない）領域を「吸引非制限領域」とも言う。
　本発明では、１個の積繊体を製造するための集積用凹部４０において、前記吸引制限領域が３つ以上となる場合があり得る。前記吸引非制限領域は、典型的には、１個の吸収体１０（積繊体）を製造するための集積用凹部４０において１つである。 In the present embodiment, the accumulation recess 40 is a stacking region 41, and as shown in FIG. 5, in addition to the first stacking region 41A and the second stacking region 41B, the third stacking region 41C is further formed. Is provided in the drum circumferential direction X1.
The first stacking fiber region 41A and the second stacking fiber region 41B are portions that form the low basis weight portion 12 of the absorber 10, respectively, and have an opening closing member 30 described later (opening in a plan view). It is a fiber stacking region where suction is restricted by the opening closing member 30), which overlaps with the portion closing member 30.
On the other hand, the third layered fiber region 41C is a portion forming the high basis weight portion 11 of the absorber 10 and does not have the opening closing member 30 described later (with the opening closing member 30 in a plan view). It is a fiber stacking area where suction is not restricted by the opening closing member 30).
Hereinafter, a region having an opening closing member 30 (suction is restricted by the opening closing member 30) in the accumulation recess 40, such as the first stacking fiber region 41A and the second stacking fiber region 41B, is "suction restricted". Also called "area". Further, a region having no opening closing member 30 (suction is not restricted by the opening closing member 30) in the accumulation recess 40, such as the third stacking fiber region 41C, is also referred to as a “suction non-restricted region”.
In the present invention, the suction limiting region may be three or more in the accumulation recess 40 for manufacturing one laminated fiber. The suction non-restricted region is typically one in the integration recess 40 for producing one absorber 10 (fiber stack).
　本実施形態では、集積用凹部４０は、回転ドラム３のドラム周方向Ｘ１の全長にわたって連続的に配されており、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に隣り合う第１の積繊領域４１Ａ及び第２の積繊領域４１Ｂ（吸引制限領域）と、第３の積繊領域４１Ｃ（吸引非制限領域）とが、ドラム周方向Ｘ１の全長にわたって交互に配されている。１つの第３の積繊領域４１Ｃと、これを挟んでドラム周方向Ｘ１の前後に配された２つの積繊領域４１Ａ，４１Ｂの組み合わせそれぞれのドラム周方向Ｘ１の半分の領域とが、１個の吸収体１０に対応するので、集積用凹部４０から搬送機構６の前記バキュームコンベアに排出される吸収体１０は、複数の吸収体１０が縦方向Ｘに連続した吸収体連続体である。 In the present embodiment, the integration recesses 40 are continuously arranged over the entire length of the drum circumferential direction X1 of the rotating drum 3, and the first stacking fiber region 41A and the second stacking fiber adjacent to the drum circumferential direction X1 are arranged. The region 41B (suction restricted region) and the third fiber stacking region 41C (suction non-restricted region) are alternately arranged over the entire length of the drum circumferential direction X1. One third layered fiber region 41C and one half region of each combination of two layered fiber regions 41A and 41B arranged in front of and behind the drum circumferential direction X1 with the third layered fiber region 41C in the drum circumferential direction X1. The absorber 10 discharged from the accumulation recess 40 to the vacuum conveyor of the transport mechanism 6 is an absorber continuum in which a plurality of absorbers 10 are continuous in the vertical direction X.
　回転ドラム３は固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓの周りを、回転方向Ｒ１の上流側から下流側に向かって、空間Ａに対応する領域、空間Ｂに対応する領域、空間Ｃに対応する領域の順に移動する。「空間Ａに対応する領域」とは、固定ドラム２の空間Ａを固定ドラム２の半径方向（ドラム軸方向と直交する方向）の外方に仮想的に延長した場合のその延長部分と重複する領域を指す。「空間Ｂに対応する領域」及び「空間Ｃに対応する領域」については、前記の「空間Ａに対応する領域」の説明において「空間Ａ」を「空間Ｂ」又は「空間Ｃ」に置換したものが適用される。 The rotating drum 3 surrounds the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 in the order of the region corresponding to the space A, the region corresponding to the space B, and the region corresponding to the space C from the upstream side to the downstream side in the rotation direction R1. Moving. The "region corresponding to the space A" overlaps with the extension portion when the space A of the fixed drum 2 is virtually extended outward in the radial direction (direction orthogonal to the drum axis direction) of the fixed drum 2. Refers to an area. Regarding the "region corresponding to the space B" and the "region corresponding to the space C", "space A" is replaced with "space B" or "space C" in the above description of the "region corresponding to the space A". Things apply.
　本実施形態では、空間Ａ，Ｂに対応する領域が、積繊材料が集積用凹部４０内に積繊される吸引領域Ｓであり、原材料供給機構５のダクト５１の一端側の開口は吸引領域Ｓを覆っている。吸引領域Ｓのうち、空間Ａに対応する領域は、固定ドラム２側からの吸引が部分的に可能になされている第１吸引領域Ｓ１とされ、空間Ｂに対応する領域は、固定ドラム２側からの吸引が全面的に可能になされている第２吸引領域Ｓ２とされている。吸引領域Ｓは、第１吸引領域Ｓ１と第２吸引領域Ｓ２とをドラム周方向Ｘ１に有している。 In the present embodiment, the region corresponding to the spaces A and B is the suction region S in which the fiber stacking material is stacked in the accumulation recess 40, and the opening on one end side of the duct 51 of the raw material supply mechanism 5 is the suction region. It covers S. Of the suction areas S, the area corresponding to the space A is the first suction area S1 in which suction from the fixed drum 2 side is partially possible, and the area corresponding to the space B is the fixed drum 2 side. It is the second suction region S2 that is fully capable of suction from. The suction region S has a first suction region S1 and a second suction region S2 in the drum circumferential direction X1.
　前記減圧機構を作動させ固定ドラム２の空間Ａ，Ｂを負圧に維持した状態で、回転ドラム３を回転方向Ｒ１に回転させると、回転ドラム３の集積用凹部４０が、空間Ａ，Ｂに対応する領域すなわち吸引領域Ｓを通過している間に、集積用凹部４０の底面を形成する通気性部材（凹部底面形成プレート３４，３６）に空間Ａ，Ｂ内の負圧が作用し、該通気性部材が有する多数の吸引孔を通じた空気の吸引が行われる。この吸引孔を通じた吸引により、吸引領域Ｓを覆うダクト５１内の供給路５０に、吸引領域Ｓに向かうバキュームエアが生じ、このバキュームエアに乗った繊維材料等の原材料が吸引領域Ｓに供給される。 When the rotating drum 3 is rotated in the rotation direction R1 while the decompression mechanism is operated and the spaces A and B of the fixed drum 2 are maintained at a negative pressure, the integration recess 40 of the rotating drum 3 becomes the spaces A and B. While passing through the corresponding region, that is, the suction region S, the negative pressure in the spaces A and B acts on the breathable members (recessed bottom surface forming plates 34 and 36) forming the bottom surface of the accumulation recess 40, and the said. Air is sucked through a large number of suction holes of the breathable member. By suction through the suction hole, vacuum air toward the suction region S is generated in the supply path 50 in the duct 51 covering the suction region S, and raw materials such as fiber materials on the vacuum air are supplied to the suction region S. Ru.
　図４に示すように、固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓには、第１吸引領域Ｓ１に対応する第１吸引領域対応部２３と、第２吸引領域Ｓ２に対応する第２吸引領域対応部２４とが配されている。本実施形態では、回転ドラム３の回転方向Ｒ１（集積用凹部４０の搬送方向）にこの順で配されている。第１吸引領域対応部２３は、固定ドラム２の内部側からの吸引が部分的に可能になされた部分であり、選択的吸引領域２３と言い換えることができる。また第２吸引領域対応部２４は、固定ドラム２の内部側からの吸引が全面的に可能になされた部分であり、全面的吸引領域２４と言い換えることができる。 As shown in FIG. 4, the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 includes a first suction region corresponding portion 23 corresponding to the first suction region S1 and a second suction region corresponding portion 24 corresponding to the second suction region S2. Is arranged. In the present embodiment, the rotating drums 3 are arranged in this order in the rotation direction R1 (transportation direction of the integration recess 40). The first suction region corresponding portion 23 is a portion where suction from the inner side of the fixed drum 2 is partially enabled, and can be rephrased as a selective suction region 23. Further, the second suction region corresponding portion 24 is a portion where suction from the inner side of the fixed drum 2 is fully possible, and can be rephrased as a full suction region 24.
　第１吸引領域対応部２３は、開口部が部分的に設けられた非通気性部材からなり、バキュームエアは、該開口部を通じてのみ第１吸引領域対応部２３を厚み方向に通過可能になされている。
　本実施形態では、固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓにおける第１吸引領域対応部２３に対応する部分に、前記の「開口部が部分的に設けられた非通気性部材」に相当する吸引制御体２５が配されている。吸引制御体２５は、該吸引制御体２５を厚み方向に貫通する制御体開口部２６を１個以上有している。図示の形態では、制御体開口部２６は、平面視でドラム周方向Ｘ１に延在する帯状（直線状）を有し、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１に所定間隔を置いて複数配されている。吸引制御体２５は非通気性であり、そのため、吸引制御体２５における制御体開口部２６以外の部分では吸引不可である。吸引制御体２５を構成する非通気性部材としては、金属、樹脂等を用いることができる。
　一方第２吸引領域対応部２４は、非通気性部材を含まず、集積用凹部に対応する部分の全域が開口している。そのためバキュームエアは、第２吸引領域対応部２４の全域を厚み方向に通過可能である。 The first suction region corresponding portion 23 is made of a non-breathable member having an opening partially provided, and vacuum air is allowed to pass through the first suction region corresponding portion 23 only through the opening in the thickness direction. There is.
In the present embodiment, the suction control body 25 corresponding to the above-mentioned "non-breathable member partially provided with an opening" in the portion corresponding to the first suction region corresponding portion 23 in the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2. Is arranged. The suction control body 25 has one or more control body openings 26 that penetrate the suction control body 25 in the thickness direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the control body openings 26 have a band shape (straight line shape) extending in the drum circumferential direction X1 in a plan view, and are arranged in plurality at predetermined intervals in the drum axial direction Y1. The suction control body 25 is non-breathable, and therefore, suction is not possible at a portion of the suction control body 25 other than the control body opening 26. As the non-breathable member constituting the suction control body 25, a metal, a resin, or the like can be used.
On the other hand, the second suction region corresponding portion 24 does not include the non-breathable member, and the entire portion corresponding to the accumulation recess is open. Therefore, the vacuum air can pass through the entire area of the second suction region corresponding portion 24 in the thickness direction.
　なお、本明細書において、集積部４（固定ドラム２、回転ドラム３）の外周部の如き、湾曲部についての「平面視」又は「平面図」とは、その湾曲部（例えば、吸引制御体２５、集積用凹部４０など）を、該湾曲部の法線方向（ドラム軸方向と直交する方向）の外方から見た場合を意味する。 In the present specification, the "plan view" or "plan view" of a curved portion such as the outer peripheral portion of the integrated portion 4 (fixed drum 2, rotary drum 3) is the curved portion (for example, a suction control body). 25, the accumulation recess 40, etc.) means a case where the curved portion is viewed from the outside in the normal direction (direction orthogonal to the drum axis direction).
　前述した固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓの第１吸引領域対応部２３に対応して、回転ドラム３における固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓとの対向部分である、ドラム本体３Ａの外周部３ＡＳには、図４に示すように、第１吸引領域対応部２３の制御体開口部２６を閉鎖する非通気性の開口部閉鎖部材３０が配されている。開口部閉鎖部材３０は、図６に示すように、集積用凹部４０が第１吸引領域Ｓ１を搬送中に制御体開口部２６を閉鎖するようになされている。 Corresponding to the first suction region corresponding portion 23 of the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 described above, the outer peripheral portion 3AS of the drum main body 3A, which is a portion of the rotating drum 3 facing the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2, is formed on the outer peripheral portion 3AS. As shown in FIG. 4, a non-breathable opening closing member 30 that closes the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23 is arranged. As shown in FIG. 6, the opening closing member 30 is configured such that the integration recess 40 closes the control body opening 26 while the first suction region S1 is being conveyed.
　開口部閉鎖部材３０は、図６に示すように、集積用凹部４０の第１の積繊領域４１Ａに対応する（平面視で第１の積繊領域４１Ａと重なる）第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａと、集積用凹部４０の第２の積繊領域４１Ｂに対応する（平面視で第２の積繊領域４１Ｂと重なる）第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂとを含む。両開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａ，３０Ｂは、両積繊領域４１Ａ，４１Ｂに対応して、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に並んで配されている。
　なお、本発明では前述したように、１個の積繊体（吸収体）を製造するための集積用凹部４０が有する積繊領域４１の数は、複数であることを前提として特に制限されず、３つ以上になる場合があり得るところ、その場合には、３個以上の複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０がドラム周方向Ｘ１に並んで配され得る。
　本明細書における開口部閉鎖部材３０についての説明は、特に断らない限り、第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａ及び第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂをはじめとする、本発明の積繊装置に含まれる複数の開口部閉鎖部材に適用される。 As shown in FIG. 6, the opening closing member 30 corresponds to the first stacking fiber region 41A of the accumulation recess 40 (overlaps with the first stacking fiber region 41A in a plan view), and the first opening closing member 30A. And a second opening closing member 30B corresponding to the second stacking fiber region 41B of the accumulation recess 40 (overlapping with the second stacking fiber region 41B in a plan view). Both opening closing members 30A and 30B are arranged side by side in the drum circumferential direction X1 corresponding to both fiber stacking regions 41A and 41B.
As described above, in the present invention, the number of the fiber stacking regions 41 included in the accumulation recess 40 for manufacturing one fiber stack (absorbent) is not particularly limited on the premise that there are a plurality of fiber stacking regions 41. Where there may be three or more, in that case, three or more opening closing members 30 may be arranged side by side in the drum circumferential direction X1.
Unless otherwise specified, the description of the opening closing member 30 in the present specification includes a plurality of fiber stacking devices of the present invention, including the first opening closing member 30A and the second opening closing member 30B. Applies to opening closure members.
　本実施形態では、前述したとおり、集積用凹部４０は、第１の積繊領域４１Ａ及び第２の積繊領域４１Ｂ（吸引制限領域）に加えて更に、吸収体１０の高坪量部１１を形成する第３の積繊領域４１Ｃ（吸引非制限領域）を有しているところ、図４及び図６に示すように、ドラム本体３Ａの外周部３ＡＳにおける、第３の積繊領域４１Ｃに対応する部分３２には、開口部閉鎖部材３０は配されていない。開口部閉鎖部材３０を形成する非通気性の素材としては、金属、樹脂等を用いることができる。 In the present embodiment, as described above, the accumulation recess 40 further includes the high basis weight portion 11 of the absorber 10 in addition to the first stacking fiber region 41A and the second stacking fiber region 41B (suction limiting region). Where the third layered fiber region 41C (suction non-restricted region) to be formed is provided, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, it corresponds to the third layered fiber region 41C in the outer peripheral portion 3AS of the drum body 3A. The opening closing member 30 is not arranged in the portion 32. As the non-breathable material forming the opening closing member 30, metal, resin or the like can be used.
　本実施形態では、図４に示すように、ドラム本体３Ａの外周部３ＡＳに、開口部閉鎖部材３０が配された吸引阻害部３１と、開口部閉鎖部材３０が配されておらず、該外周部３ＡＳを厚み方向に貫通する貫通孔からなる吸引非阻害部３２とが、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に交互に配されている。
　複数の吸引阻害部３１それぞれにおいて、開口部閉鎖部材３０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１での配置数は、固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓの第１吸引領域対応部２３における制御体開口部２６のドラム軸方向Ｙ１での配置数と同じに設定されている。図示の形態では、制御体開口部２６のドラム軸方向Ｙ１での配置数は３であるので、吸引阻害部３１における開口部閉鎖部材３０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１での配置数も３である。複数の吸引阻害部３１それぞれにおいて、複数（３個）の開口部閉鎖部材３０は、平面視でドラム周方向Ｘ１に延在する帯状（直線状）を有し、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１に間欠配置されている。また開口部閉鎖部材３０は、制御体開口部２６とドラム軸方向Ｙ１において同位置に配されており、第１吸引領域対応部２３と吸引阻害部３１とが重なった状態で、第１吸引領域対応部２３の制御体開口部２６が、吸引阻害部３１の開口部閉鎖部材３０によって閉鎖されるようになされている。なお、ここでいう「閉鎖」には、１）バキュームエアが制御体開口部２６を通過不可となる、すなわち制御体開口部２６での吸引が完全に不可となるように、開口部閉鎖部材３０が制御体開口部２６に重なる形態と、２）制御体開口部２６での吸引が多少は可能な程度に開口部閉鎖部材３０が制御体開口部２６に重なる形態とが包含される。前記１）及び２）の何れの形態も、開口部閉鎖部材３０によって制御体開口部２６での吸引が阻害される点では同じである。
　一方吸引非阻害部３２は、開口部閉鎖部材３０の如き非通気性部材を含まず、集積用凹部に対応する部分の全域が開口している。そのためバキュームエアは、吸引非阻害部３２の全域を厚み方向に通過可能である。 In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the suction obstruction portion 31 in which the opening closing member 30 is arranged and the opening closing member 30 are not arranged in the outer peripheral portion 3AS of the drum main body 3A, and the outer peripheral portion 30 is not arranged. A suction non-inhibiting portion 32 formed of a through hole penetrating the portion 3AS in the thickness direction is alternately arranged in the drum circumferential direction X1.
In each of the plurality of suction blocking portions 31, the number of arrangements of the opening closing member 30 in the drum axial direction Y1 is the drum axial direction of the control body opening 26 in the first suction region corresponding portion 23 of the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2. It is set to be the same as the number of arrangements in Y1. In the illustrated embodiment, the number of arrangements of the control body opening 26 in the drum axial direction Y1 is 3, so the number of arrangements of the opening closing member 30 in the suction obstruction portion 31 in the drum axial direction Y1 is also 3. In each of the plurality of suction blocking portions 31, the plurality (three) opening closing members 30 have a band shape (straight line) extending in the drum circumferential direction X1 in a plan view, and are intermittently arranged in the drum axial direction Y1. ing. Further, the opening closing member 30 is arranged at the same position in the control body opening 26 and the drum axial direction Y1, and the first suction region corresponding portion 23 and the suction inhibition portion 31 are overlapped with each other in the first suction region. The control body opening 26 of the corresponding portion 23 is closed by the opening closing member 30 of the suction inhibition portion 31. The term "closed" as used herein includes 1) an opening closing member 30 so that vacuum air cannot pass through the control body opening 26, that is, suction at the control body opening 26 is completely impossible. 2) The opening closing member 30 overlaps the control body opening 26 to the extent that suction at the control body opening 26 is possible to some extent. Both of the above 1) and 2) are the same in that the suction at the control body opening 26 is hindered by the opening closing member 30.
On the other hand, the suction non-inhibiting portion 32 does not include a non-breathable member such as the opening closing member 30, and the entire portion corresponding to the accumulation recess is open. Therefore, the vacuum air can pass through the entire area of the suction non-inhibiting portion 32 in the thickness direction.
　固定ドラム２及び回転ドラム３が前述の如く構成された積繊装置１においては、集積用凹部４０の第１吸引領域Ｓ１での搬送中に、固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓの第１吸引領域対応部２３の制御体開口部２６（固定ドラム２側からの吸引に必要な開口部）に、開口部閉鎖部材３０（第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａ、第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂ）が重なることで、集積用凹部４０の第１の積繊領域４１Ａ及び第２の積繊領域４１Ｂ（吸引制限領域）のバキュームエアの流量（吸引風量）を低減するようになされている。 In the fiber stacking device 1 in which the fixed drum 2 and the rotary drum 3 are configured as described above, the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 corresponds to the first suction region during the transportation of the integration recess 40 in the first suction region S1. The opening closing member 30 (first opening closing member 30A, second opening closing member 30B) overlaps the control body opening 26 (opening required for suction from the fixed drum 2 side) of the portion 23. The flow rate (suction air volume) of the vacuum air in the first stacking fiber region 41A and the second stacking fiber region 41B (suction limiting region) of the accumulation recess 40 is reduced.
　以下、吸引領域Ｓ（第１吸引領域Ｓ１、第２吸引領域Ｓ２）でのバキュームエアの制御方法について説明する。
　積繊装置１では、前述したように図３及び図６に示す如くに、空間Ａに対応する領域が第１吸引領域Ｓ１（回転ドラム３の外周部３Ｓにおける、固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓの第１吸引領域対応部２３と平面視で重なる部分）、空間Ｂに対応する領域が第２吸引領域Ｓ２（回転ドラム３の外周部３Ｓにおける、固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓの第２吸引領域対応部２４と平面視で重なる部分）とされ、回転ドラム３の回転方向Ｒ１すなわち集積用凹部４０の搬送方向（流れ方向ＭＤ）の上流側から下流側に向かって、両吸引領域Ｓ１，Ｓ２がこの順で配されている。
　なお、本発明の積繊装置では、両吸引領域Ｓ１，Ｓ２の位置は特に制限されず、図示の形態とは逆に、流れ方向ＭＤの上流側から下流側に向かって、第２吸引領域Ｓ２、第１吸引領域Ｓ１の順で配されていてもよい。
　また、バキュームエアの発生源（吸引源）である固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓには、第１吸引領域Ｓ１に対応し、制御体開口部２６を部分的に有する吸引制御体２５を含む第１吸引領域対応部２３と、第２吸引領域Ｓ２に対応し、集積用凹部４０に対応する部分の全域が開口している第２吸引領域対応部２４とが配されている。
　また、回転ドラム３における固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓとの対向部分であるドラム本体３Ａの外周部３ＡＳには、集積用凹部４０の一部である第１の積繊領域４１Ａ及び第２の積繊領域４１Ｂ（吸引制限領域）に対応し、非通気性の開口部閉鎖部材３０（第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａ、第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂ）を含む吸引阻害部３１と、集積用凹部４０の他の一部である第３の積繊領域４１Ｃに対応し、開口部閉鎖部材３０が配されておらず、該外周部３ＡＳを厚み方向に貫通する貫通孔からなる吸引非阻害部３２とが配されている。
　このような構成の積繊装置１において、回転ドラム３が回転方向Ｒ１に回転すると、集積用凹部４０は、図６に示すように、吸引領域Ｓを第１吸引領域Ｓ１、第２吸引領域Ｓ２の順に移動する。 Hereinafter, a method of controlling vacuum air in the suction region S (first suction region S1, second suction region S2) will be described.
In the fiber stacking device 1, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the region corresponding to the space A is the first suction region S1 (the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 in the outer peripheral portion 3S of the rotating drum 3). The region corresponding to the first suction region corresponding portion 23 and the space B in a plan view corresponds to the second suction region S2 (corresponding to the second suction region of the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 in the outer peripheral portion 3S of the rotating drum 3). A portion that overlaps with the portion 24 in a plan view), and both suction regions S1 and S2 are located in the rotation direction R1 of the rotary drum 3, that is, from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction (flow direction MD) of the accumulation recess 40. They are arranged in order.
In the fiber stacking device of the present invention, the positions of both suction regions S1 and S2 are not particularly limited, and contrary to the illustrated embodiment, the second suction region S2 is directed from the upstream side to the downstream side of the flow direction MD. , The first suction region S1 may be arranged in this order.
Further, the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 which is the source (suction source) of the vacuum air corresponds to the first suction region S1 and includes a first suction control body 25 having a control body opening 26 partially. A suction region corresponding portion 23 and a second suction region corresponding portion 24 corresponding to the second suction region S2 and having an entire portion corresponding to the accumulation recess 40 open are arranged.
Further, in the outer peripheral portion 3AS of the drum main body 3A, which is a portion of the rotating drum 3 facing the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2, the first stacking fiber region 41A and the second stacking region 41A, which are a part of the integration recess 40, are stacked. A suction obstruction portion 31 corresponding to the fiber region 41B (suction restriction region) and including a non-breathable opening closing member 30 (first opening closing member 30A, second opening closing member 30B), and an accumulation recess 40. Corresponding to the third layered fiber region 41C, which is another part, the opening closing member 30 is not arranged, and the suction non-inhibiting portion 32 is composed of a through hole penetrating the outer peripheral portion 3AS in the thickness direction. Is arranged.
In the fiber stacking device 1 having such a configuration, when the rotary drum 3 rotates in the rotation direction R1, the accumulation recess 40 changes the suction region S into the first suction region S1 and the second suction region S2, as shown in FIG. Move in the order of.
　図７には、第１の積繊領域４１Ａ（吸引制限領域）の両吸引領域Ｓ１，Ｓ２での吸引状態、図８には、第３の積繊領域４１Ｃ（吸引非制限領域）の両吸引領域Ｓ１，Ｓ２での吸引状態がそれぞれ示されている。図７及び図８中の矢印はバキュームエアを示している。図７（ａ）及び図８（ａ）は、第１吸引領域Ｓ１での吸引状態、図７（ｂ）及び図８（ｂ）は、第２吸引領域Ｓ２での吸引状態を示している。
　なお後述するように、第１の積繊領域４１Ａと第２の積繊領域４１Ｂとは、固定ドラム２の制御体開口部２６と回転ドラム３の開口部閉鎖部材３０（３０Ａ，３０Ｂ）との離間距離が異なり、その影響でバキュームエアの流量（吸引風量）が異なり得るが、第１吸引領域Ｓ１で制御体開口部２６及び開口部閉鎖部材３０を用いて実施される吸引風量の制御方法自体は実質的に同じである。したがって、図７に示す形態、及び図７に基づく以下の第１の積繊領域４１Ａ（第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａ）についての吸引風量の制御方法に関する説明は、第２の積繊領域４１Ｂ（第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂ）にも適用できる。 FIG. 7 shows a suction state in both suction regions S1 and S2 of the first stacking fiber region 41A (suction limiting region), and FIG. 8 shows both suctions of the third stacking fiber region 41C (suction non-restricted region). The suction states in the regions S1 and S2 are shown, respectively. The arrows in FIGS. 7 and 8 indicate vacuum air. 7 (a) and 8 (a) show the suction state in the first suction region S1, and FIGS. 7 (b) and 8 (b) show the suction state in the second suction region S2.
As will be described later, the first stacking fiber region 41A and the second stacking fiber region 41B are a control body opening 26 of the fixed drum 2 and an opening closing member 30 (30A, 30B) of the rotating drum 3. Although the separation distance is different and the flow rate of vacuum air (suction air volume) may be different due to the influence thereof, the suction air volume control method itself implemented by using the control body opening 26 and the opening closing member 30 in the first suction region S1. Is substantially the same. Therefore, the description of the mode shown in FIG. 7 and the method of controlling the suction air volume for the first stacking fiber region 41A (first opening closing member 30A) based on FIG. 7 is described in the second stacking fiber region 41B ( It can also be applied to the second opening closing member 30B).
　集積用凹部４０が第１吸引領域Ｓ１を通過中の場合、第１の積繊領域４１Ａ（吸引制限領域）では、固定ドラム２の第１吸引領域対応部２３の制御体開口部２６に回転ドラム３の開口部閉鎖部材３０（第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａ）が重なることで制御体開口部２６が閉鎖されるが（図７（ａ）参照）、第３の積繊領域４１Ｃ（吸引非制限領域）では、制御体開口部２６は閉鎖されない（図８（ａ）参照）。したがって集積用凹部４０が第１吸引領域Ｓ１を通過中、第１の積繊領域４１Ａでは、固定ドラム２側からの吸引（バキュームエアの制御体開口部２６の通過）が不可又は著しく制限されるため、吸引風量がゼロ又は著しく低減され、繊維材料の吸引が阻害され、第３の積繊領域４１Ｃでは、固定ドラム２側からの吸引が実質的に制限されないため、吸引風量が実質的に低減されず、第１の積繊領域４１Ａに比べて繊維材料が優先的に積繊される。
　一方、集積用凹部４０が第２吸引領域Ｓ２を通過中の場合、第２吸引領域Ｓ２に対応する固定ドラム２の第２吸引領域対応部２４が、吸引制御体２５の如き非通気性部材を含まず、第２吸引領域対応部２４における集積用凹部４０に対応する部分の全域が開口しているため、集積用凹部４０が有するドラム周方向Ｘ１に区分された複数の積繊領域４１（本実施形態では、第１の積繊領域４１Ａ、第２の積繊領域４１Ｂ、第３の積繊領域４１Ｃ）それぞれで、固定ドラム２側からの吸引が実質的に制限されず、吸引風量が実質的に低減されないので、集積用凹部４０全体に積繊材料が積繊し得る（図７（ｂ）及び図８（ｂ）参照）。 When the accumulation recess 40 is passing through the first suction region S1, in the first stacking fiber region 41A (suction restriction region), the rotating drum is inserted into the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23 of the fixed drum 2. The control body opening 26 is closed by overlapping the opening closing member 30 (first opening closing member 30A) of No. 3 (see FIG. 7A), but the third stacking fiber region 41C (suction non-restriction). In the region), the control body opening 26 is not closed (see FIG. 8A). Therefore, while the accumulation recess 40 passes through the first suction region S1, suction from the fixed drum 2 side (passing through the vacuum air control body opening 26) is impossible or significantly restricted in the first stacking fiber region 41A. Therefore, the suction air volume is zero or significantly reduced, the suction of the fiber material is hindered, and in the third stacking fiber region 41C, the suction from the fixed drum 2 side is not substantially restricted, so that the suction air volume is substantially reduced. However, the fiber material is preferentially stacked as compared with the first stacking region 41A.
On the other hand, when the accumulation recess 40 is passing through the second suction region S2, the second suction region corresponding portion 24 of the fixed drum 2 corresponding to the second suction region S2 provides a non-breathable member such as the suction control body 25. Since the entire area corresponding to the accumulation recess 40 in the second suction region corresponding portion 24 is open, the plurality of fiber stacking regions 41 (this) divided into the drum circumferential direction X1 of the accumulation recess 40 are not included. In the embodiment, the suction from the fixed drum 2 side is substantially not restricted in each of the first stacking fiber region 41A, the second stacking fiber region 41B, and the third stacking fiber region 41C), and the suction air volume is substantially. Since it is not reduced, the fiber stacking material can be stacked on the entire accumulation recess 40 (see FIGS. 7 (b) and 8 (b)).
　積繊装置１ではこのように、固定ドラム２の制御体開口部２６と回転ドラム３の開口部閉鎖部材３０（３０Ａ，３０Ｂ）との回転ドラム３の回転に伴う周期的な重なりを利用して、吸引領域Ｓの一部である第１吸引領域Ｓ１にて、第１の積繊領域４１Ａ及び第２の積繊領域４１Ｂ（吸引制限領域）に関わるバキュームエアの流れのみを選択的に阻害することで、第３の積繊領域４１Ｃ（吸引非制限領域）への集中的な繊維材料の積繊を可能にしている。これにより第１吸引領域Ｓ１では、第３の積繊領域４１Ｃに優先的に繊維材料が積繊される。例えば、第１吸引領域Ｓ１では実質的に、第３の積繊領域４１Ｃのみに繊維材料が積繊し、第１の積繊領域４１Ａ及び第２の積繊領域４１Ｂには繊維材料が全く積繊しないか、積繊したとしても第３の積繊領域４１Ｃに比べて積繊量が極少量となり得る。前述したとおり、第２吸引領域Ｓ２ではこのような選択的な吸引阻害を行わず、集積用凹部４０全体で積繊が行われるので、吸引領域Ｓを通過後の集積用凹部４０には、第１吸引領域Ｓ１での積繊方法の影響が強く反映された繊維材料の積繊体、すなわちドラム周方向Ｘ１に沿う集積用凹部４０の搬送方向において繊維材料の偏在の程度が大きい吸収体１０が形成されることになる。 In the fiber stacking device 1, the periodic overlap of the control body opening 26 of the fixed drum 2 and the opening closing member 30 (30A, 30B) of the rotary drum 3 due to the rotation of the rotary drum 3 is utilized. In the first suction region S1 which is a part of the suction region S, only the flow of vacuum air related to the first fiber region 41A and the second fiber region 41B (suction restriction region) is selectively inhibited. This allows concentrated fiber material stacking in the third stacking region 41C (suction non-restricted region). As a result, in the first suction region S1, the fiber material is preferentially stacked in the third fiber stacking region 41C. For example, in the first suction region S1, the fiber material is substantially piled up only in the third fiber stacking region 41C, and the fiber material is completely stacked in the first fiber stacking region 41A and the second fiber stacking region 41B. Even if the fibers are not fiberized or are stacked, the amount of fiber stacking can be extremely small as compared with the third fiber stacking region 41C. As described above, in the second suction region S2, such selective suction inhibition is not performed, and the fibers are stacked in the entire accumulation recess 40. Therefore, the accumulation recess 40 after passing through the suction region S has a second position. 1 The fiber material stacking body in which the influence of the fiber stacking method in the suction region S1 is strongly reflected, that is, the absorber 10 having a large degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the transport direction of the accumulation recess 40 along the drum circumferential direction X1. It will be formed.
　前述した、第１吸引領域Ｓ１における制御体開口部２６及び開口部閉鎖部材３０を用いたバキュームエアの流量制御による作用効果をより一層確実に奏させるようにする観点から、第１吸引領域対応部２３の面積に対する制御体開口部２６の面積の割合は、好ましくは５％以上、より好ましくは１５％以上、そして、好ましくは８０％以下、より好ましくは６０％以下である。 From the viewpoint of ensuring that the action and effect of the flow rate control of the vacuum air using the control body opening 26 and the opening closing member 30 in the first suction region S1 as described above can be more reliably achieved, the first suction region corresponding portion. The ratio of the area of the control body opening 26 to the area of 23 is preferably 5% or more, more preferably 15% or more, and preferably 80% or less, more preferably 60% or less.
　本実施形態では、第３の積繊領域４１Ｃ（吸引非制限領域）の少なくとも一部は、第１の積繊領域４１Ａ及び第２の積繊領域４１Ｂ（吸引制限領域）に比べて凹部深さが深い。具体的には本実施形態では、図８及び図９に示すように、第３の積繊領域４１Ｃのドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部（吸収体１０の中高部１１Ａを形成する部分）は、両積繊領域４１Ａ，４１Ｂ及び第３の積繊領域４１Ｃにおける該中央部以外の部分（第３の積繊領域４１Ｃのドラム軸方向Ｙ１の両端部）の双方に比べて、凹部深さが深い。すなわち、第３の積繊領域４１Ｃのドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部の底面を形成する第１凹部底面形成プレート３４は、両積繊領域４１Ａ，４１Ｂ及び第３の積繊領域４１Ｃにおける該中央部以外の部分の底面を形成する第２凹部底面形成プレート３６に比べて、固定ドラム２に近い側に位置している。前記「凹部深さ」とは、集積用凹部４０を挟んでドラム軸方向Ｙ１の両側に位置する部材の外面と集積用凹部４０の底面との離間距離を指し、本実施形態では、該部材はリングプレート３８である。このように、第３の積繊領域４１Ｃ（吸引非制限領域）の少なくとも一部が、両積繊領域４１Ａ，４１Ｂ（吸引制限領域）に比べて凹部深さが深いことは、図１に示す吸収体１０の如き偏在吸収体における繊維材料の偏在の程度を大きくする点で有用である。ただし、第１凹部底面形成プレート３４は第２凹部底面形成プレート３６と同じ深さでもよい。 In the present embodiment, at least a part of the third stacking fiber region 41C (suction non-restricted region) has a recess depth as compared with the first stacking fiber region 41A and the second stacking fiber region 41B (suction limiting region). Is deep. Specifically, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the central portion (the portion forming the middle and high portion 11A of the absorber 10) of the third stacking fiber region 41C in the drum axial direction Y1 is both. The recess depth is deeper than that of both the fiber stacking regions 41A and 41B and the portions of the third fiber stacking region 41C other than the central portion (both ends of the drum axial direction Y1 of the third fiber stacking region 41C). That is, the first recessed bottom surface forming plate 34 forming the bottom surface of the central portion of the third layered fiber region 41C in the drum axial direction Y1 has the central portion in both the fiber stacking region 41A and 41B and the third layered fiber region 41C. It is located closer to the fixed drum 2 than the second concave bottom surface forming plate 36 that forms the bottom surface of the portion other than the above. The "recess depth" refers to a separation distance between the outer surface of a member located on both sides of the drum axial direction Y1 across the accumulation recess 40 and the bottom surface of the accumulation recess 40, and in the present embodiment, the member is The ring plate 38. As described above, it is shown in FIG. 1 that at least a part of the third fiber stacking region 41C (suction non-restricted region) has a deeper recess than the double fiber region 41A and 41B (suction restricted region). It is useful in increasing the degree of uneven distribution of the fibrous material in the unevenly distributed absorber such as the absorber 10. However, the first recessed bottom surface forming plate 34 may have the same depth as the second recessed bottom surface forming plate 36.
　ところで、前述した、開口部閉鎖部材３０（３０Ａ，３０Ｂ）による制御体開口部２６（固定ドラム２側からの吸引に必要な開口部）の閉鎖の際に、開口部閉鎖部材３０と第１吸引領域対応部２３（吸引制御体２５）とが接触するように設計されていると、これらの部材が接触する度に摩耗していき、比較的短時間で故障するなどの不都合が生じることが懸念される。
　この点に鑑みて、積繊装置１では、図７（ａ）に示すように、第１吸引領域Ｓ１において、固定ドラム２の第１吸引領域対応部２３の制御体開口部２６に、回転ドラム３の第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａが重なった状態では、第１吸引領域対応部２３（具体的には第１吸引領域対応部２３を形成する吸引制御体２５）と第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａとが離間しているようになされている。図７（ａ）に示す形態では、第１吸引領域対応部２３（吸引制御体２５）と第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａとの間に隙間Ｇ０（図７（ａ）中、〇で囲んだ部分）が存在しており、両者が離間している。
　同様に、制御体開口部２６に回転ドラム３の第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂが重なった状態でも、第１吸引領域対応部２３（吸引制御体２５）と第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂとは離間している。
　積繊装置１は、このように構成されていることで前記懸念が払拭されており、製造時の流れ方向ＭＤに対応する方向において繊維材料の偏在の程度が大きい吸収体（積繊体）を安定的に製造することができる。 By the way, when the control body opening 26 (the opening required for suction from the fixed drum 2 side) is closed by the opening closing member 30 (30A, 30B) described above, the opening closing member 30 and the first suction are performed. If it is designed to come into contact with the area corresponding portion 23 (suction control body 25), there is a concern that each time these members come into contact, they will wear out, causing inconveniences such as failure in a relatively short time. Will be done.
In view of this point, in the fiber stacking device 1, as shown in FIG. 7A, in the first suction region S1, the rotary drum is inserted into the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23 of the fixed drum 2. In a state where the first opening closing member 30A of No. 3 is overlapped with each other, the first suction region corresponding portion 23 (specifically, the suction control body 25 forming the first suction region corresponding portion 23) and the first opening closing member 30A. Is made to be separated from each other. In the form shown in FIG. 7A, there is a gap G0 between the first suction region corresponding portion 23 (suction control body 25) and the first opening closing member 30A (the portion surrounded by ◯ in FIG. 7A). ) Exists, and they are separated from each other.
Similarly, even when the second opening closing member 30B of the rotary drum 3 is overlapped with the control body opening 26, the first suction region corresponding portion 23 (suction control body 25) and the second opening closing member 30B are separated from each other. is doing.
The fiber stacking device 1 is configured in this way to eliminate the above-mentioned concerns, and an absorber (fiber stacking body) having a large degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the direction corresponding to the flow direction MD at the time of manufacturing. It can be manufactured stably.
　本発明の積繊装置では、製造時の流れ方向ＭＤに対応する方向において繊維材料の偏在の程度が大きい吸収体を得るという課題を解決するために、前述したように、吸引領域Ｓを集積用凹部４０の搬送方向に第１吸引領域Ｓ１と第２吸引領域Ｓ２とに区分し、そのうちの一方である第１吸引領域Ｓ１において、制御体開口部２６及び開口部閉鎖部材３０を用いて、第１の積繊領域４１Ａ及び第２の積繊領域４１Ｂ（吸引制限領域）のバキュームエアの流量を低減している（構成Ａ）。
　本発明の積繊装置は、前記課題を解決するために、前記構成Ａに加えて更に、以下に説明する構成Ｂ１又はＢ２を具備する点で特徴付けられる。 In the fiber stacking device of the present invention, in order to solve the problem of obtaining an absorber having a large degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the direction corresponding to the flow direction MD at the time of manufacturing, as described above, the suction region S is used for integration. The recess 40 is divided into a first suction region S1 and a second suction region S2 in the transport direction, and in one of the first suction regions S1, the control body opening 26 and the opening closing member 30 are used. The flow rate of vacuum air in the fiber stacking region 41A of 1 and the fiber stacking region 41B (suction limiting region) of the second fiber stacking region 41B (suction limiting region) is reduced (configuration A).
The fiber stacking device of the present invention is characterized in that, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in addition to the above-mentioned configuration A, the configuration B1 or B2 described below is further provided.
　構成Ｂ１：第１吸引領域Ｓ１において制御体開口部２６に開口部閉鎖部材３０が重なった状態での第１吸引領域対応部２３と開口部閉鎖部材３０との離間距離が、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に並ぶ複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０（具体的には例えば、第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａ、第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂ）どうしで異なる。
　より具体的には、前記構成Ｂ１では、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に並ぶ複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０どうしで前記離間距離が互いに異なり、ドラム周方向Ｘ１の一方側から他方側に向かって該離間距離が漸次変化するように、該複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０が配されている。 Configuration B1: In the first suction region S1, the separation distance between the first suction region corresponding portion 23 and the opening closing member 30 in a state where the opening closing member 30 overlaps the control body opening 26 is set to the drum circumferential direction X1. A plurality of side-by-side opening closing members 30 (specifically, for example, the first opening closing member 30A and the second opening closing member 30B) are different from each other.
More specifically, in the configuration B1, the separation distances of the plurality of opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum peripheral direction X1 are different from each other, and the separation distances from one side to the other side of the drum peripheral direction X1. The plurality of opening closing members 30 are arranged so as to gradually change.
　構成Ｂ２：ドラム周方向Ｘ１に並ぶ複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０（具体的には例えば、第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａ、第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂ）どうしで、開口部閉鎖部材３０の搬送直交方向ＣＤの長さ（幅、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１の長さ）が異なる。
　より具体的には、前記構成Ｂ２では、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に並ぶ複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０どうしで、開口部閉鎖部材３０の幅が互いに異なり、ドラム周方向Ｘ１の一方側から他方側に向かって開口部閉鎖部材３０の幅が漸次変化するように、該複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０が配されている。 Configuration B2: A plurality of opening closing members 30 (specifically, for example, the first opening closing member 30A and the second opening closing member 30B) arranged in the drum circumferential direction X1 are orthogonal to each other. The length of the directional CD (width, length in the drum axis direction Y1) is different.
More specifically, in the configuration B2, the widths of the opening closing members 30 are different from each other among the plurality of opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum peripheral direction X1, and the widths of the opening closing members 30 are different from each other, and the widths of the opening closing members 30 are different from each other and are directed from one side to the other side of the drum peripheral direction X1. The plurality of opening closing members 30 are arranged so that the width of the opening closing member 30 gradually changes.
　前記構成Ｂ１について説明すると、図１０に示すように、第１吸引領域Ｓ１において第１吸引領域対応部２３の制御体開口部２６に、集積用凹部４０の第１の積繊領域４１Ａに対応する第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａが重なった状態では、第１吸引領域対応部２３（吸引制御体２５）と第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａとが所定の離間距離Ｇ１を置いて離間している。
　また図１１に示すように、第１吸引領域Ｓ１において第１吸引領域対応部２３の制御体開口部２６に、集積用凹部４０の第２の積繊領域４１Ｂに対応する第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂが重なった状態では、第１吸引領域対応部２３（吸引制御体２５）と第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂとが所定の離間距離Ｇ２を置いて離間している。
　そして、「離間距離Ｇ１＜離間距離Ｇ２」の大小関係が成立している。すなわち、第２の積繊領域４１Ｂに対応する第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂの方が、第１の積繊領域４１Ａに対応する第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａに比べて、制御体開口部２６に重なった状態での第１吸引領域対応部２３との離間距離が長い。
　図１２には、前記構成Ｂ１を具備する積繊装置において、集積用凹部４０の一製品単位（１個の吸収体１０）に対応する部分が第１吸引領域Ｓ１に位置している状態での、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に沿う断面が示されている。図１２における第１の積繊領域４１Ａのドラム軸方向Ｙ１に沿う断面が図１０、図１２における第２の積繊領域４１Ｂのドラム軸方向Ｙ１に沿う断面が図１１である。第３の積繊領域４１Ｃは、前述したとおり、開口部閉鎖部材３０を有さない吸引非制限領域である。 Explaining the configuration B1, as shown in FIG. 10, in the first suction region S1, the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23 corresponds to the first stacking fiber region 41A of the accumulation recess 40. In a state where the first opening closing member 30A overlaps, the first suction region corresponding portion 23 (suction control body 25) and the first opening closing member 30A are separated from each other with a predetermined separation distance G1.
Further, as shown in FIG. 11, in the first suction region S1, the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23 has a second opening closing member corresponding to the second stacking fiber region 41B of the accumulation recess 40. In the state where the 30Bs are overlapped with each other, the first suction region corresponding portion 23 (suction control body 25) and the second opening closing member 30B are separated from each other with a predetermined separation distance G2.
Then, the magnitude relationship of "separation distance G1 <separation distance G2" is established. That is, the second opening closing member 30B corresponding to the second stacking fiber region 41B has a control body opening 26 as compared with the first opening closing member 30A corresponding to the first stacking fiber region 41A. The separation distance from the first suction region corresponding portion 23 in the overlapped state is long.
In FIG. 12, in the fiber stacking apparatus provided with the configuration B1, the portion corresponding to one product unit (one absorber 10) of the accumulation recess 40 is located in the first suction region S1. , A cross section along the drum circumferential direction X1 is shown. FIG. 10 is a cross section of the first stacking fiber region 41A in FIG. 12 along the drum axial direction Y1, and FIG. 11 is a cross section of the second stacking fiber region 41B in FIG. 12 along the drum axial direction Y1. As described above, the third layered fiber region 41C is a suction non-restricted region having no opening closing member 30.
　前記構成Ｂ１を具備する積繊装置では、第１吸引領域Ｓ１において制御体開口部２６に開口部閉鎖部材３０が重なった状態での第１吸引領域対応部２３と開口部閉鎖部材３０との離間距離が長いほど、開口部閉鎖部材３０による制御体開口部２６の閉鎖の程度が弱まり、バキュームエアが制御体開口部２６を通過しやすくなるので吸引風量が増加し、繊維材料の吸引力が向上する。したがって、前記構成Ｂ１を具備する積繊装置によれば、離間距離Ｇ１＜離間距離Ｇ２の大小関係が成立することで、集積用凹部４０に吸引され積繊される繊維材料の坪量について、第１の積繊領域４１Ａ＜第２の積繊領域４１Ｂの大小関係が成立するため、前述した前記構成Ａによる作用効果と相俟って、製造時の流れ方向ＭＤにおいて繊維材料の偏在の程度を大きくすることが可能となる。
　前述した作用効果をより一層確実に奏させるようにする観点から、離間距離Ｇ１と離間距離Ｇ２との差は、離間距離Ｇ２から離間距離Ｇ１を差し引いた場合に、好ましくは０．１ｍｍ以上２．９ｍｍ以下、より好ましくは０．１ｍｍ以上１．９ｍｍ以下である。 In the fiber stacking device provided with the configuration B1, the separation between the first suction region corresponding portion 23 and the opening closing member 30 in a state where the opening closing member 30 overlaps the control body opening 26 in the first suction region S1. The longer the distance, the weaker the degree of closure of the control body opening 26 by the opening closing member 30, and the easier it is for vacuum air to pass through the control body opening 26, so that the suction air volume increases and the suction force of the fiber material improves. do. Therefore, according to the fiber stacking device provided with the configuration B1, the basis weight of the fiber material sucked into and stacked in the accumulation recess 40 by establishing the magnitude relationship of the separation distance G1 <separation distance G2 is the first. Since the magnitude relationship of 1 fiber stacking region 41A <second fiber stacking region 41B is established, the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the flow direction MD at the time of manufacturing is determined in combination with the above-mentioned action and effect of the configuration A. It can be made larger.
From the viewpoint of ensuring that the above-mentioned action and effect are more reliably performed, the difference between the separation distance G1 and the separation distance G2 is preferably 0.1 mm or more when the separation distance G1 is subtracted from the separation distance G2. It is 9 mm or less, more preferably 0.1 mm or more and 1.9 mm or less.
　離間距離Ｇ１，Ｇ２が短すぎると、前述した開口部閉鎖部材３０（３０Ａ，３０Ｂ）と第１吸引領域対応部２３（吸引制御体２５）との接触による摩耗の問題が懸念される他、バキュームエアが制御体開口部２６を通過することが実質的に不可となるため、離間距離Ｇ１，Ｇ２の調整によって流れ方向ＭＤにおける繊維材料の偏在の程度を制御することが困難となる。また、離間距離Ｇ１，Ｇ２が長すぎると、第１吸引領域Ｓ１で吸引制限領域（積繊領域４１Ａ，４１Ｂ）の吸引風量を意図的に低減させること（前記構成Ａによる作用効果）が不十分となって、流れ方向ＭＤにおける繊維材料の偏在の程度を制御すること自体困難になることが懸念される。
　以上を考慮すると、離間距離Ｇ１，Ｇ２は、それぞれ、好ましくは０ｍｍよりも大きく３ｍｍ以下、そして、より好ましくは０ｍｍよりも大きく２ｍｍ以下である。 If the separation distances G1 and G2 are too short, there is a concern about wear due to contact between the above-mentioned opening closing member 30 (30A, 30B) and the first suction region corresponding portion 23 (suction control body 25), and vacuum. Since it is substantially impossible for air to pass through the control body opening 26, it becomes difficult to control the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the flow direction MD by adjusting the separation distances G1 and G2. Further, if the separation distances G1 and G2 are too long, it is insufficient to intentionally reduce the suction air volume in the suction limiting region ( fiber stacking regions 41A and 41B) in the first suction region S1 (the effect of the configuration A). Therefore, there is a concern that it will be difficult to control the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the flow direction MD.
In consideration of the above, the separation distances G1 and G2 are preferably larger than 0 mm and 3 mm or less, and more preferably larger than 0 mm and 2 mm or less, respectively.
　本発明では前述したように、集積用凹部４０が有する積繊領域４１の数は、複数であることを前提として特に制限されず、製造目的物である積繊体が製造時の流れ方向ＭＤに対応する方向（吸収体１０では縦方向Ｘ）において有する、坪量が互いに異なる部分の数次第では３個以上となり、その場合、３個以上の開口部閉鎖部材３０がドラム周方向Ｘ１に並んで配され得る。つまり本発明には、製造時の流れ方向ＭＤ（回転ドラム３の回転方向Ｒ１、集積用凹部４０の搬送方向）の上流側から下流側に向かって、第１開口部閉鎖部材、第２開口部閉鎖部材、第３開口部閉鎖部材・・・・第ｎ開口部閉鎖部材という形態（以下、「特定形態Ａ」とも言う。）が包含される。
　前記特定形態Ａで前記構成Ｂ１を具備する積繊装置においては、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に並ぶｎ（ｎは３以上の自然数）個の開口部閉鎖部材３０は、それぞれ、第１吸引領域Ｓ１において第１吸引領域対応部２３の制御体開口部２６に重なった状態では、第１吸引領域対応部２３に対して所定の離間距離Ｇを置いて離間している。そして、そのドラム周方向Ｘ１に並ぶｎ個の開口部閉鎖部材３０どうしで離間距離Ｇが互いに異なり、ドラム周方向Ｘ１の一方側から他方側に向かって離間距離Ｇが漸次変化するように、該複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０が配されている。例えばドラム周方向Ｘ１に沿う流れ方向ＭＤの上流側から下流側に向かって、第１開口部閉鎖部材、第２開口部閉鎖部材、第３開口部閉鎖部材・・・・第ｎ開口部閉鎖部材と並んでいる場合、第１開口部閉鎖部材の離間距離Ｇ１＜第２開口部閉鎖部材の離間距離Ｇ２＜第３開口部閉鎖部材Ｇ３＜・・・・＜第ｎ開口部閉鎖部材の離間距離Ｇｎ、という大小関係が成立している。
　そして、斯かる大小関係が成立する積繊装置では、第１吸引領域Ｓ１において、ｎ個の開口部閉鎖部材３０に対応する複数（ｎ以上の自然数）の積繊領域４１（吸引制限領域）どうしでは、離間距離Ｇが長いものほど吸引風量が多くなるので、集積用凹部４０に吸引され積繊される繊維材料の坪量について、「離間距離Ｇが相対的に短い開口部閉鎖部材３０に対応する積繊領域４１＜離間距離Ｇが相対的に長い開口部閉鎖部材３０に対応する積繊領域４１」の大小関係が成立し、前述した前記構成Ａによる作用効果と相俟って、製造時の流れ方向ＭＤにおいて繊維材料の偏在の程度を大きくすることが可能となる。ここでいう離間距離Ｇｎは、前述した離間距離Ｇ１，Ｇ２と同様の範囲に設定することができる。 In the present invention, as described above, the number of the fiber stacking regions 41 included in the accumulation recess 40 is not particularly limited on the premise that the number of the fiber stacking regions 41 is a plurality, and the fiber stacking body, which is the object of manufacture, has a flow direction MD at the time of manufacture. Depending on the number of portions having different basis weights in the corresponding directions (vertical direction X in the absorber 10), the number may be three or more, and in that case, three or more opening closing members 30 are lined up in the drum circumferential direction X1. Can be distributed. That is, in the present invention, the first opening closing member and the second opening are from the upstream side to the downstream side of the flow direction MD (rotational direction R1 of the rotary drum 3 and the transport direction of the integration recess 40) at the time of manufacture. A form of a closing member, a third opening closing member, ... The nth opening closing member (hereinafter, also referred to as "specific form A") is included.
In the fiber stacking device provided with the configuration B1 in the specific embodiment A, the n (n is a natural number of 3 or more) opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum circumferential direction X1 are each the first in the first suction region S1. In a state of overlapping the control body opening 26 of the 1 suction region corresponding portion 23, the first suction region corresponding portion 23 is separated from the first suction region corresponding portion 23 with a predetermined separation distance G. Then, the separation distance G is different between the n opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum peripheral direction X1, and the separation distance G gradually changes from one side to the other side of the drum peripheral direction X1. A plurality of opening closing members 30 are arranged. For example, from the upstream side to the downstream side of the flow direction MD along the drum circumferential direction X1, the first opening closing member, the second opening closing member, the third opening closing member ... When they are lined up with, the separation distance of the first opening closing member G1 <the separation distance of the second opening closing member G2 <the separation distance of the third opening closing member G3 <... The magnitude relationship of Gn is established.
Then, in the fiber stacking device in which such a magnitude relationship is established, in the first suction region S1, a plurality of (natural numbers of n or more) fiber stacking regions 41 (suction restriction regions) corresponding to n opening closing members 30 are used. Then, the longer the separation distance G, the larger the suction air volume. Therefore, regarding the basis weight of the fiber material sucked into the accumulation recess 40 and stacked, "corresponding to the opening closing member 30 having a relatively short separation distance G". The size relationship of the fiber stacking region 41 <the fiber stacking region 41 corresponding to the opening closing member 30 having a relatively long separation distance G ”is established, and in combination with the above-mentioned action and effect of the configuration A, at the time of manufacture. It is possible to increase the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the flow direction MD. The separation distance Gn referred to here can be set in the same range as the above-mentioned separation distances G1 and G2.
　前記構成Ｂ１による作用効果をより一層確実に奏させるようにする観点から、図１０を参照して、第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａの幅Ｗ１に対して、第１吸引領域対応部２３において第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａと重なる第１吸引領域対応部２３の制御体開口部２６の幅Ｗ２６は、好ましくは１０％以上、より好ましくは２０％以上、そして、好ましくは９０％以下、より好ましくは８０％以下である。
　また、図１１を参照して、第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂの幅Ｗ２に対して、第１吸引領域対応部２３において第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂと重なる第１吸引領域対応部２３の制御体開口部２６の幅Ｗ２６は、好ましくは１０％以上、より好ましくは２０％以上、そして、好ましくは９０％以下、より好ましくは８０％以下である。
　つまり、開口部閉鎖部材３０の幅（搬送直交方向ＣＤの長さ）の方が、第１吸引領域対応部２３において該開口部閉鎖部材３０と重なる制御体開口部２６の幅Ｗ２６に比べてやや長い方が好ましい。前述した特定形態Ａでは、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に３個以上の複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０が並ぶところ、前記構成Ｂ１を具備する場合に、その複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０それぞれの幅とそれに対応する制御体開口部２６の幅Ｗ２６との比率についても、前記範囲にあることが好ましい。
　なお、前記構成Ｂ１を具備する積繊装置においては、第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａの幅Ｗ１と第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂの幅Ｗ２とは同じでもよく、異なっていてもよいが、典型的には、両幅Ｗ１，Ｗ２は同じである。 From the viewpoint of ensuring that the action and effect of the configuration B1 are more reliably performed, the first suction region corresponding portion 23 is the first with respect to the width W1 of the first opening closing member 30A with reference to FIG. The width W26 of the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23 overlapping the opening closing member 30A is preferably 10% or more, more preferably 20% or more, and preferably 90% or less, more preferably 80. % Or less.
Further, with reference to FIG. 11, the control body of the first suction region corresponding portion 23 that overlaps with the second opening closing member 30B in the first suction region corresponding portion 23 with respect to the width W2 of the second opening closing member 30B. The width W26 of the opening 26 is preferably 10% or more, more preferably 20% or more, and preferably 90% or less, more preferably 80% or less.
That is, the width of the opening closing member 30 (the length of the CD in the orthogonal direction of transport) is slightly larger than the width W26 of the control body opening 26 that overlaps with the opening closing member 30 in the first suction region corresponding portion 23. Longer is preferable. In the above-mentioned specific embodiment A, where three or more opening closing members 30 are lined up in the drum circumferential direction X1, when the configuration B1 is provided, the width of each of the plurality of opening closing members 30 and the corresponding width thereof. The ratio of the control body opening 26 to the width W26 is also preferably within the above range.
In the fiber stacking device provided with the configuration B1, the width W1 of the first opening closing member 30A and the width W2 of the second opening closing member 30B may be the same or different, but are typical. Both widths W1 and W2 are the same.
　前記構成Ｂ２について説明すると、図１０に示すように、第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａの幅Ｗ１は、第１吸引領域対応部２３の制御体開口部２６の幅Ｗ２６に比べて長く、第１吸引領域Ｓ１において制御体開口部２６に第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａが重なった状態では、第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａが制御体開口部２６を搬送直交方向ＣＤ（ドラム軸方向Ｙ１）の全長にわたって延在している。
　また図１３に示すように、第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂ１の幅Ｗ２は、第１吸引領域対応部２３の制御体開口部２６の幅Ｗ２６に比べて短く、第１吸引領域Ｓ１において制御体開口部２６に第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂ１が重なった状態では、制御体開口部２６の搬送直交方向ＣＤ（ドラム軸方向Ｙ１）の一部、典型的には、制御体開口部２６の搬送直交方向ＣＤの両端部に、第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂ１で覆われない部分が存在する。なお。第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂ１は、幅Ｗ２以外は、前述した第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂと同じである。
　図１４には、前記構成Ｂ２を具備する積繊装置において、集積用凹部４０の一製品単位（１個の吸収体１０）に対応する部分が第１吸引領域Ｓ１に位置している状態での、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に沿う断面が示されている。図１４における第１の積繊領域４１Ａのドラム軸方向Ｙ１に沿う断面が図１０、図１４における第２の積繊領域４１Ｂのドラム軸方向Ｙ１に沿う断面が図１３である。第３の積繊領域４１Ｃは、前述したとおり、開口部閉鎖部材３０を有さない吸引非制限領域である。
　なお、前記構成Ｂ２を具備する積繊装置においては、典型的には、制御体開口部２６の幅Ｗ２６は、これに重なる開口部閉鎖部材３０の幅にかかわらず、当該積繊装置において一定である。 Explaining the configuration B2, as shown in FIG. 10, the width W1 of the first opening closing member 30A is longer than the width W26 of the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23, and the first suction is performed. In the state where the first opening closing member 30A overlaps the control body opening 26 in the region S1, the first opening closing member 30A extends the control body opening 26 over the entire length of the transport orthogonal direction CD (drum axial direction Y1). It exists.
Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the width W2 of the second opening closing member 30B1 is shorter than the width W26 of the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23, and the control body opening in the first suction region S1. When the second opening closing member 30B1 overlaps the portion 26, a part of the transport orthogonal direction CD (drum axial direction Y1) of the control body opening 26, typically, the transport orthogonal direction of the control body opening 26. At both ends of the CD, there are portions that are not covered by the second opening closing member 30B1. note that. The second opening closing member 30B1 is the same as the above-mentioned second opening closing member 30B except for the width W2.
FIG. 14 shows a state in which a portion corresponding to one product unit (one absorber 10) of the accumulation recess 40 is located in the first suction region S1 in the fiber stacking device provided with the configuration B2. , A cross section along the drum circumferential direction X1 is shown. FIG. 10 is a cross section of the first stacking fiber region 41A in FIG. 14 along the drum axial direction Y1, and FIG. 13 is a cross section of the second stacking fiber region 41B in FIG. 14 along the drum axial direction Y1. As described above, the third layered fiber region 41C is a suction non-restricted region having no opening closing member 30.
In the fiber stacking device provided with the configuration B2, the width W26 of the control body opening 26 is typically constant in the fiber stacking device regardless of the width of the opening closing member 30 overlapping the width W26. be.
　前記構成Ｂ２を具備する積繊装置では、第１吸引領域Ｓ１において、第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａが制御体開口部２６の回転ドラム３側の全体を覆うのに対し、第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂは制御体開口部２６の回転ドラム３側の一部を覆わないため、第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａに対応する第１の積繊領域４１Ａと、第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂに対応する第２の積繊領域４１Ｂとで、吸引風量について、第１の積繊領域４１Ａ＜第２の積繊領域４１Ｂの大小関係が成立する。したがって、前記構成Ｂ２を具備する積繊装置によれば。集積用凹部４０に吸引され積繊される繊維材料の坪量について、第１の積繊領域４１Ａ＜第２の積繊領域４１Ｂの大小関係が成立するため、前述した前記構成Ａによる作用効果と相俟って、製造時の流れ方向ＭＤにおいて繊維材料の偏在の程度を大きくすることが可能となる。 In the fiber stacking device provided with the configuration B2, in the first suction region S1, the first opening closing member 30A covers the entire side of the rotating drum 3 of the control body opening 26, whereas the second opening closing member Since 30B does not cover a part of the control body opening 26 on the rotating drum 3 side, the first stacking fiber region 41A corresponding to the first opening closing member 30A and the second opening closing member 30B corresponding to the first opening closing member 30A. With respect to the suction air volume, the magnitude relationship of the first stacking fiber region 41A <the second stacking fiber region 41B is established with the stacking fiber region 41B of 2. Therefore, according to the fiber stacking device provided with the configuration B2. With respect to the basis weight of the fiber material sucked into and stacked in the accumulation recess 40, the magnitude relationship of the first fiber stacking region 41A <second fiber stacking region 41B is established. Together, it makes it possible to increase the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the flow direction MD at the time of manufacturing.
　前記構成Ｂ２の技術思想は、前記構成Ｂ１のそれと同様に、前記特定形態Ａにも適用できる。すなわち、前記特定形態Ａで前記構成Ｂ２を具備する積繊装置においては、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に並ぶｎ（ｎは３以上の自然数）個の開口部閉鎖部材３０どうしで、開口部閉鎖部材３０の幅Ｗ（搬送直交方向ＣＤの長さ）が互いに異なり、ドラム周方向の一方側から他方側に向かって幅Ｗが漸次変化するように、該複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０が配されている。例えば、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に沿う流れ方向ＭＤの上流側から下流側に向かって、第１開口部閉鎖部材、第２開口部閉鎖部材、第３開口部閉鎖部材・・・・第ｎ開口部閉鎖部材と並んでいる場合、第１開口部閉鎖部材の幅Ｗ１＜第２開口部閉鎖部材の幅Ｗ２＜第３開口部閉鎖部材の幅Ｗ３＜・・・・＜第ｎ開口部閉鎖部材の幅Ｗｎ、という大小関係が成立している。
　そして、斯かる大小関係が成立する積繊装置では、第１吸引領域Ｓ１において、ｎ個の開口部閉鎖部材３０に対応する複数（ｎ以上の自然数）の積繊領域４１（吸引制限領域）どうしでは、第１吸引領域Ｓ１で当該開口部閉鎖部材３０と重なり合う関係にある制御体開口部２６の幅Ｗ２６（図１３等参照）が積繊装置において一定であることを前提として、幅Ｗが短いものほど吸引風量が多くなるので、集積用凹部４０に吸引され積繊される繊維材料の坪量について、「幅Ｗが相対的に長い開口部閉鎖部材３０に対応する積繊領域４１＜幅Ｗが相対的に短い開口部閉鎖部材３０に対応する積繊領域４１」の大小関係が成立し、前述した前記構成Ａによる作用効果と相俟って、製造時の流れ方向ＭＤにおいて繊維材料の偏在の程度を大きくすることが可能となる。 The technical idea of the configuration B2 can be applied to the specific form A as well as that of the configuration B1. That is, in the fiber stacking device provided with the configuration B2 in the specific embodiment A, n (n is a natural number of 3 or more) opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum circumferential direction X1 are used to form the opening closing member 30. The plurality of opening closing members 30 are arranged so that the width W (the length of the CD in the orthogonal direction of transport) is different from each other and the width W gradually changes from one side in the circumferential direction of the drum to the other side. For example, from the upstream side to the downstream side of the flow direction MD along the drum circumferential direction X1, the first opening closing member, the second opening closing member, the third opening closing member ... When lined up with the member, the width W1 of the first opening closing member <the width W2 of the second opening closing member <the width W3 of the third opening closing member W3 <... <the width of the nth opening closing member The magnitude relationship of Wn is established.
Then, in the fiber stacking device in which such a magnitude relationship is established, in the first suction region S1, a plurality of (natural numbers of n or more) fiber stacking regions 41 (suction restriction regions) corresponding to n opening closing members 30 are used. Then, on the premise that the width W26 (see FIG. 13 and the like) of the control body opening 26 overlapping with the opening closing member 30 in the first suction region S1 is constant in the fiber stacking device, the width W is short. Since the suction air volume increases as the amount increases, the basis weight of the fiber material sucked into the accumulation recess 40 and stacked is "the fiber stacking region 41 <width W corresponding to the opening closing member 30 having a relatively long width W". The size relationship of the fiber stacking region 41 corresponding to the relatively short opening closing member 30 is established, and in combination with the above-mentioned action and effect of the configuration A, the fiber material is unevenly distributed in the flow direction MD during manufacturing. It is possible to increase the degree of.
　第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａのように、第１吸引領域Ｓ１で重なり合う関係にある制御体開口部２６に比べて幅（搬送直交方向ＣＤの長さ）が長い幅広の開口部閉鎖部材３０について、該幅広の開口部閉鎖部材３０の幅は、該制御体開口部２６の幅に比べて長いことを前提として、該制御体開口部２６の幅に対して、好ましくは１１０％以上、より好ましくは１２５％以上、そして、好ましくは１０００％以下、より好ましくは５００％以下である。
　また第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂ１のように、第１吸引領域Ｓ１で重なり合う関係にある制御体開口部２６に比べて幅（搬送直交方向ＣＤの長さ）が短い幅狭の開口部閉鎖部材３０について、該幅狭の開口部閉鎖部材３０の幅は、該制御体開口部２６の幅に比べて短いことを前提として、該制御体開口部２６の幅に対して、好ましくは５０％以上１００％未満、より好ましくは６０％以上１００％未満である。 Regarding the wide opening closing member 30 having a longer width (length of the transport orthogonal direction CD) than the control body opening 26 having an overlapping relationship in the first suction region S1, such as the first opening closing member 30A. Assuming that the width of the wide opening closing member 30 is longer than the width of the control body opening 26, the width is preferably 110% or more, more preferably 110% or more, based on the width of the control body opening 26. It is 125% or more, preferably 1000% or less, and more preferably 500% or less.
Further, the narrow opening closing member 30 having a shorter width (length of the transport orthogonal direction CD) than the control body opening 26 having an overlapping relationship in the first suction region S1 like the second opening closing member 30B1. On the premise that the width of the narrow opening closing member 30 is shorter than the width of the control body opening 26, it is preferably 50% or more with respect to the width of the control body opening 26. %, More preferably 60% or more and less than 100%.
　前記構成Ｂ２を具備する積繊装置では、前述した開口部閉鎖部材３０（３０Ａ，３０Ｂ）と第１吸引領域対応部２３（吸引制御体２５）との接触による摩耗の問題を解決する観点から、第１吸引領域Ｓ１において第１吸引領域対応部２３の制御体開口部２６に第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａが重なった状態で、第１吸引領域対応部２３と第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａとが所定の離間距離を置いて離間していることが好ましく、その離間距離は、好ましくは０ｍｍよりも大きく３ｍｍ以下、より好ましくは０ｍｍよりも大きく２ｍｍ以下である。
　同様の観点から、第１吸引領域Ｓ１において第１吸引領域対応部２３の制御体開口部２６に第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂが重なった状態で、第１吸引領域対応部２３と第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂとが所定の離間距離を置いて離間していることが好ましく、その離間距離は、好ましくは０ｍｍよりも大きく３ｍｍ以下、より好ましくは０ｍｍよりも大きく２ｍｍ以下である。
　前述した特定形態Ａでは、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に３個以上の複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０が並ぶところ、前記構成Ｂ２を具備する場合に、その複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０それぞれの第１吸引領域対応部２３との離間距離についても、前記範囲にあることが好ましい。 In the fiber stacking device provided with the configuration B2, from the viewpoint of solving the problem of wear due to contact between the opening closing member 30 (30A, 30B) and the first suction region corresponding portion 23 (suction control body 25). In the first suction region S1, the first suction region corresponding portion 23 and the first opening closing member 30A are in a state where the first opening closing member 30A is overlapped with the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23. It is preferable that they are separated by a predetermined separation distance, and the separation distance is preferably larger than 0 mm and 3 mm or less, more preferably larger than 0 mm and 2 mm or less.
From the same viewpoint, in the first suction region S1, the first suction region corresponding portion 23 and the second opening portion are in a state where the second opening closing member 30B is overlapped with the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23. It is preferable that the closing member 30B is separated from each other with a predetermined separation distance, and the separation distance is preferably larger than 0 mm and 3 mm or less, more preferably larger than 0 mm and 2 mm or less.
In the above-mentioned specific embodiment A, where three or more opening closing members 30 are lined up in the drum circumferential direction X1, when the configuration B2 is provided, the first suction region of each of the plurality of opening closing members 30 is provided. The separation distance from the corresponding portion 23 is also preferably within the above range.
　積繊装置１においては、前述したとおり図４に示す如くに、回転ドラム３は、固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓに対向配置されるドラム本体３Ａと、ドラム本体３Ａよりも固定ドラム２から遠くに配置される外層部３Ｂとを含むところ、図１５に示すように、開口部閉鎖部材３０（第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａ、第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂ）は、ドラム本体３Ａにおいて外層部３Ｂからドラム本体３Ａ側に所定の距離離間した位置に配置されている。
　外層部３Ｂは、集積用凹部４０の底面を形成する部材（積繊装置１では、第１凹部底面形成プレート３４及び第２凹部底面形成プレート３６）を含むので、前記のように、開口部閉鎖部材３０が外層部３Ｂから離間しているということは、開口部閉鎖部材３０が集積用凹部４０の底面からも離間していることになる。
　図１５に示す形態では、開口部閉鎖部材３０は、外層部３Ｂから固定ドラム２側に離間距離Ｌを置いて配置され、第１吸引領域対応部２３及び第２吸引領域対応部２４を有する固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓの近傍に配置されている。
　開口部閉鎖部材３０の回転ドラム３の半径方向における位置がこのようになっていると、外層部３Ｂを通って吸引された空気の流れをドラム軸方向Ｙ１で整流することが可能となり、これにより、バキュームエアの乱れやドラム軸方向Ｙ１の風量ふれを均すことができるため、積繊体（吸収体）の成形性の向上が期待できる。
　前述した特定形態Ａでは、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に３個以上の複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０が並ぶところ、その複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０それぞれの回転ドラム３の半径方向の位置についても、前記と同様に設定することができる。 In the fiber stacking device 1, as shown in FIG. 4, as described above, the rotating drum 3 is located farther from the fixed drum 2 than the drum main body 3A arranged to face the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 and the drum main body 3A. As shown in FIG. 15, the opening closing member 30 (first opening closing member 30A, second opening closing member 30B) includes the outer layer portion 3B to be arranged, from the outer layer portion 3B in the drum main body 3A. It is arranged at a position separated by a predetermined distance on the drum main body 3A side.
Since the outer layer portion 3B includes a member forming the bottom surface of the accumulation recess 40 (in the fiber stacking device 1, the first recess bottom bottom forming plate 34 and the second recess bottom forming plate 36), the opening is closed as described above. The fact that the member 30 is separated from the outer layer portion 3B means that the opening closing member 30 is also separated from the bottom surface of the integration recess 40.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the opening closing member 30 is arranged with a separation distance L from the outer layer portion 3B to the fixed drum 2 side, and has a first suction region corresponding portion 23 and a second suction region corresponding portion 24. It is arranged in the vicinity of the outer peripheral portion 2S of the drum 2.
When the position of the rotating drum 3 of the opening closing member 30 in the radial direction is set in this way, it becomes possible to rectify the flow of air sucked through the outer layer portion 3B in the drum axial direction Y1. Since the turbulence of the vacuum air and the air flow fluctuation in the drum axial direction Y1 can be leveled, the formability of the fiber stack (absorbent body) can be expected to be improved.
In the above-mentioned specific embodiment A, where three or more opening closing members 30 are lined up in the drum circumferential direction X1, the radial positions of the rotating drums 3 of the plurality of opening closing members 30 are also the same as described above. It can be set in the same way.
　次に、本発明の吸収体の製造方法について、前述した積繊装置１を用いた吸収体１０（坪量が互いに異なる複数の部分を一方向に有する吸収体）の製造方法を例にとり説明する。斯かる製造方法について特に説明しない点は、前述の積繊装置１についての説明が適宜適用される。
　積繊装置１を用いた吸収体の製造方法は、積繊工程を有する。前記積繊工程は、図２及び図３に示すように、回転ドラム３を固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓの周りに回転させつつ、回転ドラム３の外周部３Ｓに対して繊維材料を飛散状態にて供給し、ドラム周方向Ｘ１の所定の吸引領域Ｓにて集積用凹部４０に積繊させる工程である。 Next, the method for producing an absorber of the present invention will be described by taking as an example a method for producing an absorber 10 (an absorber having a plurality of portions having different basis weights in one direction) using the above-mentioned fiber stacking device 1. .. The above-mentioned description of the fiber stacking device 1 is appropriately applied to the points not particularly described about such a manufacturing method.
The method for producing an absorber using the fiber stacking device 1 includes a fiber stacking step. In the fiber stacking step, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rotating drum 3 is rotated around the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2, and the fiber material is scattered with respect to the outer peripheral portion 3S of the rotating drum 3. This is a step of stacking fibers in the accumulation recess 40 in a predetermined suction region S in the peripheral direction X1 of the drum.
　積繊装置１が、前述した特定形態Ａで、前記構成Ａ（吸引領域Ｓを集積用凹部４０の搬送方向に第１吸引領域Ｓ１と第２吸引領域Ｓ２とに区分し、そのうちの一方である第１吸引領域Ｓ１において、制御体開口部２６及び開口部閉鎖部材３０を用いて、複数の積繊領域４１（吸引制限領域）のバキュームエアの流量を低減する構成）に加えて更に、前記構成Ｂ１を具備する場合、
　ドラム周方向Ｘ１に並ぶ複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０は、それぞれ、第１吸引領域Ｓ１において第１吸引領域対応部２３の制御体開口部２６に重なった状態では、第１吸引領域対応部２３に対して所定の離間距離Ｇを置いて離間しており、且つ
　ドラム周方向Ｘ１に並ぶ複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０どうしで離間距離Ｇが互いに異なり、ドラム周方向Ｘ１の一方側から他方側に向かって離間距離Ｇが漸次変化するように、該複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０が配されているので、
　前記積繊工程では、第１吸引領域Ｓ１において、複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０に対応する複数の積繊領域４１（前記吸引制限領域）どうしでは、離間距離Ｇが長いものほど、バキュームエアの流量が多くなる。
　つまり、集積用凹部４０に吸引され積繊される繊維材料の坪量について、「離間距離Ｇが相対的に短い開口部閉鎖部材３０に対応する積繊領域４１＜離間距離Ｇが相対的に長い開口部閉鎖部材３０に対応する積繊領域４１」の大小関係が成立する。 In the specific embodiment A described above, the fiber stacking device 1 divides the suction region S into a first suction region S1 and a second suction region S2 in the transport direction of the integration recess 40, and is one of them. In the first suction region S1, the control body opening 26 and the opening closing member 30 are used to reduce the flow rate of vacuum air in the plurality of fiber stacking regions 41 (suction limiting region)), and further, the above-mentioned configuration. When equipped with B1,
The plurality of opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum circumferential direction X1 are placed on the first suction region corresponding portion 23 in a state of overlapping the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23 in the first suction region S1. On the other hand, the separation distances G are different from each other among the plurality of opening closing members 30 arranged at a predetermined separation distance G and arranged in the drum circumferential direction X1, and the separation distances G are different from each other, and the distances G are directed from one side to the other side in the drum circumferential direction X1. Since the plurality of opening closing members 30 are arranged so that the separation distance G gradually changes.
In the fiber stacking step, in the first suction region S1, between the plurality of fiber stacking regions 41 (the suction limiting regions) corresponding to the plurality of opening closing members 30, the longer the separation distance G, the more the flow rate of vacuum air. Will increase.
That is, regarding the basis weight of the fiber material sucked into the accumulation recess 40 and stacked, "the fiber stacking region 41 corresponding to the opening closing member 30 having a relatively short separation distance G <the separation distance G is relatively long. The magnitude relationship of the fiber stacking region 41 "corresponding to the opening closing member 30" is established.
　例えば、前述した積繊装置１では、前記吸引制限領域として、第１の積繊領域４１Ａ及び第２の積繊領域４１Ｂを含み、また、両積繊領域４１Ａ，４１Ｂに関わる離間距離Ｇに関して前述したとおり、離間距離Ｇ１＜離間距離Ｇ２の大小関係が成立するので、バキュームエアの流量について、第１の積繊領域４１Ａ＜第２の積繊領域４１Ｂの大小関係が成立し、したがって繊維材料の坪量（積繊量）についても同様の大小関係が成立する。
　また、前述した積繊装置１では、前記吸引非制限領域として第３の積繊領域４１Ｃを含むところ、第３の積繊領域４１Ｃは開口部閉鎖部材３０を有さず、これよる吸引の制限を受けないので、バキュームエアの流量については、第１の積繊領域４１Ａ（吸引制限領域）＜第２の積繊領域４１Ｂ（吸引制限領域）＜第３の積繊領域４１Ｃ（吸引非制限領域）の大小関係が成立する。したがって、前述した積繊装置１を用いた積繊工程では、第１吸引領域Ｓ１において、第３の積繊領域４１Ｃに最も多くの繊維材料が積繊され、以下積繊量の多い順に、第２の積繊領域４１Ｂ、第１の積繊領域４１Ａとなる。 For example, in the above-mentioned fiber stacking device 1, the suction limiting region includes the first fiber stacking region 41A and the second fiber stacking region 41B, and the separation distance G related to both fiber stacking regions 41A and 41B is described above. As described above, since the magnitude relation of the separation distance G1 <separation distance G2 is established, the magnitude relation of the first stacking fiber region 41A <the second stacking fiber region 41B is established with respect to the flow rate of the vacuum air, and therefore, the magnitude relation of the fiber material is established. The same magnitude relationship holds for the basis weight (amount of fiber).
Further, in the above-mentioned fiber stacking device 1, where the third stacking fiber region 41C is included as the suction non-restricting region, the third stacking fiber region 41C does not have the opening closing member 30, and the suction is restricted by this. As for the flow rate of the vacuum air, the first stacking fiber region 41A (suction limiting region) <second stacking fiber region 41B (suction limiting region) <third stacking fiber region 41C (suction non-restricted region) ) Is established. Therefore, in the fiber stacking step using the fiber stacking device 1 described above, in the first suction region S1, the largest number of fiber materials are stacked in the third fiber stacking region 41C, and the fibers are stacked in descending order of the amount of fiber stacking. It becomes the 2nd stacking fiber region 41B and the 1st stacking fiber region 41A.
　このように、前記構成Ａ及び前記構成Ｂ１を具備する積繊装置を用いた本発明の吸収体の製造方法によれば、製造時の流れ方向に対応する方向において繊維材料の偏在の程度が大きい吸収体が得られる。また、前記積繊装置が備える開口部閉鎖部材３０は、第１吸引領域Ｓ１において第１吸引領域対応部２３の制御体開口部２６に重なった状態では、第１吸引領域対応部２３に対して所定の離間距離Ｇを置いて離間するようになされているので、開口部閉鎖部材３０と第１吸引領域対応部２３との接触による摩耗の問題が生じ難く、高品質の積繊体である吸収体１０を安定的に製造することができる。 As described above, according to the method for manufacturing an absorber of the present invention using the fiber stacking device provided with the above-mentioned configuration A and the above-mentioned configuration B1, the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material is large in the direction corresponding to the flow direction at the time of production. An absorber is obtained. Further, in the state where the opening closing member 30 included in the fiber stacking device overlaps the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23 in the first suction region S1, the opening closing member 30 with respect to the first suction region corresponding portion 23. Since the separation is made with a predetermined separation distance G, the problem of wear due to contact between the opening closing member 30 and the first suction region corresponding portion 23 is unlikely to occur, and the absorption is a high-quality fiber stack. The body 10 can be stably manufactured.
　ところで前記構成Ｂ１は、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に並ぶ複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０どうしで第１吸引領域Ｓ１における第１吸引領域対応部２３との離間距離Ｇを調整することで、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に沿う製造時の流れ方向ＭＤでの繊維材料の偏在の程度を制御するというものであったが、これをドラム軸方向Ｙ１に応用することで、搬送直交方向ＣＤでの繊維材料の偏在の程度を制御することも可能である。
　具体的には、前述した積繊装置１においては、第１吸引領域対応部２３に制御体開口部２６がドラム軸方向Ｙ１に複数（３つ）並んで設けられているとともに、回転ドラム３の固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓとの対向部分（ドラム本体３Ａの外周部３ＡＳ）に、開口部閉鎖部材３０がドラム軸方向Ｙ１に複数（３個）並んで配されており、集積用凹部４０の第１吸引領域Ｓ１での搬送中に、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１に並ぶ複数の制御体開口部２６に、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１に並ぶ複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０が重なるようになされており、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１に並ぶ複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０は、それぞれ、第１吸引領域Ｓ１において第１吸引領域対応部２３の制御体開口部２６に重なった状態では、第１吸引領域対応部２３に対して所定の離間距離Ｇを置いて離間している（図４、図６、図１０及び図１１等参照）。このような構成の積繊装置１に下記構成Ｂ１ａを採用する。
　構成Ｂ１ａ：ドラム軸方向Ｙ１に並ぶ前記複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０どうしで離間距離Ｇが互いに異なり、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１の一方側から他方側に向かって離間距離Ｇが漸次変化するように、該複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０が配されている。 By the way, in the configuration B1, the plurality of opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum circumferential direction X1 adjust the separation distance G from the first suction region corresponding portion 23 in the first suction region S1 to the drum circumferential direction X1. It was to control the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the flow direction MD at the time of manufacturing along, but by applying this to the drum axial direction Y1, the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the transport orthogonal direction CD can be controlled. It is also possible to control.
Specifically, in the above-mentioned fiber stacking device 1, a plurality (three) of control body openings 26 are provided side by side in the drum axial direction Y1 in the first suction region corresponding portion 23, and the rotary drum 3 is provided. A plurality (three) opening closing members 30 are arranged side by side in the drum axial direction Y1 on the portion of the fixed drum 2 facing the outer peripheral portion 2S (the outer peripheral portion 3AS of the drum main body 3A), and the integration recess 40 is arranged. During the transportation in the first suction region S1, the plurality of control body openings 26 arranged in the drum axial direction Y1 are overlapped with the plurality of opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum axial direction Y1 so as to overlap with each other in the drum axial direction. The plurality of opening closing members 30 arranged in Y1 are predetermined with respect to the first suction region corresponding portion 23 in a state where they overlap the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23 in the first suction region S1. The distances G are separated from each other (see FIGS. 4, 6, 10, 11 and the like). The following configuration B1a is adopted for the fiber stacking device 1 having such a configuration.
Configuration B1a: The separation distance G is different between the plurality of opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum axial direction Y1, and the separation distance G gradually changes from one side to the other side in the drum axial direction Y1. A plurality of opening closing members 30 are arranged.
　前記構成Ｂ１ａの具体例として、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１の外方側から内方側に向かって離間距離Ｇが漸次増加するように、複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０が配されているものが挙げられる。この具体例によれば、バキュームエアの流量について、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１の外方側に位置する積繊領域４１＜ドラム軸方向Ｙ１の内方側に位置する積繊領域４１の大小関係が成立し、したがって繊維材料の坪量（積繊量）についても同様の大小関係が成立する。
　このように、前記構成Ａ、前記構成Ｂ１及び前記構成Ｂ１ａを具備する積繊装置を用いた本発明の吸収体の製造方法によれば、前記積繊工程で、第１吸引領域Ｓ１において、ドラム周方向Ｘ１及びドラム軸方向Ｙ１の双方にて、集積用凹部４０に吸引され積繊される繊維材料の坪量について、「離間距離Ｇが相対的に短い開口部閉鎖部材３０に対応する積繊領域４１＜離間距離Ｇが相対的に長い開口部閉鎖部材３０に対応する積繊領域４１」の大小関係が成立するため、繊維材料の偏在の程度をより高度に制御できる。 As a specific example of the configuration B1a, a plurality of opening closing members 30 are arranged so that the separation distance G gradually increases from the outer side to the inner side in the drum axial direction Y1. According to this specific example, with respect to the flow rate of the vacuum air, the magnitude relationship of the fiber stacking region 41 located on the outer side of the drum axial direction Y1 <the fiber stacking region 41 located on the inner side of the drum axial direction Y1 is established. Therefore, the same magnitude relationship is established for the basis weight (volume of fibers) of the fiber material.
As described above, according to the method for producing an absorber of the present invention using the fiber stacking device provided with the configuration A, the configuration B1 and the configuration B1a, the drum in the first suction region S1 in the fiber stacking step. Regarding the basis weight of the fiber material sucked into the accumulation recess 40 and stacked in both the circumferential direction X1 and the drum axial direction Y1, "the stacking fiber corresponding to the opening closing member 30 having a relatively short separation distance G". Since the magnitude relationship of the region 41 <the fiber stacking region 41 corresponding to the opening closing member 30 having a relatively long separation distance G "is established, the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material can be controlled to a higher degree.
　また、積繊装置１が、前述した特定形態Ａで、前記構成Ａ（吸引領域Ｓを集積用凹部４０の搬送方向に第１吸引領域Ｓ１と第２吸引領域Ｓ２とに区分し、そのうちの一方である第１吸引領域Ｓ１において、制御体開口部２６及び開口部閉鎖部材３０を用いて、複数の積繊領域４１（吸引制限領域）のバキュームエアの流量を低減する構成）に加えて更に、前記構成Ｂ２を具備する場合、
　ドラム周方向Ｘ１に並ぶ複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０どうしで開口部閉鎖部材３０の幅Ｗ（搬送直交方向ＣＤの長さ）が互いに異なり、ドラム周方向Ｘ１の一方側から他方側に向かって開口部閉鎖部材３０の幅Ｗが漸次変化するように、該複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０が配されているので、
　前記積繊工程では、第１吸引領域Ｓ１において、複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０に対応する複数の積繊領域４１（前記吸引制限領域）どうしでは、開口部閉鎖部材３０の幅Ｗが短いものほどバキュームエアの流量が多くなる。
　つまり、集積用凹部４０に吸引され積繊される繊維材料の坪量について、「幅Ｗが相対的に長い開口部閉鎖部材３０に対応する積繊領域４１＜幅Ｗが相対的に短い開口部閉鎖部材３０に対応する積繊領域４１」の大小関係が成立する。 Further, the fiber stacking device 1 divides the structure A (suction area S into a first suction area S1 and a second suction area S2 in the transport direction of the accumulation recess 40 in the above-mentioned specific embodiment A, and one of them. In the first suction region S1, the control body opening 26 and the opening closing member 30 are used to reduce the flow rate of vacuum air in the plurality of fiber stacking regions 41 (suction limiting region)). When the above configuration B2 is provided,
The width W (length of the transport orthogonal direction CD) of the opening closing members 30 is different between the plurality of opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum circumferential direction X1, and the openings are made from one side to the other side of the drum circumferential direction X1. Since the plurality of opening closing members 30 are arranged so that the width W of the portion closing member 30 gradually changes,
In the fiber stacking step, in the first suction region S1, the width W of the opening closing member 30 is shorter between the plurality of fiber stacking regions 41 (the suction limiting region) corresponding to the plurality of opening closing members 30. The flow rate of vacuum air increases.
That is, regarding the basis weight of the fiber material sucked into the accumulation recess 40 and stacked, "the fiber stacking region 41 corresponding to the opening closing member 30 having a relatively long width W <the opening having a relatively short width W". The magnitude relationship of the fiber stacking region 41 "corresponding to the closing member 30" is established.
　例えば、前述した積繊装置１では、前記吸引制限領域として第１の積繊領域４１Ａ及び第２の積繊領域４１Ｂ、前記吸引非制限領域として第３の積繊領域４１Ｃをそれぞれ含み、また、両積繊領域４１Ａ，４１Ｂに関わる開口部閉鎖部材３０の幅Ｗに関しては前述したとおりであるので、バキュームエアの流量について、第１の積繊領域４１Ａ＜第２の積繊領域４１Ｂ＜第３の積繊領域４１Ｃの大小関係が成立し、繊維材料の坪量（積繊量）についても同様の大小関係が成立する。
　このように、前記構成Ａ及前記構成Ｂ２を具備する積繊装置を用いた本発明の吸収体の製造方法によれば、製造時の流れ方向に対応する方向において繊維材料の偏在の程度が大きい吸収体が得られる。 For example, in the above-mentioned fiber stacking device 1, the suction limiting region includes a first stacking fiber region 41A and a second stacking fiber region 41B, and the suction non-restricting region includes a third stacking fiber region 41C, respectively. Since the width W of the opening closing member 30 related to both the fiber stacking regions 41A and 41B is as described above, regarding the flow rate of the vacuum air, the first stacking fiber region 41A <the second stacking fiber region 41B <third. The magnitude relationship of the fiber stacking region 41C is established, and the same magnitude relationship is also established for the basis weight (fiber stacking amount) of the fiber material.
As described above, according to the method for manufacturing an absorber of the present invention using the fiber stacking device provided with the above-mentioned configuration A and the above-mentioned configuration B2, the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material is large in the direction corresponding to the flow direction at the time of production. An absorber is obtained.
　ところで前記構成Ｂ２は、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に並ぶ複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０どうしで開口部閉鎖部材３０の幅Ｗを調整することで、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に沿う製造時の流れ方向ＭＤでの繊維材料の偏在の程度を制御するというものであったが、これをドラム軸方向Ｙ１に応用することで、搬送直交方向ＣＤでの繊維材料の偏在の程度を制御することも可能である。
　具体的には、前述した積繊装置１においては、第１吸引領域対応部２３に制御体開口部２６がドラム軸方向Ｙ１に複数（３つ）並んで設けられているとともに、回転ドラム３の固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓとの対向部分（ドラム本体３Ａの外周部３ＡＳ）に、開口部閉鎖部材３０がドラム軸方向Ｙ１に複数（３個）並んで配されており、集積用凹部４０の第１吸引領域Ｓ１での搬送中に、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１に並ぶ複数の制御体開口部２６に、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１に並ぶ複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０が重なるようになされている（図４、図６、図１０及び図１１等参照）。このような構成の積繊装置１に下記構成Ｂ２ａを採用する。
　構成Ｂ２ａ：ドラム軸方向Ｙ１に並ぶ前記複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０どうしで開口部閉鎖部材３０の幅Ｗ（搬送直交方向ＣＤの長さ）が互いに異なり、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１の一方側から他方側に向かって開口部閉鎖部材３０の幅Ｗが漸次変化するように、該複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０が配されている。 By the way, in the configuration B2, the width W of the opening closing members 30 is adjusted between the plurality of opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum peripheral direction X1, so that the fibers in the flow direction MD at the time of manufacturing along the drum peripheral direction X1 are used. The degree of uneven distribution of the material was controlled, but by applying this to the drum axial direction Y1, it is also possible to control the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the transport orthogonal direction CD.
Specifically, in the above-mentioned fiber stacking device 1, a plurality (three) of control body openings 26 are provided side by side in the drum axial direction Y1 in the first suction region corresponding portion 23, and the rotary drum 3 is provided. A plurality (three) opening closing members 30 are arranged side by side in the drum axial direction Y1 on the portion of the fixed drum 2 facing the outer peripheral portion 2S (the outer peripheral portion 3AS of the drum main body 3A), and the integration recess 40 is arranged. During the transfer in the first suction region S1, the plurality of control body openings 26 arranged in the drum axial direction Y1 are overlapped with the plurality of opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum axial direction Y1 (FIG. 4, FIG. See FIGS. 6, 10, 11 and the like). The following configuration B2a is adopted for the fiber stacking device 1 having such a configuration.
Configuration B2a: The width W (length of the transport orthogonal direction CD) of the opening closing members 30 is different between the plurality of opening closing members 30 arranged in the drum axial direction Y1, and one side to the other side of the drum axial direction Y1. The plurality of opening closing members 30 are arranged so that the width W of the opening closing member 30 gradually changes toward.
　前記構成Ｂ２ａの具体例として、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１の外方側から内方側に向かって開口部閉鎖部材３０の幅Ｗが漸次減少するように、複数の開口部閉鎖部材３０が配されているものが挙げられる。この具体例によれば、バキュームエアの流量について、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１の外方側に位置する積繊領域４１＜ドラム軸方向Ｙ１の内方側に位置する積繊領域４１の大小関係が成立し、したがって繊維材料の坪量（積繊量）についても同様の大小関係が成立する。
　このように、前記構成Ａ、前記構成Ｂ２及び前記構成Ｂ２ａを具備する積繊装置を用いた本発明の吸収体の製造方法によれば、前記積繊工程で、第１吸引領域Ｓ１において、ドラム周方向Ｘ１及びドラム軸方向Ｙ１の双方にて、集積用凹部４０に吸引され積繊される繊維材料の坪量について、「幅Ｗが相対的に長い開口部閉鎖部材３０に対応する積繊領域４１＜幅Ｗが相対的に短い開口部閉鎖部材３０に対応する積繊領域４１」の大小関係が成立するため、繊維材料の偏在の程度をより高度に制御できる。 As a specific example of the configuration B2a, a plurality of opening closing members 30 are arranged so that the width W of the opening closing member 30 gradually decreases from the outer side to the inner side in the drum axial direction Y1. Things can be mentioned. According to this specific example, with respect to the flow rate of the vacuum air, the magnitude relationship of the fiber stacking region 41 located on the outer side of the drum axial direction Y1 <the fiber stacking region 41 located on the inner side of the drum axial direction Y1 is established. Therefore, the same magnitude relationship is established for the basis weight (volume of fibers) of the fiber material.
As described above, according to the method for producing an absorber of the present invention using the fiber stacking device including the configuration A, the configuration B2 and the configuration B2a, the drum in the first suction region S1 in the fiber stacking step. Regarding the basis weight of the fiber material sucked into the accumulation recess 40 and stacked in both the circumferential direction X1 and the drum axial direction Y1, "the fiber stacking region corresponding to the opening closing member 30 having a relatively long width W". Since the magnitude relationship of 41 <the fiber stacking region 41 corresponding to the opening closing member 30 having a relatively short width W is established, the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material can be controlled to a higher degree.
　以上、本発明（第１ないし４発明）をその好ましい実施形態に基づき説明したが、本発明は前記実施形態に何ら制限されるものではなく、本発明の趣旨を逸脱しない範囲で適宜変更可能である。
　前述した本発明（第１ないし４発明）の実施形態に関し、更に以下の付記を開示する。 Although the present invention (the first to fourth inventions) has been described above based on the preferred embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. be.
The following additional notes are further disclosed with respect to the above-described embodiments of the present invention (1st to 4th inventions).
＜１Ａ＞
　固定ドラムと、該固定ドラムの外周部周りを回転可能に設けられ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部を外周部に有する回転ドラムとを備え、該回転ドラムを回転させて該集積用凹部をドラム周方向に沿う搬送方向に搬送させつつ、該固定ドラム側からの吸引によって生じた空気流に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、ドラム周方向の所定の吸引領域にて該集積用凹部の底面上に積繊させ、坪量が互いに異なる複数の部分を該搬送方向に有する積繊体を製造する、積繊装置であって、
　前記集積用凹部は、前記積繊体の前記坪量が互いに異なる複数の部分に対応する複数の積繊領域をドラム周方向に有し、該複数の積繊領域は、第１の積繊領域と、該第１の積繊領域に比べて高坪量の部分を形成する第２の積繊領域とを含み、
　前記吸引領域は、前記固定ドラム側からの吸引が部分的に可能になされている第１吸引領域と、該吸引が全面的に可能になされている第２吸引領域とをドラム周方向に有し、
　前記固定ドラムの外周部に、前記第１吸引領域に対応する第１吸引領域対応部と、前記第２吸引領域に対応する第２吸引領域対応部とが配されており、
　前記第１吸引領域対応部は、開口部（制御体開口部２６）が部分的に設けられた非通気性部材からなり、前記空気流は、該開口部を通じてのみ該第１吸引領域対応部を厚み方向に通過可能になされており、
　前記第２吸引領域対応部は、非通気性部材を含まず、前記空気流は、該第２吸引領域対応部の全域を厚み方向に通過可能になされており、
　前記回転ドラムの前記固定ドラムの外周部との対向部分に、前記第１の積繊領域に対応する非通気性の第１開口部閉鎖部材と、前記第２の積繊領域に対応する非通気性の第２開口部閉鎖部材とが配されており、
　前記集積用凹部の前記第１吸引領域での搬送中に、前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に、前記第１開口部閉鎖部材及び前記第２開口部閉鎖部材が重なることで、前記第１の積繊領域及び前記第２の積繊領域の前記空気流の流量を低減するようになされており、
　前記第１吸引領域において前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に前記第１開口部閉鎖部材が重なった状態では、該第１吸引領域対応部と該第１開口部閉鎖部材とが所定の離間距離Ｇ１を置いて離間しており、
　前記第１吸引領域において前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に前記第２開口部閉鎖部材が重なった状態では、該第１吸引領域対応部と該第２開口部閉鎖部材とが所定の離間距離Ｇ２を置いて離間し、且つ
　前記離間距離Ｇ１＜前記離間距離Ｇ２の大小関係が成立する、積繊装置。
＜２Ａ＞
　前記離間距離Ｇ１及び前記離間距離Ｇ２が、それぞれ、０ｍｍよりも大きく３ｍｍ以下である、前記＜１Ａ＞に記載の積繊装置。
＜３Ａ＞
　前記第１開口部閉鎖部材の前記搬送方向と直交する搬送直交方向の長さに対して、前記第１吸引領域において該第１開口部閉鎖部材と重なる前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部の該搬送直交方向の長さは、１０％以上９０％以下であり、
　前記第２開口部閉鎖部材の前記搬送直交方向の長さに対して、前記第１吸引領域において該第２開口部閉鎖部材と重なる前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部の該搬送直交方向の長さは、１０％以上９０％以下である、前記＜１Ａ＞又は＜２Ａ＞に記載の積繊装置。 <1A>
It is provided with a fixed drum and a rotating drum that is rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum and has an accumulation recess on the outer periphery on which the fiber material is stacked. The fiber material conveyed by the air flow generated by the suction from the fixed drum side is carried in the predetermined suction region in the drum circumferential direction while being conveyed in the transport direction along the drum circumferential direction. A fiber stacking device for producing a fiber stack having a plurality of portions having different basis weights in the transport direction by stacking fibers on the bottom surface.
The accumulation recess has a plurality of fiber stacking regions corresponding to a plurality of portions of the fiber stack having different basis weights in the circumferential direction of the drum, and the plurality of fiber stacking regions are the first fiber stacking regions. And a second stacking region that forms a portion with a higher basis weight than the first stacking region.
The suction region has a first suction region in which suction from the fixed drum side is partially enabled and a second suction region in which the suction is fully enabled in the drum circumferential direction. ,
A first suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the first suction region and a second suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the second suction region are arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum.
The first suction region corresponding portion is made of a non-breathable member in which an opening (control body opening 26) is partially provided, and the air flow passes through the first suction region corresponding portion only through the opening. It is made possible to pass in the thickness direction,
The second suction region corresponding portion does not include a non-breathable member, and the air flow can pass through the entire area of the second suction region corresponding portion in the thickness direction.
On the portion of the rotating drum facing the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, a non-breathable first opening closing member corresponding to the first stacking region and a non-breathable non-breathable portion corresponding to the second stacking region. A second opening closing member of sex is arranged,
During the transportation of the accumulation recess in the first suction region, the first opening closing member and the second opening closing member overlap with the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion, whereby the said. It is designed to reduce the flow rate of the air flow in the first stacking region and the second stacking region.
In the state where the first opening closing member overlaps the opening of the first suction area corresponding portion in the first suction region, the first suction region corresponding portion and the first opening closing member are predetermined. The separation distance G1 is placed and separated,
In the state where the second opening closing member overlaps the opening of the first suction area corresponding portion in the first suction region, the first suction region corresponding portion and the second opening closing member are predetermined. A fiber stacking device in which a separation distance G2 is placed and separated, and a magnitude relationship of the separation distance G1 <the separation distance G2 is established.
<2A>
The fiber stacking device according to <1A>, wherein the separation distance G1 and the separation distance G2 are each larger than 0 mm and 3 mm or less.
<3A>
The opening of the first suction region corresponding portion that overlaps with the first opening closing member in the first suction region with respect to the length of the first opening closing member in the transport orthogonal direction orthogonal to the transport direction. The length in the transport orthogonal direction is 10% or more and 90% or less.
With respect to the length of the second opening closing member in the transport orthogonal direction, the transport orthogonal direction of the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion that overlaps with the second opening closing member in the first suction region. The fiber stacking device according to <1A> or <2A>, wherein the length of the fiber is 10% or more and 90% or less.
＜４Ａ＞
　固定ドラムと、該固定ドラムの外周部周りを回転可能に設けられ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部を外周部に有する回転ドラムとを備え、該回転ドラムを回転させて該集積用凹部をドラム周方向に沿う搬送方向に搬送させつつ、該固定ドラム側からの吸引によって生じた空気流に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、ドラム周方向の所定の吸引領域にて該集積用凹部の底面上に積繊させ、坪量が互いに異なる複数の部分を該搬送方向に有する積繊体を製造する、積繊装置であって、
　前記集積用凹部は、前記積繊体の前記坪量が互いに異なる複数の部分に対応する複数の積繊領域をドラム周方向に有し、該複数の積繊領域は、第１の積繊領域と、該第１の積繊領域に比べて高坪量の部分を形成する第２の積繊領域とを含み、
　前記吸引領域は、前記固定ドラム側からの吸引が部分的に可能になされている第１吸引領域と、該吸引が全面的に可能になされている第２吸引領域とをドラム周方向に有し、
　前記固定ドラムの外周部に、前記第１吸引領域に対応する第１吸引領域対応部と、前記第２吸引領域に対応する第２吸引領域対応部とが配されており、
　前記第１吸引領域対応部は、開口部（制御体開口部２６）が部分的に設けられた非通気性部材からなり、前記空気流は、該開口部を通じてのみ該第１吸引領域対応部を厚み方向に通過可能になされており、
　前記第２吸引領域対応部は、非通気性部材を含まず、前記空気流は、該第２吸引領域対応部の全域を厚み方向に通過可能になされており、
　前記回転ドラムの前記固定ドラムの外周部との対向部分に、前記第１の積繊領域に対応する非通気性の第１開口部閉鎖部材と、前記第２の積繊領域に対応する非通気性の第２開口部閉鎖部材とが配されており、
　前記集積用凹部の前記第１吸引領域での搬送中に、前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に、前記第１開口部閉鎖部材及び前記第２開口部閉鎖部材が重なることで、前記第１の積繊領域及び前記第２の積繊領域の前記空気流の流量を低減するようになされており、
　前記第１開口部閉鎖部材は、前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に比べて、前記搬送方向と直交する搬送直交方向の長さが長く、前記第１吸引領域において該開口部に該第１開口部閉鎖部材が重なった状態では、該第１開口部閉鎖部材が該開口部を該搬送直交方向の全長にわたって延在し、
　前記第２開口部閉鎖部材は、前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に比べて、前記搬送直交方向の長さが短く、前記第１吸引領域において該開口部に該第２開口部閉鎖部材が重なった状態では、該開口部の該搬送直交方向の一部に、該第２開口部閉鎖部材で覆われない部分が存在する、積繊装置。
＜５Ａ＞
　前記第１開口部閉鎖部材（前記第１吸引領域で重なり合う関係にある前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に比べて前記搬送直交方向の長さが長い、幅広の開口部閉鎖部材）の前記搬送直交方向の長さは、前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部の該搬送直交方向の長さに対して、好ましくは１１０％以上、より好ましくは１２５％以上、そして、好ましくは１０００％以下、より好ましくは５００％以下である、前記＜４Ａ＞に記載の積繊装置。
＜６Ａ＞
　前記第２開口部閉鎖部材（前記第１吸引領域で重なり合う関係にある前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に比べて前記搬送直交方向の長さが短い、幅狭の開口部閉鎖部材）の前記搬送直交方向の長さは、前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部の該搬送直交方向の長さに対して、好ましくは５０％以上１００％未満、より好ましくは６０％以上１００％未満である、前記＜４Ａ＞又は＜５Ａ＞に記載の積繊装置。
＜７Ａ＞
　前記第１吸引領域において前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に前記第１開口部閉鎖部材が重なった状態で、該第１吸引領域対応部と該第１開口部閉鎖部材とが０ｍｍよりも大きく３ｍｍ以下の距離を置いて離間し、
　前記第１吸引領域において前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に前記第２開口部閉鎖部材が重なった状態で、該第１吸引領域対応部と該第２開口部閉鎖部材とが０ｍｍよりも大きく３ｍｍ以下の距離を置いて離間する、前記＜４Ａ＞～＜６Ａ＞の何れか１項に記載の積繊装置。 <4A>
It is provided with a fixed drum and a rotating drum that is rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum and has an accumulation recess on the outer periphery on which fiber materials are stacked. The fiber material conveyed by the air flow generated by the suction from the fixed drum side is carried in the predetermined suction region in the drum circumferential direction while being conveyed in the transport direction along the drum circumferential direction. A fiber stacking device for producing a fiber stack having a plurality of portions having different basis weights in the transport direction by stacking fibers on the bottom surface.
The accumulation recess has a plurality of fiber stacking regions corresponding to a plurality of portions of the fiber stack having different basis weights in the circumferential direction of the drum, and the plurality of fiber stacking regions are the first fiber stacking regions. And a second stacking region that forms a portion with a higher basis weight than the first stacking region.
The suction region has a first suction region in which suction from the fixed drum side is partially enabled and a second suction region in which the suction is fully enabled in the drum circumferential direction. ,
A first suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the first suction region and a second suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the second suction region are arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum.
The first suction region corresponding portion is made of a non-breathable member in which an opening (control body opening 26) is partially provided, and the air flow passes through the first suction region corresponding portion only through the opening. It is made possible to pass in the thickness direction,
The second suction region corresponding portion does not include a non-breathable member, and the air flow can pass through the entire area of the second suction region corresponding portion in the thickness direction.
On the portion of the rotating drum facing the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, a non-breathable first opening closing member corresponding to the first stacking region and a non-breathable non-breathable portion corresponding to the second stacking region. A second opening closing member of sex is arranged,
During the transportation of the accumulation recess in the first suction region, the first opening closing member and the second opening closing member overlap with the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion, whereby the said. It is designed to reduce the flow rate of the air flow in the first stacking region and the second stacking region.
The first opening closing member has a longer length in the transport orthogonal direction orthogonal to the transport direction than the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion, and the opening in the first suction region. When the first opening closing members are overlapped with each other, the first opening closing member extends the opening over the entire length in the direction orthogonal to the transport.
The length of the second opening closing member in the transport orthogonal direction is shorter than that of the opening corresponding to the first suction region, and the second opening is closed at the opening in the first suction region. A fiber stacking device in which, in a state where the members are overlapped, a portion of the opening in the direction orthogonal to the transport is not covered by the second opening closing member.
<5A>
The first opening closing member (a wide opening closing member having a longer length in the transport orthogonal direction than the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion which is in an overlapping relationship in the first suction region). The length in the transport orthogonal direction is preferably 110% or more, more preferably 125% or more, and preferably 1000 with respect to the length in the transport orthogonal direction of the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion. % Or less, more preferably 500% or less, according to the above <4A>.
<6A>
The second opening closing member (a narrow opening closing member having a shorter length in the transport orthogonal direction than the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion that overlaps in the first suction region). The length in the transport orthogonal direction is preferably 50% or more and less than 100%, more preferably 60% or more and 100% with respect to the length in the transport orthogonal direction of the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion. The fiber stacking device according to <4A> or <5A>, which is less than or equal to.
<7A>
In the first suction region, in a state where the first opening closing member overlaps the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion, the first suction region corresponding portion and the first opening closing member are from 0 mm. Also separated at a distance of 3 mm or less,
In the first suction region, in a state where the second opening closing member overlaps the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion, the first suction region corresponding portion and the second opening closing member are from 0 mm. The fiber stacking device according to any one of <4A> to <6A>, which is separated by a large distance of 3 mm or less.
＜８Ａ＞
　前記第１吸引領域対応部の面積に対する該第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部の面積の割合が、５％以上８０％以下である、前記＜１Ａ＞～＜７Ａ＞の何れか１項に記載の積繊装置。
＜９Ａ＞
　前記回転ドラムは、前記固定ドラムの外周部に対向配置されるドラム本体と、該ドラム本体よりも該固定ドラムから遠くに配置される外層部とを含み、
　前記第１開口部閉鎖部材及び前記第２開口部閉鎖部材は、それぞれ、該ドラム本体において前記外層部から該ドラム本体側に所定距離離間した位置に配置されている、前記＜１Ａ＞～＜８Ａ＞の何れか１項に記載の積繊装置。
＜１０Ａ＞
　前記外層部は、前記集積用凹部の底面を形成し、前記空気流が通過可能な多数の吸引孔を有する通気性部材からなる凹部底面形成プレートと、前記積繊体に溝状凹部を形成するための部材である凹部区画プレートとを含む、前記＜９Ａ＞に記載の積繊装置。
＜１１Ａ＞
　前記外層部は、前記集積用凹部における前記空気流の流量を調整するための部材である吸引調整プレートを含む、前記＜９Ａ＞又は＜１０Ａ＞に記載の積繊装置。
＜１２Ａ＞
　前記集積用凹部は、前記第１の積繊領域及び前記第２の積繊領域に加えて更に、吸引が制限されない吸引非制限領域を有する、前記＜１Ａ＞～＜１１Ａ＞の何れか１項に記載の積繊装置。
＜１３Ａ＞
　前記吸引非制限領域は、前記開口部閉鎖部材（前記第１開口部閉鎖部材及び前記第２開口部閉鎖部材）を有さない（平面視で前記開口部閉鎖部材と重ならない）、前記＜１２Ａ＞に記載の積繊装置。 <8A>
Item 3. The described fiber stacking device.
<9A>
The rotating drum includes a drum body arranged to face the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, and an outer layer portion arranged farther from the fixed drum than the drum body.
The first opening closing member and the second opening closing member are arranged at positions separated from the outer layer portion of the drum main body by a predetermined distance from the outer layer portion, respectively, of the above <1A> to <8A. > The fiber stacking device according to any one of.
<10A>
The outer layer portion forms the bottom surface of the accumulation recess, and forms a recess bottom forming plate made of a breathable member having a large number of suction holes through which the air flow can pass, and a groove-shaped recess in the fiber stack. The fiber stacking device according to <9A>, which includes a recessed partition plate which is a member for the above.
<11A>
The fiber stacking device according to <9A> or <10A>, wherein the outer layer portion includes a suction adjusting plate which is a member for adjusting the flow rate of the air flow in the accumulating recess.
<12A>
Item 1 of any one of <1A> to <11A>, wherein the accumulation recess further has a suction non-restricted region in which suction is not restricted in addition to the first stacking region and the second stacking region. The fiber stacking device described in.
<13A>
The suction non-restricted region does not have the opening closing member (the first opening closing member and the second opening closing member) (does not overlap with the opening closing member in a plan view), and the <12A. > Described in the fiber stacking device.
＜１４Ａ＞
　積繊装置を用い、坪量が互いに異なる複数の部分を一方向に有する吸収体を製造する、吸収体の製造方法であって、
　前記積繊装置は、固定ドラムと、該固定ドラムの外周部周りを回転可能に設けられ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部を外周部に有する回転ドラムとを備え、該回転ドラムを回転させて該集積用凹部をドラム周方向に沿う搬送方向に搬送させつつ、該固定ドラム側からの吸引によって生じた空気流に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、ドラム周方向の所定の吸引領域にて該集積用凹部の底面上に積繊させるようになされており、
　前記集積用凹部は、前記吸収体の前記坪量が互いに異なる複数の部分に対応する複数の積繊領域をドラム周方向に有し、
　前記吸引領域は、前記固定ドラム側からの吸引が部分的に可能になされている第１吸引領域と、該吸引が全面的に可能になされている第２吸引領域とをドラム周方向に有し、
　前記固定ドラムの外周部に、前記第１吸引領域に対応する第１吸引領域対応部と、前記第２吸引領域に対応する第２吸引領域対応部とが配されており、
　前記第１吸引領域対応部は、開口部が部分的に設けられた非通気性部材からなり、前記空気流は、該開口部を通じてのみ該第１吸引領域対応部を厚み方向に通過可能になされており、
　前記第２吸引領域対応部は、非通気性部材を含まず、前記空気流は、該第２吸引領域対応部の全域を厚み方向に通過可能になされており、
　前記回転ドラムの前記固定ドラムの外周部との対向部分に、前記集積用凹部の前記複数の積繊領域の少なくとも一部に対応して、非通気性の開口部閉鎖部材がドラム周方向に複数並んで配されており、
　前記集積用凹部の前記第１吸引領域での搬送中に、前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に前記開口部閉鎖部材が重なることで、該集積用凹部における該開口部閉鎖部材に対応する前記積繊領域の前記空気流の流量を低減するようになされており、
　ドラム周方向に並ぶ前記複数の開口部閉鎖部材は、それぞれ、前記第１吸引領域において前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に重なった状態では、該第１吸引領域対応部に対して所定の離間距離を置いて離間しており、且つ
　ドラム周方向に並ぶ前記複数の開口部閉鎖部材どうしで前記離間距離が互いに異なり、ドラム周方向の一方側から他方側に向かって該離間距離が漸次変化するように、該複数の開口部閉鎖部材が配されており、
　前記回転ドラムを前記固定ドラムの外周部周りに回転させつつ、該回転ドラムの外周部に対して繊維材料を飛散状態にて供給し、前記吸引領域にて前記集積用凹部に積繊させる積繊工程を有し、
　前記積繊工程では、前記第１吸引領域において、前記複数の開口部閉鎖部材に対応する前記複数の積繊領域どうしでは、前記離間距離が長いものほど前記空気流の流量が多くなる、吸収体の製造方法。
＜１５Ａ＞
　前記第１吸引領域対応部に前記開口部がドラム軸方向に複数並んで設けられているとともに、前記回転ドラムの前記固定ドラムの外周部との対向部分に、前記開口部閉鎖部材がドラム軸方向に複数並んで配されており、前記集積用凹部の前記第１吸引領域での搬送中に、ドラム軸方向に並ぶ複数の該開口部に、ドラム軸方向に並ぶ複数の開口部閉鎖部材が重なるようになされており、
　ドラム軸方向に並ぶ前記複数の開口部閉鎖部材は、それぞれ、前記第１吸引領域において前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に重なった状態では、該第１吸引領域対応部に対して所定の離間距離を置いて離間しており、且つ
　ドラム軸方向に並ぶ前記複数の開口部閉鎖部材どうしで前記離間距離が互いに異なり、ドラム軸方向の一方側から他方側に向かって該離間距離が漸次変化するように、該複数の開口部閉鎖部材が配されている、前記＜１４Ａ＞に記載の吸収体の製造方法。 <14A>
A method for manufacturing an absorber, which comprises using a fiber stacking device to manufacture an absorber having a plurality of portions having different basis weights in one direction.
The fiber stacking device includes a fixed drum and a rotary drum that is rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum and has an accumulation recess for stacking fibers on the outer peripheral portion, and rotates the rotary drum. The fiber material conveyed by the air flow generated by the suction from the fixed drum side is brought into a predetermined suction region in the drum circumferential direction while the accumulation recess is conveyed in the transport direction along the drum circumferential direction. The fiber is stacked on the bottom surface of the accumulation recess.
The accumulation recess has a plurality of fiber stacking regions corresponding to a plurality of portions of the absorber having different basis weights in the circumferential direction of the drum.
The suction region has a first suction region in which suction from the fixed drum side is partially enabled and a second suction region in which the suction is fully enabled in the drum circumferential direction. ,
A first suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the first suction region and a second suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the second suction region are arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum.
The first suction region corresponding portion is made of a non-breathable member having a partially provided opening, and the air flow can pass through the first suction region corresponding portion only through the opening in the thickness direction. And
The second suction region corresponding portion does not include a non-breathable member, and the air flow can pass through the entire area of the second suction region corresponding portion in the thickness direction.
A plurality of non-breathable opening closing members are provided in the circumferential direction of the drum so as to correspond to at least a part of the plurality of fiber stacking regions of the accumulation recess on the portion of the rotating drum facing the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum. Arranged side by side,
During the transportation of the accumulation recess in the first suction region, the opening closing member overlaps the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion, thereby corresponding to the opening closing member in the integration recess. It is designed to reduce the flow rate of the air flow in the fiber stacking region.
The plurality of opening closing members arranged in the circumferential direction of the drum are predetermined with respect to the first suction region corresponding portion in a state where they overlap the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion in the first suction region. The distance between the plurality of opening closing members arranged in the circumferential direction of the drum is different from each other, and the distance gradually increases from one side to the other in the circumferential direction of the drum. The plurality of opening closing members are arranged so as to change.
While rotating the rotary drum around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, the fiber material is supplied to the outer peripheral portion of the rotary drum in a scattered state, and the fiber is stacked in the accumulation recess in the suction region. Have a process,
In the fiber stacking step, in the first suction region, in the plurality of fiber stacking regions corresponding to the plurality of opening closing members, the longer the separation distance is, the larger the flow rate of the air flow is. Manufacturing method.
<15A>
A plurality of openings are provided side by side in the drum axial direction in the first suction region corresponding portion, and the opening closing member is provided in the drum axial direction at a portion of the rotating drum facing the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum. A plurality of opening closing members arranged in the drum axial direction are overlapped with the plurality of openings arranged in the drum axial direction during the transportation of the accumulation recess in the first suction region. It is done like this
The plurality of opening closing members arranged in the drum axis direction are predetermined with respect to the first suction region corresponding portion in a state where they overlap the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion in the first suction region. The separation distances are different from each other among the plurality of opening closing members arranged in the drum axis direction, and the separation distances gradually increase from one side to the other side in the drum axis direction. The method for producing an absorber according to <14A>, wherein the plurality of opening closing members are arranged so as to change.
＜１６Ａ＞
　積繊装置を用い、坪量が互いに異なる複数の部分を一方向に有する吸収体を製造する、吸収体の製造方法であって、
　前記積繊装置は、固定ドラムと、該固定ドラムの外周部周りを回転可能に設けられ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部を外周部に有する回転ドラムとを備え、該回転ドラムを回転させて該集積用凹部をドラム周方向に沿う搬送方向に搬送させつつ、該固定ドラム側からの吸引によって生じた空気流に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、ドラム周方向の所定の吸引領域にて該集積用凹部の底面上に積繊させるようになされており、
　前記集積用凹部は、前記吸収体の前記坪量が互いに異なる複数の部分に対応する複数の積繊領域をドラム周方向に有し、
　前記吸引領域は、前記固定ドラム側からの吸引が部分的に可能になされている第１吸引領域と、該吸引が全面的に可能になされている第２吸引領域とをドラム周方向に有し、
　前記固定ドラムの外周部に、前記第１吸引領域に対応する第１吸引領域対応部と、前記第２吸引領域に対応する第２吸引領域対応部とが配されており、
　前記第１吸引領域対応部は、開口部が部分的に設けられた非通気性部材からなり、前記空気流は、該開口部を通じてのみ該第１吸引領域対応部を厚み方向に通過可能になされており、
　前記第２吸引領域対応部は、非通気性部材を含まず、前記空気流は、該第２吸引領域対応部の全域を厚み方向に通過可能になされており、
　前記回転ドラムの前記固定ドラムの外周部との対向部分に、前記集積用凹部の前記複数の積繊領域の少なくとも一部に対応して、非通気性の開口部閉鎖部材がドラム周方向に複数並んで配されており、
　前記集積用凹部の前記第１吸引領域での搬送中に、前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に前記開口部閉鎖部材が重なることで、該集積用凹部における該開口部閉鎖部材に対応する前記積繊領域の前記空気流の流量を低減するようになされており、
　ドラム周方向に並ぶ前記複数の開口部閉鎖部材どうしで該開口部閉鎖部材の前記搬送方向と直交する搬送直交方向の長さが互いに異なり、ドラム周方向の一方側から他方側に向かって該開口部閉鎖部材の該搬送直交方向の長さが漸次変化するように、該複数の開口部閉鎖部材が配されており、
　前記回転ドラムを前記固定ドラムの外周部周りに回転させつつ、該回転ドラムの外周部に対して繊維材料を飛散状態にて供給し、前記吸引領域にて前記集積用凹部に積繊させる積繊工程を有し、
　前記積繊工程では、前記第１吸引領域において、前記複数の開口部閉鎖部材に対応する前記複数の積繊領域どうしでは、前記開口部閉鎖部材の前記搬送直交方向の長さが短いものほど前記空気流の流量が多くなる、吸収体の製造方法。
＜１７Ａ＞
　前記第１吸引領域対応部に前記開口部がドラム軸方向に複数並んで設けられているとともに、前記回転ドラムの前記固定ドラムの外周部との対向部分に、前記開口部閉鎖部材がドラム軸方向に複数並んで配されており、前記集積用凹部の前記第１吸引領域での搬送中に、ドラム軸方向に並ぶ複数の該開口部に、ドラム軸方向に並ぶ複数の開口部閉鎖部材が重なるようになされており、
　ドラム軸方向に並ぶ前記複数の開口部閉鎖部材どうしで該開口部閉鎖部材の前記搬送方向と直交する搬送直交方向の長さが互いに異なり、ドラム軸方向の一方側から他方側に向かって該開口部閉鎖部材の該搬送直交方向の長さが漸次変化するように、該複数の開口部閉鎖部材が配されている、前記＜１６Ａ＞に記載の吸収体の製造方法。 <16A>
A method for manufacturing an absorber, which comprises using a fiber stacking device to manufacture an absorber having a plurality of portions having different basis weights in one direction.
The fiber stacking device includes a fixed drum and a rotary drum that is rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum and has an accumulation recess for stacking fibers on the outer peripheral portion, and rotates the rotary drum. The fiber material conveyed by the air flow generated by the suction from the fixed drum side is brought into a predetermined suction region in the drum circumferential direction while the accumulation recess is conveyed in the transport direction along the drum circumferential direction. The fiber is stacked on the bottom surface of the accumulation recess.
The accumulation recess has a plurality of fiber stacking regions corresponding to a plurality of portions of the absorber having different basis weights in the circumferential direction of the drum.
The suction region has a first suction region in which suction from the fixed drum side is partially enabled and a second suction region in which the suction is fully enabled in the drum circumferential direction. ,
A first suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the first suction region and a second suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the second suction region are arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum.
The first suction region corresponding portion is made of a non-breathable member having a partially provided opening, and the air flow is made possible to pass through the first suction region corresponding portion only through the opening in the thickness direction. And
The second suction region corresponding portion does not include a non-breathable member, and the air flow can pass through the entire area of the second suction region corresponding portion in the thickness direction.
A plurality of non-breathable opening closing members are provided in the circumferential direction of the drum so as to correspond to at least a part of the plurality of fiber stacking regions of the accumulation recess on the portion of the rotating drum facing the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum. Arranged side by side,
During the transportation of the accumulation recess in the first suction region, the opening closing member overlaps the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion, thereby corresponding to the opening closing member in the integration recess. It is designed to reduce the flow rate of the air flow in the fiber stacking region.
The plurality of opening closing members arranged in the circumferential direction of the drum have different lengths in the transport orthogonal direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the opening closing members, and the openings are directed from one side to the other side in the peripheral direction of the drum. The plurality of opening closing members are arranged so that the length of the portion closing member in the transport orthogonal direction gradually changes.
While rotating the rotary drum around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, the fiber material is supplied to the outer peripheral portion of the rotary drum in a scattered state, and the fiber is stacked in the accumulation recess in the suction region. Have a process,
In the fiber stacking step, in the first suction region, in the plurality of fiber stacking regions corresponding to the plurality of opening closing members, the shorter the length of the opening closing member in the transport orthogonal direction is, the more the said. A method for manufacturing an absorber that increases the flow rate of air flow.
<17A>
A plurality of openings are provided side by side in the drum axial direction in the first suction region corresponding portion, and the opening closing member is provided in the drum axial direction at a portion of the rotating drum facing the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum. A plurality of opening closing members arranged in the drum axial direction are overlapped with the plurality of openings arranged in the drum axial direction during the transportation of the accumulation recess in the first suction region. It is done like this
The plurality of opening closing members arranged in the drum axis direction have different lengths of the opening closing members in the transport orthogonal direction orthogonal to the transport direction, and the openings are directed from one side to the other side in the drum axis direction. The method for manufacturing an absorber according to <16A>, wherein the plurality of opening closing members are arranged so that the length of the portion closing member in the transport orthogonal direction gradually changes.
　以下、第５ないし６発明について説明する。第５ないし６発明については、前述の第１ないし４発明と異なる構成を主に説明し、第１ないし４発明と同様の構成は同一の符号を付して説明を省略する。第５ないし６発明において特に説明しない構成は、前述の第１ないし４発明についての説明が適宜適用される。 Hereinafter, the fifth to sixth inventions will be described. The fifth to sixth inventions will mainly explain the configurations different from those of the first to fourth inventions described above, and the same configurations as those of the first to fourth inventions will be designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. As for the configurations not particularly described in the fifth to sixth inventions, the above-mentioned description of the first to fourth inventions is appropriately applied.
　図１６には、本発明（第５ないし６発明）によって提供される吸収体の一実施形態である吸収体１０Ａ，１０Ｂが示されている。以下、両吸収体１０Ａ，１０Ｂを総称して「吸収体１０」とも言う。吸収体１０についての説明は特に断らない限り、両吸収体１０Ａ，１０Ｂに適用される。吸収体１０は、吸収性物品用のものであり、吸収性物品の着用者の前後方向に対応する縦方向Ｘとこれに直交する横方向Ｙとを有する。 FIG. 16 shows absorbers 10A and 10B, which are embodiments of the absorbers provided by the present invention (5th to 6th inventions). Hereinafter, both absorbers 10A and 10B are collectively referred to as "absorbent 10". Unless otherwise specified, the description of the absorber 10 applies to both absorbers 10A and 10B. The absorber 10 is for an absorbent article and has a vertical direction X corresponding to the front-back direction of the wearer of the absorbent article and a lateral direction Y orthogonal to the vertical direction X.
　吸収体１０Ａと吸収体１０Ｂとは、繊維材料の含有質量は同じであるが、繊維材料の偏在の程度が異なっている。すなわち吸収体１０Ａは、吸収体１０Ｂに比べて高坪量部１１に繊維材料が多く存在し、高坪量部１１と低坪量部１２との坪量差が大きい。
　ここで一般に、使い捨ておむつや生理用ナプキン等の吸収性物品に使用される吸収体は、液吸収性に優れるものが望まれるが、通常の使用で液吸収性能が十分に活用されるのは、吸収性物品の着用者の股間部に配される部分及びその近傍のみであり、それ以外の部分は液吸収性能がほとんど活用されない場合もある。また一般に、吸収体の液吸収性の向上の観点からは、繊維材料（親水性繊維）の坪量は多い方が好ましいが、繊維材料の坪量が多くなると、柔軟性が低下して吸収性物品の着用感の低下につながる可能性があり、着用感の向上の観点からは、繊維材料の坪量は少ない方が好ましい。
　したがって、本発明者の考える吸収性物品に好適な吸収体は、高い液吸収性が必要とされる部分は繊維材料（親水性繊維）が多く存在し、液吸収性がそれほど必要とされない部分は繊維材料が少なくて厚みが薄いものであり、繊維材料の偏在の程度が大きい吸収体である。つまり、現状の偏在吸収体が吸収体１０Ｂであるとすれば、これよりも偏在の程度が大きい吸収体１０Ａが、本発明の目指す吸収体の１つの形と言える。このような吸収体は、液吸収性及び着用感が高いレベルで両立し得る。 The absorbent body 10A and the absorbent body 10B have the same content mass of the fiber material, but the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material is different. That is, the absorber 10A has more fiber materials in the high basis weight portion 11 than the absorber 10B, and the basis weight difference between the high basis weight portion 11 and the low basis weight portion 12 is large.
Here, in general, an absorber used for absorbent articles such as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins is desired to have excellent liquid absorption, but the liquid absorption performance is fully utilized in normal use. It is only the part arranged in the crotch part of the wearer of the absorbent article and its vicinity, and the liquid absorption performance may be hardly utilized in the other parts. In general, from the viewpoint of improving the liquid absorbency of the absorber, it is preferable that the fiber material (hydrophilic fiber) has a large basis weight, but when the basis weight of the fiber material is large, the flexibility decreases and the absorbency is reduced. It may lead to a decrease in the wearing feeling of the article, and from the viewpoint of improving the wearing feeling, it is preferable that the basis weight of the fiber material is small.
Therefore, in the absorbent body suitable for the absorbent article considered by the present inventor, a large amount of fiber material (hydrophilic fiber) is present in the portion where high liquid absorbency is required, and the portion where liquid absorbability is not so required is present. It is an absorber with a small amount of fiber material and a thin thickness, and a large degree of uneven distribution of fiber material. That is, if the current unevenly distributed absorber is the absorber 10B, it can be said that the absorber 10A having a larger degree of uneven distribution is one form of the absorber aimed at by the present invention. Such an absorber can be compatible with a high level of liquid absorption and wearing feeling.
　しかしながら、従来の偏在吸収体の製造技術では、吸収体１０Ａのような繊維材料の偏在の程度が大きな吸収体を安定的に製造することが困難であることが判明した。特に、偏在の程度が大きくなるのに伴い、低坪量部の一層の低坪量化が進むと、低坪量部の坪量の均一性が低下し、つまり低坪量の坪量のばらつきが目立つようになる結果、吸収性物品の着用者の身体に対する追従性の低下に伴う着用感や防漏性能の低下、低坪量部の液吸収性の低下に伴う液漏れ、外観やデザイン性の低下などの不都合が生じる。 However, it has been found that it is difficult to stably manufacture an absorber having a large degree of uneven distribution of a fiber material such as the absorber 10A by the conventional technique for manufacturing an unevenly distributed absorber. In particular, as the degree of uneven distribution increases and the basis weight of the low basis weight portion is further reduced, the uniformity of the basis weight of the low basis weight portion decreases, that is, the basis weight of the low basis weight portion varies. As a result of becoming conspicuous, the wearing feeling and leakage-proof performance deteriorate due to the decrease in followability of the wearer of the absorbent article to the body, the liquid leakage due to the decrease in liquid absorption in the low basis weight portion, and the appearance and design. Inconveniences such as deterioration occur.
　本発明（第５ないし６発明）は、このような従来技術の欠点に鑑みてなされたものであり、その重要な課題の１つは、繊維材料の偏在の程度が大きく、且つ低坪量部の坪量が均一な吸収体を提供し得る技術を提供することにある。後述する本発明の特徴的な構成は、比較的簡単な装置構成でありながら、繊維材料の偏在の程度を大きくして高坪量部に繊維材料を集中させつつ、低坪量部の坪量の均一性を確保し得るものである。 The present invention (5th to 6th inventions) has been made in view of such drawbacks of the prior art, and one of the important problems thereof is that the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material is large and the basis weight portion is low. The purpose is to provide a technique capable of providing an absorber having a uniform basis weight. The characteristic configuration of the present invention, which will be described later, is a relatively simple device configuration, but the basis weight of the low basis weight portion is increased while the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material is increased to concentrate the fiber material on the high basis weight portion. It is possible to ensure the uniformity of.
　先ず、本発明（第５ないし６発明）の吸収体の製造方法及び製造装置について、前述した吸収体１０の製造方法を例にとり図面を参照しながら説明する。図１７及び図１８には、本発明の吸収体の製造装置の一実施形態である製造装置１Ａの全体構成が示されている。
　製造装置１Ａは、固定ドラム２と、固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓの周りを回転可能に設けられ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部４０を外周部３Ｓに有する回転ドラム３とを備え、回転ドラム３を回転させつつ、固定ドラム２側からの吸引によって生じた空気流（バキュームエア）に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、ドラム周方向Ｘ１の所定の吸引領域Ｓにて集積用凹部４０の底面上に積繊させるようになされている。 First, the method for producing the absorber and the manufacturing apparatus of the present invention (the fifth to sixth inventions) will be described with reference to the drawings, taking the above-mentioned method for producing the absorber 10 as an example. 17 and 18 show the overall configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 1A, which is an embodiment of the absorber manufacturing apparatus of the present invention.
The manufacturing apparatus 1A includes a fixed drum 2 and a rotating drum 3 rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 and having an accumulation recess 40 in the outer peripheral portion 3S on which the fiber material is stacked. While rotating the rotating drum 3, the fiber material conveyed on the air flow (vacuum air) generated by suction from the fixed drum 2 side is collected in the predetermined suction region S in the drum circumferential direction X1. It is designed to be stacked on the bottom of the drum.
　本実施形態では、製造装置１Ａは、固定ドラム２及び回転ドラム３を含む集積部４と、集積部４（回転ドラム３）に繊維材料等の原材料を供給する原材料供給機構５と、回転ドラム３の集積用凹部４０から排出された吸収体１０（繊維材料等の原材料の積繊物）を搬送する搬送機構６とを備えている。製造装置１Ａが備えるこれら各部の基本構成は、前述した第１ないし４発明の一実施形態である積繊装置（吸収体の製造装置）１における各部のそれと同じであり、積繊装置１の説明で用いた図４は、製造装置１Ａに適用できる。 In the present embodiment, the manufacturing apparatus 1A includes an integrated unit 4 including a fixed drum 2 and a rotating drum 3, a raw material supply mechanism 5 that supplies raw materials such as fiber materials to the integrated unit 4 (rotating drum 3), and a rotating drum 3. It is provided with a transport mechanism 6 for transporting an absorber 10 (a stacked fiber of a raw material such as a fiber material) discharged from the accumulation recess 40 of the above. The basic configuration of each of these parts included in the manufacturing apparatus 1A is the same as that of each part in the fiber stacking device (absorbent manufacturing device) 1 which is one embodiment of the first to fourth inventions described above, and the description of the fiber stacking device 1 FIG. 4 used in 1A can be applied to the manufacturing apparatus 1A.
　回転ドラム３は、その外周部３Ｓに繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部４０を有している。集積用凹部４０は、図１９に示すように、製造目的物である吸収体１０の高坪量部１１を形成する高坪量部対応部４１０と、吸収体１０の低坪量部１２を形成する低坪量部対応部４２０とを、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に有している。繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部４０の底面は、バキュームエアが通過可能な多数の吸引孔を有する通気性部材（凹部底面形成プレート３４，３６）から形成されており、通気性を有している。
　なお、第５ないし６発明で言う「高坪量部対応部４１０」は、前述した第１ないし４発明における第３の積繊領域４１Ｃに対応し、第５ないし６発明で言う「低坪量部対応部４２０」は、第１ないし４発明における第１の積繊領域４１Ａ及び第２の積繊領域４１Ｂに対応する（図５参照）。 The rotary drum 3 has an accumulation recess 40 in which the fiber material is stacked on the outer peripheral portion 3S thereof. As shown in FIG. 19, the integration recess 40 forms a high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 forming the high basis weight portion 11 of the absorber 10 which is a manufacturing object, and a low basis weight portion 12 of the absorber 10. A low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 is provided in the drum circumferential direction X1. The bottom surface of the accumulation recess 40 on which the fiber material is stacked is formed of a breathable member (recess bottom bottom forming plates 34, 36) having a large number of suction holes through which vacuum air can pass, and has breathability. ing.
The "high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410" referred to in the fifth to sixth inventions corresponds to the third layered fiber region 41C in the first to fourth inventions described above, and the "low basis weight portion corresponding to the fifth to sixth inventions". The part-corresponding part 420 ”corresponds to the first stacking fiber region 41A and the second stacking fiber region 41B in the first to fourth inventions (see FIG. 5).
　本実施形態では、集積用凹部４０は、回転ドラム３のドラム周方向Ｘ１の全長にわたって連続的に配されており、高坪量部対応部４１０と低坪量部対応部４２０とがドラム周方向Ｘ１の全長にわたって交互に配されている。１つの高坪量部対応部４１０とこれを挟んでドラム周方向Ｘ１の前後に配された２つの低坪量部対応部４２０，４２０とが、１個の吸収体１０に対応するので、集積用凹部４０から搬送機構６の前記バキュームコンベアに排出される吸収体１０は、複数の吸収体１０が縦方向Ｘに連続した吸収体連続体である。 In the present embodiment, the integration recesses 40 are continuously arranged over the entire length of the drum peripheral direction X1 of the rotating drum 3, and the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 are arranged in the drum circumferential direction. They are arranged alternately over the entire length of X1. Since one high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 and two low basis weight portion corresponding portions 420 and 420 arranged in front of and behind the drum circumferential direction X1 sandwiching the portion correspond to one absorber 10, they are integrated. The absorber 10 discharged from the recess 40 to the vacuum conveyor of the transport mechanism 6 is an absorber continuum in which a plurality of absorbers 10 are continuous in the vertical direction X.
　第５ないし６発明では、ドラム本体３Ａの外周部３ＡＳには、集積用凹部４０の低坪量部対応部４２０（図１９参照）に対応して非通気性の開口部閉鎖部材３０が配されている。一方、ドラム本体３Ａの外周部３ＡＳにおける、集積用凹部４０の高坪量部対応部４１０（図１９参照）に対応する部分３２には、開口部閉鎖部材３０は配されていない。
　第５ないし６発明では、第２凹部底面形成プレート３６は、集積用凹部４０の低坪量部対応部４２０と、高坪量部対応部４１０における中高部１１Ａに対応する部分以外の部分とに対応している。 In the fifth to sixth inventions, a non-breathable opening closing member 30 is arranged on the outer peripheral portion 3AS of the drum main body 3A corresponding to the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 (see FIG. 19) of the integration recess 40. ing. On the other hand, the opening closing member 30 is not arranged in the portion 32 of the outer peripheral portion 3AS of the drum main body 3A corresponding to the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 (see FIG. 19) of the integration recess 40.
In the fifth to sixth inventions, the second concave portion bottom surface forming plate 36 is formed into a portion other than the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion 420 of the accumulation recess 40 and the portion corresponding to the middle and high portion 11A in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410. It corresponds.
　本実施形態では、回転ドラム３に、集積用凹部４０のバキュームエアの流量（吸引風量）を調整するための吸引調整体が配されている。前記吸引調整体の設定を適宜調整することで、集積用凹部４０に対応して配置された複数の開口部（例えば、第１吸引調整プレート３３の開口部３３０，３３１，３３２、及び第２吸引調整プレート３５の開口部３５０，３５１）の全部又は一部の開口面積を個別に調整することができ、これにより、該複数の開口部を通過するバキュームエアの流量（吸引風量）を個別に調整することができる。 In the present embodiment, the rotating drum 3 is provided with a suction adjusting body for adjusting the flow rate (suction air volume) of the vacuum air in the accumulating recess 40. By appropriately adjusting the setting of the suction adjusting body, a plurality of openings arranged corresponding to the accumulation recess 40 (for example, openings 330, 331, 332 of the first suction adjusting plate 33, and a second suction). The opening area of all or part of the openings 350, 351) of the adjusting plate 35 can be individually adjusted, whereby the flow rate (suction air volume) of the vacuum air passing through the plurality of openings can be individually adjusted. can do.
　前記吸引調整体について説明すると、本実施形態では、２枚の吸引調整プレート３３，３５（図４参照）が該吸引調整体として機能する。
　第１吸引調整プレート３３は、バキュームエアが通過可能な複数の開口部３３０，３３１を有する非通気性部材からなり、開口部３３０，３３１でのみ吸引可能で、開口部３３０，３３１以外の部分では吸引不可である。第１吸引調整プレート３３においては図１９に示すように、開口部３３０は高坪量部対応部４１０に対応する部分に配され、開口部３３１は低坪量部対応部４２０に対応する部分に配されている。開口部３３１は、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１の両端部に配された開口部３３１Ａと、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部に配され、開口部３３１Ａに比べて開口面積が小さい開口部３３１Ｂとを含む。以下では、両開口部３３１Ａ，３３１Ｂを総称して「開口部３３１」とも言い、特に断らない限り、開口部３３１についての説明は両開口部３３１Ａ，３３１Ｂに適用される。第１吸引調整プレート３３における高坪量部対応部４１０に対応する部分のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部には、第１凹部底面形成プレート３４に対応する開口部３３２が配されており、開口部３３２を挟んでドラム軸方向Ｙ１の両側に開口部３３０が配されている。
　第２吸引調整プレート３５は、バキュームエアが通過可能な複数の開口部３５０，３５１を有する非通気性部材からなり、開口部３５０，３５１でのみ吸引可能で、開口部３５０，３５１以外の部分では吸引不可である。第２吸引調整プレート３５においては図５１９に示すように、開口部３５０は高坪量部対応部４１０に対応する部分に配され、開口部３５１は低坪量部対応部４２０に対応する部分に配されている。 Explaining the suction adjusting body, in the present embodiment, the two suction adjusting plates 33 and 35 (see FIG. 4) function as the suction adjusting body.
The first suction adjusting plate 33 is made of a non-breathable member having a plurality of openings 330 and 331 through which vacuum air can pass, and can be sucked only through the openings 330 and 331, except for the openings 330 and 331. It cannot be sucked. In the first suction adjusting plate 33, as shown in FIG. 19, the opening 330 is arranged in the portion corresponding to the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410, and the opening portion 331 is arranged in the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420. It is arranged. The opening 331 includes an opening 331A arranged at both ends of the drum axial direction Y1 and an opening 331B arranged at the center of the drum axial direction Y1 and having a smaller opening area than the opening 331A. Hereinafter, both openings 331A and 331B are also collectively referred to as "openings 331", and the description of the openings 331 applies to both openings 331A and 331B unless otherwise specified. An opening 332 corresponding to the first recess bottom surface forming plate 34 is arranged in the central portion of the drum axial direction Y1 of the portion corresponding to the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 in the first suction adjusting plate 33, and the opening is provided. Openings 330 are arranged on both sides of the drum axial direction Y1 with 332 in between.
The second suction adjusting plate 35 is made of a non-breathable member having a plurality of openings 350 and 351 through which vacuum air can pass, and can be sucked only through the openings 350 and 351. It cannot be sucked. In the second suction adjusting plate 35, as shown in FIG. 519, the opening 350 is arranged in the portion corresponding to the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410, and the opening portion 351 is arranged in the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420. It is arranged.
　第１吸引調整プレート３３の開口部３３０，３３１と、第２吸引調整プレート３５の開口部３５０，３５１とは、１対１で対応している。すなわち、図１９に示す如き集積用凹部４０の平面視において、高坪量部対応部４１０では、第１吸引調整プレート３３の開口部３３０と第２吸引調整プレート３５の開口部３５０とが１対１で重なり、低坪量部対応部４２０では、第１吸引調整プレート３３の開口部３３１（３３１Ａ，３３１Ｂ）と第２吸引調整プレート３５の開口部３５１とが１対１で重なっている。
　また、この両プレート３３，３５の１対１で重なる開口部どうしは、平面視形状が互いに相似の関係にある。具体的には、固定ドラム２から相対的に近い第１吸引調整プレート３３の開口部３３０，３３１の方が、固定ドラム２から相対的に遠い第２吸引調整プレート３５の開口部３５０，３５１に比べて、開口面積が小さい。
　そして、このようなバキュームエアの通過方向（回転ドラム３の半径方向）で互いに相似の関係にある複数の開口部が存在する部分におけるバキュームエアの流量（吸引風量）は、該複数の開口部のうち、相対的に開口面積が小さい開口部（以下、「小開口部」とも言う。）の影響を受け、該小開口部が無く、相対的に開口面積が大きい開口部（以下、「大開口部」とも言う。）のみが存在する場合に比べて低減される。
　例えば、開口部３３０（小開口部）と開口部３５０（大開口部）とを結ぶバキュームエアの流路では、開口部３３０の影響により、該流路に開口部３３０が無く開口部３５０のみが存在する場合に比べて、吸引風量が低減される。また、開口部３３１（３３１Ａ，３３１Ｂ）（小開口部）と開口部３５１（大開口部）とを結ぶバキュームエアの流路では、開口部３３１の影響により、該流路に開口部３３１が無く開口部３５１のみが存在する場合に比べて、吸引風量が低減される。 The openings 330 and 331 of the first suction adjustment plate 33 and the openings 350 and 351 of the second suction adjustment plate 35 have a one-to-one correspondence. That is, in the plan view of the integration recess 40 as shown in FIG. 19, in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410, the opening 330 of the first suction adjustment plate 33 and the opening 350 of the second suction adjustment plate 35 are paired. In the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420, the opening 331 (331A, 331B) of the first suction adjustment plate 33 and the opening 351 of the second suction adjustment plate 35 overlap each other on a one-to-one basis.
Further, the one-to-one overlapping openings of the two plates 33 and 35 have a similar plan view shape to each other. Specifically, the openings 330 and 331 of the first suction adjusting plate 33 that are relatively close to the fixed drum 2 become the openings 350 and 351 of the second suction adjusting plate 35 that are relatively far from the fixed drum 2. In comparison, the opening area is small.
Then, the flow rate (suctioned air volume) of the vacuum air in the portion where there are a plurality of openings having a similar relationship with each other in the passage direction of the vacuum air (radial direction of the rotating drum 3) is the same as that of the plurality of openings. Of these, an opening having a relatively small opening area (hereinafter, also referred to as a "small opening") has no small opening and a relatively large opening area (hereinafter, "large opening"). It is also called "part"), which is reduced as compared with the case where only "part" is present.
For example, in the vacuum air flow path connecting the opening 330 (small opening) and the opening 350 (large opening), due to the influence of the opening 330, there is no opening 330 in the flow path and only the opening 350 is present. The suction air volume is reduced as compared to when it is present. Further, in the vacuum air flow path connecting the openings 331 (331A, 331B) (small openings) and the openings 351 (large openings), there is no opening 331 in the flow path due to the influence of the openings 331. The suction air volume is reduced as compared with the case where only the opening 351 is present.
　このように、前記吸引調整体は、バキュームエアの通過方向（回転ドラム３の半径方向）で重なり且つ互いに相似の関係にある複数の開口部を含んで構成され、該複数の開口部を通過するバキュームエアの流量を、該吸引調整体（該複数の開口部）の設置前に比べて低減させることができる。前記吸引調整体によれば、固定ドラム２と集積用凹部４０との間を通過するバキュームエアの複数の流路に対応する複数の開口部の開口面積を個別に調整することができるので、流れ方向ＭＤ（回転ドラム３の回転方向Ｒ１）及びこれに直交する方向ＣＤ（ドラム軸方向Ｙ１）の双方において、集積用凹部４０の吸引風量を部分的に異ならせることができる。 As described above, the suction adjusting body is configured to include a plurality of openings that overlap in the passage direction of the vacuum air (radial direction of the rotating drum 3) and have a similar relationship with each other, and pass through the plurality of openings. The flow rate of the vacuum air can be reduced as compared with that before the installation of the suction adjusting body (the plurality of openings). According to the suction adjusting body, the opening areas of the plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality of flow paths of the vacuum air passing between the fixed drum 2 and the accumulating recess 40 can be individually adjusted, so that the flow can be adjusted. The suction air volume of the integration recess 40 can be partially different in both the direction MD (rotational direction R1 of the rotating drum 3) and the direction CD (drum axial direction Y1) orthogonal to the direction MD.
　本実施形態では、図１９に示すように、低坪量部対応部４２０に開口面積が異なる２種類の小開口部として開口部３３１Ａ，３３１Ｂが存在し、低坪量部対応部４２０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の両端部（一対のリングプレート３８，３８に隣接する部分）に、相対的に開口面積が大きい開口部３３１Ａが配され、低坪量部対応部４２０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部に、相対的に開口面積が大きい開口部３３１Ｂが配されている。したがって、低坪量部対応部４２０では、吸引風量について「ドラム軸方向Ｙ１の端部＞ドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部」の大小関係が成立している。
　一方高坪量部対応部４１０では、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部（第１凹部底面形成プレート３４の配置部であり、中高部１１Ａを形成する部分）は、前記吸引調整体が配されていないのに対し、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１の両端部は、前述した開口部３３０（小開口部）と開口部３５０（大開口部）とを結ぶバキュームエアの流路が配された部分であり、開口部３３０の影響により、該流路に開口部３３０が無く開口部３５０のみが存在する場合に比べて吸引風量が低減されている。したがって、高坪量部対応部４１０では、吸引風量について「ドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部＞ドラム軸方向Ｙ１の端部」の大小関係が成立している。
　したがって本実施形態では、吸引風量（バキュームエアの流量）について、「高坪量部対応部４１０＞低坪量部対応部４２０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の端部＞低坪量部対応部４２０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部」の大小関係が成立しており、この順で繊維材料が積繊されやすくなっている。より具体的には本実施形態では、吸引風量について、「高坪量部対応部４１０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部＞高坪量部対応部４１０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の端部＞低坪量部対応部４２０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の端部＞低坪量部対応部４２０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部」の大小関係、又は「高坪量部対応部４１０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部＞高坪量部対応部４１０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の端部＝低坪量部対応部４２０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の端部＞低坪量部対応部４２０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部」の大小関係が成立し得る。 In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, openings 331A and 331B exist as two types of small openings having different opening areas in the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420, and the drum shaft of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420. An opening 331A having a relatively large opening area is arranged at both ends of the direction Y1 (a portion adjacent to the pair of ring plates 38, 38), and is located at the center of the drum axial direction Y1 of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420. An opening 331B having a relatively large opening area is arranged. Therefore, in the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420, the magnitude relationship of "the end portion of the drum axial direction Y1> the central portion of the drum axial direction Y1" is established for the suction air volume.
On the other hand, in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410, the suction adjusting body is not arranged at the central portion (the portion where the first concave bottom surface forming plate 34 is arranged and the middle / high portion 11A is formed) in the drum axial direction Y1. On the other hand, both ends of the drum axial direction Y1 are portions where the vacuum air flow path connecting the above-mentioned opening 330 (small opening) and opening 350 (large opening) is arranged. Due to the influence of 330, the suction air volume is reduced as compared with the case where there is no opening 330 and only the opening 350 exists in the flow path. Therefore, in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410, the magnitude relationship of "the central portion of the drum axial direction Y1> the end portion of the drum axial direction Y1" is established for the suction air volume.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, regarding the suction air volume (vacuum air flow rate), "the end of the drum axial direction Y1 of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410> the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420> the drum of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420. The magnitude relationship of "the central portion of the axial direction Y1" is established, and the fiber materials are easily stacked in this order. More specifically, in the present embodiment, regarding the suction air volume, "the central portion of the drum axial direction Y1 of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410> the end portion of the drum axial direction Y1 of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410> the low basis weight amount. The size relationship of "the end of the drum axial direction Y1 of the corresponding portion 420> the central portion of the drum axial direction Y1 of the low basis weight portion 420" or "the central portion of the drum axial direction Y1 of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410". > The end of the drum axial direction Y1 of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 = the end of the drum axial direction Y1 of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420> the central portion of the drum axial direction Y1 of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 ” A magnitude relationship can be established.
　前述した構成の回転ドラム３が回転し、回転ドラム３の外周部３Ｓの集積用凹部４０が吸引領域Ｓ（図１８参照）を通過中に、ダクト５１によって供給された繊維材料を含む原材料が集積用凹部４０内に積繊されることで、集積用凹部４０内に吸収体１０が形成されるところ、製造装置１Ａでは、繊維材料の偏在の程度が大きい吸収体を得るための工夫の１つとして、吸引領域Ｓにおける集積用凹部４０の搬送路を、その搬送方向（ドラム周方向Ｘ１）に複数の領域Ｓ１，Ｓ２に区分し、各領域Ｓ１，Ｓ２の積繊方法を互いに異ならせている。具体的には、製造装置１Ａの吸引領域Ｓは、高坪量部対応部４１０に優先的に繊維材料を積繊させる第１吸引領域Ｓ１と、高坪量部対応部４１０及び低坪量部対応部４２０の双方に繊維材料を積繊させる第２吸引領域Ｓ２とを、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に有する。
　なお第１吸引領域Ｓ１は、後述する高坪量部優先積繊工程が実施されることから「高坪量部優先積繊領域Ｓ１」と言い換えることができる。また第２吸引領域Ｓ２は、後述する全面積繊工程が実施されることから「全面的積繊領域Ｓ２」と言い換えることができる。 While the rotary drum 3 having the above-described configuration rotates and the accumulation recess 40 of the outer peripheral portion 3S of the rotary drum 3 passes through the suction region S (see FIG. 18), the raw materials including the fiber material supplied by the duct 51 accumulate. An absorber 10 is formed in the accumulating recess 40 by stacking fibers in the recess 40. In the manufacturing apparatus 1A, one of the measures for obtaining an absorber having a large degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material. The transport path of the accumulation recess 40 in the suction region S is divided into a plurality of regions S1 and S2 in the transport direction (drum circumferential direction X1), and the fiber stacking methods of the regions S1 and S2 are different from each other. .. Specifically, the suction region S of the manufacturing apparatus 1A includes a first suction region S1 for preferentially stacking fiber materials on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410, a high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410, and a low basis weight portion. A second suction region S2 for stacking fiber materials on both of the corresponding portions 420 is provided in the drum circumferential direction X1.
The first suction region S1 can be rephrased as "high basis weight portion priority stacking fiber region S1" because the high basis weight portion priority stacking fiber step described later is carried out. Further, the second suction region S2 can be rephrased as "total fiber stacking region S2" because the entire area fiber process described later is carried out.
　本実施形態では、図１８及び図２０に示すように、空間Ａに対応する領域が第１吸引領域Ｓ１、空間Ｂに対応する領域が第２吸引領域Ｓ２とされ、回転ドラム３の回転方向Ｒ１すなわち流れ方向ＭＤにこの順で配されている。
　なお、本発明の吸収体の製造装置では、両領域Ｓ１，Ｓ２の位置は特に制限されず、図示の形態とは逆に、流れ方向ＭＤの上流側から下流側に向かって、第２吸引領域Ｓ２、第１吸引領域Ｓ１の順で配されていてもよい。 In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, the region corresponding to the space A is the first suction region S1, the region corresponding to the space B is the second suction region S2, and the rotation direction R1 of the rotating drum 3 is defined as the second suction region S2. That is, they are arranged in this order in the flow direction MD.
In the absorber manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, the positions of both regions S1 and S2 are not particularly limited, and contrary to the illustrated embodiment, the second suction region is directed from the upstream side to the downstream side of the flow direction MD. S2 and the first suction region S1 may be arranged in this order.
　本実施形態では、第１吸引領域Ｓ１と第２吸引領域Ｓ２とでバキュームエアの制御方法を互いに異ならせることで、両領域Ｓ１，Ｓ２の積繊方法を互いに異なるものとしている。
　この両領域Ｓ１，Ｓ２のバキュームエアの制御方法について説明すると、前述したとおり図４及び図２０に示すように、バキュームエアの発生源（吸引源）である固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓには、領域Ｓ１に対応し、制御体開口部２６を部分的に有する吸引制御体２５を含む第１吸引領域対応部（選択的吸引領域）２３と、領域Ｓ２に対応し、集積用凹部４０に対応する部分の全域が開口している第２吸引領域対応部（全面的吸引領域）２４とが配されている。また、回転ドラム３における固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓとの対向部分であるドラム本体３Ａの外周部３ＡＳには、集積用凹部４０の一部である低坪量部対応部４２０に対応し、非通気性の開口部閉鎖部材３０を含む吸引阻害部３１と、集積用凹部４０の他の一部である高坪量部対応部４１０に対応し、開口部閉鎖部材３０が配されておらず、該外周部３ＡＳを厚み方向に貫通する貫通孔からなる吸引非阻害部３２とが配されている。そして、回転ドラム３が回転方向Ｒ１（図１７参照）に回転すると、集積用凹部４０は吸引領域Ｓを領域Ｓ１、領域Ｓ２の順に移動する。図２１には、低坪量部対応部４２０の領域Ｓ１，Ｓ２での吸引状態、図２２には、高坪量部対応部４１０の領域Ｓ１，Ｓ２での吸引状態がそれぞれ示されている。図２１及び図２２中の矢印はバキュームエアを示している。図２１（ａ）及び図２２（ａ）は、領域Ｓ１（固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓの第１吸引領域対応部２３）での吸引状態、図２１（ｂ）及び図２２（ｂ）は、領域Ｓ２（固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓの第２吸引領域対応部２４）での吸引状態を示している。
　集積用凹部４０が領域Ｓ１を通過中の場合、低坪量部対応部４２０では、固定ドラム２の第１吸引領域対応部２３の制御体開口部２６に回転ドラム３の開口部閉鎖部材３０が重なることで制御体開口部２６が閉鎖されるが（図２１（ａ）参照）、高坪量部対応部４１０では、制御体開口部２６は閉鎖されない（図２２（ａ）参照）。したがって集積用凹部４０が領域Ｓ１を通過中、低坪量部対応部４２０では、バキュームエアが制御体開口部２６をほとんど通過できないため、繊維材料の積繊が実質的に行われず、高坪量部対応部４１０では、バキュームエアが制御体開口部２６を通過可能であるため、繊維材料の吸引が可能で積繊が行われる。このように、領域Ｓ１では低坪量部対応部４２０の吸引を選択的に阻害するようになされている。前記の「低坪量部対応部４２０では、バキュームエアが制御体開口部２６をほとんど通過できない」とは、具体的には、集積用凹部４０が領域Ｓ１を通過中において、高坪量部対応部４１０の吸引風量に対する低坪量部対応部４２０の吸引風量の割合が好ましくは５％以下、より好ましくは３％以下、更に好ましくは１％以下であることを指す。
　一方、集積用凹部４０が領域Ｓ２を通過中の場合、領域Ｓ２に対応する固定ドラム２の第２吸引領域対応部２４が、吸引制御体２５の如き非通気性部材を含まず、該領域２４における集積用凹部４０に対応する部分の全域が開口しているため、低坪量部対応部４２０及び高坪量部対応部４１０の双方で、バキュームエアによる繊維材料の吸引が可能で積繊が行われる（図２１（ｂ）及び図２２（ｂ）参照）。 In the present embodiment, the vacuum air control method is different between the first suction region S1 and the second suction region S2, so that the fiber stacking methods of both regions S1 and S2 are different from each other.
Explaining the method of controlling the vacuum air in both regions S1 and S2, as described above, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 20, the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 which is the source (suction source) of the vacuum air is covered with the outer peripheral portion 2S. It corresponds to the first suction area corresponding part (selective suction area) 23 including the suction control body 25 which corresponds to the area S1 and partially has the control body opening 26, and corresponds to the area S2 and corresponds to the accumulation recess 40. A second suction area corresponding portion (total suction area) 24, in which the entire area of the portion is open, is arranged. Further, the outer peripheral portion 3AS of the drum main body 3A, which is a portion of the rotating drum 3 facing the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2, corresponds to the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 which is a part of the integration recess 40, and is not. Corresponding to the suction obstructing portion 31 including the breathable opening closing member 30 and the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 which is another part of the accumulation recess 40, the opening closing member 30 is not arranged. A suction non-inhibiting portion 32 formed of a through hole penetrating the outer peripheral portion 3AS in the thickness direction is arranged. Then, when the rotary drum 3 rotates in the rotation direction R1 (see FIG. 17), the integration recess 40 moves the suction region S in the order of the region S1 and the region S2. FIG. 21 shows the suction state of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 in the regions S1 and S2, and FIG. 22 shows the suction state of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 in the regions S1 and S2, respectively. The arrows in FIGS. 21 and 22 indicate vacuum air. 21 (a) and 22 (a) are suction states in the region S1 (the first suction region corresponding portion 23 of the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2), and FIGS. 21 (b) and 22 (b) are shown. The suction state in the region S2 (the second suction region corresponding portion 24 of the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2) is shown.
When the integration recess 40 is passing through the region S1, in the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420, the opening closing member 30 of the rotary drum 3 is provided in the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23 of the fixed drum 2. The control body opening 26 is closed by overlapping (see FIG. 21 (a)), but the control body opening 26 is not closed in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 (see FIG. 22 (a)). Therefore, while the accumulation recess 40 is passing through the region S1, in the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420, the vacuum air can hardly pass through the control body opening 26, so that the fiber material is not substantially stacked and the high basis weight portion. Since the vacuum air can pass through the control body opening 26 in the portion corresponding portion 410, the fiber material can be sucked and the fibers are stacked. As described above, in the region S1, the suction of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 is selectively inhibited. The above-mentioned "in the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420, the vacuum air can hardly pass through the control body opening 26" specifically means that the integration recess 40 corresponds to the high basis weight portion while passing through the region S1. It means that the ratio of the suction air volume of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 to the suction air volume of the portion 410 is preferably 5% or less, more preferably 3% or less, still more preferably 1% or less.
On the other hand, when the accumulation recess 40 is passing through the region S2, the second suction region corresponding portion 24 of the fixed drum 2 corresponding to the region S2 does not include a non-breathable member such as the suction control body 25, and the region 24 Since the entire area corresponding to the accumulation recess 40 in the above is open, the fiber material can be sucked by vacuum air in both the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 and the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410, and the fibers can be stacked. This is done (see FIGS. 21 (b) and 22 (b)).
　本実施形態ではこのように、固定ドラム２の制御体開口部２６と回転ドラム３の開口部閉鎖部材３０との回転ドラム３の回転に伴う周期的な重なりを利用して、吸引領域Ｓの一部である第１吸引領域Ｓ１にて、低坪量部対応部４２０に関わるバキュームエアの流れのみを選択的に阻害することで、高坪量部対応部４１０への集中的な繊維材料の積繊を可能にしている。これにより領域Ｓ１では、高坪量部対応部４１０に優先的に繊維材料が積繊される。典型的には、領域Ｓ１では実質的に、高坪量部対応部４１０のみに繊維材料が積繊し、低坪量部対応部４２０には繊維材料が全く積繊しないか、積繊したとしても高坪量部対応部４１０に比べて極少量である。前述したとおり、第２吸引領域Ｓ２ではこのような選択的な吸引阻害を行わず、集積用凹部４０全体で積繊が行われるので、仮に、後述するスカッフィングロール４５による再積繊工程が無ければ、吸引領域Ｓを通過後の集積用凹部４０には、領域Ｓ１での積繊方法の影響が強く反映された繊維材料の積繊物、すなわち繊維材料の偏在の程度が大きい吸収体が形成されることになる。 In the present embodiment, as described above, one of the suction regions S is utilized by utilizing the periodic overlap of the control body opening 26 of the fixed drum 2 and the opening closing member 30 of the rotary drum 3 with the rotation of the rotary drum 3. By selectively inhibiting only the flow of vacuum air related to the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 in the first suction region S1 which is a portion, the product of concentrated fiber material on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410. It enables fiber. As a result, in the region S1, the fiber material is preferentially stacked on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410. Typically, in the region S1, the fiber material is substantially piled up only in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410, and the fiber material is not piled up or piled up in the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 at all. Is extremely small compared to the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410. As described above, in the second suction region S2, such selective suction inhibition is not performed, and the fibers are stacked in the entire accumulation recess 40. Therefore, if there is no re-stacking step by the scuffing roll 45 described later, the fibers are stacked. In the accumulation recess 40 after passing through the suction region S, a fiber stacking material in which the influence of the fiber stacking method in the region S1 is strongly reflected, that is, an absorber having a large degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material is formed. Will be.
　ところで、本実施形態では前述したとおり、第１吸引領域Ｓ１において高坪量部対応部４１０に優先的に繊維材料を積繊させるために、低坪量部対応部４２０に関わるバキュームエアの流路として機能する固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓ（第１吸引領域対応部２３）の制御体開口部２６に、回転ドラム３の回転を利用して開口部閉鎖部材３０を周期的に重ねることで、制御体開口部２６を周期的に閉鎖するところ（図２１（ａ）参照）、この開口部閉鎖部材３０による制御体開口部２６の閉鎖の際に、開口部閉鎖部材３０と固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓとが接触するように設計されていると、これらの部材が接触する度に摩耗していき、比較的短時間で故障するなどの不都合が生じることが懸念される。 By the way, in the present embodiment, as described above, in order to preferentially stack the fiber material on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 in the first suction region S1, the flow path of the vacuum air related to the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420. Controlled by periodically stacking the opening closing member 30 on the control body opening 26 of the outer peripheral portion 2S (first suction region corresponding portion 23) of the fixed drum 2 that functions as When the body opening 26 is periodically closed (see FIG. 21A), when the control body opening 26 is closed by the opening closing member 30, the opening closing member 30 and the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum 2 are closed. If it is designed to come into contact with the 2S, there is a concern that each time these members come into contact with each other, they will wear out, causing inconveniences such as failure in a relatively short time.
　そこで本実施形態では、図２１（ａ）に示すように、第１吸引領域Ｓ１において、第１吸引領域対応部２３の制御体開口部２６に開口部閉鎖部材３０を重ねた状態（平面視で両部材２６，３０どうしが重なった状態）で、該制御体開口部２６の周縁部（典型的には、固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓにおける制御体開口部２６から３ｍｍ以内の領域）と該開口部閉鎖部材３０との間に隙間Ｇ（図２１（ａ）中、〇で囲んだ部分）が存在するようになされており、これにより前記懸念を払拭している。
　隙間Ｇは、これを設けることによる効果を得つつ、隙間Ｇが大きすぎることによる不都合を防止する観点から、好ましくは０ｍｍよりも大きく３ｍｍ以下、より好ましくは０ｍｍよりも大きく２ｍｍ以下である。 Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21A, in the first suction region S1, the opening closing member 30 is superposed on the control body opening 26 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23 (in a plan view). In a state where both members 26 and 30 overlap each other), the peripheral portion of the control body opening 26 (typically, the region within 3 mm from the control body opening 26 in the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2) and the opening. A gap G (a portion surrounded by a circle in FIG. 21A) is provided between the portion closing member 30 and the portion closed member 30, thereby dispelling the above-mentioned concern.
The gap G is preferably larger than 0 mm and 3 mm or less, more preferably larger than 0 mm and 2 mm or less, from the viewpoint of preventing inconvenience due to the gap G being too large while obtaining the effect of providing the gap G.
　製造装置１Ａでは、繊維材料の偏在の程度が大きい吸収体を得るために、吸引領域Ｓに積繊方法の異なる前記の複数の領域Ｓ１，Ｓ２を配置するだけでなく、その複数の領域Ｓ１，Ｓ２どうしで、集積用凹部４０の各部のバキュームエアの流量の差（吸引風量差）を異ならせている。具体的には製造装置１Ａでは、領域Ｓ１は、領域Ｓ２に比べて、高坪量部対応部４１０と低坪量部対応部４２０との吸引風量差が大きくなされている。したがって、高坪量部対応部４１０の吸引風量を４１Ｖ、低坪量部対応部４２０の吸引風量を４２Ｖとした場合、吸引領域Ｓでは、両者の吸引風量の割合（４１Ｖ／４２Ｖ）について「領域Ｓ１＞領域Ｓ２」の大小関係が成立し、領域Ｓ１で高坪量部対応部４１０に優先的に繊維材料が積繊される。
　製造装置１Ａでは、前述した２つの特徴的な構成、すなわち、「吸引領域Ｓが流れ方向ＭＤに複数の領域Ｓ１，Ｓ２に区分される」（構成１）及び「領域Ｓ１の吸引風量の割合（４１Ｖ／４２Ｖ）が領域Ｓ２のそれに比べて大きい」（構成２）の採用により、高坪量部対応部４１０に繊維材料を集中的に積繊させて、繊維材料の偏在の程度が大きい吸収体の製造を可能にしている。 In the manufacturing apparatus 1A, in order to obtain an absorber having a large degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material, not only the plurality of regions S1 and S2 having different fiber stacking methods are arranged in the suction region S, but also the plurality of regions S1 and S1 The difference in the flow rate of the vacuum air (difference in the suction air volume) of each part of the accumulation recess 40 is made different between S2. Specifically, in the manufacturing apparatus 1A, in the region S1, the suction air volume difference between the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 is larger than that in the region S2. Therefore, when the suction air volume of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is 41V and the suction air volume of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 is 42V, in the suction region S, the ratio (41V / 42V) of the suction air volume between the two is "region". The magnitude relationship of "S1> region S2" is established, and the fiber material is preferentially stacked in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 in the region S1.
In the manufacturing apparatus 1A, the above-mentioned two characteristic configurations, that is, "the suction region S is divided into a plurality of regions S1 and S2 in the flow direction MD" (configuration 1) and "the ratio of the suction air volume in the region S1" ( 41V / 42V) is larger than that of region S2 ”(Structure 2). It enables the production of.
　本実施形態では、前記吸引調整体の採用により、少なくとも領域Ｓ１において高坪量部対応部４１０と低坪量部対応部４２０とで吸引風量について前者＞後者の大小関係が成立していて、吸引風量の割合（４１Ｖ／４２Ｖ）＞１であり、これに加えて、前記構成２を実現して、領域Ｓ１で高坪量部対応部４１０に優先的に繊維材料を積繊する手段として、前述したように、「固定ドラム２におけるバキュームエアが通過する開口部（制御体開口部２６）を、領域Ｓ１では、高坪量部対応部４１０に対応する部分は吸引を阻害せずに、低坪量部対応部４２０に対応する部分のみ吸引を阻害し、領域Ｓ２では、両対応部４１０，４２０に対応する部分は吸引を阻害しない」という、バキュームエアを利用した制御方法を採用しているため、自ずと、領域Ｓ１の吸引風量の割合（４１Ｖ／４２Ｖ）が領域Ｓ２のそれに比べて大きくなっており、前記１）及び２）の構成が一体的に採用されている。
　なお、領域Ｓ２では、高坪量部対応部４１０と低坪量部対応部４２０との吸引風量差はゼロでもよい。これを踏まえて、本発明の吸収体の製造装置の好ましい一実施形態として、領域Ｓ１では、高坪量部対応部４１０の少なくとも一部の吸引風量は低坪量部対応部４２０の吸引風量に比べて大きく、すなわち「（４１Ｖ／４２Ｖ）＞１」の大小関係が成立し、領域Ｓ２では、高坪量部対応部４１０の少なくとも一部の吸引風量は低坪量部対応部４２０の吸引風量と同等以上である、すなわち「（４１Ｖ／４２Ｖ）≧１」の大小関係が成立する形態が挙げられる。 In the present embodiment, by adopting the suction adjusting body, the former> the latter magnitude relationship is established between the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 at least in the region S1, and suction is established. The ratio of the air volume (41V / 42V)> 1, and in addition to this, as a means for realizing the above configuration 2 and preferentially stacking the fiber material on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 in the region S1, described above. As described above, "the opening (control body opening 26) through which the vacuum air in the fixed drum 2 passes, and in the region S1, the portion corresponding to the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 does not hinder suction and has a low basis weight. This is because the control method using vacuum air is adopted, that is, only the portion corresponding to the volume portion corresponding portion 420 inhibits suction, and in the region S2, the portion corresponding to both corresponding portions 410 and 420 does not inhibit suction. " Naturally, the ratio of the suction air volume in the region S1 (41V / 42V) is larger than that in the region S2, and the configurations of 1) and 2) are integrally adopted.
In the region S2, the difference in suction air volume between the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 may be zero. Based on this, as a preferred embodiment of the absorber manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, in the region S1, the suction air volume of at least a part of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is changed to the suction air volume of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420. Compared to the above, that is, the magnitude relationship of "(41V / 42V)>1" is established, and in the region S2, the suction air volume of at least a part of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is the suction air volume of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420. That is, there is a form in which the magnitude relationship of “(41V / 42V) ≧ 1” is established.
　前記構成２に関し、領域Ｓ１の吸引風量の割合（４１Ｖ／４２Ｖ）と領域Ｓ２のそれとの差を調整する方法としては、例えば、前述した構成の製造装置１Ａにおいて、低坪量部対応部４２０に対応する部分の制御体開口部２６の、開口部閉鎖部材３０による閉鎖の程度を調整する方法が挙げられる。この「制御体開口部２６の閉鎖の程度」の調整は、例えば、制御体開口部２６及び／又は開口部閉鎖部材３０の平面視での大きさ、あるいは前述した両部材２６，３０の隙間Ｇ（図２１（ａ）参照）を適宜調整することで調整可能である。 Regarding the above configuration 2, as a method of adjusting the difference between the ratio of the suction air volume in the region S1 (41V / 42V) and that in the region S2, for example, in the manufacturing apparatus 1A having the above configuration, the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 is used. A method of adjusting the degree of closure of the control body opening 26 of the corresponding portion by the opening closing member 30 can be mentioned. The adjustment of this "degree of closure of the control body opening 26" is, for example, the size of the control body opening 26 and / or the opening closing member 30 in a plan view, or the gap G between both members 26 and 30 described above. (See FIG. 21 (a)) can be adjusted as appropriate.
　領域Ｓ１の吸引風量の割合（４１Ｖ／４２Ｖ）と領域Ｓ２の吸引風量の割合（４１Ｖ／４２Ｖ）との比率は、前者＞後者を前提として、好ましくは２以上、より好ましくは４以上、そして、好ましくは１０００以下、より好ましくは５００以下である。
　領域Ｓ１の吸引風量の割合（４１Ｖ／４２Ｖ）は、好ましくは２０以上、より好ましくは３０以上、そして、好ましくは１０００以下、より好ましくは５００以下である。
　領域Ｓ２の吸引風量の割合（４１Ｖ／４２Ｖ）は、好ましくは１以上、より好ましくは２以上、そして、好ましくは１０以下、より好ましくは５以下である。 The ratio of the suction air volume ratio (41V / 42V) in the region S1 to the suction air volume ratio (41V / 42V) in the region S2 is preferably 2 or more, more preferably 4 or more, and more preferably 4 or more, assuming the former> the latter. It is preferably 1000 or less, more preferably 500 or less.
The ratio of the suction air volume in the region S1 (41V / 42V) is preferably 20 or more, more preferably 30 or more, and preferably 1000 or less, more preferably 500 or less.
The ratio of the suction air volume in the region S2 (41V / 42V) is preferably 1 or more, more preferably 2 or more, and preferably 10 or less, more preferably 5 or less.
　集積用凹部４０の各部の吸引風量（バキュームエアの流量）は、高温用アネモマスター（登録商標）風速計（日本カノマックス（株）、Ｍｏｄｅｌ　６１６２）によって測定することができる。前記測定装置を用いて風速を測定した後、吸引の断面積から吸引流量を算出する。
　高坪量部対応部４１０の吸引風量４１Ｖは、製造装置１Ａの高坪量部対応部４１０に対応する第１凹部底面形成プレート３４上での吸引風量の測定値、低坪量部対応部４２０の吸引風量４２Ｖは、製造装置１Ａの低坪量部対応部４２０に対応する第２凹部底面形成プレート３６上での吸引風量の測定値である。 The suction air volume (vacuum air flow rate) of each part of the accumulation recess 40 can be measured by a high temperature Anemomaster (registered trademark) anemometer (Japan Kanomax Co., Ltd., Model 6162). After measuring the wind speed using the measuring device, the suction flow rate is calculated from the cross section of the suction.
The suction air volume 41V of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is a measured value of the suction air volume on the first concave bottom bottom forming plate 34 corresponding to the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 of the manufacturing apparatus 1A, and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420. The suction air volume 42V is a measured value of the suction air volume on the second concave bottom bottom forming plate 36 corresponding to the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 of the manufacturing apparatus 1A.
　本実施形態では、高坪量部対応部４１０の少なくとも一部は、低坪量部対応部４２０に比べて凹部深さが深い。具体的には本実施形態では、図２２及び図２３に示すように、高坪量部対応部４１０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部（吸収体１０の中高部１１Ａを形成する部分）は、低坪量部対応部４２０及び高坪量部対応部４１０における該中央部以外の部分（高坪量部対応部４１０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の両端部）の双方に比べて、凹部深さが深い。すなわち、高坪量部対応部４１０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部の底面を形成する第１凹部底面形成プレート３４は、低坪量部対応部４２０及び高坪量部対応部４１０における該中央部以外の部分の底面を形成する第２凹部底面形成プレート３６に比べて、固定ドラム２に近い側に位置している。前記「凹部深さ」とは、集積用凹部４０を挟んでドラム軸方向Ｙ１の両側に位置する部材の外面と集積用凹部４０の底面との離間距離を指し、本実施形態では、該部材はリングプレート３８である。
　このように、高坪量部対応部４１０の少なくとも一部が低坪量部対応部４２０に比べて凹部深さが深いことは、図１６（ａ）に示す吸収体１０Ａの如き偏在吸収体における繊維材料の偏在の程度を大きくする点で有用であるだけでなく、後述するスカッフィングロール４５による再積繊工程と組み合わせることで、偏在吸収体における低坪量部の坪量の均一性を向上させる点でも有用である。この点については後述する。 In the present embodiment, at least a part of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 has a deeper recess than the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420. Specifically, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the central portion (the portion forming the middle and high portion 11A of the absorber 10) of the drum axial direction Y1 of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is low. The recess depth is deeper than both of the portions other than the central portion (both ends of the drum axial direction Y1 of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410) in the basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 and the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410. That is, the first recessed bottom surface forming plate 34 forming the bottom surface of the central portion of the drum axial direction Y1 of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is the central portion of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 and the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410. It is located closer to the fixed drum 2 than the second concave bottom surface forming plate 36 that forms the bottom surface of the portion other than the above. The "recess depth" refers to a separation distance between the outer surface of a member located on both sides of the drum axial direction Y1 across the accumulation recess 40 and the bottom surface of the accumulation recess 40, and in the present embodiment, the member is The ring plate 38.
As described above, at least a part of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 has a deeper recessed depth than the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 in the unevenly distributed absorber such as the absorber 10A shown in FIG. 16A. Not only is it useful in increasing the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material, but it also improves the uniformity of the basis weight of the low basis weight portion in the uneven distribution absorber by combining with the re-stacking process using the scuffing roll 45 described later. It is also useful in terms of points. This point will be described later.
　「吸収体における繊維材料の偏在の程度を大きくする」という課題解決の観点からは、第１吸引領域Ｓ１での積繊時間を比較的長くすることが有効であるが、領域Ｓ１での積繊時間が長くなると、通常はその分、第２吸引領域Ｓ２での積繊時間が短くなって低坪量部１２（図１６参照）への繊維材料の積繊が不十分となり、本発明のもう１つの課題である「吸収体の低坪量部の坪量の均一性」の点で不利となるおそれがある。こうした点を考慮すると、領域Ｓ１のドラム周方向Ｘ１の長さは、吸引領域Ｓ（回転ドラム３の外周部３Ｓにおけるダクト５１で覆われた部分）のドラム周方向Ｘ１の長さに対して、好ましくは２／３以下、より好ましくは１／２以下である。すなわち、吸引領域Ｓの全長に占める領域Ｓの全長に比率は、およそ７０％以下が好ましい。一方、斯かる比率の下限は、繊維材料の偏在の程度が大きい吸収体を確実に得る観点から、好ましくは１／８以上、より好ましくは１／４以上である。
　なお、領域Ｓ１は、固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓの第１吸引領域対応部２３に対応し、また領域Ｓは、固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓの第１吸引領域対応部２３及び第２吸引領域Ｓ２に対応するので、両領域２３，２４それぞれのドラム周方向Ｘ１の全長の合計に占める、第１吸引領域対応部２３のドラム周方向Ｘ１の全長の比率も、前記範囲にあることが好ましい。 From the viewpoint of solving the problem of "increasing the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the absorber", it is effective to make the fiber stacking time in the first suction region S1 relatively long, but the fiber stacking in the region S1 is effective. When the time becomes longer, the fiber stacking time in the second suction region S2 is usually shortened by that amount, and the fiber material stacking on the low basis weight portion 12 (see FIG. 16) becomes insufficient. There is a possibility that it will be disadvantageous in terms of one problem, "uniformity of the basis weight of the low basis weight portion of the absorber". Considering these points, the length of the drum circumferential direction X1 of the region S1 is relative to the length of the drum circumferential direction X1 of the suction region S (the portion covered by the duct 51 in the outer peripheral portion 3S of the rotary drum 3). It is preferably 2/3 or less, more preferably 1/2 or less. That is, the ratio of the total length of the region S to the total length of the suction region S is preferably about 70% or less. On the other hand, the lower limit of such a ratio is preferably 1/8 or more, more preferably 1/4 or more, from the viewpoint of surely obtaining an absorber having a large degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material.
The region S1 corresponds to the first suction region corresponding portion 23 of the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2, and the region S corresponds to the first suction region corresponding portion 23 and the second suction region corresponding to the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2. Since it corresponds to S2, it is preferable that the ratio of the total length of the drum peripheral direction X1 of the first suction region corresponding portion 23 to the total total length of the drum peripheral directions X1 of both regions 23 and 24 is also within the above range.
　本実施形態では、第１吸引領域Ｓ１及び第２吸引領域Ｓ２は、個別にバキュームエアの流量（吸引風量）を調整可能になされている。具体的には、本実施形態では前述したとおり、固定ドラム２の内部がドラム周方向Ｘ１に複数の空間Ａ～Ｃに区分され、その複数の空間Ａ～Ｃの負圧（吸引力）が、固定ドラム２に接続された減圧機構（図示せず）によりそれぞれ独立に調整可能になされているとともに、空間Ａが領域Ｓ１に対応し、空間Ｂが領域Ｓ２に対応しているので（図１８参照）、該減圧機構を操作することで、領域Ｓ１，Ｓ２の吸引風量を個別に調整可能である。
　このように領域Ｓ１，Ｓ２の吸引風量が個別に調整可能であると、例えば、吸引風量について「領域Ｓ１＞領域Ｓ２」の大小関係を成立させることができ、この大小関係と前記構成１及び２との相乗効果により、吸収体における繊維材料の偏在の程度を一層大きくすることが可能となる。 In the present embodiment, the first suction region S1 and the second suction region S2 can individually adjust the flow rate (suction air volume) of the vacuum air. Specifically, in the present embodiment, as described above, the inside of the fixed drum 2 is divided into a plurality of spaces A to C in the drum circumferential direction X1, and the negative pressure (suction force) of the plurality of spaces A to C is generated. The decompression mechanism (not shown) connected to the fixed drum 2 allows each to be adjusted independently, and the space A corresponds to the area S1 and the space B corresponds to the area S2 (see FIG. 18). ), The suction air volume in the regions S1 and S2 can be individually adjusted by operating the depressurizing mechanism.
When the suction air volume of the regions S1 and S2 can be adjusted individually in this way, for example, the magnitude relationship of "region S1> region S2" can be established for the suction air volume, and this magnitude relationship and the above configurations 1 and 2 can be established. By the synergistic effect with, it becomes possible to further increase the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the absorber.
　吸収体における繊維材料の偏在の程度を大きくする方法としては、前述した吸引風量の制御による方法の他に、例えば、集積用凹部４０の一部（低坪量部対応部４２０）への繊維材料の供給を物理的に遮断する方法が挙げられる。本実施形態では、この繊維材料の供給を物理的に遮断する手段として、図１７、図１８、図２１及び図２２に示すように、仕切り板４３を備えている。 As a method for increasing the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the absorber, in addition to the method by controlling the suction air volume described above, for example, the fiber material in a part of the accumulation recess 40 (the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion 420). There is a method of physically cutting off the supply of the fiber. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 17, 18, 21, and 22, a partition plate 43 is provided as a means for physically blocking the supply of the fiber material.
　製造装置１Ａにおいて、仕切り板４３は、吸引領域Ｓのダクト５１の内部に設けられ、図２１及び図２２に示すように、集積用凹部４０を挟んでドラム軸方向Ｙ１の両側に一対配されている。一対の仕切り板４３，４３は、それぞれ、回転ドラム３の外面を形成するリングプレート３８上に固定されている。
　仕切り板４３は、ダクト５１から吸引領域Ｓに供給された繊維材料が集積用凹部４０に積繊される前に該積繊材料に接触する必要があることから、図１７及び図１８に示すように、ダクト５１内の繊維材料の供給路５０と吸引領域Ｓ（吸引領域Ｓを覆うダクト５１）とが交わる部分（ダクト５１の吸引領域Ｓ側の開口部）に、仕切り板４３の少なくとも一部が重なるように配されている。本実施形態では仕切り板４３は、吸引領域Ｓの流れ方向ＭＤの上流側に位置する第１吸引領域Ｓ１のドラム周方向Ｘ１の略全長にわたって延在している。仕切り板４３の素材は、特に制限されないが、例えば、金属、合成樹脂又はこれらを組合せた材料を用いることができる。 In the manufacturing apparatus 1A, the partition plate 43 is provided inside the duct 51 of the suction region S, and as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the partition plate 43 is arranged on both sides of the drum axial direction Y1 with the integration recess 40 interposed therebetween. There is. The pair of partition plates 43, 43 are fixed on the ring plate 38 forming the outer surface of the rotary drum 3, respectively.
As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the partition plate 43 needs to come into contact with the fiber material before the fiber material supplied from the duct 51 to the suction region S is piled up in the accumulation recess 40. At least a part of the partition plate 43 at the intersection of the fiber material supply path 50 in the duct 51 and the suction region S (the duct 51 covering the suction region S) (the opening on the suction region S side of the duct 51). Are arranged so that they overlap. In the present embodiment, the partition plate 43 extends over substantially the entire length of the drum circumferential direction X1 of the first suction region S1 located on the upstream side of the flow direction MD of the suction region S. The material of the partition plate 43 is not particularly limited, but for example, a metal, a synthetic resin, or a material in which these are combined can be used.
　一対の仕切り板４３，４３は、図２１及び図２２に示すように、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１に所定の間隔を置いて配されており、集積用凹部４０における該間隔に対応する領域、具体的には、集積用凹部４０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部に、繊維材料が集中的に供給されるようになされている。集積用凹部４０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の両端部は一対の仕切り板４３，４３によって覆われており、これにより該両端部への繊維材料の供給が物理的に阻害される。
　一対の仕切り板４３，４３それぞれの他方の仕切り板４３との対向面は、ダクト５１から供給された飛散状態の繊維材料と接触して該繊維材料の集積用凹部４０内への供給を阻害する、供給阻害面４３ａである。供給阻害面４３ａは、回転ドラム３の半径方向に対して傾斜し且つ該半径方向の外方から内方に向かって（図２１又は図２２では上方から下方に向かって）延在している。したがって、一対の仕切り板４３，４３の一方の供給阻害面４３ａと他方のそれとの間隔は、回転ドラム３の半径方向の外方から内方に向かうに従って漸次短くなっている。供給阻害面４３ａがこのように傾斜していることで、供給阻害面４３ａ上に繊維材料が積もり難くなる。 As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the pair of partition plates 43, 43 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the drum axial direction Y1, and the regions corresponding to the intervals in the integration recess 40, specifically, Is configured so that the fiber material is intensively supplied to the central portion of the drum axial direction Y1 of the accumulation recess 40. Both ends of the drum axial direction Y1 of the accumulation recess 40 are covered with a pair of partition plates 43, 43, which physically hinders the supply of the fiber material to the both ends.
The facing surface of each of the pair of partition plates 43 and 43 with the other partition plate 43 comes into contact with the scattered fiber material supplied from the duct 51 and hinders the supply of the fiber material into the accumulation recess 40. , The supply inhibition surface 43a. The supply blocking surface 43a is inclined with respect to the radial direction of the rotary drum 3 and extends from the outer side to the inner side (from the upper side to the lower side in FIG. 21 or 22) in the radial direction. Therefore, the distance between the supply blocking surface 43a of one of the pair of partition plates 43, 43 and that of the other is gradually shortened from the outer side to the inner side in the radial direction of the rotary drum 3. Since the supply obstruction surface 43a is inclined in this way, it becomes difficult for the fiber material to accumulate on the supply obstruction surface 43a.
　仕切り板４３の配置領域である第１吸引領域Ｓ１では、集積用凹部４０における仕切り板４３で覆われた部分（集積用凹部４０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の両端部）は、繊維材料の供給が阻害され、集積用凹部４０における仕切り板４３で覆われていない部分（集積用凹部４０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部）にほとんどの繊維材料が供給される。この集積用凹部４０における仕切り板４３で覆われていない部分には、仕切り板４３が無い場合に該部分に供給される繊維材料に加え、仕切り板４３が無ければ集積用凹部４０における仕切り板４３で覆われた部分に供給されるはずであった繊維材料も供給されるため、リングプレート３８を超える高さを有するような、過剰量の繊維材料が積繊され得る。
　したがって、前述した吸引風量の制御（前記構成１及び２）に加えて、仕切り板４３の如き、集積用凹部４０への繊維材料の供給を物理的に遮断する方法を採用することで、吸収体における繊維材料の偏在の程度を一層大きくすることが可能となる。
　繊維材料の偏在の程度が比較的大きな吸収体を安定的に製造する観点から、仕切り板４３の配置領域（仕切り板４３とドラム周方向Ｘ１において同位置にある領域）への繊維材料の単位時間当たりの供給重量に対する、該仕切り板４３の配置領域における仕切り板４３で覆われていない部分（図示の形態では集積用凹部４０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部）への繊維材料の単位時間当たりの供給重量の割合は、好ましくは７０％以上、より好ましくは８０％以上、更に好ましくは９０％以上である。 In the first suction region S1 which is the arrangement region of the partition plate 43, the supply of the fiber material is hindered at the portion of the accumulation recess 40 covered by the partition plate 43 (both ends of the drum axial direction Y1 of the integration recess 40). Most of the fiber material is supplied to the portion of the accumulation recess 40 that is not covered by the partition plate 43 (the central portion of the accumulation recess 40 in the drum axial direction Y1). In the portion of the accumulation recess 40 that is not covered by the partition plate 43, in addition to the fiber material supplied to the portion when the partition plate 43 is not present, the partition plate 43 in the integration recess 40 is not provided. Since the fibrous material that was supposed to be supplied to the portion covered with is also supplied, an excess amount of fibrous material such as having a height exceeding the ring plate 38 can be stacked.
Therefore, in addition to the above-mentioned control of the suction air volume (the above configurations 1 and 2), by adopting a method of physically blocking the supply of the fiber material to the accumulation recess 40 such as the partition plate 43, the absorber It is possible to further increase the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in.
From the viewpoint of stably producing an absorber having a relatively large uneven distribution of the fiber material, the unit time of the fiber material in the arrangement region of the partition plate 43 (the region at the same position in the partition plate 43 and the drum circumferential direction X1). Per unit time of the fiber material to the portion not covered by the partition plate 43 in the arrangement region of the partition plate 43 (in the illustrated embodiment, the central portion of the drum axial direction Y1 of the accumulation recess 40) with respect to the supply weight per unit. The ratio of the feed weight is preferably 70% or more, more preferably 80% or more, still more preferably 90% or more.
　製造装置１Ａは、図１７及び図１８に示すように、回転ドラム３の外周部３Ｓに対向配置されたスカッフィングロール４５を備え、高坪量部対応部４１０に積繊した繊維材料を掻き取り、掻き取った繊維材料を低坪量部対応部４２０に再積繊するようになされている。本実施形態では、スカッフィングロール４５は、吸引領域Ｓの流れ方向ＭＤの下流側、具体的には、第２吸引領域Ｓ２の流れ方向ＭＤの下流側においてダクト５１の内部に配されている。
　前述した製造装置１Ａの特徴的な構成は、主に、図１６（ａ）に示す吸収体１０Ａの如き偏在吸収体における繊維材料の偏在の程度を大きくすることを目的とするものであったが、スカッフィングロール４５を用いた繊維材料の再積繊工程は、主に、偏在吸収体における低坪量部の坪量の均一性を向上させることを目的とする。 As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the manufacturing apparatus 1A includes a scuffing roll 45 arranged to face the outer peripheral portion 3S of the rotary drum 3, and scrapes the fiber material piled up on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410. The scraped fiber material is re-stacked in the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420. In the present embodiment, the scuffing roll 45 is arranged inside the duct 51 on the downstream side of the flow direction MD of the suction region S, specifically, on the downstream side of the flow direction MD of the second suction region S2.
The characteristic configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 1A described above was mainly intended to increase the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the unevenly distributed absorber such as the absorber 10A shown in FIG. 16 (a). The step of re-stacking the fiber material using the scuffing roll 45 is mainly aimed at improving the uniformity of the basis weight of the low basis weight portion in the unevenly distributed absorber.
　図２４（ａ）及び図２４（ｂ）は、スカッフィングロール４５を用いた再積繊工程の様子を示したものであり、何れも本発明の一実施形態である。図２４（ａ）に示す形態は、高坪量部対応部４１０の少なくとも一部（例えばドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部）の凹部深さＤが他の部分に比べて深くなされている回転ドラム３と、スカッフィングロール４５との組み合わせであり、図２４（ｂ）に示す形態は、集積用凹部４０の凹部深さＤが均一になされている回転ドラム３と、スカッフィングロール４５との組み合わせである。以下の説明は、特に断らない限り、図２４に示す２つの形態の双方に適用される。 FIGS. 24 (a) and 24 (b) show the state of the re-stacking process using the scuffing roll 45, both of which are embodiments of the present invention. In the form shown in FIG. 24 (a), the rotary drum 3 in which the recess depth D of at least a part (for example, the central part of the drum axial direction Y1) of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is made deeper than that of the other portions. And the scuffing roll 45, and the form shown in FIG. 24B is a combination of the rotary drum 3 in which the recess depth D of the accumulation recess 40 is made uniform and the scuffing roll 45. The following description applies to both of the two forms shown in FIG. 24, unless otherwise noted.
　本実施形態では、スカッフィングロール４５は、図２４に示すように、円筒状のロール本体４５１と、ロール本体４５１の外周部に立設された掻き取り用の多数の突起４５２とを有し、ロール本体４５１のロール軸方向をドラム軸方向Ｙ１に一致させて、集積用凹部４０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の略全長にわたって配されている。突起４５２はロール本体４５１の外周部において、少なくとも集積用凹部４０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部に対応する領域に配されていることが好ましく、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１の全長にわたって配されていることがより好ましい。
　スカッフィングロール４５は、モータ等の原動機（図示せず）からの動力を受けて水平軸回りを回転する。図示の形態では、スカッフィングロール４５の回転方向は、回転ドラム３の回転方向Ｒ１と同じである。スカッフィングロール４５の周速度は、繊維材料を掻き取る量と、掻き取った繊維材料を近場で再積繊させることとのバランスの観点から、回転ドラム３の周速度に比べて、２倍以上１０倍以下であることが好ましく、３倍以上５倍以下であることがより好ましい。 In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, the scuffing roll 45 has a cylindrical roll main body 451 and a large number of scraping protrusions 452 erected on the outer peripheral portion of the roll main body 451. The roll axis direction of the main body 451 coincides with the drum axis direction Y1 and is arranged over substantially the entire length of the drum axis direction Y1 of the integration recess 40. The protrusions 452 are preferably arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the roll main body 451 at least in a region corresponding to the central portion of the drum axial direction Y1 of the integration recess 40, and are arranged over the entire length of the drum axial direction Y1. More preferred.
The scuffing roll 45 rotates around a horizontal axis by receiving power from a prime mover (not shown) such as a motor. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotation direction of the scuffing roll 45 is the same as the rotation direction R1 of the rotary drum 3. The peripheral speed of the scuffing roll 45 is more than twice the peripheral speed of the rotary drum 3 from the viewpoint of the balance between the amount of scraped fiber material and the re-stacking of the scraped fiber material in the near field. It is preferably 10 times or less, and more preferably 3 times or more and 5 times or less.
　スカッフィングロール４５は、高坪量部対応部４１０に積繊した繊維材料を掻き取って低坪量部対応部４２０に再積繊するために設置されたものである。この目的を確実に果たすため、製造装置１Ａでは典型的には、図２４に示すように、先ず吸引領域Ｓにおいて、高坪量部対応部４１０に、リングプレート３８を超える高さを有するような過剰量の繊維材料を積繊させ、次に、スカッフィングロール４５でその高坪量部対応部４１０の過剰量の繊維材料を掻き取って低坪量部対応部４２０に再積繊する。図２４中、符号ＲＰは、スカッフィングロール４５で掻き取られて別の場所に再積繊される繊維材料を示す。
　高坪量部対応部４１０に過剰量の繊維材料を積繊させることは、例えば、前述した吸引調整体（吸引調整プレート３３，３５）を用いた吸引風量の制御や、仕切り板４３を用いた繊維材料の供給先の制御によって行うことが可能である。また、スカッフィングロール４５による高坪量部対応部４１０の繊維材料の掻き取り量は、スカッフィングロール４５と掻き取り対象である高坪量部対応部４１０の繊維材料とのクリアランスを調整することで調整可能である。 The scuffing roll 45 is installed for scraping the fiber material laminated on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 and re-stacking the fiber material on the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420. In order to surely achieve this purpose, in the manufacturing apparatus 1A, as shown in FIG. 24, first, in the suction region S, the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 has a height exceeding the ring plate 38. The excess amount of fiber material is stacked, and then the excess amount of fiber material of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is scraped off by the scuffing roll 45 and re-stacked into the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420. In FIG. 24, reference numeral RP indicates a fibrous material that is scraped off by a scuffing roll 45 and re-stacked elsewhere.
To stack an excessive amount of fiber material on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410, for example, control of the suction air volume using the suction adjustment body (suction adjustment plates 33, 35) described above or a partition plate 43 was used. This can be done by controlling the supply destination of the fiber material. Further, the amount of scraping of the fiber material of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 by the scuffing roll 45 is adjusted by adjusting the clearance between the scuffing roll 45 and the fiber material of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 to be scraped. It is possible.
　高坪量部対応部４１０から掻き取った繊維材料を低坪量部対応部４２０に再積繊させるための工夫として、本実施形態では図２４に示すように、ダクト５１の内部におけるスカッフィングロール４５よりも流れ方向ＭＤ（回転ドラム３の回転方向Ｒ１）の上流側に、スカッフィングロール４５で掻き取られた飛散状態の繊維材料ＲＰを、集積用凹部４０の所望の位置に誘導するガイド部材４４が設けられている。
　ガイド部材４４は、ダクト５１の内面における集積用凹部４０との対向面から集積用凹部４０側に向かって、すなわち回転ドラム３の半径方向の外方から内方に向かって（図２４では上方から下方に向かって）延在している。ガイド部材４４の先端は、集積用凹部４０内には入っておらず、回転ドラム３の外面を形成するリングプレート３８よりも回転ドラム３の半径方向の外方側に位置している。またガイド部材４４は、集積用凹部４０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の全長にわたって延在している。またガイド部材４４は、図２４に示す如きドラム周方向Ｘ１に沿う断面視において、流れ方向ＭＤの上流側に向かって凸に湾曲した部分を有している。
　このようガイド部材４４がスカッフィングロール４５との関係で適切な位置に設けられていると、スカッフィングロール４５によって掻き取られた飛散状態の繊維材料ＲＰが、再積繊予定の低坪量部対応部４２０を超えて流れ方向ＭＤの上流側に積繊される不都合が抑制され、所望の低坪量部対応部４２０に繊維材料ＲＰを積繊させることが容易になる。
　ガイド部材４４の形状及び位置は特に制限されず、所定の目的が達成されるように適宜調整し得る。また、ガイド部材４４の設置方法も特に制限されず、例えば、ダクト５１とは別部材としてのガイド部材４４をダクト５１の内面（例えば集積用凹部４０との対向面）に固定する方法でもよく、又はダクト５１を構成する壁部自体をガイド部材４４として機能し得るような形状に加工する方法でもよい。 As shown in FIG. 24 in this embodiment, as a device for re-stacking the fiber material scraped from the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 to the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420, the scuffing roll 45 inside the duct 51 A guide member 44 for guiding the scattered fiber material RP scraped off by the scuffing roll 45 to a desired position in the integration recess 40 is located upstream of the flow direction MD (rotational direction R1 of the rotary drum 3). It is provided.
The guide member 44 is from the surface facing the accumulation recess 40 on the inner surface of the duct 51 toward the integration recess 40 side, that is, from the outer side to the inner side in the radial direction of the rotary drum 3 (from above in FIG. 24). Extends (downward). The tip of the guide member 44 does not enter the integration recess 40, and is located on the outer side in the radial direction of the rotary drum 3 with respect to the ring plate 38 forming the outer surface of the rotary drum 3. Further, the guide member 44 extends over the entire length of the drum axial direction Y1 of the integration recess 40. Further, the guide member 44 has a portion that is convexly curved toward the upstream side of the flow direction MD in a cross-sectional view along the drum circumferential direction X1 as shown in FIG. 24.
When the guide member 44 is provided at an appropriate position in relation to the scuffing roll 45 in this way, the scattered fiber material RP scraped off by the scuffing roll 45 is a portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion scheduled to be re-stacked. The inconvenience of being stacked on the upstream side of the flow direction MD beyond 420 is suppressed, and it becomes easy to stack the fiber material RP on the desired low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420.
The shape and position of the guide member 44 are not particularly limited and may be appropriately adjusted so as to achieve a predetermined purpose. Further, the method of installing the guide member 44 is not particularly limited, and for example, a method of fixing the guide member 44 as a member separate from the duct 51 to the inner surface of the duct 51 (for example, the surface facing the accumulation recess 40) may be used. Alternatively, a method may be used in which the wall portion itself constituting the duct 51 is processed into a shape capable of functioning as the guide member 44.
　本実施形態では、製造装置１Ａは、スカッフィングロール４５の回転、具体的には例えば回転方向、回転数を調整可能になされている。スカッフィングロール４５の回転は、スカッフィングロール４５によって掻き取られて飛散状態となった繊維材料ＲＰの飛距離及び落下位置と密接に関連する。スカッフィングロール４５の回転並びにガイド部材４４の設置位置及び形状などを適切に調整することで、繊維材料ＲＰを低坪量部対応部４２０に精度良く積繊させることが可能となる。 In the present embodiment, the manufacturing apparatus 1A is capable of adjusting the rotation of the scuffing roll 45, specifically, for example, the rotation direction and the rotation speed. The rotation of the scuffing roll 45 is closely related to the flight distance and the drop position of the fiber material RP that has been scraped off by the scuffing roll 45 and is in a scattered state. By appropriately adjusting the rotation of the scuffing roll 45 and the installation position and shape of the guide member 44, it becomes possible to accurately stack the fiber material RP on the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420.
　前記構成１及び２をはじめとする、製造装置１Ａの前述した特徴的な構成は、主に、繊維材料の積繊時に機能して、高坪量部対応部４１０に繊維材料を集中的に積繊させるものであり、偏在吸収体における繊維材料の偏在の程度を大きくすることに寄与する反面、それらの構成だけでは、低坪量部の坪量の均一性を確保することは困難である。この点、製造装置１Ａでは、前述のスカッフィングロール４５を用いた繊維材料の再積繊機構を備え、これにより、過剰に積繊されがちな高坪量部対応部４１０から低坪量部対応部４２０に繊維材料が分配されるので、高坪量部対応部４１０及び低坪量部対応部４２０の双方の坪量調整が適切になされ、繊維材料の偏在の程度が大きく、且つ全体として坪量のバランスが取れた偏在吸収体を製造することができる。
　本発明におけるスカッフィングロールを用いた再積繊の技術については、例えば特開２０１８－１１６３０号公報に記載の技術を適宜用いることができる。 The above-mentioned characteristic configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 1A including the above configurations 1 and 2 mainly functions at the time of laminating the fiber material, and the fiber material is intensively stacked on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410. Although it contributes to increasing the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the uneven distribution absorber, it is difficult to ensure the uniformity of the basis weight in the low basis weight portion only by these configurations. In this regard, the manufacturing apparatus 1A is provided with a fiber material re-stacking mechanism using the scuffing roll 45 described above, whereby the high-basis section corresponding section 410 to the low-basis section corresponding section, which tends to be excessively stacked, are provided. Since the fiber material is distributed to 420, the basis weight adjustment of both the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 is appropriately performed, the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material is large, and the basis weight as a whole is large. It is possible to produce a well-balanced unevenly distributed absorber.
As for the technique of re-stacking fiber using scuffing roll in the present invention, for example, the technique described in JP-A-2018-11630 can be appropriately used.
　スカッフィングロール４５を用いた繊維材料の再積繊機構は、基本的に集積用凹部４０の形態を選ばず、例えば図２４に示す２つの形態の何れにも適用できるが、特に図２４（ａ）に示す形態の如き、高坪量部対応部４１０の少なくとも一部が低坪量部対応部４２０に比べて凹部深さＤが深い形態に適用された場合は、図２４（ｂ）に示す形態の如き、集積用凹部４０の凹部深さＤが均一な形態に適用された場合に比べて、低坪量部対応部４２０の坪量の均一性の一層の向上が期待できる。
　すなわち、凹部深さＤが均一な場合に、繊維材料の偏在の程度が大きい吸収体を得るべく、高坪量部対応部４１０に繊維材料を優先的に積繊させると、低坪量部対応部４２０における繊維材料の積繊直後の積繊物の外面（集積用凹部４０の底面との接触面側とは反対側の面）が、集積用凹部４０の内部に位置するようになり、該積繊物の外面にスカッフィングロール４５の突起４５２が接触することが困難となる（図２４（ｂ）参照）。これに対し、高坪量部対応部４１０の凹部深さＤが低坪量部対応部４２０のそれに比べて深い場合に、高坪量部対応部４１０に繊維材料を優先的に積繊させると、両対応部４１０，４２０の凹部深さＤの差分が両対応部４１０，４２０の積繊量の差に対応するため、両対応部４１０，４２０どうしでの繊維材料の偏在の程度を大きくしつつ、低坪量部対応部４２０における繊維材料の積繊直後の積繊物の外面を集積用凹部４０の外部（リングプレート３８よりも回転ドラム３の半径方向の外方側）に位置させることが可能となる。そうすると、繊維材料の積繊後に実施されるスカッフィングロール４５を用いた再積繊工程で、低坪量部対応部４２０における積繊物の外面を、スカッフィングロール４５の突起４５２で均すことが可能となり（図２４（ａ）参照）、これにより低坪量部対応部４２０の坪量の均一性の向上を図ることが可能となる。 The re-stacking mechanism of the fiber material using the scuffing roll 45 basically does not select the form of the recess 40 for integration, and can be applied to any of the two forms shown in FIG. 24, for example, but in particular, FIG. 24 (a). When at least a part of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is applied to a form in which the recess depth D is deeper than that of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 as in the form shown in FIG. 24 (b), the form shown in FIG. 24 (b). As compared with the case where the recess depth D of the integration recess 40 is applied to a uniform form, further improvement in the uniformity of the basis weight of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 can be expected.
That is, when the recess depth D is uniform, if the fiber material is preferentially stacked in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 in order to obtain an absorber having a large degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material, the fiber material corresponds to the low basis weight portion. The outer surface of the fiber stack immediately after the fiber stacking in the portion 420 (the surface opposite to the contact surface side with the bottom surface of the stacking recess 40) is located inside the stacking recess 40. It becomes difficult for the protrusion 452 of the scuffing roll 45 to come into contact with the outer surface of the fiber stack (see FIG. 24 (b)). On the other hand, when the recess depth D of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is deeper than that of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420, the fiber material is preferentially stacked in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410. Since the difference in the depth D of the recesses of the corresponding portions 410 and 420 corresponds to the difference in the fiber stacking amount of both the corresponding portions 410 and 420, the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material between the two corresponding portions 410 and 420 is increased. At the same time, the outer surface of the fiber stack immediately after the fiber material is stacked in the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 is located outside the accumulation recess 40 (outward side in the radial direction of the rotary drum 3 with respect to the ring plate 38). Is possible. Then, in the re-stacking step using the scuffing roll 45 performed after the fiber material is stacked, the outer surface of the stacked fiber in the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 can be leveled by the protrusions 452 of the scuffing roll 45. (See FIG. 24A), which makes it possible to improve the uniformity of the basis weight of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420.
　次に、本発明（第５ないし６発明）の吸収体の製造方法について、前述した製造装置１Ａを用いた吸収体１０（図１６参照）の製造方法を例にとり説明する。斯かる製造方法について特に説明しない点は、前述の製造装置１Ａについての説明が適宜適用される。
　製造装置１Ａを用いた吸収体の製造方法は、積繊工程及び再積繊工程を有する。
　前記積繊工程は、図１７及び図１８に示すように、回転ドラム３を固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓの周りに回転させつつ、回転ドラム３の外周部３Ｓに対して繊維材料を飛散状態にて供給し、ドラム周方向Ｘ１の所定の吸引領域Ｓにて集積用凹部４０に積繊させる工程である。前記再積繊工程は、図２４に示すように、前記積繊工程の後、高坪量部対応部４１０に積繊した繊維材料を回転ドラム３の外周部３Ｓに対向配置されたスカッフィングロール４５を用いて掻き取り、掻き取った繊維材料を低坪量部対応部４２０に再積繊する工程である。 Next, the method for producing the absorber of the present invention (the fifth to sixth inventions) will be described by taking as an example the method for producing the absorber 10 (see FIG. 16) using the above-mentioned manufacturing apparatus 1A. As for the points not particularly described about such a manufacturing method, the above-mentioned description of the manufacturing apparatus 1A is appropriately applied.
The method for manufacturing an absorber using the manufacturing apparatus 1A includes a fiber stacking step and a re-stacking step.
In the fiber stacking step, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the rotating drum 3 is rotated around the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2, and the fiber material is scattered with respect to the outer peripheral portion 3S of the rotating drum 3. This is a step of stacking fibers in the accumulation recess 40 in a predetermined suction region S in the peripheral direction X1 of the drum. In the re-stacking step, as shown in FIG. 24, after the stacking step, the scuffing roll 45 in which the fiber material stacked in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is arranged to face the outer peripheral portion 3S of the rotary drum 3 This is a step of scraping off the scraped fiber material and re-stacking the scraped fiber material on the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420.
　前記積繊工程は、高坪量部対応部４１０に優先的に繊維材料を積繊させる高坪量部優先積繊積繊工程（第１吸引工程）と、吸引領域Ｓにおける該高坪量部優先積繊工程の実施領域とは異なる領域で実施され、高坪量部対応部４１０及び低坪量部対応部４２０の双方に繊維材料を積繊させる全面積繊工程（第２吸引工程）とを有している。
　製造装置１Ａを用いた製造方法では、前記高坪量部優先積繊工程は、第１吸引領域（高坪量部優先積繊領域）Ｓ１で実施され、前記全面積繊工程は、第２吸引領域（全面的積繊領域）Ｓ２で実施される（図１８、図２０～図２２参照）。
　そして、前記高坪量部優先積繊工程では、前記全面積繊工程に比べて、高坪量部対応部４１０と低坪量部対応部４２０とのバキュームエアの流量（吸引風量）の差を大きくする。この点については、製造装置１Ａの説明で述べたとおりである。
　以上の工程を有する本発明の製造方法によれば、図１６（ａ）に示す吸収体１０Ａの如き、繊維材料の偏在の程度が大きく、且つ低坪量部の坪量が均一な吸収体が得られる。 The fiber stacking step includes a high basis weight portion priority stacking fiber stacking fiber step (first suction step) in which the fiber material is preferentially stacked on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410, and the high basis weight portion in the suction region S. A full-area fibering process (second suction step) in which the fiber material is stacked on both the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420, which is carried out in a region different from the implementation region of the priority stacking process. have.
In the manufacturing method using the manufacturing apparatus 1A, the high basis weight portion priority stacking process is carried out in the first suction region (high basis weight portion priority stacking region) S1, and the total area fiber step is the second suction. It is carried out in the area (total fiber area) S2 (see FIGS. 18, 20 to 22).
Then, in the high basis weight portion priority stacking process, the difference in the flow rate (suction air volume) of the vacuum air between the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 is set as compared with the total area fiber process. Enlarge. This point is as described in the description of the manufacturing apparatus 1A.
According to the manufacturing method of the present invention having the above steps, an absorber such as the absorber 10A shown in FIG. 16A, in which the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material is large and the basis weight of the low basis weight portion is uniform is obtained. can get.
　本発明の製造方法において、前記の２工程の実施順序は特に制限されず、全面積繊工程、高坪量部優先積繊工程の順で実施してもよいが、本発明の所定の効果を確実に奏させるようにする観点から、高坪量部優先積繊工程、全面積繊工程の順で実施することが好ましい。製造装置１Ａを用いた製造方法では、この好ましい順で実施される（図２０参照）。 In the production method of the present invention, the order of carrying out the above two steps is not particularly limited, and the whole area fiber step and the high basis weight portion priority stacking step may be carried out in this order, but the predetermined effect of the present invention can be achieved. From the viewpoint of ensuring reliable performance, it is preferable to carry out in the order of the high basis weight portion priority stacking process and the total area fiber process. In the manufacturing method using the manufacturing apparatus 1A, the manufacturing method is carried out in this preferred order (see FIG. 20).
　前記積繊工程において、低坪量部対応部４２０の吸引風量は、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１において均一でもよく、不均一でもよい。どちらも、偏在吸収体の低坪量部の坪量を均一にする目的で採用され得る。
　例えば、前述した仕切り板４３を使用した場合、繊維材料は集積用凹部４０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部に集中的に積繊され、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１の両端部には実質的に積繊されないため、そのままでは、低坪量部対応部４２０は、本発明の目的に反して、繊維材料の坪量が不均一になってしまう。そこで、仕切り板４３を使用する場合は、集積用凹部４０における仕切り板４３によって繊維材料の供給が阻害される部分である、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１の両端部）の吸引風量を、仕切り板４３によって繊維材料の供給が阻害されない部分である、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部に比べて大きくすることで、繊維材料の偏在の程度を一層大きくしつつ、低坪量部の坪量の均一性を確保することが可能となる。
　製造装置１Ａでは、前述したとおり図４、図２１及び図２２に示すように、回転ドラム３に、吸引風量を調整する吸引調整体として、回転ドラム３の半径方向に重なる２枚の吸引調整プレート３３，３５が配されており、この吸引調整体により、低坪量部対応部４２０の吸引風量について、「低坪量部対応部４２０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の端部＞低坪量部対応部４２０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部」の大小関係が成立しているので、製造装置１Ａを用いた製造方法では、前記積繊工程において、低坪量部対応部４２０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部の吸引風量は、低坪量部対応部４２０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の両端部の吸引風量に比べて小さくなる。 In the fiber stacking step, the suction air volume of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 may be uniform or non-uniform in the drum axial direction Y1. Both can be adopted for the purpose of equalizing the basis weight of the low basis weight portion of the unevenly distributed absorber.
For example, when the partition plate 43 described above is used, the fiber material is concentratedly stacked in the central portion of the drum axial direction Y1 of the accumulation recess 40, and is not substantially stacked at both ends of the drum axial direction Y1. Therefore, as it is, the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 has a non-uniform basis weight of the fiber material, contrary to the object of the present invention. Therefore, when the partition plate 43 is used, the suction air volume at both ends of the drum axial direction Y1, which is a portion where the supply of the fiber material is hindered by the partition plate 43 in the accumulation recess 40, is determined by the partition plate 43. By making it larger than the central part in the drum axial direction Y1, which is the part where the supply of the material is not hindered, the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material is further increased, and the uniformity of the basis weight of the low basis weight part is ensured. Is possible.
In the manufacturing apparatus 1A, as described above, as shown in FIGS. 4, 21 and 22, two suction adjusting plates overlapping in the radial direction of the rotating drum 3 as a suction adjusting body for adjusting the suction air volume on the rotating drum 3. 33, 35 are arranged, and by this suction adjusting body, about the suction air volume of the low basis weight part corresponding part 420, "the end of the drum axial direction Y1 of the low basis weight part corresponding part 420> the low basis weight part corresponding part> Since the magnitude relationship of "the central portion of the drum axial direction Y1 of 420" is established, in the manufacturing method using the manufacturing apparatus 1A, in the fiber stacking process, the center of the drum axial direction Y1 of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 is established. The suction air volume of the portion is smaller than the suction air volume of both ends of the drum axial direction Y1 of the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion 420.
　また前記積繊工程において、高坪量部対応部４１０の吸引風量は、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１において均一でもよく、不均一でもよい。高坪量部における繊維材料の坪量が不均一な吸収体を製造する場合、典型的には、高坪量部対応部４１０の吸引風量は、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１において不均一に設定される。
　例えば、図１６に示す吸収体１０の高坪量部１１は、一方向（縦方向Ｘ）と直交する方向（横方向Ｙ）の両端部である標準坪量部１１Ｂが、該標準坪量部１１Ｂに挟まれた中央部の中高部１１Ａに比べて、繊維材料の坪量が少ないところ、吸収体１０を製造する場合、前記積繊工程では、繊維材料の坪量が不均一な高坪量部１１に対応して、高坪量部対応部４１０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の両端部（標準坪量部１１Ｂに対応する部分）の吸引風量を、高坪量部対応部４１０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部の吸引風量に比べて小さくする。
　製造装置１Ａでは、前述したとおり図４、図２１及び図２２に示すように、回転ドラム３に、吸引風量を調整する吸引調整体として、回転ドラム３の半径方向に重なる２枚の吸引調整プレート３３，３５が配されており、この吸引調整体により、高坪量部対応部４１０の吸引風量について、「高坪量部対応部４１０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部（中高部１１Ａを形成する部分）＞高坪量部対応部４１０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の両端部」の大小関係が成立しているので、製造装置１Ａを用いた製造方法では、前記積繊工程において、高坪量部対応部４１０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の両端部の吸引風量は、高坪量部対応部４１０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部の吸引風量に比べて小さくなる。 Further, in the fiber stacking step, the suction air volume of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 may be uniform or non-uniform in the drum axial direction Y1. When an absorber having a non-uniform basis weight of the fiber material in the high basis weight portion is manufactured, typically, the suction air volume of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is set non-uniformly in the drum axial direction Y1.
For example, in the high basis weight portion 11 of the absorber 10 shown in FIG. 16, the standard basis weight portion 11B, which is both ends in the direction orthogonal to one direction (vertical direction X) (horizontal direction Y), is the standard basis weight portion. Where the basis weight of the fiber material is smaller than that of the central high portion 11A sandwiched between the 11Bs, when the absorber 10 is manufactured, the basis weight of the fiber material is uneven in the fiber stacking step. Corresponding to the portion 11, the suction air volume at both ends (the portion corresponding to the standard basis weight portion 11B) of the drum axial direction Y1 of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is set to the drum axial direction Y1 of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410. Make it smaller than the suction air volume in the central part of.
In the manufacturing apparatus 1A, as described above, as shown in FIGS. 4, 21 and 22, two suction adjusting plates overlapping in the radial direction of the rotating drum 3 as a suction adjusting body for adjusting the suction air volume on the rotating drum 3. 33 and 35 are arranged, and the suction adjusting body forms the central portion (middle-high portion 11A) of the drum axial direction Y1 of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 with respect to the suction air volume of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410. Part)> Since the magnitude relationship of "both ends of the drum axial direction Y1 of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410" is established, the manufacturing method using the manufacturing apparatus 1A corresponds to the high basis weight portion in the fiber stacking process. The suction air volume at both ends of the drum axial direction Y1 of the portion 410 is smaller than the suction air volume at the central portion of the drum axial direction Y1 of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410.
　前記積繊工程においては、繊維材料の偏在の程度が大きい吸収体を安定的に製造する観点から、典型的には、高坪量部対応部４１０の少なくとも一部の吸引風量は、低坪量部対応部４２０の吸引風量に比べて大きく設定される。
　例えば、高坪量部対応部４１０において吸引風量が最大の部分（例えば、高坪量部対応部４１０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部）の吸引風量を１００％とした場合、集積用凹部４０の各部の吸引風量は以下のように設定することができる。
　高坪量部対応部４１０において吸引風量が最大の部分以外の部分（例えば、高坪量部対応部４１０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の端部）の吸引風量は、好ましくは５～５０％、より好ましくは１０～４０％。
　低坪量部対応部４２０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の端部の吸引風量は、好ましくは１０～５０％、より好ましくは１５～４０％。
　低坪量部対応部４２０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部の吸引風量は、好ましくは５～５０％、より好ましくは１０～３０％。 In the fiber stacking step, from the viewpoint of stably producing an absorber having a large uneven distribution of fiber materials, typically, at least a part of the suction air volume of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is a low basis weight. It is set to be larger than the suction air volume of the portion corresponding portion 420.
For example, when the suction air volume of the portion of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 where the suction air volume is maximum (for example, the central portion of the drum axial direction Y1 of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410) is 100%, the integration recess 40 The suction air volume of each part can be set as follows.
The suction air volume of the portion of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 other than the portion where the suction air volume is maximum (for example, the end portion of the drum axial direction Y1 of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410) is preferably 5 to 50%, more preferably. Is 10-40%.
The suction air volume at the end of the drum axial direction Y1 of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 is preferably 10 to 50%, more preferably 15 to 40%.
The suction air volume at the center of the drum axial direction Y1 of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 is preferably 5 to 50%, more preferably 10 to 30%.
　前記積繊工程においては、繊維材料の偏在の程度が大きい吸収体を安定的に製造する観点から、前記高坪量部優先積繊工程において、高坪量部対応部４１０の少なくとも一部の吸引風量は、低坪量部対応部４２０の吸引風量に比べて大きくすることが好ましい。また、前記全面積繊工程において、高坪量部対応部４１０の少なくとも一部の吸引風量を、低坪量部対応部４２０の吸引風量と同等以上にすることが好ましい。すなわち、高坪量部対応部４１０の吸引風量を４１Ｖ、低坪量部対応部４２０の吸引風量を４２Ｖとした場合、前記高坪量部優先積繊工程が実施される第１吸引領域Ｓ１では「（４１Ｖ／４２Ｖ）＞１」の大小関係が成立し、全面積繊工程が実施される第２吸引領域Ｓ２では「（４１Ｖ／４２Ｖ）≧１」の大小関係が成立することが好ましい。 In the fiber stacking step, from the viewpoint of stably producing an absorber having a large degree of uneven distribution of fiber materials, suction of at least a part of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 in the high basis weight portion priority stacking process. The air volume is preferably larger than the suction air volume of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420. Further, in the whole area fiber process, it is preferable that the suction air volume of at least a part of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is equal to or higher than the suction air volume of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420. That is, when the suction air volume of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 is 41 V and the suction air volume of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion 420 is 42 V, in the first suction region S1 where the high basis weight portion priority stacking step is carried out. It is preferable that the magnitude relationship of "(41V / 42V)> 1" is established, and the magnitude relationship of "(41V / 42V) ≥ 1" is established in the second suction region S2 where the entire area fiber process is carried out.
　前記高坪量部優先積繊工程において、集積用凹部４０の少なくとも一部に対する繊維材料の供給を抑制してもよい。製造装置１Ａを用いた製造方法では、前述した仕切り板４３（図１７、図１８、図２１及び図２２）の機能により、集積用凹部４０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の両端部に対する繊維材料の供給が抑制される結果、高坪量部優先積繊工程（第１吸引領域Ｓ１）において、高坪量部対応部４１０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部に、リングプレート３８を超える高さを有するような過剰量の繊維材料が積繊され得る。製造装置１Ａを用いた製造方法では、こうして高坪量部優先積繊工程において仕切り板４３により高坪量部対応部４１０のドラム軸方向Ｙ１の中央部に過剰量の繊維材料を積繊した後、積繊工程（全面積繊工程）の終了直前又は直後に、前述したスカッフィングロール４５により、高坪量部対応部４１０に積繊した過剰量の繊維材料が掻き取られ、低坪量部対応部４２０に再積繊される。 In the high basis weight portion priority fiber stacking step, the supply of the fiber material to at least a part of the accumulation recess 40 may be suppressed. In the manufacturing method using the manufacturing apparatus 1A, the fiber material is supplied to both ends of the drum axial direction Y1 of the integration recess 40 by the function of the partition plate 43 (FIGS. 17, 18, 21, and 22) described above. As a result of being suppressed, in the high basis weight portion priority stacking process (first suction region S1), the central portion of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 in the drum axial direction Y1 has a height exceeding the ring plate 38. Excessive amounts of fiber material can be stacked. In the manufacturing method using the manufacturing apparatus 1A, an excessive amount of fiber material is stacked in the central portion of the drum axial direction Y1 of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410 by the partition plate 43 in the high basis weight portion priority fiber stacking step. Immediately before or immediately after the end of the fiber stacking process (total area fiber process), the scuffing roll 45 described above scrapes off the excess amount of fiber material accumulated in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion 410, and corresponds to the low basis weight portion. It is re-stacked in part 420.
　前記高坪量部優先積繊工程と前記全面積繊工程とで、集積用凹部４０に対する繊維材料の供給量を異ならせてもよい。例えば、集積用凹部４０に対する繊維材料の供給量について、「高坪量部優先積繊工程＞全面積繊工程」の大小関係が成立するように設定することができ、これにより、前述した本発明の特徴的な構成による作用効果と相俟って、吸収体における繊維材料の偏在の程度を一層大きくすることが可能となる。
　高坪量部優先積繊工程と全面積繊工程とで集積用凹部４０に対する繊維材料の供給量を異ならせる方法としては、例えば、ダクト５１の内部（繊維材料を含む原材料の供給路５０）に仕切り部材を配置するなどして、該内部を、高坪量部優先積繊工程が実施される第１吸引領域Ｓ１に対応する部分と、全面積繊工程が実施される第２吸引領域Ｓ２に対応する部分とに分け、両部分で繊維材料の供給量を互いに異ならせる方法が挙げられる。 The supply amount of the fiber material to the accumulation recess 40 may be different between the high basis weight portion priority fiber stacking step and the total area fiber step. For example, the supply amount of the fiber material to the recess 40 for accumulation can be set so that the magnitude relationship of "high basis weight portion priority stacking process> total area fiber process" is established, whereby the above-mentioned invention can be set. Combined with the action and effect of the characteristic composition of, it is possible to further increase the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the absorber.
As a method of making the supply amount of the fiber material different from the accumulation recess 40 between the high basis weight portion priority fiber stacking process and the total area fiber process, for example, in the inside of the duct 51 (the supply path 50 of the raw material including the fiber material). By arranging a partition member or the like, the inside thereof is divided into a portion corresponding to the first suction region S1 where the high basis weight portion priority stacking process is carried out and a second suction region S2 where the entire area fiber process is carried out. There is a method of dividing into the corresponding parts and making the supply amount of the fiber material different from each other in both parts.
　前記高坪量部優先積繊工程において、集積用凹部４０に吸水性ポリマーを供給してもよい。製造装置１Ａは、前述したとおり図１７及び図１８に示すように、ダクト５１に吸水性ポリマー粒子を供給路５０内に導入する吸水性ポリマー導入部５４が配されており、これを用いて集積用凹部４０に吸水性ポリマーを供給することで、吸水性ポリマーを含有する吸収体が得られる。 In the high basis weight portion priority stacking step, the water-absorbent polymer may be supplied to the accumulation recess 40. As described above, in the manufacturing apparatus 1A, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a water-absorbent polymer introduction unit 54 for introducing the water-absorbent polymer particles into the supply path 50 is arranged in the duct 51, and the superabsorbent polymer introduction unit 54 is integrated by using the water-absorbent polymer introduction unit 54. By supplying the water-absorbent polymer to the recess 40, an absorber containing the water-absorbent polymer can be obtained.
　以上、本発明（第５ないし６発明）をその好ましい実施形態に基づき説明したが、本発明は前記実施形態に何ら制限されるものではなく、本発明の趣旨を逸脱しない範囲で適宜変更可能である。
　前述した本発明（第５ないし６発明）の実施形態に関し、更に以下の付記を開示する。 Although the present invention (5th to 6th inventions) has been described above based on the preferred embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. be.
Further, the following appendices are disclosed with respect to the above-described embodiments of the present invention (5th to 6th inventions).
＜１Ｂ＞
　積繊装置を用い、繊維材料の坪量が相対的に多い高坪量部と相対的に少ない低坪量部とを一方向に有する吸収体を製造する、吸収体の製造方法であって、
　前記積繊装置は、固定ドラムと、該固定ドラムの外周部周りを回転可能に設けられ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部を外周部に有する回転ドラムとを備え、該固定ドラム側からの吸引によって生じた空気流に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、該集積用凹部の底面上に積繊させるようになされており、
　前記集積用凹部は、前記高坪量部を形成する高坪量部対応部と、前記低坪量部を形成する低坪量部対応部とを、ドラム周方向に有し、
　前記回転ドラムを前記固定ドラムの外周部周りに回転させつつ、該回転ドラムの外周部に対して繊維材料を飛散状態にて供給し、ドラム周方向の所定の吸引領域にて前記集積用凹部に積繊させる積繊工程と、
　前記積繊工程の後、前記高坪量部対応部に積繊した繊維材料を前記回転ドラムの外周部に対向配置されたスカッフィングロールを用いて掻き取り、掻き取った繊維材料を前記低坪量部対応部に再積繊する再積繊工程とを有し、
　前記積繊工程は、前記高坪量部対応部に優先的に繊維材料を積繊させる高坪量部優先積繊工程と、前記吸引領域における該高坪量部優先積繊工程の実施領域とは異なる領域で実施され、該高坪量部対応部及び前記低坪量部対応部の双方に繊維材料を積繊させる全面積繊工程とを有し、
　前記高坪量部優先積繊工程では、前記全面積繊工程に比べて、前記高坪量部対応部と前記低坪量部対応部との前記空気流の流量の差を大きくする、吸収体の製造方法。
＜２Ｂ＞
　前記積繊工程において、前記低坪量部対応部の前記空気流の流量をドラム軸方向において不均一にする、前記＜１Ｂ＞に記載の吸収体の製造方法。
＜３Ｂ＞
　前記積繊工程において、前記低坪量部対応部のドラム軸方向の中央部の前記空気流の流量を、該低坪量部対応部のドラム軸方向の両端部に比べて小さくする、前記＜２Ｂ＞に記載の吸収体の製造方法。
＜４Ｂ＞
　前記高坪量部優先積繊工程において、前記高坪量部対応部の少なくとも一部の前記空気流の流量を、前記低坪量部対応部の前記空気流の流量に比べて大きくし、
　前記全面積繊工程において、前記高坪量部対応部の少なくとも一部の前記空気流の流量を、前記低坪量部対応部の前記空気流の流量と同等以上にする、前記＜１Ｂ＞～＜３Ｂ＞の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造方法。
＜５Ｂ＞
　前記高坪量部優先積繊工程、前記全面積繊工程の順で実施する、前記＜１Ｂ＞～＜４Ｂ＞の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造方法。
＜６Ｂ＞
　前記高坪量部優先積繊工程において、前記集積用凹部の少なくとも一部に対する繊維材料の供給を抑制する、前記＜１Ｂ＞～＜５Ｂ＞の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造方法。
＜７Ｂ＞
　前記高坪量部優先積繊工程と前記全面積繊工程とで、前記集積用凹部に対する繊維材料の供給量を異ならせる、前記＜１Ｂ＞～＜６Ｂ＞の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造方法。
＜８Ｂ＞
　前記吸収体の前記高坪量部は、前記一方向と直交する方向の両端部が、該両端部に挟まれた中央部に比べて、繊維材料の坪量が少なく、
　前記積繊工程において、前記高坪量部に対応して、前記高坪量部対応部のドラム軸方向の両端部の前記空気流の流量を、該高坪量部対応部のドラム軸方向の中央部の該空気流の流量に比べて小さくする、前記＜１Ｂ＞～＜７Ｂ＞の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造方法。
＜９Ｂ＞
　前記高坪量部優先積繊工程において、前記集積用凹部に吸水性ポリマーを供給する、前記＜１Ｂ＞～＜８Ｂ＞の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造方法。 <1B>
A method for manufacturing an absorber, which uses a fiber stacking device to manufacture an absorber having a high basis weight portion having a relatively large basis weight portion and a low basis weight portion having a relatively small basis weight portion of a fiber material in one direction.
The fiber stacking device includes a fixed drum and a rotary drum rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum and having an accumulation recess for stacking fibers on the outer peripheral portion, from the fixed drum side. The fiber material carried by the air flow generated by the suction of the drum is made to be stacked on the bottom surface of the accumulation recess.
The integration recess has a high basis weight portion corresponding portion forming the high basis weight portion and a low basis weight portion corresponding portion forming the low basis weight portion in the circumferential direction of the drum.
While rotating the rotating drum around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, the fiber material is supplied to the outer peripheral portion of the rotating drum in a scattered state, and the fiber material is supplied to the accumulation recess in a predetermined suction region in the circumferential direction of the drum. The fiber stacking process and the fiber stacking process
After the fiber stacking step, the fiber material stacked on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion is scraped off by using a scuffing roll arranged opposite to the outer peripheral portion of the rotary drum, and the scraped fiber material is scraped off by the low basis weight portion. It has a re-stacking process for re-stacking in the corresponding section.
The fiber stacking step includes a high basis weight portion priority stacking process in which the fiber material is preferentially stacked in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion, and an implementation area of the high basis weight portion priority stacking process in the suction region. Is carried out in different regions, and has a full-area fibering process in which the fiber material is stacked on both the high basis weight portion corresponding portion and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion.
In the high basis weight portion priority stacking step, the absorber that increases the difference in the flow rate of the air flow between the high basis weight portion corresponding portion and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion as compared with the total area fiber step. Manufacturing method.
<2B>
The method for producing an absorber according to <1B>, wherein in the fiber stacking step, the flow rate of the air flow in the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion is made non-uniform in the drum axis direction.
<3B>
In the fiber stacking step, the flow rate of the air flow at the center of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion in the drum axial direction is made smaller than that at both ends of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion in the drum axial direction. 2B> The method for producing an absorber.
<4B>
In the high basis weight portion priority stacking step, the flow rate of the air flow of at least a part of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion is made larger than the flow rate of the air flow of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion.
In the whole area fiber process, the flow rate of the air flow of at least a part of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion is equal to or higher than the flow rate of the air flow of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion. The method for producing an absorber according to any one of <3B>.
<5B>
The method for producing an absorber according to any one of <1B> to <4B>, which is carried out in the order of the high basis weight portion priority stacking step and the total area fiber step.
<6B>
The method for producing an absorber according to any one of <1B> to <5B>, which suppresses the supply of a fiber material to at least a part of the accumulation recess in the high basis weight portion priority fiber stacking step.
<7B>
The absorber according to any one of <1B> to <6B>, wherein the supply amount of the fiber material to the accumulation recess is different between the high basis weight portion priority fiber stacking step and the total area fiber step. Manufacturing method.
<8B>
In the high basis weight portion of the absorber, both ends in a direction orthogonal to the one direction have a smaller basis weight of the fiber material than the central portion sandwiched between the both ends.
In the fiber stacking process, the flow rate of the air flow at both ends in the drum axial direction of the high basis weight portion corresponding to the high basis weight portion is measured in the drum axial direction of the high basis weight portion. The method for producing an absorber according to any one of <1B> to <7B>, which is smaller than the flow rate of the air flow in the central portion.
<9B>
The method for producing an absorber according to any one of <1B> to <8B>, wherein the superabsorbent polymer is supplied to the accumulation recess in the high basis weight portion priority stacking step.
＜１０Ｂ＞
　繊維材料の坪量が相対的に多い高坪量部と相対的に少ない低坪量部とを一方向に有する吸収体の製造に使用可能な吸収体の製造装置であって、
　固定ドラムと、該固定ドラムの外周部周りを回転可能に設けられ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部を外周部に有する回転ドラムとを備え、該回転ドラムを回転させつつ、該固定ドラム側からの吸引によって生じた空気流に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、ドラム周方向の所定の吸引領域にて該集積用凹部の底面上に積繊させるようになされており、
　前記集積用凹部は、前記高坪量部を形成する高坪量部対応部と、前記低坪量部を形成する低坪量部対応部とを、ドラム周方向に有し、
　前記吸引領域は、前記高坪量部対応部に優先的に繊維材料を積繊させる第１吸引領域と、該高坪量部対応部及び前記低坪量部対応部の双方に繊維材料を積繊させる第２吸引領域とをドラム周方向に有し、
　前記第１吸引領域は、前記第２吸引領域に比べて、前記高坪量部対応部と前記低坪量部対応部との前記空気流の流量の差が大きくなされており、
　更に、前記回転ドラムの外周部に対向配置されたスカッフィングロールを備え、前記高坪量部対応部に積繊した繊維材料を掻き取り、掻き取った繊維材料を前記低坪量部対応部に再積繊するようになされている、吸収体の製造装置。
＜１１Ｂ＞
　前記第１吸引領域において、前記高坪量部対応部の少なくとも一部の前記空気流の流量は、前記低坪量部対応部の前記空気流の流量に比べて大きく、
　前記第２吸引領域において、前記高坪量部対応部の少なくとも一部の前記空気流の流量は、前記低坪量部の前記空気流の流量と同等以上である、前記＜１０Ｂ＞に記載の吸収体の製造装置。
＜１２Ｂ＞
　前記固定ドラムの外周部に、前記第１吸引領域に対応する第１吸引領域対応部と、前記第２吸引領域に対応する第２吸引領域対応部とが配されており、
　前記第１吸引領域対応部は、開口部が部分的に設けられた非通気性部材からなり、前記空気流は、該開口部を通じてのみ該第１吸引領域対応部を厚み方向に通過可能になされており、
　前記第２吸引領域対応部は、非通気性部材を含まず、前記空気流は、該第２吸引領域対応部の全域を厚み方向に通過可能になされており、
　前記回転ドラムの前記固定ドラムの外周部との対向部分に、前記低坪量部対応部に対応して非通気性の開口部閉鎖部材が配され、該対向部分における前記高坪量部対応部に対応する部分には該開口部閉鎖部材は配されておらず、
　前記第１吸引領域では、前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に前記開口部閉鎖部材を重ねることで、前記低坪量部対応部の吸引を阻害するようになされている、前記＜１０Ｂ＞又は＜１１Ｂ＞に記載の吸収体の製造装置。
＜１３Ｂ＞
　前記第１吸引領域において、前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に前記開口部閉鎖部材を重ねた状態で、該開口部の周縁部と該開口部閉鎖部材との間に隙間が存在する、前記＜１２Ｂ＞に記載の吸収体の製造装置。
＜１４Ｂ＞
　前記空気流の流量について、前記高坪量部対応部＞前記低坪量部対応部のドラム軸方向の端部＞前記低坪量部対応部のドラム軸方向の中央部、という大小関係が成立している、前記＜１０Ｂ＞～＜１３Ｂ＞の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造装置。
＜１５Ｂ＞
　前記高坪量部対応部の少なくとも一部は、前記低坪量部対応部に比べて凹部深さが深い、前記＜１０Ｂ＞～＜１４Ｂ＞の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造装置。
＜１６Ｂ＞
　前記第１吸引領域のドラム周方向の長さは、前記吸引領域のドラム周方向の長さの２／３以下である、前記＜１０Ｂ＞～＜１５Ｂ＞の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造装置。 <10B>
An absorber manufacturing device that can be used to manufacture an absorber having a high basis weight portion having a relatively large basis weight and a low basis weight portion having a relatively small basis weight portion of the fiber material in one direction.
The fixed drum is provided with a fixed drum and a rotating drum that is rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum and has a concave portion for accumulating fibers on the outer peripheral portion, and the fixed drum is rotated while rotating the rotating drum. The fiber material carried on the air flow generated by suction from the side is made to be stacked on the bottom surface of the accumulation recess in a predetermined suction region in the circumferential direction of the drum.
The integration recess has a high basis weight portion corresponding portion forming the high basis weight portion and a low basis weight portion corresponding portion forming the low basis weight portion in the circumferential direction of the drum.
In the suction region, the fiber material is loaded on both the first suction region in which the fiber material is preferentially stacked on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion and the high basis weight portion corresponding portion and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion. It has a second suction area to be fiberized in the circumferential direction of the drum.
In the first suction region, the difference in the flow rate of the air flow between the high basis weight portion corresponding portion and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion is larger than that in the second suction region.
Further, a scuffing roll arranged to face the outer peripheral portion of the rotary drum is provided, and the fiber material piled up in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion is scraped off, and the scraped fiber material is re-used in the low basis weight portion corresponding portion. Absorber manufacturing equipment designed to be stacked.
<11B>
In the first suction region, the flow rate of the air flow of at least a part of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion is larger than the flow rate of the air flow of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion.
The above <10B>, wherein in the second suction region, the flow rate of the air flow of at least a part of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion is equal to or higher than the flow rate of the air flow of the low basis weight portion. Absorber manufacturing equipment.
<12B>
A first suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the first suction region and a second suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the second suction region are arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum.
The first suction region corresponding portion is made of a non-breathable member having a partially provided opening, and the air flow can pass through the first suction region corresponding portion only through the opening in the thickness direction. And
The second suction region corresponding portion does not include a non-breathable member, and the air flow can pass through the entire area of the second suction region corresponding portion in the thickness direction.
A non-breathable opening closing member is arranged on the portion of the rotating drum facing the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, corresponding to the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion, and the portion corresponding to the high basis weight portion in the facing portion. The opening closing member is not arranged in the portion corresponding to
In the first suction region, by superimposing the opening closing member on the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion, the suction of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion is hindered. > Or the absorber manufacturing apparatus according to <11B>.
<13B>
In the first suction region, there is a gap between the peripheral edge of the opening and the opening closing member in a state where the opening closing member is overlapped with the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion. , The absorber manufacturing apparatus according to <12B>.
<14B>
Regarding the flow rate of the air flow, a magnitude relationship is established such that the high basis weight portion corresponding portion> the end portion of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion in the drum axial direction> the central portion of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion in the drum axial direction. The apparatus for producing an absorber according to any one of <10B> to <13B>.
<15B>
The absorber manufacturing apparatus according to any one of <10B> to <14B>, wherein at least a part of the portion corresponding to the high basis weight portion has a deeper recess than the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion. ..
<16B>
The absorber according to any one of <10B> to <15B>, wherein the length of the first suction region in the drum circumferential direction is 2/3 or less of the length of the suction region in the drum circumferential direction. Manufacturing equipment.
＜１７Ｂ＞
　前記集積用凹部の少なくとも一部に対する繊維材料の供給を抑制する部材を備える、前記＜１０Ｂ＞～＜１６Ｂ＞の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造装置。
＜１８Ｂ＞
　前記繊維材料の供給を抑制する部材は、繊維材料の供給を物理的に遮断する仕切り板である、前記＜１７Ｂ＞に記載の吸収体の製造装置。
＜１９Ｂ＞
　前記吸引領域を覆うように配され、繊維材料を含む原材料の供給路を内部に有するダクトを備え、
　前記仕切り板は、前記ダクトの内部に、前記集積用凹部を挟んでドラム軸方向の両側に一対配されている、前記＜１８Ｂ＞に記載の吸収体の製造装置。
＜２０Ｂ＞
　一対の前記仕切り板それぞれの他方の仕切り板との対向面は、前記回転ドラムの半径方向に対して傾斜し且つ該半径方向の外方から内方に向かって延在しており、
　一対の前記仕切り板の一方の前記対向面と他方の前記対向面との間隔は、前記回転ドラムの半径方向の外方から内方に向かうに従って漸次短くなっている、前記＜１９Ｂ＞に記載の吸収体の製造装置。
＜２１Ｂ＞
　前記仕切り板は、前記供給路と前記吸引領域とが交わる部分（前記ダクトの前記吸引領域側の開口部）に、該仕切り板の少なくとも一部が重なるように配されている、前記＜１９Ｂ＞又は＜２０Ｂ＞に記載の吸収体の製造装置。 <17B>
The absorber manufacturing apparatus according to any one of <10B> to <16B>, comprising a member for suppressing the supply of the fiber material to at least a part of the accumulation recess.
<18B>
The absorber manufacturing apparatus according to <17B>, wherein the member that suppresses the supply of the fiber material is a partition plate that physically blocks the supply of the fiber material.
<19B>
A duct is provided so as to cover the suction area and has a supply path for raw materials including a fiber material inside.
The absorber manufacturing apparatus according to <18B>, wherein the partition plates are arranged in pairs on both sides in the drum axial direction with the integration recess sandwiched inside the duct.
<20B>
The facing surface of each of the pair of the partition plates with the other partition plate is inclined with respect to the radial direction of the rotary drum and extends from the outside to the inside in the radial direction.
The distance between the facing surface of one of the pair of partition plates and the facing surface of the other is gradually shortened from the outer side to the inner side in the radial direction of the rotating drum, according to the above <19B>. Absorber manufacturing equipment.
<21B>
The partition plate is arranged so that at least a part of the partition plate overlaps the portion where the supply path and the suction region intersect (the opening on the suction region side of the duct). Or the absorber manufacturing apparatus according to <20B>.
＜２２Ｂ＞
　前記吸引領域を覆うように配され、繊維材料を含む原材料の供給路を内部に有するダクトを備え、
　前記スカッフィングロールは、前記吸引領域（前記第２吸引領域）の前記回転ドラムの回転方向の下流側において前記ダクトの内部に配されている、前記＜１０Ｂ＞～＜２１Ｂ＞の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造装置。
＜２３Ｂ＞
　前記スカッフィングロールの回転を調整可能になされている、前記＜１０Ｂ＞～＜２２Ｂ＞の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造装置。
＜２４Ｂ＞
　前記吸引領域を覆うように配され、繊維材料を含む原材料の供給路を内部に有するダクトと、前記スカッフィングロールで掻き取られた飛散状態の繊維材料を前記集積用凹部の所望の位置に誘導するガイド部材とを備え、
　前記ガイド部材は、前記ダクトの内面における前記集積用凹部との対向面から該集積用凹部側に向かって延在している、前記＜１０Ｂ＞～＜２３Ｂ＞の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造装置。
＜２５Ｂ＞
　前記ガイド部材は、前記ダクトの内部における前記スカッフィングロールよりも前記回転ドラムの回転方向の上流側に設けられている、前記＜２４Ｂ＞に記載の吸収体の製造装置。
＜２６Ｂ＞
　前記第１吸引繊領域及び前記第２吸引領域は、個別に前記空気流の流量を調整可能になされている、前記＜１０Ｂ＞～＜２５Ｂ＞の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造装置。 <22B>
A duct is provided so as to cover the suction area and has a supply path for raw materials including a fiber material inside.
The scuffing roll is arranged in any one of <10B> to <21B>, which is arranged inside the duct on the downstream side of the suction region (the second suction region) in the rotation direction of the rotary drum. The absorber manufacturing apparatus described.
<23B>
The apparatus for manufacturing an absorber according to any one of <10B> to <22B>, wherein the rotation of the scuffing roll can be adjusted.
<24B>
A duct arranged so as to cover the suction region and having a supply path for the raw material including the fiber material inside, and the scattered fiber material scraped off by the scuffing roll are guided to a desired position in the accumulation recess. Equipped with a guide member,
The absorption according to any one of <10B> to <23B>, wherein the guide member extends from the surface of the inner surface of the duct facing the accumulation recess toward the integration recess side. Body manufacturing equipment.
<25B>
The absorber manufacturing apparatus according to <24B>, wherein the guide member is provided inside the duct on the upstream side of the rotating drum in the rotational direction with respect to the scuffing roll.
<26B>
Item 3. The apparatus for manufacturing an absorber according to any one of <10B> to <25B>, wherein the first suction fiber region and the second suction region are individually adjustable in the flow rate of the air flow. ..
　前述した一の実施形態のみが有する構成は全て、本発明の趣旨を逸脱しない範囲で適宜相互に利用できる。第１ないし４発明又は第５ないし６発明の範囲における実施形態どうしの相互利用は勿論のこと、第１ないし４発明と第５ないし６発明との相互利用も可能である。 All of the configurations of only one embodiment described above can be appropriately used with each other without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is possible not only to mutually use the embodiments within the scope of the first to fourth inventions or the fifth to sixth inventions, but also to mutually use the first to fourth inventions and the fifth to sixth inventions.
　本発明（第１ないし４発明）によれば、製造時の流れ方向に対応する方向において繊維材料の偏在の程度が大きい吸収体が提供される。
　また本発明（第５ないし６発明）によれば、繊維材料の偏在の程度が大きく、且つ低坪量部の坪量が均一な吸収体が提供される。 According to the present invention (the first to fourth inventions), an absorber having a large degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material in the direction corresponding to the flow direction at the time of production is provided.
Further, according to the present invention (5th to 6th inventions), there is provided an absorber in which the degree of uneven distribution of the fiber material is large and the basis weight of the low basis weight portion is uniform.

Claims (43)

  1. 　固定ドラムと、該固定ドラムの外周部周りを回転可能に設けられ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部を外周部に有する回転ドラムとを備え、該回転ドラムを回転させて該集積用凹部をドラム周方向に沿う搬送方向に搬送させつつ、該固定ドラム側からの吸引によって生じた空気流に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、ドラム周方向の所定の吸引領域にて該集積用凹部の底面上に積繊させ、坪量が互いに異なる複数の部分を該搬送方向に有する積繊体を製造する、積繊装置であって、
    　前記集積用凹部は、前記積繊体の前記坪量が互いに異なる複数の部分に対応する複数の積繊領域をドラム周方向に有し、該複数の積繊領域は、第１の積繊領域と、該第１の積繊領域に比べて高坪量の部分を形成する第２の積繊領域とを含み、
    　前記吸引領域は、前記固定ドラム側からの吸引が部分的に可能になされている第１吸引領域と、該吸引が全面的に可能になされている第２吸引領域とをドラム周方向に有し、
    　前記固定ドラムの外周部に、前記第１吸引領域に対応する第１吸引領域対応部と、前記第２吸引領域に対応する第２吸引領域対応部とが配されており、
    　前記第１吸引領域対応部は、開口部が部分的に設けられた非通気性部材からなり、前記空気流は、該開口部を通じてのみ該第１吸引領域対応部を厚み方向に通過可能になされており、
    　前記第２吸引領域対応部は、非通気性部材を含まず、前記空気流は、該第２吸引領域対応部の全域を厚み方向に通過可能になされており、
    　前記回転ドラムの前記固定ドラムの外周部との対向部分に、前記第１の積繊領域に対応する非通気性の第１開口部閉鎖部材と、前記第２の積繊領域に対応する非通気性の第２開口部閉鎖部材とが配されており、
    　前記集積用凹部の前記第１吸引領域での搬送中に、前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に、前記第１開口部閉鎖部材及び前記第２開口部閉鎖部材が重なることで、前記第１の積繊領域及び前記第２の積繊領域の前記空気流の流量を低減するようになされており、
    　前記第１吸引領域において前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に前記第１開口部閉鎖部材が重なった状態では、該第１吸引領域対応部と該第１開口部閉鎖部材とが所定の離間距離Ｇ１を置いて離間しており、
    　前記第１吸引領域において前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に前記第２開口部閉鎖部材が重なった状態では、該第１吸引領域対応部と該第２開口部閉鎖部材とが所定の離間距離Ｇ２を置いて離間し、且つ
    　前記離間距離Ｇ１＜前記離間距離Ｇ２の大小関係が成立する、積繊装置。     It is provided with a fixed drum and a rotating drum that is rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum and has an accumulation recess on the outer periphery on which the fiber material is stacked. The fiber material conveyed by the air flow generated by the suction from the fixed drum side is carried in the predetermined suction region in the drum circumferential direction while being conveyed in the transport direction along the drum circumferential direction. A fiber stacking device for producing a fiber stack having a plurality of portions having different basis weights in the transport direction by stacking fibers on the bottom surface.
    The accumulation recess has a plurality of fiber stacking regions corresponding to a plurality of portions of the fiber stack having different basis weights in the circumferential direction of the drum, and the plurality of fiber stacking regions are the first fiber stacking regions. And a second stacking region that forms a portion with a higher basis weight than the first stacking region.
    The suction region has a first suction region in which suction from the fixed drum side is partially enabled and a second suction region in which the suction is fully enabled in the drum circumferential direction. ,
    A first suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the first suction region and a second suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the second suction region are arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum.
    The first suction region corresponding portion is made of a non-breathable member having a partially provided opening, and the air flow can pass through the first suction region corresponding portion only through the opening in the thickness direction. And
    The second suction region corresponding portion does not include a non-breathable member, and the air flow can pass through the entire area of the second suction region corresponding portion in the thickness direction.
    On the portion of the rotating drum facing the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, a non-breathable first opening closing member corresponding to the first stacking region and a non-breathable non-breathable portion corresponding to the second stacking region. A second opening closing member of sex is arranged,
    During the transportation of the accumulation recess in the first suction region, the first opening closing member and the second opening closing member overlap with the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion, whereby the said. It is designed to reduce the flow rate of the air flow in the first stacking region and the second stacking region.
    In the state where the first opening closing member overlaps the opening of the first suction area corresponding portion in the first suction region, the first suction region corresponding portion and the first opening closing member are predetermined. The separation distance G1 is placed and separated,
    In the state where the second opening closing member overlaps the opening of the first suction area corresponding portion in the first suction region, the first suction region corresponding portion and the second opening closing member are predetermined. A fiber stacking device in which a separation distance G2 is placed and separated, and a magnitude relationship of the separation distance G1 <the separation distance G2 is established.
  2. 　前記離間距離Ｇ１及び前記離間距離Ｇ２が、それぞれ、０ｍｍよりも大きく３ｍｍ以下である、請求項１に記載の積繊装置。 The fiber stacking device according to claim 1, wherein the separation distance G1 and the separation distance G2 are each larger than 0 mm and 3 mm or less.
  3. 　前記第１開口部閉鎖部材の前記搬送方向と直交する搬送直交方向の長さに対して、前記第１吸引領域において該第１開口部閉鎖部材と重なる前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部の該搬送直交方向の長さは、１０％以上９０％以下であり、
    　前記第２開口部閉鎖部材の前記搬送直交方向の長さに対して、前記第１吸引領域において該第２開口部閉鎖部材と重なる前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部の該搬送直交方向の長さは、１０％以上９０％以下である、請求項１又は２に記載の積繊装置。     The opening of the first suction region corresponding portion that overlaps with the first opening closing member in the first suction region with respect to the length of the first opening closing member in the transport orthogonal direction orthogonal to the transport direction. The length in the transport orthogonal direction is 10% or more and 90% or less.
    With respect to the length of the second opening closing member in the transport orthogonal direction, the transport orthogonal direction of the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion that overlaps with the second opening closing member in the first suction region. The fiber stacking apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the length of the fiber is 10% or more and 90% or less.
  4. 　固定ドラムと、該固定ドラムの外周部周りを回転可能に設けられ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部を外周部に有する回転ドラムとを備え、該回転ドラムを回転させて該集積用凹部をドラム周方向に沿う搬送方向に搬送させつつ、該固定ドラム側からの吸引によって生じた空気流に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、ドラム周方向の所定の吸引領域にて該集積用凹部の底面上に積繊させ、坪量が互いに異なる複数の部分を該搬送方向に有する積繊体を製造する、積繊装置であって、
    　前記集積用凹部は、前記積繊体の前記坪量が互いに異なる複数の部分に対応する複数の積繊領域をドラム周方向に有し、該複数の積繊領域は、第１の積繊領域と、該第１の積繊領域に比べて高坪量の部分を形成する第２の積繊領域とを含み、
    　前記吸引領域は、前記固定ドラム側からの吸引が部分的に可能になされている第１吸引領域と、該吸引が全面的に可能になされている第２吸引領域とをドラム周方向に有し、
    　前記固定ドラムの外周部に、前記第１吸引領域に対応する第１吸引領域対応部と、前記第２吸引領域に対応する第２吸引領域対応部とが配されており、
    　前記第１吸引領域対応部は、開口部が部分的に設けられた非通気性部材からなり、前記空気流は、該開口部を通じてのみ該第１吸引領域対応部を厚み方向に通過可能になされており、
    　前記第２吸引領域対応部は、非通気性部材を含まず、前記空気流は、該第２吸引領域対応部の全域を厚み方向に通過可能になされており、
    　前記回転ドラムの前記固定ドラムの外周部との対向部分に、前記第１の積繊領域に対応する非通気性の第１開口部閉鎖部材と、前記第２の積繊領域に対応する非通気性の第２開口部閉鎖部材とが配されており、
    　前記集積用凹部の前記第１吸引領域での搬送中に、前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に、前記第１開口部閉鎖部材及び前記第２開口部閉鎖部材が重なることで、前記第１の積繊領域及び前記第２の積繊領域の前記空気流の流量を低減するようになされており、
    　前記第１開口部閉鎖部材は、前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に比べて、前記搬送方向と直交する搬送直交方向の長さが長く、前記第１吸引領域において該開口部に該第１開口部閉鎖部材が重なった状態では、該第１開口部閉鎖部材が該開口部を該搬送直交方向の全長にわたって延在し、
    　前記第２開口部閉鎖部材は、前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に比べて、前記搬送直交方向の長さが短く、前記第１吸引領域において該開口部に該第２開口部閉鎖部材が重なった状態では、該開口部の該搬送直交方向の一部に、該第２開口部閉鎖部材で覆われない部分が存在する、積繊装置。     It is provided with a fixed drum and a rotating drum that is rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum and has an accumulation recess on the outer periphery on which the fiber material is stacked. The fiber material conveyed by the air flow generated by the suction from the fixed drum side is carried in the predetermined suction region in the drum circumferential direction while being conveyed in the transport direction along the drum circumferential direction. A fiber stacking device for producing a fiber stack having a plurality of portions having different basis weights in the transport direction by stacking fibers on the bottom surface.
    The accumulation recess has a plurality of fiber stacking regions corresponding to a plurality of portions of the fiber stack having different basis weights in the circumferential direction of the drum, and the plurality of fiber stacking regions are the first fiber stacking regions. And a second stacking region that forms a portion with a higher basis weight than the first stacking region.
    The suction region has a first suction region in which suction from the fixed drum side is partially enabled and a second suction region in which the suction is fully enabled in the drum circumferential direction. ,
    A first suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the first suction region and a second suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the second suction region are arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum.
    The first suction region corresponding portion is made of a non-breathable member having a partially provided opening, and the air flow can pass through the first suction region corresponding portion only through the opening in the thickness direction. And
    The second suction region corresponding portion does not include a non-breathable member, and the air flow can pass through the entire area of the second suction region corresponding portion in the thickness direction.
    On the portion of the rotating drum facing the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, a non-breathable first opening closing member corresponding to the first stacking region and a non-breathable non-breathable portion corresponding to the second stacking region. A second opening closing member of sex is arranged,
    During the transportation of the accumulation recess in the first suction region, the first opening closing member and the second opening closing member overlap with the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion, whereby the said. It is designed to reduce the flow rate of the air flow in the first stacking region and the second stacking region.
    The first opening closing member has a longer length in the transport orthogonal direction orthogonal to the transport direction than the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion, and the opening in the first suction region. When the first opening closing members are overlapped with each other, the first opening closing member extends the opening over the entire length in the direction orthogonal to the transport.
    The length of the second opening closing member in the transport orthogonal direction is shorter than that of the opening corresponding to the first suction region, and the second opening is closed at the opening in the first suction region. A fiber stacking device in which, in a state where the members are overlapped, a portion of the opening in the direction orthogonal to the transport is not covered by the second opening closing member.
  5. 　前記第１開口部閉鎖部材の前記搬送直交方向の長さは、前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部の該搬送直交方向の長さに対して、１１０％以上１０００％以下である、請求項４に記載の積繊装置。 The length of the first opening closing member in the transport orthogonal direction is 110% or more and 1000% or less with respect to the length of the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion in the transport orthogonal direction. Item 4. The fiber stacking apparatus according to Item 4.
  6. 　前記第２開口部閉鎖部材の前記搬送直交方向の長さは、前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部の該搬送直交方向の長さに対して、５０％以上１００％未満である、請求項４又は５に記載の積繊装置。 The length of the second opening closing member in the transport orthogonal direction is 50% or more and less than 100% with respect to the length of the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion in the transport orthogonal direction. Item 4. The fiber stacking device according to Item 4.
  7. 　前記第１吸引領域において前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に前記第１開口部閉鎖部材が重なった状態で、該第１吸引領域対応部と該第１開口部閉鎖部材とが０ｍｍよりも大きく３ｍｍ以下の距離を置いて離間し、
    　前記第１吸引領域において前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に前記第２開口部閉鎖部材が重なった状態で、該第１吸引領域対応部と該第２開口部閉鎖部材とが０ｍｍよりも大きく３ｍｍ以下の距離を置いて離間する、請求項４～６の何れか１項に記載の積繊装置。     In the first suction region, in a state where the first opening closing member overlaps the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion, the first suction region corresponding portion and the first opening closing member are from 0 mm. Also separated at a distance of 3 mm or less,
    In the first suction region, in a state where the second opening closing member overlaps the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion, the first suction region corresponding portion and the second opening closing member are from 0 mm. The fiber stacking device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the fiber stacking device is separated by a large distance of 3 mm or less.
  8. 　前記第１吸引領域対応部の面積に対する該第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部の面積の割合が、５％以上８０％以下である、請求項１～７の何れか１項に記載の積繊装置。 The product according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the ratio of the area of the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion to the area of the first suction region corresponding portion is 5% or more and 80% or less. Textile device.
  9. 　前記回転ドラムは、前記固定ドラムの外周部に対向配置されるドラム本体と、該ドラム本体よりも該固定ドラムから遠くに配置される外層部とを含み、
    　前記第１開口部閉鎖部材及び前記第２開口部閉鎖部材は、それぞれ、該ドラム本体において前記外層部から該ドラム本体側に所定距離離間した位置に配置されている、請求項１～８の何れか１項に記載の積繊装置。     The rotating drum includes a drum body arranged to face the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, and an outer layer portion arranged farther from the fixed drum than the drum body.
    Any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first opening closing member and the second opening closing member are respectively arranged at positions separated from the outer layer portion on the drum main body side by a predetermined distance in the drum main body. The fiber stacking device according to item 1.
  10. 　前記外層部は、前記集積用凹部の底面を形成し、前記空気流が通過可能な多数の吸引孔を有する通気性部材からなる凹部底面形成プレートと、前記積繊体に溝状凹部を形成するための部材である凹部区画プレートとを含む、請求項９に記載の積繊装置。 The outer layer portion forms the bottom surface of the accumulation recess, and forms a recess bottom surface forming plate made of a breathable member having a large number of suction holes through which the air flow can pass, and a groove-shaped recess in the fiber stack. The fiber stacking device according to claim 9, which includes a recessed partition plate which is a member for the device.
  11. 　前記外層部は、前記集積用凹部における前記空気流の流量を調整するための部材である吸引調整プレートを含む、請求項９又は１０に記載の積繊装置。 The fiber stacking device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the outer layer portion includes a suction adjusting plate which is a member for adjusting the flow rate of the air flow in the accumulating recess.
  12. 　前記集積用凹部は、前記第１の積繊領域及び前記第２の積繊領域に加えて更に、吸引が制限されない吸引非制限領域を有する、請求項１～１１の何れか１項に記載の積繊装置。 The one according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the accumulation recess further has a suction non-restricted region in which suction is not restricted in addition to the first stacking region and the second stacking region. Fiber stacking device.
  13. 　前記吸引非制限領域は、前記第１開口部閉鎖部材及び前記第２開口部閉鎖部材を有さない、請求項１２に記載の積繊装置。 The fiber stacking device according to claim 12, wherein the suction non-restricted region does not have the first opening closing member and the second opening closing member.
  14. 　積繊装置を用い、坪量が互いに異なる複数の部分を一方向に有する吸収体を製造する、吸収体の製造方法であって、
    　前記積繊装置は、固定ドラムと、該固定ドラムの外周部周りを回転可能に設けられ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部を外周部に有する回転ドラムとを備え、該回転ドラムを回転させて該集積用凹部をドラム周方向に沿う搬送方向に搬送させつつ、該固定ドラム側からの吸引によって生じた空気流に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、ドラム周方向の所定の吸引領域にて該集積用凹部の底面上に積繊させるようになされており、
    　前記集積用凹部は、前記吸収体の前記坪量が互いに異なる複数の部分に対応する複数の積繊領域をドラム周方向に有し、
    　前記吸引領域は、前記固定ドラム側からの吸引が部分的に可能になされている第１吸引領域と、該吸引が全面的に可能になされている第２吸引領域とをドラム周方向に有し、
    　前記固定ドラムの外周部に、前記第１吸引領域に対応する第１吸引領域対応部と、前記第２吸引領域に対応する第２吸引領域対応部とが配されており、
    　前記第１吸引領域対応部は、開口部が部分的に設けられた非通気性部材からなり、前記空気流は、該開口部を通じてのみ該第１吸引領域対応部を厚み方向に通過可能になされており、
    　前記第２吸引領域対応部は、非通気性部材を含まず、前記空気流は、該第２吸引領域対応部の全域を厚み方向に通過可能になされており、
    　前記回転ドラムの前記固定ドラムの外周部との対向部分に、前記集積用凹部の前記複数の積繊領域の少なくとも一部に対応して、非通気性の開口部閉鎖部材がドラム周方向に複数並んで配されており、
    　前記集積用凹部の前記第１吸引領域での搬送中に、前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に前記開口部閉鎖部材が重なることで、該集積用凹部における該開口部閉鎖部材に対応する前記積繊領域の前記空気流の流量を低減するようになされており、
    　ドラム周方向に並ぶ前記複数の開口部閉鎖部材は、それぞれ、前記第１吸引領域において前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に重なった状態では、該第１吸引領域対応部に対して所定の離間距離を置いて離間しており、且つ
    　ドラム周方向に並ぶ前記複数の開口部閉鎖部材どうしで前記離間距離が互いに異なり、ドラム周方向の一方側から他方側に向かって該離間距離が漸次変化するように、該複数の開口部閉鎖部材が配されており、
    　前記回転ドラムを前記固定ドラムの外周部周りに回転させつつ、該回転ドラムの外周部に対して繊維材料を飛散状態にて供給し、前記吸引領域にて前記集積用凹部に積繊させる積繊工程を有し、
    　前記積繊工程では、前記第１吸引領域において、前記複数の開口部閉鎖部材に対応する前記複数の積繊領域どうしでは、前記離間距離が長いものほど前記空気流の流量が多くなる、吸収体の製造方法。     A method for manufacturing an absorber, which comprises using a fiber stacking device to manufacture an absorber having a plurality of portions having different basis weights in one direction.
    The fiber stacking device includes a fixed drum and a rotary drum that is rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum and has an accumulation recess for stacking fibers on the outer peripheral portion, and rotates the rotary drum. The fiber material conveyed by the air flow generated by the suction from the fixed drum side is brought into a predetermined suction region in the drum circumferential direction while the accumulation recess is conveyed in the transport direction along the drum circumferential direction. The fiber is stacked on the bottom surface of the accumulation recess.
    The accumulation recess has a plurality of fiber stacking regions corresponding to a plurality of portions of the absorber having different basis weights in the circumferential direction of the drum.
    The suction region has a first suction region in which suction from the fixed drum side is partially enabled and a second suction region in which the suction is fully enabled in the drum circumferential direction. ,
    A first suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the first suction region and a second suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the second suction region are arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum.
    The first suction region corresponding portion is made of a non-breathable member having a partially provided opening, and the air flow can pass through the first suction region corresponding portion only through the opening in the thickness direction. And
    The second suction region corresponding portion does not include a non-breathable member, and the air flow can pass through the entire area of the second suction region corresponding portion in the thickness direction.
    A plurality of non-breathable opening closing members are provided in the circumferential direction of the drum so as to correspond to at least a part of the plurality of fiber stacking regions of the accumulation recess on the portion of the rotating drum facing the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum. Arranged side by side,
    During the transportation of the accumulation recess in the first suction region, the opening closing member overlaps the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion, thereby corresponding to the opening closing member in the integration recess. It is designed to reduce the flow rate of the air flow in the fiber stacking region.
    The plurality of opening closing members arranged in the circumferential direction of the drum are predetermined with respect to the first suction region corresponding portion in a state where they overlap the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion in the first suction region. The distance between the plurality of opening closing members arranged in the circumferential direction of the drum is different from each other, and the distance gradually increases from one side to the other in the circumferential direction of the drum. The plurality of opening closing members are arranged so as to change.
    While rotating the rotary drum around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, the fiber material is supplied to the outer peripheral portion of the rotary drum in a scattered state, and the fiber is stacked in the accumulation recess in the suction region. Have a process,
    In the fiber stacking step, in the first suction region, in the plurality of fiber stacking regions corresponding to the plurality of opening closing members, the longer the separation distance is, the larger the flow rate of the air flow is. Manufacturing method.
  15. 　前記第１吸引領域対応部に前記開口部がドラム軸方向に複数並んで設けられているとともに、前記回転ドラムの前記固定ドラムの外周部との対向部分に、前記開口部閉鎖部材がドラム軸方向に複数並んで配されており、前記集積用凹部の前記第１吸引領域での搬送中に、ドラム軸方向に並ぶ複数の該開口部に、ドラム軸方向に並ぶ複数の開口部閉鎖部材が重なるようになされており、
    　ドラム軸方向に並ぶ前記複数の開口部閉鎖部材は、それぞれ、前記第１吸引領域において前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に重なった状態では、該第１吸引領域対応部に対して所定の離間距離を置いて離間しており、且つ
    　ドラム軸方向に並ぶ前記複数の開口部閉鎖部材どうしで前記離間距離が互いに異なり、ドラム軸方向の一方側から他方側に向かって該離間距離が漸次変化するように、該複数の開口部閉鎖部材が配されている、請求項１４に記載の吸収体の製造方法。     A plurality of openings are provided side by side in the drum axial direction in the first suction region corresponding portion, and the opening closing member is provided in the drum axial direction at a portion of the rotating drum facing the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum. A plurality of opening closing members arranged in the drum axial direction are overlapped with the plurality of openings arranged in the drum axial direction during the transportation of the accumulation recess in the first suction region. It is done like this
    The plurality of opening closing members arranged in the drum axis direction are predetermined with respect to the first suction region corresponding portion in a state where they overlap the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion in the first suction region. The separation distances are different from each other among the plurality of opening closing members arranged in the drum axis direction, and the separation distances gradually increase from one side to the other side in the drum axis direction. The method for producing an absorber according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of opening closing members are arranged so as to be varied.
  16. 　積繊装置を用い、坪量が互いに異なる複数の部分を一方向に有する吸収体を製造する、吸収体の製造方法であって、
    　前記積繊装置は、固定ドラムと、該固定ドラムの外周部周りを回転可能に設けられ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部を外周部に有する回転ドラムとを備え、該回転ドラムを回転させて該集積用凹部をドラム周方向に沿う搬送方向に搬送させつつ、該固定ドラム側からの吸引によって生じた空気流に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、ドラム周方向の所定の吸引領域にて該集積用凹部の底面上に積繊させるようになされており、
    　前記集積用凹部は、前記吸収体の前記坪量が互いに異なる複数の部分に対応する複数の積繊領域をドラム周方向に有し、
    　前記吸引領域は、前記固定ドラム側からの吸引が部分的に可能になされている第１吸引領域と、該吸引が全面的に可能になされている第２吸引領域とをドラム周方向に有し、
    　前記固定ドラムの外周部に、前記第１吸引領域に対応する第１吸引領域対応部と、前記第２吸引領域に対応する第２吸引領域対応部とが配されており、
    　前記第１吸引領域対応部は、開口部が部分的に設けられた非通気性部材からなり、前記空気流は、該開口部を通じてのみ該第１吸引領域対応部を厚み方向に通過可能になされており、
    　前記第２吸引領域対応部は、非通気性部材を含まず、前記空気流は、該第２吸引領域対応部の全域を厚み方向に通過可能になされており、
    　前記回転ドラムの前記固定ドラムの外周部との対向部分に、前記集積用凹部の前記複数の積繊領域の少なくとも一部に対応して、非通気性の開口部閉鎖部材がドラム周方向に複数並んで配されており、
    　前記集積用凹部の前記第１吸引領域での搬送中に、前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に前記開口部閉鎖部材が重なることで、該集積用凹部における該開口部閉鎖部材に対応する前記積繊領域の前記空気流の流量を低減するようになされており、
    　ドラム周方向に並ぶ前記複数の開口部閉鎖部材どうしで該開口部閉鎖部材の前記搬送方向と直交する搬送直交方向の長さが互いに異なり、ドラム周方向の一方側から他方側に向かって該開口部閉鎖部材の該搬送直交方向の長さが漸次変化するように、該複数の開口部閉鎖部材が配されており、
    　前記回転ドラムを前記固定ドラムの外周部周りに回転させつつ、該回転ドラムの外周部に対して繊維材料を飛散状態にて供給し、前記吸引領域にて前記集積用凹部に積繊させる積繊工程を有し、
    　前記積繊工程では、前記第１吸引領域において、前記複数の開口部閉鎖部材に対応する前記複数の積繊領域どうしでは、前記開口部閉鎖部材の前記搬送直交方向の長さが短いものほど前記空気流の流量が多くなる、吸収体の製造方法。     A method for manufacturing an absorber, which comprises using a fiber stacking device to manufacture an absorber having a plurality of portions having different basis weights in one direction.
    The fiber stacking device includes a fixed drum and a rotary drum that is rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum and has an accumulation recess for stacking fibers on the outer peripheral portion, and rotates the rotary drum. The fiber material conveyed by the air flow generated by the suction from the fixed drum side is brought into a predetermined suction region in the drum circumferential direction while the accumulation recess is conveyed in the transport direction along the drum circumferential direction. The fiber is stacked on the bottom surface of the accumulation recess.
    The accumulation recess has a plurality of fiber stacking regions corresponding to a plurality of portions of the absorber having different basis weights in the circumferential direction of the drum.
    The suction region has a first suction region in which suction from the fixed drum side is partially enabled and a second suction region in which the suction is fully enabled in the drum circumferential direction. ,
    A first suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the first suction region and a second suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the second suction region are arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum.
    The first suction region corresponding portion is made of a non-breathable member having a partially provided opening, and the air flow can pass through the first suction region corresponding portion only through the opening in the thickness direction. And
    The second suction region corresponding portion does not include a non-breathable member, and the air flow can pass through the entire area of the second suction region corresponding portion in the thickness direction.
    A plurality of non-breathable opening closing members are provided in the circumferential direction of the drum so as to correspond to at least a part of the plurality of fiber stacking regions of the accumulation recess on the portion of the rotating drum facing the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum. Arranged side by side,
    During the transportation of the accumulation recess in the first suction region, the opening closing member overlaps the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion, thereby corresponding to the opening closing member in the integration recess. It is designed to reduce the flow rate of the air flow in the fiber stacking region.
    The plurality of opening closing members arranged in the circumferential direction of the drum have different lengths in the transport orthogonal direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the opening closing members, and the openings are directed from one side to the other side in the peripheral direction of the drum. The plurality of opening closing members are arranged so that the length of the portion closing member in the transport orthogonal direction gradually changes.
    While rotating the rotary drum around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, the fiber material is supplied to the outer peripheral portion of the rotary drum in a scattered state, and the fiber is stacked in the accumulation recess in the suction region. Have a process,
    In the fiber stacking step, in the first suction region, in the plurality of fiber stacking regions corresponding to the plurality of opening closing members, the shorter the length of the opening closing member in the transport orthogonal direction is, the more the said. A method for manufacturing an absorber that increases the flow rate of air flow.
  17. 　前記第１吸引領域対応部に前記開口部がドラム軸方向に複数並んで設けられているとともに、前記回転ドラムの前記固定ドラムの外周部との対向部分に、前記開口部閉鎖部材がドラム軸方向に複数並んで配されており、前記集積用凹部の前記第１吸引領域での搬送中に、ドラム軸方向に並ぶ複数の該開口部に、ドラム軸方向に並ぶ複数の開口部閉鎖部材が重なるようになされており、
    　ドラム軸方向に並ぶ前記複数の開口部閉鎖部材どうしで該開口部閉鎖部材の前記搬送方向と直交する搬送直交方向の長さが互いに異なり、ドラム軸方向の一方側から他方側に向かって該開口部閉鎖部材の該搬送直交方向の長さが漸次変化するように、該複数の開口部閉鎖部材が配されている、請求項１６に記載の吸収体の製造方法。     A plurality of openings are provided side by side in the drum axial direction in the first suction region corresponding portion, and the opening closing member is provided in the drum axial direction at a portion of the rotating drum facing the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum. A plurality of opening closing members arranged in the drum axial direction are overlapped with the plurality of openings arranged in the drum axial direction during the transportation of the accumulation recess in the first suction region. It is done like this
    The plurality of opening closing members arranged in the drum axis direction have different lengths in the transport orthogonal direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the opening closing members, and the openings are directed from one side to the other side in the drum axis direction. The method for manufacturing an absorber according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of opening closing members are arranged so that the length of the portion closing member in the transport orthogonal direction gradually changes.
  18. 　積繊装置を用い、繊維材料の坪量が相対的に多い高坪量部と相対的に少ない低坪量部とを一方向に有する吸収体を製造する、吸収体の製造方法であって、
    　前記積繊装置は、固定ドラムと、該固定ドラムの外周部周りを回転可能に設けられ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部を外周部に有する回転ドラムとを備え、該固定ドラム側からの吸引によって生じた空気流に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、該集積用凹部の底面上に積繊させるようになされており、
    　前記集積用凹部は、前記高坪量部を形成する高坪量部対応部と、前記低坪量部を形成する低坪量部対応部とを、ドラム周方向に有し、
    　前記回転ドラムを前記固定ドラムの外周部周りに回転させつつ、該回転ドラムの外周部に対して繊維材料を飛散状態にて供給し、ドラム周方向の所定の吸引領域にて前記集積用凹部に積繊させる積繊工程と、
    　前記積繊工程の後、前記高坪量部対応部に積繊した繊維材料を前記回転ドラムの外周部に対向配置されたスカッフィングロールを用いて掻き取り、掻き取った繊維材料を前記低坪量部対応部に再積繊する再積繊工程とを有し、
    　前記積繊工程は、前記高坪量部対応部に優先的に繊維材料を積繊させる高坪量部優先積繊工程と、前記吸引領域における該高坪量部優先積繊工程の実施領域とは異なる領域で実施され、該高坪量部対応部及び前記低坪量部対応部の双方に繊維材料を積繊させる全面積繊工程とを有し、
    　前記高坪量部優先積繊工程では、前記全面積繊工程に比べて、前記高坪量部対応部と前記低坪量部対応部との前記空気流の流量の差を大きくする、吸収体の製造方法。     A method for manufacturing an absorber, which uses a fiber stacking device to manufacture an absorber having a high basis weight portion having a relatively large basis weight portion and a low basis weight portion having a relatively small basis weight portion of a fiber material in one direction.
    The fiber stacking device includes a fixed drum and a rotary drum rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum and having an accumulation recess for stacking fibers on the outer peripheral portion, from the fixed drum side. The fiber material carried by the air flow generated by the suction of the drum is made to be stacked on the bottom surface of the accumulation recess.
    The integration recess has a high basis weight portion corresponding portion forming the high basis weight portion and a low basis weight portion corresponding portion forming the low basis weight portion in the circumferential direction of the drum.
    While rotating the rotating drum around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, the fiber material is supplied to the outer peripheral portion of the rotating drum in a scattered state, and the fiber material is supplied to the accumulation recess in a predetermined suction region in the circumferential direction of the drum. The fiber stacking process and the fiber stacking process
    After the fiber stacking step, the fiber material stacked on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion is scraped off by using a scuffing roll arranged opposite to the outer peripheral portion of the rotary drum, and the scraped fiber material is scraped off by the low basis weight portion. It has a re-stacking process for re-stacking in the corresponding section.
    The fiber stacking step includes a high basis weight portion priority stacking process in which the fiber material is preferentially stacked in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion, and an implementation area of the high basis weight portion priority stacking process in the suction region. Is carried out in different regions, and has a full-area fibering process in which the fiber material is stacked on both the high basis weight portion corresponding portion and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion.
    In the high basis weight portion priority stacking step, the absorber that increases the difference in the flow rate of the air flow between the high basis weight portion corresponding portion and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion as compared with the total area fiber step. Manufacturing method.
  19. 　前記積繊工程において、前記低坪量部対応部の前記空気流の流量をドラム軸方向において不均一にする、請求項１８に記載の吸収体の製造方法。 The method for manufacturing an absorber according to claim 18, wherein in the fiber stacking process, the flow rate of the air flow in the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion is made non-uniform in the drum axis direction.
  20. 　前記積繊工程において、前記低坪量部対応部のドラム軸方向の中央部の前記空気流の流量を、該低坪量部対応部のドラム軸方向の両端部に比べて小さくする、請求項１９に記載の吸収体の製造方法。 A claim that the flow rate of the air flow in the central portion of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion in the drum axial direction is made smaller than that of both ends of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion in the drum axial direction in the fiber stacking step. 19. The method for producing an absorber according to 19.
  21. 　前記高坪量部優先積繊工程において、前記高坪量部対応部の少なくとも一部の前記空気流の流量を、前記低坪量部対応部の前記空気流の流量に比べて大きくし、
    　前記全面積繊工程において、前記高坪量部対応部の少なくとも一部の前記空気流の流量を、前記低坪量部対応部の前記空気流の流量と同等以上にする、請求項１８～２０の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造方法。     In the high basis weight portion priority stacking step, the flow rate of the air flow of at least a part of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion is made larger than the flow rate of the air flow of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion.
    Claims 18 to 20 in which, in the whole area fiber process, the flow rate of the air flow of at least a part of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion is equal to or higher than the flow rate of the air flow of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion. The method for producing an absorber according to any one of the above items.
  22. 　前記高坪量部優先積繊工程、前記全面積繊工程の順で実施する、請求項１８～２１の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造方法。 The method for producing an absorber according to any one of claims 18 to 21, which is carried out in the order of the high basis weight portion priority stacking process and the total area fiber process.
  23. 　前記高坪量部優先積繊工程において、前記集積用凹部の少なくとも一部に対する繊維材料の供給を抑制する、請求項１８～２２の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造方法。 The method for producing an absorber according to any one of claims 18 to 22, which suppresses the supply of a fiber material to at least a part of the accumulation recess in the high basis weight portion priority fiber stacking step.
  24. 　前記高坪量部優先積繊工程と前記全面積繊工程とで、前記集積用凹部に対する繊維材料の供給量を異ならせる、請求項１８～２３の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造方法。 The method for producing an absorber according to any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the supply amount of the fiber material to the accumulation recess is different between the high basis weight portion priority fiber stacking step and the total area fiber step. ..
  25. 　前記吸収体の前記高坪量部は、前記一方向と直交する方向の両端部が、該両端部に挟まれた中央部に比べて、繊維材料の坪量が少なく、
    　前記積繊工程において、前記高坪量部に対応して、前記高坪量部対応部のドラム軸方向の両端部の前記空気流の流量を、該高坪量部対応部のドラム軸方向の中央部の該空気流の流量に比べて小さくする、請求項１８～２４の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造方法。     In the high basis weight portion of the absorber, both ends in a direction orthogonal to the one direction have a smaller basis weight of the fiber material than the central portion sandwiched between the both ends.
    In the fiber stacking process, the flow rate of the air flow at both ends in the drum axial direction of the high basis weight portion corresponding to the high basis weight portion is measured in the drum axial direction of the high basis weight portion. The method for producing an absorber according to any one of claims 18 to 24, which is smaller than the flow rate of the air flow in the central portion.
  26. 　前記高坪量部優先積繊工程において、前記集積用凹部に吸水性ポリマーを供給する、請求項１８～２５の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造方法。 The method for producing an absorber according to any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the superabsorbent polymer is supplied to the accumulation recess in the high basis weight portion priority stacking step.
  27. 　繊維材料の坪量が相対的に多い高坪量部と相対的に少ない低坪量部とを一方向に有する吸収体の製造に使用可能な吸収体の製造装置であって、
    　固定ドラムと、該固定ドラムの外周部周りを回転可能に設けられ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部を外周部に有する回転ドラムとを備え、該回転ドラムを回転させつつ、該固定ドラム側からの吸引によって生じた空気流に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、ドラム周方向の所定の吸引領域にて該集積用凹部の底面上に積繊させるようになされており、
    　前記集積用凹部は、前記高坪量部を形成する高坪量部対応部と、前記低坪量部を形成する低坪量部対応部とを、ドラム周方向に有し、
    　前記吸引領域は、前記高坪量部対応部に優先的に繊維材料を積繊させる第１吸引領域と、該高坪量部対応部及び前記低坪量部対応部の双方に繊維材料を積繊させる第２吸引領域とをドラム周方向に有し、
    　前記第１吸引領域は、前記第２吸引領域に比べて、前記高坪量部対応部と前記低坪量部対応部との前記空気流の流量の差が大きくなされており、
    　更に、前記回転ドラムの外周部に対向配置されたスカッフィングロールを備え、前記高坪量部対応部に積繊した繊維材料を掻き取り、掻き取った繊維材料を前記低坪量部対応部に再積繊するようになされている、吸収体の製造装置。     An absorber manufacturing device that can be used to manufacture an absorber having a high basis weight portion having a relatively large basis weight and a low basis weight portion having a relatively small basis weight portion of the fiber material in one direction.
    The fixed drum is provided with a fixed drum and a rotating drum that is rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum and has a concave portion for accumulating fibers on the outer peripheral portion, and the fixed drum is rotated while rotating the rotating drum. The fiber material carried on the air flow generated by suction from the side is stacked on the bottom surface of the accumulation recess in a predetermined suction region in the circumferential direction of the drum.
    The integration recess has a high basis weight portion corresponding portion forming the high basis weight portion and a low basis weight portion corresponding portion forming the low basis weight portion in the circumferential direction of the drum.
    In the suction region, the fiber material is loaded on both the first suction region in which the fiber material is preferentially stacked on the high basis weight portion corresponding portion and the high basis weight portion corresponding portion and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion. It has a second suction area to be fiberized in the circumferential direction of the drum.
    In the first suction region, the difference in the flow rate of the air flow between the high basis weight portion corresponding portion and the low basis weight portion corresponding portion is larger than that in the second suction region.
    Further, a scuffing roll arranged to face the outer peripheral portion of the rotary drum is provided, and the fiber material piled up in the high basis weight portion corresponding portion is scraped off, and the scraped fiber material is re-used in the low basis weight portion corresponding portion. Absorber manufacturing equipment designed to be stacked.
  28. 　前記第１吸引領域において、前記高坪量部対応部の少なくとも一部の前記空気流の流量は、前記低坪量部対応部の前記空気流の流量に比べて大きく、
    　前記第２吸引領域において、前記高坪量部対応部の少なくとも一部の前記空気流の流量は、前記低坪量部の前記空気流の流量と同等以上である、請求項２７に記載の吸収体の製造装置。     In the first suction region, the flow rate of the air flow of at least a part of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion is larger than the flow rate of the air flow of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion.
    The absorption according to claim 27, wherein in the second suction region, the flow rate of the air flow of at least a part of the high basis weight portion corresponding portion is equal to or higher than the flow rate of the air flow of the low basis weight portion. Body manufacturing equipment.
  29. 　前記固定ドラムの外周部に、前記第１吸引領域に対応する第１吸引領域対応部と、前記第２吸引領域に対応する第２吸引領域対応部とが配されており、
    　前記第１吸引領域対応部は、開口部が部分的に設けられた非通気性部材からなり、前記空気流は、該開口部を通じてのみ該第１吸引領域対応部を厚み方向に通過可能になされており、
    　前記第２吸引領域対応部は、非通気性部材を含まず、前記空気流は、該第２吸引領域対応部の全域を厚み方向に通過可能になされており、
    　前記回転ドラムの前記固定ドラムの外周部との対向部分に、前記低坪量部対応部に対応して非通気性の開口部閉鎖部材が配され、該対向部分における前記高坪量部対応部に対応する部分には該開口部閉鎖部材は配されておらず、
    　前記第１吸引領域では、前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に前記開口部閉鎖部材を重ねることで、前記低坪量部対応部の吸引を阻害するようになされている、請求項２７又は２８に記載の吸収体の製造装置。     A first suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the first suction region and a second suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the second suction region are arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum.
    The first suction region corresponding portion is made of a non-breathable member having a partially provided opening, and the air flow can pass through the first suction region corresponding portion only through the opening in the thickness direction. And
    The second suction region corresponding portion does not include a non-breathable member, and the air flow can pass through the entire area of the second suction region corresponding portion in the thickness direction.
    A non-breathable opening closing member is arranged on the portion of the rotating drum facing the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum, corresponding to the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion, and the portion corresponding to the high basis weight portion in the facing portion. The opening closing member is not arranged in the portion corresponding to
    27. In the first suction region, by superimposing the opening closing member on the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion, the suction of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion is hindered. Or the absorber manufacturing apparatus according to 28.
  30. 　前記第１吸引領域において、前記第１吸引領域対応部の前記開口部に前記開口部閉鎖部材を重ねた状態で、該開口部の周縁部と該開口部閉鎖部材との間に隙間が存在する、請求項２９に記載の吸収体の製造装置。 In the first suction region, there is a gap between the peripheral edge of the opening and the opening closing member in a state where the opening closing member is overlapped with the opening of the first suction region corresponding portion. 29. The absorber manufacturing apparatus according to claim 29.
  31. 　前記空気流の流量について、前記高坪量部対応部＞前記低坪量部対応部のドラム軸方向の端部＞前記低坪量部対応部のドラム軸方向の中央部、という大小関係が成立している、請求項２７～３０の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造装置。 Regarding the flow rate of the air flow, a magnitude relationship is established such that the high basis weight portion corresponding portion> the end portion of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion in the drum axial direction> the central portion of the low basis weight portion corresponding portion in the drum axial direction. The apparatus for manufacturing an absorber according to any one of claims 27 to 30.
  32. 　前記高坪量部対応部の少なくとも一部は、前記低坪量部対応部に比べて凹部深さが深い、請求項２７～３１の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造装置。 The absorber manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 31, wherein at least a part of the portion corresponding to the high basis weight portion has a deeper recess than the portion corresponding to the low basis weight portion.
  33. 　前記第１吸引領域のドラム周方向の長さは、前記吸引領域のドラム周方向の長さの２／３以下である、請求項２７～３２の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造装置。 The absorber manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein the length of the first suction region in the drum circumferential direction is 2/3 or less of the length of the suction region in the drum circumferential direction. ..
  34. 　前記集積用凹部の少なくとも一部に対する繊維材料の供給を抑制する部材を備える、請求項２７～３３の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造装置。 The absorber manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 33, comprising a member for suppressing the supply of the fiber material to at least a part of the accumulation recess.
  35. 　前記繊維材料の供給を抑制する部材は、繊維材料の供給を物理的に遮断する仕切り板である、請求項３４に記載の吸収体の製造装置。 The absorber manufacturing apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the member that suppresses the supply of the fiber material is a partition plate that physically blocks the supply of the fiber material.
  36. 　前記吸引領域を覆うように配され、繊維材料を含む原材料の供給路を内部に有するダクトを備え、
    　前記仕切り板は、前記ダクトの内部に、前記集積用凹部を挟んでドラム軸方向の両側に一対配されている、請求項３５に記載の吸収体の製造装置。     A duct is provided so as to cover the suction area and has a supply path for raw materials including a fiber material inside.
    The absorber manufacturing apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the partition plates are arranged in pairs on both sides in the drum axial direction with the accumulator recess sandwiched inside the duct.
  37. 　一対の前記仕切り板それぞれの他方の仕切り板との対向面は、前記回転ドラムの半径方向に対して傾斜し且つ該半径方向の外方から内方に向かって延在しており、
    　一対の前記仕切り板の一方の前記対向面と他方の前記対向面との間隔は、前記回転ドラムの半径方向の外方から内方に向かうに従って漸次短くなっている、請求項３６に記載の吸収体の製造装置。     The facing surface of each of the pair of the partition plates with the other partition plate is inclined with respect to the radial direction of the rotary drum and extends from the outside to the inside in the radial direction.
    36. Body manufacturing equipment.
  38. 　前記仕切り板は、前記供給路と前記吸引領域とが交わる部分に、該仕切り板の少なくとも一部が重なるように配されている、請求項３６又は３７に記載の吸収体の製造装置。 The absorber manufacturing apparatus according to claim 36 or 37, wherein the partition plate is arranged so that at least a part of the partition plate overlaps at a portion where the supply path and the suction region intersect.
  39. 　前記吸引領域を覆うように配され、繊維材料を含む原材料の供給路を内部に有するダクトを備え、
    　前記スカッフィングロールは、前記吸引領域の前記回転ドラムの回転方向の下流側において前記ダクトの内部に配されている、請求項２７～３８の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造装置。     A duct is provided so as to cover the suction area and has a supply path for raw materials including a fiber material inside.
    The absorber manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 38, wherein the scuffing roll is arranged inside the duct on the downstream side of the suction region in the rotation direction of the rotating drum.
  40. 　前記スカッフィングロールの回転を調整可能になされている、請求項２７～３９の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造装置。 The absorber manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 39, wherein the rotation of the scuffing roll can be adjusted.
  41. 　前記吸引領域を覆うように配され、繊維材料を含む原材料の供給路を内部に有するダクトと、前記スカッフィングロールで掻き取られた飛散状態の繊維材料を前記集積用凹部の所望の位置に誘導するガイド部材とを備え、
    　前記ガイド部材は、前記ダクトの内面における前記集積用凹部との対向面から該集積用凹部側に向かって延在している、請求項２７～４０の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造装置。     A duct arranged so as to cover the suction region and having a supply path for the raw material including the fiber material inside, and the scattered fiber material scraped off by the scuffing roll are guided to a desired position in the accumulation recess. Equipped with a guide member,
    The absorber according to any one of claims 27 to 40, wherein the guide member extends from the surface of the inner surface of the duct facing the accumulation recess toward the integration recess side. Device.
  42. 　前記ガイド部材は、前記ダクトの内部における前記スカッフィングロールよりも前記回転ドラムの回転方向の上流側に設けられている、請求項４１に記載の吸収体の製造装置。 The absorber manufacturing apparatus according to claim 41, wherein the guide member is provided inside the duct on the upstream side of the rotating drum in the rotational direction with respect to the scuffing roll.
  43. 　前記第１吸引領域及び前記第２吸引領域は、個別に前記空気流の流量を調整可能になされている、請求項２７～４２の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造装置。 The absorber manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 42, wherein the first suction region and the second suction region are individually adjustable in the flow rate of the air flow.
PCT/JP2021/038740 2020-12-17 2021-10-20 Fiber lamination device, and method and device for producing absorber WO2022130775A1 (en)

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JP2021000528A JP2022105905A (en) 2021-01-05 2021-01-05 Method for producing absorber and device for producing absorber
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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2009000386A (en) * 2007-06-22 2009-01-08 Kao Corp Manufacturing device of absorber
JP2015059287A (en) * 2013-09-20 2015-03-30 花王株式会社 Fiber-laminating device
JP2018011630A (en) * 2016-07-19 2018-01-25 花王株式会社 Manufacturing apparatus of absorber and manufacturing method of absorber

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2009000386A (en) * 2007-06-22 2009-01-08 Kao Corp Manufacturing device of absorber
JP2015059287A (en) * 2013-09-20 2015-03-30 花王株式会社 Fiber-laminating device
JP2018011630A (en) * 2016-07-19 2018-01-25 花王株式会社 Manufacturing apparatus of absorber and manufacturing method of absorber

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