Method for manufacturing absorbent article

Abstract

To provide a method for manufacturing an absorbent article in which a water-permeable sheet is laminated along a recessed part.SOLUTION: The method for producing an absorbent article includes a laminate forming step of laminating a first water-permeable sheet on an absorbent mat to form a laminate in which the absorbent mat and the first water-permeable sheet are laminated, a recessed portion forming step of forming a recessed portion in the laminate by compression from the first water-permeable sheet side, a stretching step of stretching the laminate in the MD direction with the first water-permeable sheet side of the laminate facing upward, a second water-permeable sheet laminating step of laminating a second water-permeable sheet on the recessed portion, and a restoring step of restoring the stretched state of the laminate in which the second water-permeable sheet is laminated to the original shape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an absorbent article. [Background technology]

[0002] Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, absorbent pads, and sanitary products have been developed. The absorbent articles include an absorbent body that absorbs liquids such as urine excreted by the wearer. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent article that includes compressed grooves formed by compression. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-103782 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the manufacturing process of an absorbent article having a recessed portion such as a compressed groove that is recessed on the non-skin-facing side, a water-permeable sheet may be placed on the skin-facing side of the absorbent body having the recessed portion. In this case, there is a risk that the water-permeable sheet may be stacked while being spaced apart from the recessed portion.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing an absorbent article in which a water-permeable sheet is laminated along a recess. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a laminate formation step of laminating a first water-permeable sheet on an absorbent mat to form a laminate in which the absorbent mat and the first water-permeable sheet are laminated; a recess forming step of forming recesses in the laminate by squeezing from the first water-permeable sheet side; a stretching step of stretching the laminate in an MD direction with the first water-permeable sheet side of the laminate facing upward; a second water-permeable sheet laminating step of laminating a second water-permeable sheet on the recess; and a restoring step of restoring the stretched state of the laminate on which the second water-permeable sheet is laminated to its original shape. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the water-permeable sheet can be laminated along the recessed portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a diaper manufactured by a diaper manufacturing method according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a diaper manufactured by the diaper manufacturing method according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a diaper manufactured by the diaper manufacturing method according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a diaper manufactured by the diaper manufacturing method according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing compressed portions provided on a diaper manufactured by a diaper manufacturing method according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a diaper according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a forming drum provided in a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing diapers by a diaper manufacturing method according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a pressing unit provided in a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing diapers by a diaper manufacturing method according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a part of a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing diapers by a diaper manufacturing method according to an embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a compressed groove provided in a diaper manufactured by a diaper manufacturing method according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing diapers by the diaper manufacturing method according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a diaper according to the first modification. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a part of a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing diapers by the diaper manufacturing method according to the first modification. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing diapers by the diaper manufacturing method according to the first modification. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a concavo-convex forming section provided in a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing diapers by a diaper manufacturing method according to the second modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following describes an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment described below is one aspect of the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0010] <Embodiment> In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of a tape-type disposable diaper (an example of an "absorbent article" in the present application, hereinafter simply referred to as "diaper") is the direction connecting the front body portion, which is positioned opposite the wearer's abdomen, and the back body portion, which is positioned opposite the wearer's back. Between the front body portion (one side in the longitudinal direction) and the back body portion (the other side in the longitudinal direction) (the center in the longitudinal direction), a crotch portion, which is positioned between the wearer's crotch (facing the crotch), is located. Furthermore, when the diaper is worn by a wearer (hereinafter abbreviated as "worn state"), the side facing the wearer's skin (the inner side when worn) is the skin-facing side, and the side opposite the skin-facing side (the outer side when worn) is the non-skin-facing side. Furthermore, the direction connecting the skin-facing side and the non-skin-facing side is the thickness direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction is the width direction. Furthermore, a view from the thickness direction is a planar view. The left-right direction of the diaper is defined as the right side of the wearer's right hand and the left side of the wearer's left hand when the diaper is worn.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a diaper 1 manufactured by the manufacturing method of the diaper 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the diaper 1 manufactured by the manufacturing method of the diaper 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the diaper 1 in a stretched state, viewed from the skin-facing side. The diaper 1 has a crotch region 1B, which corresponds to the crotch area covering the wearer's genitals when worn, a front body region 1F located in front of the crotch region 1B and corresponding to the wearer's front body, and a back body region 1R located behind the crotch region 1B and corresponding to the wearer's back body. Tapes 2L and 2R are provided on both left and right edges of the back body region 1R, and can be attached to front patches 2F provided on the non-skin-facing side of the front body region 1F. When the tapes 2L and 2R are attached to the front patch 2F with the front body region 1F positioned on the wearer's abdomen and the back body region 1R positioned on the wearer's back, the diaper 1 is secured to the wearer's body so as to surround the wearer's abdomen and thighs. Since the diaper 1 is secured to the wearer's body in this manner, the wearer can stand and walk while wearing the diaper 1.

[0012] The diaper 1 includes an absorbent body 6, which is capable of absorbing and retaining exudates discharged by the wearer, and is located mainly near the crotch region 1B. The diaper 1 also includes leg gathers 3AL, 3AR around the wearer's legs (thighs) to prevent gaps from forming between the diaper 1 and the wearer's skin, which could serve as a path for exudates to escape. Leakage barrier walls 3BL, 3BR are provided on the inside of the leg gathers 3AL, 3AR in the width direction of the diaper 1. The leg gathers 3AL, 3AR and the leakage barrier walls 3BL, 3BR adhere closely to the wearer's skin due to the elasticity of the elastic members. Therefore, exudates discharged from the wearer's genitals are absorbed by the absorbent body 6 of the diaper 1 without leaking out. The elastic members may be selected from thread-like or strip-like rubber, as appropriate.

[0013] The diaper 1 has a cover sheet 4 that forms the outer surface when worn. The cover sheet 4 is a sheet-like member having a generally rectangular appearance with constrictions 4KL and 4KR in the areas corresponding to the long sides, and forms the exterior surface of the diaper 1. The constrictions 4KL and 4KR are provided in the areas where the wearer's thighs are located. The cover sheet 4 is provided to reinforce the back sheet 5 (described later) and to improve the feel. For example, to prevent leakage of excrement, a nonwoven fabric made of a liquid-impermeable thermoplastic resin can be used as the material for the cover sheet 4. Examples of liquid-impermeable thermoplastic resins include polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). The cover sheet 4 is not limited to a single-layer structure, but may also be a multi-layer structure having an inner cover sheet and an outer cover sheet.

[0014] The diaper 1 further comprises a back sheet 5, an absorbent body 6, and a top sheet 8 (an example of the "second water-permeable sheet" referred to in the present application), which are layered in this order on the wearer's skin-facing side of the cover sheet 4. The top sheet 8 may consist of a single sheet, or multiple sheets may be layered together. The back sheet 5, the absorbent body 6, and the top sheet 8 are all sheet-like members having a substantially rectangular appearance, and are layered in this order on the cover sheet 4 with their longitudinal directions aligned with the longitudinal direction of the cover sheet 4. Like the cover sheet 4, the back sheet 5 is a sheet made of a liquid-impermeable thermoplastic resin material to prevent leakage of excrement. The back sheet 5 is preferably made of a moisture-permeable material to prevent stuffiness when worn.

[0015] The top sheet 8 is the portion that contacts the wearer's skin when the diaper 1 is worn. It is a stretchable, water-permeable sheet made of a liquid-permeable material that allows excreted liquids such as urine to pass through. The top sheet 8 may be made of a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a porous film, or the like. The nonwoven fabric may be made of thermoplastic resin fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, or nylon that have been hydrophilically treated. Alternatively, air-through nonwoven fabric, point-bonded nonwoven fabric, spun-bonded nonwoven fabric, or melt-blown nonwoven fabric may be used. When the diaper 1 is worn, excreted liquid passes through the top sheet 8, which may come into contact with the wearer's skin, and enters the absorbent body 6, where it is absorbed. The longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 is the same as the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 6 and the top sheet 8.

[0016] The back sheet 5, absorbent body 6, and top sheet 8 all extend from the front body region 1F to the back body region 1R. Therefore, when the wearer's genitals are covered with the cover sheet 4, in which the back sheet 5, absorbent body 6, and top sheet 8 are laminated, the longitudinal ends of the back sheet 5, absorbent body 6, and top sheet 8 are located on the wearer's ventral and dorsal sides. In other words, the wearer's genitals are covered by the absorbent body 6 from the ventral to dorsal sides of the wearer. Therefore, whether the wearer is in a ventral or dorsal position when excreting fluid, the fluid excreted by the wearer comes into contact with the absorbent body 6 via the top sheet 8.

[0017] The diaper 1 is also configured such that the elastic members 4SL, 4SR for forming the leg gathers 3AL, 3AR are arranged between the cover sheet 4 and the back sheet 5 so as to be stretchable in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. The elastic members 4SL, 4SR are provided in an appropriate number (two in this embodiment) determined according to the elastic force (contractile force) required in the design of the diaper 1. The elastic members 4SL, 4SR do not necessarily have to be provided.

[0018] The diaper 1 also has a pair of water-impermeable side sheets 9L, 9R arranged on both skin-facing sides of the diaper 1 in the width direction and extending longitudinally. The side sheets 9L, 9R are arranged so that their longitudinal ends coincide with the longitudinal ends of the top sheet 8. Like the cover sheet 4, the side sheets 9L, 9R have constrictions 9KL, 9KR in the areas where the wearer's thighs will be located. The side sheets 9L, 9R have fixing regions 9LA, 9RA arranged on their outer widthwise sides. The fixing regions 9LA, 9RA are bonded to the top sheet 8, which is a member laminated on the non-skin-facing side, with a hot melt adhesive.

[0019] The side sheets 9L, 9R have rubber threads 9EL, 9ER arranged along their longitudinal direction to form the leak barrier walls 3BL, 3BR. When the diaper 1 is worn, i.e., when the diaper 1 is U-shaped in side view, the contractile force of the rubber threads 9EL, 9ER draws the side sheets 9L, 9R longitudinally and causes them to rise from the top sheet 8, thereby forming the leak barrier walls 3BL, 3BR that prevent the outflow of exuded liquid.

[0020] The side sheets 9L, 9R are bonded to the top sheet 8 with a hot melt adhesive. The widthwise inner edges of this hot melt adhesive form fold lines 3LL, 3LR (see FIG. 3), and the insides of the fold lines 3LL, 3LR form the upstanding leakage barrier walls 3BL, 3BR. That is, the fold lines 3LL, 3LR are the upstanding edges of the leakage barrier walls 3BL, 3BR. The widthwise inner edges of the side sheets 9L, 9R from the fold lines 3LL, 3LR are the leakage barrier walls 3BL, 3BR, and the widthwise inner edges of the side sheets 9L, 9R are the free edges 9LB, 9RB of the leakage barrier walls 3BL, 3BR. Two rubber threads 9EL, 9ER, which are thread-like elastic members, are arranged side by side in the width direction near the free edges 9LB, 9RB of the side sheets 9L, 9R. Note that only one rubber thread 9EL, 9ER may be arranged. The elastic threads 9EL, 9ER are fixed to the side sheets 9L, 9R with hot melt adhesive in a stretched state in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. The side sheets 9L, 9R have fixing portions 33L, 33R near their longitudinal ends. The fixing portions 33L, 33R fix the side sheets 9L, 9R to the top sheet 8, and serve as longitudinal starting points for the leakage barrier walls 3BL, 3BR when they rise. The side sheets 9L, 9R are also bonded to the top sheet 8 on their outer widthwise sides, but on the inner longitudinal sides of the fixing portions 33L, 33R, the inner widthwise sides of the fixing portions are not bonded with the hot melt adhesive, allowing them to rise toward the skin. When the elastic threads 9EL, 9ER contract and the leakage barrier walls 3BL, 3BR on the inner side of the fold lines 3LL, 3LR rise toward the skin, the free ends 9LB, 9RB become the tips on the skin-facing side. The upright leak-preventing walls 3BL, 3BR inhibit the movement of discharged liquid and loose stools outward in the width direction of the leak-preventing walls 3BL, 3BR, thereby suppressing lateral leakage of these.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a widthwise cross-sectional view of the diaper 1 taken along line AA in FIG. 3. The diaper 1 includes an absorbent body 6 that absorbs and retains excreted fluids such as urine. The absorbent body 6 is disposed on the non-skin-facing side of the top sheet 8, including the crotch region 1B, to absorb excreted fluids from the wearer. In this embodiment, the absorbent body 6 includes an absorbent core 6C (an example of the "absorbent mat" referred to in this application) and a core wrap sheet 7 that covers part or all of the absorbent core 6C. The longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 6 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core 6C, the longitudinal direction of the core wrap sheet 7, and the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1.

[0022] In plan view, the absorbent core 6C has a generally gourd-like shape, with the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R being wider than the crotch region 1B, and the crotch region 1B being narrower. The crotch region 1B is sandwiched between the wearer's legs, and is therefore subjected to compressive pressure inward in the width direction. In the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R, the weight of the wearer exerts pressure on the absorbent core 6C in the thickness direction. To accommodate this pressure, the absorbent core 6C is provided with a constriction in the crotch region 1B. In the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R, the width of the absorbent core 6C is increased to increase the area on which the weight is applied and prevent deformation in the thickness direction. For this reason, it is preferable that the absorbent core 6C be approximately gourd-shaped. However, the absorbent core 6C may also be approximately rectangular.

[0023] The absorbent core 6C has a mat structure in which granular absorbent resin (polymeric water-absorbing material) such as SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer), a hydrophilic polymer with a cross-linked structure that can absorb and retain water, is held in the gaps between short fibers of cellulosic fibers such as pulp, rayon, or cotton, or short fibers made from synthetic fibers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyethylene terephthalate that have been hydrophilically treated. These short fibers and SAP are examples of absorbent materials.

[0024] In this embodiment, SAP particles refer to a granulated resin composition containing SAP. The term "SAP-containing resin composition" as used herein encompasses both a composition consisting solely of SAP and a composition containing SAP as the main component, with other substances added to the extent that they do not adversely affect water absorption. Examples of "other substances" include additives (such as surface modifiers added to hydrophobize the particle surface) and unreacted monomers remaining during the synthesis of SAP. SAP particles can absorb approximately 10 to 100 times their own weight in liquid. The SAP particles may be, for example, granular particles with a diameter of approximately 0.1 to 0.5 mm before absorbing liquid.

[0025] While SAP particles gel and can retain liquid, it takes a certain amount of time for the liquid to be absorbed. In diaper 1, the short fibers slow down the discharged liquid while diffusing it within the absorbent core 6C until the SAP particles have absorbed the liquid, allowing the discharged liquid to be absorbed by a wide range of SAP particles, thereby preventing the liquid from flowing back.

[0026] The absorbent core 6C may have three low-bulk portions (not shown) extending in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core 6C and spaced apart in the width direction. The low-bulk portions are portions of the absorbent material composed of the above-mentioned short fibers and SAP particles that are less bulky than the surrounding absorbent material and are formed in a concave shape from the skin-facing side to the non-skin-facing side. Urine and other excreted fluids discharged by the wearer are dispersed throughout the absorbent core 6C along the low-bulk portions provided on the skin-facing side of the absorbent core 6C. This allows the diaper 1 to efficiently absorb urine and other excreted fluids discharged by the wearer throughout the entire absorbent core 6C.

[0027] The absorbent core 6C may have an upper-layer absorbent mat arranged on the top sheet 8 side and a lower-layer absorbent mat arranged on the side not facing the wearer's skin.

[0028] The core wrap sheet 7 is a water-permeable sheet that sandwiches the absorbent core 6C, and more specifically, it covers the skin-facing and non-skin-facing sides of the absorbent core 6C. The core wrap sheet 7 maintains the shape of the absorbent core 6C when not in contact with excreted liquid, preventing it from losing its shape and preventing the SAP particles contained in the absorbent core 6C from escaping. Furthermore, SAP particles when not absorbing moisture are hard and sand-like, and if these SAP particles escape from the absorbent body 6 and come into direct contact with the wearer's skin, they may cause discomfort to the wearer. For this reason, the absorbent core 6C is sandwiched between the core wrap sheets 7, preventing the absorbent core 6C from losing its shape and preventing the SAP particles from escaping outside the absorbent body 6.

[0029] In this embodiment, a pulp fiber sheet or a thin nonwoven fabric is used for the core wrap sheet 7. The core wrap sheet 7 comprises an upper-layer core wrap sheet 7A (an example of the "first water-permeable sheet" in this application) disposed between the absorbent core 6C and the top sheet 8, and an absorbent The core 6C is formed from two sheets, an upper core wrap sheet 7A and a lower core wrap sheet 7B placed on the non-skin-facing side of the core 6C. The core wrap sheet 7 may be formed of different materials for the upper core wrap sheet 7A and the lower core wrap sheet 7B. For example, the upper core wrap sheet 7A may be an air-through nonwoven fabric, and the lower core wrap sheet 7B may be tissue paper.

[0030] The core wrap sheet 7 may be arranged to cover the skin-facing side, non-skin-facing side, and side surfaces of the absorbent core 6C. For example, the lower-layer core wrap sheet 7B may be arranged on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent core 6C, covering the side surfaces of the absorbent core 6C, and further covering the outer sides in the width direction of the upper-layer core wrap sheet 7A. Alternatively, the core wrap sheet 7 may be formed from a single sheet and arranged to cover the skin-facing side, non-skin-facing side, and side surfaces of the absorbent core 6C.

[0031] The absorbent body 6 provided in the diaper 1 manufactured by the manufacturing method of the diaper 1 according to this embodiment has a recess (an example of the "recess" as used herein) recessed on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body 6. In this embodiment, the recess is a compressed portion 20 formed by squeezing the absorbent body 6 from the skin-facing side. Note that the recess is not limited to a compressed portion formed by squeezing. For example, the recess may be a slit in which no absorbent material is deposited, or a low-bulk portion that is less bulky because less absorbent material is deposited therein than in other areas.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, the top sheet 8 in this embodiment fits inside the compressed portions 20 provided in the absorbent body 6 and maintains a shape that conforms to the compressed portions 20.

[0033] Fig. 5 is a plan view of the diaper 1 showing the compression section 20. For the sake of explanation, some components are omitted from the illustration. In this embodiment, the compression section 20 is configured by a plurality of grooves, including grooves 20A and grooves 20B that intersect with each other, as shown in Fig. 5.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 5, the groove 20A extends linearly from the front right side to the rear left side of the diaper 1, and the groove 20B extends linearly from the front left side to the rear right side of the diaper 1. The grooves 20A and 20B are formed in a lattice pattern diagonal to the long or short sides of the absorbent body 6. The extending direction of the grooves 20A and 20B is not limited to the configuration example shown in Fig. 5. For example, the groove 20A may extend from the front to the rear of the diaper 1, and the groove 20B may extend from the right to the left side of the diaper 1. The grooves 20A and 20B may also be formed in a lattice pattern parallel to the long or short sides of the absorbent body 6.

[0035] Air flows along the grooves 20A and 20B provided on the skin-facing side of the absorbent body 6, improving the breathability of the diaper 1. Liquids such as urine excreted by the wearer are dispersed throughout the absorbent body 6 along the grooves 20A and 20B provided on the skin-facing side of the absorbent body 6. This allows the diaper 1 to efficiently absorb urine excreted by the wearer throughout the absorbent body 6. Furthermore, providing the grooves 20A and 20B in the absorbent body 6 makes it easier to bend, thereby improving the comfort of the diaper 1 when worn by the wearer.

[0036] It should be noted that the shape of the compressed portions 20 is not limited to the above. For example, the compressed portions 20 may be formed in a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or may be formed so as to extend linearly in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 6, or may have arc-shaped ends and extend linearly in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 6. In addition, the absorbent body 6 may be provided with one or more compressed portions 20.

[0037] Next, a method for manufacturing the diaper 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the method for manufacturing the diaper 1 according to this embodiment. First, the absorbent material constituting the absorbent core 6C described above is deposited on a hollow cylindrical forming drum having a form frame on its outer circumferential surface to form the absorbent core 6C (step S101, absorbent core forming step). In step S102 (transfer step) after step S101, the absorbent core 6C formed in step S101 (absorbent core forming step) is supplied to the conveying path 12A and transferred onto a member below the absorbent core 6C in the diaper 1 transporting on the conveying path 12A. In this embodiment, the lower member is the lower core wrap sheet 7B. In step S103 (absorbent body forming step (an example of the "laminate body forming step" in this application)) after step S102, the upper core wrap sheet 7A is placed on the skin-facing side of the absorbent core 6C. In step S104 (recess forming step) after step S103, the absorbent body 6 formed in step S103 (absorbent body forming step) is compressed from the upper core wrap sheet 7A side to form a compressed portion 20. In step S105 (stretching step) after step S104, the absorbent core 6C is placed on a conveying path while stretching the compressed sections 20 in the MD with the surface on which they are formed facing upward. In step S106 (top sheet laminating step (one example of the "second water permeable sheet laminating step" herein)) after step S105, a top sheet 8 is laminated on the upper side (skin-facing side) of the deformed compressed sections 20. In step S107 (pressing step) after step S106, the top sheet 8 and absorbent body 6 are pressed. In step S108 (recess restoration step) after step S107, the recesses stretched in the stretching step (step S105) are returned to their original shape. Note that in this embodiment, the top sheet 8 is laminated on the skin-facing side of the absorbent body 6 in the top sheet 8 laminating step (step S106), but the top sheet 8 is not limited to the top sheet 8, and any sheet that is laminated on the skin-facing side of the absorbent body 6 may be used. For example, a second sheet may be laminated on the non-skin facing side of the top sheet 8.

[0038] FIG. 7 shows the forming drum 18D used in the absorbent core forming step (step S101) and the transfer step (step S102). FIG. 7(A) is a perspective view of the forming drum 18D viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 7(B) is an exploded perspective view of the mold. The mold is formed along the entire outer periphery of the forming drum 18D and forms the absorbent core 6C. The mold has a forming plate 18F that forms the bottom of the mold and a molding plate 18S that forms the side wall of the mold and has a roughly gourd-like shape whose side faces are the same as the outer shape of the absorbent core 6C in the width direction. The mold may be formed directly on the outer periphery of the forming drum 18D, for example, or may be formed by attaching the forming plate 18F and molding plate 18S that are configured to be detachable from a cylindrical frame.

[0039] The forming plate 18F is the bottom of the formwork formed on the forming drum 18D and is made of a porous material such as a metal mesh plate. Because the forming plate 18F is made of a porous material, the bottom of the formwork is breathable, and the negative pressure generated by the forming drum 18D can suck air outside the forming drum 18D into its interior through the formwork. For example, a suction fan can be driven to create negative pressure inside and suck in outside air.

[0040] With this configuration, the absorbent material is sucked toward the forming plate 18F side of the forming drum 18D together with the air that is sucked toward the inside of the forming drum 18D. Here, although the air is sucked into the forming drum 18D through the forming plate 18F, the absorbent material cannot pass through the porous member that makes up the forming plate 18F and ends up piling up on the forming plate 18F. The accumulated absorbent material is transported by the rotation of the forming drum 18D to a position opposite the transport path 12A provided at the lower end of the forming drum 18D.

[0041] The forming plate 18F may have protrusions that protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the forming drum 18D and are spaced apart in the width direction extending in the longitudinal direction of the forming plate 18F (circumferential direction of the forming drum 18D). In the portions corresponding to the protrusions, the absorbent material is less likely to accumulate, and the absorbent material is formed into low-bulk portions where the bulk of the absorbent material is lower than the surroundings, or the absorbent material is formed on the protrusions. A slit can be formed in which no material is placed.

[0042] In step S102 (transfer process) shown in Figure 6, the absorbent material deposited on the forming plate 18F is supplied to the conveying path 12A provided opposite the lower outer peripheral surface of the forming drum 18D, and transferred onto the lower core wrap sheet 7B flowing on the conveying path 12A.

[0043] In step S103 (absorbent body forming step), the upper-layer core wrap sheet 7A is covered on the absorbent material on the side opposite to the side on which the lower-layer core wrap sheet 7B was transferred in the transfer step (step S102). This results in an absorbent core 6C being covered with the core wrap sheets 7 on both the skin-facing side and the non-skin-facing side.

[0044] In step S104 (recess formation step), the upper core wrap sheet 7A is compressed by a compressing unit provided in the diaper manufacturing apparatus to form the compressed portions 20.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the compressing unit 11 used in the recess forming step (step S104). FIG. 8(A) is an external perspective view of the compressing unit 11. The compressing unit 11 has a pair of rolls 11A and 11B, which rotate relative to each other with their cylindrical outer circumferential surfaces pressed against each other. The rolls 11A and 11B are made of, for example, metal. The compressing unit 11 presses the projections 11T, which are regularly arranged on the cylindrical outer circumferential surface of the upper roll 11A, against the smooth cylindrical outer circumferential surface of the lower roll 11B with a desired pressure. This compresses the absorbent body 6 on the conveying path 12A.

[0046] The compressing unit 11 feeds the absorbent body 6 sandwiched between the rolls 11A and 11B in the direction of relative rotation, and compresses and bonds the absorbent body 6 at a plurality of compression points corresponding to the positions of the protrusions 11T. The protrusions 11T formed on the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the roll 11A may be formed on the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the roll 11B, or may be formed on the cylindrical outer peripheral surfaces of both of these rolls. Furthermore, the protrusions 11T are not limited to a convex shape, and may be formed in a concave shape so that, for example, a continuous rib shape is pressed against the opposing cylindrical surface for compression bonding.

[0047] The protrusion 11T has a first extended protrusion 11TA extending in one direction and a second extended protrusion 11TB intersecting the first extended protrusion 11TA and extending in another direction. In this embodiment, the protrusion 11T has the first extended protrusions 11TA and the second extended protrusions 11TB intersecting each other so as to form a lattice pattern.

[0048] The absorbent body 6 has grooves 20A extending in one direction on the upper core wrap sheet 7A side of the absorbent body 6, and grooves 20B extending in the other direction and intersecting with the grooves 20A, formed in correspondence with the first extending projections 11TA and second extending projections 11TB provided on the roll 11A. Note that before or after the grooves 20A and 20B are formed, the entire absorbent body 6 may be pressed to bring the components within the absorbent body 6 into pressure contact.

[0049] In this embodiment, the protrusions 11T are formed in a lattice pattern by the first extending protrusions 11TA and the second extending protrusions 11TB as shown in Fig. 8(B), but the shape is not limited to a lattice pattern as long as the protrusions 11T intersect with each other. For example, as shown in Fig. 8(C), the protrusions may be arranged in a hexagonal honeycomb lattice pattern, and the protrusions extending in three directions may intersect with each other.

[0050] In step S105 (stretching step) shown in Figure 6, the manufactured absorbent body 6 is placed on a conveying path formed by the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical roll with the surface on which the compressed portions 20 are formed facing upward, and is conveyed. Figure 9 is a diagram showing a conveying path 12R formed by the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical roll. The conveying path 12R is a rotating body provided adjacent to the conveying path 12A, and rotates in the direction of the arc-shaped arrow in Figure 9. When the absorbent body 6 is placed on the conveying path 12R with the surface on which the compressed portions 20 are formed facing upward, the absorbent body 6 is conveyed in the circumferential direction of the conveying path 12R. This At this time, because the conveying path 12R is cylindrical, the length of the outer periphery through which the upper core wrap sheet 7A side, which is farther from the conveying path 12R, passes is longer than the length of the outer periphery through which the lower core wrap sheet 7B side (conveying path 12R side) of the absorbent body 6 passes. As a result, the upper core wrap sheet 7A side of the absorbent body 6 is pulled toward the lower core wrap sheet 7B side of the absorbent body 6, and the upper core wrap sheet 7A side of the absorbent body 6 stretches in the MD direction.

[0051] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the groove 20A and its vicinity in the absorbent body 6. FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B) are enlarged cross-sectional views of the groove 20A and its vicinity in a cross-sectional view taken in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the groove 20A. FIGS. 10(C) and 10(D) are enlarged plan views of the diaper 1 in a plan view of the groove 20A and its vicinity. The arrows in FIGS. 10(A) and 10(C) indicate the extension direction of the groove 20A. Since the grooves 20A and 20B have the same shape, the cross-sectional view of the groove 20A will be described below. When the absorbent body 6 is placed on the transport path 12R and transported, the skin-facing side of the absorbent body 6 is pulled in the direction of the arrows in FIGS. 10(A) and 10(C) of the transport path 12R due to the difference in the outer circumference of the absorbent body 6 passing through. Therefore, as shown in Figs. 10(B) and 10(D), the grooves 20A extend in the MD direction on the upper core wrap sheet 7A side.

[0052] The transport path 12R is not limited to the above shape, as long as it has a curved shape that allows the compression parts 20 provided on the absorbent body 6 to be deformed. It may be, for example, an elliptical rotating body, as long as it has a curved shape that allows the skin-facing side of the compression parts 20 to be expanded.

[0053] In step S106 (top sheet lamination step) shown in Figure 6, a stretchable top sheet 8 is laminated in a stretched state onto the compression section 20 stretched in step S105 (stretching step) from a top sheet supply section 16 provided at a position facing the outer peripheral surface of the transport path 12R shown in Figure 9. If the top sheet 8 is laminated onto the upper-layer core wrap sheet 7A with the skin-facing side of the compression section 20 stretched in the MD direction, the top sheet 8 will easily enter the compression section 20.

[0054] 6, the absorbent body 6 and the top sheet 8 may be pressed from the top sheet 8 side by a roll 12RR provided at a position facing the outer peripheral surface of the transport path 12R shown in FIG. 9. Pressing the top sheet 8 and the absorbent body 6 brings the top sheet 8 into close contact with the upper core wrap sheet 7A, making it easier for the top sheet 8 to enter the grooves of the compression section 20.

[0055] The roll 12RR is provided facing the outer peripheral surface of the conveyance path 12R between the top sheet supply unit 16 and the conveyance path 12B. The roll 12RR is made of, for example, metal, and rotates relative to the conveyance path 12R, pressing its smooth, cylindrical outer peripheral surface against the outer peripheral surface of the conveyance path 12R. The roll 12RR feeds and presses the absorbent body 6 and top sheet 8 sandwiched between the conveyance path 12R and the roll 12RR in the direction of relative rotation.

[0056] In step S108 (recess restoration step) shown in Figure 6, the sheet is transported from transport path 12R to flat transport path 12B adjacent to transport path 12R shown in Figure 9, and the compressed sections 20 stretched in step S105 (stretching step) are returned to their original shape. By placing the sheet on flat transport path 12B, the stretched compressed sections 20 return to their original shape, and the top sheet 8 that has entered grooves 20A shrinks along the compressed sections 20, allowing the top sheet 8 to conform to the shape of the compressed sections 20.

[0057] As described above, in the manufacturing method of the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the absorbent body 6 having the compression section 20 is placed on the cylindrical transport path 12R with the compression section 20 facing upward, and the skin-facing side of the compression section 20 is stretched by the difference in outer circumference of each member passing on the transport path 12R. By laminating the top sheet 8 in a stretched state on the skin-facing side of the compression section 20 in a stretched state, the top sheet 8 enters the compression section 20. When the absorbent body 6 with the top sheet 8 laminated on the skin-facing side in a state where the top sheet 8 has entered the compression section 20 is placed on the flat transport path 12B, the skin-facing side of the compression section 20 narrows. , and returns to its original shape. At this time, the top sheet 8 returns from its stretched state to its normal, unstretched state, and remains inserted into the compression sections 20, conforming to the shape of the compression sections 20. Therefore, in the diaper 1 manufactured according to the manufacturing method for the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the top sheet 8 can maintain a shape that conforms to the shape of the compression sections 20.

[0058] When the top sheet 8 maintains its shape following the shape of the compressed sections 20, air flows along the compressed sections 20, improving the breathability of the diaper 1. Liquids such as urine excreted by the wearer are dispersed throughout the diaper 1 along the compressed sections 20 provided on the skin-facing side of the absorber 6. This allows the diaper 1 to efficiently absorb urine excreted by the wearer throughout the entire absorber 6. Furthermore, when the top sheet 8 maintains its shape following the shape of the compressed sections 20, the diaper 1 can be easily bent along the compressed sections 20, improving the comfort of the diaper 1 for the wearer.

[0059] It is preferable that the skin-facing side of the compressed sections 20 stretch so as to expand in the short direction. The gap for the top sheet 8 to fit into is narrower in the short direction than in the long direction of the compressed sections 20, making it more difficult for the top sheet 8 to fit in. Expanding the skin-facing side of the compressed sections 20 in the short direction makes it easier for the top sheet 8 to fit into the compressed sections 20, and is therefore preferable because the top sheet 8 is more likely to conform to the shape of the compressed sections 20.

[0060] Furthermore, the absorbent body 6 is preferably placed so that the extension direction of the linearly arranged compression sections 20 intersects with the circumferential direction (MD direction) of the transport path 12R. Because the compression sections 20 extend in the circumferential direction of the transport path 12R, the skin-facing side of the compression sections 20 is more likely to extend in the short direction.

[0061] It is also preferable that the absorbent body 6 is placed so that the circumferential direction of the transport path 12R and the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 6 are aligned. In the absorbent body 6 of this embodiment, the compressed sections 20 extend in a direction that intersects with the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 6, and therefore, by placing the absorbent body 6 so that the circumferential direction of the transport path 12R and the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 6 are aligned, the absorbent body 6 can be placed so that the extension direction of the linearly arranged compressed sections 20 intersects with the circumferential direction of the transport path 12R.

[0062] Furthermore, the compressed portions 20 are not limited to linear grooves 20A, 20B formed in a grid pattern. For example, they may be substantially circular. In this case, the shape of the compressed portions can be retained in the top sheet 8 regardless of the direction in which the compressed portions are expanded.

[0063] In the top sheet lamination step (step S106), the top sheet 8 may be laminated on the absorbent body 6, and the top sheet 8 and upper core wrap sheet 7A may be bonded together with an adhesive. Because the top sheet 8 is bonded to the compressed sections 20 that have been deformed in a stretched state, the top sheet 8 is fixed along the shape of the compressed sections 20, and as the compressed sections 20 return to their original shape, the top sheet 8 is laminated along the shape of the compressed sections 20. Note that a hot melt adhesive may be used as the adhesive that bonds the top sheet 8 and upper core wrap sheet 7A. When a hot melt adhesive is used, heat may be applied to the hot melt adhesive using a well-known heat application device on the conveying path 12R.

[0064] When the top sheet 8 and the upper core wrap sheet 7A are bonded together with an adhesive, it is preferable to intermittently bond the top sheet 8 and the upper core wrap sheet 7A in the areas corresponding to the compressed sections 20. Because the compressed sections 20 are compressed, they are harder than the uncompressed areas and feel worse against the skin. By intermittently bonding the top sheet 8 and the upper core wrap sheet 7A together with an adhesive, the top sheet 8 is more likely to lift up from the upper core wrap sheet 7A in the unbonded areas. When the top sheet 8 lifts up from the upper core wrap sheet 7A, the parts of the compressed sections 20 that feel worse against the skin are prevented from coming into direct contact with the wearer, improving the feel of the compressed sections 20 against the skin.

[0065] Next, the manufacturing apparatus for the diaper 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus for the diaper 1 of this embodiment. The up and down direction of the manufacturing apparatus refers to the direction of gravity.

[0066] The manufacturing apparatus for diaper 1 includes an absorbent core manufacturing device M having a lower core wrap sheet supply section 13 that supplies a lower core wrap sheet 7B and an absorbent core supply section 14, an upper core wrap sheet supply section 15 that supplies an upper core wrap sheet 7A, a compression section 11 that presses the absorbent body 6, a top sheet supply section 16 that supplies a top sheet 8, a conveying path 12A that stacks and conveys each component supplied from the supply section of each component that constitutes the absorbent body 6, a conveying path 12R that stacks the top sheet 8 on the skin-facing side of the absorbent body 6 while stretching the skin-facing side of the compression section 20 provided on the absorbent body 6 in the MD direction and conveys the absorbent body 6 and the top sheet 8, and a conveying path 12B that conveys the absorbent body 6 on which the top sheet 8 has been stacked while returning the compression section 20 provided on the absorbent body 6 to its original shape.

[0067] The lower core wrap sheet supply unit 13 supplies the lower core wrap sheet 7B from the lower core wrap sheet supply unit 13 to the conveying path 12A in region R1, which is the region opposite the conveying path 12A. The absorbent core manufacturing device M manufactures the absorbent core 6C and supplies the absorbent core 6C to the conveying path 12A in transfer region R2, which is the region opposite the absorbent core supply unit 14 and the conveying path 12A. The upper core wrap sheet supply unit 15 supplies the upper core wrap sheet 7A from the upper core wrap sheet supply unit 15 to the conveying path 12A in region R3, which is the region opposite the conveying path 12A. The top sheet supply unit 16 supplies the top sheet 8 from the top sheet supply unit 16 to the conveying path 12R in region R4, which is the region opposite the conveying path 12R.

[0068] The conveying path 12A is provided below the supply sections for the components constituting the absorbent body 6, and conveys the components constituting the absorbent body 6 in the direction of arrow Y1 while stacking them. In this embodiment, the lower core wrap sheet 7B, absorbent core 6C, and upper core wrap sheet 7A are stacked on the conveying path 12A in this order. Therefore, the supply sections for the components that supply the components constituting the absorbent body 6 to the conveying path 12A are provided in the following order from upstream: lower core wrap sheet supply section 13, absorbent core supply section 14, and upper core wrap sheet supply section 15. In addition, the compressing section 11 is provided downstream of the upper core wrap sheet supply section 15 to compress the absorbent body 6 from the skin-facing side, and forms a compressing section 20 in the absorbent body 6.

[0069] The absorbent core manufacturing apparatus M has a forming drum 18D, an absorbent material supply section 17 that supplies absorbent material containing short fibers and SAP particles that constitute the absorbent core 6C to the forming drum 18D, and an absorbent core supply section 14 that deposits the absorbent material supplied from the absorbent material supply section 17 on the forming drum 18D and supplies the formed absorbent core 6C to the conveying path 12A.

[0070] The forming drum 18D is provided so that its upper end is located below the absorbent material supply unit 17. The arc-shaped arrow Y2 in FIG. 11 indicates the rotation direction of the forming drum 18D. The forming drum 18D deposits the absorbent material supplied from the absorbent material supply unit 17 onto a forming plate 18F provided on the outer circumferential surface of the forming drum 18D. The deposited absorbent material is then sucked into the interior of the forming drum 18D. Thereafter, the rotation of the forming drum 18D transports the absorbent material to the absorbent core supply unit 14 located in the transfer region R2 opposite the conveying path 12A, where the absorbent material is supplied to the conveying path 12A as an absorbent core 6C.

[0071] The transport path 12R is adjacent to the transport path 12A, and transports the absorbent body 6 transported to the transport path 12A while stretching the skin-facing side of the compression section 20 in the MD direction. A sheet supply unit 16 is provided, and a top sheet 8 is laminated on the skin-facing side of the absorbent body 6, the skin-facing side of which is in a stretched state in the compression unit 20. A roll 12RR is provided downstream of the top sheet supply unit 16, and the top sheet 8 and absorbent body 6 are pressed together by the relative rotation of the roll 12RR and the conveyance path 12R.

[0072] The transport path 12B is provided adjacent to the transport path 12R, and is a flat transport path for transporting the absorbent body 6 and the top sheet 8.

[0073] <Variation 1> The order of step S104 (recess formation step) and step S105 (stretching step) shown in Fig. 6 may be reversed. Fig. 12 is a flowchart of the method for manufacturing the diaper 1 according to the first modification.

[0074] Steps S201 to S203 are similar to steps S101 to S103 of the embodiment shown in Figure 6 to form the absorbent body 6. In step S204 (stretching step) following step S203 (absorbent body forming step), the absorbent body 6 is placed on the conveying path 12R while the compressed section 20 is stretched in the MD direction with the upper core wrap sheet 7A side facing upward. In step S205 (recess forming step) following step S204, the absorbent body 6, with the upper core wrap sheet 7A side stretched in step S204 (stretching step), is compressed from the upper core wrap sheet 7A side to form the compressed section 20. Steps S206 and subsequent steps following step S205 are similar to steps S106 and subsequent steps shown in Figure 6 of the embodiment.

[0075] In step S204 (stretching step), the manufactured absorbent body 6 is placed on a conveying path 12R formed on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical roll with the upper core wrap sheet side facing upward, and conveyed. The conveying path 12R has the same shape as the conveying path 12R in the embodiment. When the absorbent body 6 is placed on the conveying path 12R with the upper core wrap sheet 7A side facing upward, the absorbent body 6 is conveyed in the circumferential direction of the conveying path 12R. At this time, because the conveying path 12R is cylindrical, the length of the outer periphery through which the upper core wrap sheet 7A side of the absorbent body 6, which is farther from the conveying path 12R, passes is longer than the length of the outer periphery through which the lower core wrap sheet 7B side (conveying path 12R side) of the absorbent body 6 passes. As a result, the upper core wrap sheet 7A side of the absorbent body 6 is pulled toward the lower core wrap sheet 7B side of the absorbent body 6, and the upper core wrap sheet 7A side of the absorbent body 6 stretches in the MD direction.

[0076] 13 is a diagram showing a conveying path 12R in Modification 1. In Modification 1, the compressing unit 11 shown in FIG. 12 (recess formation step), the absorbent body 6, whose upper core wrap sheet 7A side has been stretched in the MD direction, is compressed from the upper core wrap sheet 7A side by the compressing unit 11 provided in the manufacturing apparatus for the diaper 1, to form the compressed unit 20. Note that compression may be performed using the conveying path 12R and the roll 11A without providing the roll 11B.

[0077] When the compressed portions 20 are formed by compression, the upper core wrap sheet 7A is stretched during compression, making the upper core wrap sheet 7A more likely to tear and peel away from the absorbent core 6C. After the compressed portions 20 are formed with the upper core wrap sheet 7A side of the absorbent body 6 stretched in the MD direction, in step S208 (recess restoration process), the upper core wrap sheet 7A is returned to its original shape, relaxing the stretched state of the upper core wrap sheet 7A and making it less likely to tear. Furthermore, because the stretched state of the upper core wrap sheet 7A is relaxed, the upper core wrap sheet 7A is less likely to peel away from the absorbent core 6C.

[0078] Next, referring to FIG. 14, the manufacturing method of the diaper 1 according to the first modification will be described. The manufacturing apparatus will now be described. Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus for the diaper 1 of the present modified example 1. The up and down direction of the manufacturing apparatus refers to the direction of gravity.

[0079] In the apparatus for manufacturing the diaper 1 of the first modified example, the compressing unit 11 of the apparatus for manufacturing the diaper 1 of the embodiment (see FIG. 11) is provided on the conveying path 12R. The other configurations are the same as those of the apparatus for manufacturing the diaper 1 of the embodiment.

[0080] <Variation 2> In this Modification 2, in the top sheet laminating step (step S106) of the present embodiment or the top sheet arranging step (step S206) of Modification 1, the irregularity forming section 21 may form an irregular shape in the top sheet 8 that corresponds to the compressed sections 20, and the top sheet 8 may be laminated to the absorbent body 6 so that the irregular shape corresponds to the shape of the compressed sections 20. In this way, the top sheet 8 will have portions formed in advance that will fit into the compressed sections 20, making it easier for the top sheet 8 to fit into the compressed sections 20. Therefore, the shape of the top sheet 8 that fits along the compressed sections 20 will be clearer than if an irregular shape was not formed in the top sheet 8.

[0081] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the appearance of the irregularity forming section 21. The irregularity forming section 21 is provided in the top sheet supply section 16 or before the top sheet supply section 16. The irregularity forming section 21 has a pair of rolls 21A, 21B, which rotate relative to one another while pressing their cylindrical outer circumferential surfaces together. The rolls 21A, 21B are made of metal, for example. The roll 21A presses the projections 21T, which are regularly arranged on the cylindrical outer circumferential surface of the upper roll 21A, against the smooth cylindrical outer circumferential surface of the lower roll 21B with a desired pressing force. As a result, the top sheet 8 moves along the projections 21T. A concave-convex shape is formed.

[0082] The unevenness forming unit 21 feeds the top sheet 8 sandwiched between the rolls 21A and 21B in the relative rotation direction, and forms an uneven shape along the protrusions 21T on the top sheet 8 at a plurality of pressing points corresponding to the positions of the protrusions 21T. The protrusions 21T formed on the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the roll 21A may also be formed on the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the roll 21B, or may be formed on the cylindrical outer peripheral surfaces of both of these rolls. Furthermore, the protrusions 21T are not limited to a convex shape, and the uneven shape may be formed by pressing, for example, a continuous rib shape against the opposing cylindrical surface.

[0083] The protrusions 21T have first extending protrusions 21TA extending in one direction and second extending protrusions 21TB intersecting the first extending protrusions 21TA and extending in another direction. In this modified example 2, the protrusions 21T are arranged such that the first extending protrusions 21TA and the second extending protrusions 21TB intersect in a grid pattern. The first extending protrusions 21TA and the second extending protrusions 21TB provided on the roll 21A correspond to the grooves 20A extending in one direction on the upper core wrap sheet 7A side of the absorbent body 6 and the grooves 20B intersecting the grooves 20A and extending in the other direction.

[0084] Note that the steps other than the top sheet lamination step (step S106) of the embodiment or the top sheet placement step (step S206) of variant 1, the manufacturing equipment other than the unevenness forming section 21, and the configuration of the diaper 1 manufactured by the manufacturing method of variant 2 are the same as those of the embodiment or variant 1.

[0085] <Other embodiments> The present invention is applicable not only to tape-type diapers but also to pants-type diapers and absorbent pads.

[0086] The features included in each of the embodiments and modifications thereof disclosed above can be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1. Diapers 1F: Front body area 1B...Inseam area 1R: Back area 2F Front patch 2L, 2R Tape 3LL, 3LR... Folded line 3BL,3BR··Leakage prevention wall 33L,33R・Fixed part 4. Cover sheet 4SL, 4SR, 9EL, 9ER... Elastic thread 5. Back seat 6. Absorber 6C··Absorbent core 7. Core wrap sheet 7A··Upper layer core wrap sheet 7B··Lower layer core wrap sheet 8. Top sheet 9L, 9R side seats 9LA,9RA·Fixed area 9LB,9RB··Free end 11. Compression section 11A, 11B, 21A, 21B Roll 12A, 12B, 12R...Transport path 11T,21T·Protrusion 12RR··Roll 13. Lower layer core wrap sheet supply section 14. Absorbent core supply unit 15. Upper layer core wrap sheet supply section 16. Top sheet supply unit 17. Absorbent material supply section 18D forming drum 18F Forming Plate 18S··Molded Plate 20. Compression section 20A,20B·Groove 21...Irregularity forming part M··Absorbent core manufacturing equipment

Claims

1. a laminate forming step of laminating a first water-permeable sheet on an absorbent mat to form a laminate in which the absorbent mat and the first water-permeable sheet are laminated; a recess forming step of forming a recess in the laminate by compressing the laminate from the first water-permeable sheet side; a stretching step of stretching the laminate in an MD direction with the first water-permeable sheet side of the laminate facing upward; a second water-permeable sheet laminating step of laminating a second water-permeable sheet on the recess; A restoring step of returning the stretched state of the laminate on which the second water-permeable sheet is laminated to its original shape, A method for manufacturing an absorbent article.

2. The recess forming step forms the recess by squeezing from the first water-permeable sheet side of the laminate in a state in which the first water-permeable sheet side of the laminate is stretched in the stretching step. A method for manufacturing the absorbent article according to claim 1.

3. The recess forming step and the extension step are carried out on the same conveying path. A method for manufacturing the absorbent article according to claim 2.

4. The second water-permeable sheet laminating step is carried out on the conveying path. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to claim 3.

5. After the recess forming step, the first water-permeable sheet side of the laminate is stretched by the stretching step. A method for manufacturing the absorbent article according to claim 1.

6. the conveying path in which the stretching step is carried out is formed by the outer peripheral surface of a first roll having a cylindrical shape, The stretching step stretches the first water-permeable sheet side of the laminate along the outer peripheral surface of the first roll. A method for manufacturing the absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the recess extends in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the laminate, The first roll is provided so that the circumferential length of the first roll is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the laminate. The method for manufacturing the absorbent article according to claim 6.

8. In the second water-permeable sheet laminating step, the first water-permeable sheet and the second water-permeable sheet are bonded together on the first roll. The method for manufacturing the absorbent article according to claim 6.

9. The second water-permeable sheet laminating step includes aligning the second water-permeable sheet with a surface of a second roll having an uneven shape corresponding to the shape of the laminate formed by the recesses, forming the uneven shape on the second water-permeable sheet, and laminating the second water-permeable sheet so that the uneven shape follows the shape of the laminate formed by the recesses. A method for manufacturing the absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

10. The second water-permeable sheet has elasticity and is arranged in a stretched state on the laminate. A method for manufacturing the absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

11. The first water-permeable sheet and the second water-permeable sheet are intermittently bonded to each other in the region corresponding to the recess. A method for manufacturing the absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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