Individual package for absorbent article and method for manufacturing package

Abstract

The invention provides an independent packaging body of an absorbent article and a manufacturing method of a packaging piece, wherein the appearance of the packaging body can be improved. An individual packaging body (30) for an absorbent article, said individual packaging body (30) being provided with: an absorbent article (1) provided with an absorbent body (10); and a packaging material (31) that individually packages the absorbent article (1), the absorbent article (1) and the packaging material (31) are folded, a pair of end portions of the packaging material (31) are provided with sealing portions (35) for sealing the end portions, in a plan view, the packaging material (31) is provided with a plurality of convex portions (32) that protrude outward at least in a region between the pair of end portions, and the convex portions (32) are pyramid-shaped or frustum-shaped.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an individual package and a package of an absorbent article. Background Art

[0002] Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins are usually individually packaged (individual packages) by packages. Further, an encapsulated body obtained by storing a plurality of individual packages in a predetermined bag is sold and distributed. Since a sanitary napkin is taken out from the encapsulated body in the state of an individual package, aesthetic appearance is also required for the individual package. In addition, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a method of forming a pattern such as an embossed recess in the bag of the encapsulated body to improve the aesthetic appearance.

[0003] Prior art documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-70175

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-49998 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] The package of the individual package is thinner than the bag of the encapsulated body, and the uses and functions are also different. In Patent Documents 1 and 2, although patterns such as unevenness are formed in the bag of the encapsulated body, it is difficult to apply the above technology to the package of the individual package to obtain the same effect.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described existing problems, and an object thereof is to provide an individual package of an absorbent article that can achieve an improvement in aesthetic appearance.

[0010] Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] A main invention for achieving the above object is an individual package of an absorbent article, characterized in that the individual package of the absorbent article includes: an absorbent article having an absorbent body; and a package that individually packages the absorbent article, wherein the absorbent article and the package are folded, and sealing portions for sealing the ends are provided at a pair of ends of the package, and in a plan view, in the package, at least a region between the pair of ends has a plurality of convex portions protruding outward, and the convex portions are pyramid-shaped or frustum-shaped.

[0012] Other features of the present invention will be clarified by the description of this specification and the drawings.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an individual package of an absorbent article capable of achieving an improved aesthetic appearance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is a plan view obtained by observing the sanitary napkin 1 in the unfolded state from the skin side.

[0016] Figure 2 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin 1.

[0017] Figure 3 It is a plan view obtained by observing the individual package 30 of the sanitary napkin in the unfolded state from the non-skin side.

[0018] Figure 4 It is a plan view obtained by observing the individual package 30 of the sanitary napkin in the unfolded state from the skin side.

[0019] Figure 5A It is a plan view of the open cover side of the individual package 30 in the folded state, Figure 5B It is a plan view of the non-open cover side of the individual package 30 in the folded state.

[0020] Figure 6A It is a view showing an example of the package 40 of the sanitary napkin, Figure 6B It is a view showing the state after opening the object bag 41.

[0021] Figure 7 It is a schematic explanatory view showing an example of the manufacturing method of the package 31.

[0022] Figure 8A and Figure 8B It is an explanatory view of the concave portion 82 formed in the cooling roll 80a.

[0023] Figure 9A It is a perspective view schematically showing the convex portion 32 formed in the package 31, Figure 9B It is a side view of the convex portion 32.

[0024] Figure 10A 、 Figure 10B It is an explanatory view regarding the reflection of light.

[0025] Figure 11 It is an explanatory view of the case where there is a height deviation in the convex portion 32.

[0026] REFERENCE MARK DESCRIPTION

[0027] 1. Sanitary napkin (absorbent article); 2. Surface sheet; 3. Intermediate sheet; 4. Backsheet (bottom film); 5. Wing; 6. Side sheet; 8. Adhesive part; 9. Adhesive part; 10. Absorbent body; 11. Absorbent core; 12. Core covering sheet; 20. Compression part; 21. Linear compression part; 22. Dot-like compression part; 30. Independent package of sanitary napkin; 31. Package; 31M. Sheet raw material; 31R. Continuum of packages; 32. Protrusion; 32a. Inclined surface; 33. Separator; 34. Release sheet; 35. Sealing part; 36. Welding part; 37. Bonding part; 38. Joint part; 40. Package of sanitary napkin; 41. Bag; 42. Base material (second film); 42a, 42b. Folding line; 43. Sealing part; 44. Easy-tear line; 44a. Hole; 45. Opening part; 70. Extruder; 80a, 80b. Cooling roll (roll); 81. Outer peripheral surface; 82. Recess; 111. Superabsorbent polymer. Detailed implementation mode

[0028] According to the description of this specification and the drawings, at least the following matters become clear.

[0029] (Mode 1)

[0030] An independent package of an absorbent article, characterized in that the independent package of the absorbent article includes: an absorbent article having an absorbent body; and a package that independently packages the absorbent article, the absorbent article and the package are folded, and sealing parts for sealing the ends are provided at a pair of ends of the package. In a top view, in the package, at least in the area between the pair of ends, a plurality of protrusions protruding outward are provided, and the protrusions are pyramid-shaped or frustum-shaped.

[0031] According to Mode 1, the absorbent article is folded in a manner covered by the package, and the pair of ends of the package are sealed, so that foreign matters are not easily introduced from the outside. In addition, a plurality of pyramid-shaped or frustum-shaped protrusions are provided on the outside of the package, so that a three-dimensional design with different depths can be formed, and a shiny and high-quality impression can be left through the reflection of light at the inclined surface. Thus, the improvement of aesthetics can be achieved.

[0032] (Mode 2)

[0033] According to the independent package of the absorbent article described in Mode 1, characterized in that the protrusions are arranged at a predetermined interval between the pair of ends of the package.

[0034] According to Mode 2, protrusions are arranged and formed on both the open cover side and the non-open cover side of the package. Therefore, when holding the independent package, a high-quality impression can be left.

[0035] (Mode 3)

[0036] The individually packaged absorbent article according to Method 1 or Method 2, characterized in that the package has a first film, the individually packaged article is stored in an article bag having a second film, the average thickness of the first film is smaller than the average thickness of the second film, and the average light transmittance of the second film is smaller than the average light transmittance of the first film.

[0037] According to Method 3, by storing the individually packaged article in an article bag, the contents are not easily known to others when purchasing absorbent articles, etc., and it is not easily affected adversely when handling the absorbent article. Moreover, when using the absorbent article, the package is thin and has a high light transmittance, and thus, an impression of high quality, thinness, and non-stuffiness can be left.

[0038] (Method 4)

[0039] The individually packaged absorbent article according to any one of Methods 1 to 3, characterized in that the package has a first film, the absorbent article has a bottom film on the non-skin side of the absorbent body, and the average light transmittance of the first film is larger than the average light transmittance of the bottom film.

[0040] According to Method 4, when using the absorbent article, an impression of high quality, thinness, and non-stuffiness can be left, and by making the light transmittance of the bottom film small, an impression of a high excrement-receiving effect can be left.

[0041] (Method 5)

[0042] The individually packaged absorbent article according to any one of Methods 1 to 4, characterized in that the sealing portion has a plurality of welding portions, and in a plan view, the area of the convex portion is smaller than the area of the welding portion.

[0043] According to Method 5, by making the area of the convex portion smaller than the area of the welding portion, an impression of a delicate, elegant, and three-dimensional design can be left.

[0044] (Method 6)

[0045] The individually packaged absorbent article according to Method 5, characterized in that the convex portion exists between adjacent welding portions, and the convex portion does not exist at the welding portion.

[0046] According to Method 6, by having a convex portion between the welding portions, the overall appearance is not impaired, and in addition, by not having a convex portion at the welding portion, the position of the welding portion is easily known.

[0047] (Method 7)

[0048] The individually wrapped body of the absorbent article according to any one of Modes 1 to 6, characterized in that the plurality of convex portions include a first convex portion and a second convex portion having different heights.

[0049] According to Mode 7, by having convex portions with different heights, a three-dimensional design with a greater difference in depth can be formed.

[0050] (Mode 8)

[0051] The individually wrapped body of the absorbent article according to Mode 7, characterized in that the first convex portion is higher than the second convex portion, and the height difference between the first convex portion and the second convex portion is smaller than the height of the second convex portion.

[0052] According to Mode 8, the deviation in the height of the convex portions is small, and a higher-quality impression can be left.

[0053] (Mode 9)

[0054] The individually wrapped body of the absorbent article according to any one of Modes 1 to 8, characterized in that the maximum height of the plurality of convex portions is less than 50 μm.

[0055] According to Mode 9, it can be formed such that even when the user (hereinafter referred to as the user) touches it with their hand, the height of the convex portion cannot be felt, and it can be formed so as not to leave a rough impression.

[0056] (Mode 10)

[0057] The individually wrapped body of the absorbent article according to any one of Modes 1 to 9, characterized in that the absorbent article is fixed to the wrapper by a separator, and in the wrapper, the number of convex portions per unit area in the region overlapping the joint portion between the separator and the wrapper in the thickness direction is smaller than the number of convex portions per unit area in other regions.

[0058] According to Mode 10, at the joint portion between the separator and the wrapper, the number of convex portions is smaller than the number of convex portions in other regions, so the position where the separator and the wrapper are fixed can be easily identified.

[0059] (Mode 11)

[0060] The individually wrapped body of the absorbent article according to any one of Modes 1 to 10, characterized in that, in a plan view, the number of convex portions per unit area in the region where the sealing portion is provided is smaller than the number of convex portions per unit area in other regions.

[0061] According to Mode 11, the position of the sealing portion can be easily identified.

[0062] (Mode 12)

[0063] The individually packaged body of the absorbent article according to any one of Modes 1 to 11, characterized in that an adhesive part is provided near the opening of the individually packaged body, and the adhesive part adhesively bonds the packaging member in a folded state. In the packaging member, the number of the convex parts per unit area in the region overlapping with the adhesive part in the thickness direction is smaller than the number of the convex parts per unit area in other regions.

[0064] According to Mode 12, the opening position can be easily recognized.

[0065] (Mode 13)

[0066] The individually packaged body of the absorbent article according to any one of Modes 1 to 12, characterized in that in a plan view and in the region between the pair of end parts, the total area of the plurality of convex parts is larger than the area of the region where the convex parts are not formed.

[0067] According to Mode 13, the region where the convex parts are formed is larger, and thus a three-dimensional and high-quality impression can be left.

[0068] (Mode 14)

[0069] A method for manufacturing a packaging member for an individually packaged body of an absorbent article, characterized in that the manufacturing method includes: a step of conveying an uncured film raw material; and a step of passing the film raw material between a pair of rollers, and at least one of the pair of rollers is provided with a pattern for forming a plurality of convex parts in a pyramid shape or a frustum shape on the film raw material.

[0070] According to Mode 14, a three-dimensional design can be formed on the packaging member (film raw material), and a shiny and high-quality impression can be left by the reflection of light. Thus, an improvement in the aesthetic appearance of the individually packaged body can be achieved.

[0071] (Mode 15)

[0072] The method for manufacturing a packaging member according to the method for manufacturing a packaging member described in Mode 14, characterized in that the pair of rollers has a cooling member for cooling the film raw material.

[0073] According to Mode 15, convex parts can be formed while curing the film raw material being conveyed.

[0074] ===Embodiment===

[0075] Hereinafter, as the individually packaged body of the absorbent article of the present invention, an example in which the absorbent article is a sanitary napkin is given for explanation. However, the absorbent article is not limited to a sanitary napkin, and for example, it may also be a panty liner, an absorbent pad (pad for mild incontinence), etc.

[0076] <<Basic Structure of Sanitary Napkin 1>>

[0077] Figure 1 It is a top view obtained by observing the unfolded sanitary napkin 1 from the skin side. Figure 2 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin 1. The unfolded sanitary napkin 1 has a long side direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that are perpendicular to each other. In the long side direction of the sanitary napkin 1, the side that abuts against the wearer's lower abdomen is called the "front side", and the side that abuts against the wearer's buttocks is called the "rear side". In addition, in the thickness direction of the sanitary napkin 1 (refer to Figure 2 ), the side that abuts against the wearer's skin is called the "skin side", and the opposite side is called the "non-skin side".

[0078] As Figure 2 shown, the sanitary napkin 1 has a topsheet 2, a middle sheet 3, an absorber 10, a backsheet 4, wing sheets 5, and side sheets 6. The materials adjacent in the thickness direction are joined and fixed using an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive (HMA) (not shown).

[0079] The topsheet 2 is a member that abuts against the user's skin when using the sanitary napkin 1, allowing excretions such as menstrual blood (hereinafter also referred to as excreta) to permeate from the skin side to the non-skin side in the thickness direction and move towards the absorber 10. Therefore, the topsheet 2 uses a soft sheet such as a thermally bonded nonwoven fabric with appropriate liquid permeability. In addition, the topsheet 2 can also be a sheet made of cotton as a natural fiber (for example, a sheet member composed of 100% cotton, a mixed sheet of cotton and thermally bonded nonwoven fabric, etc.). Thereby, it is possible to further reduce the irritation to the wearer's skin.

[0080] The middle sheet 3 is a liquid-permeable sheet, and examples thereof include the same nonwoven fabric as the topsheet 2. The middle sheet 3 is provided on the skin side surface of the absorber 10 and functions to prevent the backflow of excretions such as menstrual blood, improve the diffusion of excretions, and improve the cushioning property. However, the sanitary napkin 1 may not have the middle sheet 3.

[0081] The backsheet 4 (equivalent to the bottom film) is disposed on the non-skin side of the absorber 10, and when using the sanitary napkin 1, it inhibits the liquid absorbed by the absorber 10 from oozing out to the clothing side (non-skin side) such as underwear. The backsheet 4 uses a soft sheet (film) such as a resin film of polyethylene (PE) with appropriate liquid impermeability. In addition, the planar dimensions of the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 4 are larger than the planar dimensions of the absorber 10.

[0082] The wing sheets 5 extend outward in the width direction from the side sheets 6 together with the backsheet 4, and a wing portion 1w is formed at the central portion in the long side direction of the sanitary napkin 1.

[0083] The side piece 6 can be either a liquid-permeable piece or a liquid-impermeable piece, and examples thereof include the same non-woven fabric as the surface piece 2. In addition, the side piece 6 is folded back inward in the width direction so as to be located at the end in the width direction on the skin side of the surface piece 2.

[0084] The absorber 10 is a member that absorbs excretions (liquids) such as menstrual blood and holds them inside. Figure 2 The absorber 10 has an absorbent core 11 and a core wrapping sheet 12 that covers the absorbent core 11.

[0085] The absorbent core 11 is formed by shaping liquid-absorbent fibers such as pulp fibers into a predetermined shape (for example, substantially hourglass-shaped when viewed from above). In addition, a plurality of granular superabsorbent polymers (SAP) 111 are contained (mixed in) in the absorbent core 11.

[0086] The core wrapping sheet 12 is a liquid-permeable sheet member that covers the surface (outer peripheral surface) of the absorbent core 11, and examples thereof include tissue paper.

[0087] In addition, the structure of the absorber 10 is not limited to the above structure. For example, it can also be a SAP sheet formed by attaching a SAP layer to a hydrophilic sheet, an airlaid sheet formed by shaping liquid-absorbent fibers into a sheet by the airlaid method, etc. In addition, the core wrapping sheet 12 may be absent.

[0088] In addition, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the sanitary napkin 1 has a compressed portion 20 compressed in the thickness direction from the skin surface side of the surface piece 2. In the compressed portion 20, the thickness of the sanitary napkin 1 is thinner than that of the surrounding area, and the density of the material (fiber) constituting the sanitary napkin 1 becomes higher. In the Figure 2 illustrated compressed portion 20, the surface piece 2, the intermediate piece 3, and the absorber 10 (part or all) are compressed in the thickness direction. However, the compressed portion 20 only needs to compress the sanitary napkin 1 in the thickness direction from the skin surface side of the surface piece 2, and for example, it may not reach the absorber 10.

[0089] In addition, as Figure 1 shown, the sanitary napkin 1 has a linear compressed portion 21 formed by arranging dot-like compressed portions in a line and a plurality of dot-like compressed portions 22 discretely arranged as the compressed portion 20. However, the number, shape, and arrangement of the compressed portions 20 are not particularly limited. In addition, the linear compressed portion may also be a compressed portion continuously compressed in a groove shape.

[0090] As described above, the basic structure of the sanitary napkin 1 has been described, but the structure of the sanitary napkin is not limited to the above structure. For example, it can also be a sanitary napkin without the wing portion 1w.

[0091] <<Independent package 30 of sanitary napkin>>

[0092] Figure 3 It is a top view obtained by observing the independent package 30 of the sanitary napkin in the unfolded state from the non-skin side. Figure 4 It is a top view obtained by observing the independent package 30 of the sanitary napkin in the unfolded state from the skin side. Figure 5A It is a top view of the open cover side of the independent package 30 in the folded state. Figure 5B It is a top view of the non-open cover side of the independent package 30 in the folded state. In addition, in Figure 3 、 Figure 4 's top view, the state where the wing part 1w is folded inward (the skin side of the sanitary napkin 1) is shown. In addition, Figure 3 、 Figure 4 is a view of the independent package 30 in the state of Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B opened and unfolded, and a sealing part 35, an adhesive part 37, etc. described later are formed.

[0093] The independent package 30 of the sanitary napkin 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "independent package 30") is formed by independently packaging the sanitary napkin 1 with a packaging member 31, and includes the sanitary napkin 1, the packaging member 31, a separator 33, and a release sheet 34.

[0094] In addition, as Figure 3 shows, a plurality of adhesive parts 8 formed by coating an adhesive or the like are provided on the non-skin side surface of the sanitary napkin 1 (that is, the non-skin side surface of the bottom sheet 4). In the main body part of the sanitary napkin 1, a plurality of rectangular adhesive parts 8 extending in the long side direction are arranged in the width direction. The adhesive part 8 is used to fix the main body part of the sanitary napkin 1 to the inner side surface of the wearer's underwear.

[0095] In addition, as Figure 4 shows, in the wing part 1w, a plurality of rectangular adhesive parts 9 extending in the long side direction are also arranged in the width direction. When wearing the sanitary napkin 1, the wing part 1w is bent and fixed to the outer side surface of the underwear by the adhesive part 9. In addition, the shapes, numbers, and configurations of the adhesive parts 8 and 9 are not limited to Figure 3 、 Figure 4 the cases exemplified.

[0096] The packaging member 31 is a rectangular sheet member for independently packaging the sanitary napkin 1, which has an inner side surface for fixing the sanitary napkin 1 (refer to Figure 4 ) and an outer side surface exposed to the outside in the independent package 30 (refer to Figure 3)。In this embodiment, a relatively thin resin film (corresponding to the first film) made of resin is used as the packaging member 31. In addition, the longitudinal direction of the packaging member 31 corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the sanitary napkin 1, and the short side direction (width direction) of the packaging member 31 corresponds to the width direction of the sanitary napkin 1. Further, one side in the longitudinal direction of the packaging member 31 (the side where the bonding portion 37 described later is present) corresponds to the front side of the sanitary napkin 1, and the other side in the longitudinal direction of the packaging member 31 corresponds to the rear side of the sanitary napkin 1.

[0097] In addition, as Figure 3 the enlarged view shows, a plurality of convex portions 32 are formed on the non-skin side surface (outer surface) of the packaging member 31. In this embodiment, the convex portion 32 is in the shape of a frustum of a pyramid with a hexagonal planar shape at the bottom surface, and is provided so as to protrude outward. The plurality of convex portions 32 are arranged at a certain interval on the non-skin side surface of the packaging member 31. In addition, the details of the convex portion 32 will be described later.

[0098] In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, printing is locally applied to the non-skin side surface (outer surface) of the packaging member 31. Hereinafter, the printed area is set as the area R1, and the unprinted area is set as the area R2. In addition, since the printing of the packaging member 31 is performed after the formation of the above-described convex portion 32, the convex portion 32 exists in both the area R1 and the area R2.

[0099] Sealing portions 35 are provided at both ends (a pair of end portions) in the width direction of the packaging member 31, and the sealing portions 35 are used to seal the end portions in the folded state. In the sealing portion 35, the end portions of the packaging member 31 folded together with the sanitary napkin 1 overlap and are joined to each other. As a joining method, known joining methods such as heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, an adhesive, and a combination of the above methods can be exemplified. In this embodiment, joining is performed by heat sealing. As shown in the figure, a plurality of welding portions 36 are formed in the sealing portion 35 (in other words, the sealing portion 35 has a plurality of welding portions 36).

[0100] In addition, near the front end T in the longitudinal direction of the packaging member 31 (slightly behind the end T), a bonding portion 37 is formed along the width direction. In the bonding portion 37, the packaging members 31 in the folded state are bonded to each other by a hot melt adhesive (HMA). In addition, the hot melt adhesive is such a thermoplastic adhesive: it is solid at normal temperature, is coated by heating and melting (heating and fusing), and is bonded by cooling and solidifying.

[0101] In addition, the packaging member 31 and the sanitary napkin 1 are fixed by means of a separator 33.

[0102] The separator 33 is a sheet member disposed between the backsheet 4 of the sanitary napkin 1 and the packaging member 31. Regarding the skin-side surface of the separator 33, a peeling process is performed by using silicone resin or the like, and it is adhered to the adhesive portion 8 provided on the main body portion (the non-skin side surface of the backsheet 4) of the sanitary napkin 1 in a peelable manner. Since the peeling process is well-known, the description thereof is omitted.

[0103] On the other hand, the non-skin side surface of the separator 33 is fixed to the packaging member 31 through the joint portion 38 provided between the separator 33 and the packaging member 31. As Figure 3 shown, in the present embodiment, there are three joint portions 38. In addition, at the joint portion 38, the separator 33 and the packaging member 31 are joined (fixed) by a hot melt adhesive (HMA).

[0104] In addition, it is also possible that the sanitary napkin 1 is directly fixed to the packaging member 31 in a peelable manner without using the separator 33.

[0105] In addition, as Figure 4 shown, the wings 1w are folded inward in the width direction on the skin side surface of the sanitary napkin 1. The adhesive portion 9 of the wings 1w is covered with the release sheet 34.

[0106] The packaging member 31 and the sanitary napkin 1 in the unfolded state (the state where the sealing portion 35 and the bonding portion 37 are not formed) are folded at the two folding portions F1, F2 along the width direction. Then, the both end portions in the width direction of the packaging member 31 folded together with the sanitary napkin 1 are sealed to form the sealing portion 35. In addition, in the state where the packaging member 31 is folded, the packaging members 31 near the opening are bonded to each other by a hot melt adhesive (HMA) or the like to form the bonding portion 37. Thus, it becomes Figure 5A and Figure 5B the independent package 30 shown.

[0107] In this way, regarding the independent package 30, the sanitary napkin 1 is folded so as to be covered by the packaging member 31, the pair of end portions in the width direction of the packaging member 31 are sealed, and further, the packaging members 31 near the opening are bonded by the bonding portion 37. Therefore, foreign matters are not easily introduced from the outside. In addition, it is also possible to provide a sealing member near the opening instead of the bonding portion 37 and perform bonding by using the sealing member.

[0108] When opening the independent package 30, pinch with fingers Figure 5A the portion between the end T of the packaging member 31 on the opening side of the independent package 30 and the bonding portion 37 and pull, thereby releasing the joining of the bonding portion 37 and the sealing portion 35 and unfolding the folding portions F1, F2. Thus, it becomes Figure 3 , Figure 4 the state as shown.

[0109] As described above, the individual package 30 of the sanitary napkin has been explained, but the structure of the individual package 30 is not limited to the above structure. For example, the number of the folding parts F1 and F2 of the packaging member 31 is not limited to two, and may be one, or may be three or more. In addition, it may be that not only the folding parts F1 and F2 along the width direction but also the folding parts along the long side direction are used to fold the packaging member 31 and the sanitary napkin 1. In addition, it may be that the packaging member 31 and the sanitary napkin 1 are folded in a separate manner. That is, it may be that the sanitary napkin 1 which is first folded is enclosed and then the packaging member 31 is folded.

[0110] <<Encapsulation 40 of Sanitary Napkin>>

[0111] Figure 6A FIG. is an example showing the encapsulation 40 of the sanitary napkin. Figure 6B FIG. is a view showing the state after opening the object bag 41. The encapsulation 40 of the sanitary napkin (hereinafter also simply referred to as "encapsulation 40") has a plurality (here, four) of individual packages 30 of the sanitary napkin and an object bag 41 for storing the plurality of individual packages 30 of the sanitary napkin.

[0112] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The object bag 41 exemplified has longitudinal, lateral and front-rear directions (thickness direction) that intersect each other. In addition, the longitudinal direction is the long side direction of the object bag 41, and the lateral direction is the short side direction of the object bag 41. In addition, in Figure 6B the front-rear direction of the object bag 41 corresponds to the thickness direction of the individual package 30 (sanitary napkin 1). In addition, the longitudinal direction of the object bag 41 corresponds to the width direction of the individual package 30. However, it is not limited thereto, and it may be that the lateral direction of the object bag 41 corresponds to the width direction of the individual package 30.

[0113] The object bag 41 has a base material 42, a sealing part 43 and a tear line 44.

[0114] The base material 42 (corresponding to the second film) is a member constituting the object bag 41 and is formed of a resin film such as a polyethylene film (PE) or a polyethylene terephthalate film (PET). Although not shown in the present embodiment, usually printing such as characters and patterns is applied to the outer surface of the base material 42. Furthermore, there is also a case where a transparent film is formed on the base material 42. In addition, folding lines 42a and 42b are provided at both lateral ends of the base material 42 and are bent. At the folding line 42a, the base material 42 is folded into a convex fold, and at the folding line 42b, the base material 42 is folded into a concave fold.

[0115] The sealing part 43 is provided by heat-sealing the inner surfaces of the base material 42 to each other at both longitudinal ends of the object bag 41. That is, a pair of sealing parts 43 are provided at both longitudinal ends.

[0116] The tear line 44 is a part for opening the article bag 41, and a pair of tear lines 44 are provided at both longitudinal ends of the article bag 41 (parts closer to the inside than the sealing part 43). The tear line 44 is formed by a plurality of holes 44a along the transverse direction. In addition, the tear line 44 may be provided only on one side in the longitudinal direction.

[0117] When the user pinches one end of the article bag 41 with a finger from the Figure 6A state and tears the end along the tear line 44, as Figure 6B shown, an opening 45 serving as an outlet of the independent package 30 is formed, and it becomes an opened state. Thus, the independent package 30 stored in the article bag 41 can be taken out from the opening 45.

[0118] The user observes the independent package 30 taken out from the package 40 before using the sanitary napkin 1, so the independent package 30 is required to have an aesthetic appearance. In the present embodiment, the aesthetic appearance of the independent package 30 is improved by the shape, light transmittance, etc. of the packaging member 31 of the independent package 30.

[0119] <<Regarding the packaging member 31>>

[0120] As described above, the packaging member 31 is formed of a thin resin film, and a plurality of convex portions 32 are formed on the non-skin side surface (outer side surface).

[0121] First, the manufacturing method of the packaging member 31 will be described.

[0122] <Manufacturing method of the packaging member 31>

[0123] Figure 7 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of the manufacturing method of the packaging member 31.

[0124] The extruder 70 is a device that extrudes the heated and melted resin (uncured resin) in a sheet form. In addition, as the resin for the packaging member 31 (film raw material), a soft polyethylene (PE) resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, or polypropylene (PP) resin is preferably used.

[0125] The molten resin (film raw material 31M) extruded from the extruder 70 is conveyed by a conveying mechanism (not shown) in the conveying direction and passes between a pair of cooling rollers 80a and 80b.

[0126] A pair of cooling rollers 80a and 80b are rollers with cooling components. While pressing the molten resin (film raw material 31M) passing between the rollers, they cool it and convey it in the conveying direction. There is no particular limitation on the cooling component. For example, it can also be a cooling component that circulates water inside, or a cooling component that circulates a refrigerant (such as oil). Thus, the film raw material 31M (molten resin) is cooled and solidified to form a continuous body 31R of thin packages. After the continuous body 31R of packages is wound by a winder (not shown), it is processed into a rectangular shape and used as the package 31.

[0127] In addition, on the outer peripheral surface 81 of one of the pair of cooling rollers 80a and 80b in the present embodiment (here, it is assumed to be the cooling roller 80a), a pattern (a plurality of concave portions 82) for forming a plurality of convex portions 32 on the package 31 is formed.

[0128] Figure 8A It is an explanatory diagram of the concave portion 82 formed on the cooling roller 80a. Figure 8B It is a cross-sectional view of the concave portion 82.

[0129] As Figure 8A 、 Figure 8B shown, the concave portion 82 is formed so as to be recessed inward with respect to the outer peripheral surface 81 of the cooling roller 80a. In addition, as Figure 8A shown, the concave portion 82 is set to a shape corresponding to the shape of the convex portion 32 (a hexagonal prism shape described later), and a plurality of them are arranged at a certain interval (the same interval as the convex portion 32).

[0130] By passing the film raw material 31M (molten resin) between the cooling roller 80a and the cooling roller 80b, the film raw material 31M being conveyed can be cooled, and a plurality of convex portions 32 can be formed on the surface of the film raw material 31M facing the cooling roller 80a. Thus, a three-dimensional design of the convex portion 32 can be formed on the package 31 formed of the film raw material 31M, and as will be described later, a shiny and high-quality impression can be left through the reflection of light.

[0131] <Effect based on the convex portion 32>

[0132] Figure 9A It is a perspective view schematically showing the convex portion 32 formed on the package 31, Figure 9B It is a side view of the convex portion 32.

[0133] The convex portion 32 corresponds to the shape of the concave portion 82 of the cooling roller 80a. In the present embodiment, the convex portion 32 is in the shape of a prism (hexagonal prism) with a substantially hexagonal bottom surface. In addition, a prism refers to the shape formed after cutting off the top of a pyramid and is also called a truncated pyramid. As Figure 9BAs shown, the convex portion 32 protrudes from the position of the bottom surface, and the protruding height (distance to the upper end) is set as the height (h) of the convex portion 32. In addition, as Figure 9A shown, in the convex portion 32, six triangular inclined surfaces 32a each having one side of the hexagon on the bottom surface are formed so as to surround the center of the convex portion 32. In addition, the inclination directions (in other words, the normal directions) of these six inclined surfaces 32a are different from each other, and thus the directions of light reflection are different.

[0134] Figure 10A , Figure 10B is an explanatory diagram regarding light reflection. In addition, light reflection is roughly divided into diffuse reflection and specular reflection. Figure 10A shows the case of diffuse reflection, Figure 10B shows the case of specular reflection.

[0135] As Figure 10A shown, when light irradiates an object with uneven surface, the light bounces in various directions (in all directions) (diffuse reflection). In this case, strong reflected light cannot be visually recognized no matter from where it is observed.

[0136] In contrast, as Figure 10B shown, when light irradiates an object with a flat surface, it bounces in one direction (specular reflection). In specular reflection, as shown in the figure, the incident angle A1 of light and the reflection angle A2 are equal. In addition, the incident angle A1 and the reflection angle A2 are angles with respect to the normal line of the reflection surface (here, the inclined surface 32a).

[0137] In the package 31 of the present embodiment, a plurality of convex portions 32 are provided, and furthermore, the orientations (orientations of the normal lines) of the six inclined surfaces 32a of each convex portion 32 are different. Therefore, when light is irradiated onto the package 31, portions where the reflected light of the light enters the eyes and portions where the reflected light of the light does not enter the eyes can be formed. That is to say, the reflected light of the light can be visually recognized at a plurality of portions of the package 31.

[0138] In this way, by providing a plurality of frustum-shaped convex portions 32 on the package 31, a three-dimensional design with different depths can be formed, and a shiny and high-quality impression can be left through the reflection of light by the plurality of convex portions 32. Thereby, an improvement in aesthetics can be achieved.

[0139] In addition, a plurality of convex portions 32 are arranged at regular intervals between both end portions in the width direction of the package 31 (specifically, the sealing portion 35). Thus, in the state of the individual package 30 shown in FIG. 5, the convex portions 32 are arranged on both the open cover surface side and the non-open cover surface side of the package 31, and thus both the open cover surface side and the non-open cover surface side look shiny due to the reflected light. Thereby, when holding the individual package 30 by hand, a high-quality impression can be left.

[0140] In addition, in Figure 3 in the top view, the area of one convex portion 32 is smaller than the area of the welded portion 36 (one of the multiple welded portions 36) of the sealing portion 35. For example, one side of the welded portion 36 is about 0.8 mm, while one side of the convex portion 32 is about 100 μm to 130 μm.

[0141] In this way, by making the area of the convex portion 32 smaller, an impression of a delicate and elegant design can be left.

[0142] In addition, in the present embodiment, during the manufacture of the package 31 in Figure 7 a convex portion 32a is formed on the entire surface opposite to the cooling roller 80a (that is, the convex portion 32a is also formed in the area of the sealing portion 35). And then, a welded portion 36 is formed in the sealing portion 35 by heat sealing. At this time, by applying heat and pressure to the portion where the welded portion 36 of the sealing portion 35 is located, the convex portion 32 formed in the portion where the welded portion 36 is located becomes flat. That is, it becomes such a state that the convex portion 32 exists between adjacent welded portions 36, and the convex portion 32 does not exist in the welded portion 36.

[0143] In this way, by having the convex portion 32 between adjacent welded portions 36 of the sealing portion 35, the overall appearance can be not damaged. In addition, since the convex portion 32 does not exist in the welded portion 36, the position of the welded portion 36 can be easily recognized. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, although the convex portion 32 is also provided in the sealing portion 35 (between the welded portions 36), it is sufficient that the convex portion 32 is provided at least in the area between a pair of sealing portions 35, and the convex portion 32 may not exist in the area of the sealing portion 35.

[0144] In addition, in Figure 7 during the manufacture of the package 31 in, due to the deviation of the film thickness of the sheet raw material 31M, the deviation of the outer peripheral surface shape of the cooling roller 80a, etc., it is difficult to make the contact state of the cooling roller 80a with respect to the sheet raw material 31M uniform. In addition, there is also a case where manufacturing deviations occur in the shapes (for example, depths) of the multiple concave portions 82. Therefore, there is a case where the heights of the multiple convex portions 32 formed on the package 31 deviate.

[0145] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram of the case where the convex portion 32 has a height deviation.

[0146] Figure 11 The convex portion 32H shown on the left side of Figure 11 is a convex portion with a higher height among the multiple convex portions 32, and the height is h1. In addition, Figure 11 the convex portion 32L shown on the right side of Figure 11 is a convex portion with a lower height among the multiple convex portions 32, and the height is h2 (<h1). In addition, the convex portion 32H corresponds to the first convex portion, and the convex portion 32L corresponds to the second convex portion.

[0147] Thus, due to the presence of the convex portions 32 with different heights, the reflection state of light changes, and thus a three-dimensional design with a greater depth difference can be formed.

[0148] In addition, it is desirable that, in Figure 7 the difference hs between the convex portion 32H and the convex portion 32L is smaller than the height (h2) of the convex portion 32L. That is, it is desirable that hs < h2.

[0149] Thereby, the deviation of the heights of the plurality of convex portions 32 is small, and a high-quality impression can be left.

[0150] In addition, it is desirable that the maximum height (for example, h1) of the convex portion 32 is less than 50 μm.

[0151] Thereby, even when the user touches it with a hand, the height of the convex portion 32 cannot be felt, and it can be formed so as not to leave a rough impression.

[0152] In addition, the sanitary napkin 1 is fixed to the packaging member 31 by the partition member 33, and the partition member 33 and the packaging member 31 are joined by a hot melt adhesive (HMA) at the joining portion 38. As described in the welding portion 36, by applying heat and stress after forming the convex portion 32, it is easy for the convex portion 32 to disappear. Thus, in the packaging member 31, the number of convex portions 32 per unit area in the region overlapping the joining portion 38 in the thickness direction is smaller than the number of convex portions 32 per unit area in other regions.

[0153] Thereby, the position (the position of the joining portion 38) where the partition member 33 and the packaging member 31 are fixed can be easily identified.

[0154] In addition, as described above, there are no convex portions 32 in the welding portion 36 of the sealing portion 35. Therefore, when viewed from above, the number of convex portions 32 per unit area in the region provided with the sealing portion 35 (both end portions in the width direction of the packaging member 31) is smaller than the number of convex portions 32 per unit area in other regions.

[0155] Thereby, the position of the sealing portion 35 can be easily identified.

[0156] In addition, an adhesive portion 37 is provided near the opening of the individual package 30, and the adhesive portion 37 adheres to the packaging member 31 in a folded state. Since the adhesive portion 37 is also adhered by a hot melt adhesive (HMA), in the packaging member 31, the number of convex portions 32 per unit area in the region overlapping the adhesive portion 37 in the thickness direction is smaller than the number of convex portions 32 per unit area in other regions.

[0157] Thereby, it is possible to easily identify the Figure 5A 、 Figure 5BThe opening position of the individually wrapped body 30 in the state.

[0158] In addition, in Figure 3 In the top view, in the region between a pair of end portions in the width direction of the package 31 (between a pair of sealing portions 35), convex portions 32 are formed in the region other than the bonding portion 37 and the three joining portions 38. As can be seen from the figure, the total area of the plurality of convex portions 32 is larger than the area of the region where no convex portions are formed (here, the bonding portion 37 and the joining portions 38).

[0159] In this way, the region where the convex portions 32 are formed is large, and thus, a three-dimensional and high-quality impression can be left.

[0160] <Regarding film thickness and light transmittance>

[0161] Desirably, the average thickness of the film (first film) constituting the package 31 is smaller than the average thickness of the base material 42 (second film) of the object bag 41 of the encapsulation body 40. Furthermore, desirably, the average light transmittance of the base material 42 of the object bag 41 is smaller than the average light transmittance of the film of the package 31.

[0162] In addition, the average thickness can be calculated by the following method: Using a thickness measuring device (such as a dial thickness gauge manufactured by Ozaki Seisakusho, etc.), measure the thickness of the object to be measured (here, the film) at multiple locations, and find the average value. In addition, the average light transmittance can be calculated by the following method: For example, in accordance with JIS K7136, using a haze meter (NDH-7000SP) manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd., etc., measure the total light transmittance at multiple locations of the object to be measured, and find the average value.

[0163] Here, as described above, there are a printed region R1 and an unprinted region R2 in the package 31, and the light transmittances are different in the region R1 and the region R2 (light transmittance of region R1 < light transmittance of region R2). In the present embodiment, the average light transmittance of the package 31 is the average value including the region R1 and the region R2.

[0164] By housing the individually wrapped body 30 in the object bag 41 (base material 42) that is thicker than the package 31 and has a light transmittance smaller than that of the package 31, when purchasing the sanitary napkin 1, etc., the contents are not easily known to others, and it is not easily affected adversely when transporting the sanitary napkin 1. Furthermore, when using the sanitary napkin 1 (when taking out the individually wrapped body 30 from the encapsulation body 40), the package 31 is thin and has a high light transmittance, and thus, a high-quality, thin, and non-stuffy impression can be left.

[0165] In addition, desirably, the average light transmittance of the package 31 is larger than the average light transmittance of the bottom sheet 4 of the sanitary napkin 1.

[0166] By making the average light transmittance of the package 31 relatively large, when using the sanitary napkin 1 (when taking out the individual package 30 from the package 40), an impression of high quality, thinness, and non-stuffiness can be left. In addition, by making the light transmittance of the bottom sheet 4 relatively small, an impression of a relatively high excrement-receiving effect can be left.

[0167] ===Other Embodiments===

[0168] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the above embodiments are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not for limiting the interpretation of the present invention. In addition, it goes without saying that the present invention can be changed and improved without departing from its gist, and the present invention includes its equivalents.

[0169] In the foregoing embodiment, the convex portion 32 is in the shape of a hexagonal prism frustum with a hexagonal bottom surface (planar shape), but it is not limited thereto. For example, it may be in the shape of a prism frustum with a polygon other than a hexagon (e.g., a pentagon) as the bottom surface. In addition, the convex portion 32 may be in the shape of a pyramid with a polygon as the base.

[0170] In addition, in the foregoing embodiment, in Figure 7 one of the pair of cooling rollers 80a and 80b (cooling roller 80a) is provided with a concave portion 82, but the concave portion 82 may be provided on both of the pair of cooling rollers 80a and 80b. In this case, convex portions 32 are formed on both sides of the package 31. Thus, convex portions 32 can also be formed on both sides of the package 31.

Claims

1. An individual package of an absorbent article, characterized in that: The individual package of the absorbent article comprises: an absorbent article having an absorbent body; and a packaging member that individually packages the absorbent article. The absorbent article and the packaging are folded, A pair of ends of the package are provided with sealing portions for sealing the ends. In the package, at least a region between the pair of end portions includes a plurality of convex portions protruding outward when viewed from above. The convex portion is in the shape of a pyramid or a prism.

2. The individual package of absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protrusions are arranged at a predetermined interval between the pair of end portions of the package.

3. The individual package of absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that: The package comprises a first film, The individual package is contained in a bag having a second film. The average thickness of the first film is smaller than the average thickness of the second film, The average light transmittance of the second film is lower than the average light transmittance of the first film.

4. The individual package of absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that: The package comprises a first film, The absorbent article has a base film on the non-skin side of the absorbent body. The average light transmittance of the first film is greater than the average light transmittance of the base film.

5. The individual package of absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing portion has a plurality of welded portions, In a plan view, the area of ​​the convex portion is smaller than the area of ​​the weld portion.

6. The individual package of absorbent article according to claim 5, characterized in that: The convex portion exists between the adjacent welded portions, and the convex portion does not exist in the welded portions.

7. The individual package of absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of protrusions include a first protrusion and a second protrusion having different heights.

8. The individual package of absorbent article according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first convex part is higher than the second convex part, A height difference between the first convex portion and the second convex portion is smaller than a height of the second convex portion.

9. The individual package of absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that: The maximum height of the plurality of protrusions is less than 50 μm.

10. The individual package of absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The absorbent article is fixed to the packaging member by means of a separator, In the package, the number of the convex portions per unit area in a region overlapping with a joining portion between the partition and the package in a thickness direction is smaller than the number of the convex portions per unit area in other regions.

11. The individual package of absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: In a plan view, the number of the convex portions per unit area in a region where the sealing portion is provided is smaller than the number of the convex portions per unit area in other regions.

12. The individual package of absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: A bonding portion is provided near the opening of the individual package body, and the bonding portion bonds the package in a folded state. In the package, the number of the convex portions per unit area in a region overlapping with the adhesive portion in the thickness direction is smaller than the number of the convex portions per unit area in other regions.

13. The individual package of absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: In a region between the pair of end portions in a plan view, a total area of ​​the plurality of projections is larger than an area of ​​a region where the projections are not formed.

14. A method for manufacturing a packaging member for an individual packaging body of an absorbent article, characterized in that: The manufacturing method has the following features: A process of conveying uncured film raw material; and a step of passing the film material between a pair of rollers, At least one of the pair of rollers is provided with a pattern for forming a plurality of pyramid-shaped or truncated-table-shaped convex portions on the film material.

15. The method for manufacturing a package according to claim 14, characterized in that: The pair of rollers includes a cooling member for cooling the film material.

Images