Method for manufacturing absorbent article and system for manufacturing absorbent article

Abstract

Provided is a method for manufacturing an absorbent article, the method making it possible to suppress an installation cost and an installation area of a device. The method for manufacturing the absorbent article includes a continuous-body forming step, a setting step, a continuous-body conveying step, a first manufacturing step, and a second manufacturing step. In the continuous-body forming step, a continuous-body of an absorbent body in a state in which a plurality of absorbent bodies are connected is formed. In the setting step, a conveyance path of the continuous-body is set to one of a first conveyance path and a second conveyance path. In the continuous-body conveying step, the continuous-body is conveyed in the set conveyance path. In the first manufacturing step, the continuous-body conveyed on the first conveyance path is cut and separated into individual absorbent bodies, and a first absorbent article including the separated individual absorbent bodies is manufactured. In the second manufacturing step, the continuous-body conveyed on the second conveyance path is cut and separated into individual absorbent bodies, and the separated individual absorbent bodies are used to manufacture a second absorbent article different in type from the first absorbent article.

Description

Absorbent article manufacturing method and absorbent article manufacturing system

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

[0002] Methods for manufacturing absorbent articles that use an absorbent main body to manufacture an absorbent article are known, such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1 (WO 2019 / 150802) and Patent Document 2 (JP 2017-64131 A).

[0003] These different types of absorbent articles may be manufactured in the same factory.

[0004] International Publication No. 2019 / 150802 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-64131

[0005] When manufacturing different types of absorbent articles, such as the tape-type diaper in Patent Document 1 and the pants-type diaper in Patent Document 2, providing separate equipment for manufacturing each absorbent article leads to increased installation costs and installation area for the manufacturing equipment.

[0006] A method for manufacturing absorbent articles according to one aspect includes a continuum forming step, a setting step, a continuum conveying step, a first manufacturing step, and a second manufacturing step. In the continuum forming step, a continuum of absorbent bodies in which a plurality of absorbent bodies are connected together is formed. In the setting step, the conveyance path for the continuum is set to either a first conveyance path or a second conveyance path. In the continuum conveying step, the continuum is conveyed along the set conveyance path. In the first manufacturing step, the continuum conveyed along the first conveyance path is cut and separated into individual absorbent bodies, and a first absorbent article including the separated individual absorbent bodies is manufactured. In the second manufacturing step, the continuum conveyed along the second conveyance path is cut and separated into individual absorbent bodies, and a second absorbent article of a different type from the first absorbent article is manufactured using the separated individual absorbent bodies.

[0007] A method for manufacturing absorbent articles according to another aspect includes a continuous body forming step, a separating step, a first manufacturing step, a second manufacturing step, and a switching step. In the continuous body forming step, a continuous body of absorbent bodies in which a plurality of absorbent bodies are connected together is formed. In the separating step, the continuous body is cut to separate the absorbent bodies into individual absorbent bodies. In the first manufacturing step, a first absorbent article is manufactured using the absorbent bodies. In the second manufacturing step, a second absorbent article different from the first absorbent article is manufactured using the absorbent bodies. In the switching step, the supply destination of the absorbent bodies separated in the separating step is switched between the first manufacturing step and the second manufacturing step.

[0008] The method for manufacturing absorbent articles according to the present invention can reduce the installation cost and installation area of ​​the device.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an absorbent article manufacturing system used in a method for manufacturing absorbent articles according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the absorbent article manufacturing system of FIG. 1 with some devices omitted. FIG. 3 is a schematic process diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing absorbent articles according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process for manufacturing a tape-type disposable diaper. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process for manufacturing a pants-type disposable diaper. FIG. 6 is a schematic process diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an absorbent article manufacturing system used in a method for manufacturing absorbent articles according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the absorbent article manufacturing system of FIG. 6 with some devices omitted. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process for manufacturing a pants-type disposable diaper according to a modified example.

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a method for manufacturing an absorbent article will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a first direction is the longitudinal direction of each absorbent main body.

[0011] It should be noted that the embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention and does not limit the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made to the following embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.

[0012] First Embodiment A method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0013] 1 and 2, the method for manufacturing absorbent articles according to the first embodiment of the present invention uses an absorbent article manufacturing system 100. The absorbent article manufacturing system 100 includes an absorbent core manufacturing apparatus 10, a first manufacturing apparatus 30, and a second manufacturing apparatus 40. The first manufacturing apparatus 30 manufactures a first absorbent article 50 using an absorbent main body P1 (described below), and the second manufacturing apparatus 40 manufactures a second absorbent article 60, which is a different type from the first absorbent article 50, using the absorbent main body P1.

[0014] The absorbent body P1 is an article that absorbs body fluids such as urine and is used, for example, in disposable diapers, urine absorption pads, etc. In this embodiment, the first absorbent article 50 is a tape-type diaper, and the second absorbent article 60 is a pants-type diaper. Note that a tape-type diaper is a type of diaper in which, when worn, the absorbent body is placed under the crotch and fastened with tape to an attachment member on the front torso side and an attachment member on the rear torso side.

[0015] 3, the method for manufacturing absorbent articles includes a setting step S1, a continuous web forming step S2, a continuous web conveying step S3, a first manufacturing step S4, and a second manufacturing step S5. Each step will be described below.

[0016] (1) Setting Step S1 In the setting step S1, the conveyance path for the continuum P of absorbent bodies P1, which will be described later, is set to either the first conveyance path 22 or the second conveyance path 23. There are no particular limitations on the method for setting the conveyance path, but, for example, before the start of production of the first absorbent article 50 or the second absorbent article 60, an operator manually winds the continuum P of absorbent bodies P1 around a guide roll or the like so that the continuum P is sent to the first manufacturing device 30 or the second manufacturing device 40 and is conveyed within the first manufacturing device 30 and the second manufacturing device 40.

[0017] In detail, when the conveying path for the continuous body P of the absorbent body P1 is set to the first conveying path 22, the operator guides the continuous body P of the absorbent body P1 through the end side sealing machine 31, the product cutter 32, and the folding device 33, and wraps it around a guide roll or the like (not shown).

[0018] When setting the conveying path for the continuous body P of the absorbent body P1 to the second conveying path 23, the operator guides the continuous body P of the absorbent body P1 through the interior cutter 41, the posture changing device 42, the joining device 43, the folding device 44, the side sealing device 45, and the product cutter 46, and wraps it around a guide roll or the like (not shown).

[0019] (2) Continuum Forming Step S2 In the continuum forming step S2, a continuum P of absorbent bodies P1 in a state where a plurality of absorbent bodies P1 are connected together is formed. The continuum P of absorbent bodies P1 is an article formed by molding pulp fibers into a predetermined shape.

[0020] The process S2 for forming the continuum P mainly includes an absorbent core manufacturing process S21, a back sheet supplying process S22, an absorbent core supplying process S23, a top sheet supplying process S24, and a joining process S25.

[0021] The absorbent core manufacturing process S21 includes a lower cover supplying step, a stacking step, an upper cover supplying step, and a cutting step.

[0022] In the lower cover supplying process, the continuous sheet to be the lower cover is transported and supplied along its longitudinal direction. The supplied continuous sheet to be the lower cover is transported with a predetermined tension applied in its longitudinal direction until it is cut in the cutting process. The continuous sheet to be the lower cover is supplied from the lower cover supplying device 10a.

[0023] In the layering step, the absorbent core manufacturing apparatus 10 layers absorbent pulp fibers onto a continuous sheet that will become the lower cover.

[0024] The absorbent core manufacturing apparatus 10 mainly comprises a pulverizer 11, a fiber-stacking device 12, and a duct 13. The pulverizer 11 pulverizes a pulp sheet formed by bonding pulp fibers together to produce pulp fibers. In other words, the pulverizer 11 is a device that loosens (defibrates) the sheet-shaped pulp fibers into a flocculated state. The duct 13 functions as a pulp fiber passage that guides the pulp fibers produced by the pulverizer 11 from the pulverizer 11 to the fiber-stacking device 12. The fiber-stacking device 12 stacks the pulp fibers pulverized by the pulverizer 11 on a lower cover.

[0025] In the upper cover supply step, the pulp fibers stacked on the lower cover are covered with a continuous sheet that will become the upper cover. The continuous sheet that will become the upper cover is supplied from an upper cover supply 10b.

[0026] In the cutting step, the laminate wrapped with the upper cover and the lower cover is cut using a mat cutter 14 to produce individual, independent absorbent cores.

[0027] In the backsheet supplying step S22, a first continuous web forming the overlapping backsheet and a second continuous web forming the waterproof sheet are continuously supplied. Here, the first continuous web and the second continuous web are referred to as a backsheet web group. In the backsheet web group, the second continuous web forming the waterproof sheet is overlapped on the skin-facing side of the first continuous web forming the backsheet. The backsheet is made of a liquid-impermeable resin sheet and covers the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent core. In this specification, the "non-skin-facing side" refers to the outer side opposite the skin-facing side that does not contact the wearer's skin when the diaper is worn, and does not face the wearer's skin. In this specification, the "skin-facing side" refers to the inner side that directly or indirectly contacts the wearer's skin when the diaper is worn, and faces the wearer's skin directly or indirectly. The first continuous web is supplied from the backsheet supplying device 15. The second continuous web is supplied from the waterproof sheet supplying device 15a.

[0028] In the absorbent core supply step S23, the transported individual absorbent cores are supplied onto the backsheet web group at predetermined intervals in the transport direction of the backsheet web group.

[0029] In the topsheet supplying step S24, a third continuous web forming the topsheet is continuously supplied above the absorbent core disposed on the backsheet web group. In short, in the topsheet supplying step S24, the third continuous web is supplied to the laminate of the backsheet web group and the absorbent core so that the absorbent core is disposed between the backsheet web group consisting of the first and second continuous webs and the third continuous web. The third continuous web is supplied from the topsheet supplying device 16. The topsheet is made of a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric.

[0030] In the joining process S25, the third continuous web forming the top sheet and a group of backsheet webs consisting of the first continuous web and the second continuous web are joined together by a joining device 18 in a stacked state with the absorbent core sandwiched between them, to produce a continuous body P of the absorbent body P1.

[0031] The joining step S25 will be described in more detail.

[0032] In the joining step S25, when joining the backsheet web group and the third continuous web, an elastic member is supplied from an elastic member supplying device 17 to the lateral ends of the third continuous web and the backsheet web group. The elastic member supplying device 17 supplies the elastic member to the lateral ends of the third continuous web and the backsheet web group while stretching the elastic member in the longitudinal direction. The elastic member is a member for closely fitting the absorbent body P1 to the crotch area of ​​the wearer when the absorbent article 50, 60 is worn by the wearer. For example, the elastic member may be a thread-like or strip-like material containing urethane foam in addition to thread rubber. While not limiting the joining method, the joining device 18 intermittently heat-seals the backsheet web group and the third continuous web in the longitudinal direction of the backsheet web group and the third continuous web.

[0033] Furthermore, in the joining step S25, cuffs formed using a cuff supplying device 19 are placed on both ends in the shorter direction of the top sheet. The cuffs function as three-dimensional gathers that suppress the outflow of body fluids from the wearer's crotch area.

[0034] In this embodiment, the first absorbent article 50 and the second absorbent article 60 are diapers, but if the first absorbent article 50 and the second absorbent article 60 are not diapers (for example, if they are urine absorption pads, etc.), devices related to elastic member supply and cuff formation, such as the elastic member supply device 17 and the cuff supply device 19 in the joining step S25, may not be provided. If only one of the first absorbent article 50 and the second absorbent article 60 is a diaper and the other is not a diaper, devices related to elastic member supply and cuff formation are provided but may not be used.

[0035] (3) Continuous Body Conveying Step S3 In the continuous body conveying step S3, the continuous body P is conveyed along a set conveying path. In the continuous body conveying step S3, a first conveying path 22 and a second conveying path 23 are arranged.

[0036] The first manufacturing apparatus 30 manufactures the first absorbent article 50 using the continuum P transported on the first conveying path 22. When the first conveying path 22 is set in the setting step S1, the continuum P of the absorbent main body P1 is supplied onto the first conveying path 22 and transported to the first manufacturing apparatus 30. At this time, the continuum P of the absorbent main body P1 is not supplied onto the second conveying path 23.

[0037] The second manufacturing apparatus 40 manufactures the second absorbent article 60 using the continuum P transported on the second conveying path 23. When the second conveying path 23 is set in the setting step S1, the continuum P of the absorbent main body P1 is supplied onto the second conveying path 23 and transported to the second manufacturing apparatus 40. At this time, the continuum P of the absorbent main body P1 is not supplied onto the first conveying path 22.

[0038] In addition, when the destination of the continuous body P of the absorbent body P1 is switched (in other words, when the worn article to be manufactured is switched between the first absorbent article 50 and the second absorbent article 60), the process of newly wrapping the continuous body P of the absorbent body P1 around the first manufacturing device 30 or the second manufacturing device 40 (setting process S1) is performed again.

[0039] (4) First manufacturing process S4 In the first manufacturing process S4, the continuous body P transported along the first transport path 22 is cut and separated into individual absorbent bodies P1, and a first absorbent article 50 including the separated individual absorbent bodies P1 is manufactured.

[0040] In the first manufacturing process S4, the first absorbent article 50 is manufactured using the first manufacturing apparatus 30. Although the arrangement is not limited thereto, for example, the first manufacturing apparatus 30 is disposed above the second manufacturing apparatus 40.

[0041] The first manufacturing apparatus 30 manufactures the first absorbent article 50 using the continuous body P of the absorbent main body P1 transported by the first transport path 22. In this embodiment, the first absorbent article 50 is a tape-type diaper as described above.

[0042] The first manufacturing step S4 will be described below when the first absorbent article 50 is a tape-type diaper.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, the first manufacturing process S4 mainly includes a side flap sheet manufacturing process S41, a first combining process S42, a first separating process S43, and a first conveying process S44.

[0044] In the side flap sheet manufacturing process S41, a side flap sheet is manufactured which will become the first wearing member 81 to be worn around a person's waist through subsequent processes.

[0045] The side flap sheet manufacturing step S41 will be specifically described.

[0046] In the side flap sheet manufacturing process S41, the exterior flap cutter 34 (see FIG. 1) cuts the belt-shaped sheet 80 in directions intersecting both the conveying direction and a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction to cut out trapezoidal side flap sheets 81a (see FIG. 4). In the side flap sheet manufacturing process S41, when viewed along the conveying direction, trapezoids with longer sides on the right and trapezoids with longer sides on the left are formed alternately.

[0047] In the first combining step S42, the side flap sheet 81a and the continuous body P of the absorbent main body P1 are combined. More specifically, the long sides of the trapezoid of the first attachment member 81 are joined to both edges in the shorter direction of the continuous body P of the absorbent main body P1 using the end side sealing machine 31. In the first combining step S42, the trapezoid with the longer side located on the right side in the conveyance direction of the sheet 80, formed in the side flap sheet manufacturing step S41, is joined to the left side of the continuous body P of the absorbent main body P1 being conveyed, and the trapezoid with the longer side located on the left side in the conveyance direction of the sheet 80, formed in the side flap sheet manufacturing step S41, is joined to the right side of the continuous body P of the absorbent main body P1 being conveyed.

[0048] In the first combining step S42, the side flap sheets 81a adjacent to each other in the machine direction MD are arranged at a predetermined distance in the machine direction MD.

[0049] In the first separation step S43, the product cutter 32 cuts the continuous web P, which is conveyed along the first conveying path 22 and to which the side flap sheets 81a have been joined, to separate the continuous web P into individual absorbent main bodies P1, each having a longitudinal direction aligned with the first direction, i.e., the machine direction MD. When cutting the continuous web P, the product cutter 32 cuts the center of the side flap sheet 81a joined to the continuous web P in the machine direction MD. This separates each side flap sheet 81a into two pieces, each of which is placed as a side flap 81b on an adjacent absorbent main body P1. As shown in FIG. 4 , the four side flaps 81b provided on each absorbent main body P1 constitute a first attachment member 81 to be worn around a person's waist. The four side flaps 81b, functioning as the first attachment member 81, are placed against the abdomen and back of the wearer when worn. Furthermore, when worn on a wearer, the pair of side flaps 81b aligned in the longitudinal direction of the first wearing member 81 are arranged to overlap each other so that the diaper serving as the first absorbent article 50 covers the entire waist circumference. The overlapping side flaps 81b are fastened to each other by tape (hook and loop fasteners) (not shown) attached to at least a portion of the side flaps 81b so that the first absorbent article 50 is fastened to the wearer.

[0050] In the first conveying step S44, the individual absorbent bodies P1 after separation (in other words, the first absorbent articles 50 in an unfolded state) are conveyed so that a first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the absorbent bodies P1, coincides with the conveying direction of the absorbent bodies P1. The conveyed absorbent bodies P1 are folded in half along the center line of the longitudinal direction of the absorbent bodies P1 using a folding device 33.

[0051] In this manner, the first manufacturing apparatus 30 forms a tape-type disposable diaper, which is the first absorbent article 50 .

[0052] 1 and 2 , in the second manufacturing process S5, the continuous web P conveyed along the second conveying path 23 is cut and separated into individual absorbent bodies P1, and the separated individual absorbent bodies P1 are used to manufacture the second absorbent article 60. The second absorbent article 60 is a different type of absorbent article from the first absorbent article 50. In this embodiment, the second absorbent article 60 is a pants-type diaper as described above.

[0053] The second manufacturing step S5 will be described below in the case where the second absorbent article 60 is a pants-type diaper.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5, the second manufacturing process S5 includes a second separation process S51, a position change process S52, a second conveying process S53, an attachment member sheet manufacturing process S54, a second combining process S55, and a cutting process S56.

[0055] 1 and 2, the second manufacturing step S5 uses a second manufacturing apparatus 40. In the second separating step S51, an internal cutter 41 of the second manufacturing apparatus 40 cuts the continuous body P conveyed along the second conveying path 23 to separate it into absorbent bodies P1. As a result, the continuous body P of absorbent bodies P1 becomes absorbent bodies P1 that are independent of each other.

[0056] In the position changing step S52, after separation in the second separation step S51 by the position changing device 42, the position of each absorbent main body P1 being conveyed is rotated by 90° so that the first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body P1, coincides with the conveyance direction of the absorbent main body P1. In other words, in the position changing step S52, the first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body P1, and the conveyance direction of the absorbent main body P1 are made perpendicular to each other.

[0057] In the second transport step S53, the individual absorbent bodies P1 after separation are transported so that the first direction and the machine direction MD of the absorbent bodies P1 are perpendicular to each other.

[0058] 5, in the wearing member sheet manufacturing process S54, a first sheet 83a and a second sheet 83b are manufactured which will become the second wearing member 83 to be worn around a person's waist through a later process. Note that the first sheet 83a will become a member that covers the front torso of the wearer of the second wearing member 83 through a later process, and the second sheet 83b will become a member that covers the back torso of the wearer of the second wearing member 83 through a later process.

[0059] The first sheet 83a and the second sheet 83b are cut out from a strip-shaped sheet 82. More specifically, the strip-shaped sheet 82 is cut into the first sheet 83a and the second sheet 83b along the longitudinal direction by a cutter (not shown) located approximately in the center in the width direction. The formed first sheet 83a and second sheet 83b are fed along the longitudinal direction while being subjected to a predetermined amount of tension.

[0060] The first sheet 83a and the second sheet 83b cut from the sheet 82 are expanded outward in the width direction from a center line extending along the longitudinal direction of the sheet 82 at the width center of the sheet 82, and then fed parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction of each sheet.

[0061] In this embodiment, the strip-shaped sheet 82 is cut by a cutter to form a wave shape along the longitudinal direction as shown in FIG. 5 . As a result, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the sheet 82 (from the perspective of FIG. 5 ), convex portions protruding toward the inside of the sheet 82 and concave portions recessed toward the outside of the sheet 82 are alternately formed on the cut sides of the first sheet 83a and the second sheet 83b. During conveyance of the first sheet 83a and the second sheet 83b, the first sheet 83a and the second sheet 83b are aligned in phase so that they are symmetrical about the center line of the sheet 82. In other words, during conveyance of the first sheet 83a and the second sheet 83b, the positions of the concave portions of the first sheet 83a and the second sheet 83b coincide with each other in the conveyance direction of the first sheet 83a and the second sheet 83b, and the positions of the convex portions of the first sheet 83a and the second sheet 83b coincide with each other.

[0062] In the second combining step S55, the first sheet 83a and the second sheet 83b are combined with the absorbent main body P1. Specifically, in the second combining step S55, the absorbent main body P1 is positioned on the first sheet 83a and the second sheet 83b, which are conveyed in parallel, so as to straddle the first sheet 83a and the second sheet 83b, and so that the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body P1 is aligned with a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction MD of the first sheet 83a and the second sheet 83b. Specifically, in the second combining step S55, the absorbent main body P1 is positioned so as to straddle the recessed portion recessed on the outer side of the first sheet 83a and the recessed portion recessed on the outer side of the second sheet 83b, which are conveyed in parallel. Then, in the second combining step S55, the absorbent main body P1 and the first sheet 83a and the second sheet 83b are joined together using a joining device 43. For example, ultrasonic joining is used as the joining method. However, the joining method is not limited to ultrasonic joining, and may be selected appropriately.

[0063] Furthermore, in the second combination process S55, the folding device 44 folds the absorbent body P1 in half at the center in the width direction (the direction perpendicular to the first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body P1) so that the edges of the first sheet 83a and the second sheet 83b in the first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body P1 (in other words, the ends of the first sheet 83a and the second sheet 83b in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction) overlap in a planar view.

[0064] Furthermore, in the second combination process S55, the overlapping sheets 83a, 83b are joined in the center between two adjacent absorbent bodies P1 in the conveying direction by a side seal device 45, with the first sheet 83a and the second sheet 83b being joined in the entire direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, thereby forming a side seal portion.

[0065] In the cutting step S56, the first sheet 83a and the second sheet 83b are cut by the product cutter 46 (see FIG. 1 ) at the center of the formed side seal portion in the width direction (the conveyance direction of the first sheet 83a and the second sheet 83b). As a result, the first sheet 83a becomes the portion of the second wearing member 83 that covers the front torso of the wearer, and the second sheet 83b becomes the portion of the second wearing member 83 that covers the rear torso of the wearer. The portion of the second wearing member 83 formed from the first sheet 83a that covers the front torso of the wearer and the portion of the second wearing member 83 formed from the second sheet 83b that covers the rear torso of the wearer are connected by the side seal portion, and as a whole, they cover the entire torso of the wearer.

[0066] In this manner, the second manufacturing apparatus 40 forms a pants-type disposable diaper, which is the second absorbent article 60 .

[0067] Second Embodiment A method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0068] First, the differences between the manufacturing method of the first embodiment and the manufacturing method of the second embodiment will be outlined. The manufacturing method of the first embodiment differs from the manufacturing method of the second embodiment in the following points.

[0069] In the manufacturing method of the first embodiment, the continuum P of absorbent bodies P1 is supplied as is to the first manufacturing apparatus 30 and the second manufacturing apparatus 40. In contrast, in the manufacturing method of the second embodiment, each absorbent body P1 is separated from the manufactured continuum P, and the absorbent bodies P1 are supplied to the first manufacturing apparatus 30 and the second manufacturing apparatus 40.

[0070] As shown in Figure 6, the method for manufacturing absorbent articles according to the second aspect includes a continuous body forming step S'1, a separating step S'2, a switching step S'3, a first manufacturing step S'4, and a second manufacturing step S'5. The second embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. The steps and devices of the second embodiment other than those described below are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 7, an absorbent article manufacturing system 101 is used in the absorbent article manufacturing method of the second embodiment.

[0072] (1) Continuum Forming Step S'1 In the continuum forming step S'1, a continuum P of absorbent bodies P1 in which a plurality of absorbent bodies P1 are connected together is formed. Note that the forming step S'1 of the continuum P of absorbent bodies P1 is the same as the forming step S2 of the continuum P of absorbent bodies P1 in the first embodiment. Here, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0073] (2) Separating Step S'2 In the separating step S'2, the inner cutter 70 cuts the continuous body P to separate it into absorbent bodies P1.

[0074] (3) Switching Step S'3 In the switching step S'3, the supply destination of the absorbent main body P1 separated in the separating step S'2 is switched between the first manufacturing step S'4 and the second manufacturing step S'5. Although the switching method is not limited, for example, a switching device 20 is used to switch the absorbent main body P1.

[0075] The switching device 20 is disposed between the absorbent core manufacturing device 10 and the first conveying path 22 and the second conveying path 23, which are destinations of the absorbent body P1. The switching device 20 switches the destination of the absorbent body P1 separated in the separation step S'2 between the first conveying path 22 and the second conveying path 23, and conveys the absorbent body P1 to the destination.

[0076] The switching device 20 changes the supply destination of the absorbent body P1 based on, for example, an operator's command input to a control device (not shown), and transports the absorbent body P1 to the new supply destination. For example, the switching device 20 transports the absorbent body P1 alternately to the first transport path 22 and the second transport path 23. Alternatively, for example, the switching device 20 may be configured to continue transporting the absorbent body P1 to one of the first transport path 22 and the second transport path 23 until the operator performs a switching operation, and then change the destination of the absorbent body P1 to the other of the first transport path 22 and the second transport path 23 when the operator performs a switching operation.

[0077] (4) First Manufacturing Step S'4 In the first manufacturing step S'4, the first absorbent article 50 including the absorbent main body P1 is manufactured. In this embodiment, the first absorbent article 50 is also a tape-type diaper.

[0078] In the first manufacturing process S'4, the first manufacturing apparatus 30' manufactures the absorbent main body continuum P. Unlike the first manufacturing apparatus 30, the first manufacturing apparatus 30' does not receive the absorbent main body P1 continuum and manufacture the first absorbent article 50, but manufactures the first absorbent article 50 using the absorbent main bodies P1 that are transported thereto.

[0079] The first manufacturing process S'4 mainly includes a first conveying process S'46, a side flap sheet manufacturing process S'47, and a first combining process S'48.

[0080] In the first transport step S'46, the individual absorbent bodies P1 after separation are transported so that a first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the absorbent bodies P1, coincides with the transport direction of the absorbent bodies P1.

[0081] In the side flap sheet manufacturing process S'47, first attachment members 81 to be attached around a person's waist are manufactured. In the side flap sheet manufacturing process S'47, side flaps 81b having the shape as described in the first embodiment are formed. As in the first embodiment, each first absorbent article 50 includes four side flaps 81b as the first attachment members 81.

[0082] In the first combining step S'48, the individually independent side flaps 81c are combined with the absorbent main body P1 to manufacture a tape-type diaper as the first absorbent article 50. Specifically, in the first combining step S'48, the side flaps 81c are fused to both edge portions in the short direction of the absorbent main body P1 and also to both edge portions in a first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body P1, in the manner shown in Fig. 4 .

[0083] The first absorbent article 50 in the unfolded state is transported so that the first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body P1, coincides with the transport direction of the absorbent main body P1. As in the first embodiment, the transported absorbent main body P1 is folded in half along the center line of the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body P1 using the folding device 33.

[0084] In this manner, the first manufacturing apparatus 30' forms a tape-type disposable diaper, which is the first absorbent article 50.

[0085] (5) Second Manufacturing Process S'5 In the second manufacturing process S'5, the second manufacturing apparatus 40' is used to manufacture the absorbent main body continuum P. Unlike the second manufacturing apparatus 40, the second manufacturing apparatus 40' uses separated individual absorbent main bodies P1 to manufacture second absorbent articles 60 of a different type from the first absorbent article 50.

[0086] The second manufacturing process S'5 is the same as the second manufacturing process S5 of the first embodiment except that it does not include the second separation process S51. A detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0087] <Features> (1) A manufacturing method for absorbent articles according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a continuum P forming step S2, a setting step S1, a continuum conveying step S3, a first manufacturing step S4, and a second manufacturing step S5. In the continuum P forming step S2, a continuum P of absorbent bodies P1 in a state in which a plurality of absorbent bodies P1 are connected together is formed. In the setting step S1, the conveyance path for the continuum P is set to either the first conveyance path 22 or the second conveyance path 23. In the continuum conveying step S3, the continuum P is conveyed along the set conveyance path. In the first manufacturing step S4, the continuum P conveyed along the first conveyance path 22 is cut and separated into individual absorbent bodies P1, and a tape-type diaper 50 including the separated individual absorbent bodies P1 is manufactured. In the second manufacturing process S5, the continuous web P conveyed along the second conveying path 23 is cut and separated into individual absorbent bodies P1, and the separated individual absorbent bodies P1 are used to manufacture pants-type diapers 60, which are a different type from the tape-type diapers 50. By being configured in this manner, the method for manufacturing absorbent articles can reduce the installation costs and installation area of ​​the device.

[0088] (2) A manufacturing method of an absorbent article according to a second aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing method of an absorbent article according to the first aspect, wherein the first manufacturing step S4 includes a first separation step S43 and a first conveying step S44. In the first separation step S43, the continuous web P conveyed along the first conveying path 22 is cut to separate it into individual absorbent bodies P1 whose longitudinal direction is the first direction. In the first conveying step S44, the individual separated absorbent bodies P1 are conveyed so that the first direction and the conveying direction of the absorbent bodies P1 coincide with each other. The second manufacturing step S5 includes a second separation step S51 and a second conveying step S53. In the second separation step S51, the continuous web P conveyed along the second conveying path 23 is cut to separate it into individual absorbent bodies P1. In the second conveying step S53, the individual separated absorbent bodies P1 are conveyed so that the first direction and the conveying direction of the absorbent bodies P1 are perpendicular to each other. With this configuration, in this method for manufacturing absorbent articles, two different types of absorbent articles can be manufactured from the continuous body P formed in a single process.

[0089] (3) A manufacturing method of an absorbent article according to a third aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing method of an absorbent article according to the second aspect, wherein the second manufacturing step S5 further includes a position changing step S52. In the position changing step S52, after separation in the second separation step S51, the position of each absorbent main body P1 that has been conveyed so that the first direction coincides with the conveying direction of the absorbent main body P1 is rotated by 90° to make the first direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the absorbent main body P1. With this configuration, in the second manufacturing step S5, it is possible to manufacture pants-type diapers 60 from the continuous web P, which differ from the tape-type diaper pants 50 manufactured in the first manufacturing step S4.

[0090] (4) A manufacturing method for an absorbent article according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing method for an absorbent article according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first manufacturing step S4 includes a side flap sheet manufacturing step S41 and a first assembling step S42. In the side flap sheet manufacturing step S41, a first attachment member 81 to be attached around a person's waist is manufactured. In the first assembling step S42, the first attachment member 81 is combined with the absorbent main body P1 to manufacture a tape-type diaper as the first absorbent article 50. With this configuration, in the first manufacturing step S4, a tape-type diaper can be manufactured as the first absorbent article 50.

[0091] (5) A manufacturing method for an absorbent article according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing method for an absorbent article according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the second manufacturing step S5 includes an attachment member sheet manufacturing step S54 and a second assembling step S55. The attachment member sheet manufacturing step S54 manufactures a second attachment member 83 to be attached around a person's waist. The second assembling step S55 combines the second attachment member 83 with the absorbent main body P1 to manufacture a pants-type diaper as the second absorbent article 60. With this configuration, the second manufacturing step S5 can manufacture a pants-type diaper as the second absorbent article 60.

[0092] (6) A manufacturing method for absorbent articles according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes a forming step S'1 of a continuum P, a separating step S'2, a first manufacturing step S'4, a second manufacturing step S'5, and a switching step S'3. In the forming step S'1 of the continuum P, a continuum P of absorbent bodies P1 in a connected state is formed. In the separating step S'2, the continuum P is cut to separate it into individual absorbent bodies P1. In the first manufacturing step S'4, a tape-type diaper, which is a first absorbent article 50, is manufactured using the absorbent bodies P1. In the second manufacturing step S'5, a pants-type diaper, which is a second absorbent article 60 different from the first absorbent article 50, is manufactured using the absorbent bodies P1. In the switching step S'3, the supply destination of the absorbent bodies P1 separated in the separating step S'2 is switched between the first manufacturing step S4 and the second manufacturing step S5. By configuring in this way, the method for manufacturing absorbent articles can reduce the installation cost and installation area of ​​the device.

[0093] (7) A manufacturing method of an absorbent article according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing method of an absorbent article according to the sixth aspect, wherein the first manufacturing step S'4 includes a first conveying step S'46. In the first conveying step S'46, the absorbent main body P1 is conveyed so that a first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body P1, coincides with the conveying direction of the absorbent main body P1. The second manufacturing step S'5 includes a second conveying step S'52. In the second conveying step S'52, the absorbent main body P1 is conveyed so that the first direction and the conveying direction of the absorbent main body P1 are perpendicular to each other. Configured in this way, this manufacturing method of an absorbent article can manufacture two different types of absorbent articles from a continuous body P formed in a single step.

[0094] (8) A manufacturing method of an absorbent article according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing method of an absorbent article according to the seventh aspect, wherein the second manufacturing step S'5 further includes a position changing step S'51. In the position changing step S'51, the position of the absorbent main body P1, which is being conveyed so that the first direction and the conveying direction of the absorbent main body P1 coincide with each other, is rotated by 90 degrees so that the first direction and the conveying direction of the absorbent main body P1 are perpendicular to each other. By being configured in this manner, the second manufacturing step S'5 can manufacture pants-type diapers that are different from the tape-type diapers manufactured in the first manufacturing step S'4.

[0095] (9) A manufacturing method for an absorbent article according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing method for an absorbent article according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, wherein the first manufacturing step S'4 includes a side flap sheet manufacturing step S'47 and a first assembling step S'48. The side flap sheet manufacturing step S'47 manufactures a first attachment member 81 to be worn around a person's waist. The first assembling step S'48 combines the first attachment member 81 with the absorbent main body P1 to manufacture a tape-type diaper as the first absorbent article 50. With this configuration, the first manufacturing step S'4 can manufacture a tape-type diaper as the first absorbent article 50.

[0096] (10) A manufacturing method for an absorbent article according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing method for an absorbent article according to any one of the sixth to ninth aspects, wherein the second manufacturing step S'5 includes an attachment member sheet manufacturing step S'53 and a second assembling step S'54. The attachment member sheet manufacturing step S'53 manufactures a second attachment member 83 to be attached around a person's waist. The second assembling step S'54 combines the second attachment member 83 with the absorbent main body P1 to manufacture a pants-type diaper as the second absorbent article 60. With this configuration, the second manufacturing step S'5 can manufacture a pants-type diaper as the second absorbent article 60.

[0097] <Modifications> Modifications of the above embodiment will be described below. The following modifications may be combined as appropriate within the scope of not contradicting each other.

[0098] (1) Modification A In the first and second embodiments described above, two types of absorbent articles, the first absorbent article 50 and the second absorbent article 60, are manufactured in the first manufacturing steps S4, S'4 and the second manufacturing steps S5, S'5, respectively, but this is not particularly limited. Three or more types of absorbent articles may be manufactured in the absorbent article manufacturing method of the present invention.

[0099] (2) Modification B In the first and second embodiments, different types of absorbent articles are manufactured in the first manufacturing process S4, S'4 and the second manufacturing process S5, S'5, respectively, but this is not particularly limited. In the absorbent article manufacturing method of the present invention, the same type of absorbent article may be manufactured in the first manufacturing process S'4 and the second manufacturing process S'5, but with some different specifications such as size.

[0100] (3) Modification C In the above embodiment, the first manufacturing apparatus 30, which is a manufacturing apparatus for tape-type diapers, is disposed above the second manufacturing apparatus 40, which is a manufacturing apparatus for pants-type diapers. However, this is not particularly limited. For example, the first manufacturing apparatus 30 may be disposed below the second manufacturing apparatus 40. However, it is more preferable to dispose a manufacturing apparatus whose constituent equipment is relatively light in weight above a manufacturing apparatus whose constituent equipment is heavy in weight.

[0101] (4) Modification D In the above embodiment, tape-type diapers are manufactured in the first manufacturing steps S4 and S'4, and pants-type diapers are manufactured in the second manufacturing steps S5 and S'5, but this is not particularly limited. For example, urine absorption pads may be manufactured in the first manufacturing steps S4 and S'4, and tape-type diapers may be manufactured in the second manufacturing steps S5 and S'5.

[0102] When a urine absorbing pad is manufactured in the first manufacturing steps S4 and S'4, the absorbent body P1 separated in the first separation step S43 or separation step S'2 is used as the urine absorbing pad, and a urine absorbing pad as the first absorbent article 50 is formed.

[0103] (5) Modification E In the above embodiment, the first manufacturing apparatus 30 manufactured tape-type diapers and the second manufacturing apparatus 40 manufactured pants-type diapers, but this is not particularly limited. For example, the first manufacturing apparatus 30 may manufacture sheet-type disposable sanitary napkins and the second manufacturing apparatus 40 may manufacture pants-type disposable sanitary shorts.

[0104] (6) Modification F In the above embodiment, the absorbent main body P1 is rotated in the position changing step S52 of the second manufacturing process S5, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this.

[0105] As shown in Fig. 9, the conveyance path of the absorbent main body P1 after the second separation step S51 may be changed to the conveyance direction MD2. For example, the conveyance direction MD2 is a direction shifted by 90° from the conveyance direction MD1 before the second separation step S51. In this case, before the second separation step S51, the first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the individual absorbent main bodies P1, is parallel to the conveyance direction MD1 of the absorbent main bodies P1. After the second separation step S51, the first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the individual absorbent main bodies P1, is perpendicular to the conveyance direction MD2 of the absorbent main bodies P1.

[0106] <Additional Notes> Finally, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiments will be described.

[0107] A method for manufacturing absorbent articles according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a continuum forming step, a setting step, a continuum conveying step, a first manufacturing step, and a second manufacturing step. In the continuum forming step, a continuum of absorbent bodies in which a plurality of absorbent bodies are connected together is formed. In the setting step, the conveyance path for the continuum is set to either a first conveyance path or a second conveyance path. In the continuum conveying step, the continuum is conveyed along the set conveyance path. In the first manufacturing step, the continuum conveyed along the first conveyance path is cut and separated into individual absorbent bodies, and a first absorbent article including the separated individual absorbent bodies is manufactured. In the second manufacturing step, the continuum conveyed along the second conveyance path is cut and separated into individual absorbent bodies, and a second absorbent article of a different type from the first absorbent article is manufactured using the separated individual absorbent bodies. This configuration allows the method for manufacturing absorbent articles to reduce the installation costs and installation area of ​​the apparatus.

[0108] A manufacturing method for absorbent articles according to a second aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing method for absorbent articles according to the first aspect, wherein the first manufacturing step includes a first separation step and a first conveying step. In the first separation step, the continuous web conveyed along the first conveying path is cut to separate it into individual absorbent main bodies, each having a longitudinal direction in a first direction. In the first conveying step, the individual separated absorbent main bodies are conveyed so that the first direction coincides with the conveying direction of the absorbent main bodies. The second manufacturing step includes a second separation step and a second conveying step. In the second separation step, the continuous web conveyed along the second conveying path is cut to separate it into absorbent main bodies. In the second conveying step, the individual separated absorbent main bodies are conveyed so that the first direction and the conveying direction of the absorbent main bodies are perpendicular to each other. Configured in this way, this manufacturing method for absorbent articles can manufacture two different types of absorbent articles from a continuous web formed in a single step.

[0109] A manufacturing method of an absorbent article according to a third aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing method of an absorbent article according to the second aspect, wherein the second manufacturing step further includes a position changing step. In the position changing step, the position of each absorbent main body that has been conveyed after separation in the second separation step so that the first direction coincides with the conveying direction of the absorbent main body is rotated by 90° to make the first direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the absorbent main body. With this configuration, in the second manufacturing step, it is possible to manufacture absorbent articles from the continuous web that are different from the absorbent articles manufactured in the first manufacturing step.

[0110] A method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first manufacturing step includes a side-flap sheet manufacturing step and a first assembling step. The side-flap sheet manufacturing step manufactures a first attachment member to be worn around a person's waist. The first assembling step combines the first attachment member with an absorbent main body to manufacture a tape-type diaper as the first absorbent article. With this configuration, the first manufacturing step can manufacture a tape-type diaper as the first absorbent article.

[0111] A manufacturing method for an absorbent article according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing method for an absorbent article according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the second manufacturing step includes a fitting member sheet manufacturing step and a second assembling step. The fitting member sheet manufacturing step manufactures a second fitting member to be worn around a person's waist. The second assembling step combines the second fitting member with an absorbent main body to manufacture a pants-type diaper as the second absorbent article. With this configuration, the second manufacturing step can manufacture a pants-type diaper as the second absorbent article.

[0112] A method for manufacturing absorbent articles according to a sixth aspect of the present invention comprises a continuous body forming step, a separating step, a first manufacturing step, a second manufacturing step, and a switching step. In the continuous body forming step, a continuous body of absorbent bodies in which a plurality of absorbent bodies are connected together is formed. In the separating step, the continuous body is cut to separate into individual absorbent bodies. In the first manufacturing step, a first absorbent article is manufactured using the absorbent bodies. In the second manufacturing step, a second absorbent article different from the first absorbent article is manufactured using the absorbent bodies. In the switching step, the supply destination of the absorbent bodies separated in the separating step is switched between the first manufacturing step and the second manufacturing step. This configuration allows the method for manufacturing absorbent articles to reduce the installation costs and installation area of ​​the equipment.

[0113] A method for manufacturing absorbent articles according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the method for manufacturing absorbent articles according to the sixth aspect, wherein the first manufacturing step includes a first conveying step. In the first conveying step, the absorbent main body is conveyed so that a first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body, coincides with the conveying direction of the absorbent main body. The second manufacturing step includes a second conveying step. In the second conveying step, the absorbent main body is conveyed so that the first direction and the conveying direction of the absorbent main body are perpendicular to each other. Configured in this way, this method for manufacturing absorbent articles can manufacture two different types of absorbent articles from a continuous body formed in a single step.

[0114] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to the seventh aspect, wherein the second manufacturing step further includes a position change step. In the position change step, the position of the absorbent main body, which is being conveyed so that the first direction coincides with the conveyance direction of the absorbent main body, is rotated by 90° to make the first direction and the conveyance direction of the absorbent main body perpendicular to each other. By configuring in this manner, the second manufacturing step can manufacture an absorbent article that is different from the absorbent article manufactured in the first manufacturing step.

[0115] A method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, wherein the first manufacturing step includes a side-flap sheet manufacturing step and a first assembling step. The side-flap sheet manufacturing step manufactures a first attachment member to be worn around a person's waist. The first assembling step combines the first attachment member with an absorbent main body to manufacture a tape-type diaper as the first absorbent article. With this configuration, the first manufacturing step can manufacture a tape-type diaper as the first absorbent article.

[0116] A tenth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to any one of the sixth to ninth aspects, wherein the second manufacturing step includes a fitting member sheet manufacturing step and a second assembling step. The fitting member sheet manufacturing step manufactures a second fitting member to be worn around a person's waist. The second assembling step combines the second fitting member with an absorbent main body to manufacture a pants-type diaper as the second absorbent article. With this configuration, the second manufacturing step can manufacture a pants-type diaper as the second absorbent article.

[0117] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Absorbent article manufacturing system 10 Absorbent body manufacturing device 20 Switching device 22 First conveying path 23 Second conveying path 30, 30' First manufacturing device 40, 40' Second manufacturing device 50 First absorbent article 60 Second absorbent article P Absorbent body continuum P1 Absorbent body S1 Continuum forming process S2 Setting process S3 Continuum conveying process S4 First manufacturing process S5 Second manufacturing process S'1 Continuum forming process S'2 Separation process S'3 Switching process S'4 First manufacturing process S'5 Second manufacturing process

Claims

1. A process for forming a continuum of absorbent bodies, in which multiple absorbent bodies are connected together, A setting step of setting the transport path of the continuous body to either the first transport path or the second transport path, A continuous body transport step in which the continuous body is transported along the set transport path, A first manufacturing step involves cutting the continuous body being transported along the first transport path to separate it into individual absorbent bodies, and manufacturing a first absorbent article including the separated individual absorbent bodies. A second manufacturing step involves cutting the continuous body being transported along the second transport path to separate it into individual absorbent bodies, and using the separated individual absorbent bodies to manufacture a second absorbent article of a different type from the first absorbent article. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article, comprising the following:

2. The first manufacturing process is as follows: A first separation step involves cutting the continuous body being transported along the first transport path to separate it into individual absorbent bodies with the first direction as the longitudinal direction, A first transport step in which the individual absorbent bodies after separation are transported such that the first direction and the transport direction of the absorbent bodies coincide, Includes, The second manufacturing process is as follows: A second separation step involves cutting the continuous body being transported along the second transport path and separating it into the absorbent body, A second transport step in which the individual absorbent bodies after separation are transported such that the first direction and the transport direction of the absorbent bodies are perpendicular to each other, including, A method for producing an absorbent article according to claim 1.

3. The second manufacturing step further includes a posture changing step, in which, after separation in the second separation step, the posture of each of the absorbent bodies being transported is rotated by 90° so that the first direction and the transport direction of the absorbent bodies coincide, thereby making the first direction and the transport direction of the absorbent bodies perpendicular. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The first manufacturing process is as follows: A side flap sheet manufacturing process for manufacturing a first attachment member that is attached to a person's torso, A first combination step involves combining the first attachment member and the absorbent body to manufacture a tape-type diaper as the first absorbent article, A method for producing an absorbent article according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising:

5. The second manufacturing process is as follows: A manufacturing process for a mounting member sheet that produces a second mounting member that is attached to a person's torso, A second combination step involves combining the second attachment member and the absorbent body to manufacture a pant-type diaper as the second absorbent article, A method for producing an absorbent article according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising:

6. A process for forming a continuum of absorbent bodies, in which multiple absorbent bodies are connected together, A separation step of cutting the continuous body and separating it into individual absorbent bodies, A first manufacturing step for manufacturing a first absorbent article using the absorbent body, A second manufacturing step involves using the absorbent body to manufacture a second absorbent article different from the first absorbent article, A switching step in which the destination of the absorbent body separated in the separation step is switched between the first manufacturing step and the second manufacturing step, A method for manufacturing an absorbent article, comprising the following:

7. The first manufacturing step includes a first conveying step of conveying the absorbent body such that the first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body, coincides with the conveying direction of the absorbent body. The second manufacturing step includes a second conveying step of conveying the absorbent body such that the first direction and the conveying direction of the absorbent body are perpendicular to each other. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to claim 6.

8. The second manufacturing step further includes a posture changing step, in which the posture of the absorbent body being transported is rotated by 90° so that the first direction and the transport direction of the absorbent body coincide, thereby making the first direction and the transport direction of the absorbent body perpendicular. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to claim 6 or claim 7.

9. The first manufacturing process is as follows: A side flap sheet manufacturing process for manufacturing a first attachment member that is attached to a person's torso, A first combination step involves combining the first attachment member and the absorbent body to manufacture a tape-type diaper as the first absorbent article, An absorbent article manufacturing system according to claim 6 or claim 7, comprising:

10. The second manufacturing process is as follows: A manufacturing process for a mounting member sheet that produces a second mounting member that is attached to a person's torso, A second combination step involves combining the second attachment member and the absorbent body to manufacture a pant-type diaper as the second absorbent article, The absorbent article manufacturing system according to claim 6 or claim 7, including the above.