Method for manufacturing absorbent articles and absorbent articles

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of improving wearing feeling of an absorbent article.SOLUTION: A manufacturing method of an absorbent article includes: a compression step of compressing an absorber from a non-skin surface side to form a compression part, the compression part including a first compression part and a second compression part crossing with each other and a compression cross part in which the first compression part and the second compression part cross with each other; a recess forming step of pressing the absorber to form a recess at a position corresponding to a compression part on a skin surface side of the absorber, the recess including a first recess and a second recess crossing with each other and a recess cross part in which the first recess and the second recess cross with each other; and a skin surface side sheet bonding step of bonding a skin surface side sheet to the skin surface side of the absorber in an extended state and making a surface of the recess cross part and the skin surface side sheet be non-bonded to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In absorbent articles that absorb liquids such as urine and body fluids, it is known to squeeze the absorbent (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In absorbent articles, it is known to squeeze the absorbent to provide squeezing grooves, and through the squeezing grooves, the liquid is diffused throughout the absorbent. However, the squeezed part of the absorbent becomes hard, and when this part touches the skin directly or indirectly, the wearing feeling of the absorbent article deteriorates.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of improving the wearing feeling of an absorbent article.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, in the present invention, the absorbent is squeezed from the non-skin side.

[0007] More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an absorbent article comprising an absorbent body that absorbs liquid discharged by a wearer, comprising: a compression step of forming a compressed portion by compressing the absorbent body from the non-skin side, the compressed portion having a first compressed portion and a second compressed portion that intersect each other, and a compressed intersection portion where the first compressed portion and the second compressed portion intersect; a recess forming step of forming a recess at a position corresponding to the compressed portion on the skin side of the absorbent body by pressing the absorbent body, the recess having a first recess and a second recess that intersect each other, and a recess intersection portion where the first recess and the second recess intersect; and a skin-side sheet attachment step of attaching a skin-side sheet to the skin side of the absorbent body in an stretched state, the skin-side sheet attachment step of making the surface of the recess intersection portion and the skin-side sheet non-adherent.

[0008] In the above method for manufacturing an absorbent article, the compression section may be a grid having a plurality of first compression sections and second compression sections, and the recess may be a grid having a plurality of first recesses and second recesses.

[0009] In the above method for manufacturing an absorbent article, the skin-side sheet attachment step may be performed before the recess formation step, and the absorbent material and the skin-side sheet may be pressed together in the recess formation step to bring the skin-side sheet along the surface of the recess intersection.

[0010] The above method for manufacturing an absorbent article may include a non-skin side sheet attachment step of attaching the non-skin side sheet to the non-skin side of the absorbent body, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the compressed portion and the non-skin side sheet are made non-adherent.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention can be viewed from the perspective of absorbent articles. For example, the present invention relates to the wearer An absorbent article comprising an absorbent body for absorbing liquid discharged by a person, wherein the absorbent body comprises a compression portion formed on the non-skin side of the absorbent body, the compression portion having a first compression portion and a second compression portion that intersect each other, and a compression intersection portion where the first compression portion and the second compression portion intersect; a recess formed at a position corresponding to the compression portion on the skin side of the absorbent body, the recess having a first recess and a second recess that intersect each other, and a recess intersection portion where the first recess and the second recess intersect; and a skin-side sheet attached to the skin side of the absorbent body, the skin-side sheet being non-adherent to the surface of the recess intersection portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the wearing comfort of absorbent articles. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a diaper according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a diaper according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view of the diaper in its extended state according to the embodiment, as seen from the skin-facing side. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the diaper according to the embodiment when it is cut along the width direction. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the compression area and the vicinity of the recess in the diaper according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart relating to the manufacturing method of a diaper according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a manufacturing apparatus used in the diaper manufacturing method according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the compression section forming apparatus used in the diaper manufacturing method according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the compression portion and the vicinity of the recess of the diaper according to the modified embodiment 1. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a flowchart relating to a method for manufacturing a diaper according to Modification Example 1 of the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a manufacturing apparatus used in the method for manufacturing a diaper according to Modification Example 1 of the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the absorber as viewed from the skin side. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart relating to a method for manufacturing a diaper according to Modification Example 2 of the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a manufacturing apparatus used in the method for manufacturing a diaper according to Modification Example 2 of the embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the configurations of the following embodiments are examples, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations of these embodiments.

[0015] <Embodiment> In the present embodiment, for a tape-type disposable diaper (an example of the “absorbent article” referred to in the present application, hereinafter simply referred to as “diaper”), the longitudinal direction is defined as the direction connecting the front body portion disposed to face the abdomen of the wearer and the back body portion disposed to face the back. Between these front body portions (one side in the longitudinal direction) and the back body portions (the other side in the longitudinal direction) (at the center in the longitudinal direction), there is a crotch portion disposed (opposite to the crotch) under the wearer's crotch. Further, in the state where the diaper is worn on the wearer (hereinafter abbreviated as “worn state”), the side facing the wearer's skin (the inner side in the worn state) is defined as the skin side, and the opposite side of the skin side (the outer side in the worn state) is defined as the non-skin side. . Further, the direction connecting the skin side and the non-skin side is defined as the thickness direction, and the direction orthogonal to both the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction is defined as the width direction. In addition, viewing from the thickness direction is defined as a plan view.

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a diaper according to this embodiment. The diaper 1 has a crotch area 1B which corresponds to the crotch area and covers the wearer's genitals when worn, a front body area 1F which is located in front of the crotch area 1B and corresponds to the wearer's front body, and a back body area 1R which is located behind the crotch area 1B and corresponds to the wearer's back body. Tapes 2L and 2R are provided on the left and right edges of the back body area 1R which can be attached to a front patch 2F provided on the non-skin side of the front body area 1F. When the front body area 1F is positioned on the wearer's abdominal side and the back body area 1R is positioned on the wearer's back side, and the tapes 2L and 2R are attached to the front patch 2F, the diaper 1 is fixed to the wearer's body in a manner that surrounds the wearer's waist and thighs. Since the diaper 1 is fixed to the wearer's body in this manner, the wearer can stand and walk while wearing the diaper 1.

[0017] Diaper 1 has an absorbent material that can absorb and retain liquids, mainly located around the crotch area 1B. In addition, to prevent the formation of gaps between diaper 1 and the wearer's skin that could become pathways for liquid leakage, diaper 1 is provided with leg gathers 3AL and 3AR around the wearer's legs (thighs), three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR are provided further inward in the width direction of diaper 1 than the leg gathers 3AL and 3AR, and a waist gather 3R is provided around the wearer's waist. The leg gathers 3AL and 3AR, three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR, and waist gather 3R adhere closely to the wearer's skin due to the elastic force of the elastic material. Therefore, liquids discharged from the wearer's genitals are absorbed into the absorbent material of diaper 1 without leaking out. The elastic material can be appropriately selected from thread-like or band-like rubber, etc.

[0018] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of diaper 1. Diaper 1 has a cover sheet 4 that forms the outer surface when worn. The cover sheet 4 is a sheet-like member with a roughly rectangular appearance, having constrictions 4KL and 4KR in the parts corresponding to the long sides, and forms the outer surface of diaper 1. The constrictions 4KL and 4KR are provided in the parts where the wearer's thighs are located. The cover sheet 4 is provided to reinforce the back sheet 5, which will be described later, and to improve the feel. For example, to suppress leakage of excrement, a liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric made of thermoplastic resin can be used as its material. Examples of thermoplastic resins include polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). The cover sheet 4 is not limited to a single-layer structure, but may also have a multilayer structure having an inner cover sheet and an outer cover sheet.

[0019] The diaper 1 has a back sheet 5 (an example of a "non-skin side sheet" as referred to in this application), an absorbent 6, and a top sheet 7 (an example of a "skin side sheet" as referred to in this application) which are sequentially laminated on the wearer-side surface of the cover sheet 4. The back sheet 5, absorbent 6, and top sheet 7 are all sheet-like members having a substantially rectangular appearance and are sequentially laminated on the cover sheet 4 with their longitudinal directions coinciding with the longitudinal direction of the cover sheet 4. The back sheet 5, like the cover sheet 4, is a sheet made of a liquid-impermeable thermoplastic resin to suppress leakage of excrement. The back sheet 5 is preferably made of a material that also has moisture permeability to suppress stuffiness when worn. The top sheet 7 is made of an air-through nonwoven fabric containing thermoplastic resin fibers and is positioned on the wearer's skin side so as to cover the absorbent surface of the absorbent 6. This top sheet 7 is liquid-permeable in part or all of it. Therefore, when diaper 1 is worn, any liquid excreted by the wearer enters the absorbent material 6 through the top sheet 7, which may come into contact with the wearer's skin, and is absorbed there. The top sheet 7 may also be hydrophilic. The longitudinal direction of diaper 1 is the same as the longitudinal direction of the absorbent material 6 and the top sheet 7.

[0020] The back sheet 5, absorbent material 6, and top sheet 7 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, which consists of the laminated back sheet 5, absorbent material 6, and top sheet 7, the longitudinal ends of the back sheet 5, absorbent material 6, and top sheet 7 are positioned on the wearer's ventral and dorsal sides. In other words, the wearer's genitals are covered by the absorbent material 6 from the wearer's ventral to dorsal side. Therefore, whether the wearer is lying face down or face down when expelling fluid from the body, the expelled fluid will come into contact with the absorbent material 6 via the top sheet 7.

[0021] Furthermore, the diaper 1 is provided with elastic members 4SL and 4SR between the cover sheet 4 and the back sheet 5 so as to expand and contract in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, for forming the leg gathers 3AL and 3AR described above. The elastic members 4SL and 4SR are provided in an appropriate number (3 in this embodiment) determined according to the elastic force (contraction force) required in the design of the diaper 1.

[0022] Furthermore, the diaper 1 has long, narrow, strip-shaped side sheets 8L and 8R. The side sheets 8L and 8R are liquid-impermeable sheets provided on the long side of the top sheet 7. Similar to the cover sheet 4, the side sheets 8L and 8R have constrictions 8KL and 8KR where the wearer's thighs are located. Elastic members 8EL and 8ER are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the side sheets 8L and 8R to form three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR. When the diaper 1 is in the wearing position, that is, when the diaper 1 is in a U-shape when viewed from the side, the elastic members 8EL and 8ER contract, pulling the side sheets 8L and 8R in the longitudinal direction and causing them to rise from the top sheet 7, forming three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR that prevent liquid leakage.

[0023] Furthermore, the cover sheet 4 is provided with an elastic member 4C that prevents a gap from forming between the diaper 1 and the wearer's waist circumference. This elastic member 4C is located inside the width direction of the diaper 1 and along the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, relative to the elastic members 4SL and 4SR. The elastic member 4C is provided according to the elastic force (contraction force) required in the design of the diaper 1.

[0024] Furthermore, the elastic member 9ER for forming the waist gather 3R described above is provided between the backsheet 5 and the topsheet 7 at a position further back than the end of the absorbent body 6. The elastic member 9ER is provided between the backsheet 5 and the topsheet 7 with its longitudinal direction, which is the direction of stretching, oriented in the left-right direction of the diaper 1. Therefore, when the tapes 2L and 2R provided on both the left and right sides of the elastic member 9ER are attached to the front patch 2F on the wearer's abdominal side, the elastic member 9ER exerts a contractile force to make the diaper 1 fit snugly against the wearer, preventing the formation of a gap between the diaper 1 and the wearer's waist circumference.

[0025] The absorbent body 6 has an absorbent core and a core wrap sheet that encloses the entire absorbent core (see Figure 4). The core wrap sheet is made of tissue paper or a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric. The absorbent core has a structure in which granular absorbent resin, 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 fibers, rayon fibers, or cotton fibers, or short fibers of synthetic fibers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyethylene terephthalate that have been treated to be hydrophilic. Therefore, in the absorbent core, the volume change of the absorbent resin before and after absorbing liquid basically occurs within the short fibers that hold the absorbent resin in the gaps. Consequently, looking at the absorbent core as a whole, it can be said that the expansion rate of the thickness of the absorbent core after absorbing liquid is not as large as the expansion rate of the absorbent resin itself.

[0026] In this embodiment, SAP particles refer to a resin composition containing SAP that has been made into granules. The term "resin composition containing SAP" here encompasses both compositions consisting solely of SAP and compositions in which SAP is the main component, with other substances included to an extent that does not adversely affect water absorption. This is the concept. Examples of "other substances" include additives (such as surface modifiers added to hydrophobicize the particle surface) and unreacted monomers remaining after the synthesis of SAP.

[0027] Figure 3 is a plan view of the diaper 1 in its extended state, seen from the skin side. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the diaper 1 in the width direction when cut along line AA in Figure 3. Note that the front patch 2F, elastic members 4C, 4SR, 4SL, 8EL, 8ER, 9ER, and side sheets 8L, 8R are not shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0028] The diaper 1 according to this embodiment includes a compression section 20 formed on the non-skin side of the absorbent material 6 and a recess 21 formed on the skin side of the absorbent material 6. The compression section 20 is formed by compressing the absorbent material 6 from the non-skin side. The recess 21 is formed after the compression section 20 is formed by pressing the absorbent material 6, at a position corresponding to the compression section 20 on the skin side of the absorbent material 6. Here, the corresponding position is a position that overlaps in the thickness direction of the diaper 1. The process of forming the compression section 20 and the recess 21 will be described later.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the compression section 20 has a first compression section 20A and a second compression section 20B that intersect each other, and a compression intersection section 20C where the first compression section 20A and the second compression section 20B intersect in an X shape. The recess 21 has a first recess 21A and a second recess 21B that intersect each other, and a recess intersection section 21C where the first recess 21A and the second recess 21B intersect in an X shape. The first recess 21A is formed at a position corresponding to the first compression section 20A, the second recess 21B is formed at a position corresponding to the second compression section 20B, and the recess intersection section 21C is formed at a position corresponding to the compression intersection section 20C. The first compression section 20A and the first recess 21A extend from the front right side to the rear left side of the diaper 1. The second compression section 20B and the second recess 21B extend from the left front to the right rear of the diaper 1. Furthermore, multiple first compression sections 20A and first recess 21A are formed so as to extend parallel to each other, and multiple second compression sections 20B and second recess 21B are formed so as to extend parallel to each other. The multiple first compression sections 20A and second compression sections 20B form an oblique grid pattern relative to the rectangular absorbent body 6, and the multiple first recesses 21A and second recesses 21B also form an oblique grid pattern relative to the rectangular absorbent body 6. Thus, the compression sections 20 and recesses 21 are formed in an oblique grid pattern relative to the rectangular absorbent body 6.

[0030] In this embodiment, the first compression section 20A and the second compression section 20B, as well as the first recess 21A and the second recess 21B, are formed in the shape of grooves extending diagonally in the absorbent material 6. The diaper 1 can diffuse urine expelled by the wearer throughout the absorbent material 6 along the recess 21 provided on the skin-facing side of the absorbent material 6. The diaper 1 can also diffuse urine that has penetrated to the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent material 6 throughout the absorbent material 6 along the compression section 20. As a result, the diaper 1 can efficiently absorb urine expelled by the wearer throughout the entire absorbent material 6. Furthermore, by providing the compression section 20 and recess 21 in the absorbent material 6, the absorbent material 6 can be made more flexible, thereby improving the fit to the wearer. In addition, by providing the recess 21 on the skin-facing side of the absorbent material 6, the diaper 1 can ensure breathability on the skin-facing side, suppressing stuffiness when worn.

[0031] Furthermore, the compression portion 20 is formed by compressing the absorbent material 6. Since the compressed portion of the absorbent material 6 becomes hard, if the compression portion 20 were to indirectly touch the wearer's skin through the sheet, it would feel rough and reduce the wearing comfort. However, in this embodiment, the compression portion 20 is formed on the non-skin side of the absorbent material 6, so the compression portion 20 does not come into contact with the wearer's skin even indirectly through the sheet. In addition, the recess 21 is formed by pressing rather than compression, so it is not as hard as the compression portion 20. Therefore, the diaper 1 can suppress the reduction in wearing comfort even if the recess 21 touches the wearer through the top sheet 7, thereby improving the wearing comfort.

[0032] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the area around the compression portion 20 and recess 21 in Figure 4. The top sheet 7 is not adhered to the surface of the recess intersection 21C, and is adhered to the surface of the absorbent material 6 on the outside of the recess intersection 21C by hot melt adhesive 30. In the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, by making the top sheet 7 not adhered to the surface of the recess intersection 21C, the surface of the recess intersection 21C is less likely to come into contact with the wearer's skin via the top sheet 7, and the wearer is less likely to feel the hardness of the recess intersection 21C. As a result, the diaper 1 can be made more comfortable to wear.

[0033] Next, the method for manufacturing the diaper 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The method for manufacturing the diaper 1 according to this embodiment is characterized by the process of forming a compression portion 20 and a recess 21 in the absorbent body 6, so these processes will be mainly described below. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an overview of the method for manufacturing the diaper 1 according to this embodiment. In the method for manufacturing the diaper according to this embodiment, first, the absorbent body 6 is compressed from the non-skin side to form a compression portion 20 (step S101, an example of the "compression process" in this application). Next, the absorbent body 6 is pressed to form a recess 21 at a position corresponding to the compression portion 20 on the skin side of the absorbent body 6 (step S102, an example of the "recess formation process" in this application). By pressing the absorbent body 6, the skin side of the absorbent body 6 at the position corresponding to the compression portion 20 is recessed towards the non-skin side, forming a recess 21. Next, the top sheet 7 is attached to the skin side of the absorbent body 6 in an extended state (step S103, an example of the "skin side sheet attachment process" in this application). In this embodiment, the top sheet attachment process is performed after the recess formation process.

[0034] Next, the method for manufacturing the diaper 1 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail based on Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a manufacturing apparatus for the diaper 1. The manufacturing apparatus M used in the manufacturing method of the diaper 1 includes a transport line M1, a compression section forming device M2, a press device M3, a coating device M4, and a top sheet supply roller M5. The transport line M1 is a conveyor that transports the absorbent material 6 and the top sheet 7 in a constant direction (in the direction of arrow A1 in the figure). In the manufacturing process, the absorbent material 6 and the top sheet 7 are continuous, and by dividing them individually, the absorbent material 6 and top sheet 7 for one diaper are obtained.

[0035] In the conveying line M1, the absorbent material 6 is conveyed with the skin-side facing upwards. The compression section forming device M2 has an anvil roller M21 and a compression roller M22. Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the compression section forming device M2. The anvil roller M21 is positioned on the skin-side (upper side in the figure) of the absorbent material 6, and the compression roller M22 is positioned on the non-skin-side (lower side in the figure) of the absorbent material 6. The anvil roller M21 and the compression roller M22 are positioned opposite each other with a predetermined clearance. The compression roller M22 has a protrusion M22C that compresses the non-skin-side of the absorbent material 6. The protrusion M22C is formed in an oblique grid pattern relative to the absorbent material 6 passing through it. In Figure 8, the protrusion M22C that is hidden by the absorbent material 6 is also shown with a solid line for illustrative purposes. The anvil roller M21 and the compression roller M22 are made of metal such as iron. The compression section forming device M2 compresses the absorbent material 6, which has flowed from the upstream side of the conveyor line M1, from the non-skin side by the protrusion M22C by passing it between the anvil roller M21 and the compression roller M22 (step S101 shown in Figure 6). As a result, a compression section 20 is formed on the absorbent material 6.

[0036] A press device M3 is provided downstream of the compression section forming device M2 in the transport path of the transport line M1. The press device M3 has a press roller M31 and an anvil roller M32. The press roller M31 and the anvil roller M32 are positioned opposite each other with a predetermined clearance between them. The press roller M31 and the anvil roller M32 are made of metal such as iron. The press device M3 presses the absorbent material 6 that has flowed from the upstream side of the transport line M1 by passing it between the press roller M31 and the anvil roller M32 (step S102 shown in Figure 6). By pressing the absorbent material 6, the compression section 20 is formed. The skin-facing side of the position is recessed towards the non-skin-facing side, forming a recess 21.

[0037] A coating device M4 is provided downstream of the press device M3 in the transport path of the transport line M1. The coating device M4 applies hot melt adhesive to the skin side of the absorbent material 6. The coating device M4 has multiple nozzles, and by discharging hot melt adhesive from each nozzle, it applies the hot melt adhesive to the absorbent material 6 in a stripe or dot pattern.

[0038] A top sheet supply roller M5 is provided downstream of the coating device M4 in the transport path of the transport line M1. The top sheet supply roller M5 places the continuous top sheet 7 from the long raw material roll onto the absorbent 6 on the transport line M1 (step S103 shown in Figure 6). At this time, the top sheet 7 is placed on the absorbent 6 in an extended state. In addition, the surface of the recessed intersection 21C and the top sheet 7 are made non-adherent. For example, the coating device M4 applies hot melt adhesive to the absorbent 6 while avoiding the surface of the formation area of ​​the recessed intersection 21C. As a result, even if the top sheet 7 were to fall into the recessed intersection 21C, the surface of the recessed intersection 21C and the top sheet 7 can be made non-adherent.

[0039] In the manufacturing method of the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, a compressed portion 20 is formed by compressing the absorbent material 6 from the non-skin side, and a recess 21 is formed at a position corresponding to the compressed portion 20 on the skin side of the absorbent material 6 by pressing the absorbent material 6. Since the recess 21 is formed by pressing rather than compression, it is not as hard as the compressed portion 20. Therefore, according to the manufacturing method of the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, even if the recess 21 touches the wearer through the top sheet 7, a decrease in the feeling of wearing the diaper can be suppressed, thereby improving the feeling of wearing the diaper.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after forming the recess 21, the top sheet 7 is attached to the skin-facing side of the absorbent 6 in an extended state. This prevents the top sheet 7 from falling into the recess 21, or only slightly falling into the recess 21, and prevents the recess 21 from touching the wearer's skin via the top sheet 7, thereby improving the wearing comfort.

[0041] <Example 1> Next, a modified example of this embodiment, diaper 1, will be described. Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the area around the compression section 20 and recess 21 of diaper 1, similar to Figure 5. As shown in Figure 9, in this modified example, diaper 1 has the top sheet 7 dropped into the recess 21, and the top sheet 7 is aligned with the surface of the recess intersection 21C. The top sheet 7 is not adhered to the surface of the recess intersection 21C. In diaper 1, force is easily applied to the recess intersection 21C, which causes the core wrap sheet 6B of the recess intersection 21C to tear easily. Also, if there is a gap between the top sheet 7 and the surface of the recess intersection 21C, the top sheet 7 on the recess intersection 21C may tear when force is applied to diaper 1 from the outside. However, as in diaper 1 according to this embodiment, by aligning the top sheet 7 with the surface of the recess intersection 21C, it is possible to prevent the top sheet 7 from tearing even when force is applied from the outside.

[0042] Next, a method for manufacturing a diaper 1 according to Modification 1 of this embodiment will be described. The manufacturing method according to this modification is characterized in that the top sheet 7 is attached to the skin-facing side of the absorbent material 6 before forming the recess 21. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an overview of the manufacturing method of the diaper 1 according to this modification. In the manufacturing method of the diaper according to this modification, a compression section 20 is formed (step S201, an example of the "compression step" in this application), then the top sheet 7 is attached to the skin-facing side of the absorbent material 6 in an extended state (step S202, an example of the "skin-facing side sheet attachment step" in this application), and then the recess 21 is formed (step S203, an example of the "recess formation step" in this application).

[0043] Next, the method for manufacturing the diaper 1 according to this modified example will be described in more detail based on Figure 11. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of a manufacturing apparatus for the diaper 1. The manufacturing apparatus M used in the method for manufacturing the diaper 1 includes a conveying line M1, a compression section forming device M2, a coating device M4, a top sheet supply roller M5, and a press device M6. In this modified example, instead of the press device M3 shown in Figure 7, a press device M6 is provided downstream of the top sheet supply roller M5. The press device M6 has a press roller M61 and an anvil roller M62. The press roller M61 and the anvil roller M62 are arranged opposite each other with a predetermined clearance. The press roller M61 and the anvil roller M62 are made of metal such as iron. The press device M6 presses the absorbent material 6 and top sheet 7, which have flowed from the upstream side of the conveyor line M1, by passing them between the press roller M61 and the anvil roller M62, thereby forming a recess 21 on the skin side of the absorbent material 6 (step S203 shown in Figure 10).

[0044] As in the manufacturing method of the diaper 1 according to this modified example, the top sheet 7 may be attached to the skin-facing side of the absorbent body 6, and then the absorbent body 6 and the top sheet 7 may be pressed together to form the recess 21 on the skin-facing side of the absorbent body 6. Figure 12 is a plan view of the absorbent body 6 coated with hot melt adhesive 30, as seen from the skin-facing side. In the manufacturing method of the diaper 1 according to this modified example, the surface of the recess intersection 21C is not adhered to the top sheet 7. For example, in the manufacturing method of this modified example, the hot melt adhesive 30 is applied in a stripe pattern, avoiding the recess intersection 21C, using the coating device M4 shown in Figure 11, as shown in Figure 12. This makes it possible to keep the surface of the recess intersection 21C and the top sheet 7 separate, even if the top sheet 7 is aligned along the surface of the recess intersection 21C during the recess formation process.

[0045] <Modification 2> Next, a method for manufacturing the diaper 1 according to Modification 2 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an overview of the method for manufacturing the diaper 1 according to this modification. In the method for manufacturing the diaper according to this modification, after the top sheet 7 is attached to the skin-facing side of the absorbent body 6 in an extended state (after step S103), the back sheet 5 is attached to the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body 6 (step S104, an example of the "non-skin-facing sheet attachment step" as referred to in this application). In step S104, at least a part of the surface of the compression part 20 and the back sheet 5 are made non-adherent. As a result, a gap is formed between the compression part 20 and the back sheet 5, so that the compression part 20 can function as a flow path for diffusing urine. As a result, the diaper 1 makes it easier to diffuse urine on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body 6, and can absorb and retain more urine on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body 6. For this reason, even after urine absorption, the diaper 1 can maintain the shape of the recess 21 formed on the skin-facing side of the absorbent body 6, and breathability can be ensured by the recess 21. Furthermore, by covering the non-skin side of the absorbent material 6, which is the side that is compressed, with the backsheet 5, even if the non-skin side of the core wrap sheet 6B tears, it is possible to prevent the SAP from spilling out of the diaper 1.

[0046] Next, the method for manufacturing the diaper 1 according to this modified example will be described in more detail based on Figure 14. Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of a manufacturing apparatus for diaper 1. The manufacturing apparatus M used in the manufacturing method of diaper 1 includes a transport line M1, a coating device M7, and a backsheet supply roller M8. The transport line M1 is a conveyor that transports the backsheet 5, absorbent material 6, and topsheet 7 in a certain direction (in the direction of arrow A1 in the figure). In the manufacturing process, the backsheet 5, absorbent material 6, and topsheet 7 are continuous, and by dividing them individually, one diaper's worth of backsheet 5, absorbent material 6, and topsheet 7 are obtained. The topsheet 7 is already attached to the absorbent material 6, and the absorbent material 6 and topsheet 7 are transported with the absorbent material 6 facing upwards.

[0047] The coating device M7 has multiple nozzles for dispensing hot melt adhesive and applies the hot melt adhesive to the absorber 6 in a stripe or dot pattern. A back sheet supply roller M8 is provided downstream of the coating device M7 in the transport path of the transport line M1. The supply roller M8 places the continuous backsheet 5 from the long raw material roll onto the absorbent 6 on the conveyor line M1. At this time, the backsheet 5 is placed on the absorbent 6 in an extended state (step S104 shown in Figure 13). As in this modified example, by making at least a portion of the surface of the compression section 20 and the backsheet 5 non-adherent, a gap can be formed between the compression section 20 and the backsheet 5.

[0048] Furthermore, urine that reaches the non-skin side of the absorbent material 6 spreads throughout the absorbent material 6 along the compression section 20. Since SAP is placed on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 6A, the absorbent material 6 holds the urine on the non-skin side, causing the non-skin side to expand. As a result, the absorbent core 6A does not expand easily on the skin side even after urine absorption, and it is easier to maintain the shape of the recess 21 formed on the skin side.

[0049] In this modified example, as in Modified Example 1 above, the recess formation step may be performed after the top sheet attachment step.

[0050] <Other Embodiments> Next, other embodiments will be described. In the above embodiment, the diaper 1 was a tape-type diaper, but the method and apparatus for manufacturing absorbent articles according to the present invention are applicable to the manufacture of pant-type diapers. In addition, in the above embodiment, the compression section 20 and recess 21 are formed in a grid pattern, but are not limited to this, and may be formed in a dot pattern or a stripe pattern. By providing the recess 21 on the skin-facing side of the absorbent material 6, the area that comes into contact with the wearer's skin can be reduced, improving the wearing comfort. In addition, in the above embodiment, two compression sections, the first compression section 20A and the second compression section 20B, intersect at the compression intersection 20C, but three or more compression sections may intersect at the compression intersection 20C. In addition, in the above embodiment, two recesses, the first recess 21A and the second recess 21B, intersect at the recess intersection 21C, but three or more recesses may intersect at the recess intersection 21C.

[0051] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the top sheet 7 may be composed of two nonwoven fabrics, and the lower sheet may be an example of a skin-facing sheet. Also, the absorbent body 6 may not have a core wrap sheet 6B. In addition, a group of SAP particles may be arranged on the skin-facing side of the absorbent core 6A. In this case, more SAP particles may be arranged on the non-skin-facing side than on the skin-facing side of the absorbent core 6A. Note that the above embodiments and modifications can be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1. Diaper 1B...Inseam area 1F ··Front bodice area 1R · Back panel area 2F Front Patch 2L, 2R Tape 3BL, 3BR ··3D Gathered 3R Waist Gather 4. Cover Sheet 4KL, 4KR... constricted 4C, 4SL, 4SR, 8EL, 8ER, 9ER... Elastic members 5. Back seat 6. Absorbent 6A Absorbent Core 6B Core Wrap Sheet 7. Top sheet 8. Side Seats 20. Compression section 20A ··First Compression Section 20B · Second Compression Section 20C... Compression crossing 21. Recess 21A ··First recess 21B ··Second recess 21C ··Recessed intersection 30. Hot melt adhesive M··Manufacturing equipment M1 Conveyor Line M2･･･Compression part forming device M3 Press Machine M4...Coating device M5 Top Sheet Supply Roller M6 Pressing Machine M7 Coating Device M8 Backsheet feeder roller

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article equipped with an absorbent material that absorbs liquids discharged by the wearer, A pressing step to form a compressed portion by pressing the absorbent material from the non-skin side, the pressing step to form the compressed portion having a first compressed portion and a second compressed portion that intersect each other, and a compressed intersection portion where the first compressed portion and the second compressed portion intersect, A recess forming step in which a recess is formed at a position corresponding to the compressed portion on the skin side of the absorbent by pressing the absorbent, the recess forming step in which a recess is formed having a first recess and a second recess that intersect each other, and a recess intersection portion where the first recess and the second recess intersect, A skin-side sheet attachment step in which a skin-side sheet is attached to the skin-side side of the absorbent body in an extended state, comprising a skin-side sheet attachment step in which the surface of the recessed intersection and the skin-side sheet are made non-adherent, A method for manufacturing an absorbent article, including [the specified element].

2. The compression section is lattice-shaped and has a plurality of first compression sections and second compression sections. The recess is lattice-shaped, having a plurality of first recesses and second recesses. A method for producing an absorbent article according to claim 1.

3. The skin-side sheet attachment step is performed before the recess formation step. In the recess formation step, the absorbent and the skin-side sheet are pressed together to bring the skin-side sheet along the surface of the recess intersection. A method for producing an absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A non-skin side sheet attachment step, comprising attaching a non-skin side sheet to the non-skin side of the absorbent body, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the compressed portion and the non-skin side sheet are made non-adherent. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, including the following:

5. An absorbent article equipped with an absorbent material that absorbs liquids discharged by the wearer, A compression portion formed on the non-skin side of the absorbent, wherein the first compression portion and intersect each other The pressing section includes a second pressing section and a pressing intersection section where the first pressing section and the second pressing section intersect, A recess formed at a position corresponding to the compressed portion on the skin-facing side of the absorbent body, comprising a first recess and a second recess that intersect each other, and a recess intersection where the first recess and the second recess intersect, wherein the recess is formed without the absorbent body being compressed, A skin-side sheet attached to the skin-side side of the absorbent body, wherein the skin-side sheet is not adhered to the surface of the recessed intersection, An absorbent article equipped with [a specific feature].

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