Method for manufacturing absorbent article package, and absorbent article package

Abstract

To materialize a method for producing an absorbent article package, the method enabling the absorbent article package having beautifully appearance to be formed compactly when an individual package of the absorbent article is formed by folding a plurality of times in high-speed production.SOLUTION: A method for producing absorbent article package comprising an absorbent article having a first direction and a second direction, and a packaging material for packaging the absorbent article includes steps of: a step of a plurality of times of folding at least one of the absorbent article and a continuous body of the packaging material in the second direction while fixing the absorbent article to an inside surface of the continuous body of the packaging material continuing in the conveyance direction, and conveying in the conveyance direction; a final enclosing step of enclosing continuous bodies of the packaging material in the outside in the first direction from the absorbent article after the final folding step as the last folding; and a joining step of forming a joint part for suppressing the return to a folded state before some folding step from a folded state after some folding step, after the start of folding in the first folding step and before the final enclosing step.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins are individually packaged by folding them together with a packaging material and sealing a predetermined portion of the packaging material before being sold commercially. Patent Document 1 discloses an individual package of an absorbent article comprising an absorbent article and a packaging material for packaging the absorbent article. The packaging material for this individual package has a wide portion that is wider than the absorbent article and a narrow portion that is narrower than the wide portion, and the absorbent article and the narrow portion are integrally wound and / or folded in the longitudinal direction to form a roll-shaped article, and after the roll-shaped article is folded into the wide portion, both end edges in the width direction are sealed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-97923 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the case of a configuration in which the absorbent article and packaging material are folded (rolled) and then the individual package is sealed in one go, as in the individual package of Patent Document 1, unless the folded portion is particularly fixed during the process of folding multiple times, there is a possibility that the absorbent article in the folded portion may move in the conveying direction before it is finally sealed, or a repulsive force that tries to return to the state before folding may be generated in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, making the folded state unstable. In particular, in Patent Document 1, if the roll-shaped material formed in the narrow width portion is in such an unstable state when it is folded in the wide width portion, there is a risk that the conveying will be unstable during high-speed production, and the individual package of the absorbent article may not be neatly formed.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to form an absorbent article package having a neat and compact appearance when folding multiple times to form individual package bags during high-speed production. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The main invention to achieve the above object is: an absorbent article having a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other; A packaging material for packaging the absorbent article; A method for producing an absorbent article package having the following features: a plurality of folding steps in which at least one of the absorbent article and the continuous web of packaging material is folded in the second direction while the absorbent article is fixed to an inner side surface of the continuous web of packaging material that is continuous in a transport direction along the first direction and transported in the transport direction; a final sealing step of sealing the continuous bodies of the packaging material together on the outer side of the absorbent article in the first direction after a final folding step which is the last folding step among the plurality of folding steps; having a joining step of forming a joint portion for preventing the absorbent article from returning from a folded state after a certain folding step to a folded state before the certain folding step after a folding step of the plurality of folding steps and before a final folding step of the absorbent article; having In the joining step, the joint is formed in a portion constituted only by the continuous body of the packaging material, In a cross direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, the side where the folded portion exists is defined as a folding side, and the side where the folded portion does not exist is defined as an unfolded side. In the joining step, the joint portion is formed along the intersecting direction so as to extend from the folded side toward the unfolded side, The packaging material has a packaging sheet provided with a resin film, The joint portion is a portion where the packaging sheets are welded together, The joint portion is formed so as to extend in the cross direction to a position beyond a folding position in a folding step subsequent to the certain folding step. The present invention relates to a method for producing an absorbent article package. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention and the accompanying drawings. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, when individual packages are formed by multiple folding during high speed production, it is possible to form the absorbent article package with a neat and compact appearance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the absorbent article package 1 in an unfolded state, as viewed from the skin-facing side of the sanitary napkin 10. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the absorbent article package 1 in an unfolded state, as viewed from the non-skin-facing side of the sanitary napkin 10. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the absorbent article package 1 in a folded state. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating folded portions F1 to F6 of the absorbent article package 1. [Diagram 5] 2 is an explanatory diagram of a manufacturing method of the absorbent article package 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is an explanatory diagram of a manufacturing method of the absorbent article package 1. FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is an explanatory diagram of a manufacturing method of the absorbent article package 1. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is an explanatory diagram of a manufacturing method of the absorbent article package 1. FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is an explanatory diagram of a manufacturing method of the absorbent article package 1. FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is an explanatory diagram of a manufacturing method of the absorbent article package 1. FIG. [Figure 11] 2 is an explanatory diagram of a manufacturing method of the absorbent article package 1. FIG. [Figure 12] 12A to 12C are explanatory diagrams of a manufacturing method for the absorbent article package 1. [Figure 13] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a modified example of the joining step S6. [Figure 14] 14A and 14B are diagrams illustrating a portion NP where the joint portion 5 and the final sealing portion 2 do not overlap. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] At least the following points will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. A manufacturing method for an absorbent article packaging body having an absorbent article having a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other, and a packaging material for packaging the absorbent article, the method comprising: a plurality of folding steps in which the absorbent article is fixed to an inner side of a continuous body of the packaging material that is continuous in a conveying direction along the first direction, and at least one of the absorbent article and the continuous body of the packaging material is folded in the second direction while the absorbent article is fixed to the inner side of the continuous body of the packaging material that is continuous in a conveying direction along the first direction and conveyed in the conveying direction; and a final sealing step in which the continuous bodies of the packaging material are sealed together outside the absorbent article in the first direction after a final folding step that is the last folding step of the plurality of folding steps, and the method for manufacturing an absorbent article packaging body is characterized in that it further comprises a joining step, which forms a joint to prevent the folded state after a certain folding step from returning to the folded state before the certain folding step, after the start of folding in the first folding step of the plurality of folding steps and before the final sealing step.

[0010] According to this manufacturing method for absorbent article packages, a joining process is performed in the middle of the multiple folding processes to fix the packaging material and the absorbent article, thereby preventing the absorbent article from shifting in the conveying direction during the folding process and suppressing the repulsive force of the absorbent article that is folded multiple times and occurs in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. By maintaining the folded state at the joining parts in this way, the absorbent article, which becomes thicker due to folding, can be stably conveyed in a predetermined position until the final sealing process is entered, even during high-speed production.

[0011] In the method for manufacturing such an absorbent article package, it is preferable that the absorbent article has an absorbent body that absorbs bodily waste, and the joining step is carried out after at least a portion of the absorbent body is folded.

[0012] According to this manufacturing method for absorbent article packages, the absorbent body is a highly rigid part of the absorbent article, and when the absorbent body part is folded, the repulsive force that tries to return to the original shape becomes large, which tends to make the conveyance on the manufacturing line unstable. By performing a joining process after folding at least a part of the absorbent body, such a repulsive part can be firmly fixed and the repulsive force can be suppressed, and the absorbent article can be molded compactly in a state where it is difficult to shift, even during high-speed production.

[0013] In the manufacturing method of such an absorbent article package, it is preferable that the absorbent article has an absorbent body that absorbs bodily waste, and the joining step is carried out after the absorbent body has been folded at least two times.

[0014] According to this manufacturing method for absorbent article packages, the second fold is more rigid than the first fold, and the non-skin side sheet of the absorbent article is less likely to stretch when folded a second time due to the first fold, so the repulsive force trying to return to the original shape is stronger during the second and subsequent folding steps. By suppressing this repulsive force, the product can be transported stably to the final sealing step.

[0015] In the method for manufacturing such an absorbent article package, in the joining step, it is preferable that the joint portion is formed in a continuous portion of the continuous body of the packaging material that is continuous in the conveying direction.

[0016] According to this method of manufacturing absorbent article packaging, a joint is formed in the part where the continuous piece of packaging material continues in the conveying direction of the production line, so that the repulsive force attempting to return to its original shape can be continuously suppressed during high-speed production.

[0017] In the method for producing such an absorbent article package, it is preferable that in the joining step, the joint is formed in a portion constituted only by the continuous body of the packaging material.

[0018] According to this manufacturing method for an absorbent article packaging body, by forming a joint in a part that is composed only of packaging material, the joining can be performed without contacting the absorbent article, thereby preventing damage to the absorbent article.

[0019] In such a method for manufacturing an absorbent article packaging body, it is desirable that a plurality of the absorbent articles are fixed intermittently in the conveying direction to the inner surface of the continuous body of packaging material, and that in the joining process, the joints are formed between adjacent absorbent articles.

[0020] According to this manufacturing method for absorbent article packages, the absorbent article is fixed to the continuous body of packaging material, and is further fixed to the outside of the absorbent article by a joint, which makes the absorbent article less likely to shift and stabilizes transportation. This makes the subsequent processes stable and allows the manufacture of neatly folded packages.

[0021] In a manufacturing method for such an absorbent article packaging body, when the side on which a folded portion is present in a cross direction perpendicular to the conveying direction is defined as the folded side and the side on which no folded portion is present is defined as the unfolded side, it is desirable that in the joining process, the joint is formed along the cross direction so as to extend from the folded side toward the unfolded side.

[0022] According to this manufacturing method for an absorbent article packaging body, by providing a joint that is longer than the folded portion, the folded portion is firmly joined, and the shape of the folded portion can be stabilized.

[0023] In the method for manufacturing such an absorbent article package, it is preferable that in the joining step, the joint is formed at a position overlapping the absorbent article when viewed in a thickness direction of the absorbent article.

[0024] According to this method of manufacturing an absorbent article packaging body, by providing a joint at a position that overlaps with the absorbent article when viewed in the thickness direction, the portion of the absorbent article that has been folded through multiple folding processes is retained and is less likely to shift.

[0025] In the method for manufacturing such an absorbent article package, it is preferable that the packaging material has a resin film at least in a portion thereof, and in the joining step, the joint portion is formed so as to bond the resin films together with an adhesive.

[0026] According to this manufacturing method of the absorbent article package, it is possible to prevent the adhesive from seeping out to the absorbent article side and to prevent damage to the function of the absorbent article. In addition, the folded part is firmly fixed by the adhesive, and can be transported stably.

[0027] In the method for manufacturing such an absorbent article packaging body, it is desirable that the absorbent article has a pair of wing portions, which are folded inward in the first direction before the multiple folding steps, and that the joint is formed in the joining step after at least a portion of the wing portions is folded.

[0028] According to this method of manufacturing an absorbent article package, the area where the wing portions overlap during the folding process is an area of ​​increased rigidity, and by forming and fixing such wing portions after folding, the package can be transported more stably on the production line.

[0029] In a method for manufacturing such an absorbent article packaging body, in a cross direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, the side on which a folded portion is present is the folded side, and the side on which no folded portion is present is the unfolded side, and during the final folding step, when folding at the position of the final fold line, it is desirable that the length in the cross direction from the end of the unfolded side of the continuous body of packaging material to the final fold line is shorter than the length in the cross direction from the end of the folded side of the continuous body of packaging material to the final fold line.

[0030] According to this manufacturing method for an absorbent article packaging body, if the length of the portion that is ultimately folded ends up being longer than the length of the folded packaging body formed in the final folding process, it will become necessary to further wrap the remaining portion after the final folding process; however, since the length of the cross-directional end portion in the final folding process is short, it can be folded compactly.

[0031] A manufacturing method for such an absorbent article packaging body includes a cutting step of cutting the continuous body of packaging material along imaginary cutting lines that indicate intended cutting positions extending in a cross direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, and separating the continuous body of packaging material into each of the absorbent article packaging bodies, and in the joining step, it is desirable to form the joints so as to straddle the cutting lines.

[0032] According to this manufacturing method for absorbent article packaging, when the cutting process is performed, if the material to be cut is not cohesive due to floating or unevenness, it is difficult to cut; however, the material is firmly joined at the cutting line due to the formation of the joint, making it easier to cut.

[0033] A manufacturing method for such an absorbent article packaging body includes a cutting process for separating the continuous body of packaging material into each of the absorbent article packaging bodies by cutting the continuous body of packaging material along imaginary cutting lines indicating intended cutting positions extending in a cross direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, and in the joining process, it is desirable to form the joints so as not to overlap the cutting lines.

[0034] According to this manufacturing method for an absorbent article packaging body, the joining process is performed so as not to cover the cutting line, so that when the continuous piece of packaging material is cut, the end of the absorbent article packaging body in the first direction (the so-called cutting line portion) does not become hard and feels soft.

[0035] In such a manufacturing method for an absorbent article packaging body, when the joint is formed outside the absorbent article in the first direction in the joining process, it is desirable that the length from the inner end of the joint to the outer end of the absorbent article on one side of the conveying direction, and the length from the inner end of the joint to the outer end of the absorbent article on the other side of the conveying direction, are each shorter than the maximum length in the thickness direction of the absorbent article folded up to the joining process.

[0036] According to this manufacturing method for the absorbent article package, since the length (distance) from the joint to the absorbent article is short on both sides in the conveying direction, even if the thickness of the absorbent article increases due to folding and the repulsive force trying to return to the unfolded state increases, the folded absorbent article is less likely to float up and the folded state can be firmly maintained. As a result, the absorbent article can be stably conveyed up to the final sealing process.

[0037] Also, there is provided an absorbent article packaging body having an absorbent article having a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other, and a packaging material for packaging the absorbent article, wherein the absorbent article is fixed to the inner surface of the packaging material, the absorbent article and the packaging material are folded multiple times in the second direction, and the absorbent article packaging body is characterized in that it has a final sealing portion that seals the multiple folds of the packaging material and a joint different from the final sealing portion, which is for preventing the absorbent article from returning from a certain folded state to a folded state before the certain folded state.

[0038] According to such an absorbent article package, the final sealing portion that seals the packaging materials together on the outer side of the absorbent article in the first direction can prevent the absorbent article from becoming soiled or from being mixed in. Furthermore, by providing a joint portion, not only is the shape during folding fixed so that the absorbent article inside is less likely to shift, but also the repulsive force that tries to return to the original state from the folded state can be suppressed, making it possible to provide a nicely molded package.

[0039] It is desirable for such an absorbent article packaging body to have a thickness direction perpendicular to the first direction, and for the joint portion and the final sealed portion to have portions that do not overlap when viewed in the thickness direction.

[0040] According to such an absorbent article package, a larger area is joined or sealed, so that the shape of the package is more likely to be kept regular.

[0041] It is preferable that the absorbent article packaging body has a thickness direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the joint does not overlap the absorbent article when viewed in the thickness direction.

[0042] According to this type of absorbent article packaging, by having a joint located further outward in the first direction than the absorbent article, the outer side of the absorbent article in the first direction is firmly held in place, making it less likely for the folded absorbent article to move or shift when the product is transported, and making it easier for the shape of the packaging to be maintained when carried.

[0043] Such an absorbent article packaging body has a thickness direction perpendicular to the first direction, the packaging material has a resin film at least in a portion thereof, the joint overlaps with the absorbent article in the thickness direction, and it is desirable that the resin films are bonded together at the joint by an adhesive.

[0044] With this type of absorbent article packaging, the joint overlaps with the absorbent article, thereby firmly fixing the absorbent article, and by bonding the resin films together with an adhesive, the joints can be formed without adversely affecting the absorbent article.

[0045] In such an absorbent article package, when opening the package, it is desirable that the peel force required to peel the joint portion is greater than the peel force required to peel the final sealed portion.

[0046] According to such an absorbent article package, when a user opens the absorbent article package, the peeling stops at the joint part where the peeling force is large, and then the user applies force again to peel off the joint part. Since the package is folded multiple times, if the absorbent article is long in the second direction, the package may be opened too quickly in one go, which may damage the absorbent article and cause unexpected damage. However, by checking the absorbent article in a semi-opened state halfway through and then opening it again to the end, the multiple folds can be neatly unfolded.

[0047] Such an absorbent article packaging body has a thickness direction perpendicular to the first direction, the joint is formed outside the absorbent article in the first direction, and it is desirable that the length from the inner end of the joint to the outer end of the absorbent article on one side of the first direction, and the length from the inner end of the joint to the outer end of the absorbent article on the other side of the first direction are each shorter than the maximum length of the absorbent article packaging body in the thickness direction.

[0048] In this absorbent article package, the portion of the unjoined packaging material outside the absorbent article in the first direction has low rigidity, but because the length from the joint to the absorbent article is short on both sides in the first direction, the area of ​​such low rigidity portions is small, and the packaging material is less likely to wrinkle. In particular, the short length between the absorbent article, which has become rigid by being folded, and the joint can further reduce wrinkles. As wrinkles are less likely to form, a nicely molded package can be provided.

[0049] === Implementation form === Hereinafter, an embodiment of the absorbent article package according to the present invention will be described taking a sanitary napkin as an example of an absorbent article. However, the absorbent article is not limited to a sanitary napkin, and may be any absorbent article that is fixed to a user's clothing (underwear, diaper, etc.), such as a panty liner or an absorbent pad (light incontinence pad).

[0050] <<Basic configuration of absorbent article packaging body 1>> Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are plan views of the absorbent article package 1 in an unfolded state. Fig. 1 is a view of the sanitary napkin 10 as seen from the skin-facing side, and Fig. 2 is a view of the sanitary napkin 10 as seen from the non-skin-facing side. In Fig. 2, the packaging material 20 is shown by dotted lines for ease of viewing. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the absorbent article package 1 in a folded state. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating folds F1 to F6 of the absorbent article package 1.

[0051] The absorbent article package 1 includes a sanitary napkin 10 and a packaging material 20 for individually packaging the sanitary napkin 10. In the following description, the absorbent article package is also referred to as an "individually packaged body," and the sanitary napkin 10 is also referred to as a "napkin."

[0052] The napkin 10 has a width direction, a longitudinal direction, and a thickness direction that are perpendicular to one another. In the longitudinal direction of the napkin 10, the side that contacts the wearer's lower abdomen is the front side, and the side that contacts the wearer's buttocks is the rear side. In the thickness direction of the napkin 10, the side that contacts the wearer's skin is the "skin side", and the opposite side is the "non-skin side".

[0053] The napkin 10 comprises an absorbent core (absorbent body) 11 that absorbs bodily waste, a liquid-permeable top sheet 12 arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent core 11, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 13 arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent core 11, and a pair of side sheets 14 extending outward in the width direction from the widthwise sides of the skin-facing side of the top sheet 12. The absorbent core 11 may be covered with a liquid-permeable sheet (not shown) such as tissue.

[0054] The napkin 10 also has a pair of wing portions 1W extending outward in the width direction from the center in the longitudinal direction. The wing portions 1W are formed by a back sheet 13 and a side sheet 14.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 2, anti-slip adhesive parts 15, 16 are provided on the non-skin side of the napkin 10. The anti-slip adhesive parts 15, 16 are formed by applying an adhesive to the back sheet 13 or the like. Of the anti-slip adhesive parts 15, 16, the one provided on the main body part of the napkin 10 is referred to as the central adhesive part 15, and the one provided on the wing parts 1W is referred to as the wing adhesive part 16.

[0056] The central adhesive portion 15 is attached to the skin side of the user's clothing (underwear) of the napkin 10. The central adhesive portion 15 illustrated in Fig. 2 has a plurality of rectangular adhesive portions having long sides in the longitudinal direction of the napkin 10, spaced apart in the width direction. The wing adhesive portions 16 are attached to the non-skin side of the user's clothing after the wing portions 1W are folded. In the wing adhesive portions 16 illustrated in Fig. 2, two rectangular adhesive portions having long sides in the longitudinal direction of the napkin 10 are arranged with a gap in the width direction for each wing portion 1W.

[0057] The above is a description of the basic configuration of the napkin 10, but the configuration of the napkin 10 (absorbent article) described above is one example and is not limited to this. For example, the napkin 10 does not need to have the wing portion 1W. In addition, the shape, number, and arrangement of the anti-slip adhesive portions 15, 16 are not limited to those exemplified in FIG. 2.

[0058] The packaging material 20 has a packaging sheet 21 that forms the outer surface of the individual package 1, a central release sheet 22 (see Figure 2) that covers the central adhesive portion 15 of the napkin 10, and a wing release sheet 23 (see Figure 4) that covers the wing adhesive portion 16 of the napkin 10.

[0059] The packaging sheet 21 is a rectangular sheet member, and has an inner surface 21F to which the napkin 10 is fixed, and an outer surface 21L exposed to the outside in the individual package 1. Examples of the packaging sheet 21 include a resin film, a nonwoven fabric, paper, and a sheet obtained by laminating these together. The napkin 10 is fixed to the packaging sheet 21 so that the longitudinal direction of the napkin 10 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the packaging sheet 21, and the width direction of the napkin 10 is aligned with the width direction of the packaging sheet 21. In addition, one side of the longitudinal direction of the packaging sheet 21 corresponds to the front side of the napkin 10, and the other side of the longitudinal direction of the packaging sheet 21 corresponds to the rear side of the napkin 10. The end of the one side of the longitudinal direction of the packaging sheet 21 is designated as 21a, and the end of the other side is designated as 21b.

[0060] The central release sheet 22 is a rectangular sheet, and is fixed to the inner surface 21F of the packaging sheet 21 by a sheet fixing portion 4 (see Fig. 5 described later) formed by applying a hot melt adhesive HMA. As shown in Fig. 4, the wing release sheet 23 is a rectangular sheet, and is fixed by wing adhesive portions 16 of a pair of wing portions 1W folded back inward in the width direction. Of both sides of the central release sheet 22 and the wing release sheet 23, the surfaces facing the slip prevention adhesive portions 15, 16 form a release layer (resin film layer) from which the napkin 10 can be easily peeled off.

[0061] In this embodiment, the central release sheet 22 and the wing release sheet 23 are separate sheets, but they may be an integrated sheet. Furthermore, since the central release sheet 22 is fixed to the packaging sheet 21, it is removed from the napkin 10 together with the packaging sheet 21. Since the wing release sheet 23 is not fixed to the packaging sheet 21, it is removed from the napkin 10 separately from the packaging sheet 21. However, this is not limited thereto, and the wing release sheet 23 may be fixed to the packaging sheet 21.

[0062] Furthermore, in the individual package 1 of this embodiment, the central adhesive portion 15 of the napkin 10 is fixed to the central release sheet 22, and thus the napkin 10 is fixed to the packaging sheet 21 via the central release sheet 22. However, this is not limited to this, and the packaging material 20 may not have the central release sheet 22, and the central adhesive portion 15 of the napkin 10 may be directly fixed to the packaging sheet 21. In that case, the inner surface 21F of the packaging sheet 21 is made into a release layer (resin film layer) from which the napkin 10 can be easily peeled off.

[0063] 1, in the individual package 1, the napkin 10 is fixed, with its skin side facing up, to the inner surface 21F of the packaging sheet 21 via the central release sheet 22. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the pair of wing portions 1W are folded back inward in the width direction, and the packaging sheet 21 (packaging material 20) and the napkin 10 are folded with the wing release sheets 23 fixed to the wing adhesive portions 16.

[0064] 4, the individual packaging body 1 has a plurality of folds F1 to F6 along the width direction of the napkin 10, and at least one of the napkin 10 and the packaging material 20 is folded multiple times in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, in the individual packaging body 1 of this embodiment, the napkin 10 and the packaging material 20 are folded six times in the longitudinal direction.

[0065] The fold formed by the first fold from the unfolded individual packaging body 1 is the first fold F1, the fold formed by the second fold is the second fold F2a, F2b, the fold formed by the third fold is the third fold F3a, F3b, the fold formed by the fourth fold is the fourth fold F4a, F4b, the fold formed by the fifth fold is the fifth fold F5, and the fold formed by the final sixth fold is the sixth fold F6.

[0066] The second folds F2a, F2b, the third folds F3a, F3b, and the fourth folds F4a, F4b are folds formed by further folding the portion of the individual package 1 that is folded in the thickness direction by the first fold F1. Therefore, in the individual package 1 in an unfolded state (FIG. 4), the second fold F2a, the third fold F3a, and the fourth fold F4a are formed on one side in the longitudinal direction of the first fold F1, and the second fold F2b, the third fold F3b, and the fourth fold F4b are also formed on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the first fold F1.

[0067] An individual package 1 in an unfolded state formed by folding six times is shown in Fig. 3. The individual package 1 has an opening end 1a which serves as a starting point when opening. This opening end 1a corresponds to one end 21a in the longitudinal direction of the packaging sheet 21. Note that the individual package 1 of this embodiment is not provided with a fastening tape for a user to grip when opening, but the individual package 1 may be provided with a fastening tape.

[0068] The individual package 1 has a pair of sealed portions 2 (hereinafter also referred to as final sealed portions 2) that seal the packaging sheets 21 (packaging material 20) together on the outer side in the width direction than the napkin 10. In this embodiment, the sealed portions 2 are formed by welding (for example, thermal welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.) the folded packaging sheets 21 (packaging material 20) together.

[0069] The individual package 1 also has an opening end fixing part 3 that fixes the end part on the opening end 1a side of the packaging sheet 21. As shown in Fig. 4, the opening end fixing part 3 is formed by a hot melt adhesive HMA that is applied along the width direction between both side ends in the width direction of the packaging material 20 at one end part in the longitudinal direction of the packaging sheet 21. The individual package 1 is sealed by the pair of sealing parts 2 and the opening end fixing part 3, and the hygiene of the napkin 10 in the packaging sheet 21 (packaging material 20) is maintained.

[0070] <<Method for manufacturing individual package 1, and individual package 1 manufactured by the manufacturing method>> 5 to 11 and 12A to 12C are explanatory diagrams of a manufacturing method for individual packages 1. The manufacturing line for individual packages 1 has a conveying direction and an intersecting direction intersecting the conveying direction. In the manufacturing method for individual packages 1, a continuous body 21C of packaging sheets that is continuous in the conveying direction along the width direction of the napkin 10 is conveyed along the conveying direction. The intersecting direction intersecting with the conveying direction of the line is along the longitudinal direction of the napkin 10. In other words, the first direction according to the present invention corresponds to the width direction of the napkin 10 of this embodiment, and the second direction according to the present invention corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the napkin 10 of this embodiment. In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the napkin 10 will also be simply referred to as the "longitudinal direction".

[0071] The manufacturing method of the individual package 1 includes an application process S1 of applying a hot melt adhesive HMA, a placement process S2 of placing a napkin 10, a first folding process S3, a second folding process S4, a third folding process S5, a joining process S6 of forming a joint, a fourth folding process S7, a fifth folding process S8, a sixth folding process S9, a final sealing process S10, and a cutting process S11.

[0072] In the coating step S1 (FIG. 5), a hot melt adhesive HMA is applied to the inner surface (21F) of the continuous body 21C of packaging sheets that is continuously transported in the transport direction. In the coating step S1, a hot melt adhesive HMA for the opening end fixing portion 3 and a hot melt adhesive HMA for the sheet fixing portion 4 that fixes the central release sheet 22 to the continuous body 21C of packaging sheets are applied.

[0073] 1, the opening end fixing part 3 is provided continuously along the width direction from one end to the other end of the packaging sheet 21 (packaging material 20) in the width direction. Therefore, the hot melt adhesive HMA is continuously applied along the conveying direction to one end of the continuous body 21C of the packaging sheet in the cross direction of the production line, thereby forming the opening end fixing part 3.

[0074] The hot melt adhesive HMA for the opening end fixing portion 3 does not have to be applied in the application step S1, but may be applied before the sixth folding step S9 is performed.

[0075] The sheet fixing portion 4 is formed by applying hot melt adhesive HMA to the region of the packaging sheet continuum 21C where the central release sheet 22 is to be placed in the next placement step S2. In FIG. 5, the sheet fixing portion 4 is illustrated as having six rectangular application patterns that are elongated in the conveying direction and spaced apart in the intersecting direction of the production line, but the pattern of the sheet fixing portion 4 is not particularly limited. In addition, a plurality of napkins 10 are intermittently placed on the packaging sheet continuum 21C in the conveying direction. Therefore, a plurality of sheet fixing portions 4 are also formed intermittently on the packaging sheet continuum 21C in the conveying direction.

[0076] In the arrangement step S2 (FIG. 5), napkins 10 manufactured in a separate step are arranged on the inner side of the continuous packing sheet 21C. The napkins 10 join the arrangement step S2 with the central release sheet 22 attached to the central adhesive portion 15 on the non-skin side. The central release sheet 22 is then fixed to the sheet fixing portion 4 formed in the application step S1. That is, the napkins 10 are fixed to the continuous packing sheet 21C via the central release sheet 22. A plurality of napkins 10 are also fixed intermittently to the continuous packing sheet 21C in the conveyance direction.

[0077] Furthermore, napkin 10 joins arrangement step S2 with a pair of wing portions 1W folded inward in the width direction and wing release sheet 23 attached to wing adhesive portion 16. In this embodiment, a pair of wing portions 1W are folded back onto the skin-facing side of napkin 10, but individual packages 1 may also be provided in which a pair of wing portions 1W are folded back onto the non-skin-facing side of napkin 10. In that case, both central release sheet 22 and wing release sheet 23 are fixed to packaging sheet continuum 21C by hot melt adhesive HMA for sheet fixing portion 4.

[0078] In this embodiment, the next folding step is performed in a state where the central adhesive portion 15 of the napkin 10 is covered with the central release sheet 22 and the wing adhesive portions 16 are covered with the wing release sheets 23. Therefore, during the folding step, the central adhesive portion 15 and the wing adhesive portions 16 can be prevented from adhering to each other or to other materials.

[0079] As described above, the packaging material 20 has the packaging sheet 21, the central release sheet 22, and the wing release sheet 23. Therefore, the "continuous body of packaging material" according to the present invention includes the continuous body of packaging sheets 21C, the central release sheet 22 fixed to the continuous body of packaging sheets 21C, and the wing release sheet 23 fixed to the continuous body of packaging sheets 21C via the napkin 10. In the following description, these three materials 21C, 22, and 23 are collectively referred to as the continuous body of packaging material 20C.

[0080] In the first folding step S3 (FIG. 6), the napkin 10 and the continuous body 20C of packaging material are folded in the longitudinal direction of the napkin 10 at the first folding position FP1. The first folding position FP1 is located on the other longitudinal side of the napkin 10 and the continuous body 20C of packaging material, i.e., on the opposite side to the side where the opening end fixing part 3 is located. Specifically, the first folding position FP1 is located on the other longitudinal side (rear side) of the wing part 1W of the napkin 10, and is provided at a position overlapping with the absorbent core (absorbent body) 11. Then, in the first folding step S3, the part of the napkin 10 and the part of the continuous body 20C of packaging material located on the other longitudinal side of the first folding position FP1 are folded toward one longitudinal end (front side) of the napkin 10 so that the skin side of the napkin 10 is inward.

[0081] In this embodiment, the napkin 10 and the continuous body of packaging material 20C are folded together in the first folding step S3, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the multiple folding steps including the first folding step S3, it is sufficient that at least one of the napkin 10 and the continuous body of packaging material 20C is folded in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the longitudinal rear end 10b of the positioned napkin 10 is located longitudinally outer (on the other side) of the other cross-directional end 21b' of the continuum 21C of the packaging sheet; however, for example, when the other cross-directional end 21b' of the continuum 21C is located transversely outer (on the other side) of the rear end 10b of the napkin 10 (when the cross-directional length of the continuum 21C is longer than the longitudinal total length of the napkin 10), in the first folding step S3, only the continuum 21C (20C) is folded so that the other cross-directional end of the continuum 21C (20C) overlaps the rear end of the napkin 10, thereby making it difficult for the rear end of the napkin 10 to move.

[0082] 7, in the next second folding step S4, the napkin 10 and the continuous body of packaging material 20C are folded in the longitudinal direction of the napkin 10 at the second folding position FP2. The portion of the napkin 10 and the portion of the continuous body of packaging material 20C located on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the second folding position FP2 are folded toward one end of the napkin 10 in the longitudinal direction, and such that the top surface (exposed surface) of the portion 101 folded back in the immediately preceding first folding step S3 is on the inside. In the second folding step S4, the napkin 10 is folded to a folding width W2 smaller than that of the first folding step S3, which was a relatively large folding width W1 in the first folding step S3.

[0083] In addition, in the individual packaging body 1 of this embodiment, the length of the packaging sheet 21 in the longitudinal direction is relatively short. Therefore, immediately before the second folding step S4 (FIG. 7), the upper surface (exposed surface) of the portion 101 folded back in the first folding step S3 has a portion where the outer surface (21L) of the continuous body 21C of packaging sheets is located, and a portion on one side of the portion in the longitudinal direction where the outer surface (22O) of the central release sheet 22 is located. In addition, the second folding position FP2 of this embodiment is provided at a position overlapping the continuous body 21C of packaging sheets. Therefore, the opposing surfaces of the portion 102 folded back in the second folding step S4 and the non-folded portion 103 overlapping therewith have a portion where the outer surfaces (21L) of the continuous body 21C of packaging sheets face each other, and a portion where the outer surface (21L) of the continuous body 21C of packaging sheets faces the outer surface (22O) of the central release sheet 22. However, without being limited thereto, the second folding position FP2 may be provided at a position overlapping with the napkin 10, i.e., at a position overlapping with the outer surface (22O) of the central release sheet 22. In that case, the opposing surfaces of the portion 102 folded back in the second folding step S4 and the non-folded portion 103 overlapping therewith include a portion where the outer surfaces (22O) of the central release sheets 22 face each other, and a portion where the outer surface (21L) of the packaging sheet continuum 21C faces the outer surface (22O) of the central release sheet 22.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 8, in the next third folding step S5, the napkin 10 and the continuous body of packaging material 20C are folded in the longitudinal direction of the napkin 10 at the third folding position FP3. The part of the napkin 10 and the part of the continuous body of packaging material 20C located on the other side of the third folding position FP3 in the longitudinal direction are folded toward one end of the napkin 10 in the longitudinal direction, and the top surface (exposed surface) of the part 102 folded back in the second folding step S4 is on the inside. The third folding position FP3 does not overlap the part folded back in the second folding step S4, but is located on one side of it in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, in the third folding step S5, the parts folded back in the second folding step S4 are not folded so as to face each other. Additionally, since the third folding position FP3 is located at a position overlapping with the portion 101 folded back in the first folding step S3, two third folding portions F3a, F3b are formed in the individual packaging body 1 (FIG. 4) by the third folding step S5.

[0085] Here, the napkin 10 and the continuous body 20C of the packaging material after the third folding step S5 have already been folded three times at the first folding position FP1 to the third folding position FP3. When the folding step is performed multiple times in this manner, the folded portion gradually becomes thicker, and a repulsive force that tries to return to the state before folding occurs in a cross direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, which may cause the folded state to become unstable. This may cause the folded width to become uneven or the folded portion to deviate from the specified position, making it difficult to fold neatly in the next folding step. In addition, if the folded portion is not particularly fixed during the multiple folding steps, the napkin 10 may move in the conveying direction within the folded portion until it is finally sealed by the sealing portion 2. As a result, there is a problem that the conveyance is not stable during high-speed production of the individual package 1.

[0086] In this regard, the present embodiment includes a joining step S6 in which a joint is formed to prevent the folded portion from returning from the folded state after the third folding step S5 to the folded state before the third folding step. As shown in FIG. 9, in the joining step S6 of the present embodiment, the folded packaging material continuum 20C is welded (for example, thermal welding or ultrasonic welding) to each other on the outer side of each napkin 10 in the conveying direction to form a joint 5. The folded portion 104 is fixed by the joint 5 formed in this manner. The folded portion 104 generates a repulsive force in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction to return to the state before folding, but the joint 5 can suppress the repulsive force. In addition, the napkin 10 can be made less likely to shift in the conveying direction within the folded portion. In this way, by holding the folded state of the folded portion 104 by the joint 5, the napkin 10, which increases in thickness due to folding, can be stably conveyed in a predetermined position until entering the final sealing step S10, even during high-speed production. As a result, the individual packaging bag 1 can be easily molded to have a neat and compact appearance.

[0087] In addition, in this embodiment, the joining step S6 is performed after the third folding step S5, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the joining step S6 may be a step of forming a joint 5 for suppressing the folding state after a certain folding step from returning to the folding state before the certain folding step, after the start of folding in the first folding step (first folding step S3) among the multiple folding steps and before the final sealing step S10 described later. By suppressing the repulsive force that tries to return to such an original folding state by the joint 5, stable conveyance can be maintained even during high-speed production.

[0088] In addition, the multiple folding steps of this embodiment are different from the method of rolling up the continuous body 21C of packaging sheets and the napkins 10 to make them compact, and creases are firmly formed by multiple folding steps (i.e., the folds F1 to F6 are formed). When the individual package 1 is formed by rolling up the continuous body 21C of packaging sheets and the napkins 10 together, there is a risk that the rolled part will sag or shift as the number of times it is rolled increases, making it difficult to form it neatly. As in this embodiment, multiple folding steps are performed, and the creases are firmly fixed and the folded state is maintained by the joining step S6 at any point before the final sealing, thereby realizing stable conveyance until the final step. As a result, a neatly formed individual package 1 can be manufactured.

[0089] Such a joining step S6 is preferably performed after at least a part of the absorbent (absorbent core) 11 of the napkin 10 is folded. The absorbent 11 is a highly rigid part of the napkin 10, and when the absorbent 11 part is folded, the repulsive force to return to the original shape (shape before folding) becomes large, and the conveyance on the manufacturing line is likely to become unstable. Therefore, by performing the joining step S6 after folding at least a part of the absorbent 11 among the multiple folding steps, such a repulsive part can be firmly fixed and the repulsive force can be suppressed. In this way, even during high-speed production, the napkin 10 can be kept in a state where it is difficult to shift, and can be molded neatly and compactly.

[0090] More preferably, the joining step S6 is performed after the absorbent 11 of the napkin 10 has been folded at least twice. For the portion folded in the multiple folding steps, the portion folded in the second folding step S4 has higher rigidity than the portion folded in the first folding step S3. Also, by folding the non-skin-side sheet (back sheet 13) of the napkin 10 once in the first folding step S3, it is less likely to stretch in the subsequent second folding step S4. For this reason, the repulsive force attempting to return to the original shape is likely to be greater in the second and subsequent folding steps, and by suppressing this repulsive force with the joint 5 formed in the joining step S6, the napkin can be stably conveyed to the final sealing step S10.

[0091] In the joining step S6 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9, a joint 5 is formed in the folded portion 104 in a portion where no napkin 10 is present and which is made up only of the continuous body of packaging material 20C. By joining the continuous bodies of packaging material 20C together in the portion which is made up only of the continuous body of packaging material 20C, the joint 5 can be formed without contacting the napkin 10, and the napkin 10 can be prevented from being scratched.

[0092] In this embodiment, in the arrangement step S2, multiple napkins 10 are fixed intermittently in the conveyance direction to the continuous body of packaging material 20C via each sheet fixing part 4, and in the subsequent joining step S6, joint parts 5 are formed between napkins 10 adjacent to each other in the conveyance direction. This allows the napkins 10 fixed to the continuous body of packaging material 20C to be further fixed on the outside of the napkins 10 by the joint parts 5, making the napkins 10 less likely to shift. This stabilizes the subsequent conveyance and steps, and allows the production of neatly folded individual packages 1.

[0093] Furthermore, in the joining step S6, a joint 5 is formed in a continuous portion of the packaging sheet continuum 21C (continuous packaging material 20C) that is continuous in the conveying direction. If a portion of the other side of the packaging material continuum 20C in the cross direction has a shape that is intermittent in the conveying direction, and the napkins 10 and the packaging material continuum 20C are folded in the longitudinal direction (crossing direction of the line) at the portion that is intermittent in the conveying direction to form the joint 5, the repulsive force can be intermittently suppressed, but this does not lead to continuous stabilization of the production line. However, by forming a joint in the portion where the packaging material continuum 20C is continuous in the conveying direction of the production line, the repulsive force that tries to return to its original shape can be continuously suppressed during high-speed production. In addition, the above-mentioned "shape in which a portion of the other side of the continuous body 21C of packaging sheet in the cross direction is intermittent in the conveying direction" means that the shape of the packaging material 20 of the manufactured individual package bag 1 is not rectangular as in this embodiment, but, for example, the length (width) in the width direction is shorter (narrower) at the rear side in the longitudinal direction.

[0094] In addition, in the cross direction, when the side where the folded part exists is the folded side (the other side of the cross direction in FIG. 9), and the side where the folded part does not exist is the unfolded side (one side of the cross direction in FIG. 9), in the joining step S6 of this embodiment, the joint 5 is formed along the cross direction so as to extend from the folded side toward the unfolded side. Specifically, the joint 5 is formed by extending not only the folded part 104 but also further toward one side (unfolded side) in the cross direction than the folding width W3 in the third folding step S5, so that the joint is joined to straddle the folded part 104. In this way, by providing the joint 5 longer on the unfolded side in the cross direction than the folded part 104, the unfolded side end of the folded part 104, where a repulsive force is likely to occur, is firmly joined. Therefore, the repulsive force that tries to return to the original shape can be suppressed, and the shape of the folded part 104 can be stabilized.

[0095] 7, wing portions 1W of napkin 10 are folded inward in the width direction and covered with wing release sheet 23 before the folding step, but it is preferable to form joints 5 in joining step S6 after at least a portion of wing portions 1W is folded in the folding step. Since the rigidity of the folded portion increases after wing portions 1W are folded together during multiple folding steps, by forming joints 5 after folding wing portions 1W and fixing the folded portion, the napkin can be transported more stably on the production line.

[0096] After the joining step S6, in the fourth folding step S7 (FIG. 10) and the fifth folding step S8 (FIG. 11), the napkin 10 and the continuous body of packaging material 20C are folded back in the longitudinal direction of the napkin 10 at the fourth folding position FP4 and the fifth folding position FP5, respectively. In detail, the parts of the napkin 10 and the continuous body of packaging material 20C located on the other side of the folding positions FP4 and FP5 in the longitudinal direction are folded back toward one end of the napkin 10 in the longitudinal direction, and the top surface (exposed surface) of the part folded back in the immediately preceding folding steps S5 and S7 is on the inside. In addition, the fourth folding position FP4 and the fifth folding position FP5 do not overlap with the parts folded back in the immediately preceding folding steps S5 and S7, and are located on one side of them in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, since the fourth folding position FP4 is located at a position overlapping with the portion 101 folded back in the first folding step S3, two fourth folding portions F4a, F4b are formed in the individual packaging body 1 (FIG. 4) by the fourth folding step S7.

[0097] In the last, sixth folding step S9 (hereinafter also referred to as the final folding step), the portion of the napkin 10 and the portion of the continuous body of packaging material 20C located on one side of the sixth folding position FP6 (see FIG. 11) in the longitudinal direction are folded back to the other side in the longitudinal direction and overlapped with the portions folded in the previous folding steps (FIG. 12A). Note that the sixth folding position FP6 does not overlap the portion folded back in the immediately preceding, fifth folding step S8, but is located on one side of it in the longitudinal direction. Also, in the sixth folding step S9, the hot melt adhesive HMA for the opening end fixing portion 3 applied to the inner surface of the continuous body of packaging sheet 21C is fixed to the portion folded back in the fifth folding step S8 (the outer surface of the continuous body of packaging sheet 21C).

[0098] In the final folding step S9, if the side where the folded part exists in the cross direction is the folding side (the other side in the cross direction in FIG. 12A) and the side where the folded part does not exist is the unfolded side (one side in the cross direction in FIG. 12A), when folding at the sixth folding position FP6 (hereinafter also referred to as the final fold line FP6), the cross-direction length R1 from the unfolded end 21a' of the continuous body 21C of packaging sheets to the final fold line FP6 is shorter than the cross-direction length W6 from the folding end 21C' of the continuous body 21C of packaging sheets to the final fold line FP6. If the cross-direction length (R1) of the part to be finally folded becomes longer than the cross-direction length (W6) of the folded part formed in the final folding step S9, it will be necessary to further wind the remaining part after the final folding step S9, but since the length of the unfolded side part at the final folding step S9 (i.e., the above-mentioned length R1) is short, it can be folded compactly.

[0099] After the sixth folding step S9, a final sealing step S10 is performed in which the continuous bodies 21C of packaging sheets are sealed together on the outer side in the conveying direction of the napkin 10 to form the final sealed portion 2 (FIG. 12B). The method for forming the final sealed portion 2 is the same as the method for forming the joint portion 5 (FIG. 9), and the final sealed portion 2 and the joint portion 5 are formed so as to overlap in the thickness direction of the napkin 10.

[0100] In this way, a continuous body of individual packages 1 (FIG. 12B) is formed. Finally, a cutting step S11 is performed to cut the continuous body of packaging material 20C. Imaginary cutting lines SL indicating the planned cutting positions are shown in FIG. In the cutting step S11, the continuous body of packaging sheet 21C is cut along the cutting lines SL to separate it into individual absorbent article packages 1 (FIG. 12C).

[0101] The individual package 1 manufactured by these steps has a joint 5 different from the final sealing part 2, so that the shape during folding is fixed. This suppresses the repulsive force that tries to return to the shape before folding, and the folded state is maintained, making it difficult for the napkin 10 in the folded part to shift, and it is possible to provide an individual package 1 molded into a neat shape. In addition, by forming the final sealing part 2 that seals the packaging materials 20 together on the outer side of the napkin 10 in the width direction, it is possible to prevent the napkin 10 from becoming soiled or being mixed with foreign matter.

[0102] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, the individual package 1 having the joint 5 formed on the outside of the napkin 10 in the conveying direction in the joining step S6 is configured so that the joint 5 does not overlap the napkin 10 when viewed in the thickness direction perpendicular to the width direction. By forming the joint 5 on the outside of the napkin 10 in the width direction, i.e., on both ends in the width direction of the individual package 1, and holding the folded napkin 10 between the joints 5 into a so-called bag shape, the napkin 10 is less likely to move not only in the width direction but also in the thickness direction, and the shape of the folded napkin 10 is maintained even when the product (individual package 1) is conveyed.

[0103] The position of the imaginary cutting line SL, which is the reference for cutting the continuous body of packaging material 20C in the cutting step S11, is also shown in Fig. 9, which explains the joining step S6. Then, in the joining step S6, when forming the joint 5, the cutting line SL is formed so as to straddle the conveyance direction. Normally, when performing the cutting step S11, if the material to be cut is lifted or varies, it becomes difficult to cut, but by forming the joint 5 so as to straddle the cutting line SL in the conveyance direction, the material (here, the continuous body of packaging material 20C) is firmly joined at the portion of the cutting line SL, making it easier to cut.

[0104] However, unlike the joining step S6 of the present embodiment, the joint 5 is not limited to being formed so as to straddle the cutting line SL. In other words, the joint 5 may be formed so as not to overlap the cutting line SL. By forming the joint 5 so as not to overlap the cutting line SL, when the continuous body of packaging sheet 21C (continuous body of packaging material 20C) is cut, the end in the width direction of the individual packaging body 1 (the so-called cutting line portion) does not become hard, and the user can feel softness when touching the end in the width direction of the individual packaging body 1.

[0105] Furthermore, when forming the joint 5 on the outer side of the napkin 10 in the conveying direction in the joining step S6, it is preferable that the following is satisfied. The length in the conveying direction from the inner end 5c of the joint 5 to the outer end 10c of the napkin 10 is defined as P1. Also, the length from the inner end 5d of the joint 5 to the outer end 10d of the napkin 10 on the other side (upstream side) of the conveying direction is defined as P2. It is preferable that the length P1 and the length P2 are each shorter than the maximum thickness (maximum length in the thickness direction of the napkin 10) of the part 104 (napkin 10 + packaging material 20) that has been folded up until the joining step S6. The thickness of the folded part 104 can be measured by a known method. For example, a dial thickness gauge ID-C1012C manufactured by Mitutoyo Corporation or an equivalent device is used, and the target part is measured at a thickness of, for example, 3.0 gf / cm 2 The measurement is performed at 10 points of the folded portion 104, and the maximum value among the obtained measurements is the maximum thickness of the folded portion 104.

[0106] By forming the joint 5 in this manner, it is possible to shorten the length (distance) in the conveying direction from the joint 5 to the napkin 10 on both sides in the conveying direction. Even if the length in the thickness direction of the napkin 10 (so-called thickness) becomes thicker due to multiple folding processes and the repulsive force trying to return to the state before folding becomes large, the part of the packaging sheet 21 which is short in the conveying direction can strongly press down from above, making it easier to maintain the folded shape of the napkin 10 and the packaging material 20. In other words, by making the lengths P1 and P2 short, it becomes easier to firmly suppress the repulsive force.

[0107] In addition, in the individual package 1, the portion of the unjoined packaging material 20 on the outer side of the napkin 10 in the width direction has low rigidity and may be easily wrinkled. However, as described above, by shortening the length (distance) from the joint 5 to the napkin 10 on both sides of the width direction of the individual package 1, the area of ​​such a low rigidity portion is reduced, and the packaging material 20 is less likely to wrinkle. In particular, by shortening the length between the napkin 10, which has become rigid by folding, and the joint 25, wrinkles can be further reduced and the individual package 1 is neatly molded. In addition, by shortening the length (distance) in the width direction from the joint 5 to the napkin 10, the width direction length of the individual package 1 can be made more compact. By making the length of the napkin 10 in the longitudinal direction as compact as possible by the folding process, as well as the width direction length, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0108] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the joining step S6. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified joint 5 formed in the joining step S6 described in FIG. 9 of this embodiment. In this modified example, the joint 6 is formed along the conveying direction at a position overlapping the napkin 10 when viewed in the thickness direction of the napkin 10 (the direction penetrating the paper surface of FIG. 13). Specifically, in this modified example, the surface of the folded portion after the second folding step S4 is the outer surface 21L of the continuous body 21C of the packaging sheet, and at least a part of the continuous body 21C of the packaging sheet (i.e., at least the part where the joint 6 is formed) is made of a resin film. Then, an adhesive (for example, a hot melt adhesive) is applied to the surface of the folded portion (to the outer surface 21L), and the napkin 10 is folded in the next third folding step S5, so that the central release sheet 22 of the napkin 10 and the folded portion are bonded by the adhesive, and the joint 6 is formed. In this modified example, the central release sheet 22 is preferably made of a resin film, and the joint 6 is thereby formed by bonding the resin films together with an adhesive.

[0109] In this way, by providing the joint 6 at a position overlapping the napkin 10 when viewed in the thickness direction, the portion of the napkin 10 that has been folded by the multiple folding steps is held and is less likely to slip. As a result, the napkin 10 can be stably transported even in the further folding steps that are performed thereafter. In this modified example, the joint 6 is formed by applying adhesive before the third folding step S5 as an example, but this is not limited to this. The joint 6 can be formed after the first folding step and before the final sealing step S10, but in this case, it is preferable not to join the napkins 10 together with adhesive in order to avoid damage to the napkins 10. By forming the joint 6 by bonding the resin films together as in this modified example, it is possible to prevent the adhesive from seeping out to the part of the napkin 10 other than the central release sheet 22, and to prevent the function of the napkin 10 from being damaged. In addition, the folded part is firmly fixed by bonding with adhesive, and is stably transported.

[0110] Furthermore, in the individual package 1 having the joint 6 formed by the joining step S6 of this modified example, the joint 6 is formed to overlap the napkin 10 when viewed in the thickness direction, so that the napkin 10 is firmly fixed in the individual package 1. Furthermore, because the resin films are bonded together with an adhesive, the joint 6 can be provided without adversely affecting the napkin 10.

[0111] 14A and 14B are diagrams for explaining a portion NP where the joint 5 and the final sealed portion 2 do not overlap. In the absorbent article package 1 manufactured by the joining step S6 and the folding steps of the present embodiment, the joint 5 and the final sealed portion 2 have a portion NP where they do not overlap when viewed in the thickness direction (so-called thickness direction of the individual package 1) perpendicular to the width direction, as shown in FIG. 14A. FIG. 14B shows the portion NP where they do not overlap by enlarging a part of FIG. 11 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14B, the portion NP where the joint 5 does not exist when the joint 5 is formed by the joining step S6 and then folded by a further folding step with the joint 5 on the inside in the folded portion is not overlapped when viewed in the thickness direction (direction penetrating the paper surface of FIG. 14B). The final sealed portion 2 exists from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the napkin 10 intersecting with the width direction of the individual package 1. That is, when viewed in the thickness direction, the final sealed portion 2 is present even in the portion (NP) of the individual package 1 where there is no joint 5. Therefore, by being joined or sealed over such a larger area, the shape of the individual package 1 is more likely to be neatly arranged.

[0112] 14A, a portion other than the non-overlapping portion NP has a portion that overlaps with the joint 5 when viewed in the thickness direction of the individual package 1, and in the region where the joint 5 is formed, the packaging materials 20 are further welded together to provide the final sealed portion 2. Therefore, on the inside of the folded individual package 1, the region of the joint 5 that is further welded is less likely to return to its pre-folded state, and the folded state of the individual package 1 can be neatly maintained.

[0113] In addition, when a user opens the individual package 1, the user pinches the vicinity of the opening end 1a with his / her fingers and unfolds the individual package 1 by peeling off the packaging material 20. At this time, the peeling force when peeling off the joint 5 is greater than the peeling force when peeling off the final sealed portion 2, which is the portion to be peeled off first. That is, when a user opens the absorbent article package 1, peeling stops once at the joint 5 where the peeling force is greater, and the user applies force again to peel off the joint 5. Since the absorbent article package 1 is folded multiple times, there is a risk that the napkin 10, which is particularly long in the longitudinal direction, may be damaged by opening it forcefully in one go when opening, but by checking the napkin 10 in a half-unfolded state halfway and then opening it again to the end, the multiple folds can be unfolded neatly.

[0114] The peel strength is measured as follows. Ten pieces of the final sealed portion are prepared by cutting out the area of ​​the final sealed portion 2 of the absorbent article package 1 by the width of the sealed portion, and tape is applied to the opening end 1a and the main body of the final sealed portion, and the tape is folded back to create a gripping portion. Each gripping portion is clamped in the chuck of a tensile tester, the load of the tensile tester is set to 0, and the measurement is started. Since the final sealed portion 2 seals the folded packaging material 20, the initial peel strength is measured when peeled to the position of the sixth folded portion F6. Next, the tape on the main body of the final sealed portion is replaced to create a gripping portion again, and the peel strength is measured when peeled to the position of the fifth folded portion F5. The peel strength is measured repeatedly up to the position of each folded portion until the first folded portion F1 is peeled off. In the measurement, the maximum load is read and the average value of the results converted into N / 25 mm is compared. The peel strength is measured in a constant temperature and humidity environment (20±2°C, 60±5RH%) at a speed of 100mm / min and a chuck distance of 10mm. The average value obtained by the above is the peel force when peeling off the final sealing part 2.

[0115] The area of ​​the joint 5 of the individual package 1 is an area where the welding of the joint 5 itself and the welding of the final sealed part 2 overlap because the individual package 1 is further folded after the joint 5 is formed and further welding is performed to form the final sealed part 2. Therefore, in the measurement of the peel strength of the final sealed part 2 described above, the peel strength when peeled to the positions of the third folds F3a and F3b includes the peel strength when peeling the joint 5. Therefore, the peel force when peeling the joint 5 is determined by subtracting the average value of the final sealed part 2 described above from the measured peel strength when peeled to the positions of the third folds F3a and F3b.

[0116] In addition, when the joint 5 is the joint 6 (see FIG. 13) formed by applying adhesive to the position overlapping the napkin 10 as described in the above-mentioned modified example, the peeling force of the joint 6 is measured as follows. Ten pieces of the joint are cut out by the adhesive width from the area of ​​the joint 6 in the state where the third folds F3a and F3b are folded, in which the joint 6 is in a joined state, and the tensile strength of the joint 6 is measured by clamping the prepared gripping part with a tensile tester, as in the measurement of the peeling strength of the final sealing part 2. The average value thus obtained is the peeling force when peeling the joint 6. In the individual package 1, it is preferable that the peeling force when peeling the joint 6 is greater than the peeling force when peeling the final sealing part 2, and rather than opening it vigorously in one go, the peeling is stopped once at the joint 6, and the napkin 10 is confirmed to be in a semi-opened state, and then the napkin 10 is opened again to the end, so that the multiple folds can be neatly unfolded and damage to the napkin 10 can be suppressed.

[0117] ===Other embodiments=== Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above embodiment is intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0118] For example, in the manufacturing method of the above embodiment, the continuous web of packaging material 20 is continuous in the width direction (first direction) of the napkin 10, is transported in a transport direction along the width direction of the napkin 10, and the napkins 10 and the continuous web of packaging material 20 are folded back in the longitudinal direction (second direction) of the napkin 10. Conversely, a manufacturing method may be used in which the continuous web of packaging material 20 is continuous in the longitudinal direction (first direction) of the napkin 10, is transported in a transport direction along the longitudinal direction of the napkin 10, and the napkins 10 and the continuous web of packaging material 20 are folded back in the width direction (second direction) of the napkin 10. In this case as well, it is possible to manufacture individual packages 1 that are compactly and neatly folded. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1 individual package (absorbent article package), 1W wing part, 2 Sealing portion, 3 Opening end fixing portion, 4 Sheet fixing portion, 5 Joint portion, 6 Joint portion, 10 napkin (absorbent article), 11 absorbent core, 12 top sheet, 13 back seat, 14 side seat, 15 Central adhesive part, 16 Wing adhesive part, 20 packaging material, 21 packaging sheet, 22 center release sheet, 23 wing release sheet, F1~F6 Folding section

Claims

1. an absorbent article having a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other; A packaging material for packaging the absorbent article; A method for producing an absorbent article package having the following features: a plurality of folding steps in which at least one of the absorbent article and the continuous body of packaging material is folded in the second direction while the absorbent article is fixed to an inner side surface of the continuous body of packaging material that is continuous in a transport direction along the first direction and transported in the transport direction; a final sealing step of sealing the continuous bodies of the packaging material together on the outer side of the absorbent article in the first direction after a final folding step which is the last folding step among the plurality of folding steps; having a joining step for forming a joining portion for preventing the absorbent article from returning from a folded state after a certain folding step to a folded state before the certain folding step, the joining step being performed after a folding start point in a first folding step of the plurality of folding steps and before a last folding step of the absorbent article; In the joining step, the joint is formed in a portion constituted only by the continuous body of the packaging material, In a cross direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, the side where the folded portion exists is defined as a folding side, and the side where the folded portion does not exist is defined as an unfolded side. In the joining step, the joint portion is formed along the intersecting direction so as to extend from the folded side toward the unfolded side, The packaging material has a packaging sheet provided with a resin film, The joint portion is a portion where the packaging sheets are welded together, The joint portion is formed so as to extend in the cross direction to a position beyond a folding position in a folding step subsequent to the certain folding step. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article package comprising the steps of:

2. A method for producing an absorbent article package according to claim 1, The absorbent article has an absorbent body that absorbs bodily waste, The joining step is carried out after at least a portion of the absorbent body is folded. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article package comprising the steps of:

3. A method for producing the absorbent article packaging body according to claim 1, The absorbent article has an absorbent body that absorbs bodily waste, The joining step is carried out after the absorbent body is folded at least two times. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article package comprising the steps of:

4. A method for producing an absorbent article packaging body according to any one of claims 1 to 3, In the joining step, the joint is formed in a continuous portion of the continuous body of the packaging material that is continuous in the conveying direction. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article package comprising the steps of:

5. A method for producing an absorbent article packaging body according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: A plurality of the absorbent articles are fixed intermittently in the conveying direction to the inner side surface of the continuous body of the packaging material, and the joining portion is formed between adjacent absorbent articles in the joining step. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article package comprising the steps of:

6. A method for producing an absorbent article packaging body according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: The absorbent article has a pair of wing portions, The wing portion is folded back inward in the first direction before the plurality of folding steps, After at least a portion of the wing portion is folded, the joining step forms the joining portion. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article package comprising the steps of:

7. A method for producing an absorbent article packaging body according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: In the final folding step, when folding at the position of the final fold line, A length in the cross direction from an end of the unfolded side of the continuous body of packaging material to the final fold line is shorter than a length in the cross direction from an end of the folded side of the continuous body of packaging material to the final fold line. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article package comprising the steps of:

8. A method for producing an absorbent article packaging body according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: a cutting step of cutting the continuous body of packaging material along imaginary cutting lines that extend in the intersecting direction and indicate intended cutting positions, and separating the continuous body of packaging material into each of the absorbent article packages; In the joining step, the joining portion is formed so as to straddle the cutting line. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article package comprising the steps of:

9. A method for producing an absorbent article packaging body according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: a cutting step of cutting the continuous body of packaging material along imaginary cutting lines indicating planned cutting positions extending in the intersecting direction to separate the continuous body of packaging material into each of the absorbent article packages, In the joining step, the joining portion is formed so as not to overlap the cutting line. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article package comprising the steps of:

10. A method for producing an absorbent article package according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: In the joining step, when the joining portion is formed on the outer side of the absorbent article in the first direction, The length from the inner end of the joint portion to the outer end of the absorbent article on one side in the conveying direction, and the length from the inner end of the joint portion to the outer end of the absorbent article on the other side in the conveying direction, are each shorter than the maximum length in the thickness direction of the absorbent article folded up until the joining step. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article package comprising the steps of:

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