Production method of absorbent article

Abstract

To provide a method for producing an absorbent article easily and efficiently, regardless of the size of the absorbent article.SOLUTION: Side edge member continuous bodies 2a, 2b are transported at a first speed V1, a top sheet continuous body 1 is transported at a second speed V2 and is cut for forming a top sheet 1x, an end sheet continuous body 4 is transported at a third speed V3 and is cut for forming an end sheet 4x. Then, to the side edge member continuous bodies 2a, 2b, the top sheet 1x, the end sheet 4x, and the second intermediate continuous body 6 are overlapped and joined, then the overlapped bodies and sheets are cut for forming an absorbent body 10. Then waist part continuous bodies 8a, 8b are transported at a fourth speed V4 and the absorbent body 10 is overlapped and joined to the waist part continuous bodies and they are cut for forming an absorbent article 20. By changing a set value of at least one of the first speed V1 to the fourth speed V4, the absorbent article 20 is produced while changing the whole length L1 of the absorbent body 10, the length L2 of the top sheet 1x, the lengths L3, L4 of the end sheet pieces 4w, and the dimension of the width W of the absorbent article.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an absorbent article, and more particularly, to a technique for manufacturing an absorbent body used in an absorbent article.

Background Art

[0002] Disposable diapers, disposable pants, and other absorbent articles include an absorbent body. For example, FIG. 7 is a developed view of an absorbent article. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an absorbent article.

[0003] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the absorbent article 110 includes a front waist portion 111, a rear waist portion 112, and a crotch portion 113 between the front waist portion 111 and the rear waist portion 112. A pair of elastic belt pieces 116, 117 for fastening to the other end of the absorbent body 114 are joined to extend on both sides in the X direction at one end of the absorbent body 114 in the Y direction.

[0004] The absorbent body 114 is covered with a topsheet 61 that is permeable to an absorber 60 for absorbing liquid. Both end portions of the topsheet 61 in the Y direction are covered with end sheets 51, 52 in which a plurality of members 53, 54; 53, 55, 54 are laminated, thereby preventing urine from leaking from both end portions of the absorbent body 114 in the Y direction (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Such absorbent articles have different sizes that fit according to the wearer's physique. When the size of the absorbent article varies, the size of the absorbent body also changes.

[0007] When manufacturing absorbent articles of different sizes, it is time-consuming to prepare absorbent bodies of different sizes in advance. Also, when switching sizes, it is necessary to stop the production line for changeover, which is inefficient. Therefore, it is difficult to efficiently manufacture absorbent articles of different sizes.

[0008] In view of such circumstances, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a manufacturing method capable of easily and efficiently manufacturing absorbent articles of different sizes.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0009] The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an absorbent article configured as follows in order to solve the above problems.

[0010] A method for manufacturing an absorbent article includes a front waist portion, a rear waist portion, and a crotch portion between the front waist portion and the rear waist portion, and manufactures an absorbent article including an absorbent body disposed in the crotch portion so as to protrude beyond the front waist portion and the rear waist portion, and is a method for manufacturing an absorbent article, (i) A pair of side edge member continua are conveyed at a first speed with a space therebetween, (ii) While conveying a topsheet continuum at a second speed slower than the first speed, the topsheet continuum is cut at each reference time of a predetermined length to form a topsheet, (iii) While conveying an end sheet continuum at a third speed slower than the first speed, the end sheet continuum is cut at each reference time to form an end sheet, (iv) At each reference time, the topsheet is overlapped and joined to one main surface of the pair of side edge member continua so as to straddle between the pair of side edge member continua, and at each reference time, the end sheet is overlapped and joined to the other main surface of the pair of side edge member continua so as to straddle between the pair of side edge member continua, and a first intermediate continuum in which the end sheet and the topsheet are alternately arranged is formed, (v) While conveying a second intermediate continuum, in which absorbent bodies are arranged at predetermined intervals on one major surface of a cover sheet continuum, at the first speed, the second intermediate continuum is superposed on the first intermediate continuum and joined to each other such that the absorbent bodies of the second intermediate continuum overlap the top sheet side of the first intermediate continuum, thereby forming an absorbent body continuum. (vi) At each reference time, the absorbent body continuum is cut such that the end sheets are bisected, thereby forming an absorbent body having a pair of end sheet pieces formed from the cut end sheets disposed at both ends. (vii) A waist portion continuum is conveyed at a fourth speed, and at each reference time, the absorbent body is superposed on the waist portion continuum and joined to each other, thereby forming an absorbent article continuum. (viii) The absorbent article continuum is cut at a predetermined position between the absorbent bodies adjacent to each other, thereby forming the absorbent article including the absorbent body. (ix) By changing at least one set value among the first speed, the second speed, the third speed, and the fourth speed, an absorbent article having a combination of dimensions different from the total length of the absorbent body, the length of the top sheet of the absorbent body, the length of the end sheet pieces of the absorbent body, and the width of the absorbent article is manufactured.

[0011] According to the above method, absorbent articles having different sizes can be easily and efficiently manufactured according to the combination of set values of the first speed, the second speed, the third speed, and the fourth speed.

[0012] Preferably, the top sheet is conveyed at a speed higher than the second speed and superposed on and joined to one major surface of the pair of side edge member continua.

[0013] In this case, the joining quality of the top sheet and the pair of side edge member continua can be stabilized by eliminating the speed difference between the top sheet and the pair of side edge member continua or reducing the speed difference.

[0014] Preferably, the end sheet is conveyed at a speed higher than the third speed and superimposed on the other main surface of the pair of side edge member continua and joined to each other.

[0015] In this case, by eliminating the speed difference between the end sheet and the pair of side edge member continua or reducing the speed difference, the joining quality between the end sheet and the pair of side edge member continua can be stabilized.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the top sheet is superimposed on the one main surface of the pair of side edge member continua and joined to each other at each reference time, and then, at each reference time, the end sheet is superimposed on the other main surface of the pair of side edge member continua so that both end portions of the end sheet overlap the top sheet and joined to each other to form the first intermediate continuum.

[0017] In this case, an absorbent body can be formed in which a pair of end sheet pieces overlap both ends of the top sheet.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the end sheet is superimposed on the other main surface of the pair of side edge member continua and joined to each other at each reference time, and then, at each reference time, the top sheet is superimposed on the one main surface of the pair of side edge member continua so that both end portions of the top sheet overlap the end sheet and joined to each other to form the first intermediate continuum.

[0019] In this case, an absorbent body can be formed in which a pair of end sheet pieces overlap both ends of the top sheet.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment, an adhesive is applied to a pair of side edge regions along the side edges on both sides of the end sheet continuum on one main surface of the end sheet continuum, and an uncoated region where the adhesive is not applied is formed between the side edge regions, and the first intermediate continuum in which the uncoated region faces the top sheet is formed.

[0021] In this case, since the pair of end sheet pieces of the absorbent body are not adhered to the top sheet, a pocket structure can be formed in which an opening is formed between the end sheet piece and the top sheet.

[0022] Preferably, the top sheet continuum is composed of a first sheet continuum and a second sheet continuum that are laminated and joined to each other. The first sheet continuum is embossed and contacts the one main surface of the pair of side edge member continua.

[0023] In this case, the skin side of the top sheet is embossed, and an absorbent body with a good touch and little wet feeling can be formed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] According to the present invention, absorbent articles of different sizes can be manufactured easily and efficiently.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] <Example 1> A method for manufacturing the absorbent article of Example 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0028] First, the absorbent articles 20 and 22 to be manufactured will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0029] FIG. 4(a) is a schematic developed view of the skin side of the H-shaped absorbent article 20. This absorbent article 20 includes a ventral member 21a constituting the front waist portion 20a, a dorsal member 21b constituting the rear waist portion 20c, and an absorbent body 10 disposed so as to straddle the crotch portion 20b between the front waist portion 20a and the rear waist portion 20c. Both ends of the absorbent body 10 are joined to the ventral member 21a and the dorsal member 21b.

[0030] The absorbent article 20 is provided with fastening members (not shown) for fastening the ends 21p and 21q of the ventral member 21a and / or the ends 21u and 21v of the dorsal member 21b to each other at the ends 21p and 21u, 21q and 21v of the ventral member 21a and the dorsal member 21b, respectively.

[0031] Alternatively, the absorbent body 10 is folded in half, and the ends 21p and 21u, 21q and 21v of the ventral member 21a and the dorsal member 21b are joined to each other to form a pants type.

[0032] Figure 4(b) is a schematic developed view of the skin side of the T-shaped absorbent article 22. One end of the absorbent body 10 is joined to an intermediate position of the body circumferential member 23 that constitutes the front waist part and the rear waist part. On the non-skin side of both ends of the body circumferential member 23, for example, folded fastening members 24 are provided. When wearing the absorbent article 22, both ends of the body circumferential member 23 are fastened to the non-skin surface of the other end of the absorbent body 10 via the fastening members 24. The fastening members 24 may be provided on the non-skin side of the other end of the absorbent body 10 instead of the body circumferential member 23.

[0033] Figure 3(a) is a schematic plan view of the absorbent body 10, Figure 3(b) is a schematic exploded cross-sectional view taken along line P-P of Figure 3(a), and Figure 3(c) is a schematic exploded cross-sectional view taken along line Q-Q of Figure 3(a).

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the absorbent body 10 includes a top sheet 1x in which two sheets 1u and 1v are laminated on one main surface of a pair of side edge members 2p and 2q arranged at intervals from each other, an absorber 7, and a cover sheet 6x, which are laminated so as to straddle between the pair of side edge members 2p and 2q. End sheet pieces 4w are joined to both longitudinal ends on the other main surface of the pair of side edge members 2p and 2q.

[0035] The pair of side edge members 2p and 2q are, for example, cuffs that constitute three-dimensional gathers. Although not shown in detail, an elastic member is sandwiched between the folded sheets. The elastic member extends in the left-right direction and is stretched in the state shown in Figure 3(a).

[0036] The top sheet 1x is disposed with a space provided between both ends 10p and 10q of the absorbent body 10. The first and second sheets 1u and 1v of the top sheet 1x are composed of, for example, a water-permeable nonwoven fabric sheet. The first sheet 2u of the top sheet 1x is in contact with one main surface of the pair of side edge members 2p and 2q and is exposed from between the pair of side edge members 2p and 2q. The first sheet 2u may be a flat sheet, but if it is embossed and an uneven shape is formed on the surface, an absorbent body 10 with a good touch and less wet feeling can be formed. The second sheet 1v is wider than the first sheet 1u and is laminated so as to protrude beyond both sides in the width direction of the first sheet 1u. Note that the top sheet 1x may be composed of one sheet or three or more sheets.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 3(a), the absorber 7 is disposed with a space provided between both ends 10p and 10q of the absorbent body 10 and is sandwiched between the second sheet 1v of the top sheet 1x and the cover sheet 6x. The absorber 7 has, for example, an absorbent material such as SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer) disposed between nonwoven fabric sheets. The absorber 7 may contain pulverized pulp or the like.

[0038] The cover sheet 6x is a non-water-permeable sheet, and the portion protruding from the absorber 7 is joined to the pair of side edge members 2p and 2q and the end sheet piece 4w.

[0039] The end sheet piece 4w is composed of one or a plurality of sheets and may be non-water-permeable, hydrophobic, or water-repellent. The end sheet piece 4w covers both ends of the absorber 7 and the top sheet 1x and extends to both ends 10p and 10q of the absorbent body 10. The end sheet piece 4w is joined to the pair of side edge members 2p and 2q and the cover sheet 6x. The end sheet piece 4w may be joined to the absorber 7 and / or the top sheet 1x.

[0040] If the sides of the pair of end sheet pieces 4w that face each other, that is, the crotch part side, are not joined to the top sheet 1x, a pocket structure 4k can be formed where an opening is created between the end sheet piece 4w and the top sheet 1x. Thereby, urine leakage from the ends of the absorbent body 10 can be prevented.

[0041] Next, a method for manufacturing the absorbent articles 20, 22 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a manufacturing apparatus for absorbent articles. FIGS. 2(a) to (g) are schematic cross-sectional views taken along A - A, B - B, …, G - G of FIG. 1. FIGS. 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams showing the manufacturing process.

[0042] The method for manufacturing the absorbent articles 20, 22 includes the following steps (i) to (ix).

[0043] (i) As shown in FIGS. 1, 2(a), and 5, a pair of side edge member continua 2a, 2b are conveyed at a first speed V1 with a space provided between them. The pair of side edge member continua 2a, 2b are portions that are to form a pair of side edge members 2p, 2q of the absorbent body 10 and are continuous in the longitudinal direction.

[0044] In the pair of side edge member continua 2a, 2b, for example, an elastic member is sandwiched between folded sheets and is conveyed in a state where the elastic member is stretched. A cutter blade (not shown) of the cutting device 13 penetrates the side edge member continua 2a, 2b, whereby an appropriate location of the elastic member is cut. The cutting device 13 repeats such a cutting operation every predetermined length of time T, that is, with the reference time T as one cycle.

[0045] (ii) As shown in FIGS. 1, 2(b) and 5, while transporting the top sheet continuum 1 at a second speed V2 slower than the first speed V1, the top sheet continuum 1 is cut every reference time T to form the top sheet 1x. The top sheet continuum 1 is a member for forming the top sheet 1x of the absorbent body 10, and the portion intended to constitute the top sheet 1x is continuous in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 2(b), the top sheet continuum 1 has a first sheet continuum 1a and a second sheet continuum 1b laminated thereon. The first sheet continuum 1a is a member for forming the first sheet 1u of the top sheet 1x of the absorbent body 10. The second sheet continuum 1b is a member for forming the second sheet 1v of the top sheet 1x of the absorbent body 10.

[0046] Specifically, the top sheet continuum 1 is formed using the laminating device 11 shown in FIG. 1. In the laminating device 11, the first sheet continuum 1a is wound around a first drum 11a having recesses (not shown) formed on its outer peripheral surface, and projections (not shown) formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second drum 11b press the first sheet continuum 1a into the recesses of the first drum 11a to form an uneven shape (not shown) on the first sheet 1a. Next, while transporting the second sheet continuum 1b on top of the first sheet continuum 1a, appropriate portions of the first sheet continuum 1a and the second sheet continuum 1b are joined to each other by an ultrasonic bonding device 11c to form the top sheet continuum 1. The top sheet continuum 1 is cut in the width direction every reference time T using a cutting device 12 to form the top sheet 1x. The cutting device 12 includes a transport conveyor 12a for transporting the top sheet continuum 1, a transport drum 12b for sucking and holding and transporting the top sheet continuum 1 and the top sheet 1x, and a cutter roll 12c with cutting blades protruding.

[0047] (iii) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, while transporting the end sheet continuum 4 at a third speed V3 slower than the first speed V1, the end sheet continuum 4 is cut every reference time T to form the end sheet 4x. The end sheet continuum 4 is a member for forming the end sheet piece 4w of the absorbent body 10, and the portion intended to constitute the end sheet piece 4w is continuous in the longitudinal direction.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, on one main surface of the end sheet continuum 4, an adhesive is applied by the adhesive application device 18a, and then, by the cutting device 15, it is cut in the width direction every reference time T to form the end sheet 4x. The cutting device 15 includes a transport conveyor 15a that transports the end sheet continuum 4, a transport drum 15b that sucks and holds and transports the end sheet continuum 4 and the end sheet 4x, and a cutter roll 15c with a cutting edge protruding.

[0049] (iv) As shown in FIG. 5, every reference time T, the top sheet 1x is overlapped and joined to one main surface of the pair of side edge member continua 2a, 2b so as to straddle between the pair of side edge member continua 2a, 2b, and every reference time T, the end sheet 4x is overlapped and joined to the other main surface of the pair of side edge member continua 2a, 2b so as to straddle between the pair of side edge member continua 2a, 2b, thereby forming the first intermediate continuum 5 in which the end sheet 4x and the top sheet 1x are alternately arranged.

[0050] For example, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2(c), and 5, every reference time T, the top sheet 1x is overlapped and joined to one main surface of the pair of side edge member continua 2a, 2b to form the preliminary continuum 3, and then, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2(d), and 5, every reference time T, the end sheet 4x is overlapped and joined to the other main surface of the pair of side edge member continua 2a, 2b of the preliminary continuum 3 so that both end portions of the end sheet 4x overlap the top sheet 1x, thereby forming the first intermediate continuum 5.

[0051] The order of joining the top sheet 1x and the end sheet 4x to the pair of side edge member continua 2a, 2b may be reversed. In this case, every reference time T, the end sheet 4x is overlapped and joined to the other main surface of the pair of side edge member continua 2a, 2b, and then, every reference time T, the top sheet 1x is overlapped and joined to one main surface of the pair of side edge member continua 2a, 2b so that both end portions of the top sheet 1x overlap the end sheet 4x, thereby forming the first intermediate continuum 5.

[0052] Furthermore, it is also possible to join the top sheet 1x and the end sheet 4x to the pair of side edge member continua 2a, 2b simultaneously.

[0053] The top sheet 1x is preferably conveyed at a speed higher than the second speed V2 and overlapped on one main surface of the pair of side edge member continua 2a, 2b and joined to each other. In this case, by eliminating or reducing the speed difference between the top sheet 1x and the pair of side edge member continua 2a, 2b, the joining quality between the top sheet 1x and the pair of side edge member continua 2a, 2b can be stabilized.

[0054] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the top sheet 1x is conveyed using a speed-changing drum 19 disposed between the conveying drum 12a of the cutting device 12 and the conveying drum 14a of the laminating device 14 that overlaps the top sheet 1x on the pair of side edge member continua 2a, 2b. When the speed-changing drum 19 receives the top sheet 1x from the conveying drum 12a of the cutting device 12, the peripheral speed of the speed-changing drum 19 rotates so as to coincide with or substantially coincide with the peripheral speed of the conveying drum 12a of the cutting device 12, that is, the second speed V2, and while sucking and holding the received top sheet 1x and conveying it, the speed is increased, and when the top sheet 1x is delivered to the conveying drum 14a of the laminating device 14, the peripheral speed of the speed-changing drum 19 rotates so as to coincide with or substantially coincide with the peripheral speed of the conveying drum 14a of the laminating device 14, that is, the first speed V1.

[0055] Although not shown, similar to the top sheet 1x, for the end sheet 4x as well, a speed-changing drum may be disposed between the conveying drum 15b of the cutting device 15 and the pair of side edge member continua 2a, 2b, and after the speed-changing drum receives it from the conveying drum 12a of the cutting device 12, it rotates at a peripheral speed higher than the third speed V3 so as to overlap the top sheet 1x on the pair of side edge member continua 2a, 2b.

[0056] In this way, when the end sheet 4x is conveyed at a speed higher than the third speed V3 and overlapped and joined to the other main surface of the pair of side edge member continua 2a, 2b, the speed difference between the end sheet 4x and the pair of side edge member continua 2a, 2b is eliminated or reduced, thereby stabilizing the joining quality between the end sheet 4x and the pair of side edge member continua 2a, 2b.

[0057] (v) As shown in FIGS. 1, 2(e) and 5, while conveying the second intermediate continuum 6 in which the absorber 7 is arranged with a predetermined interval on one main surface of the cover sheet continuum 6a at the first speed V1, as shown in FIG. 2(f), the second intermediate continuum 6 is overlapped and joined to the first intermediate continuum 5 so that the absorber 7 of the second intermediate continuum 6 overlaps the top sheet 1x side of the first intermediate continuum 5 to form the absorbent body continuum 8.

[0058] For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2(e), an adhesive is applied by the adhesive applicator 18b to one main surface of the cover sheet continuum 6a where the absorber 7 is arranged, and as shown in FIG. 2(f), the second intermediate continuum 6 is overlapped and joined to the first intermediate continuum 5 so that the absorber 7 of the second intermediate continuum 6 is sandwiched between the top sheet 1x of the first intermediate continuum 5 and the cover sheet continuum 6a of the second intermediate continuum 6 to form the absorbent body continuum 8.

[0059] (vi) As shown in FIG. 6, the absorbent body continuum 8 is cut at the cutting position 8x indicated by the chain line at each reference time T so that the end sheet 4x is bisected, preferably bisected, to form the absorbent body 10 in which a pair of end sheet pieces 4w made of the cut end sheet 4x are arranged at both ends.

[0060] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the absorbent body continuum 8 is cut by the cut & turn device 16 to form the absorbent body 10. The cut & turn device 16 includes a conveyance drum 16a that sucks and holds the absorbent body continuum 8 and conveys it, a pad rotation mechanism 16b in which a suction pad (not shown) moves in the circumferential direction while rotating about a turning axis extending in the radial direction, and a cutter roll 16c with a cutting edge protruding therefrom. The absorbent body continuum 8 is conveyed from the conveyance drum 16a to the pad of the pad rotation mechanism 16b, and is cut by the cutter roll between adjacent pads to form the absorbent body 10. The absorbent body 10 is sucked and held by the pad and conveyed. The pad rotates so as to change the orientation of the absorbent body 10 with respect to the conveyance direction by 90° until it reaches a position facing the conveyance drum 17 described later.

[0061] (vii) As shown in FIGS. 1, 2(g), and 6, the waist part continua 8a, 8b are conveyed at the fourth speed V4, and the absorbent body 10 is superposed on and joined to the waist part continua 8a, 8b every reference time T to form the absorbent article continuum 9. The waist part continua 8a, 8b are members for forming the ventral side member 21a and the dorsal side member 21b of the absorbent article 20, respectively, and the portions that are each scheduled to constitute the front waist part 20a and the rear waist part 20b are continuous in the longitudinal direction.

[0062] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, one main surface of the waist part continua 8a, 8b is sucked and held on the outer peripheral surface of a conveyance drum 17 arranged adjacent to the cut & turn device 16 and conveyed at the fourth speed V4. On the other main surface of the waist part continua 8a, 8b upstream of the conveyance drum 17, an adhesive is applied to an appropriate position using an adhesive application device 18c every reference time T. The absorbent body 10, which is sucked and held by the pad of the cut & turn device 16, has its orientation changed by 90° and is superposed on the region of the waist part continua 8a, 8b where the adhesive is applied. Thereby, the absorbent article continuum 9 in which the absorbent body 10 is joined to the other main surface of the waist part continua 8a, 8b is formed.

[0063] (viii) As shown in Fig. 6, the absorbent article continuum 9 is cut at a predetermined position 10x indicated by a chain line between adjacent absorbent bodies 10 to form an absorbent article 20 including the absorbent body 10.

[0064] Although not shown in the figure, for the fastening member for fastening the front waist part 21a and the rear waist part 21b of the absorbent article 20, before or after joining the absorbent body 10 to the waist part continua 8a, 8b, at every reference time T, it is joined at appropriate positions on one main surface of the waist part continua 8a and / or 8b.

[0065] When manufacturing the pant-type absorbent article 20, the absorbent article continuum 9 is folded back so that the absorbent body 10 is folded in half and the waist part continua 8a, 8b overlap, and then, in the vicinity of the predetermined position 10x between adjacent absorbent bodies, a joining part where the waist part continua 8a, 8b are joined to each other is formed, and then the absorbent article continuum 9 is cut at the predetermined position 10x so that the joining part is divided into two, thereby forming it.

[0066] The T-shaped absorbent article 22 shown in Fig. 4(b) can be manufactured in substantially the same manner as the absorbent article 20. That is, the waist part continuum 8c for forming the body circumferential member 23 is conveyed, and one end of the absorbent body 10 formed in the same manner as the absorbent article 20 is overlapped with the waist part continuum 8c and joined to each other to form an absorbent article, and the absorbent article is cut at a predetermined position between adjacent absorbent bodies 10 to form an absorbent article 22 including the absorbent body 10. The fastening member 24 is joined at appropriate positions on the waist part continuum 8c or the absorbent article continuum at every reference time T.

[0067] When manufacturing an absorbent article in which the fastening member 24 of the absorbent article 22 is provided not on the body circumferential member 23 but on the non-skin surface of the other end of the absorbent body 10, the fastening member 24 may be joined at appropriate positions on the absorbent body continuum 8 at every reference time T.

[0068] (ix) By changing at least one set value among the first speed V1, the second speed V2, the third speed V3, and the fourth speed V4, an absorbent article 20 is manufactured in which the combination of dimensions of the overall length L1 of the absorbent body 10, the length L2 of the topsheet 1x of the absorbent body 10, the lengths L3 and L4 of the end sheet pieces 4w of the absorbent body 10, and the width W of the absorbent article 20 is changed.

[0069] That is, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the overall length of the absorbent body 10 is L1, the length of the topsheet 1x is L2, the lengths of the end sheet pieces 4w are L3 and L4, and the width of the absorbent article is W, L1, L2, L3, L4, and W are represented by the following formulas (1) to (4).

[0070] L1 = V1 × T ···(1) L2 = V2 × T ···(2) L3 + L4 = V3 × T ···(3) W = V4 × T ···(4) Here, T is a reference time, V1 is the first speed, V2 is the second speed, V3 is the third speed, and V4 is the fourth speed.

[0071] As can be seen from formulas (1) to (4), by changing the set values of the first speed V1 to the fourth speed V4, the combination of the dimensions L1 to L4 and W of each part of the absorbent article 20 can be changed, and absorbent articles 20 and 22 having different sizes can be manufactured.

[0072] In order to manufacture absorbent articles 20 and 22 having different sizes, it is not necessary to prepare members for each size or stop the production line for switching the supplied members. Therefore, absorbent articles 20 and 22 having different sizes can be easily and efficiently manufactured on the same production line.

[0073] <Summary> As described above, absorbent articles 20 and 22 having different sizes can be easily and efficiently manufactured.

[0074] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made and implemented.

[0075] For example, instead of the waist - portion continua 8a, 8b, 8c, one waist - portion continuum with leg - around openings formed at a predetermined interval may be used, and an absorbent body may be disposed and joined between adjacent leg - around openings to manufacture an absorbent article.

Explanation of Signs

[0076] 1 Top - sheet continuum 1a First - sheet continuum 1b Second - sheet continuum 1x Top - sheet 2a, 2b Side - edge - member continua 2p, 2q Side - edge - members 4 End - sheet continuum 4w End - sheet piece 4x End - sheet 6a Cover - sheet continuum 6x Cover - sheet 7 Absorbent body 8 Absorbent - body continuum 8a, 8b, 8c Waist - portion continua 9 Absorbent - article continuum 10 Absorbent body 20 Absorbent article 20a Front - waist portion 20b Crotch portion 20c Rear - waist portion 22 Absorbent article L1 Total length of the absorbent body L2 Length of the top - sheet L3, L4 Lengths of the end - sheet pieces V1 First speed V2 Second speed V3 Third speed V4 Fourth speed W Width of the absorbent article

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article including a front waist portion, a rear waist portion, and a crotch portion between the front waist portion and the rear waist portion, the method including an absorbent body disposed in the crotch portion so as to protrude beyond the front waist portion and the rear waist portion, the method comprising: Conveying a pair of side edge member continua at a first speed with a space therebetween; While conveying a topsheet continuum at a second speed slower than the first speed, cutting the topsheet continuum at each reference time of a predetermined length to form topsheets; While conveying an end sheet continuum at a third speed slower than the first speed, cutting the end sheet continuum at each reference time to form end sheets; At each reference time, overlapping and joining the topsheets to one main surface of the pair of side edge member continua so as to span between the pair of side edge member continua, and at each reference time, overlapping and joining the end sheets to the other main surface of the pair of side edge member continua so as to span between the pair of side edge member continua, to form a first intermediate continuum in which the end sheets and the topsheets are alternately arranged; While conveying a second intermediate continuum in which absorbents are disposed at predetermined intervals on one main surface of a cover sheet continuum at the first speed, overlapping and joining the second intermediate continuum to the first intermediate continuum so that the absorbents of the second intermediate continuum overlap the topsheet side of the first intermediate continuum, to form an absorbent body continuum; At each reference time, cutting the absorbent body continuum so that the end sheets are bisected, to form the absorbent body having a pair of end sheet pieces formed from the cut end sheets disposed at both ends; Conveying a waist portion continuum at a fourth speed, and at each reference time, overlapping and joining the absorbent body to the waist portion continuum to form an absorbent article continuum; Cutting the absorbent article continuum at a predetermined position between the absorbent bodies adjacent to each other to form the absorbent article including the absorbent body; A method for manufacturing an absorbent article, comprising changing at least one set value among the first speed, the second speed, the third speed, and the fourth speed to change the combination of dimensions of the overall length of the absorbent body, the length of the topsheet of the absorbent body, the length of the end sheet piece of the absorbent body, and the width of the absorbent article, thereby manufacturing the absorbent article with the changed dimension combination.

2. The method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the topsheet is conveyed at a speed higher than the second speed and overlapped and joined to one main surface of the pair of side edge member continua.

3. The method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the end sheet is conveyed at a speed higher than the third speed and overlapped and joined to the other main surface of the pair of side edge member continua.

4. The method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the topsheet is overlapped and joined to one main surface of the pair of side edge member continua at each reference time, and then the end sheet is overlapped and joined to the other main surface of the pair of side edge member continua at each reference time such that both end portions of the end sheet overlap the topsheet, thereby forming the first intermediate continuum.

5. The method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the end sheet is overlapped and joined to the other main surface of the pair of side edge member continua at each reference time, and then the topsheet is overlapped and joined to one main surface of the pair of side edge member continua at each reference time such that both end portions of the topsheet overlap the end sheet, thereby forming the first intermediate continuum.

6. The method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein an adhesive is applied to a pair of side edge regions along the side edges on both sides of one main surface of the end sheet continuum, an uncoated region where the adhesive is not applied is formed between the side edge regions, and the first intermediate continuum is formed with the uncoated region facing the topsheet.

7. The topsheet continuum is composed of a first sheet continuum and a second sheet continuum that are laminated and joined to each other. The first sheet continuum is embossed and contacts the one main surface of the pair of side edge member continua. The method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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