Individually packaged absorbent article and packaging sheet

Abstract

In an individually packaged absorbent article in which an absorbent article is individually packaged with a paper packaging sheet, the packaging sheet is folded to the inner surface side in the longitudinal direction of the packaging sheet together with the absorbent article provided on the inner surface of the packaging sheet. Both edge portions in a short-side direction perpendicular to the long-side direction are sealed, and the tensile elongation in the long-side direction of the packaging sheet is 15% or more and the tensile elongation in the short-side direction is 20% or more.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to individually packaged absorbent articles and packaging sheets. Background Art

[0002] Generally, absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and incontinence pads are individually packaged and sealed with packaging sheets for reasons of hygiene during storage and convenience during carrying, and are provided as individually packaged absorbent articles (individual packages).

[0003] As materials for packaging sheets, resin films, nonwoven fabrics, and the like are still the mainstream, but packaging sheets made of paper are also known (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] [Prior art literature]

[0005] [Patent Literature]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-24624 Summary of the invention

[0007] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Paper packaging sheets have attracted attention in recent years from the perspective of sustainable development goals. However, the current situation is that paper packaging sheets have not been fully promoted in practical use compared to resin films and non-woven fabrics. One reason is that paper tends to break easily. Here, in order to prevent the breakage of paper packaging sheets, for example, thickening the packaging sheets is considered, but in this case, the sheets may become hard, which may damage the feel of the individually packaged absorbent articles.

[0009] In view of the above, an object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an individually packaged absorbent article made of a paper packaging sheet, in which the packaging sheet is unlikely to be torn during opening and has a good feel.

[0010]

Methods to solve the problem

[0011] In the first embodiment of the present invention, an absorbent article is individually packaged by a paper packaging sheet, wherein the packaging sheet is folded toward the inner surface side in the long side direction of the packaging sheet together with the absorbent article arranged on the inner surface of the packaging sheet, and the two edge portions in the short side direction perpendicular to the long side direction are sealed, and the tensile elongation of the packaging sheet in the long side direction and the tensile elongation in the short side direction are respectively greater than 15%.

[0012] [Effects of the invention]

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, there can be provided an individually packaged absorbent article made of a paper packaging sheet, in which the packaging sheet is unlikely to be torn when opening and has a good feel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]

Figure 1

[0015]

Figure 2

[0016]

Figure 3

[0017]

Figure 4

[0018]

Figure 5

[0019]

Figure 6

[0020]

Figure 7

[0021]

Figure 8

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in each of the drawings, the same or corresponding structures may be given the same reference numerals and the description thereof may be omitted unless otherwise specified.

[0023] <Basic structure of individually packaged absorbent articles>

[0024] First, the basic structure of the individually packaged absorbent article will be described. Figure 1 A plan view of an individually packaged absorbent article 100 is given in FIG. Figure 2 In the given Figure 1 The plan view of the individually packaged absorbent article in the unfolded state is a view observed from the inner surface of the packaging sheet 10 or from the skin side of the absorbent article 1. Figure 3 Given in Figure 1 II line cross section.

[0025] like Figure 1 to Figure 3As shown, the individually packaged absorbent article 100 comprises a packaging sheet 10 and an absorbent article 1 individually packaged by the packaging sheet 10. Figure 2 As shown, the packaging sheet 10 may be in an elongated shape in the unfolded state, having a long side direction (longitudinal direction) D1 and a short side direction (lateral direction) D2 perpendicular to the long side direction. The long side direction D1 and the short side direction D2 of the packaging sheet 10 correspond to the long side direction and the short side direction of the absorbent article 1, respectively. In addition, in the state of individually packaging the absorbent article 100, the long side direction D1 of the packaging sheet 10 is sometimes referred to as the unsealing direction, and the short side direction D2 is sometimes referred to as the width direction.

[0026] (Absorbent articles)

[0027] The absorbent article 1 packaged by the packaging sheet 10 may be a flat and elongated article to be worn facing the discharge outlet of body fluids (menstrual blood, vaginal discharge, urine, etc.). Specific examples of the absorbent article 1 may be sanitary napkins, panty liners (vaginal discharge sheets), and panty liners for light incontinence. In this specification, the absorbent article is mainly described based on the example of a sanitary napkin.

[0028] Absorbent article 1 such as Figure 2 As shown, the structure may include a liquid-permeable top sheet 3, a liquid-impermeable back sheet (not shown), and an absorbent body 4 disposed between the top sheet 3 and the back sheet.

[0029] As the back sheet, a sheet having at least water-blocking properties, such as an olefin resin sheet such as polyethylene or polypropylene, can be used. A laminated nonwoven fabric obtained by laminating a nonwoven fabric on a polyethylene sheet or the like, or a laminated sheet obtained by ensuring substantial liquid-impermeability of a nonwoven fabric through a waterproof film, etc. can be used. In addition, a sheet having moisture permeability can be used.

[0030] As the top sheet 3, it is suitable to use a porous or non-porous nonwoven fabric, a porous plastic sheet, etc. As the material fiber constituting the nonwoven fabric, for example, olefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, synthetic fibers such as polyester and polyamide, regenerated fibers such as rayon and cuprammonium yarn and their blended fibers, and natural fibers such as cotton can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0031] The absorbent body 4 is not limited as long as it is a material that can absorb and retain body fluids, but preferably contains cotton pulp and absorbent polymers. As absorbent polymers, superabsorbent polymer granular powder (superabsorbent polymer (SAP)), superabsorbent polymer fiber (superabsorbent fiber (SAF)) and combinations thereof can be used. As pulp, cellulose fibers such as chemical pulp and dissolving pulp obtained from wood, artificial cellulose fibers such as rayon and acetate can be cited. As pulp, hardwood pulp obtained from hardwood, softwood pulp obtained from softwood or mixed pulp thereof can be cited. In addition, the pulp can be recycled pulp regenerated from used pulp.

[0032] The thickness of the absorbent body 4 may be 0.5 to 25 mm. The absorbent body 4 may be structured so that the area corresponding to the body fluid discharge outlet (body fluid discharge outlet corresponding area) and the area behind the body fluid discharge outlet corresponding area facing the groove of the buttocks are bulged. The absorbent body 4 has a size and shape that does not exceed the top sheet 3 and the back sheet, and the outer edges of the back sheet and the top sheet 3 are bonded by adhesives such as hot melt adhesives, heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, etc. at the front and rear edge portions of the absorbent body.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, side sheets 7, 7 may be provided on the outer side of the side portion of the absorbent body 4 at both ends in the short direction D2 along the long direction D1. As the side sheet 7, a water-repellent nonwoven fabric or a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric may be used.

[0034] In addition, if Figure 1 to Figure 3 In the example shown, the absorbent article 1 is a so-called wingless type without wings, but it may be configured as a winged article having wings extending from the sides. The wings can be formed by bonding the side sheets and the back sheet.

[0035] In addition, a back sheet side (non-skin side, i.e., the side facing the underwear when worn) of the absorbent article 1 may be provided with an anti-drift adhesive portion for preventing the absorbent article 1 from drifting from the underwear when the absorbent article 1 is attached to the underwear. The anti-drift adhesive portion may be formed into a plurality of strips extending in the long side direction D1 or the short side direction D2.

[0036] The total length of the absorbent article 1 may be 140 to 430 mm, and the width of the absorbent article 1 (the width of the main body excluding the wings when the wings are provided) may be 40 to 130 mm.

[0037] (Packaging Sheet)

[0038] The packaging sheet 10 in the present embodiment is made of paper. By using the packaging sheet 10 made of paper, it is possible to contribute to the reduction of plastics and to the achievement of sustainable development goals. In addition, paper can give a unique style, such as the appearance and feel of the soft impression of natural materials. In addition, in this specification, paper refers to plant fibers and other fibers bonded with adhesives into a thin flat plate. In particular, it can refer to plant fibers as the main raw material, for example, the plant fibers, especially cellulose fibers, in the fibers contained are more than 50%, preferably more than 80%. The plant fiber (pulp) as the raw material of paper may contain wood pulp, non-wood pulp, and old paper pulp, which may be any one of mechanical pulp and chemical pulp. The pulp may be pulp recycled from the structural components of absorbent articles and / or the packaging sheets for absorbent articles. In addition, additives may be added to the paper. As specific examples of paper, various types of paper such as Western paper, Japanese paper, processed paper, and synthetic paper can be cited. Furthermore, the paper used in other applications in the past may be, for example, paper called newspaper, printing paper (including high-quality paper), note paper, drawing paper, packaging paper, thin paper, mixed paper, etc. In the case of thin paper, it may be thin imitation paper, Indian paper, rice paper, glassine paper, facial tissue, toilet paper, filter paper, etc.

[0039] In addition, in this specification, the paper packaging sheet refers to a sheet mainly composed of the above-mentioned paper. Among the paper packaging sheets, there are obviously packaging sheets composed only of paper, and laminated sheets composed of sheets composed of paper and materials other than paper may also be included. When the packaging sheet 10 contains a sheet composed of a material other than paper, the material other than paper may be a resin film, a non-woven fabric, etc. However, the case where the packaging sheet 10 is composed only of paper is particularly preferred from the perspective of reducing plastics and / or based on the perspective of giving the product a unique natural style of paper.

[0040] The paper packaging sheet 10 may be subjected to certain processing. Such processing may include, for example, pleating, embossing, calendering, waterproofing, slitting, laminating, printing, etc. By performing pleating, embossing, etc., the strength and / or flexibility of the paper may be improved. In addition, by performing waterproofing (e.g., applying a waterproofing agent containing silicone resin, paraffin resin, fluororesin, etc.), the antifouling function may be improved. In addition, when waterproofing is performed on one side of the anti-deviation adhesive portion facing the back side of the absorbent article 1, the packaging sheet 10 may be contacted with the anti-deviation adhesive portion without peeling off the sheet.

[0041] The size of the packaging sheet 10 corresponds to the size and shape of the packaged absorbent article 1. For example, when the packaging sheet 10 is fully unfolded (unfolded), the length of the long side D1 (sometimes simply referred to as the length) can be 100 to 450 mm, and the length of the short side D2 (sometimes simply referred to as the width) can be 70 to 250 mm. In the example shown in the figure, the packaging sheet 10 has a rectangular shape in the unfolded state, but it can also have a shape such as an oblong oval.

[0042] <Packaging structure of individually packaged absorbent articles>

[0043] like Figure 1 to Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the absorbent article 1 is packaged by folding it together with the packaging sheet 10 to form a separately packaged absorbent article 100. When folded, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, in the following state, the absorbent article 1 is placed on the inner surface of the packaging sheet 10 so that the back sheet side of the absorbent article 1 faces it. Then, the packaging sheet 10 and the absorbent article 1 are folded together in the long side direction D1 based on the first fold line F1 and the second fold line F2 along the width direction D2. More specifically, based on the first fold line F1, the first region R1 including one end 11 of the long side direction D1 of the packaging sheet 10 is folded in the long side direction D1, and based on the second fold line F2, the second region R2 including the other end 12 of the long side direction D1 of the packaging sheet 10 is folded. The area between the first region R1 and the second region R2 of the packaging sheet 10 is the third region R3. In the example shown in the figure, the packaging sheet 10 is folded in such a manner that the second region R2 is folded first, and the first region R1 is overlapped on the outer surface of the second region R2 ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ), or the folding order of the first region R1 and the second region R2 may be reversed. In this way, the packaging sheet 10 is folded into three parts together with the absorbent article 1 (inner three-fold), and after wrapping the absorbent article 1, the two edge parts in the short side direction D2 are sealed along the long side direction D1 to form the sealed parts 15,15.

[0044] Such a packaging form of three or more folds can be formed relatively simply, and the absorbent article 1 can be hygienically wrapped, and it is also easy to take out the absorbent article 1. In addition, the folding form is not limited to three folds, and can be four or more folds, or two folds.

[0045] like Figure 1As shown, in the individually packaged absorbent article 100, the positions of both edges in the short side direction D2 where the absorbent article 1 does not exist are sealed to form sealing portions 15, 15. The sealing portions 15, 15 can be formed along the entire length of the long side direction D1 of the individually packaged absorbent article 100. This can prevent garbage, dust, or fingers or small objects from accidentally intruding from the end edge in the short side direction (obtaining packaging), which is preferred from this point of view. For example, the sealing portions 15, 15 are formed by inserting a pair of rollers and applying pressure by the two rollers, thereby pressing the packaging sheets 10 together in the thickness direction (described later).

[0046] The range of the short side direction D2 of the sealing portion 15 may be 20 mm from the end edge of the short side direction D2. The sealing portion 15 may be formed in the entire range or in a part of the range, for example, at a position away from the end edge of the short side direction D2. The length (width) of the sealing portion 15 in the short side direction D2 is preferably 3 to 15 mm.

[0047] Figure 4 An enlarged view of part II including the sealing portion 15 is given. Figure 4 As shown, the sealing portion 15 may include a plurality of pressing portions (or bonding portions) 15a, 15a... that are separated from each other when viewed from above. Each pressing and bonding portion 15a, 15a... is a portion where the packaging sheets 10 are bonded to each other in the thickness direction by pressing. In the illustrated example, the portion other than the plurality of pressing portions 15a, 15a... is a non-bonding portion where the packaging sheets 10 are not bonded to each other. In this way, the pressing portions 15a, 15a... are separated from each other and exist in a dotted form. Therefore, compared with the case where the packaging sheets 10 are continuously bonded to each other along the entire surface of the sealing portion 15, for example, it is easier to peel off the packaging sheets when opening, and the opening property can be improved. In addition, it is also possible to prevent the two edges of the individually packaged absorbent article 100 from becoming excessively hard and damaging the feel.

[0048] In addition, a top view shape of the pressing parts 15a, 15a... is as follows Figure 4 The example shown is a square, but the shape is not limited to the one shown in the figure. For example, it can be a quadrilateral other than a square such as a rectangle, a parallelogram, a polygon other than a quadrilateral, a circle, an ellipse, a heart, a star, a teardrop, etc. In addition, in the sealing part 15, the size of one pressing part 15a can be a square with a side of 0.2 to 2.5 mm, or a size with an area equivalent thereto. In addition, the arrangement of multiple pressing parts 15a, 15a... can also be as follows Figure 4 The grid shape shown may also be a staggered shape.

[0049] In addition, the structures of the sealing portion 15 and the pressing portion 15a are not limited to the following. Figure 1 and Figure 4 Example shown. Figure 5The structure of the sealing portion 15 is shown in Figure 1 Examples of various individually packaged absorbent articles 100, Figure 6 Given in Figure 5 An enlarged view of part III of Figure 1 and Figure 4 In the example shown, the inner edge of the sealing portion 15 in the short side direction D2 extends linearly along the long side direction D1. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, it can also be curved, such as wavy extension. Figure 1 and Figure 4 In the example shown, the size and shape of one pressing portion 15a are all the same, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the example shown, the size of one press-fit portion 15a may be larger toward the inner side in the short-side direction D2. Such arrangement of the press-fit portions 15a, 15a, ... can improve the adhesive strength of the press-fit portion 15a at the inner side in the short-side direction D2, which is the starting point of peeling, thereby preventing the individual packaged absorbent article 100 from being accidentally opened before use, which is preferred.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the individually wrapped absorbent article 100, a fixing belt 30 may be provided near the edge of the first region R1 (one end 11 of the packaging sheet 10) and in the center of the short side direction D2. Then, the fixing belt 30 may be provided as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the fixing belt 30 is provided along the first region R1 and the second region R2 in a manner that straddles one end 11 of the packaging sheet 10. By providing the fixing belt 30, when the individually packaged absorbent article 100 is opened, the user can hold the fixing belt 30 and pull up the first region R1, thereby making it easier to open. In addition, due to the fixing belt 30, when the absorbent article is replaced, the used absorbent article can be wrapped with the packaging sheet obtained from the newly opened individually packaged absorbent article, and the end of the packaging sheet can be fixed to another position of the packaging sheet. In this way, the packaging sheet can be prevented from opening and the used absorbent article can be exposed, and the used absorbent article can be hygienically discarded.

[0051] Figure 7 The state of the individually packaged absorbent article 100 being unpacked is given in FIG. For example, the user can hold the fixing belt 30 with one hand and the vicinity of the second fold line F2 with the other hand, and pull in opposite directions in the long side direction D1 of the packaging sheet 10. As a result, in the sealing portion 15, 15, the first area R1 is slowly peeled off from the second area R2 bonded directly below it. At this time, in the packaging sheet 10, near the sealing portion 15, 15, a tensile force is easily applied along the short side direction D2 of the packaging sheet 10 itself. That is, in the packaging sheet 10 in the area where the sealing portion 15, 15 is formed and in the vicinity thereof, a tensile force is easily applied along the direction T2, T2 ( Figure 7 ) is easy to apply tensile force. In addition, when the fixing tape 30 is provided, tensile force is easy to be applied along the long side direction D1 of the packaging sheet 10 itself in the area where the fixing tape 30 is attached and in the vicinity thereof. That is, in the packaging sheet 10 in the area where the fixing tape 30 is attached and in the vicinity thereof, tensile force is easy to be applied along the long side direction D1 of the packaging sheet 10 itself. Figure 7 ) is likely to be stretched. When opening, the packaging sheet 10 is likely to be torn, especially by the above-mentioned stretching force. The direction in which the packaging sheet 10 is pulled when opening varies depending on the user's opening method, that is, which part of the individually packaged absorbent article 100 is held and how the force is applied, so that the packaging sheet 10 may be subjected to forces in various directions.

[0052] In the present embodiment, as the packaging sheet 10, the tensile elongation (E1) in the long side direction (opening direction in the individually packaged absorbent article 100) D1 and the tensile elongation (E2) in the short side direction (width direction in the individually packaged absorbent article 100) D2 are 15% or more. Furthermore, it is preferable to use the packaging sheet 10 in which the tensile elongation (E1) in the long side direction (opening direction in the individually packaged absorbent article 100) D1 is 15% or more, and the tensile elongation (E2) in the short side direction (width direction in the individually packaged absorbent article 100) D2 is 20% or more. The tensile elongation (%) (also simply referred to as elongation) is the ratio of the elongation at the maximum load measured by a tensile testing machine such as TENSILON testing machine (manufactured by ORIENTEC Corporation) to the elongation amount (difference between the length at the maximum load and the initial length) when the initial length is 100%. Since the packaging sheet 10 has the tensile elongation as described above, the applied tensile force can be absorbed by the elongation of the material in both the long side direction D1 and the short side direction D2, and the packaging sheet 10 is difficult to break. In addition, the tensile elongation (E1) in the long side direction (opening direction in the individually packaged absorbent article 100) D1 and the tensile elongation (E2) in the short side direction (width direction in the individually packaged absorbent article 100) of the packaging sheet 10 can be 45% or less, respectively. Furthermore, it is preferred that the tensile elongation (E1) in the long side direction D1 of the packaging sheet 10 is 25% or less, and the tensile elongation (E2) in the short side direction D2 is 45% or less. This can prevent the feel of the paper from being damaged.

[0053] In order to prevent the packaging sheet from breaking, it is also considered to use a thick or highly rigid material as the packaging sheet. In this case, the softness of the packaging sheet is reduced and the feel is also damaged. As in the present embodiment, by using a packaging sheet with a high tensile elongation, a thick or highly rigid material is not used, and the paper packaging sheet can be made difficult to break. Therefore, a single-packaged absorbent article can be provided that does not damage the feel of the packaging sheet and the packaging sheet is difficult to break when opened (good opening property).

[0054] In order to increase the tensile elongation of the packaging sheet 10, for example, as the packaging sheet 10, crepe paper formed by creasing can be used. Creasing is preferred, and the extending direction of the creases formed by this creasing is the long side direction (the opening direction in the individual packaging of the absorbent article) D1 of the packaging sheet 10, and the direction in which the above creases are arranged side by side is the short side direction (the width direction in the individual packaging of the absorbent article) D2 of the packaging sheet 10. In addition, the crease rate of the packaging sheet 10 when it is crepe paper can be 8-25%. If it is crepe paper, even if the thickness of the material is thin, the tensile elongation and tensile strength of the packaging sheet 10 can be improved. In addition, through creasing, there can be moderately fine irregularities on the surface, so the feel and the holding feeling will also be improved.

[0055] In addition, when comparing the tensile elongation (E1) in the long side direction D1 of the packaging sheet 10 and the tensile elongation (E2) in the short side direction D2, the value obtained by dividing the tensile elongation of the larger one by the tensile elongation of the smaller one (E2 / E1 or E1 / E2) is preferably 1-2, and more preferably 1.1-1.8. The value obtained by dividing the tensile elongation of the larger one by the tensile elongation of the smaller one is a value of 1 or more, which is E2 / E1 when E1 < E2, E1 / E2 when E1 > E2, and 1 when E1 = E2. Due to the above value range, when the difference in tensile elongation caused by the direction is too large, there is a case where the stress when a force is applied in a specific direction is large and breakage is likely to occur. However, due to the above ratio, the difference in breakage difficulty caused by the direction can be reduced. Therefore, regardless of the direction of the force applied due to the user's opening method, the breakage of the packaging sheet 10 can be well prevented. In addition, the deviation in the softness of the packaging sheet 10 caused by the tensile direction can also be suppressed, and a packaging sheet 10 with a good user experience can be obtained.

[0056] The tensile elongation (E2) in the short side direction D2 of the packaging sheet 10 can be larger than the tensile elongation (E1) in the long side direction D1. Further, the value (E2 / E1) obtained by dividing the tensile elongation (E2) in the short side direction D2 of the packaging sheet 10 by the tensile elongation (E1) in the long side direction D1 is preferably 1-2, or 1.1-1.8. This form is preferred based on the point that breakage caused by the following can be prevented, that is, the stretching (stretching the packaging sheet 10 along the directions T2, T2) applied to the regions of the sealing portions 15, 15 forming the two edge portions in the short side direction D2 and the vicinity thereof. Figure 7 in the directions T2, T2.

[0057] Furthermore, the tensile strength (S1) in the long side direction D1 (the opening direction in the single-packaged absorbent article 100) of the packaging sheet 10 is preferably 3.5 N / 25 mm or more and 28 N / 25 mm or less. In addition, the tensile strength (S2) in the short side direction D2 (the width direction in the single-packaged absorbent article 100) is preferably 15 N / 25 mm or more and 35 N / 25 mm or less. The tensile strength can also be measured using a tensile testing machine. By setting the tensile strength within the above range, the following effect can be further enhanced, that is, the packaging sheet 10 is less likely to break during opening.

[0058] In addition, when comparing the tensile strength (S1) in the long side direction D1 and the tensile strength (S2) in the short side direction D2 of the packaging sheet 10, the value obtained by dividing the larger tensile strength by the smaller tensile strength (S2 / S1 or S1 / S2) is preferably 2 to 4, more preferably 3 to 5. The value obtained by dividing the larger tensile strength by the smaller tensile strength is a value of 1 or more, which is S2 / S1 when S1 < S2, S1 / S2 when S1 > S2, and 1 when S1 = S2. By setting the value within the above range, a balance in strength between the long side direction D1 and the short side direction D2 can be achieved to a certain extent, and the difference in the difficulty of fracture caused by the direction can be reduced.

[0059] The tensile strength (S2) in the short side direction D2 of the packaging sheet 10 can be greater than the tensile strength (S1) in the long side direction D1. Furthermore, the value obtained by dividing the tensile strength (S2) in the short side direction D2 of the packaging sheet 10 by the tensile strength (S1) in the long side direction D1 (S2 / S1) is preferably 2 to 4, or 3 to 5. This form is preferable in terms of preventing the following rupture, that is, the rupture caused by the stretching (the stretching of the packaging sheet 10 along the directions T2, T2) of the regions of the sealing portions 15, 15 formed at both edge portions in the short side direction D2 and the vicinity thereof. Figure 7 In addition, when the packaging sheet 10 cracks, the generation of a crack along the long side direction D1 is likely to be avoided. As a result, it is possible to prevent the packaging sheet 10 from being damaged when the packaging sheet 10 is lifted in the long side direction D1 during the unfolding of the packaging sheet 10 at the time of opening and when replacing the absorbent article and wrapping the used absorbent article.

[0060] In addition, in order to increase the tensile elongation and / or tensile strength of the packaging sheet 10, the fiber diameter and / or fiber length of the structural fibers of the paper can be increased. In addition, a paper strength enhancer such as starch can be added. Furthermore, particularly in order to increase the tensile elongation, the structural fibers can contain stretchable fibers, but from the perspective of achieving the goal of sustainable development, it is preferable not to contain stretchable fibers.

[0061] The thickness of the paper packaging sheet 10 (the thickness after creping in the case of crepe paper) is preferably 40 to 280 μm, more preferably 70 to 150 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the packaging sheet 10 is preferably 12 to 50 g / m 2 , more preferably 15 to 35 g / m 2 Such a thin and / or light-weight packaging sheet is soft and has a good feel. In addition, it can reduce the noise generated when opening and carrying. Then, according to this embodiment, a single-packaged absorbent article can be provided, which has a packaging sheet 10. When such a thin and / or light-weight paper packaging sheet is used, it is difficult to break when opening.

[0062] <Manufacture of Individually Packaged Absorbent Articles>

[0063] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of an example of a manufacturing apparatus 80 for individually packaged absorbent articles 100 is shown. Figure 8 As shown, the paper packaging sheet 10 ( Figure 1 to Figure 3 ) is transported in the transport direction Dt. The packaging sheet strip 10A can be obtained in a state of being rolled into a roll, and can be drawn out from such a roll for use. The packaging sheet strip 10A is transported along its long side direction, and absorbent articles 1, 1 are arranged at intervals on the inner surface of the packaging sheet strip 10A. The absorbent article 1 is arranged so that the long side direction of the absorbent article 1 is along the vertical direction Dv that is perpendicular to the transport direction Dt. Next, in the packaging part 40 of the manufacturing device 80, the packaging sheet strip 10A is folded together with the absorbent article 1 in the vertical direction Dv (i.e., the long side direction D1 of the absorbent article 1) at a folding position along the transport direction Dt. The folding is to be three-folded inwards, and preferably the absorbent article 1 is not exposed after folding.

[0064] The absorbent articles 1, 1, ... arranged at intervals in the conveying direction Dt are further conveyed to the seal forming portion 50 of the device 80 while being wrapped by the long packaging sheet 10A. Figure 8 As shown, the seal forming section 50 includes a pair of rollers 51, 52. In the seal forming section 50, at a position between the absorbent articles 1, 1... (a position where the absorbent article 1 is not provided), the long strip of packaging sheet 10A overlapping in the thickness direction is pressurized in the thickness direction by a pair of rollers 51, 52 to form a seal. In the seal forming section 50, the seals 15, 15 of two adjacent individually packaged absorbent articles (for example, the seal on the right side of the individually packaged absorbent article downstream in the conveying direction and the seal on the left side of the individually packaged absorbent article upstream in the conveying direction) are formed simultaneously.

[0065] The first roller 51 of the pair of rollers in the seal forming section 50 is provided with pressurizing sections 53, 53 ... along the circumferential direction, and similarly, the second roller 52 may be provided with pressurizing sections 54, 54 ... along the circumferential direction. Here, for example, the pressurizing sections 53, 53 ... of the first roller 51 may each be provided with a surface that is pressed against the rear surface 15a, 15a ... ( Figure 4 On the other hand, the surface of the pressurizing portion 54, 54... of the second roller 52 can be flat. By rotating such a pair of rollers, the pressurizing portion 53 of the first roller 51 and the pressurizing portion 54 of the second roller 52 face each other, and the packaging sheet strip 10A sandwiched therebetween is pressurized in the thickness direction. At this time, the rollers may be heated to heat the packaging sheet strip 10A.

[0066] After the seal is formed in the seal forming part 50, the packaging sheet strip 10A is cut at the center of the conveying direction Dt in the region where the seal is formed by the cutting part 60, so that the individually packaged absorbent article 100 having the seals 15, 15 at the edge in the conveying direction Dt can be obtained. The seal forming part 50 and the cutting part 60 may be integrated, that is, the formation and cutting of the seal can be performed by one device.

[0067] In addition, the conveying direction Dt may be the flow direction (MD direction or longitudinal direction) when the packaging sheet strip 10A is manufactured, and the vertical direction Dv may be the transverse direction (CD direction or transverse direction) perpendicular to the flow direction (MD direction). That is, the short side direction D2 of the packaging sheet 10 in the individually packaged absorbent article 100 may be the MD direction, and the long side direction D1 of the packaging sheet 10 may be the CD direction. However, there is no limitation as to which direction of the individually packaged absorbent article 100 the MD direction and the CD direction of the material are, and the short side direction D2 of the packaging sheet 10 in the individually packaged absorbent article 100 may be the CD direction, and the long side direction D1 of the packaging sheet 10 may be the MD direction.

[0068] [Example]

[0069] (Example 1)

[0070] A packaging sheet (length in the opening direction D1: 195 mm x length in the width direction D2: 120 mm) was prepared. The packaging sheet was made of crepe paper (thickness: 80 μm, weight: 18 g / m 2 ). After placing a sanitary napkin (20.5 cm, without wings) on the inner surface of each packaging sheet with the long side of the sanitary napkin along the long side of the packaging sheet, the packaging sheet and the sanitary napkin are folded together into the following shape: Figure 1 to Figure 3 The inner three-fold shown in FIG. 1 is formed by pressing the two edges of the short side of the packaging sheet together through a pair of rollers, thereby forming a packaging sheet as shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 4 The sealing part is a plurality of dot-shaped nip parts shown in the figure. A plurality of dot-shaped convex parts corresponding to the nip parts are formed on the surface of one of the pair of rollers, and the surface of the other roller is flat. In addition, the nip bonding is performed at room temperature at a line speed of 1000 sheets / minute.

[0071] The tensile elongation and tensile strength of the packaging sheet used in Example 1 were measured. In addition, as a reference, the seal strength of the sealed portion in the individually packaged absorbent article was also measured. Furthermore, the opening properties of the obtained individually packaged absorbent article were evaluated.

[0072] (Comparative Example 1)

[0073] Commercially available individually packaged absorbent articles made of paper packaging sheets were prepared. The tensile elongation and tensile strength of the packaging sheets used in Comparative Example 1 were measured. In addition, as a reference, the sealing strength of the sealed portion in the individually packaged absorbent article was also measured. Furthermore, the opening properties of the obtained individually packaged absorbent articles were evaluated.

[0074] The methods of measurement and evaluation are as follows. The results are shown in Table 1:

[0075] <Tensile Elongation and Tensile Strength>

[0076] In order to measure the characteristics in the long direction of the packaging sheet (the opening direction in the individually packaged absorbent article), the packaging sheet was cut into a sheet having the long direction of the packaging sheet (the opening direction in the individually packaged absorbent article)

[0077] A rectangular test piece with a size of 120 mm × 25 mm in the short side direction of the packaging sheet (the width direction in the individually packaged absorbent article) was subjected to a tensile test using a tensile testing machine (TENSILON testing machine "RTC1210" manufactured by ORIENTEC) with a clamp spacing of 50 mm and a tensile speed of 500 mm / min to measure the tensile elongation (%) and tensile strength (N).

[0078] In addition, in order to measure the characteristics of the short side direction of the packaging sheet (the width direction in the individually packaged absorbent article), the packaging sheet is cut into rectangular test pieces having a size of 120 mm in the short side direction of the packaging sheet (the width direction in the individually packaged absorbent article) × 25 mm in the long side direction of the packaging sheet (the opening direction in the individually packaged absorbent article), and the test is carried out in the same manner as above to measure the tensile elongation (%) and tensile strength (N).

[0079] <Seal Strength>

[0080] The edge of each example of the individually packaged absorbent article in the short side direction (including the seal portion with a width of 6 mm) was cut at a position 25 mm away from the end edge in the short side direction, and the test was conducted using the above-mentioned tensile testing machine used in the measurement of tensile elongation and tensile strength. Specifically, the edge of the long side direction ( Figure 1 The first region R1 in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article is slightly peeled off, and a clamp is installed to separate the absorbent article from the longitudinal direction of the end edge ( Figure 1 Another clamp is installed near the fold line F2 in the figure, and the two clamps are pulled in opposite directions with a clamp interval of 10 mm and a tensile speed of 100 mm / min. The maximum point load (N) is used as the sealing strength (peel strength).

[0081] In the measurements of the tensile elongation, tensile strength, and sealing strength described above, the average value of five measured values ​​was used.

[0082] <Opening properties>

[0083] The individually packaged absorbent articles obtained in each example were opened by a common method. Specifically, the exposed edge in the long side direction ( Figure 1 The first region R1 in the embodiment is opened near the center of the short side in the long side direction of the first region R1). At this time, observe whether there is any rupture in the packaging sheet. In each case, 5 individually packaged absorbent articles were opened. If no rupture of the packaging sheet occurred, it was marked as "0", and if more than one rupture of the packaging sheet occurred, it was marked as "×".

[0084]

Table 1

[0085]

[0086] As shown in Table 1, the packaging sheet of Example 1 has a larger tensile elongation in both the long side direction and the short side direction (15% or more in the long side direction and 20% or more in the short side direction) than the packaging sheet of Comparative Example 1. Then, Example 1 using the packaging sheet with a large tensile elongation is less likely to cause rupture when opening.

[0087] The present invention is described above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The above embodiments can be variously changed, modified, replaced, added, deleted and combined within the scope of the patent claims, which also belong to the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, the above structural elements can be combined arbitrarily.

[0088] Furthermore, specific embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[0089] (Note 1)

[0090] In the method involved in Note 1, the absorbent article is an individually packaged absorbent article that is individually packaged by a paper packaging sheet, the packaging sheet and the absorbent article arranged on the inner surface of the packaging sheet are folded to the inner surface side in the long side direction of the packaging sheet, and the two edge portions in the short side direction perpendicular to the long side direction are sealed, and the tensile elongation of the packaging sheet in the long side direction and the tensile elongation in the short side direction are respectively greater than 15%.

[0091] According to the method related to the above-mentioned supplementary note 1, an individually packaged absorbent article can be provided, in which the packaging sheet has a specified tensile elongation, and the packaging sheet is difficult to break when opened. Then, according to this method, a product can be provided, in which the packaging sheet does not need to use thick or high-rigidity paper, so that the softness of the packaging sheet can be ensured, and when the user holds the individually packaged absorbent article, a good hand feel can be felt.

[0092] (Note 2)

[0093] In the embodiment according to Supplementary Note 2, the tensile elongation in the longitudinal direction is 15% or more, and the tensile elongation in the transverse direction is 20% or more.

[0094] According to the method described in Supplementary Note 2, the effect of making the packaging sheet difficult to break during opening can be further improved. During opening, the packaging sheet is easily subjected to tensile force in the short-side direction near the sealed portions formed at both edges in the short-side direction, so according to this method, a packaging sheet that is difficult to break during opening can be obtained, especially due to the large tensile elongation in the short-side direction.

[0095] (Note 3)

[0096] In the embodiment according to Supplementary Note 3, the tensile strength of the packaging sheet in the longitudinal direction is 3.5 N / 25 mm to 28 N / 25 mm, and the tensile strength in the transverse direction is 15 N / 25 mm to 35 N / 25 mm.

[0097] According to the embodiment related to the above-mentioned supplementary note 3, the effect of making the packaging sheet difficult to break during opening can be further improved.

[0098] (Note 4)

[0099] In the aspect according to Supplementary Note 4, the packaging sheet is crepe paper.

[0100] According to the aspect related to the above-mentioned supplementary note 4, it is possible to provide an individually packaged absorbent article having a packaging sheet which is more difficult to break when opened and has a better feel.

[0101] (Note 5)

[0102] In the method according to Appendix 5, the packaging sheet is folded so that a first region including one end edge in the long side direction of the packaging sheet overlaps with a second region including the other end edge in the long side direction, and a fixing belt spanning the first region and the second region is provided.

[0103] According to the method related to the above-mentioned supplementary note 5, the fixing belt is provided, and it is easy to grasp the end of the packaging sheet when opening, so that opening is easy. In addition, the fixing belt has the following advantages: when the used absorbent article is discarded, when the used absorbent article is wrapped with the packaging sheet, it can be used to fix the packaging sheet after wrapping. Then, even if the structure with the fixing belt is provided, in this method, since the packaging sheet has a large tensile elongation, the packaging sheet can be prevented from being broken near the fixing belt when opening.

[0104] (Note 6)

[0105] In the embodiment according to Supplementary Note 6, the packaging sheet has a thickness of 40 to 280 μm.

[0106] As the mode related to above-mentioned note 6, by using thinner packaging sheet, the softness of packaging sheet can be ensured and the feel is improved. In addition, even if it is such thinner packaging sheet, according to this mode, because the packaging sheet has a large tensile elongation, the packaging sheet can be prevented from rupturing when unsealing.

[0107] (Note 7)

[0108] In the method related to Supplementary Note 7, it is a paper packaging sheet for individually packaging absorbent articles, together with the absorbent article placed on the inner surface of the packaging sheet, the packaging sheet is folded to the inner surface side in the long side direction, and the two edges in the short side direction perpendicular to the long side direction are sealed to form an individually packaged absorbent article, and the tensile elongation in the long side direction and the tensile elongation in the short side direction of the packaging sheet are respectively 15% or more. Preferably, the tensile elongation in the long side direction of the packaging sheet is 20% or more, and the tensile elongation in the short side direction is 15% or more.

[0109] According to the embodiment according to Supplementary Note 7, the same effects as those of the embodiment according to Supplementary Note 1 are achieved, and a paper packaging sheet for individually packaging absorbent articles can be provided.

[0110] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-185094 filed on November 18, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0111] [Reference Signs]

[0112] 1. Absorbent articles

[0113] 3 Top sheet

[0114] 4 Absorber

[0115] 7 Side sheets

[0116] 10 Packaging Sheet

[0117] 11 One end of the long side

[0118] 12 The other end of the long side

[0119] 15 Sealing part

[0120] 15a Pressing part

[0121] 30 Fixing strap

[0122] 40 Packaging Department

[0123] 50 seal forming portion

[0124] 60 Cutting section

[0125] 80 Individually packaged absorbent article manufacturing device

[0126] 100 individually wrapped absorbent articles

[0127] D1 Long side direction of packaging sheet (opening direction)

[0128] D2 Short side direction of packaging sheet (width direction)

[0129] F1 1st fold line

[0130] F2 2nd fold line

[0131] R1 Area 1

[0132] R2 Area 2

[0133] R3 Area 3

Claims

1. An individually packaged absorbent article, wherein: The absorbent articles are individually packaged with paper packaging sheets. The packaging sheet is folded to the inner surface side in the long side direction of the packaging sheet together with the absorbent article provided on the inner surface of the packaging sheet, and both edge portions in the short side direction perpendicular to the long side direction are sealed. The tensile elongation of the packaging sheet in the long-side direction and the tensile elongation in the short-side direction are each 15% or more. 2 . The individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein the tensile elongation in the longitudinal direction is 15% or more, and the tensile elongation in the transverse direction is 20% or more. 3 . The individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein the tensile strength of the packaging sheet in the long side direction is 3.5 N / 25 mm to 28 N / 25 mm, and the tensile strength in the short side direction is 15 N / 25 mm to 35 N / 25 mm.

4. The individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the packaging sheet is crepe paper.

5. The individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the packaging sheet is folded in such a manner that a first area including one end edge in the long side direction of the packaging sheet overlaps a second area including the other end edge in the long side direction, and a fixing belt spanning the first area and the second area is provided.

6. The individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the packaging sheet has a thickness of 40 to 280 μm.

7. A packaging sheet, which is a paper packaging sheet used for individually packaging absorbent articles. The packaging sheet can be formed into a single packaged absorbent article in the following manner, together with the absorbent article arranged on the inner surface of the packaging sheet, folded to the inner surface side in the long side direction of the packaging sheet, and sealed at both edges in the short side direction perpendicular to the long side direction, The tensile elongation of the packaging sheet in the long-side direction and the tensile elongation in the short-side direction are each 15% or more.

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