Individual absorbent article package and method for producing packaging material

Abstract

Provided is an individual absorbent article package (30) comprising: an absorbent article (1) including an absorbent body (10); and a packaging material (31) for individually packaging the absorbent article (1). The absorbent article (1) and the packaging material (31) are folded. A pair of end portions of the packaging material (31) are provided with sealing parts (35) for sealing the end portions. In a plan view, the packaging material (31) includes a plurality of protruding parts (32) protruding outward at least in a region between the pair of end portions. The protruding parts (32) have a pyramid shape or a truncated pyramid shape.

Description

Individually packaged absorbent article and method for manufacturing packaging material

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

[0002] Sanitary napkins, for example, as absorbent articles, are generally individually packaged in packaging material (individually packaged). A plurality of individually packaged sanitary napkins are then sold and distributed as a package containing a predetermined bag material. Because the sanitary napkins are removed from the package in the individually packaged state, aesthetic appeal is also required for the individually packaged sanitary napkins. Patent Documents 1 and 2, for example, disclose methods for improving aesthetic appeal by forming a pattern, such as an embossed recess, on the bag material of the package.

[0003] JP 2018-70175 A JP 2021-49998 A

[0004] The packaging material of the individual package is thinner than the bag material of the package and has different uses and functions. In Patent Documents 1 and 2, patterns such as protrusions and recesses are formed on the bag material of the package, but it has been difficult to apply these techniques to the packaging material of the individual package and obtain the same effects.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an individual package for an absorbent article that can improve aesthetic appearance.

[0006] The main invention for achieving the above-mentioned object is an individual package of an absorbent article comprising an absorbent article having an absorbent body and a packaging material for individually packaging the absorbent article, wherein the absorbent article and the packaging material are folded, a pair of ends of the packaging material are provided with sealing portions for sealing the ends, and in a planar view, the packaging material has a plurality of convex portions protruding outward in at least the region between the pair of ends, and the convex portions are pyramidal or truncated pyramidal in shape.

[0007] Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an individual package for an absorbent article that can improve aesthetic appearance.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an unfolded napkin 1 as viewed from the skin side. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the napkin 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view of an unfolded individual napkin package 30 as viewed from the non-skin side. FIG. 4 is a plan view of an unfolded individual napkin package 30 as viewed from the skin side. FIG. 5A is a plan view of the opening side of the folded individual package 30, and FIG. 5B is a plan view of the non-opening side. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of a napkin package 40, and FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the bag material 41 after it has been opened. FIG. 10A is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of a manufacturing method for a packaging material 31. FIG. 10B is a side view of the recesses 82 formed in a cooling roller 80a. FIG. 10A is a perspective view schematically showing protrusions 32 formed on a packaging material 31, and FIG. 10B is a side view of the protrusions 32. FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are explanatory diagrams of light reflection. FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram showing a case where the protrusions 32 have varying heights.

[0010] At least the following matters will become clear from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0011] (Aspect 1) An individually packaged absorbent article comprising an absorbent article having an absorbent body and a packaging material that individually packages the absorbent article, wherein the absorbent article and the packaging material are folded, a pair of ends of the packaging material are provided with sealing portions for sealing the ends, and in a plan view, the packaging material has a plurality of convex portions that protrude outward in at least a region between the pair of ends, and the convex portions are pyramidal or truncated pyramidal in shape.

[0012] According to Aspect 1, the absorbent article is folded so as to be covered with the packaging material, and a pair of edges of the packaging material are sealed, making it difficult for foreign objects to get in from the outside. Furthermore, by providing a plurality of pyramidal or truncated pyramidal protrusions on the outside of the packaging material, a three-dimensional design with different depths can be formed, and the reflection of light on the slopes can give a sparkling, high-quality impression. This improves aesthetics.

[0013] (Aspect 2) The individually wrapped absorbent article according to aspect 1, wherein the protrusions are arranged at a predetermined pitch between the pair of ends of the wrapping material.

[0014] According to aspect 2, the convex portions are formed in a row on both the opening surface and the non-opening surface of the packaging material, so that when the individual package is picked up, it gives the impression of high quality.

[0015] (Aspect 3) The individually packaged absorbent article according to Aspect 1 or Aspect 2, wherein the packaging material has a first film, the individually packaged body is contained in a bag material having a second film, the average thickness of the first film is smaller than the average thickness of the second film, and the average light transmittance of the second film is smaller than the average light transmittance of the first film.

[0016] According to Aspect 3, since the individual packages are contained in a bag material, it is difficult for others to know the contents when purchasing the absorbent article, and the absorbent article is unlikely to be adversely affected when being carried. Furthermore, when the absorbent article is in use, the packaging material is thin and has high light transmittance, so that it gives the impression of being high quality, thin, and not stuffy.

[0017] (Aspect 4) The individually packaged absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the packaging material has a first film, the absorbent article has a back film on the non-skin side of the absorbent body, and the average light transmittance of the first film is greater than the average light transmittance of the back film.

[0018] According to aspect 4, the absorbent article can give the impression of being high quality, thin, and not stuffy when in use, and the low light transmittance of the back film gives the impression of being highly effective in catching bodily waste.

[0019] (Aspect 5) The individually packaged absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the sealed portion has a plurality of welded portions, and the area of ​​the protrusions is smaller than the area of ​​the welded portions in a plan view.

[0020] According to aspect 5, the area of ​​the protrusions is smaller than the area of ​​the welded portions, thereby giving the impression of a finely detailed, refined, three-dimensional design.

[0021] (Aspect 6) The individually wrapped absorbent article according to Aspect 5, wherein the protrusions are present between the adjacent welded portions, and the welded portions are free of the protrusions.

[0022] According to the sixth aspect, the presence of protrusions between the welded portions does not spoil the overall image, and the absence of protrusions between the welded portions makes it easy to see the positions of the welded portions.

[0023] (Aspect 7) The individually packaged absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of protrusions include a first protrusion and a second protrusion having different heights.

[0024] According to the seventh aspect, the protrusions having different heights make it possible to form a three-dimensional design with different depths.

[0025] (Aspect 8) The individually packaged absorbent article according to Aspect 7, wherein the first convex portions are higher than the second convex portions, and the difference in height between the first convex portions and the second convex portions is smaller than the height of the second convex portions.

[0026] According to the eighth aspect, the variation in the height of the convex portions is small, and an impression of high quality can be given.

[0027] (Aspect 9) The individually wrapped absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8, wherein the maximum height of the plurality of protrusions is less than 50 μm.

[0028] According to the ninth aspect, the height of the convex portions can be made indistinguishable from the user's sense of touch, and the surface does not feel rough.

[0029] (Aspect 10) The individually packaged absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9, wherein the absorbent article is fixed to the packaging material via a separator, and the number of the convex portions per unit area is smaller in a region where the separator and the packaging material are joined in the thickness direction than in other regions.

[0030] According to Aspect 10, the number of protrusions at the joint between the separator and the packaging material is smaller than in other areas, making it easier to identify the position where the separator and the packaging material are fixed.

[0031] (Aspect 11) The individually packaged absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10, wherein, in a plan view, the number of the protrusions per unit area is smaller in the region where the sealing portion is provided than in other regions.

[0032] According to aspect 11, the position of the sealing portion can be easily recognized.

[0033] (Aspect 12) The individual package of an absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11, wherein an adhesive portion is provided near the opening of the individual package to adhere the packaging material in a folded state, and the number of protrusions per unit area is smaller in an area that overlaps with the adhesive portion in the thickness direction than in other areas.

[0034] According to the twelfth aspect, the opening position can be easily recognized.

[0035] (Aspect 13) The individually packaged absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 12, wherein, in a plan view, in the region between the pair of ends, the total area of ​​the plurality of protrusions is greater than the area of ​​a region where no protrusions are formed.

[0036] According to aspect 13, the area in which the protrusions are formed is large, so that a three-dimensional, high-quality impression can be given.

[0037] (Aspect 14) A method for manufacturing a packaging material used for individual packaging of absorbent articles, the method comprising the steps of: conveying an unsolidified film material; and passing the film material between a pair of rollers, wherein at least one of the pair of rollers is provided with a pattern for forming a plurality of pyramidal or truncated pyramidal convex portions on the film material.

[0038] According to Aspect 14, a three-dimensional design can be formed on the packaging material (film material), and a sparkling, high-quality impression can be given by the reflection of light, thereby improving the aesthetics of the individual package.

[0039] (Aspect 15) The method for manufacturing a packaging material according to Aspect 14, wherein the pair of rollers has a cooling means for cooling the film material.

[0040] According to the fifteenth aspect, the convex portions can be formed while the film material is being solidified during transportation.

[0041] Embodiments The following describes an individual package of an absorbent article according to the present invention, taking as an example a case where the absorbent article is a sanitary napkin. However, the absorbent article is not limited to a sanitary napkin, and may be, for example, a panty liner or an absorbent pad (a pad for light incontinence).

[0042] <<Basic Structure of Napkin 1>> Fig. 1 is a plan view of the napkin 1 in an unfolded state, seen from the skin side. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the napkin 1. The napkin 1 in an unfolded state has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction, which are perpendicular to one another. In the longitudinal direction of the napkin 1, the side that contacts the wearer's lower abdomen is referred to as the "front side," and the side that contacts the wearer's buttocks is referred to as the "rear side." In addition, in the thickness direction of the napkin 1 (see Fig. 2), the side that contacts the wearer's skin is referred to as the "skin side," and the opposite side is referred to as the "non-skin side."

[0043] As shown in Fig. 2, the napkin 1 has a topsheet 2, an intermediate sheet 3, an absorbent body 10, a backsheet 4, wing sheets 5, and side sheets 6. Adjacent materials in the thickness direction are bonded and fixed with an adhesive (not shown) such as a hot melt adhesive (HMA).

[0044] The topsheet 2 is the component that comes into contact with the user's skin when the napkin 1 is in use, and allows excrement such as menstrual blood (hereinafter also referred to as excrement) to pass through from the skin side to the non-skin side in the thickness direction, transferring it to the absorbent body 10. For this reason, an appropriate liquid-permeable flexible sheet such as an air-through nonwoven fabric is used for the topsheet 2. The topsheet 2 may also be a sheet made of cotton, a natural fiber (for example, a sheet member made of 100% cotton or a mixed sheet of cotton and air-through nonwoven fabric). This can further reduce irritation to the wearer's skin.

[0045] The intermediate sheet 3 is a liquid-permeable sheet, and can be made of the same nonwoven fabric as the topsheet 2. The intermediate sheet 3 is provided on the skin side of the absorbent body 10, and serves to prevent backflow of excrement such as menstrual blood, improve diffusion of excrement, and improve cushioning properties. However, the napkin 1 does not necessarily have to have the intermediate sheet 3.

[0046] The back sheet 4 (corresponding to a back film) is disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 10, and prevents liquid absorbed by the absorbent body 10 from seeping out to the clothing side (non-skin side) of underwear or the like when the napkin 1 is in use. An appropriate liquid-impermeable flexible sheet (film) such as a polyethylene (PE) resin film is used for the back sheet 4. The top sheet 2 and the back sheet 4 are larger in planar size than the absorbent body 10.

[0047] The wing sheets 5, together with the back sheet 4, extend outward in the width direction beyond the side sheets 6, and form wing portions 1w in the central portion of the napkin 1 in the longitudinal direction.

[0048] The side sheets 6 may be liquid-permeable or liquid-impermeable, and may be made of the same nonwoven fabric as the top sheet 2. The side sheets 6 are folded inward in the width direction so as to be positioned at the widthwise end of the skin-side surface of the top sheet 2.

[0049] The absorbent body 10 is a member that absorbs and retains excrement (liquid) such as menstrual blood inside. The absorbent body 10 in FIG. 2 has an absorbent core 11 and a core wrap sheet 12 that covers the absorbent core 11.

[0050] The absorbent core 11 is made of liquid-absorbent fibers such as pulp fibers molded into a predetermined shape (e.g., a roughly hourglass shape in plan view). The absorbent core 11 also contains (mixes with) a plurality of granular superabsorbent polymers (SAP) 111.

[0051] The core wrap sheet 12 is a liquid-permeable sheet member that covers the surface (outer peripheral surface) of the absorbent core 11, and can be exemplified by tissue or the like.

[0052] The configuration of the absorbent body 10 is not limited to the above, and may be, for example, an SAP sheet in which an SAP layer is attached to a hydrophilic sheet, or an airlaid sheet in which liquid-absorbent fibers are formed into a sheet by an airlaid method, etc. Also, the core wrap sheet 12 may be omitted.

[0053] 1 and 2, the napkin 1 has a compressed section 20 that is compressed in the thickness direction from the skin-facing side of the topsheet 2. In the compressed section 20, the napkin 1 is thinner than the surrounding areas, and the density of the materials (fibers) that make up the napkin 1 is higher. In the compressed section 20 shown in Fig. 2, the topsheet 2, intermediate sheet 3, and absorbent body 10 (partially or entirely) are compressed in the thickness direction. However, it is sufficient that the compressed section 20 compresses the napkin 1 in the thickness direction from the skin-facing side of the topsheet 2, and it does not have to reach, for example, the absorbent body 10.

[0054] As shown in Figure 1, the napkin 1 has, as compressed portions 20, compressed lines 21 in which dot-like compressed portions are arranged in a line, and a plurality of discretely arranged dot-like compressed portions 22. However, there are no particular limitations on the number, shape or arrangement of the compressed portions 20. Alternatively, the compressed lines may be compressed in a continuous groove-like pattern.

[0055] Although the basic structure of the napkin 1 has been described above, the structure of the napkin is not limited to the above. For example, the napkin may not have wings 1w.

[0056] <<Individual napkin packaging 30>> Fig. 3 is a plan view of the unfolded individual napkin packaging 30 as seen from the non-skin side. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the unfolded individual napkin packaging 30 as seen from the skin side. Fig. 5A is a plan view of the opening side of the folded individual packaging 30, and Fig. 5B is a plan view of the non-opening side. Note that the plan views of Figs. 3 and 4 show a state in which the wing portions 1w are folded inward (the skin side of the napkin 1). Figs. 3 and 4 are views of the individual packaging 30 in the state of Figs. 5A and 5B after being opened and unfolded, and show the sealing portion 35, adhesive portion 37, etc., which will be described later, formed.

[0057] The individual package 30 of the napkin 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "individual package 30") is a napkin 1 individually packaged in a packaging material 31, and includes the napkin 1, the packaging material 31, a separator 33, and a release sheet 34.

[0058] As shown in Figure 3, the non-skin side of the napkin 1 (i.e., the non-skin side of the backsheet 4) is provided with a plurality of adhesive sections 8, for example, by applying an adhesive. The main body of the napkin 1 is provided with a plurality of rectangular adhesive sections 8 extending in the longitudinal direction and aligned in the width direction. These adhesive sections 8 are used to secure the main body of the napkin 1 to the inner surface of the wearer's underwear.

[0059] 4, the wing portion 1w is also provided with a plurality of rectangular adhesive portions 9 extending in the longitudinal direction and aligned in the width direction. When the napkin 1 is worn, the wing portion 1w is folded and fixed to the outer surface of the underwear by the adhesive portions 9. The shape, number, and arrangement of the adhesive portions 8, 9 are not limited to those exemplified in FIGS.

[0060] The packaging material 31 is a rectangular sheet member for individually packaging the napkins 1, and has an inner surface (see FIG. 4) to which the napkins 1 are fixed and an outer surface (see FIG. 3) that is exposed to the outside of the individual package 30. In this embodiment, a thin resin film (corresponding to the first film) made of resin is used as the packaging material 31. The longitudinal direction of the packaging material 31 corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the napkins 1, and the width direction, which is the short side of the packaging material 31, corresponds to the width direction of the napkins 1. One side of the packaging material 31 in the longitudinal direction (the side with the adhesive portion 37 described below) corresponds to the front side of the napkin 1, and the other side of the packaging material 31 in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the rear side of the napkin 1.

[0061] As shown in the enlarged portion of Figure 3, a plurality of protrusions 32 are formed on the non-skin-side surface (outer surface) of the packaging material 31. In this embodiment, the protrusions 32 have a truncated pyramid shape with a hexagonal bottom planar shape, and are provided so as to protrude outward. The plurality of protrusions 32 are arranged at a regular pitch on the non-skin-side surface of the packaging material 31. Details of the protrusions 32 will be described later.

[0062] 5, the non-skin-facing surface (outer surface) of the packaging material 31 is partially printed. Hereinafter, the printed area will be referred to as region R1, and the unprinted area will be referred to as region R2. Note that, since printing on the packaging material 31 is performed after the formation of the protrusions 32, the protrusions 32 exist in both region R1 and region R2.

[0063] Sealing sections 35 are provided at both widthwise ends (a pair of ends) of the packaging material 31 for sealing the ends in a folded state. At these sealing sections 35, the ends of the packaging material 31 folded together with the napkin 1 overlap and are joined together. Examples of joining methods include well-known joining methods such as heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, adhesives, and combinations thereof, but in this embodiment, joining is performed by heat sealing, and as shown in the figure, multiple welded sections 36 are formed in the sealing section 35 (in other words, the sealing section 35 has multiple welded sections 36).

[0064] An adhesive section 37 is formed along the width direction near the front end T of the packaging material 31 in the longitudinal direction (slightly behind the end T). At the adhesive section 37, the folded packaging material 31 is bonded to itself with a hot melt adhesive (HMA). The hot melt adhesive is a thermoplastic adhesive that is solid at room temperature and is applied by applying heat to melt it (by heating and melting it), and then bonded by cooling and solidifying.

[0065] The packaging material 31 and the napkin 1 are fixed together via a separator 33 .

[0066] The separator 33 is a sheet member disposed between the back sheet 4 of the napkin 1 and the packaging material 31. The skin-facing surface of the separator 33 is subjected to a release treatment using silicone resin or the like, and is releasably attached to the adhesive part 8 provided on the main body (non-skin-facing side of the back sheet 4) of the napkin 1. The release treatment is well known, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0067] On the other hand, the non-skin-side surface of the separator 33 is fixed to the packaging material 31 by joints 38 provided between the separator 33 and the packaging material 31. As shown in Fig. 3, three joints 38 are provided in this embodiment. Note that at the joints 38, the separator 33 and the packaging material 31 are joined (fixed) together with a hot melt adhesive (HMA).

[0068] The napkin 1 may be directly and releasably fixed to the packaging material 31 without the separator 33 therebetween.

[0069] 4, the wing portions 1w are folded inward in the width direction onto the skin side of the napkin 1. The adhesive portions 9 of the wing portions 1w are covered with a release sheet 34.

[0070] The packaging material 31 and napkin 1 in an unfolded state (a state in which the sealed portion 35 and adhesive portion 37 are not formed) are folded at two widthwise folds F1 and F2. Then, both widthwise ends of the folded packaging material 31 together with the napkin 1 are sealed to form the sealed portion 35. Furthermore, with the packaging material 31 in a folded state, the portions of the packaging material 31 near the opening are adhered together with a hot melt adhesive (HMA) or the like to form the adhesive portion 37. This results in the individual package 30 shown in Figures 5A and 5B.

[0071] In this way, the individual package 30 is folded so that the napkin 1 is covered with the packaging material 31, and a pair of widthwise ends of the packaging material 31 are sealed and further adhered near the opening with adhesive parts 37, making it difficult for foreign matter to get in from the outside. Note that, instead of providing the adhesive part 37, for example, a sealing member may be provided near the opening and adhered with the sealing member.

[0072] When opening the individual package 30, the portion between the edge T of the packaging material 31 on the opening side of the individual package 30 and the adhesive portion 37 is pinched and pulled with the fingers to release the adhesive portion 37 and the sealing portion 35, and the folded portions F1 and F2 are unfolded, resulting in the state shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0073] The individual napkin wrapping bodies 30 have been described above, but the configuration of the individual wrapping bodies 30 is not limited to the above. For example, the number of folds F1, F2 of the wrapping material 31 is not limited to two, and may be one, three, or more. Furthermore, the wrapping material 31 and napkins 1 may be folded not only at the folds F1, F2 along the width direction, but also at folds along the length direction. Furthermore, the wrapping material 31 and napkins 1 may be folded separately. In other words, the wrapping material 31 may be folded while enclosing the napkin 1 that has already been folded.

[0074] <<Napkin Package 40>> Fig. 6A is a diagram showing an example of a napkin package 40, and Fig. 6B is a diagram showing the opened bag material 41. The napkin package 40 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "package 40") has a plurality of (here, four) individual napkin packages 30 and a bag material 41 that contains them.

[0075] The bag material 41 illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B has a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a front-to-back direction (thickness direction) that intersect with one another. The vertical direction is the longitudinal direction of the bag material 41, and the horizontal direction is the short side direction of the bag material 41. In Figure 6B, the front-to-back direction of the bag material 41 corresponds to the thickness direction of the individual package 30 (napkin 1). The vertical direction of the bag material 41 corresponds to the width direction of the individual package 30. However, this is not limited thereto, and the horizontal direction of the bag material 41 may correspond to the width direction of the individual package 30.

[0076] The bag material 41 has a base material 42 , a seal portion 43 , and perforations 44 .

[0077] The substrate 42 (corresponding to the second film) is a component constituting the bag material 41 and is formed of a resin film such as a polyethylene film (PE) or a polyethylene terephthalate film (PET). Although not shown in the present embodiment, letters, designs, etc. are typically printed on the outer surface of the substrate 42. A transparent film may also be formed on top of the printed letters, designs, etc. The substrate 42 is also folded along folds 42a and 42b at both lateral ends. The substrate 42 is folded along fold 42a in a mountain fold, and along fold 42b in a valley fold.

[0078] The sealed portions 43 are provided by heat-sealing the inner surfaces of the base materials 42 at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the bag material 41. That is, a pair of sealed portions 43 are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction.

[0079] The perforations 44 are provided for opening the bag material 41, and are provided in pairs at both longitudinal ends of the bag material 41 (inner than the seal portion 43). The perforations 44 are formed by a plurality of holes 44a extending in the horizontal direction. Note that the perforations 44 may be provided on only one longitudinal side.

[0080] 6A, when the user pinches one end of bag material 41 with his / her fingers and cuts off said end along perforation 44, opening 45 is formed as an opening for removing individual package 30, and the bag enters an opened state, as shown in FIG. 6B. This makes it possible to remove individual package 30 contained in bag material 41 from opening 45.

[0081] Before using the napkin 1, the user will look at the individual package 30 after removing it from the package 40, so aesthetic appeal is required of the individual package 30. In this embodiment, the shape, light transmittance, etc. of the packaging material 31 of the individual package 30 are used to improve the aesthetic appeal of the individual package 30.

[0082] <<Regarding Packaging Material 31>> As described above, the packaging material 31 is formed from a thin resin film, and a plurality of protrusions 32 are formed on the non-skin-facing surface (outer surface).

[0083] First, a method for manufacturing the packaging material 31 will be described.

[0084] <Method of Manufacturing Packaging Material 31> FIG. 7 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of a method of manufacturing the packaging material 31. As shown in FIG.

[0085] The extruder 70 is a device that heats and melts the resin (unsolidified resin) and extrudes it into a sheet. The resin (film material) for the packaging material 31 is preferably a soft polyethylene (PE) resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, or polypropylene (PP) resin.

[0086] The molten resin (film material 31M) extruded from the extruder 70 is conveyed in the conveying direction by a conveying mechanism (not shown) and passed between a pair of cooling rollers 80a and 80b.

[0087] The pair of cooling rollers 80a, 80b are rollers equipped with a cooling means, which press and cool the molten resin (film material 31M) passing between the rollers and transport it in the transport direction. The cooling means is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a means for circulating water or a means for circulating a refrigerant (oil, etc.). As a result, the film material 31M (molten resin) is cooled and solidified, forming a thin continuous body of packaging material 31R. The continuous body of packaging material 31R is wound by a winding machine (not shown) and then processed into a rectangular shape to be used as the packaging material 31.

[0088] In addition, in this embodiment, a pattern (plurality of recesses 82) for forming plural protrusions 32 in the packaging material 31 is formed on the outer surface 81 of one of the pair of cooling rollers 80a, 80b (here, cooling roller 80a).

[0089] Fig. 8A is an explanatory diagram of a recess 82 formed in a cooling roller 80a. Fig. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the recess 82.

[0090] 8A and 8B, the recesses 82 are formed so as to be recessed inward relative to the outer peripheral surface 81 of the cooling roller 80a. Also, as shown in Fig. 8A, the recesses 82 are provided in a shape corresponding to the shape of the protrusions 32 (a hexagonal truncated pyramid shape, which will be described later), and a plurality of the recesses 82 are arranged at a constant pitch (the same pitch as the protrusions 32).

[0091] By passing the film material 31M (molten resin) between the cooling roller 80a and the cooling roller 80b, the film material 31M is cooled during transport while a plurality of convex portions 32 can be formed on the surface facing the cooling roller 80a. This allows a three-dimensional design of the convex portions 32 to be formed on the packaging material 31 formed from the film material 31M, and as will be described later, a sparkling, high-quality impression can be given by the reflection of light.

[0092] <Effect of the protrusions 32> FIG. 9A is a perspective view schematically showing the protrusions 32 formed on the packaging material 31, and FIG. 9B is a side view of the protrusions 32.

[0093] The convex portions 32 have a shape corresponding to the concave portions 82 of the cooling roller 80a. In this embodiment, the convex portions 32 are shaped like truncated pyramids (hexagonal truncated pyramids) with a substantially hexagonal bottom. A truncated pyramid is a pyramid with its apex cut off, also known as a truncated pyramid. As shown in FIG. 9B , the convex portions 32 protrude from the bottom, and the protrusion height (distance to the top end) is defined as the height (h) of the convex portions 32. As shown in FIG. 9A , the convex portions 32 are formed with six triangular inclined surfaces 32a, each of which has one side of the hexagonal bottom surface as one side, surrounding the center of the convex portions 32. Furthermore, these six inclined surfaces 32a have different inclination directions (i.e., normal directions), which results in different light reflection directions.

[0094] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of light reflection. Light reflection can be broadly divided into diffuse reflection and specular reflection. Fig. 10A shows the case of diffuse reflection, and Fig. 10B shows the case of specular reflection.

[0095] When light hits an object with a bumpy surface, as shown in Figure 10A, the light bounces off in many directions (diffuse reflection), and no strong reflected light is visible from any angle.

[0096] In contrast, when light hits an object with a flat surface, it bounces off in one direction (mirror reflection), as shown in Figure 10B. In specular reflection, the incident angle A1 and the reflection angle A2 of the light are equal, as shown in the figure. Note that the incident angle A1 and the reflection angle A2 are each angles with respect to the normal to the reflecting surface (here, the inclined surface 32a).

[0097] The packaging material 31 of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of convex portions 32, and the six inclined surfaces 32a of each convex portion 32 each have a different orientation (normal orientation). Therefore, when light is shone on the packaging material 31, the reflected light is visible in some places and not in others. In other words, the reflected light can be seen in multiple places on the packaging material 31.

[0098] By providing the packaging material 31 with a plurality of truncated pyramidal protrusions 32 in this way, a three-dimensional design with different depths can be formed, and the reflection of light on the plurality of protrusions 32 can give a sparkling, high-quality impression, thereby improving aesthetics.

[0099] Furthermore, multiple convex portions 32 are arranged at a constant pitch between both widthwise ends of packaging material 31 (specifically, sealed portions 35). As a result, in the state where individual package 30 shown in Fig. 5 is formed, convex portions 32 are arranged on both the opening side and the non-opening side of packaging material 31, so that both the opening side and the non-opening side appear sparkling due to reflected light. Therefore, when individual package 30 is picked up, it gives the impression of high quality.

[0100] 3, the area of ​​one of the protrusions 32 is smaller than the area of ​​the welded portion 36 (one of the plurality of welded portions 36) of the sealing portion 35. For example, the side of the welded portion 36 is about 0.8 mm, while the side of the protrusion 32 is about 100 to 130 μm.

[0101] In this way, the small area of ​​the protrusions 32 can give the impression of a detailed and refined design.

[0102] In this embodiment, protrusions 32a are formed on the entire surface facing the cooling roller 80a during the manufacturing of the packaging material 31 shown in Fig. 7 (i.e., protrusions 32a are also formed in the area of ​​the sealing portion 35). Then, a welded portion 36 is formed in the sealing portion 35 by heat sealing. At this time, heat and pressure are applied to the welded portion 36 of the sealing portion 35, causing the protrusions 32 formed in the welded portion 36 to flatten. In other words, there are protrusions 32 between adjacent welded portions 36, but no protrusions 32 are present in the welded portion 36 itself.

[0103] In this way, the presence of the protrusions 32 between the adjacent welded portions 36 of the sealing portion 35 prevents the overall image from being spoiled. Furthermore, the absence of the protrusions 32 in the welded portions 36 makes it easier to see the positions of the welded portions 36. Note that in this embodiment, the protrusions 32 are also provided in the sealing portion 35 (between the welded portions 36), but it is sufficient that the protrusions 32 are provided in the region between at least a pair of sealing portions 35, and the protrusions 32 do not have to be present in the region of the sealing portion 35.

[0104] 7, it is difficult to uniformly contact the cooling roller 80a with the sheet material 31M due to variations in the film thickness of the sheet material 31M and variations in the shape of the outer circumferential surface of the cooling roller 80a. Furthermore, variations in the shape (e.g., depth) of the recesses 82 may occur during manufacturing. This may result in variations in the heights of the protrusions 32 formed on the packaging material 31.

[0105] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a case where the protrusions 32 have variations in height.

[0106] The protrusion 32H shown on the left side of Fig. 11 is the tallest of the multiple protrusions 32, with a height of h1. The protrusion 32L shown on the right side of Fig. 11 is the shortest of the multiple protrusions 32, with a height of h2 (

[0107] The presence of the convex portions 32 of different heights changes the way light is reflected, making it possible to form a three-dimensional design with more depth.

[0108] 7, it is desirable that the difference hs between the convex portion 32H and the convex portion 32L is smaller than the height (h2) of the convex portion 32L. In other words, it is desirable that hs<h2.

[0109] This reduces the variation in height of the multiple protrusions 32, giving the impression of high quality.

[0110] Moreover, it is desirable that the maximum height (for example, h1) of the protrusion 32 is less than 50 μm.

[0111] This makes it possible for the user to feel the height of the protrusions 32 even when touching it with his / her hand, and to avoid giving the impression of roughness.

[0112] Furthermore, the napkin 1 is fixed to the packaging material 31 via the separator 33, and the separator 33 and the packaging material 31 are joined at the joint 38 with a hot melt adhesive (HMA). As explained for the welded portion 36, the protrusions 32 are likely to disappear when heat or stress is applied after their formation. Therefore, in the region of the packaging material 31 that overlaps with the joint 38 in the thickness direction, the number of protrusions 32 per unit area is smaller than in other regions.

[0113] This makes it easier to recognize the position where the separator 33 and the packaging material 31 are fixed (the position of the joint 38).

[0114] As described above, the welded portion 36 of the sealing portion 35 does not have any protrusions 32. Therefore, in a plan view, the number of protrusions 32 per unit area is smaller in the region where the sealing portion 35 is provided (both ends in the width direction of the packaging material 31) than in other regions.​

[0115] This makes it easier to recognize the position of the sealing portion 35 .

[0116] An adhesive section 37 is provided near the opening of the individual package 30, which adheres the packaging material 31 in a folded state. This adhesive section 37 is also adhered with a hot melt adhesive (HMA), so that the number of protrusions 32 per unit area is smaller in the region of the packaging material 31 that overlaps with the adhesive section 37 in the thickness direction than in other regions.

[0117] This makes it easier to identify the opening position of the individual package 30 in the folded state shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0118] 3, in the region between a pair of widthwise ends of the packaging material 31 (between a pair of sealing portions 35), convex portions 32 are formed in the region other than the adhesive portion 37 and the three joining portions 38. As can be seen from the figure, the total area of ​​the multiple convex portions 32 is larger than the area of ​​the region where no convex portions are formed (here, the adhesive portion 37 and the joining portions 38).

[0119] In this way, the area where the protrusions 32 are formed is large, so that a three-dimensional, high-quality impression can be given.

[0120] <Regarding Film Thickness and Light Transmittance> The average thickness of the film (first film) constituting the packaging material 31 is desirably smaller than the average thickness of the substrate 42 (second film) of the bag material 41 of the package 40. Furthermore, the average light transmittance of the substrate 42 of the bag material 41 is desirably smaller than the average light transmittance of the film of the packaging material 31.

[0121] The average thickness can be measured by measuring the thickness of the object (here, a film) at multiple locations using a thickness measuring device (e.g., a dial thickness gauge manufactured by Ozaki Seisakusho) and calculating the average. The average light transmittance can be measured by measuring the total light transmittance at multiple locations on the object using a turbidity / haze meter (NDH-7000SP) manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd. in accordance with JIS K7136 and calculating the average.

[0122] As described above, the packaging material 31 has a printed region R1 and an unprinted region R2, and the regions R1 and R2 have different light transmittances (light transmittance of region R1 < light transmittance of region R2). In this embodiment, the average light transmittance of the packaging material 31 is the average including the regions R1 and R2.

[0123] The individual package 30 is housed in the bag material 41 (substrate 42) which is thicker and has a lower light transmittance than the packaging material 31, so that the contents are less likely to be known by others when purchasing the napkin 1, and the napkin 1 is less likely to be adversely affected when being carried. Furthermore, when the napkin 1 is in use (when the individual package 30 is removed from the package 40), the packaging material 31 is thin and has a high light transmittance, so that it gives the impression of being high quality, thin, and not stuffy.

[0124] Moreover, it is desirable that the average light transmittance of the packaging material 31 be greater than the average light transmittance of the back sheet 4 of the napkin 1 .

[0125] The high average light transmittance of the packaging material 31 gives the impression of being high quality, thin, and not stuffy when using the napkin 1 (when the individual wrapper 30 is removed from the package 40). In addition, the low light transmittance of the backsheet 4 gives the impression of being highly effective in catching bodily waste.

[0126] ===Other Embodiments= ...

[0127] In the above-described embodiment, the convex portion 32 has a hexagonal truncated pyramid shape with a hexagonal bottom surface (planar shape), but this is not limited to this. For example, the convex portion 32 may have a truncated pyramid shape with a polygonal bottom surface other than a hexagonal shape (e.g., a pentagonal shape). Furthermore, the convex portion 32 may have a polygonal pyramid shape.

[0128] In the above-described embodiment, the recessed portions 82 are provided on one (the cooling roller 80a) of the pair of cooling rollers 80a, 80b in Fig. 7 , but the recessed portions 82 may be provided on both of the pair of cooling rollers 80a, 80b. In this case, the protruding portions 32 are formed on both surfaces of the packaging material 31. In this way, the protruding portions 32 may be formed on both surfaces of the packaging material 31.

[0129] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 napkin (absorbent article), 2 top sheet, 3 intermediate sheet, 4 back sheet (back film), 5 wing sheet, 6 side sheet, 8 adhesive portion, 9 adhesive portion, 10 absorbent body, 11 absorbent core, 12 core wrap sheet, 20 compressed portion, 21 linear compressed portion, 22 point compressed portion, 30 individually wrapped napkin, 31 packaging material, 31M sheet material, 31R continuous body of packaging material, 32 convex portion, 32a inclined surface, 33 separator, 34 release sheet, 35 sealed portion, 36 welded portion, 37 adhesive portion, 38 joint portion, 40 napkin package, 41 bag material, 42 substrate (second film), 42a, 42b fold, 43 sealed portion, 44 Perforation, 44a: Hole, 45: Opening, 70: Extruder, 80a, 80b: Cooling roller (roller), 81: Outer circumferential surface, 82: Recess, 111: Superabsorbent polymer,

Claims

1. An individually packaged absorbent article comprising an absorbent article provided with an absorber and a packaging material for individually packaging the absorbent article, wherein the absorbent article and the packaging material are folded, seal portions for sealing the ends are provided at a pair of ends of the packaging material, in a plan view, the packaging material includes a plurality of convex portions protruding outward in at least a region between the pair of ends, the convex portions are in a pyramidal shape or a frustum of a pyramid shape, and the individually packaged absorbent article is characterized by the above.

2. The individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the convex portions are arranged at a predetermined pitch between the pair of ends of the packaging material, and the individually packaged absorbent article is characterized by the above.

3. The individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the packaging material has a first film, the individually packaged article is housed in a bag material having a second film, an average thickness of the first film is smaller than an average thickness of the second film, and an average light transmittance of the second film is smaller than an average light transmittance of the first film, and the individually packaged absorbent article is characterized by the above.

4. The individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the packaging material has a first film, the absorbent article has a back film on a non-skin side of the absorber, and an average light transmittance of the first film is larger than an average light transmittance of the back film, and the individually packaged absorbent article is characterized by the above.

5. The individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the seal portion has a plurality of welded portions, and in a plan view, an area of the convex portion is smaller than an area of the welded portion, and the individually packaged absorbent article is characterized by the above.

6. The individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 5, wherein there is the convex portion between adjacent welded portions and there is no convex portion in the welded portion, and the individually packaged absorbent article is characterized by the above.

7. The individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of convex portions include a first convex portion and a second convex portion having different heights, and the individually packaged absorbent article is characterized by the above.

8. The individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 7, wherein the first convex portion is higher than the second convex portion, and a difference in height between the first convex portion and the second convex portion is smaller than a height of the second convex portion, and the individually packaged absorbent article is characterized by the above.

9. An individual package of an absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein a maximum height of the plurality of convex portions is less than 50 μm. An individual package of an absorbent article, characterized by this.

10. An individual package of an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the absorbent article is fixed to the packaging material via a separator, and in a region where a joint portion between the separator and the packaging material overlaps in the thickness direction, the number of the convex portions per unit area is smaller than that in other regions. An individual package of an absorbent article, characterized by this.

11. An individual package of an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein in a region where the sealing portion is provided in a plan view, the number of the convex portions per unit area is smaller than that in other regions. An individual package of an absorbent article, characterized by this.

12. An individual package of an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein an adhesive portion for adhering the packaging material in a folded state is provided near an opening of the individual package, and in a region where the adhesive portion overlaps in the thickness direction, the number of the convex portions per unit area is smaller than that in other regions. An individual package of an absorbent article, characterized by this.

13. An individual package of an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein in a plan view and in a region between the pair of end portions, a total area of the plurality of convex portions is larger than an area of a region where the convex portions are not formed. An individual package of an absorbent article, characterized by this.

14. A method for manufacturing a packaging material used for an individual package of an absorbent article, comprising a step of conveying an unfixed film material and a step of passing the film material between a pair of rollers, wherein at least one of the pair of rollers is provided with a pattern for forming a plurality of convex portions in a pyramid shape or a truncated pyramid shape on the film material. A method for manufacturing a packaging material, characterized by this.

15. A method for manufacturing a packaging material according to claim 14, wherein the pair of rollers has a cooling means for cooling the film material. A method for manufacturing a packaging material, characterized by this.

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