JP6830910B2 - Manufacturing method and manufacturing equipment for sheet-shaped members related to absorbent articles - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a sheet-shaped member relating to an absorbent article such as a disposable diaper, and a manufacturing apparatus.

Conventionally, disposable diapers are an example of an absorbent article that absorbs excrement such as urine. Then, in the production of such a diaper, a sheet-like member to which an elastic member is attached with an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive to impart elasticity is used.

However, when the elastic member is attached with an adhesive, the elasticity of the elastic member, that is, the elasticity, or the flexibility of the sheet-like member is impaired due to the hardening of the adhesive existing on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic member. There is a risk of Therefore, recently, it has been studied to attach an elastic member to a sheet-shaped member without using an adhesive, and Patent Document 1 discloses the following method as an example of the method.

Special table 2001-504899

First, as shown in the schematic plan view of FIG. 1A, in the continuous body 31a'of sheet-like members continuous in the transport direction, the continuous body 35a'of elastic members continuous in the transport direction between a pair of facing surfaces facing each other. Is inserted in a state of being extended in the transport direction.

Next, a plurality of joints j'that join the pair of facing surfaces are formed at intervals in the transport direction. At this time, the joints j'are continuously formed in the CD direction that intersects the transport direction. It is formed at positions on both sides of the body 35a'.

Then, the continuous body 31a'of the sheet-shaped member is cut at the cutting target position PC'in the transport direction in the continuous body 31a', so that the elastic member 35'is attached as shown in FIG. 1B. Sheet-shaped member 31'is generated. That is, based on this cutting, the cut elastic member 35'try to expand in the CD direction while contracting in the transport direction, but here, the expansion of the elastic member 35'in the CD direction is performed on both sides in the CD direction. The joint portions j', j'located in the above are restricted to each other, whereby the elastic member 35'is substantially sandwiched in the CD direction by these joint portions j', j'. Then, as a result, the elastic member 35'is attached to the sheet-shaped member 31'.

However, the elastic member 35'is attached to the sheet-shaped member 31' based on only the pinching pressure between the joint portions j', j'as described above. Therefore, when the elastic member 35'is subsequently re-extended by re-extending the sheet-shaped member 31', the force of the above-mentioned pinching pressure acting on the elastic member 35' becomes smaller, and the joints j', j The elastic member 35'can slide in the expansion / contraction direction. Then, if the extended state is relaxed again in that state, the elastic member is reattached by the pinching pressure of the joints j'and j'while remaining in the slipped and displaced position, and as a result, the sheet-like member 31' There is a risk that the elasticity may change from an appropriate state in which the elasticity is substantially uniform over the entire length in the expansion / contraction direction to an improper state in which the elasticity is partially biased. For example, a part of the sheet-shaped member 31'has a large elasticity in the expansion / contraction direction, but a part has a small elasticity, so that the elasticity is uniform over the entire length of the sheet-like member 31' in the expansion / contraction direction. There is a risk that it cannot be given to.

On the other hand, the shape of the continuous body 35a'of the elastic member in the cross section orthogonal to the transport direction may not be a perfect circle but may have a shape having a longitudinal direction as shown in FIG. 1C. Therefore, in this case, the continuous body 35a'of the elastic member so that the longitudinal direction faces the CD direction as shown in FIG. 1E, instead of facing the direction orthogonal to the CD direction as shown in FIG. 1D. By changing the posture of, it is possible to increase the pinching pressure between the joints j'and j', and as a result, it is considered that the above slip can be suppressed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to prevent an elastic member from slipping from a joint portion of a sheet-like member.

The main invention for achieving the above object is
After inserting the continuous body of the elastic members continuous in the transport direction between the pair of facing surfaces of the continuous body of the sheet-shaped members continuous in the transport direction, the continuous body of the sheet-like members is inserted. A method of manufacturing the sheet-like member to which the elastic member is attached by cutting at a cutting target position in the transport direction in the continuum of the sheet-like member.
By pulling the continuous body of the elastic member in the axial direction of the material coil from the non-rotating material coil in which the continuous body of the elastic member is wound around the axis, the continuous body of the elastic member is moved in the transport direction. The feeding process and the feeding process
An arrangement step of arranging a continuous body of the elastic members drawn out between the pair of facing surfaces in a state of being extended in the transport direction.
A joint portion forming step of forming a plurality of joint portions for joining the pair of facing surfaces at intervals in the transport direction.
After the arrangement step and the joint forming step, the sheet-shaped member and the elastic member are generated by cutting the continuous body of the sheet-shaped member and the continuous body of the elastic member at the cutting target position. With a cutting process,
The shape of the continuous body of the elastic member in the cross section orthogonal to the transport direction is a shape having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction having a length shorter than the longitudinal direction in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction. Yes,
In the continuum of the elastic members, a portion where the angle formed by the longitudinal direction with respect to one of the pair of facing surfaces is 45 ° or more is defined as an upright portion, and the longitudinal portion with respect to the one facing surface. When the part where the angle formed by the direction is less than 45 ° is regarded as the lying part,
In the arrangement step, the elastic member is continuous so that the length in the transport direction occupied by the lying portion is longer than the length in the transport direction occupied by the upright portion in the unit length in the transport direction. While changing the posture of the body, the continuous body of the elastic member is brought into contact with the one facing surface.
In the joint forming step, the continuous body of the elastic members is maintained in a state of being extended in the transport direction, and the joint is intersected with the transport direction while maintaining the posture changed in the arrangement step. Formed at positions on both sides of the continuum of the elastic members in the CD direction, respectively.
After the cutting step, the elastic member that contracts in the transport direction and expands in the CD direction is sandwiched between the joints on both sides in the CD direction and attached to the sheet-like member. This is a method for manufacturing a sheet-like member according to an absorbent article.
Also,
After inserting the continuous body of the elastic members continuous in the transport direction between the pair of facing surfaces of the continuous body of the sheet-shaped members continuous in the transport direction, the continuous body of the sheet-like members is inserted. An apparatus for manufacturing the sheet-shaped member to which the elastic member is attached by cutting at a cutting target position in the transport direction in the continuum of the sheet-shaped member.
The continuous body of the elastic member is conveyed by pulling the continuous body of the elastic member in the axial direction from the non-rotating material coil formed by winding the continuous body of the elastic member around the axis. A feeding device that feeds in the direction and
An arrangement device for arranging a continuous body of the elastic members drawn out between the pair of facing surfaces in a state of being extended in the transport direction.
A joint portion forming device for forming a plurality of joint portions for joining the pair of facing surfaces at intervals in the transport direction.
By cutting the continuum of the sheet-like member and the continuum of the elastic member at the position downstream of the arrangement device and the joint forming device in the transport direction, the sheet-like member is formed. It has a member and a cutting device that produces the elastic member.
The shape of the continuous body of the elastic member in a cross section orthogonal to the transport direction has a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction having a length shorter than the longitudinal direction in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction.
In the continuum of the elastic members, a portion where the angle formed by the longitudinal direction with respect to one of the pair of facing surfaces is 45 ° or more is defined as an upright portion, and the longitudinal portion with respect to the one facing surface. When the part where the angle formed by the direction is less than 45 ° is regarded as the lying part,
The arrangement device is a continuum of the elastic members so that the length in the transport direction occupied by the lying portion is longer than the length in the transport direction occupied by the upright portion in the unit length in the transport direction. While changing the posture of the body, the continuous body of the elastic member is placed on the one facing surface.
The joint forming device intersects the joint with the transport direction while maintaining the continuous body of the elastic members in a state of being extended in the transport direction and maintaining the posture changed in the arrangement step. Formed at positions on both sides of the continuum of the elastic members in the CD direction, respectively.
On the downstream side in the transport direction from the cutting step, the elastic member that contracts in the transport direction and expands in the CD direction is sandwiched between the joints on both sides in the CD direction to form the sheet. It is an apparatus for manufacturing a sheet-shaped member related to an absorbent article, which is attached to the member.
Other features of the present invention will be clarified by the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the elastic member from slipping from the joint portion of the sheet-shaped member.

It is explanatory drawing of the method of attaching an elastic member 35'to a sheet-like member 31' without using an adhesive. It is the same explanatory drawing. It is explanatory drawing of an example of the shape which the shape in the cross section orthogonal to the transport direction of the continuum 35a'of an elastic member has a longitudinal direction. It is explanatory drawing of the unfavorable example of the posture of the continuum 35a'of an elastic member. It is explanatory drawing of the preferable example of the same posture. It is a schematic perspective view of the 3-piece type diaper 1 as an example of an absorbent article. It is a schematic plan view of the diaper 1 in the unfolded state as seen from the skin side of the wearer. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line IVa-IVa and a sectional view taken along line IVb-IVb in FIG. It is a schematic plan view which looked at the ventral band member 31 in the unfolded state from the non-skin side. 6A and 6B are explanatory views of the attachment function of the rubber thread 35 (45) played by the welded portion j. It is the schematic plan view which shows the state which the diaper 1 is manufactured on a production line by a partial perspective. 8A, 8B, and 8C are a schematic enlarged view of a portion A, a schematic enlarged view of a portion B, and a schematic enlarged view of a portion C in FIG. 7, respectively. It is explanatory drawing of the processing performed at the 1st processing position PK1, and is the schematic side view of the ultrasonic welding apparatus 60 and the like which form the main apparatus of the processing process seen from the CD direction. It is a schematic enlarged view of the arrow BB in FIG. 9A. It is a schematic perspective view of the over-end unwinding type feeding device 53UW. FIG. 11A is an explanatory view when the shape of the rubber thread continuum 35a in the cross section orthogonal to the transport direction is a perfect circle, and FIG. 11B is an example of the shape in the same cross section having the longitudinal direction. It is explanatory drawing of. FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram of the definition of the upright portion 35ak in the continuous body 35a of the rubber thread, and FIG. 12B is an explanatory view of the definition of the horizontal portion 35ay in the continuous body 35a. It is a schematic plan view for demonstrating the twisted part 35an in the continuum 35a of a rubber thread. It is a schematic plan view of the example in which the twisted portion 35an of the continuum 35a1 of the first thread rubber and the twisted portion 35an of the continuum 35a2 of the second thread rubber do not overlap in the transport direction. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of an example in which the length of the twisted portion 35an in the transport direction is larger than the formation pitch Pj of the welded portion j in the transport direction. It is explanatory drawing of the preferable positional relationship between a twisted portion 35an and a side seal portion SS.

The description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings will clarify at least the following matters.
After inserting the continuous body of the elastic members continuous in the transport direction between the pair of facing surfaces of the continuous body of the sheet-shaped members continuous in the transport direction, the continuous body of the sheet-like members is inserted. A method of manufacturing the sheet-like member to which the elastic member is attached by cutting at a cutting target position in the transport direction in the continuum of the sheet-like member.
By pulling the continuous body of the elastic member in the axial direction of the material coil from the non-rotating material coil in which the continuous body of the elastic member is wound around the axis, the continuous body of the elastic member is moved in the transport direction. The feeding process and the feeding process
An arrangement step of arranging a continuous body of the elastic members drawn out between the pair of facing surfaces in a state of being extended in the transport direction.
A joint portion forming step of forming a plurality of joint portions for joining the pair of facing surfaces at intervals in the transport direction.
After the arrangement step and the joint forming step, the sheet-shaped member and the elastic member are generated by cutting the continuous body of the sheet-shaped member and the continuous body of the elastic member at the cutting target position. With a cutting process,
The shape of the continuous body of the elastic member in the cross section orthogonal to the transport direction is a shape having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction having a length shorter than the longitudinal direction in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction. Yes,
In the continuum of the elastic members, a portion where the angle formed by the longitudinal direction with respect to one of the pair of facing surfaces is 45 ° or more is defined as an upright portion, and the longitudinal portion with respect to the one facing surface. When the part where the angle formed by the direction is less than 45 ° is regarded as the lying part,
In the arrangement step, the elastic member is continuous so that the length in the transport direction occupied by the lying portion is longer than the length in the transport direction occupied by the upright portion in the unit length in the transport direction. While changing the posture of the body, the continuous body of the elastic member is brought into contact with the one facing surface.
In the joint forming step, the continuous body of the elastic members is maintained in a state of being extended in the transport direction, and the joint is intersected with the transport direction while maintaining the posture changed in the arrangement step. Formed at positions on both sides of the continuum of the elastic members in the CD direction, respectively.
After the cutting step, the elastic member that contracts in the transport direction and expands in the CD direction is sandwiched between the joints on both sides in the CD direction and attached to the sheet-like member. This is a method for manufacturing a sheet-like member according to an absorbent article.

According to the method for manufacturing a sheet-shaped member related to such an absorbent article, it is possible to prevent the elastic member from slipping from the joint portion of the sheet-shaped member. The details are as follows. First, the longitudinal direction of the shape of the lying portion in the cross section is generally oriented in the CD direction. Further, in the arrangement step, the posture of the continuous body of the elastic member is changed so that the length occupied by the lying portion is longer than the length occupied by the standing portion in the unit length in the transport direction. Then, after the cutting step, the elastic members are sandwiched between the joints from the CD direction, but at this time, the lying portion is secured long in the transport direction as described above. Therefore, there is a high probability that the joints will hold the elastic member between the lying portions, so that the joints can strongly hold the elastic member. As a result, it is possible to prevent the elastic member from slipping from the joint.

A method for manufacturing a sheet-like member according to such an absorbent article.
The continuous body of the sheet-shaped members includes a first continuous sheet continuous in the transport direction and a second continuous sheet continuous in the transport direction.
As the pair of facing surfaces, one surface of the first continuous sheet and one surface of the second continuous sheet face each other.
In the arrangement step, the first continuous sheet is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the roll that rotates along the transport direction and is conveyed, and the continuous body of the elastic member is in the range in which the first continuous sheet is wound. Is in contact with the one surface of the first continuous sheet, so that the continuous body of the elastic member is also wound around the outer peripheral surface of the roll and conveyed.
In the arrangement step, the first continuous sheet is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the roll that rotates along the transport direction and is conveyed, and the continuous body of the elastic member is conveyed through the first continuous sheet. It is desirable that the posture of the continuum of the elastic members is changed by being wound around the outer peripheral surface of the elastic member and conveyed.

According to the method for manufacturing a sheet-shaped member related to such an absorbent article, the continuous body of the elastic member is wound around the roll to ensure that the posture of the continuous body is long so that the lying-shaped portion becomes longer in the transport direction. It can be changed.

A method for manufacturing a sheet-like member according to such an absorbent article.
In the arrangement step, a plurality of the continuous bodies of the elastic members are arranged side by side at intervals in the CD direction.
The horizontal portion has a long horizontal portion having a length in the transport direction of a predetermined length or more and a short horizontal portion having a length in the transport direction of less than the predetermined length.
The elasticity is formed between the long lying portions adjacent to each other in the conveying direction so that a twisted portion formed by twisting the continuum of the elastic members a plurality of times around the axis along the conveying direction is formed. The posture of the continuum of members is changed, and the twisted portion is formed by arranging a plurality of the standing portion and the short lying portion alternately in the transport direction.
When one of the continuums of the plurality of elastic members is the continuum of the first elastic member and the other continuum of the elastic members is the continuum of the second elastic member. ,
The first elasticity among the at least one twisted portion of the plurality of twisted portions of the continuum of the first elastic member and the plurality of twisted portions of the continuum of the second elastic member. The posture of the continuum of the first elastic member and the posture of the continuum of the second elastic member so that the twisted portion closest to the twisted portion of the continuum of the members does not overlap in the transport direction. And should be changed.

According to the method for manufacturing a sheet-like member related to such an absorbent article, after the cutting step, the first elastic member and the second elastic member slip from the corresponding joints at the same position in the transport direction. It is possible to suppress the problem of closing. The details are as follows. First, since the twisted portion is a twisted portion in which a plurality of upright portions and short horizontal portions are arranged side by side, the longitudinal direction of the shape in the cross section changes depending on the position in the transport direction. Therefore, the twisted portion is not such that the longitudinal direction faces the CD direction in a long range in the transport direction. Therefore, the twisted portion is a portion where the pinching pressure in the CD direction between the joint portions after the cutting step becomes unstable, that is, the joint portions in each of the first elastic member and the second elastic member become unstable. It is a slippery part in the transport direction. On the other hand, according to the above manufacturing method, at least one twisted portion of the continuum of the first elastic member does not overlap with the twisted portion of the continuum of the second elastic member closest to the twisted portion in the transport direction. To. Therefore, slippery positions can be dispersed in the transport direction between the first elastic member and the second elastic member. As a result, it is possible to prevent a large deviation in elasticity from occurring at a predetermined position in the transport direction.

A method for manufacturing a sheet-like member according to such an absorbent article.
In the arrangement step, a plurality of the continuous bodies of the elastic members are arranged side by side at intervals in the CD direction.
The horizontal portion has a long horizontal portion having a length in the transport direction of a predetermined length or more and a short horizontal portion having a length in the transport direction of less than the predetermined length.
The elasticity is formed between the long lying portions adjacent to each other in the conveying direction so that a twisted portion formed by twisting the continuum of the elastic members a plurality of times around the axis along the conveying direction is formed. The posture of the continuum of members is changed, and the twisted portion is formed by arranging a plurality of the standing portion and the short lying portion alternately in the transport direction.
When one of the continuums of the plurality of elastic members is the continuum of the first elastic member and the other continuum of the elastic members is the continuum of the second elastic member,
At least one twisted portion of the plurality of twisted portions of the continuum of the first elastic member is positioned in the transport direction with respect to the long lying portion of the continuum of the second elastic member. It is desirable that the posture of the continuum of the first elastic member and the posture of the continuum of the second elastic member be changed so as to be included.

According to the method for manufacturing a sheet-shaped member according to such an absorbent article, at least one twisted portion of the continuum of the first elastic member is positioned in the lateral portion of the continuum of the second elastic member in the transport direction. To be included with respect to. Therefore, in the first elastic member, the portion that is slippery from the joints can be positioned in the transport direction, and in the second elastic member, the portion that is not slippery from the joints can be positioned. As a result, slippery positions can be dispersed in the transport direction between the first elastic member and the second elastic member.

A method for manufacturing a sheet-like member according to such an absorbent article.
In the arrangement step, a plurality of the continuous bodies of the elastic members are arranged side by side at intervals in the CD direction.
The horizontal portion has a long horizontal portion having a length in the transport direction of a predetermined length or more and a short horizontal portion having a length in the transport direction of less than the predetermined length.
The elasticity is formed between the long lying portions adjacent to each other in the conveying direction so that a twisted portion formed by twisting the continuum of the elastic members a plurality of times around the axis along the conveying direction is formed. The posture of the continuum of members is changed, and the twisted portion is formed by arranging a plurality of the standing portion and the short lying portion alternately in the transport direction.
The joint is formed at a predetermined formation pitch in the transport direction in a predetermined range in the transport direction including at least the position to be cut.
It is desirable that the length of the twisted portion in the transport direction is larger than the forming pitch of the joint portion.

According to the method for manufacturing a sheet-like member related to such an absorbent article, the length of the twisted portion is made larger than the formation pitch of the joint portion. Therefore, the twisted portion is attached based on the joints at at least two positions in the transport direction. Therefore, the problem that the pinching pressure between the joints becomes weak in the twisted portion can be compensated by increasing the number of joints, whereby the elastic member can be relatively stable even in the twisted portion. It can be attached to a shaped member.

A method for manufacturing a sheet-like member according to such an absorbent article.
In the arrangement step, a plurality of the continuous bodies of the elastic members are arranged side by side at intervals in the CD direction.
The horizontal portion has a long horizontal portion having a length in the transport direction of a predetermined length or more and a short horizontal portion having a length in the transport direction of less than the predetermined length.
The elasticity is formed between the long lying portions adjacent to each other in the conveying direction so that a twisted portion formed by twisting the continuum of the elastic members a plurality of times around the axis along the conveying direction is formed. The posture of the continuum of members is changed, and the twisted portion is formed by arranging a plurality of the standing portion and the short lying portion alternately in the transport direction.
The absorbent article is in a state in which the sheet-like member to which the elastic member is attached and the elasticity in the lateral direction is imparted and the second sheet-like member are overlapped in a thickness direction intersecting the lateral direction. A side seal portion to be welded is provided at each end portion in the lateral direction.
The transport direction is along the lateral direction,
A stacking step of superimposing the continuous body of the second sheet-like member continuous in the transport direction on the continuous body of the sheet-like member on which the joint portion is formed in the thickness direction.
The side seal portion for welding the continuous body of the sheet-shaped members and the continuous body of the second sheet-shaped members superposed in the thickness direction is set at a predetermined pitch in the transport direction. It has a side seal part forming step, which is formed on both sides of the above.
When viewed from the thickness direction, the joint portion is provided with respect to the twisted portion related to the continuum of at least one elastic member among the continuums of the plurality of elastic members, and the twisted shape is provided. It is desirable that the side seal portion is provided so as to straddle the portion in the CD direction.

According to the method for manufacturing a sheet-like member related to such an absorbent article, not only the joint portion is provided for the twisted portion, but also a side seal portion is provided so as to straddle the twisted portion in the CD direction. Be done. Therefore, for the twisted portion where the pinching pressure between the joint portions tends to be weak, the twisted portion can be pinched in the CD direction by the side seal portion in addition to the pinching pressure. As a result, the elastic member can be attached to the sheet-shaped member relatively stably even in such a twisted portion.

Also,
After inserting the continuous body of the elastic members continuous in the transport direction between the pair of facing surfaces of the continuous body of the sheet-shaped members continuous in the transport direction, the continuous body of the sheet-like members is inserted. An apparatus for manufacturing the sheet-like member to which the elastic member is attached by cutting at a cutting target position in the transport direction in the continuum of the sheet-like member.
The continuous body of the elastic member is conveyed by pulling the continuous body of the elastic member in the axial direction from the non-rotating material coil formed by winding the continuous body of the elastic member around the axis. A feeding device that feeds in the direction and
An arrangement device for arranging a continuous body of the elastic members drawn out between the pair of facing surfaces in a state of being extended in the transport direction.
A joint portion forming device for forming a plurality of joint portions for joining the pair of facing surfaces at intervals in the transport direction.
By cutting the continuum of the sheet-like member and the continuum of the elastic member at the position downstream of the arrangement device and the joint forming device in the transport direction, the sheet-like member is formed. It has a member and a cutting device that produces the elastic member.
The shape of the continuous body of the elastic member in a cross section orthogonal to the transport direction has a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction having a length shorter than the longitudinal direction in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction.
In the continuum of the elastic members, a portion where the angle formed by the longitudinal direction with respect to one of the pair of facing surfaces is 45 ° or more is defined as an upright portion, and the longitudinal portion with respect to the one facing surface. When the part where the angle formed by the direction is less than 45 ° is regarded as the lying part,
The arrangement device is a continuum of the elastic members so that the length in the transport direction occupied by the lying portion is longer than the length in the transport direction occupied by the upright portion in the unit length in the transport direction. While changing the posture of the body, the continuous body of the elastic member is placed on the one facing surface.
The joint forming device intersects the joint with the transport direction while maintaining the continuous body of the elastic members in a state of being extended in the transport direction and maintaining the posture changed in the arrangement step. Formed at positions on both sides of the continuum of the elastic members in the CD direction, respectively.
On the downstream side in the transport direction from the cutting step, the elastic member that contracts in the transport direction and expands in the CD direction is sandwiched between the joints on both sides in the CD direction to form the sheet. It is an apparatus for manufacturing a sheet-shaped member related to an absorbent article, which is attached to the member.

According to the manufacturing apparatus for the sheet-shaped member related to such an absorbent article, it is possible to obtain the same effects as in the case of the manufacturing method described above.

=== This embodiment ===
The method and apparatus for manufacturing the sheet-shaped member according to the absorbent article of the present embodiment are used, for example, in the manufacturing line of the disposable diaper 1 as an example of the absorbent article. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a three-piece type diaper 1 as an example of the diaper 1.

This diaper 1 has a "vertical direction", a "horizontal direction" orthogonal to the vertical direction, and a "front-back direction" orthogonal to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction in the pants-shaped state before wearing as shown in FIG. Have. Then, while wearing the diaper 1, the vertical direction is often oriented in the vertical direction. Therefore, in the following, the vertical direction is also referred to as "vertical direction".
In the vertical direction, the upper side corresponds to the waistline side of the wearer, and the lower side corresponds to the inseam side of the wearer. In the front-back direction, the front side corresponds to the ventral side of the wearer, and the rear side corresponds to the back side of the wearer. Further, in the lateral direction, one side corresponds to the left side of the wearer and the other side corresponds to the right side of the wearer.

In the pants-type state of FIG. 2, the diaper 1 is located on the ventral band member 31 along the lateral direction and on the rear side of the ventral band member 31, and in cooperation with the ventral band member 31 in the vertical direction. A dorsal band member 41 along the lateral direction for forming a waist circumference opening BH on the upper side, and an absorbent main body 10 as a crotch part provided between the ventral band member 31 and the dorsal band member 41 are provided. There is. The absorbent main body 10 is located so as to project downward in the vertical direction from the ventral band member 31 and the dorsal band member 41.
Further, the lateral end portions 31e and 31e of the ventral band member 31 and the lateral end portions 41e and 41e of the corresponding dorsal band member 41 are joined by the side seal portion SS. As a result, the ventral band member 31 and the dorsal band member 41 form leg circumference openings LH and LH on both the lower side and the lateral side in cooperation with the absorbent body 10.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the unfolded diaper 1 as viewed from the wearer's skin side. Further, FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IVa-IVa in FIG. 3 as well as a sectional view taken along line IVb-IVb in FIG.

Here, the unfolded state means that the ventral band member 31 and the dorsal band member 41 are separated by breaking the joint of the above-mentioned side seal portions SS that the diaper 1 in the pants-shaped state of FIG. 2 has on both sides in the lateral direction. At the same time, by opening the diaper 1 in the vertical direction, the diaper 1 is unfolded on a plane.
Further, in this unfolded state, the diaper 1 is shown in a virtual state in which each member constituting the diaper 1 has no elasticity. For example, in this example, the diaper 1 is provided with a plurality of elastic members 17, 18, 35, 45 for the purpose of imparting elasticity to the diaper 1, but in this unfolded state, the elastic members 17, The diaper 1 is shown in a virtual state where there is no elasticity (contraction force) of 18, 35, 45.

In the unfolded state, the diaper 1 has a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, and a thickness direction (direction penetrating the paper surface in FIG. 3) as three directions orthogonal to each other. The longitudinal direction is along the above-mentioned vertical direction. Then, one side in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the ventral side, and the other side corresponds to the dorsal side. Further, the outer side in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the upper side in the vertical direction, and the inner side in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the lower side in the vertical direction. Since the longitudinal direction and the longitudinal direction are similar to each other in this way, for convenience of explanation, the longitudinal direction may be used instead of the longitudinal direction even in this unfolded state. .. On the other hand, the lateral direction is synonymous with the lateral direction in the above-mentioned pants type state. Further, in the thickness direction, one side corresponds to the skin side in contact with the wearer's body, and the other side corresponds to the non-skin side on the opposite side. The thickness direction is along the above-mentioned front-rear direction.

In the deployed state of FIG. 3, the ventral band member 31 is arranged along the lateral direction, and the dorsal band member 41 is laterally spaced from the ventral band member 31 at a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction. Arranged along the direction. Then, while the absorbent main body 10 is hung between the ventral band member 31 and the dorsal band member 41 along the longitudinal direction, the end portions 10ea and 10eb of the absorbent main body 10 in the longitudinal direction are closest to each other. It is joined and fixed to each of the band members 31 and 41 of the above, whereby the external shape thereof has a substantially H-shape in a plan view. Further, from this state, the diaper 1 is folded in half with the predetermined position CL1 in the longitudinal direction (the center position CL1 of the diaper 1 in the longitudinal direction) in the absorbent body 10 as the folding position, and the diapers 1 face each other in this folded state. When the lateral ends 31e and 41e of the band members 31 and 41 are joined by the side seal portion SS described above, the band members 31 and 41 are connected in an annular shape, thereby as shown in FIG. This is a pants-type diaper 1 in which a waist opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH and LH are formed.

The absorbent main body 10 has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view in the expanded state of FIG. The longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 10 is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the absorbent body 10 is absorbed by the absorbent body 11 and the liquid-permeable top sheet 13 that covers the absorbent body 11 from the skin side to form the skin side surface of the absorbent main body 10. It is provided with a liquid-impermeable back sheet 15 that covers the body 11 from the non-skin side and forms a non-skin side surface of the absorbent main body 10.

The absorber 11 has a liquid-absorbing absorbent core 11c and a core wrap sheet (not shown) that covers the outer peripheral surface of the core 11c. The absorbent core 11c is a molded body obtained by molding a liquid absorbent material such as pulp fiber or a highly absorbent polymer into a substantially hourglass shape in a plan view as an example of a predetermined shape. Further, as the core wrap sheet, a liquid permeable sheet such as tissue paper or non-woven fabric can be used, but the core wrap sheet may not be used. Further, the shape of the absorbent core 11c is not limited to the above-mentioned substantially hourglass shape in a plan view, and may be any other shape.

The top sheet 13 is a liquid-permeable flexible sheet such as a non-woven fabric. Further, the back sheet 15 is a liquid-impermeable and flexible sheet. As an example of the back sheet 15, a two-layer having a liquid-impermeable leak-proof sheet such as a polyethylene film or a polypropylene film and a non-woven fabric exterior sheet bonded to the non-skin side of the leak-proof sheet. A laminated sheet 15 having a structure can be mentioned.

As shown in FIG. 3, at least the back sheet 15 is a flat-sized sheet that protrudes from the absorber 11 in the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction. Then, leg gather LGs that expand and contract in the longitudinal direction are formed in the portions that protrude in the lateral direction. That is, a thread rubber 17 along the longitudinal direction is fixed to the protruding portion as an elastic member in a state of being extended in the longitudinal direction, whereby an elastic leg gather LG is formed in the portion. ..

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the absorbent main body 10 has three-dimensional gathers LSG and LSG as leak-proof wall portions at each end in the lateral direction for the purpose of preventing lateral leakage. That is, a configuration in which the elastic member 18 is attached to the sheet-like portion to be the three-dimensional gather LSG in a state in which the thread rubber 18 along the longitudinal direction is extended in the longitudinal direction is provided at each end portion in the lateral direction of the absorbent body 10. Has been done.

As shown in FIG. 3, the ventral band member 31 is a sheet-like member having a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view made of two non-woven fabrics 32 and 33. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the two non-woven fabrics 32 and 33 are in a state of being overlapped with each other in the thickness direction, and the pair of facing surfaces facing each other are as shown in FIG. 5 described later. It is joined by a plurality of welded portions j, j ... (corresponding to the joint portion) discretely arranged in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) and the horizontal direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the ventral band member 31 is arranged so as to protrude on both sides in the lateral direction from the absorbent main body 10, and is non-skinned on the ventral end 10ea of the absorbent main body 10. They are stacked and joined from the side.

Further, the dorsal band member 41 is also a sheet-like member having a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, which is made of two non-woven fabrics 42 and 43 as a material, like the ventral band member 31. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the two non-woven fabrics 42 and 43 are in a state of being overlapped with each other in the thickness direction, and the pair of facing surfaces facing each other are the ventral band members 31 of FIG. Similar to the case of the above case, a plurality of welded portions j, j ... (corresponding to the joint portion) discretely arranged in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) and the horizontal direction are joined. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the dorsal band member 41 is arranged so as to protrude on both sides in the lateral direction from the absorbent main body 10, and is non-skinned on the dorsal end 10 eb of the absorbent main body 10. They are stacked and joined from the side.

In the following description, the contents common to both the ventral band member 31 and the dorsal band member 41 will be described only for the ventral band member 31 on behalf of both, and for the dorsal band member 41, the corresponding members and the like will be described. Only the code is shown in parentheses.

Further, in this example, the spunbonded non-woven fabric is used for each of the two non-woven fabrics 32, 33 (42, 43) related to the ventral band member 31 (41). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another type of non-woven fabric such as SMS (spanbond / meltblown / spunbond) non-woven fabric may be used. Further, in this example, a polypropylene (PP) single fiber, which is a typical example of a thermoplastic resin, is used as a constituent fiber of the non-woven fabric, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a single fiber of another thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene (PE) may be used, or a composite fiber having a sheath core structure such as PE and PP may be used.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of the ventral band member 31 in the unfolded state as viewed from the non-skin side.
As shown in FIG. 5, each of the lateral end portions 31e, 31e (41e, 41e) of the ventral band member 31 (41) is provided with the above-mentioned side seal portion SS. In this example, the side seal portions SS have a plurality of welded portions SSK, SSK ... Having the same shape as each other in a straight line along the vertical direction. Each of the welded portions SSk welds the non-woven fabric 33 of the ventral band member 31 and the non-woven fabric 43 of the dorsal band member 41, and faces each other in the two non-woven fabrics 32 and 33 related to the ventral band member 31. It also welds the pair of facing surfaces to each other, and also welds the pair of facing surfaces facing each other in the two non-woven fabrics 42 and 43 related to the dorsal band member 41.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, in the two non-woven fabrics 32, 33 (42, 43) relating to the ventral band member 31 (41), between the pair of facing surfaces facing each other, along the lateral direction. A plurality of rubber threads 35, 35 ... (45, 45 ...) As elastic members are inserted side by side in the vertical direction, and are based on the above-mentioned welded portions j, j ... In the non-woven fabric 32, 33 (42, 43). Is attached. As a result, the ventral band member 31 (41) is provided with elasticity in the lateral direction. That is, the above-mentioned welded portions j, j ... Not only have the function of joining the pair of facing surfaces of the two non-woven fabrics 32, 33 (42, 43), but also the two non-woven fabrics 32, 33 (42, 43). ) Also has a function of attaching the thread rubber 35 (45).

6A and 6B are explanatory views of the latter function played by the welding portion j, that is, the attachment function of the rubber thread 35 (45), and are schematic enlarged views of the VI portion in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the welded portions j, j ... Are provided for each of the thread rubbers 35 (45) arranged along the lateral direction. Further, the welded portions j are formed so as to be paired on both sides of the corresponding thread rubber 35 in the vertical direction, that is, the pair of welded portions j, j arranged on both sides in the vertical direction are welded portions to jP. Is doing. Then, a plurality of pairs of such welded portions to jP are formed side by side in the lateral direction with a gap between the welded portions to jP adjacent to each other in the lateral direction. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6A, the pair of welded portions j, j forming the welded portion vs. jP are arranged with an interval Dj in the vertical direction. Here, the magnitude of the interval Dj is determined. The size is set to be the same as or slightly larger than the vertical size D35t (D45t) of the rubber thread 35 (45) in a state of being stretched in the horizontal direction to the target value of the stretch ratio. Further, in the pants-shaped diaper 1 of FIG. 2, the thread rubber 35 (45) is relaxed from the stretched state of the stretch ratio described above. Therefore, in the same pants type state, as shown in FIG. 6B, the rubber thread 35 (45) tries to expand in the vertical direction while contracting in the horizontal direction, but here, based on the magnitude relationship of the above dimensions. , The vertical expansion of the rubber thread 35 (45) is restricted to the pair of welded portions j, j. As a result, the thread rubber 35 (45) is substantially sandwiched between the welded portions j and j in the vertical direction, and as a result, the thread rubber 35 (45) is placed in the ventral band. It is in a state of being attached to the member 31 (41).

By the way, the above-mentioned elongation ratio is a value R (= L1 / L0) indicating how many times the total length L1 of the thread rubber 35 (45) is extended to the total length L0 in the naturally long no-load state. .. Then, the target value of the elongation ratio described above is selected from, for example, 1.5 times to 4.0 times. Further, as the fineness of the rubber thread 35 (45), for example, 400 dtex to 1000 dtex can be exemplified.

Such a diaper 1 is manufactured on a production line. FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which the diaper 1 is manufactured on the same line with a partial perspective. 8A, 8B, and 8C are a schematic enlarged view of a portion A, a schematic enlarged view of a portion B, and a schematic enlarged view of a portion C in FIG. 7, respectively. By the way, to be more correct here, in FIG. 8C, the continuous sheets 42a, 43a related to the dorsal band member 41 should be visible instead of the continuous sheets 32a, 33a related to the ventral band member 31, but for convenience of explanation. Here, it is assumed that the continuous sheets 32a and 33a related to the ventral band member 31 are visible. This also applies to FIGS. 15 and 16 described later.

In the same line, for example, the two non-woven fabrics 32 and 33 (corresponding to the sheet-shaped member) related to the ventral band member 31 are continuous sheets 32a and 33a (corresponding to the continuous body of the sheet-shaped member) which are continuous in the transport direction, respectively. Similarly, the two non-woven fabrics 42 and 43 (corresponding to the sheet-shaped members) related to the back side band member 41 are also conveyed in the form, and the continuous sheets 42a and 43a (in the continuous body of the sheet-shaped members) continuous in the conveying direction, respectively. It is transported in the form of (equivalent). Then, each time each of the two continuous sheets 32a, 33a, 42a, 43a passes through the plurality of processing positions PK1 to PK5 set in the transport direction, the processing processing corresponding to each processing position PK1, PK2 ... Is performed on each of the two continuous sheets 32a, 33a, 42a, 43a.

Here, when the direction orthogonal to both the thickness direction and the transport direction of the continuous sheets 32a, 33a, 42a, 43a is defined as the "CD direction", in this example, two continuous sheets each. 32a, 33a, 42a, 43a, that is, both the two continuous sheets 32a, 33a related to the ventral band member 31 and the two continuous sheets 42a, 43a related to the dorsal band member 41 are conveyed side by side in the CD direction. Has been done. However, it is not limited to this.

Further, in this example, as the plurality of machining positions, the first machining position PK1 to the fifth machining position PK5 are set in this order from upstream to downstream in the transport direction. Then, the processing at each processing position PK1, PK2 ... Is for the two continuous sheets 32a, 33a related to the ventral band member 31 and for the two continuous sheets 42a, 43a related to the dorsal band member 41. And they are almost the same as each other.
Therefore, in the following, the common contents will be described without distinguishing between the ventral band member 31 and the dorsal band member 41. For example, it may be simply referred to as "band member 31 (41)" or simply referred to as "two continuous sheets 32a, 33a (42a, 43a)". In that case, terms indicating each member such as "continuous sheet 32a, 33a (42a, 43a)", "thread rubber 35 (45)", "thread rubber continuous body 35a (45a)", etc. The code immediately after is the code of the member related to the ventral band member 31, and the code in parentheses following the code is the code of the member related to the dorsal band member 41.

As shown in FIG. 7, the transport of the two continuous sheets 32a, 33a (42a, 43a) pertaining to each band member 31 (41) is performed in a so-called cross flow mode. That is, the two continuous sheets 32a, 33a (42a, 43a) are conveyed in a posture in which the direction corresponding to the lateral direction of the diaper 1 faces the conveying direction. Therefore, on the two continuous sheets 32a, 33a (42a, 43a), the boundary position PBL between the diapers 1, 1 adjacent to each other in the lateral direction is virtually set at the product pitch P1 in the transport direction. Then, at the fifth processing position PK5 located at the end of the production line, the two continuous sheets 32a, 33a (42a, 43a) are cut with the boundary position PBL as the cutting target position PC to form a single sheet. Diaper 1 is generated.

The two continuous sheets 32a, 33a (42a, 43a) related to each band member 31 (41) are conveyed by an appropriate transfer device (not shown) such as a belt conveyor or a transfer roller. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the two continuous sheets 32a, 33a (42a, 43a) are conveyed in the conveying direction by these conveying devices. Examples of the belt conveyor include a normal belt conveyor having a drive-circling endless belt as a transport surface, a suction belt conveyor having a suction function on the outer peripheral surface of the endless belt, and the like.

Further, in this example, the elasticity of each continuous sheet 32a, 33a, 42a, 43a is very small and negligible as compared with the elasticity of the rubber threads 35 and 45. Then, the continuous sheets 32a, 33a, 42a, 43a are conveyed in a stretched state in the conveying direction from the first processing position PK1 to the fifth processing position PK5.

The manufacturing process of diaper 1 will be described in detail below.
As shown in FIG. 7, first, the two continuous sheets 32a, 33a (42a, 43a) related to each band member 31 (41) pass through the first processing position PK1. Then, when passing through the sheets, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8A, the two continuous sheets 32a, 33a (42a, 43a) are superposed on each other in the thickness direction. Further, when they are overlapped, the elasticity of the two continuous sheets 32a, 33a (42a, 43a) that are continuous in the transport direction between the pair of facing surfaces 32ast, 33ast (42ast, 43ast) that face each other. A plurality of rubber thread continuums 35a, 35a ... (45a, 45a ...) As a continuum of members are inserted side by side in the CD direction in a state of being stretched in the transport direction at the above-mentioned target elongation ratio (in the arrangement step). Equivalent).

The thread rubber continuum 35a (45a) is arranged on the pair of facing surfaces 32ast, 33ast (42ast, 43ast) by the downstream nip roll mechanism 54D of FIG. 9A, which will be described later, that is, the downstream nip roll mechanism. 54D corresponds to the "arrangement device" of the claim.

Further, at the same time as or immediately after the superposition, as shown in FIG. 8B, the two continuous sheets 32a, 33a (42a, 43a) have the above-mentioned welded portions j, j ... As joint portions. The welded portions j, j ... are formed to join the pair of facing surfaces 32ast, 33ast (42ast, 43ast) of the two continuous sheets 32a, 33a (42a, 43a) to each other (joining portion). Corresponds to the forming process).

Here, as described above, in this production line, the horizontal direction of the diaper 1 is along the transport direction, and the vertical direction of the diaper 1 is along the CD direction. Therefore, the welded portions j are formed so as to be paired on both sides of the thread rubber continuum 35a (45a) in the CD direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 8B, a pair of welded portions j, j arranged on both sides of the continuum 35a (45a) in the CD direction form a welded portion vs. jP. Then, a plurality of pairs of such welded portions vs. jPs are formed side by side in the transporting direction with a gap between the welding portions vs. jPs adjacent to each other in the transporting direction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6A, the pair of welded portions j, j forming the welded portion vs. jP are arranged with an interval Dj in the CD direction. Here, the magnitude of the interval Dj is determined. The size of the rubber thread continuum 35a (45a) in the state of being stretched in the transport direction to the target value of the stretch ratio in the transport direction at the first processing position PK1 is the same size as or slightly larger than the size D35t (D45t) in the CD direction. It is a dimension.
Therefore, when the continuous body 35a (45a) of the thread rubber is cut at the fifth processing position PK5 described later and the stretched state of the thread rubber 35 (45) is relaxed, as shown in FIG. 6B, in the transport direction. A pair of welded portions j and j hold the thread rubber 35 (45) that is shrinking and expanding in the CD direction from the CD direction, whereby the thread rubber 35 (45) becomes a band member 31 (41). ), It is in a state of being attached to the two non-woven fabrics 32, 33 (42, 43).

The formation of the welding portion j can be performed using, for example, a heat sealing device or an ultrasonic welding device 60 (corresponding to a joint forming device), and in this example, the ultrasonic welding device 60 is used. The heat sealing device (not shown) has, for example, a pair of rolls heated while rotating along the transport direction. One roll is a heat embossed roll having a convex portion corresponding to each welded portion j on the outer peripheral surface, and the other roll is an anvil roll that receives the convex portion on the smooth outer peripheral surface. The details of the ultrasonic welding device 60 will be described later.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, both the two continuous sheets 32a and 33a related to the ventral band member 31 and the two continuous sheets 42a and 43a related to the dorsal band member 41 pass through the second processing position PK2. To do. Then, at the time of passing therethrough, it is generated between the two continuous sheets 32a and 33a related to the ventral band member 31 and the two continuous sheets 42a and 43a related to the dorsal band member 41 in a separate step (not shown). The cut-sheet-shaped absorbent main body 10 is hung and fixed, whereby a continuous body 1hs of a substantially ladder-shaped diaper in which diapers 1h, 1h ... Expanded in a substantially H shape are continuous is formed. To.

The fixing of the absorbent main body 10 can be performed by using, for example, a rotating drum device (not shown). The rotary drum device has, for example, a rotary drum that rotates along a transport direction, and the rotary drum has a plurality of holding portions on the outer peripheral surface that removably hold the absorbent main body 10.

Next, the continuum 1hs of the substantially ladder-shaped diaper passes through the third processing position PK3. Then, at the time of passing through the absorbent main body 10, the main body 10 is folded in half at a predetermined position CL1 in the CD direction in the absorbent main body 10, whereby the two continuous sheets 32a and 33a and the dorsal band related to the ventral band member 31 are folded. The two continuous sheets 42a and 43a related to the member 41 are overlapped in the thickness direction.

Such folding in half can be performed using, for example, a bending guide device (not shown). The bending guide device has, for example, a guide plate or a guide roller arranged at a predetermined position in the transport direction. Then, these guide plates and guide rollers guide the continuum 1hs of the substantially ladder-shaped diaper passing through the arrangement position so as to form a folded shape in half.

Next, the diaper continuum 1hsb in the folded state passes through the fourth processing position PK4. Then, at the time of passing through the two continuous sheets 32a, 33a related to the ventral band member 31 and the two continuous sheets 42a, 43a related to the dorsal band member 41, which are stacked in the thickness direction, are conveyed in the transport direction. A pair of side seal portions SS and SS are formed by welding at each position on both sides of the cutting target position PC in the above diaper, thereby fixing the continuous body 1hsb of the same diaper in a folded state. Then, as a result, a continuous body 1s of pants-type diapers in which a plurality of pants-type diapers 1, 1 ... Are connected in the lateral direction is generated.

Here, as shown in FIG. 8C, the side seal portion SS has a plurality of welded portions SSK, SSK ... Arranged in the CD direction (vertical direction). Each of the welded portions SSK welds the continuous sheet 33a of the ventral band member 31 and the continuous sheet 43a of the dorsal band member 41, and the continuous sheets 32a and 33a of the ventral band member 31 face each other. The surfaces 32ast and 33ast are welded to each other, and the pair of facing surfaces 42ast and 43ast of the continuous sheets 42a and 43a of the dorsal band member 41 are welded to each other (FIG. 7).

Further, in the example of FIG. 8C, the planar shape of each welded portion SSK is a horizontally long rectangular shape that is longer in the horizontal direction in the CD direction than in the vertical direction in the transport direction. However, it is not limited to this. For example, it may be a parallel quadrilateral shape, an oval shape, or a shape other than these. Further, in this example, the longitudinal direction of each welded portion SSK is along the lateral direction which is the transport direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the longitudinal direction of each welded portion SSK may be along the vertical direction, which is the CD direction, or may be oriented so as to intersect both the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

The formation of the side seal portion SS can be performed by using, for example, a heat seal device (not shown). The heat seal device has, for example, a pair of rolls that are heated while rotating along the transport direction. One roll is a heat embossed roll having a convex portion corresponding to each welding portion SSK of the side seal portion SS on the outer peripheral surface, and the other roll is an anvil roll that receives the convex portion on the smooth outer peripheral surface. .. In some cases, the side seal portion SS may be formed by a welding device having substantially the same configuration as the ultrasonic welding device 60 of FIG. 9A described later.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the pants-type diaper continuum 1s passes through the fifth processing position PK5. Then, at the time of passing through, the continuum 1s is cut by the cutting target position PC located between the pair of side seal portions SS and SS (corresponding to the cutting step), whereby the diaper 1 is manufactured. Will be done.

At the time of this cutting, the two continuous sheets 32a, 33a (42a, 43a) related to the ventral band member 31 and the dorsal band member 41 and the continuous bodies 35a, 35a ... (45a, 45a ... ) Is cut at the cutting target position PC. Then, through the relaxation of the stretched state of the thread rubber 35 (45) caused by this, the thread rubber 35 (45) is attached to the band members 31, 41 by the pinching pressure between the pair of welded portions j, j of the welded portion vs. jP. However, this is as described in the explanation of the first processing position PK1.

Such cutting can be performed using, for example, a cutter device (not shown). The cutter device has, for example, a pair of rolls that rotate along the transport direction. One roll is a cutter roll having a cutter blade on the outer peripheral surface, and the other roll is an anvil roll that receives the cutter blade on the outer peripheral surface.

The processing performed at the first processing position PK1 to the fifth processing position PK5 has been described above, but in the present embodiment, some measures are taken for the processing processing performed at the first processing position PK1. Further, each processing process performed at the second processing position PK2 to the fifth processing position PK5 is generally well known. Therefore, in the following, only the processing performed at the first processing position PK1 will be described in detail, and each processing processing at the second processing position PK2 to the fifth processing position PK5 will not be described in detail.
Further, as described above, the processing at the first processing position PK1 is performed on the members 32a, 33a, 35a related to the ventral band member 31 and the members 42a, 43a, 45a related to the dorsal band member 41. It is almost the same. Therefore, in the following, on behalf of both of these, only the processing of the members 32a, 33a, 35a related to the ventral band member 31 will be described, and the description of the dorsal band member 41 will be omitted. Further, in the following, one continuous sheet 32a and the other continuous sheet 33a of the continuous sheets 32a and 33a of the ventral band member 31 will be referred to as "first continuous sheet 32a" and "second continuous sheet 33a", respectively. To tell.

FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram of the machining process performed at the first machining position PK1. That is, it is a schematic side view of the ultrasonic welding device 60 which is the main device of the processing process as viewed from the CD direction. Further, FIG. 9B is a schematic enlarged view of the arrow BB in FIG. 9A.

As shown in FIG. 9A, at the first processing position PK1, a transport mechanism 51 for transporting the first continuous sheet 32a along the transport direction and a transport mechanism 52 for transporting the second continuous sheet 33a along the transport direction. , A transport mechanism 53 for transporting the continuous body 35a of the rubber thread along the transport direction is arranged at each position on the upstream side of the ultrasonic welding device 60 in the transport direction.

The transport mechanism 51 of the first continuous sheet 32a and the transport mechanism 52 of the second continuous sheet 33a both include transport rollers 51R and 52R that rotate around a rotation axis along the CD direction and corresponding transport rollers 51R and 52R. It has a servomotor (not shown) as a drive source for driving and rotating. As a result, the transport roller 51R is driven and rotated along the transport direction to feed the first continuous sheet 32a to the ultrasonic welding device 60, and the transport roller 52R is also driven and rotated along the transport direction. The second continuous sheet 33a is sent to the ultrasonic welding device 60.

On the other hand, the transport mechanism 53 of the thread rubber continuum 35a sets a predetermined target of the tension value (N) of the thread rubber continuum 35a and the feeding device 53UW that feeds the thread rubber continuum 35a from the material coil 35aC. It has a tension controller 53TC that adjusts the tension value, and an extension device 54 that extends the tension value-adjusted rubber thread continuum 35a to a target value of the extension ratio.

As described above, a plurality of thread rubber continuums 35a, 35a ... Are inserted between the first continuous sheet 32a and the second continuous sheet 33a so as to be arranged in the CD direction. Further, the continuous bodies 35a of the rubber threads have different target values of the elongation ratios of each other. Therefore, the above-mentioned transport mechanism 53 is provided for each of the thread rubber continuums 35a, 35a .... However, if the target values of the extension ratios are the same thread rubber continuums 35a and 35a, the extension device 54 of the transfer mechanism 53 may be shared. Further, the configurations of the transport mechanism 53 are substantially the same. Therefore, in the following, the configurations 53UW, 53TC, 54 of one transport mechanism 53 will be described as a representative.

As shown in the schematic perspective view of FIG. 10, the feeding device 53UW is an over-end unwinding type feeding device. Further, the material coil 35aC is a continuous body of rubber thread 35a wound around a cylindrical paper tube 35aCs as a shaft. Then, the paper tube 35aCs is non-rotatably attached to the non-rotating support shaft 53s of the feeding device 53UW and is coaxially attached to each other, and the continuous body 35a of the rubber thread is pulled in the axial direction of the material coil 35aC to cause non-rotation. The continuous body 35a of the rubber thread is delivered from the material coil 35aC by a transport route that passes through the through hole 53Rh of the ring-shaped guide member 53R arranged at a fixed position. Then, as a result, the continuum 35a is conveyed to the tension controller 53TC.

When the continuous body 35a of the rubber thread is unwound, the material coil 35aC does not rotate about the axis as described above. Therefore, if the tip portion 35aes of the thread rubber continuum 35a of the trailing material coil 35aC is connected in advance to the tail end portion 35aee of the thread rubber continuum 35a of the preceding material coil 35aC during feeding, the preceding portion 35aes can be connected. When the continuous body 35a of the thread rubber of the material coil 35aC of No. 1 is interrupted, the feeding can be smoothly changed from the preceding material coil 35aC to the succeeding material coil 35aC without stopping the feeding.

Further, when the continuous body 35a of the thread rubber is fed out from the feeding device 53UW, the feeding position PTO (the position where the continuous body 35a of the thread rubber is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the material coil 35aC) goes around the outer peripheral surface of the material coil 35aC. Move in one direction along the direction. Therefore, the continuous body 35a of the rubber thread is twisted by one rotation each time the feeding position PTO goes around the outer peripheral surface with the feeding. This will be relevant later.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the tension controller 53TC includes a roller 53TCR around which the thread rubber continuum 35a transported from the upstream in the transport direction is wound, a tension sensor 53TCS arranged on the downstream side of the roller 53TCR, and a computer or sequencer. Etc. (not shown). The roller 53TCR is driven and rotated by a servomotor (not shown) as a drive source. Further, the tension sensor 53TCS measures the tension value (N) of the continuous body 35a of the rubber thread at the measurement target position in the transport direction. Then, the control unit controls the servomotor so that the measured tension value becomes the target value. For example, when the tension value is larger than the target value, the servomotor is controlled so that the rotation speed (rpm) of the roller 53TCR increases, and in the opposite case, the rotation speed of the roller 53TCR decreases. Control the motor. Then, as a result, the tension value is adjusted to be the target value.

The stretching device 54 includes an upstream nip roll mechanism 54U arranged at a predetermined position in the transport direction and a downstream nip roll mechanism 54D arranged on the downstream side of the upstream nip roll mechanism 54U. Both of the nip roll mechanisms 54U and 54D have a pair of upper and lower nip rolls 54Ru and 54Rd that rotate by driving, and the pair of nip rolls 54Ru and 54Rd do not show as a driving source while slightly pressing the continuous body 35a of the rubber thread. It is driven and rotated by the servo motor of. Further, the pair of nip rolls 54Ru and 54Rd of the upstream side nip roll mechanism 54U rotate at a peripheral speed value (mpm) smaller than the peripheral speed value (mpm) of the pair of nip rolls 54Ru and 54Rd of the downstream side nip roll mechanism 54D. As a result, the thread rubber continuum 35a is stretched. More specifically, the former 54U nip rolls 54Ru and 54Rd rotate at a peripheral speed value that is 1/1 of the target value of the extension ratio of the peripheral speed value of the latter 54D nip rolls 54Ru and 54Rd. While the continuum 35a of the above is passing between the nip roll mechanisms 54U and 54D, the continuum 35a is extended to the above target value.
Further, the peripheral speed values (mpm) of the nip rolls 54Ru and 54Rd of the downstream nip roll mechanism 54D are adjusted so as to be interlocked with the peripheral speed values (mpm) of the anvil roll 61a of the ultrasonic welding device 60, whereby each other The peripheral speed values are controlled to be approximately the same. Therefore, the magnitude of the elongation ratio on the anvil roll 61a is maintained at the magnitude of the elongation ratio given by the extension device 54.

The ultrasonic welding device 60 has an anvil roll 61a (corresponding to a roll) that rotates along the transport direction, and a horn 61h that is arranged at a predetermined position P61h in the rotation direction Dc61a of the anvil roll 61a.

The horn 61h is supported by an appropriate support member 61s so as to be substantially immovable at the predetermined position P61h. Further, the horn 61h has a flat vibration surface 61hs arranged so as to face the outer peripheral surface 61as of the anvil roll 61a. Then, the same surface 61hs vibrates in a direction of expanding or contracting the distance between the same surface 61hs and the outer peripheral surface 61as. The frequency of vibration is, for example, a predetermined value of 20 kHz to 35 kHz, and the amplitude is, for example, a predetermined value of 1 micron to 30 micron. Therefore, the vibrating surface 61hs is ultrasonically vibrated, whereby both sheets 32a and 33a passing between the same surface 61hs and the outer peripheral surface 61as are ultrasonically welded. That is, the above-mentioned welded portion j is formed on both the sheets 32a and 33a. Incidentally, the generation of such vibration is performed by inputting an electric signal having the above frequency to the piezo element of the converter (not shown) connected to the horn 61h.

The anvil roll 61a is rotatably supported around a rotation axis along the CD direction by an appropriate support member (not shown) such as a bearing. Then, the roll 61a is driven and rotated by applying a driving force from a servomotor (not shown) as a driving source. Further, the roll 61a is provided with the first continuous sheet 32a sent from the above-mentioned transport roller 51R, the second continuous sheet 33a sent from the above-mentioned transport roller 52R, and the downstream nip roll mechanism 54D of the above-mentioned extension device 54. The three elements of the rubber thread continuum 35a to be fed are wound around the outer peripheral surface 61as of the roll 61a without any relative slippage. Therefore, as the anvil roll 61a is driven and rotated, the first continuous sheet 32a, the second continuous sheet 33a, and the continuous body 35a of the rubber thread have the same transport speed value as the peripheral speed value of the anvil roll 61a. It is conveyed along the outer peripheral surface 61as of the roll 61a. That is, both the continuous sheets 32a and 33a and the continuous body 35a of the rubber thread are conveyed by the conveying path curved along the outer peripheral surface 61as.

Here, the peripheral speed value (mpm) of the transport roller 51R of the first continuous sheet 32a and the peripheral speed value (mpm) of the transport roller 52R of the second continuous sheet 33a are the peripheral speed values of the anvil roll 61a, respectively. It is almost the same value as (mpm). Therefore, the first continuous sheet 32a and the second continuous sheet 33a are wound around the anvil roll 61a in a state of being stretched to such an extent that they do not stretch and do not loosen. On the other hand, the peripheral speed values (mpm) of the pair of nip rolls 54Ru and 54Rd of the downstream nip roll mechanism 54D of the thread rubber continuum 35a are also substantially the same as the peripheral speed values (mpm) of the anvil roll 61a. At the positions of the pair of nip rolls 54Ru and 54Rd, the rubber thread continuum 35a is already stretched to the target value of the stretch ratio. Therefore, the continuous body 35a is wound around the anvil roll 61a in a state of being extended to the target value, and is conveyed together with the continuous sheets 32a and 33a by the rotation of the roll 61a.

Further, in this example, in the order of winding around the anvil roll 61a, the first continuous sheet 32a is wound first, then the continuous body 35a of the rubber thread is wound, and finally the second continuous sheet 33a is wound. As a result, these three parties are brought into a state in which the continuous body 35a of the rubber thread is inserted between the first continuous sheet 32a and the second continuous sheet 33a on the outer peripheral surface 61as of the anvil roll 61a.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a plurality of convex portions 61at, 61at ... Are formed so as to correspond to the above-mentioned joint portions j, j ... On the outer peripheral surface 61as of the anvil roll 61a. .. Then, when the first and second continuous sheets 32a and 33a inserted with the continuous body 35a of the thread rubber pass through the arrangement position P61h of the horn 61h based on the rotation of the anvil roll 61a, the vibration of the horn 61h Ultrasonic vibration energy is applied to both sheets 32a and 33a from the surface 61hs. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9B, the pair of facing surfaces 32ast and 33ast of both sheets 32a and 33a partially generate heat and melt at the positions corresponding to the convex portions 61at, and as a result, a plurality of the above-mentioned sheets as described above. The pair of facing surfaces 32ast, 33ast of both sheets 32a, 33a are joined to each other in a joining pattern in which the welded portions j, j ... Are dispersed discontinuously. Then, the first continuous sheet 32a and the second continuous sheet 33a joined by the welding portion j are in a state where the continuous body 35a of the rubber thread is inserted between the first continuous sheet 32a and the second continuous sheet 33a, and the above-mentioned first continuous sheet is downstream in the transport direction. 2 It is sent to the processing position PK2.

By the way, as described above with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, each rubber thread 35 is attached to the ventral band member 31 based solely on the pinching pressure between the welded portions j and j. Therefore, when the thread rubber 35 is stretched again by re-stretching the ventral band member 31 or the like, the force of the above-mentioned pinching pressure acting on the thread rubber 35 becomes small, and the thread rubber 35 becomes the welded portion j. It can slide laterally from j in the expansion and contraction direction. Then, if the stretched state is relaxed again in that state, the thread rubber 35 is reattached by the pinching pressure between the welded portions j and j while remaining in the slipped and displaced position, and as a result, the ventral band member 31 There is a risk that the elasticity may change from an appropriate state in which the elasticity is substantially uniform over the entire length in the lateral direction to an inappropriate state in which the elasticity is partially biased.

Regarding this point, it is assumed that the shape of the continuous body 35a of the rubber thread in the cross section orthogonal to the transport direction is not a perfect circle as shown in FIG. 11A, but a longitudinal direction (the direction having the longest length) as shown in FIG. 11B. ) And the lateral direction (the direction that intersects the longitudinal direction and has a shorter length than the longitudinal direction, and the direction that has the shortest length), the predetermined device described later. By doing so, the above slippage can be suppressed. In this regard, in this example, a rubber thread continuum 35a using spandex SPD is used. That is, as shown in FIG. 11B, the continuum 35a of the rubber thread is a bundle of a plurality of spantex (elastic fiber) SPDs, SPDs, etc. produced by melt spinning, which are self-welded. Based on the arrangement of SPDs, SPDs, etc., the shape of the continuum 35a in the above cross section is a flat shape having a longitudinal direction such as an oval or a rectangle. Therefore, even in the present embodiment, a predetermined device is devised, thereby suppressing slippage from the welded portions j and j.

Incidentally, the reason why the shape of the continuous body 35a of the rubber thread using the spandex SPD in the cross section becomes a flat shape having a longitudinal direction as shown in FIG. 11B can be considered as follows. First, the continuum 35a is a bundle of a plurality of spandex SPDs, SPDs, etc. produced by melt spinning as described above by self-welding. Here, the continuum 35a is in the state of the material coil 35aC. When it is wound around the paper tube 35aCs, it is wound in a state where tension is applied in the winding direction. Further, even in the state of the material coil 35aC that has already been wound up, a winding force that is directed inward in the radial direction of the material coil 35aC acts on the continuum 35a due to the above tension. Therefore, due to this winding force, the plurality of spandex SPDs, SPDs ... Are rearranged and fixed so that the continuum 35a is crushed in the radial direction of the material coil 35aC, and as a result, in the above cross section. It is considered that the shape becomes a flat shape having a longitudinal direction such as an oval or a substantially rectangular shape.

Hereinafter, a device for suppressing the slippage of the rubber thread 35 from the welded portions j and j will be described.
In general, the longitudinal direction of the rubber thread continuum 35a in the cross section may be oriented in various directions depending on the position in the transport direction. First, this orientation is defined as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 12A, the portion of the continuous body 35a of the rubber thread that abuts on the facing surface 32ast of the continuous sheet 32a and the angle θ formed by the longitudinal direction with respect to the same surface 32ast is 45 ° or more. An upright portion 35ak is defined, and as shown in FIG. 12B, a portion where the angle θ formed by the longitudinal direction with respect to the facing surface 32ast is less than 45 ° is defined as a “lying portion 35ay”.

Then, in this definition, the latter lying portion 35ay is larger in the CD direction than the former standing portion 35ak, but then the continuum 35a of the same thread rubber is cut and the thread rubber 35 is in an extended state. The pinching pressure between the welded portions j and j in the CD direction, which should occur when the is relaxed, is stronger in the lying portion 35ay than in the standing portion 35ak.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as the above-mentioned device, the posture of the continuous body 35a is changed according to the contact of the continuous body 35a of the rubber thread with the continuous sheet 32a, so that the continuous body 35a stands upright in the unit length in the transport direction. The length in the transport direction occupied by the lying portion 35ay is longer than the length in the transport direction occupied by the portion 35ak. That is, basically, the posture of the continuum 35a is changed so that the length of the lying portion 35ay is as long as possible. Then, while maintaining the changed posture, the welded portions j and j are formed at positions on both sides of the thread rubber continuum 35a in the CD direction, respectively.

Therefore, at the time after the cutting step of the fifth processing position PK5, that is, when the thread rubber 35 is sandwiched between the welded portions j and j from the CD direction, the lying portion 35ay becomes longer in the conveying direction as described above. It will be in a secured state. Then, the probability that the welded portions j and j hold the thread rubber 35 between the lying portions 35ay increases, and thus the probability that the welded portions j and j strongly hold the thread rubber 35 between the welded portions j and j increases. As a result, the slip of the rubber thread 35 from the welded portions j and j can be suppressed.

Here, it is desirable that the length of the lying portion 35ay is 0.7 or more, more preferably 0.8 or more, when the unit length of the continuous rubber thread 35a is "1". Even more preferably, it should be 0.9 or more. Then, if this is done, the above probability can be further increased.

Further, such a change in the posture of the rubber thread continuum 35a can be realized on the outer peripheral surface 61as of the anvil roll 61a. That is, in this example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the continuous sheet 32a is wound around the outer peripheral surface 61as of the anvil roll 61a at a predetermined winding angle θ32a, but the continuous sheet is wound within the range of winding at the winding angle θ32a. A continuous body 35a of rubber thread is further wound around the facing surface 32ast of 32a at a predetermined winding angle θ35a to be brought into contact with the same surface 32ast.

Then, even in the process of being conveyed in the rotational direction Dc61a in this wound state, since the continuous body 35a of the thread rubber is in the stretched state, the thread rubber is increased so as to increase the above-mentioned lying portion 35ay based on the tension. The posture of the continuum 35a is changed. Then, while the posture is maintained, the continuous sheets 33a are joined so as to cover the continuous sheet 33a of the thread rubber, and the continuous body 35a of the thread rubber is inserted between the continuous sheets 32a and 33a. become. Finally, in this state, the horn 61h passes through the position P61h, and at the time of passing, the welding portions j are formed between the continuous sheets 32a and 33a.

By the way, the wrapping angle θ35a is selected from, for example, a range of 20 ° to 270 °, preferably from a range of 45 ° to 210 °, and more preferably from a range of 60 ° to 180 °.

By the way, when the extension of the thread rubber continuum 35a is the over-end unwinding method as in this example, the thread rubber continuum 35a is extended from the material coil 35aC as described above with reference to FIG. Is twisted. That is, each time the feeding position PTO on the outer peripheral surface of the material coil 35aC makes one rotation in the circumferential direction, the continuous body 35a of the rubber thread is twisted only once about the axis along the conveying direction. On the other hand, as described above, on the anvil roll 61a, the posture of the thread rubber continuum 35a is regulated so as to basically form a lying portion 35ay.

Therefore, the above-mentioned twist is accumulated at the position between the feeding device 53UW and the anvil roll 61a in FIG. 9A, but at some point, the limit of elastic torsional deformation of the continuum 35a is reached, and the twist is more than that. When the accumulation becomes difficult, the accumulated twists flow to the downstream side in the transport direction at once over the anvil roll 61a, whereby the accumulation of twists is eliminated to a state where there is almost no accumulation. Then, the twists are accumulated at the above-mentioned position by the subsequent feeding, and the twists accumulated at some point flow to the downstream side at a stretch.

Here, when the twisted portion of the thread rubber continuum 35a that flows to the downstream side at once as described above is referred to as a "twisted portion 35an", the twisted portion 35an is twisted. It has a lying portion 35ay and an upright portion 35ak.
FIG. 13 is a schematic explanatory view showing the twisted portion 35an in a plan view. As shown in FIG. 13, the lying portion 35ay is further roughly classified into two types. That is, it is roughly classified into a long horizontal portion 35ayL having a length in the transport direction of a predetermined length or more and a short horizontal portion 35ayS having a length in the same direction of less than a predetermined length. As an example of the above-mentioned predetermined length, 5 mm can be exemplified. The twisted portion 35an has a short lying portion 35atS and an upright portion 35ak alternately arranged side by side. Further, long horizontal portions 35ayL and 35ayL are located on both sides of the twisted portion 35an in the transport direction, that is, twisted between the long horizontal portions 35ayL and 35ayL adjacent to each other in the transport direction. Part 35an is located. Further, in this example, a plurality of thread rubber continuums 35a, 35a ... Having such a twisted portion 35an are arranged side by side at intervals in the CD direction, as shown in FIG. 8B.

Then, the continuous body 35a of one of the plurality of rubber thread rubbers 35a, 35a ... Is referred to as "the continuous body 35a1 of the first thread rubber" (corresponding to the continuous body of the first elastic member). , When the other one rubber thread continuous body 35a is referred to as "second thread rubber continuous body 35a2" (corresponding to the continuous body of the second elastic member), preferably, as shown in FIG. At least one twisted portion 35an of the plurality of twisted portions 35an, 35an ... Of the one-thread rubber continuum 35a1, and the plurality of twisted portions 35an, 35an ... Of the plurality of twisted portions 35a2 of the second thread rubber continuum 35a2. The posture of the first rubber continuum 35a1 and the posture of the second rubber so that the twisted portion 35an closest to the twisted portion 35an of the first rubber continuum 35a1 does not overlap in the transport direction. It is preferable to change the posture of the continuum 35a2.

In this way, after the cutting step of the fifth processing position PK5, the first thread rubber 35 and the second thread rubber 35 slide from the corresponding welding portions j and j at the same positions in the transport direction. It is possible to suppress the problem that the bias of elasticity becomes large and becomes apparent. The details are as follows.

First, as described above with reference to FIG. 13, since the twisted portion 35an is a twisted portion in which a plurality of standing portions 35ak and short horizontal portions 35ayS are arranged side by side, the twisted portion 35an is twisted in the longitudinal direction of the shape in the cross section. The orientation changes depending on the position in the transport direction. That is, the twisted portion 35an is not of the type in which the longitudinal direction of the cross section faces the CD direction over a long range in the transport direction.
Therefore, the twisted portion 35an is a portion where the pinching pressure between the welded portions j and j in the CD direction, which should occur after the cutting step, is relatively weak, whereby the first rubber thread 35 and the second thread rubber 35 and the second thread rubber 35an. Each of the rubber threads 35 is a portion that is relatively slippery in the transport direction from the welded portions j and j.

On the other hand, regarding this point, in the example of FIG. 14, at least one twisted portion 35an of the first thread rubber continuum 35a1 is relative to the twisted portion 35an of the second thread rubber continuum 35a2 closest thereto. It is designed so that it does not overlap in the transport direction. Therefore, the slippery position can be dispersed in the transport direction between the first thread rubber 35 and the second thread rubber 35. As a result, it is possible to prevent a large deviation in elasticity from occurring at a predetermined position in the transport direction, that is, at a predetermined position in the lateral direction of the diaper 1.

This can be rephrased as follows. That is, "at least one twisted portion 35an of the plurality of twisted portions 35an, 35an ... Of the continuous body 35a1 of the first thread rubber is a long horizontal portion 35ayL of the continuous body 35a of the second thread rubber. Is included with respect to the position in the transport direction. "

In this way, the realization of preventing the twisted portion 35an of the continuous body 35a1 of the first thread rubber and the twisted portion 35an of the continuous body 35a2 of the second thread rubber from overlapping in the transport direction is realized, for example, as follows. Can be done.
First, as described above with reference to FIG. 10, since the thread rubber continuums 35a1 and 35a2 are twisted once each time the feeding position PTO goes around the outer peripheral surface of the material coil 35aC, the twisting pitch is the same. It is almost the same as the circumference of the outer peripheral surface. Further, the accumulation of the above-mentioned twist changes according to the twisted pitch, and as a result, the generation timing of the twisted portion 35an also changes.

Therefore, when the outer diameter dimension of the material coil 35aC of the continuous body 35a1 of the first thread rubber and the outer diameter dimension of the material coil 35aC of the continuous body 35a2 of the second thread rubber are compared at the same time, they are mutually fed. The outer diameter of one of the material coils 35aC may be adjusted so that the outer diameters do not match. That is, in this way, the pitch at which the thread rubber continuums 35a1 and 35a2 are twisted with the feeding is made different between the first thread rubber continuum 35a1 and the second thread rubber continuum 35a2. be able to. As a result, the timing at which the above-mentioned twist accumulation limit is reached is made different between the material coil 35aC of the first thread rubber continuum 35a1 and the material coil 35aC of the second thread rubber continuum 35a2. As a result, the twisted portion 35an of the continuous body 35a1 of the first thread rubber and the twisted portion 35an of the continuous body 35a2 of the second thread rubber can be prevented from overlapping in the transport direction.
Although not represented in FIG. 8B, in this example, all the thread rubber continuums 35a, 35a ... Provided on the continuous sheets 32a, 33a of the ventral band member 31 are the above-mentioned first thread rubber continuums. It corresponds to 35a1. However, it is not limited to this. For example, at least one of all the rubber thread continuums 35a, 35a ... Concerning the ventral band member 31, preferably one-third or more, more preferably half or more, and even more preferably two-thirds or more. If the thread rubber continuum 35a corresponds to the above-mentioned first thread rubber continuum 35a1, at least the corresponding thread rubber continuum 35a can exert the above-mentioned action and effect. Therefore, the thread rubber continuum 35a that does not correspond to the first thread rubber continuum 35a1 may be present in all the thread rubber continuums 35a related to the ventral band member 31.

Further, in this example, as shown in FIG. 8B, the welded portion j is at least the cutting target position PC for all the thread rubber continuums 35a, 35a ... Provided on the continuous sheets 32a, 33a related to the ventral band member 31. It is formed at a predetermined formation pitch Pj in the transport direction in a predetermined range in the transport direction including. To be precise, in the example of FIG. 8B, the welded portion j is formed at the formation pitch Pj in the transport direction over the entire range in the transport direction. In such a case, preferably, FIG. 15 shows. As shown, it is preferable that the length L35an of the twisted portion 35an in the transport direction is larger than the formation pitch Pj of the welded portion j.

If this is the case, as shown in FIG. 15, the twisted portion 35an is attached based on the welded portions j and j at at least two positions in the transport direction. Therefore, the problem that the pinching pressure between the welded portions j and j becomes weak in the twisted portion 35an can be compensated by increasing the number of the welded portions j, whereby the twisted portion 35an is also relatively stable. Then, the thread rubber 35 can be attached to the ventral band member 31.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view of a preferable positional relationship between the twisted portion 35an and the side seal portion SS. Note that FIG. 16 shows an enlarged portion of the vicinity of the cutting target position PC in the diaper continuum 1s of FIG. Further, in FIG. 16, the continuum 35a of the rubber thread, which should be originally shown by the dotted line, is shown by a solid line for the purpose of making the figure easier to see. And this is the same in FIG. 15 mentioned above.
In the example of FIG. 16, when the diaper continuum 1s is viewed from the ventral band member 31 side in the thickness direction at a position between the fourth processing position PK4 and the fifth processing position PK5, the ventral band member 31 A pair of welded portions j, j which are welded portions vs. jP with respect to the twisted portion 35an of at least one continuous body 35a of all the thread rubber continuums 35a, 35a ... Provided on the continuous sheets 32a, 33a. Is provided. Further, in addition to this, a side seal portion SS is provided so as to straddle the twisted portion 35an in the CD direction. Specifically, the side seal portion SS has a plurality of welded portions SSK, SSK ... Arranged in the CD direction, so that at least one welded portion SSK straddles the twisted portion 35an in the CD direction. It is provided so as to overlap the same portion 35an.

Therefore, for the twisted portion 35an in which the pinching pressure between the welded portions j and j tends to be weak, the twisted portion 35a is pinched in the CD direction by the welded portion SSK of the side seal portion SS in addition to the pinching pressure. be able to. As a result, the rubber thread 35 can be attached to the ventral band member 31 relatively stably even in the twisted portion 35a. It should be noted that such a thing can be realized by making the distance in the transport direction between the welded portion j and the welded portion SSk of the side seal portion SS smaller than the length in the transport direction of the twisted portion 35an. .. That is, the setting of the arrangement pattern of the convex portion on the outer peripheral surface of the roll of the above-mentioned heat sealing device or ultrasonic sealing device arranged at the first processing position PK1 and the above-mentioned heat sealing device or the above-mentioned heat sealing device arranged at the fourth processing position PK4. This can be done by setting the arrangement pattern of the convex portion on the outer peripheral surface of the roll of the ultrasonic sealing device.

=== Other embodiments ===
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and are not for limiting the interpretation of the present invention. Further, it is needless to say that the present invention can be changed or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes an equivalent thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.

In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the welded portion j is illustrated as an example of the joint portion for joining the pair of facing surfaces 32ast, 33ast (42ast, 43ast) to each other, but the welding portion j is not limited thereto. For example, the joint portion may be formed with an adhesive, and in that case, the formation target position where the joint portion should be formed on at least one of the pair of facing surfaces 32ast, 33ast (42ast, 43ast). The adhesive will be selectively applied to.

In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the elastic member thread rubber 35 is attached to the two non-woven fabrics 32 and 33 of the ventral band member 31 by the method of the present invention, but the present invention is limited to this. Absent. For example, for the purpose of forming the three-dimensional gather LSG of FIG. 3, the method of the present invention may be used when attaching the elastic member 18 along the vertical direction to the sheet-like portion for the three-dimensional gather LSG. Alternatively, the method of the present invention may be used when attaching the elastic member 17 such as rubber thread to the portion of the absorbent body 10 that becomes the leg gather LG.

In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a configuration having two continuous sheets 32a, 33a (42a, 43a) is illustrated as an example of a continuous body of sheet-like members, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a continuous sheet of one sheet-like member may be used. Then, in this case, a pair of facing surfaces is formed by folding back the one continuous sheet at a predetermined position in the CD direction, and a continuous body 35a (45a) of rubber threads is placed between the pair of facing surfaces. It will be inserted.

In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, all the rubber threads 35, 35 ... Provided to the ventral band member 31 are continuously arranged over a substantially overall length in the lateral direction. Not limited to. For example, some of the rubber threads 35, 35 ... May be discontinuous at the center position in the lateral direction, for example. The same applies to the thread rubbers 45, 45 ... Of the dorsal band member 41.

In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a 3-piece type disposable diaper 1 is illustrated as an example of the absorbent article, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the method of the present invention may be used when attaching an elastic member such as rubber thread to a sheet-shaped member used for a two-piece type disposable diaper. By the way, the two-piece type disposable diaper has a two-layered exterior sheet having a ventral side, an inseam and a back side as the first component, and is fixed to the skin side surface of the exterior sheet. This is a type of diaper that has a sex body 10 as a second component. Further, the method of the present invention may be used when attaching an elastic member such as rubber thread to a sheet-like member used for a so-called tape-type disposable diaper. By the way, the tape-type disposable diaper has a ventral portion that covers the wearer's torso from the ventral side and a dorsal portion that covers the same torso from the dorsal side. It is a type of diaper that uses a fastening tape to connect. Furthermore, the absorbent article is not limited to the above-mentioned disposable diaper 1. That is, the method of the present invention can be applied to an absorbent article using a sheet-like member to which an elastic member as described above is attached. Therefore, this concept of absorbent articles also includes urine absorbing pads and sanitary napkins.

In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the welded portion j having a substantially square plane view is illustrated as the joint portion, but the shape of the welded portion j is not limited to this. For example, it may be circular, or may have a shape having a longitudinal direction such as a rectangle or an oval shape. In the case of the latter shape having a longitudinal direction, the longitudinal direction may be along the transport direction (horizontal direction), along the CD direction (vertical direction), or in the transport direction. And may be along a direction intersecting both of the CD directions.

In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the welded portions j, j ... Are provided in a so-called grid-like arrangement defined in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction (longitudinal direction). That is, the welded portions j, j ... Are provided at the intersections of the virtual straight line along the horizontal direction and the virtual straight line along the vertical direction, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by providing the welding portions j, j ... At positions laterally displaced from the above intersection, these welding portions j, j ... may be provided in a so-called staggered arrangement. Further, in FIG. 5, these welded portions j, j ... Are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, they may be arranged side by side in an oblique direction intersecting both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.

In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the welded portion j is not provided between the welded portions adjacent to each other in the vertical direction (CD direction) and the jPs and jPs, but the present invention is not limited to this. .. For example, one or more welded portions j may be provided between the welded portions and jP and jP. The welded portion j does not contribute to the attachment of the rubber thread 35 (45) to the non-woven fabrics 32, 33 (42, 43), but only to the bonding of the non-woven fabrics 32, 33 (42, 43). Is.

In the above-described embodiment, the horn 61h of the ultrasonic welding device 60 of FIG. 9A is non-rotating, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a roller-shaped horn that rotates around a rotation axis along the CD direction may be used. In this case, the roller-shaped horn repeatedly expands and contracts at a predetermined frequency in the radial direction of its rotation, so that the outer peripheral surface of the horn functions as a vibration surface that ultrasonically vibrates.

In the above-described embodiment, based on the cutting in the cutting step of the fifth processing position PK5, the thread rubber 35 (45) that tries to expand in the CD direction while contracting in the transport direction is formed between the welded portions j and j on both sides. The rubber thread 35 (45) was attached to the two non-woven fabrics 32, 33 (42, 43) by sandwiching the rubber thread 35 (45) in the CD direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, it is inserted into the pair of facing surfaces 32ast, 33ast (42ast, 43ast) of the continuous sheets 32a, 33a (42a, 43a) pertaining to the two non-woven fabrics 32, 33 (42, 43) in the stage prior to the cutting step. By relaxing the stretched state of the continuous body 35a (45a) of the rubber thread and contracting the continuous body 35a (45a) in the transport direction, the continuous body 35a (45a) is welded to each other on both sides. It may be attached by sandwiching it in the CD direction. For example, in the pants-type diaper continuum 1s of FIG. 7, the stretched state of the thread rubber continuum 35a (45a) is relaxed and the continuum 35a (45a) is contracted in the transport direction, whereby the continuum 35a (45a) is contracted. (45a) may be attached by sandwiching the welded portions j and j on both sides in the CD direction. Then, after that, the pants-shaped diaper continuum 1s may be cut in the cutting step to generate the diaper 1.

1 Disposable diapers (absorbent articles),
1hs Approximately ladder-shaped diaper continuum,
1hsb Folded diaper continuum,
1s pants-type diaper continuum,
10 Absorbent body, 10ea end, 10eb end,
11 absorber, 11c absorbent core,
13 top sheet, 15 back sheet,
17 thread rubber (elastic member), 18 thread rubber (elastic member),
31 ventral band member, 31e end,
32 non-woven fabric, 32a first continuous sheet,
32ast facing surface,
33 non-woven fabric, 33a second continuous sheet,
33ast facing surface,
35 thread rubber (elastic member), 35a thread rubber continuum (elastic member continuum),
35aes tip, 35aee tail,
35ak upright part, 35ay lying part,
35ayL long lying part, 35ayS short lying part,
35an twisted part,
35a1 First thread rubber continuum (first elastic member continuum),
35a2 Second thread rubber continuum (second elastic member continuum),
35aC material coil, 35aCs paper tube,
41 Dorsal band member, 41e end,
42 non-woven fabric, 42a continuous sheet, 42ast facing surface,
43 non-woven fabric, 43a continuous sheet, 43ast facing surface,
45 thread rubber (elastic member), 45a thread rubber continuum (elastic member continuum),
j Welding part (joint), jP Welding part pair,
51 transport mechanism, 51R transport roller,
52 transport mechanism, 52R transport roller,
53 transport mechanism, 53R ring-shaped guide member, 53Rh through hole,
53TC tension controller,
53TCR roller, 53TCS tension sensor,
53UW feeding device, 53s support shaft,
54 extension device, 54D downstream nip roll mechanism (arrangement device),
54U upstream nip roll mechanism,
54Ru Nip Roll, 54Rd Nip Roll,
60 Ultrasonic welding device (joint forming device), 61a anvil roll,
61a anvil roll (roll), 61as outer peripheral surface, 61at convex part,
61h horn, 61hs vibrating surface, 61s support member,
BH waist opening, LH leg opening,
LG leg gathers, LG three-dimensional gathers,
j Welding part (joint), jP Welding part pair,
SS side seal part, SSK welded part,
SPD spandex,
CL1 center position (predetermined position),
PC disconnection target position, PBL boundary position,
P61h placement position,
PK1 1st machining position, PK2 2nd machining position, PK3 3rd machining position,
PK4 4th processing position, PK5 5th processing position,
PTO feeding position,

Claims (7)

After inserting the continuous body of the elastic members continuous in the transport direction between the pair of facing surfaces of the continuous body of the sheet-shaped members continuous in the transport direction, the continuous body of the sheet-like members is inserted. A method of manufacturing the sheet-like member to which the elastic member is attached by cutting at a cutting target position in the transport direction in the continuum of the sheet-like member.
By pulling the continuous body of the elastic member in the axial direction of the material coil from the non-rotating material coil in which the continuous body of the elastic member is wound around the axis, the continuous body of the elastic member is moved in the transport direction. The feeding process and the feeding process
An arrangement step of arranging a continuous body of the elastic members drawn out between the pair of facing surfaces in a state of being extended in the transport direction.
A joint portion forming step of forming a plurality of joint portions for joining the pair of facing surfaces at intervals in the transport direction.
After the arrangement step and the joint forming step, the sheet-shaped member and the elastic member are generated by cutting the continuous body of the sheet-shaped member and the continuous body of the elastic member at the cutting target position. With a cutting process,
The shape of the continuous body of the elastic member in the cross section orthogonal to the transport direction is a shape having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction having a length shorter than the longitudinal direction in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction. Yes,
In the continuum of the elastic members, a portion where the angle formed by the longitudinal direction with respect to one of the pair of facing surfaces is 45 ° or more is defined as an upright portion, and the longitudinal portion with respect to the one facing surface. When the part where the angle formed by the direction is less than 45 ° is regarded as the lying part,
In the arrangement step, the elastic member is continuous so that the length in the transport direction occupied by the lying portion is longer than the length in the transport direction occupied by the upright portion in the unit length in the transport direction. While changing the posture of the body, the continuous body of the elastic member is brought into contact with the one facing surface.
In the joint forming step, the continuous body of the elastic members is maintained in a state of being extended in the transport direction, and the joint is intersected with the transport direction while maintaining the posture changed in the arrangement step. Formed at positions on both sides of the continuum of the elastic members in the CD direction, respectively.
After the cutting step, the elastic member that contracts in the transport direction and expands in the CD direction is sandwiched between the joints on both sides in the CD direction and attached to the sheet-like member. A method for manufacturing a sheet-like member according to an absorbent article. The method for manufacturing a sheet-like member according to an absorbent article according to claim 1.
The continuous body of the sheet-shaped members includes a first continuous sheet continuous in the transport direction and a second continuous sheet continuous in the transport direction.
As the pair of facing surfaces, one surface of the first continuous sheet and one surface of the second continuous sheet face each other.
In the arrangement step, the first continuous sheet is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the roll that rotates along the transport direction and is conveyed, and the continuous body of the elastic member is in the range in which the first continuous sheet is wound. Is in contact with the one surface of the first continuous sheet, so that the continuous body of the elastic member is also wound around the outer peripheral surface of the roll and conveyed.
In the arrangement step, the first continuous sheet is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the roll that rotates along the transport direction and is conveyed, and the continuous body of the elastic member is conveyed through the first continuous sheet. A method for manufacturing a sheet-like member according to an absorbent article, wherein the posture of a continuum of elastic members is changed by being wound around the outer peripheral surface of the elastic member and conveyed. A method for manufacturing a sheet-like member according to an absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.
In the arrangement step, a plurality of the continuous bodies of the elastic members are arranged side by side at intervals in the CD direction.
The horizontal portion has a long horizontal portion having a length in the transport direction of a predetermined length or more and a short horizontal portion having a length in the transport direction of less than the predetermined length.
The elasticity is formed between the long lying portions adjacent to each other in the conveying direction so that a twisted portion formed by twisting the continuum of the elastic members a plurality of times around the axis along the conveying direction is formed. The posture of the continuum of members is changed, and the twisted portion is formed by arranging a plurality of the standing portion and the short lying portion alternately in the transport direction.
When one of the continuums of the plurality of elastic members is the continuum of the first elastic member and the other continuum of the elastic members is the continuum of the second elastic member. ,
The first elasticity among the at least one twisted portion of the plurality of twisted portions of the continuum of the first elastic member and the plurality of twisted portions of the continuum of the second elastic member. The posture of the continuum of the first elastic member and the posture of the continuum of the second elastic member so that the twisted portion closest to the twisted portion of the continuum of the members does not overlap in the transport direction. A method for manufacturing a sheet-like member according to an absorbent article, which is characterized in that A method for manufacturing a sheet-like member according to an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
In the arrangement step, a plurality of the continuous bodies of the elastic members are arranged side by side at intervals in the CD direction.
The horizontal portion has a long horizontal portion having a length in the transport direction of a predetermined length or more and a short horizontal portion having a length in the transport direction of less than the predetermined length.
The elasticity is formed between the long lying portions adjacent to each other in the conveying direction so that a twisted portion formed by twisting the continuum of the elastic members a plurality of times around the axis along the conveying direction is formed. The posture of the continuum of members is changed, and the twisted portion is formed by arranging a plurality of the standing portion and the short lying portion alternately in the transport direction.
When one of the continuums of the plurality of elastic members is the continuum of the first elastic member and the other continuum of the elastic members is the continuum of the second elastic member,
At least one twisted portion of the plurality of twisted portions of the continuum of the first elastic member is positioned in the transport direction with respect to the long lying portion of the continuum of the second elastic member. A method for manufacturing a sheet-like member according to an absorbent article, wherein the posture of the continuum of the first elastic member and the posture of the continuum of the second elastic member are changed so as to be included. A method for manufacturing a sheet-like member according to an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
In the arrangement step, a plurality of the continuous bodies of the elastic members are arranged side by side at intervals in the CD direction.
The horizontal portion has a long horizontal portion having a length in the transport direction of a predetermined length or more and a short horizontal portion having a length in the transport direction of less than the predetermined length.
The elasticity is formed between the long lying portions adjacent to each other in the conveying direction so that a twisted portion formed by twisting the continuum of the elastic members a plurality of times around the axis along the conveying direction is formed. The posture of the continuum of members is changed, and the twisted portion is formed by arranging a plurality of the standing portion and the short lying portion alternately in the transport direction.
The joint is formed at a predetermined formation pitch in the transport direction in a predetermined range in the transport direction including at least the position to be cut.
A method for manufacturing a sheet-like member according to an absorbent article, wherein the length of the twisted portion in the transport direction is larger than the forming pitch of the joint portion. A method for manufacturing a sheet-like member according to an absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.
In the arrangement step, a plurality of the continuous bodies of the elastic members are arranged side by side at intervals in the CD direction.
The horizontal portion has a long horizontal portion having a length in the transport direction of a predetermined length or more and a short horizontal portion having a length in the transport direction of less than the predetermined length.
The elasticity is formed between the long lying portions adjacent to each other in the conveying direction so that a twisted portion formed by twisting the continuum of the elastic members a plurality of times around the axis along the conveying direction is formed. The posture of the continuum of members is changed, and the twisted portion is formed by arranging a plurality of the standing portion and the short lying portion alternately in the transport direction.
The absorbent article is in a state in which the sheet-like member to which the elastic member is attached and the elasticity in the lateral direction is imparted and the second sheet-like member are overlapped in a thickness direction intersecting the lateral direction. A side seal portion to be welded is provided at each end portion in the lateral direction.
The transport direction is along the lateral direction,
A stacking step of superimposing the continuous body of the second sheet-shaped member continuous in the transport direction on the continuous body of the sheet-shaped member on which the joint portion is formed in the thickness direction.
The side seal portion for welding the continuous body of the sheet-shaped members and the continuous body of the second sheet-shaped members superposed in the thickness direction is set at a predetermined pitch in the transport direction. It has a side seal part forming step, which is formed on both sides of the above.
When viewed from the thickness direction, the joint portion is provided with respect to the twisted portion of the continuum of at least one elastic member among the continuums of the plurality of elastic members, and the twisted shape is provided. A method for manufacturing a sheet-like member according to an absorbent article, wherein the side seal portion is provided so as to straddle the portion in the CD direction. After inserting the continuous body of the elastic members continuous in the transport direction between the pair of facing surfaces of the continuous body of the sheet-shaped members continuous in the transport direction, the continuous body of the sheet-like members is inserted. An apparatus for manufacturing the sheet-shaped member to which the elastic member is attached by cutting at a cutting target position in the transport direction in the continuum of the sheet-shaped member.
The continuous body of the elastic member is conveyed by pulling the continuous body of the elastic member in the axial direction from the non-rotating material coil formed by winding the continuous body of the elastic member around the axis. A feeding device that feeds in the direction and
An arrangement device for arranging a continuous body of the elastic members drawn out between the pair of facing surfaces in a state of being extended in the transport direction.
A joint portion forming device for forming a plurality of joint portions for joining the pair of facing surfaces at intervals in the transport direction.
By cutting the continuum of the sheet-like member and the continuum of the elastic member at the position downstream of the arrangement device and the joint forming device in the transport direction, the sheet-like member is formed. It has a member and a cutting device that produces the elastic member.
The shape of the continuous body of the elastic member in a cross section orthogonal to the transport direction has a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction having a length shorter than the longitudinal direction in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction.
In the continuum of the elastic members, a portion where the angle formed by the longitudinal direction with respect to one of the pair of facing surfaces is 45 ° or more is defined as an upright portion, and the longitudinal portion with respect to the one facing surface. When the part where the angle formed by the direction is less than 45 ° is regarded as the lying part,
The arrangement device is a continuum of the elastic members so that the length in the transport direction occupied by the lying portion is longer than the length in the transport direction occupied by the upright portion in the unit length in the transport direction. While changing the posture of the body, the continuous body of the elastic member is placed on the one facing surface.
The joint forming device intersects the joint with the transport direction while maintaining the continuous body of the elastic members in a state of being extended in the transport direction and maintaining the posture changed in the arrangement step. Formed at positions on both sides of the continuum of the elastic members in the CD direction, respectively.
On the downstream side in the transport direction from the cutting step, the elastic member that contracts in the transport direction and expands in the CD direction is sandwiched between the joints on both sides in the CD direction to form the sheet. An apparatus for manufacturing a sheet-shaped member according to an absorbent article, which is attached to the member.

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