Apparatus and method for manufacturing laminated continuum

Abstract

To provide an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a laminated continuum in which an elastic member is disposed between a pair of continuous sheets, and which prevents the elastic member from protruding from the continuous sheets.SOLUTION: A manufacturing apparatus 100 comprises a laminate conveying mechanism 50 and a suction mechanism 60. The laminate conveying mechanism conveys a first continuous sheet S1 and a second continuous sheet S2 in a continuous direction of the sheets and in a third direction D3 intersecting a first direction D1, the first and second continuous sheets being in a state of sandwiching an elastic member group EG in which elastic members E extending in the first direction D1 are arranged side by side at intervals in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction therebetween. The suction mechanism 60 has suction ports 62a, 62b, and in a laminate L1 of the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet conveyed by the laminate conveying mechanism, sucks, from the suction ports, the elastic member protruding from an end of the first continuous sheet in a fourth direction D4 orthogonal to the third direction D3, toward the center side of the first continuous sheet in the fourth direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for manufacturing a continuous laminate body. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known apparatuses and methods for manufacturing a laminated continuous body used in stretchable members for worn articles, such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Patent Publication No. 6012463) and Patent Document 2 (Patent Publication No. 5948239).

[0003] In the devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a continuously transported elastic member is wound around a pair of endless belts extending parallel to the transport direction, straddling the pair of endless belts, and further transported by the endless belts. During transport by the endless belts, the elastic member is changed in position between the pair of endless belts so that it extends in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, and the elastic member extending in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction is aligned in the transport direction. The elastic member transported in this state is sandwiched between a pair of sheets transported along the transport direction of the elastic member, and the elastic member and the pair of sheets are joined to produce a continuous laminate.

[0004] When the elastic member and the sheet are superimposed and joined together, the elastic member is cut at both ends in the width direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the sheet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6012463 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5948239 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the continuous laminate produced by the apparatus and method disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the elastic member protrudes from the sheet in the width direction of the sheet (the direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction). Therefore, the stretchable members cut out from the continuous laminate by the apparatus and method disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have room for improvement in terms of feel and appearance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The manufacturing apparatus of the present invention is an apparatus for manufacturing a continuous laminate in which an elastic member is disposed between a first continuous sheet and a second continuous sheet. The manufacturing apparatus includes a conveying mechanism and a suction mechanism. The conveying mechanism conveys the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet in a third direction, with the elastic members extending in a first direction sandwiching a group of elastic members disposed in a line at intervals in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The third direction is along the continuous direction of the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet and intersects with the first direction. The suction mechanism has a suction port. In the laminate of the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet being conveyed by the conveying mechanism, the suction mechanism sucks, through the suction port, the elastic members protruding in the fourth direction from the end portion in the fourth direction of the first continuous sheet toward the center of the first continuous sheet in the fourth direction. The fourth direction is perpendicular to the third direction.

[0008] The manufacturing method of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a continuous laminate in which an elastic member is disposed between a first continuous sheet and a second continuous sheet. The manufacturing method includes a conveying step and a suction step. In the conveying step, the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet are conveyed in a third direction, with the elastic members extending in a first direction sandwiching a group of elastic members disposed at intervals in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The third direction is along the continuous direction of the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet and intersects with the first direction. In the suction step, in the laminate of the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet being conveyed, the elastic members protruding in the fourth direction from the end portions of the first continuous sheet in the fourth direction are sucked toward the center of the first continuous sheet in the fourth direction. The fourth direction is perpendicular to the third direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The laminated sheet manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of the present invention can easily prevent the elastic member from protruding from the sheet of the continuous laminate in the width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view mainly illustrating an elastic member transport mechanism, an elastic member winding mechanism, and a joining mechanism of a laminate continuous body manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a joining mechanism of a manufacturing apparatus for a continuous laminate body according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a laminate L1 of a first continuous sheet, a second continuous sheet, and an elastic member joined by a joining mechanism. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating the stacking state of the first continuous sheet, the second continuous sheet, and the elastic member in the stacking direction (thickness direction) of the laminate L1 of FIG. 3, and for ease of viewing, each member is drawn separated in the thickness direction. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view mainly illustrating a laminate transport mechanism, a suction mechanism, a partition member, and a joining roller of a laminate continuous body manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of a manufacturing apparatus for a laminated continuous body according to one embodiment, mainly illustrating a suction mechanism and a partition member. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of the laminate L in which the laminate L1 is joined to the third continuous sheet. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram that schematically shows the stacking state of sheets and the like in the stacking direction (thickness direction) of the laminate L of FIG. 8, and for ease of viewing, each member is drawn separated in the thickness direction. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 shows a disposable diaper as an example of a worn article using a stretchable member formed from a laminate (continuous laminate body) manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus and method for a continuous laminate body of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for producing a laminated continuous body according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method for a continuous laminate according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] It should be noted that the embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made to the following embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.

[0013] (1) Laminated continuous body The continuous laminate body (hereinafter referred to as laminate body L) manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method for the continuous laminate body of the present disclosure is a strip-shaped continuous sheet manufactured by stacking a plurality of sheets.

[0014] The laminate L includes at least a first continuous sheet S1 and a second continuous sheet S2 as the multiple sheets, and a plurality of string-like elastic members E are disposed between the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2. The string-like elastic members E extend in a direction intersecting the continuous direction (longitudinal direction) of the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2, and a plurality of the string-like elastic members E are disposed side by side between the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2 in a direction intersecting the extension direction of each elastic member E. The portion of the laminate L formed by stacking the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2 (the portion where the elastic members E are disposed) is stretchable in the extension direction of each elastic member E.

[0015] The first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2 are, for example, nonwoven fabrics made of polypropylene or polyester. However, the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2 are not limited to nonwoven fabrics and may be woven fabrics, films, etc. The material of the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2 may be selected appropriately. The elastic member E is a string-like (thread-like or strip-like) elastic member. For example, polyurethane fiber is used as the elastic member E. The material of the elastic member E may be selected appropriately.

[0016] The laminate L is not a final product but an intermediate product. Specifically, the laminate L is an article that, after processing, is used as a component of a final worn article. A wearing article in which a component formed from the laminate L is used is, for example, a disposable diaper, without any particular limitation. More specifically, the laminate L is processed and used, for example, as a side panel A1 of a disposable diaper A (see FIG. 10 ). The side panel A1 is a component for detachably connecting a sheet-like main body portion A2 that covers the wearer's crotch region from the ventral side to the dorsal side, and a ventral end portion A2a and a dorsal end portion A2b of the main body portion A2 at the left and right sides of the wearer's waist (see FIG. 10 ). As shown in FIG. 10 , the side panel A1 is attached to the left and right ends of the dorsal end portion A2b of the laminate L in a position such that the elastic members E of the laminate L conform to the wearer's waist (so as to be stretchable in the direction of the wearer's waist).

[0017] The main structure of the laminate L will be outlined below. The laminate L mainly comprises one second continuous sheet S2 extending in a continuous direction, two first continuous sheets S1 whose continuous direction is the same as the continuous direction of the second continuous sheet S2 and which are arranged on top of the second continuous sheet S2, and a plurality of string-like elastic members E arranged between each of the first continuous sheets S1 and the second continuous sheet S2. The elastic members E are joined in a stretched state to at least one of the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2, for example, by adhesive. Note that the elastic member E arranged between one of the first continuous sheets S1 and the second continuous sheet S2 is a separate member (not connected) from the elastic member E arranged between the other of the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2.

[0018] The two first continuous sheets S1 are arranged at an interval in the width direction of the second continuous sheet S2. One end of each first continuous sheet S1 in the width direction (the end opposite to the side where the adjacent first continuous sheet S1 is arranged) is aligned with one end of the second continuous sheet S2 in the width direction. Each of the multiple elastic members E extends in a direction intersecting the continuous direction (in other words, the longitudinal direction) of the second continuous sheet S2 and the first continuous sheet S1, and the multiple elastic members E are arranged at an interval in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the elastic members E.

[0019] In particular, in this embodiment, each of the multiple elastic members E extends in a direction (hereinafter referred to as the width direction) perpendicular to the continuous direction (longitudinal direction) of the second continuous sheet S2 and the first continuous sheet S1, and the multiple elastic members E are arranged at intervals in the continuous direction of the second continuous sheet S2 and the first continuous sheet S1. As will be described later, the elastic members E are joined to at least one of the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2 in a stretched state. Therefore, the portions sandwiched between the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2 are stretchable in the width direction of the second continuous sheet S2 and the first continuous sheet S1. Specifically, when the elastic members E contract, the continuous sheets S1 and S2 also contract in the width direction and become wrinkled, and when the elastic members E are stretched, the wrinkles in the continuous sheets S1 and S2 are smoothed out, and the continuous sheets S1 and S2 become unfolded.

[0020] In this embodiment, the laminate L is cut near the center in the width direction of the second continuous sheet S2 in a later step to form two divided laminates (continuous laminates). Each divided laminate is further processed and used as a component of a worn article.

[0021] (2) Overview of manufacturing equipment and manufacturing method The manufacturing apparatus 100 and manufacturing method of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] In the following description, for the sake of convenience, terms such as "front," "rear," "left," "right," "upper," and "lower" may be used, but these terms do not limit the scope of the present invention. These terms are used based on the directions indicated by the arrows in the drawings.

[0023] The manufacturing apparatus 100 mainly includes two elastic body conveying mechanisms 10, two elastic member winding mechanisms 20, a joining mechanism 30, two cutting mechanisms 40, a laminate conveying mechanism 50, a suction mechanism 60, a partition member 70, a merging roller 80, and a position adjustment mechanism 90 (see Figures 1, 5, and 6).

[0024] The manufacturing apparatus 100 manufactures the laminate L in accordance with the flow chart shown in FIG.

[0025] Each of the two elastic member winding mechanisms 20 continuously supplies a continuum of elastic members E (elastic member continuum CE) to a corresponding one of the two elastic member transport mechanisms 10 (step P1).

[0026] Each elastic material conveying mechanism 10 mainly has two sets of belt conveying units 12. The two sets of belt conveying units 12 are arranged side by side in a direction Db (left and right direction in FIG. 1) perpendicular to the conveying direction Da of the elastic material continuous body CE (the direction in which the belt of the belt conveying unit 12 extends, the front and back direction in FIG. 1).

[0027] Each elastic member winding mechanism 20 supplies the continuous elastic member CE to the corresponding elastic member conveying mechanism 10 so that the continuous elastic member CE is wound around the two belt conveying units 12 of the corresponding elastic member conveying mechanism 10. Specifically, each elastic member winding mechanism 20 mainly includes a bobbin 26 around which the continuous elastic member CE is wound, a guide roller 22 that is arranged at the most downstream position in the conveying direction of the continuous elastic member CE among the guide rollers that guide the continuous elastic member CE, a plurality of guide rollers 28 that are arranged between the bobbin 26 and the guide roller 22 in the conveying path of the continuous elastic member CE and guide the continuous elastic member CE unwound from the bobbin 26 to the guide roller 22, and an annular member 24 to the inner surface of which at least the guide rollers 22 are attached among the guide rollers. A portion of the two belt conveying units 12 of the corresponding elastic member conveying mechanism 10 (the upstream portion of the belt conveying units 12 in the conveying direction Da) is arranged inside the annular member 24. Each elastic material winding mechanism 20 rotates the annular member 24 with a driving device such as a motor (not shown) while the elastic material continuous body CE is being unwound from the bobbin 26 (while the belt conveying section 12 of the elastic material conveying mechanism 10 is operating), thereby winding the elastic material continuous body CE around two sets of belt conveying sections 12 of the corresponding elastic material conveying mechanism 10.

[0028] Each elastic body conveying mechanism 10 conveys the elastic member continuum CE wound around two sets of belt conveying units 12 in a stretched state in a conveying direction Da (forward) toward the joining mechanism 30, while changing the position of the elastic member continuum CE extending between the belt conveying units 12 so that it extends in a direction Db (left-right direction) perpendicular to the conveying direction of the elastic member continuum CE (step P2). Specifically, each set of belt conveying units 12 has two conveying belts arranged one above the other, and each elastic body conveying mechanism 10 appropriately controls the speed of each conveying belt to change the position of the elastic member continuum CE so that it extends between the belt conveying units 12 in the direction Db (left-right direction).

[0029] Then, each elastic body conveying mechanism 10 supplies portions of the elastic body continuum CE extending in the direction Db to the joining mechanism 30 at predetermined intervals (step P3). Each elastic body conveying mechanism 10 sequentially supplies portions of the elastic body continuum CE extending in the direction Db between each first continuous sheet S1 (first continuous sheet S1 corresponding to the elastic body conveying mechanism 10) and the second continuous sheet S2 supplied to the joining mechanism 30.

[0030] The joining mechanism 30 has two first rolls 32 and one second roll 34. The second roll may be a plurality of rolls divided in the direction Db. One of the two first continuous sheets S1 is wound around each first roll 32, and the wound first continuous sheet S1 is guided to a position where the first roll 32 and the second roll 34 are closest to each other. The second continuous sheet S2 is wound around the second roll 34, and the wound second continuous sheet S2 is guided to a position where the second roll 34 and the first roll 32 are closest to each other. Specifically, each elastic material conveyance mechanism 10 supplies the portion of the continuous elastic material body CE extending in the direction Db to a position where the first roll 32 and the second roll 34 corresponding to that elastic material conveyance mechanism 10 are closest to each other, so that the portion of the continuous elastic material body CE extending in the direction Db is disposed at a predetermined interval between each of the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2. Note that the length in the direction Db of the portion of the continuous elastic material body CE supplied to the joining mechanism 30 is longer than the width of the first continuous sheet S1 (the length in the direction perpendicular to the continuous direction). Therefore, the portion of the continuous elastic material body CE extending in the direction Db supplied to the joining mechanism 30 and disposed between the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2 protrudes from the first continuous sheet S1 in the direction Db (see FIG. 4).

[0031] At the position where the two first rolls 32 and the second roll 34 are closest to each other, the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2 are stacked and a force is applied in the thickness direction, and at this time, an adhesive is applied by an application mechanism (not shown) to at least one of the surface of each first continuous sheet S1 facing the second continuous sheet S2 and the surface of each second continuous sheet S2 facing the first continuous sheet S1, thereby bonding the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2 together (step P4). Also, in step P4, the stretched elastic member continuum CE supplied between each first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2 and extending in direction Db is bonded to at least one of the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2 by the adhesive applied to at least one of the surface of each first continuous sheet S1 facing the second continuous sheet S2 and the surface of the second continuous sheet S2 facing the first continuous sheet S1.

[0032] At the time when each first continuous sheet S1 and second continuous sheet S2 are sandwiched between the first roll 32 and the second roll 34, a cutting mechanism 40 such as a rotary blade arranged outside each belt conveying section 12 of each elastic material conveying mechanism 10 (to the right of the right belt conveying section 12 and to the left of the left belt conveying section 12) in the direction Db cuts the elastic material continuous body CE (step P5).

[0033] As a result, a laminate L1 (here, referred to as laminate L1 in order to distinguish it from the laminate L finally produced in this embodiment) is produced in which an elastic member E that intersects the conveying direction of the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2 (particularly, perpendicular in this embodiment) is arranged between the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2 at a predetermined interval in the conveying direction of the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2, and is transported in a direction away from the joining mechanism 30.

[0034] 3 and 4, the laminate L1 includes a first continuous sheet S1 and a second continuous sheet S2 sandwiching therebetween a group of elastic members EG in which the elastic members E extending in a first direction D1 are arranged at intervals in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. In particular, here, the laminate L1 includes two sheets, the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2, sandwiching therebetween a group of elastic members EG in which the elastic members E extending in the first direction D1 are arranged at intervals in the second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1, as shown in FIG.

[0035] The laminate L1 is conveyed in a third direction D3 by the laminate conveying mechanism 50 (step P6). The third direction D3 is a direction along the continuous direction of the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2 of the laminate L1. The third direction D3 also intersects with the first direction D1. In particular, in this embodiment, the third direction D3 is a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0036] In the stack L1 of the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet being transported by the stack transport mechanism 50, the elastic members E protrude in the fourth direction D4 from the ends of the first continuous sheets S1. The fourth direction D4 is a direction perpendicular to the third direction D3 in which the stack L1 is transported. The suction mechanism 60 sucks the elastic members E protruding in the fourth direction D4 from the ends of the first continuous sheets S1 toward the center of the first continuous sheet S1 in the fourth direction D4 (step P7).

[0037] Specifically, in this embodiment, the stack conveying mechanism 50 conveys a stack L1 in which a pair of first continuous sheets S1 are arranged with a gap in the fourth direction D4 relative to one second continuous sheet S2. In the stack L1, an elastic member group EG is arranged between each of the first continuous sheets S1 and the second continuous sheet S2. Then, in step P7, the suction mechanism 60 sucks the elastic members E that protrude in the fourth direction D4 from the ends of each first continuous sheet S1 in the stack L1 in the fourth direction D4 toward the center of each first continuous sheet S1 in the fourth direction D4.

[0038] In particular, in this embodiment, the suction mechanism 60 sucks the elastic members E protruding from the edge of one first continuous sheet S1 near the other first continuous sheet S1 in the fourth direction D4 toward the center of the one first continuous sheet S1, and sucks the elastic members E protruding from the edge of the other first continuous sheet S1 near the one first continuous sheet S1 in the fourth direction D4 toward the center of the other first continuous sheet S1. Explained using the directions indicated by the arrows in Figure 5, the suction mechanism 60 sucks the elastic members E protruding from the left edge of the right-side first continuous sheet S1 toward the center of the right-side first continuous sheet S1 (to the right), and sucks the elastic members E protruding from the right edge of the left-side first continuous sheet S1 toward the center of the left-side first continuous sheet S1 (to the left). As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the ends of the elastic members E that extend beyond the first continuous sheets S1 in the left-right direction are sucked by the suction mechanism 60 and drawn to the inside of the first continuous sheets S1.

[0039] After the elastic member E has been sucked by the suction mechanism 60 in this manner, the laminate L1 being transported along the third direction D3 is introduced to the merging rollers 80, where it is overlapped with and bonded to the third continuous sheet S3 being transported in the third direction D3 (step P8). As a result, the laminate L is produced. The third continuous sheet S3 is overlapped on the laminate L1 so as to cover the elastic member E that has been sucked by the suction mechanism 60 (that is, sucked toward the center of the first continuous sheet S1). In other words, the laminate L1 and the third continuous sheet S3 are bonded together with the elastic member E that has been sucked by the suction mechanism 60 sandwiched between the first continuous sheet S1 and the third continuous sheet S3 of the laminate L1.

[0040] (3) Details of manufacturing equipment and manufacturing method The manufacturing apparatus 100 and manufacturing method of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0041] The elastic body conveying mechanism 10, the elastic member winding mechanism 20, the joining mechanism 30, and the cutting mechanism 40 are similar to those shown in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent No. 5948239), and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted here. Furthermore, among the steps of the manufacturing method, steps P1 to P5 are similar to those shown in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent No. 5948239), and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted here. While Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent No. 5948239) aims to standardize the length of the elastic member E that protrudes from the first continuous sheet S1 in the width direction, the present invention does not require that the length of the elastic member E that protrudes from the first continuous sheet S1 be standardized.

[0042] (3-1) Stack transport mechanism The laminate conveying mechanism 50, which is an example of a conveying mechanism, is a device that conveys the laminate L1. While not limiting the type of mechanism, in this embodiment, the laminate conveying mechanism 50 is a belt conveyor including a pair of rollers (only one roller 54 is shown in FIG. 6 ), an endless belt 52 wound around the pair of rollers, and a drive unit (not shown) such as a motor that rotates one of the pair of rollers. The pair of rollers are arranged side by side in the conveying direction (third direction D3) of the laminate L1. In this embodiment, the laminate conveying mechanism 50 conveys the laminate L in the third direction D3 in such a manner that the second continuous sheet S2 is in contact with the belt surface 52a (conveying surface) of the laminate conveying mechanism 50 and the first continuous sheet S1 faces away from the belt surface 52a of the laminate conveying mechanism 50. The third direction D3 coincides with the continuous direction (longitudinal direction) of the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2.

[0043] The laminate conveying mechanism 50 conveys the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2 in a third direction D3, sandwiching therebetween a group of elastic members EG in which elastic members E extending in a first direction D1 are arranged at intervals in a second direction D2.

[0044] (3-2) Suction mechanism and partition member In a stack L1 of a first continuous sheet S1 and a second continuous sheet S2 being transported by a stack transport mechanism 50, the suction mechanism 60 sucks the elastic member E that protrudes in the fourth direction D4 from the end of the first continuous sheet S1 in the fourth direction D4 through suction ports 62a, 62b toward the center of the first continuous sheet S1 in the fourth direction D4.

[0045] The suction ports 62a and 62b of the suction mechanism 60 are arranged in a position in the fourth direction D4 that overlaps with the transport path of the stack L1 by the stack transport mechanism 50, or in the vicinity of the transport path of the stack L1 by the stack transport mechanism 50. The suction ports 62a and 62b are connected to vacuum equipment such as a vacuum blower or a vacuum pump via pipes 64a and 64b.

[0046] Specifically, in this embodiment, the suction mechanism 60 includes two suction mechanisms (a first suction mechanism 60a and a second suction mechanism 60b). The first suction mechanism 60a has a first suction port 62a that sucks the elastic member E protruding from an end of one of the two first continuous sheets S1 near the other first continuous sheet S1 in the fourth direction D4 toward the center of the one first continuous sheet S1. The second suction mechanism 60b has a second suction port 62b that sucks the elastic member E protruding from an end of the other of the two first continuous sheets S1 near the one first continuous sheet S1 in the fourth direction D4 toward the center of the other first continuous sheet S1.

[0047] Explaining the directions indicated by the arrows in FIG. 5, the first suction mechanism 60a has a first suction port 62a that sucks the elastic member E protruding from the left end of the right-side continuous sheet S1 of the laminate L1 toward the center (to the right) of the right-side continuous sheet S1. The first suction port 62a is located near the left end of the right-side continuous sheet S1 of the laminate L1 in the fourth direction D4. The second suction mechanism 60b has a second suction port 62b that sucks the elastic member E protruding from the right end of the left-side continuous sheet S1 of the laminate L1 toward the center (to the left) of the left-side continuous sheet S1. The second suction port 62b is located near the right end of the left-side continuous sheet S1 of the laminate L1 in the fourth direction D4. The first suction port 62a and the second suction port 62b are disposed near the belt surface 52a of the belt 52 of the laminate conveying mechanism 50 (slightly above the belt surface 52a).

[0048] The first suction port 62a and the second suction port 62b may be arranged at positions offset from each other in the third direction D3, but preferably, the first suction port 62a and the second suction port 62b are arranged side by side in the fourth direction D4 so that the suction ports face each other. By arranging the first suction port 62a and the second suction port 62b in this manner, the conveying distance of the laminate conveying mechanism 50 can be kept relatively short.

[0049] However, when the first suction port 62a and the second suction port 62b are arranged opposite each other, the first suction port 62a and the second suction port 62b draw air in opposite directions in the fourth direction D4. This may result in the air intake from one of the suction ports 62a, 62b interfering with the air intake from the other suction port 62b, preventing the elastic member E from being adjusted to the desired position. Therefore, particularly when the first suction port 62a and the second suction port 62b are arranged opposite each other, it is preferable to provide a partition member 70 between the first suction port 62a and the second suction port 62b. Note that even when the first suction port 62a and the second suction port 62b are arranged at positions offset from each other in the third direction D3, the partition member 70 may be provided between the first suction port 62a and the second suction port 62b in the fourth direction D4.

[0050] The shape of the partition member 70 is not limited, but for example, it is a plate-like member that extends in the third direction D3 and in a direction perpendicular to the belt surface (transport surface) 52a.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 6, it is preferable that the partition member 70 has a shape such that the length (height in Fig. 6) in the direction perpendicular to the belt surface (conveying surface) 52a gradually decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the third direction D3 for the following reasons.

[0052] The elastic members E sucked by the suction mechanism 60 are preferably covered by the third continuous sheet S3 as soon as possible after being sucked by the suction mechanism 60 (to prevent displacement of the elastic members E that have been adjusted by suction). Therefore, the merging roller 80 that joins and joins the laminate L and the third continuous sheet S3 is preferably disposed as close as possible to the suction ports 62a, 62b of the suction mechanism 60, and also as close as possible to the partition member 70, which prevents mutual interference of suction from the two suction ports 62a, 62b. To achieve this, the partition member 70 preferably has a shape such that its length in the direction perpendicular to the belt surface (conveyance surface) 52a (height in FIG. 6) gradually decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the third direction D3, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0053] For the same reason, it is preferable that the suction ports 62a, 62b have a shape such that the width in the direction perpendicular to the belt surface (conveying surface) 52a gradually decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the third direction D3, as shown in Figure 6.

[0054] Preferably, the suction ports 62a and 62b suck the elastic member E in a direction intersecting the sheet surface of the first continuous sheet S1 of the laminate L1 (i.e., in a direction intersecting the belt surface (conveyance surface) 52a of the laminate conveyance mechanism 50). This makes it easier for the suction ports 62a and 62b to reliably suck the elastic member E, even if the elastic member E extends parallel to the sheet surface of the first continuous sheet S1 (compared to when the suction ports 62a and 62b suck in a direction parallel to the sheet surface of the first continuous sheet S1 of the laminate L1). The angle θ (see FIG. 7) formed between the sheet surface of the first continuous sheet S1 of the laminate L1 (i.e., the belt surface (conveyance surface) 52a of the laminate conveyance mechanism 50, a horizontal plane in FIG. 7) and the direction in which the suction ports 62a and 62b face is preferably greater than 0 degrees and equal to or less than 5 degrees.

[0055] (3-3) Merging Roller The merging roller 80 is positioned downstream of the suction ports 62a, 62b in the third direction D3, and overlaps and joins the laminate L1, which is transported in the third direction D3 along the continuous direction of the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2, with the third continuous sheet S3, which is transported in the third direction D3 along the continuous direction.

[0056] Specifically, the merging roller 80 sandwiches the laminate L1 and the third continuous sheet S3 between itself and the belt surface 52a of the belt 52 of the laminate conveying mechanism 50, and a force is applied to the stacked laminate L1 and third continuous sheet S3 in the thickness direction. At this time, the laminate L1 and the third continuous sheet S3 are bonded together by, for example, an adhesive applied by a coating mechanism (not shown) to the surface of the third continuous sheet S3 facing the laminate L. The laminate L formed by bonding the laminate L1 and the third continuous sheet S3 in this way is the continuous laminate of the present invention.

[0057] The third continuous sheet S3 is an optional component, and the merging roller 80 that joins and joins the laminate L1 and the third continuous sheet S3 may be omitted, for example, in cases where displacement of the elastic member E is unlikely to occur after suction by the suction mechanism 60. In this case, the laminate L1 is the continuous laminate in the present invention.

[0058] The third continuous sheet S3 may be a single-layer sheet (e.g., nonwoven fabric). Alternatively, the third continuous sheet S3 may be a sheet formed by overlapping and integrally joining a continuous sheet S3a such as nonwoven fabric and a continuous body S3b of hook members (male members) of a hook-and-loop fastener, as shown in FIG. 9. The laminate L is formed by joining the laminate L1 and the third continuous sheet S3, and the laminate L is then divided into two pieces along a wavy cutting line, as depicted by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 9, to produce two laminates each having a hook member. By cutting such a laminate in a direction perpendicular to the continuous direction, a side panel A1 having a hook member F of a hook-and-loop fastener can be produced, as in the side panel of a disposable diaper shown in FIG. 10. When worn, the hook member F is fixed to the loop member of the hook-and-loop fastener provided at the abdominal end A2a.

[0059] As described above, the third continuous sheet S3 is placed on the laminate L1 so as to cover the elastic member E that has been suctioned by the suction mechanism 60. In other words, the laminate L1 and the third continuous sheet S3 are joined together in a state in which the elastic member E that has been suctioned by the suction mechanism 60 is sandwiched between the first continuous sheet S1 and the third continuous sheet S3 of the laminate L1.

[0060] Here, the merging roller 80 sandwiches the laminate L1 and the third continuous sheet S3 between itself and the belt 52 of the laminate conveying mechanism 50 to join them, but the merging roller may also be a type that sandwiches the laminate L1 and the third continuous sheet S3 between two rollers to join them, as in the joining mechanism 30.

[0061] (3-4) Position adjustment mechanism The position adjustment mechanism 90 is a mechanism for moving at least one of the first suction mechanism 60a and the second suction mechanism 60b along the fourth direction D4. The position adjustment mechanism 90 may also function as a mechanism for moving the partition member 70 along the fourth direction D4.

[0062] In this embodiment, the position adjustment mechanism 90 has a rod-shaped support member 92 (for example, a cylindrical member) extending in the fourth direction D4, a pair of brackets 96 extending along the third direction D3, and three fixing members 94a to 94c.

[0063] A pair of brackets 96 and a partition member 70 are attached to the support member 92 so as to be movable along the extension direction (i.e., the fourth direction D4). A first suction mechanism 60a and a second suction mechanism 60b are attached to each of the pair of brackets 96, and support the attached first suction mechanism 60a and second suction mechanism 60b. The support member 92 supports the first suction mechanism 60a and the second suction mechanism 60b via the brackets 96. The support member 92 also supports the partition member 70. The fixing members 94a to 94c are members for fixing the positions of the brackets 96 and the partition member 70 on the support member 92 in the fourth direction D4.

[0064] By providing such a position adjustment mechanism 90, when the dimensions of the laminate L to be manufactured are changed, it is easy to set the first suction mechanism 60a, the second suction mechanism 60b, the partition member 70, etc. to appropriate positions accordingly.

[0065] (4) Features (4-1) The manufacturing apparatus 100 is a manufacturing apparatus 100 for manufacturing a laminate L as an example of a laminate continuum in which an elastic member E is disposed between a first continuous sheet S1 and a second continuous sheet S2. The manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a laminate conveying mechanism 50 as an example of a conveying mechanism, and a suction mechanism 60. The laminate conveying mechanism 50 conveys the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2 in a third direction D3, with the elastic members E extending in a first direction D1 sandwiching a group of elastic members EG disposed at intervals in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. The third direction D3 is aligned with the continuous direction of the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2 and intersects with the first direction D1. The suction mechanism 60 has suction ports 62a and 62b. The suction mechanism 60 sucks the elastic member E, which protrudes in the fourth direction D4 from the end of the first continuous sheet S1 in the fourth direction D4, through the suction ports 62a and 62b toward the center of the first continuous sheet S1 in the fourth direction D4 in the stack L of the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2 being transported by the stack transport mechanism 50. The fourth direction D4 is perpendicular to the third direction D3.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first direction D1 and the fourth direction D4 coincide with each other, and the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 coincide with each other, but this is not limiting. The third direction D3 and the first direction D1 may be non-orthogonal.

[0067] In this manufacturing apparatus 100, the elastic member E protruding from the first continuous sheet S1 in the fourth direction D4 (in other words, the width direction of the first continuous sheet S1, which is perpendicular to the continuous direction of the continuous first continuous sheet S1) is sucked toward the center of the first continuous sheet S1 in the fourth direction D4. Therefore, in this manufacturing apparatus 100, it is easy to prevent the elastic member E from protruding from the laminate L in the width direction of the first continuous sheet S1.

[0068] (4-2) The manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a merging roller 80. The merging roller 80 is disposed downstream of the suction ports 62a and 62b of the suction mechanism 60 in the third direction D3. The merging roller 80 overlaps and joins a stack L1 of the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2 (the stack L1 of the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2 with the elastic member E disposed therebetween) being transported in the third direction D3 with a third continuous sheet S3 being transported in the third direction D3. The third direction D3 is aligned with the direction in which the third continuous sheet S3 is continuous. The third continuous sheet S3 covers the elastic member E suctioned by the suction mechanism 60 (the end of the elastic member E suctioned by the suction mechanism 60).

[0069] In the present manufacturing apparatus 100, the elastic member E subjected to suction by the suction mechanism 60 is covered with the third continuous sheet S3, so that the laminate L can be formed with the positions of the ends of the elastic member E restricted to desired positions.

[0070] As described above, the joining roller 80 is not an essential component and may be omitted. In this case, the manufacturing apparatus 100 may manufacture the laminate L1 as a continuous laminate.

[0071] (4-3) In the manufacturing apparatus 100, the suction ports 62a and 62b suck the elastic member E from a direction intersecting the sheet surface of the first continuous sheet S1.

[0072] In the manufacturing apparatus 100, the elastic member E can be more reliably sucked by the suction mechanism 60 than when the elastic member E is sucked from a direction horizontal to the first continuous sheet S1.

[0073] (4-4) In the manufacturing apparatus 100, the laminate transport mechanism 50 transports a laminate L1 in which a pair of first continuous sheets S1 are arranged with a gap in the fourth direction D4 relative to one second continuous sheet S2. In the laminate L1, an elastic member group EG is arranged between each of the first continuous sheets S1 and the second continuous sheet S2. In the laminate L1, the suction mechanism 60 sucks the elastic members E that protrude in the fourth direction D4 from the ends of each first continuous sheet S1 in the fourth direction D4 toward the center of each first continuous sheet S1 in the fourth direction D4.

[0074] With this manufacturing apparatus 100, compared to when a laminate L in which an elastic member E is disposed between a first continuous sheet S1 and a second continuous sheet S2 is manufactured on two independent lines, it is possible to reduce the installation area of the manufacturing apparatus 100 and the number of parts, etc.

[0075] (4-5) In the manufacturing apparatus 100, the suction mechanism 60 includes a first suction mechanism 60a having a first suction port 62a as a suction port and a second suction mechanism 60b having a second suction port 62b as a suction port. The first suction port 62a sucks the elastic member E protruding from the edge of one first continuous sheet S1 near the other first continuous sheet S1 in the fourth direction D4 toward the center of the one first continuous sheet S1. The second suction port 62b sucks the elastic member E protruding from the edge of the other first continuous sheet S1 near the one first continuous sheet S1 in the fourth direction D4 toward the center of the other first continuous sheet S1. The first suction port 62a and the second suction port 62b are arranged side by side in the fourth direction D4 so as to face each other. The manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a partition member 70 arranged between the first suction port 62a and the second suction port 62b.

[0076] In this manufacturing apparatus 100, even if the length of the transport path of the laminate transport mechanism 50 is relatively short, the first suction port 62a and the second suction port 62b can be disposed.

[0077] Furthermore, in this manufacturing apparatus 100, it is possible to prevent a situation in which suction of the elastic member E to be suctioned by one suction mechanism (first suction mechanism 60a / second suction mechanism 60b) is hindered by suction by the other suction mechanism (second suction mechanism 60b / first suction mechanism 60a).It is also possible to prevent a situation in which the end of the elastic member E is moved to an undesired position due to turbulence generated by the suction of the pair of suction mechanisms 60a, 60b.

[0078] Furthermore, it is preferable that the length (height in the example of Figure 6) of the partition member 70 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying surface (belt surface 52a) of the stack conveying mechanism 50 for the stack gradually decreases toward the downstream side in the conveying direction (third direction D3) of the stack conveying mechanism 50.

[0079] Furthermore, it is preferable that the width (height in the example of Figure 6) of the suction ports 62a, 62b of the suction mechanism 60 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying surface (belt surface 52a) of the stack conveying mechanism 50 for the stack gradually becomes smaller toward the downstream side in the conveying direction (third direction D3) of the stack conveying mechanism 50.

[0080] (4-6) The manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a position adjustment mechanism 90. The position adjustment mechanism 90 moves at least one of the first suction mechanism 60a and the second suction mechanism 60b along the fourth direction D4.

[0081] With this manufacturing apparatus 100, the settings of the manufacturing apparatus 100 can be easily changed when manufacturing laminates L with different dimensions in the fourth direction D4 (in other words, the width direction of the laminate L) perpendicular to the conveying direction (third direction D3) of the laminate L.

[0082] (4-7) The manufacturing method of this embodiment is a method for manufacturing a laminate L in which an elastic member E is disposed between a first continuous sheet S1 and a second continuous sheet S2. The manufacturing method includes a conveying step P6 and a suction step P7. In the conveying step P6, the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2 are conveyed in a third direction D3 with the elastic members E extending in a first direction D1 sandwiched between them. The elastic members E are arranged at intervals in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. The third direction D3 is aligned with the direction in which the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2 are continuous and intersects with the first direction D1. In the suction step P7, in the laminate L1 of the conveyed first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2, the elastic members E protruding in the fourth direction D4 from the end portions of the first continuous sheet S1 in the fourth direction D4 are sucked toward the center of the first continuous sheet S1 in the fourth direction D4. The fourth direction D4 is perpendicular to the third direction D3.

[0083] In this manufacturing method, the elastic member E protruding from the first continuous sheet S1 in the fourth direction D4 (in other words, the width direction of the first continuous sheet S1, which is perpendicular to the continuous direction of the continuous first continuous sheet S1) is sucked toward the center of the first continuous sheet S1 in the fourth direction D4. Therefore, this manufacturing method tends to prevent the elastic member E from protruding from the laminate L in the width direction of the first continuous sheet S1.

[0084] (4-8) The manufacturing method of this embodiment includes a joining step P8. The joining step P8 is performed after the suction step P7, in which the elastic member E is sucked. In the joining step P8, the laminate L1, which is transported in the third direction D3 along the continuous direction of the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet S2, and the third continuous sheet S3, which is transported in the third direction D3 along the continuous direction, are superimposed and joined together. The third continuous sheet S3 covers the elastic member E that has been sucked by the suction mechanism 60.

[0085] In this manufacturing method, the elastic members E that have been subjected to suction by the suction mechanism 60 are covered with the third continuous sheet S3, and therefore the laminate L can be formed with the positions of the ends of the elastic members E restricted to desired positions.

[0086] (5) Variations (5-1) Variation A In the above embodiment, the elastic member E is sucked only at one end of each first continuous sheet S1 in the width direction, but the suction mechanism 60 may have suction ports at both ends of each first continuous sheet S1 in the width direction, and may suck the elastic member E that protrudes in the width direction at both ends of each first continuous sheet S1 in the width direction toward the center of the first continuous sheet S1.

[0087] (5-2) Variation B In the above embodiment, two first continuous sheets S1 are supplied to one second continuous sheet S2 to produce the laminate L, but the manufacturing apparatus / manufacturing method of the present invention may also be a manufacturing apparatus / manufacturing method that produces a laminate (continuous laminate) by supplying one first continuous sheet S1 to one second continuous sheet S2. Even in such a case, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained by providing a mechanism / step for sucking the elastic member E.

[0088] <Additional Note> Finally, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above embodiment will be added below.

[0089] A manufacturing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for manufacturing a continuous laminate in which an elastic member is disposed between a first continuous sheet and a second continuous sheet. The manufacturing apparatus includes a conveying mechanism and a suction mechanism. The conveying mechanism conveys the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet in a third direction, with the elastic members extending in a first direction sandwiching a group of elastic members disposed in a line at intervals in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The third direction is along the direction in which the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet are continuous and intersects with the first direction. The suction mechanism has a suction port. In the laminate of the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet being conveyed by the conveying mechanism, the suction mechanism sucks, through the suction port, the elastic members protruding in the fourth direction from the end portion in the fourth direction of the first continuous sheet toward the center of the first continuous sheet in the fourth direction. The fourth direction is perpendicular to the third direction.

[0090] In the manufacturing device of the first aspect of the present invention, the elastic member protruding from the first continuous sheet in the fourth direction (in other words, the width direction of the first continuous sheet, which is perpendicular to the running direction of the continuous first continuous sheet) is sucked toward the center of the first continuous sheet in the fourth direction. Therefore, the manufacturing device of the first aspect makes it easy to prevent the elastic member from protruding from the continuous laminate in the width direction of the first continuous sheet.

[0091] A manufacturing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising a merging roller. The merging roller is disposed downstream of the suction port of the suction mechanism in the third direction. The merging roller overlaps and joins a stack of the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet (a stack of the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet with an elastic member disposed therebetween) conveyed in the third direction with a third continuous sheet conveyed in the third direction. The third direction is along the direction in which the third continuous sheet is continuous. The third continuous sheet covers the elastic member suctioned by the suction mechanism.

[0092] In the manufacturing device according to the second aspect of the present invention, the elastic member that has been sucked by the suction mechanism is covered with the third continuous sheet, so that the continuous laminate can be formed with the end positions of the elastic member restricted to desired positions.

[0093] A manufacturing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the suction port sucks the elastic member from a direction intersecting the sheet surface of the first continuous sheet.

[0094] In the manufacturing apparatus according to the third aspect, the elastic member is more easily and reliably sucked by the suction mechanism than when the elastic member is sucked from a direction horizontal to the first continuous sheet.

[0095] A manufacturing apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the conveying mechanism conveys a stack in which a pair of first continuous sheets are arranged with a gap in the fourth direction relative to one second continuous sheet. In the stack, a group of elastic members is arranged between each of the first continuous sheets and the second continuous sheet. The suction mechanism sucks the elastic members protruding in the fourth direction from the end of each first continuous sheet in the fourth direction toward the center of each first continuous sheet in the fourth direction.

[0096] In the manufacturing apparatus of the fourth aspect, it is possible to reduce the installation area of the apparatus and the number of parts of the apparatus, compared to when a laminated continuous body in which an elastic member is disposed between a first continuous sheet and a second continuous sheet is manufactured on two independent lines.

[0097] A manufacturing apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein the suction mechanism includes a first suction mechanism having a first suction port as a suction port and a second suction mechanism having a second suction port as a suction port. The first suction port sucks the elastic member protruding from the end of one first continuous sheet near the other first continuous sheet in the fourth direction toward the center of the one first continuous sheet. The second suction port sucks the elastic member protruding from the end of the other first continuous sheet near the one first continuous sheet in the fourth direction toward the center of the other first continuous sheet. The first suction port and the second suction port are arranged side by side in the fourth direction so as to face each other. The manufacturing apparatus further includes a partition member arranged between the first suction port and the second suction port.

[0098] In the manufacturing apparatus of the fifth aspect, it is possible to prevent a situation in which suction of the elastic member to be suctioned by one suction mechanism (first suction mechanism / second suction mechanism) is hindered by suction by the other suction mechanism (second suction mechanism / first suction mechanism). It is also possible to prevent a situation in which the end of the elastic member is moved to an undesired position due to turbulence generated by suction by the pair of suction mechanisms.

[0099] It is preferable that the length of the partition member in a direction perpendicular to the conveying plane of the conveying mechanism for the laminate gradually decreases toward the downstream side in the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism.

[0100] Furthermore, it is preferable that the width of the suction opening of the suction mechanism in a direction perpendicular to the conveying plane of the conveying mechanism for the laminate gradually decreases toward the downstream side in the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism.

[0101] A manufacturing apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing apparatus according to the fifth aspect, further including a position adjustment mechanism. The position adjustment mechanism moves at least one of the first suction mechanism and the second suction mechanism along the fourth direction.

[0102] In the manufacturing apparatus of the sixth aspect, when manufacturing a continuous laminate body having different dimensions in a fourth direction (in other words, the width direction of the continuous laminate body) perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the laminate body, the settings of the manufacturing apparatus can be easily changed.

[0103] A manufacturing method according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is a manufacturing method for a continuous laminate in which an elastic member is disposed between a first continuous sheet and a second continuous sheet. The manufacturing method includes a conveying step and a suction step. In the conveying step, the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet are conveyed in a third direction, with the elastic members extending in a first direction sandwiching a group of elastic members disposed in a line at intervals in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The third direction is along the continuous direction of the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet and intersects with the first direction. In the suction step, in the laminate of the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet being conveyed, the elastic members protruding in the fourth direction from the end portions of the first continuous sheet in the fourth direction are sucked toward the center of the first continuous sheet in the fourth direction. The fourth direction is perpendicular to the third direction.

[0104] In the manufacturing method of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the elastic member protruding from the first continuous sheet in the fourth direction (in other words, the width direction of the first continuous sheet, which is perpendicular to the running direction of the continuous first continuous sheet) is sucked toward the center of the first continuous sheet in the fourth direction. Therefore, the manufacturing method of the seventh aspect makes it easier to prevent the elastic member from protruding from the continuous stack in the width direction of the first continuous sheet.

[0105] The manufacturing method according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing method according to the seventh aspect, further comprising a joining step. The joining step is performed after a suction step of suctioning the elastic member. In the joining step, a laminate transported in a third direction along the continuous direction of the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet is superimposed on a third continuous sheet transported in the third direction along the continuous direction and joined together. The third continuous sheet covers the elastic member that has been sucked by the suction mechanism.

[0106] In the manufacturing method according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the elastic member that has been sucked by the suction mechanism is covered with the third continuous sheet, and therefore, a continuous laminate can be formed with the positions of the ends of the elastic member restricted to desired positions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 50 Stacked body transport mechanism (transport mechanism) 60 Suction mechanism 60a 1st suction mechanism 60b 2nd suction mechanism 62a 1st suction port (suction port) 62b 2nd suction port (suction port) 70 Partition member 80 Merging Roller 90 Position adjustment mechanism 100 Manufacturing equipment D1 1st direction D2 2nd direction D3 Third direction D4 4th direction E Elastic member EG Elastic Member Group L Laminate (Laminated Continuum) L1 Laminate (Laminated Continuum) S1 First consecutive sheet S2 Second consecutive sheet S3 3rd consecutive sheet P6 Transportation process P7 Suction process P8 Joining process

Claims

1. An apparatus for manufacturing a continuous laminate in which an elastic member is disposed between a first continuous sheet and a second continuous sheet, a conveying mechanism that conveys the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet, with a group of elastic members sandwiched between the elastic members extending in a first direction and arranged at intervals in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, along the continuous direction of the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet and in a third direction that intersects with the first direction; a suction mechanism having a suction port configured to suck, in a stack of the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet being transported by the transport mechanism, the elastic member protruding in a fourth direction from an end of the first continuous sheet in the fourth direction perpendicular to the third direction, toward a center of the first continuous sheet in the fourth direction, through the suction port; A manufacturing device comprising:

2. a merging roller that is disposed downstream of the suction port in the third direction and that overlaps and joins the laminate being transported in the third direction and a third continuous sheet being transported in the third direction along a continuous direction, the third continuous sheet covers the elastic member that has been sucked by the suction mechanism; The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. the suction port sucks the elastic member in a direction intersecting with the sheet surface of the first continuous sheet. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the conveying mechanism conveys the stack in which a pair of the first continuous sheets are arranged with an interval in the fourth direction relative to one of the second continuous sheets, In the laminate, the elastic member groups are disposed between the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet, the suction mechanism sucks the elastic members protruding in the fourth direction from the ends of the first continuous sheets in the stack toward the centers of the first continuous sheets in the fourth direction. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The suction mechanism includes: a first suction mechanism having a first suction port as the suction port that sucks the elastic member protruding from the end of one of the first continuous sheets near the other of the first continuous sheets in the fourth direction toward a center of the one of the first continuous sheets; a second suction mechanism having a second suction port as the suction port that sucks the elastic member protruding from the end of the other first continuous sheet near the one first continuous sheet in the fourth direction toward a center of the other first continuous sheet; Including, the first suction port and the second suction port are arranged side by side in the fourth direction so as to face each other, The manufacturing apparatus further includes a partition member disposed between the first suction port and the second suction port. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. a position adjustment mechanism that moves at least one of the first suction mechanism and the second suction mechanism along the fourth direction, The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5 .

7. A method for manufacturing a continuous laminate in which an elastic member is disposed between a first continuous sheet and a second continuous sheet, comprising: conveying the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet in a state in which a group of elastic members, each of which extends in a first direction and is arranged at intervals in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, is sandwiched between the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet, along the continuous direction of the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet and in a third direction intersecting the first direction; a step of sucking the elastic member protruding in a fourth direction from an end of the first continuous sheet in a fourth direction perpendicular to the third direction toward a center of the first continuous sheet in the fourth direction in a stack of the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet being conveyed; A manufacturing method comprising:

8. the method further includes, after the step of sucking the elastic member, a step of overlapping and joining the laminate transported in the third direction along the continuous direction of the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet with a third continuous sheet transported in the third direction along the continuous direction, the third continuous sheet covers the elastic member that has been sucked by the suction mechanism; The method of claim 7.

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