Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8074790B2/en
Timestamp: 2019-03-25 00:20:10
Document Index: 620908762

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 2']

US8074790B2 - Manufacturing method for absorptive article - Google Patents
Manufacturing method for absorptive article Download PDF
US8074790B2
US8074790B2 US12/390,124 US39012409A US8074790B2 US 8074790 B2 US8074790 B2 US 8074790B2 US 39012409 A US39012409 A US 39012409A US 8074790 B2 US8074790 B2 US 8074790B2
US12/390,124
US20100032263A1 (en
2008-08-07 Priority to JPP2008-204645 priority Critical
2008-08-07 Priority to JP2008204645A priority patent/JP5328257B2/en
2009-02-20 Application filed by Uni-Charm Corp filed Critical Uni-Charm Corp
2009-05-11 Assigned to UNI-CHARM CORPORATION reassignment UNI-CHARM CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: YAMAMOTO, HIROKI
2010-02-11 Publication of US20100032263A1 publication Critical patent/US20100032263A1/en
2011-12-13 Publication of US8074790B2 publication Critical patent/US8074790B2/en
B65H2404/2641—Arrangement of side-by-side belts on movable frame
A manufacturing method for an absorptive article having a waistband member, includes: transporting a continuum (for example, second to seventh continuum) including waistband regions 1A and 1B corresponding to the waistband member. In the transporting, the continuum is asymmetric with respect to a center line CL of the continuum in a moving direction of the continuum, and is transported while being held on at least a first belt conveyor 110 and a second belt conveyor 120.
This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. JP 2008-204645, filed on Aug. 7, 2008; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates to a manufacturing method for an absorptive article having waistband members.
Heretofore, an absorptive article such as a disposable diaper has been produced on the assembly line. A manufacturing method for such absorptive articles includes: a step of transporting, by a belt conveyor, a continuum provided with at least a waistband region corresponding to the waistband member of the absorptive articles. (See Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-117646 (pages. 2-4), for example.)
An example of the step of transporting the continuum includes a longitudinal feed method and a cross feed method. The longitudinal feed method is a method for transporting the continuum while its waistband front-back direction (direction from one waistband region to other waistband region) is in line with a moving direction (hereinafter, an MD direction) of the belt conveyor. Meanwhile, the cross feed method is a method for transporting the continuum while its waistband front-back direction is in line with a direction (hereinafter, a CD direction) crossing the MD direction.
Incidentally, the continuum is provided with multiple member such as an absorber, a gather (or an elastic member), and a waterproof film. Generally, the continuum (or the absorptive article) is symmetric with respect to a first center line that is a center line substantially parallel to the waistband front-back direction. However, the continuum is asymmetric with respect to a second center line that is a center line crossing the waistband front-back direction.
Here, the term “asymmetric” indicates that a difference lies at least partially in any given symmetrical locations across the second center line. For example, the term “asymmetric” includes the following differences between any given symmetrical locations across the second center line: a difference in the shape of the continuum (e.g., the shape of a leg opening region), and a difference in member disposed position, a difference in stretching property and a difference in stress.
In the above-mentioned longitudinal feed method, a center line of the continuum in the moving direction, which is passing through the center of the continuum in the moving direction, coincides with the first center line. Thus, the continuum is symmetric with respect to the center line in the moving direction. On the other hand, in the above-described cross feed method, the center line in the moving direction coincides with the second center line. Thus, the continuum is asymmetric with respect to the center line in the moving direction.
Therefore, when the continuum is transported while being asymmetric with respect to the center line in the moving direction, the continuum may not be transported stably on the belt conveyor, and either side of the center line in the moving direction may possibly be displaced, thereby the continuum may meander on the belt conveyor.
The present invention has been therefore made in consideration of the above-described problems inherent in the related art. It is an object of the present invention to provide a manufacturing method for an absorptive article, which can suppress the meandering of the continuum, when the continuum is transported while being asymmetric with respect to the center line in the moving direction.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view (Part 1) showing a manufacturing method for an absorptive article according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view (Part 2) showing the manufacturing method for an absorptive article according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view showing a belt conveyor 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a partial top view showing the belt conveyor 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention (as viewed in the direction of the arrow A of FIG. 3).
FIG. 5 is a front view showing the belt conveyor 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention (as viewed in the direction of the arrow B of FIG. 3).
FIG. 6 is a front view (Part 1) showing the belt conveyor 100 according to a first modified embodiment (as viewed in the direction of the arrow B of FIG. 3).
FIG. 7 is a front view (Part 2) showing the belt conveyor 100 according to the first modified embodiment (as viewed in the direction of the arrow B of FIG. 3).
FIG. 8 is a partial top view (Part 1) showing the belt conveyor 100 according to a second modified embodiment (as viewed in the direction of the arrow A of FIG. 3).
FIG. 9 is a partial top view (Part 2) showing the belt conveyor 100 according to the second modified embodiment (as viewed in the direction of the arrow A of FIG. 3).
FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view showing the belt conveyor 100 according to a third modified embodiment.
An aspect of the present invention is summarized as a manufacturing method for an absorptive article, including: transporting a continuum (second to seventh continuums) including a waistband region (waistband regions 1A and 1B). In transporting the continuum, the continuum is asymmetric with respect to a center line (moving-direction center line CL) in a moving direction (MD direction), and is transported while being held on at least a first belt conveyor (first belt conveyor 110) and a second belt conveyor (second belt conveyor 120).
According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a manufacturing method for an absorptive article that can suppress the meandering of the continuum, when the continuum is transported while being asymmetric with respect to the center line in the moving direction
Description will be given below with reference to the drawings with regard to embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, description will be given with regard to (1) a manufacturing method for an absorptive article, (2) a transport step, (3) a configuration of a belt conveyor, (4) operations and effects, (5) modified embodiments, and (6) other embodiments.
Incidentally, throughout the drawings, the same or similar parts are designated by the same or similar reference numerals. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and dimensional ratios and others therein are different from actual ones.
It is to be therefore understood that specific dimensions and others should be determined based on the following description. As the matter of course, it is also to be understood that differences may lie in the relations or ratios between dimensions in the drawings as cross-referred.
Firstly, description will be given with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 with regard to a manufacturing method for an absorptive article according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic views showing the manufacturing method for an absorptive article according to the embodiment of the present invention. An absorptive article in the embodiment of the present invention is a disposable diaper.
Incidentally, the manufacturing method for the absorptive article uses a belt conveyor 100 to be described later (see FIGS. 3 and 4); however, the belt conveyor 100 is omitted from FIGS. 1 and 2.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the manufacturing method for an absorptive article includes at least a gather step, a waterproof film step, an absorber step, a top sheet step, a leg opening forming step, and a folding step.
(1-1) The Gather Step
In the gather step, an elastic body (hereinafter, a fit gather 21) is placed on a continuum 10 of an outer sheet in waistband regions 1A and 1B (see FIGS. 3 and 4) corresponding to a waistband (or belly and back) member of the absorptive article. The fit gather 21 is placed in a moving direction (hereinafter, an MD direction) of the absorptive article.
Also, the gather step includes placing the elastic body (hereinafter, a leg gather 22) on the continuum 10 of the outer sheet in a crotch region 1C corresponding to a crotch member of the absorptive article. The leg gather 22 is placed while being swung in a direction (hereinafter, a CD direction) crossing the MD direction.
Here, the continuum 10 of the outer sheet and a gather 20 (that is, the fit gather 21 and the leg gather 22) are adhesively bonded by an adhesive such as a hot-melt adhesive. Incidentally, hereinafter, the continuum 10 of the outer sheet is called as a “first continuum,” and a continuum formed of the first continuum and the gather 20 bonded together is called as a “second continuum.”
(1-2) The Waterproof Film Step
In the waterproof film step, a waterproof film 30 having a printed film (that is, a film having a design of a character or a figure) laminated thereto is cut to a predetermined size. The cut waterproof film 30 is placed on top of the second continuum. The second continuum and the waterproof film 30 are adhesively bonded by an adhesive such as a hot-melt adhesive. Incidentally, a continuum formed of the second continuum and the waterproof film 30 bonded together is hereinafter called as a “third continuum.”
(1-3) The Absorber Step
In the absorber step, an absorber 40, which is preformed, is cut to a predetermined size. The cut absorber 40 is placed on top of the third continuum. The third continuum and the absorber 40 are adhesively bonded by an adhesive such as a hot-melt adhesive. Incidentally, a continuum formed of the third continuum and the absorber 40 bonded together is hereinafter called as a “fourth continuum.”
(1-4) The Top Sheet Step
In the top sheet step, a continuum 50 of a top sheet, to which a three-dimensional gather (not shown) for preventing a side leak is laminated, is placed on top of the fourth continuum. The fourth continuum and the continuum 50 of the top sheet are adhesively bonded by an adhesive such as a hot-melt adhesive. Incidentally, a continuum formed of the fourth continuum and the continuum 50 of the top sheet bonded together is hereinafter called as a “fifth continuum.”
(1-5) The Leg Opening Forming Step
The leg opening forming step includes forming leg opening regions 1D (e.g., leg holes) located on both sides of the crotch region 1C in the fifth continuum. Incidentally, the fifth continuum having the leg opening regions 1D formed therein is hereinafter called as a “sixth continuum.”
(1-6) The Folding Step
The folding step includes folding the sixth continuum in two along a center line of the sixth continuum in the moving direction (hereinafter, the center line of the continuum in the moving direction is called as a “moving-direction center line CL”). Incidentally, the sixth continuum folded in two is hereinafter called as a “seventh continuum.”
(2) A Transport Step
Description will now be given with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 with regard to the transport step according to the embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the transport step, the belt conveyor to be described later transports the first to seventh continuums between the above-mentioned steps.
Specifically, the transport step includes at least a first transport step, a second transport step, a third transport step, a fourth transport step, a fifth transport step, a sixth transport step, and a seventh transport step.
In the first transport step, the first continuum (the continuum 10 of the outer sheet) is transported by the belt conveyor 100 (a first belt conveyor 110 and a second belt conveyor 120). Incidentally, detailed description will be given later with regard to the belt conveyor 100 (see FIGS. 3 to 5).
In the second transport step, the second continuum (the first continuum and the gather 20) is transported by the belt conveyor 100 same as the belt conveyor 100 used in the first transport step.
In the third transport step, the third continuum (the second continuum and the waterproof film 30) is transported by the belt conveyor 100 same as the belt conveyor 100 used in the second transport step.
In the fourth transport step, the fourth continuum (the third continuum and the absorber 40) is transported by the belt conveyor 100 same as the belt conveyor 100 used in the second and third transport steps.
In the fifth transport step, the fifth continuum (the fourth continuum and the continuum 50 of the top sheet) is transported by the belt conveyor 100 same as the belt conveyor 100 used in the second to fourth transport steps.
In the sixth transport step, the sixth continuum (the fifth continuum having the leg opening regions 1 D formed therein) is transported by the belt conveyor 100 same as the belt conveyor 100 used in the second to fifth transport steps.
In the seventh transport step, the seventh continuum (the sixth continuum folded in two) is transported by the belt conveyor 100 same as the belt conveyor 100 used in the second to sixth transport steps.
(3) The Configuration of a Belt Conveyor
Description will now be given with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 with regard to the configuration of the belt conveyor according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view showing the belt conveyor 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a partial top view showing the belt conveyor 100 according to the embodiment (as viewed in the direction of the arrow A of FIG. 3). FIG. 5 is a front view showing the belt conveyor 100 according to the embodiment (as viewed in the direction of the arrow B of FIG. 3).
Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the above-mentioned first to seventh continuums include the waistband regions 1A and 1B corresponding to the waistband member (or a waistband portion) of the absorptive article, the crotch region 1C disposed between the waistband regions 1A and 1B, and the leg opening regions 1D located on both sides of each of the crotch region 1C.
The waistband regions 1A and 1B have stretching properties in the MD direction. Note that the waistband regions 1A and 1B have the stretching properties indicates, for example, the fit gather 21 is provided so that the waistband regions 1A and 1B are stretchable, and the continuum in itself is made of a sheet having stretching properties, or the like.
The crotch region 1C has stretching properties in the CD direction. For example, the leg gather 23 is provided so that the crotch region 1C is stretchable, and the continuum in itself is made of a sheet having stretching properties, or the like.
The first to seventh continuums transported in the first to seventh transport steps are asymmetric with respect to the moving-direction center line CL. Specifically, in the first to seventh continuums, a difference lies at least partially in any given symmetrical locations across the moving-direction center line CL.
The continuums are asymmetric when, for example, any of the following differences occurs between any given symmetrical locations across the moving-direction center line CL: a difference in stretching property and in stress of the first continuum, the gather 20 and others, a difference in the position of the gather 20, differences in the positions of the waterproof film 30 and the absorber 40, and differences in the shapes of the crotch region 1C and the leg opening region 1D.
Since all the belt conveyors 100 used in the second to sixth transport steps have the same configuration as mentioned above, description will be given taking as an example the belt conveyor 100 that transports the sixth continuum in the sixth transport step.
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the belt conveyor 100 includes the first belt conveyor 110 that transports the waistband region 1A, and the second belt conveyor 120 that transports the waistband region 1B. Here, the waist band region 1A and the waistband region 1B are located on both sides of the moving-direction center line CL. Incidentally, the moving direction of the first belt conveyor 110 is the same as the moving direction of the second belt conveyor 120.
The first belt conveyor 110 includes at least a first belt 111 that winds around a plurality of rollers (e.g., a roller R1 and a roller not shown), a first driving means (not shown) for causing the first belt 111 to move by the plurality of rollers, and a first suction means 112 for sucking the outside air.
A plurality of first suction holes 113 is formed on the first belt 111. The first suction holes 113 are formed for sucking the waistband region 1A therethrough. In other words, the waistband region 1A is sucked by the suction force of the first suction means 112 through the first suction hole 113.
The second belt conveyor 120 includes at least a second belt 121 that winds around a plurality of rollers (e.g., a roller R2 and a roller not shown), a second driving means (not shown) for causing the second belt 121 to move by the roller R2, and a second suction means 122 for sucking the outside air.
A plurality of second suction holes 123 is formed on the first belt 111. The first suction holes 113 are formed for sucking the waistband region 1B therethrough. In other words, the waistband region 1B is sucked by the suction force of the second suction means 122 through the second suction hole 123.
A suction force for sucking the seventh continuum (the one waistband region 1A) through the first suction holes 113 of the first belt conveyor 110 may be the same as or different from a suction force for sucking the seventh continuum (the other waistband region 1B) through the second suction holes 123 of the second belt conveyor.
The first belt 111 and the second belt 121 are disposed horizontal to a supporting surface (not shown) of the belt conveyor 100. Also, a distance D1 between the first belt 111 and the second belt 121 is fixed.
The distance D1 between the first belt 111 and the second belt 121 may be changed in accordance with a length L of the absorptive article (or the continuum) in the CD direction. Further, a distance D2 between the first suction hole 113 closest to the moving-direction center line CL and the second suction hole 123 closest to the moving-direction center line CL may be changed in accordance with the length of the absorptive article in the CD direction.
A traveling velocity V1 of the first belt conveyor 110 may be the same as or different from a traveling velocity V2 of the second belt conveyor 120.
Generally, the manufacturing method for an absorptive article has difficulty in stably transporting the continuum. Specifically, to provide a comfortable fit, the absorptive article is required to have the property of stretching in the CD direction in addition to the property of stretching in the MD direction. Further, the absorber 40 is disposed on the side on which a liquid such as urine is discharged (e.g., on the side of the waistband region 1A).
Thus, in a method (namely, the cross feed method) in which the continuum is transported while the waistband front-back direction is in line with the CD direction, the continuum is asymmetric with respect to the moving-direction center line CL.
Therefore, in the embodiment, the continuum (the second to seventh continuums) that is asymmetric with respect to the moving-direction center line CL is transported while being held on the first belt conveyor 110 and the second belt conveyor 120. This allows stably transporting the continuum that is asymmetric in the CD direction as well as in the MD direction, thereby meandering of the continuum can be suppressed.
Specifically, one of the waistband regions (the waistband region 1A) on one side of the moving-direction center line CL is transported by the first belt conveyor 110, while the waistband regions (the waistband region 1B) on the other side of the moving-direction center line CL is transported by the second belt conveyor 120. This allows individual control of, for example, the traveling velocity, the force of attraction, or the like, since the first belt conveyor 110 and the second belt conveyor 120 are independent from each other. Therefore, displacement of the continuum on either side of the moving-direction center line CL can be prevented and thereby the meandering of the continuum can be suppressed, even when the continuum is transported as being asymmetric with respect to the moving-direction center line CL. Thus, a failure in the manufacture of the absorptive article can be prevented.
Moreover, since the first belt conveyor 110 and the second belt conveyor 120 are independent from each other, a camera or the like for quality control may be disposed, for example, between the first belt conveyor 110 and the second belt conveyor 120.
Furthermore, the continuum (the second to seventh continuums) that is asymmetric with respect to the moving-direction center line CL is transported while being held on the first belt conveyor 110 and the second belt conveyor 120 by the suction through the first suction holes 113 and the second suction holes 123. Accordingly, displacement of the continuum on either side of the moving-direction center line CL can be prevented and thereby the meandering of the continuum the meandering of the continuum can be further suppressed.
Additionally, when the suction force of the first belt conveyor 110 is different from the suction force of the second belt conveyor 120, or when the traveling velocity V1 of the first belt conveyor 110 is different from the traveling velocity V2 of the second belt conveyor 120, the first belt conveyor 110 and the second belt conveyor 120 may be controlled independently from each other. Further, when the distance D1 between the first belt 111 and the second belt 121 or the distance D2 between the first suction hole 113 closest to the moving-direction center line CL and the second suction hole 123 closest the moving-direction center line CL is changed in accordance with the length L of the absorptive article (or the continuum) in the CD direction, the first belt conveyor 110 and the second belt conveyor 120 may be controlled independently from each other. Therefore, this manufacturing method is adaptable to various continuums, thus increasing the general versatility of the first belt conveyor 110 and the second belt conveyor 120.
In particular, when the continuum is asymmetric with respect to the moving-direction center line CL, a configuration in which the suction force of the first belt conveyor 110 is different from the suction force of the second belt conveyor 120 is more suitable, than a configuration in which these suction forces of the first belt conveyor 110 and the second belt conveyor 120 are the same. Therefore, the meandering of the continuum can be further suppressed.
(5) Modified Embodiments
The belt conveyor 100 according to the above-mentioned embodiment may be modified as follows. Incidentally, the same parts as those of the belt conveyor 100 according to the above-mentioned embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and different parts will be mainly described.
(5-1) First Modified Embodiment
Firstly, description will be given with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 with regard to the configuration of the belt conveyor 100 according to a first modified embodiment. FIGS. 6 and 7 are front views showing the belt conveyor 100 according to the first modified embodiment (as viewed in the direction of the arrow B of FIG. 3).
The first belt 111 and the second belt 121 according to the above-mentioned embodiment are disposed horizontal to the supporting surface (the CD direction) of the belt conveyor 100. On the contrary, in the first modified embodiment, the first belt 111 and the second belt 121 are disposed as inclined on either side with respect to the supporting surface of the belt conveyor 100.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the first belt 111 of the first belt conveyor 110 is configured so that an end 111 a located on the moving-direction center line CL side is positioned high while an end 111 b located on the opposite side is positioned low. In the same manner, the second belt 121 of the second belt conveyor 120 is configured so that an end 121 a located on the moving-direction center line CL side is positioned high while an end 121 b located on the opposite side is positioned low.
In the first modified embodiment described above, the ends 111 a and 121 a are positioned high while the ends 111 b and 121 b are positioned low. Accordingly, the stress of the continuum in the CD direction can be suppressed. Thus, the meandering of the continuum can be further suppressed.
Incidentally, a guide member 130 (e.g., a bar-shaped member) configured to guide the continuum on the moving-direction center line CL may be provided between the first belt 111 and the second belt 121. In this case, when being transported, the continuum may be stretched outwardly of the continuum in the CD direction. In other words, a wrinkle can be prevented from occurring in the vicinity of the moving-direction center line CL.
Here, the first belt 111 and the second belt 121 are not necessarily configured such that the ends 111 a and 121 a located on the moving-direction center line CL side is positioned high. Alternatively, as a matter of course, the first belt 111 and the second belt 121 may be configured such that the ends 111 a and 121 a located the moving-direction center line CL side is positioned low, as shown in FIG. 7. This makes an advantage in the folding step described with reference to the above embodiment.
Incidentally, a guide member 140 (e.g., a bar-shaped member) configured to guide the continuum on the moving-direction center line CL may be provided between the first belt 111 and the second belt 121. In this case, when being transported, the continuum may be stretched outwardly of the continuum in the CD direction. In other words, a wrinkle can be prevented from occurring in the vicinity of the moving-direction center line CL.
(5-2) Second Modified Embodiment
Description will now be given with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 with regard to the configuration of the belt conveyor 100 according to a second modified embodiment. FIGS. 8 and 9 are partial top views showing the belt conveyor 100 according to the second modified embodiment (as viewed in the direction of the arrow A of FIG. 3).
The moving directions of the first belt conveyor 110 and the second belt conveyor 120 according to the above-mentioned embodiment are the same. In other words, the distance D1 between the first belt 111 and the second belt 121 according to the above embodiment is fixed. On the contrary, the moving directions of the first belt conveyor 110 and the second belt conveyor 120 according to the second modified embodiment are different. In other words, distances D1′ and D1″ between the first belt 111 and the second belt 121 according to the second modified embodiment are not fixed.
Specifically, in the distance D1 between the end 111 a of the first belt 111 and the end 121 a of the second belt 121, the distance D1′ toward the front of the belt conveyor 100 in the MD direction is longer than the distance D1″ toward the rear side of the belt conveyor 100 in the MD direction.
In the first modified embodiment described above, the distance D1′ is longer than the distance D1″. Accordingly, when being transported, the continuum can be stretched outwardly of the continuum in the CD direction. In other words, a wrinkle can be prevented from occurring in the vicinity of the moving-direction center line CL.
Here, the distance D1′ does not need to be longer than the distance D1″, and the distance D1′ may of course be shorter than the distance D1″ as shown in FIG. 9. This makes an advantage in the folding step described with reference to the above embodiment.
(5-3) Third Modified Embodiment
Description will now be given with reference to FIG. 10 with regard to the configuration of the belt conveyor 100 according to a third modified embodiment. FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view showing the belt conveyor 100 according to the third modified embodiment.
According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the first belt conveyor 110 includes the first belt 111, and the second belt conveyor 120 includes the second belt 121. On the contrary, according to the third modified embodiment, the first belt conveyor 110 includes a pair of first belts 111 and 111′, while the second belt conveyor 120 includes a pair of second belts 121 and 121′.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the first belt 111′ is disposed on one side of the first belt 111 on which the continuum is transported (e.g., on the upper side in FIG. 10). In other words, the first belts 111 and 111′ transport the continuum, while nipping therebetween the waistband region 1A disposed on one side of the moving-direction center line CL.
The second belt 121′ is disposed on the side of the second belt 121 on which the continuum is transported (e.g., on the upper side in FIG. 10). In other words, the second belts 121 and 121′ transport the continuum, while nipping therebetween the waistband region 1B disposed on the other side of the moving-direction center line CL.
Here, a distance (D3) between a first overlapping portion of the first belts 111 and 111′ (in orthogonal direction) on the moving-direction center line CL side and a second vertical overlapping portion of the second belts 121 and 121′ (in orthogonal direction) on the moving-direction center line CL side may be changed in accordance with the length L of the absorptive article (or the continuum) in the direction crossing the moving direction of the continuum.
In the third modified embodiment, the continuum is transported while being nipped between each of the pair of belts (the first belts 111 and 111′), and between each of the pair of belts (the second belts 121 and 121′). This eliminates the need for providing the suction holes in the first belt 111 and the second belt 121, and also eliminates the need for providing the suction means. Thus, the meandering of the continuum can be further suppressed.
Further, the configuration in which the distance (D3) between the first overlapping portion on the moving-direction center line CL side and the second overlapping portion on the moving-direction center line CL side can be changed in accordance with the length L of the absorptive article (or the continuum) is adaptable to various continuums. Thus, the general versatility of the first belt conveyor 110 and the second belt conveyor 120 can be further increased.
Specifically, the belt conveyor 100 has been described as including the first belt conveyor 110 and the second belt conveyor 120; however, the belt conveyor 100 is not limited to this and may include three or more belt conveyors, as a matter of course.
Incidentally, the belt conveyor 100 (the first belt conveyor 110 and the second belt conveyor 120) has been described as being used in the second to tenth transport steps; however, the belt conveyor 100 is not limited to this and may be used in at least one transport step, as a matter of course. Incidentally, the belt conveyor 100 may be used when the continuum is asymmetric with respect to the moving-direction center line CL, besides the steps described with reference to the above embodiment.
Further, the manufacturing method for an absorptive article has been described as including the steps in order from the gather step to the top sheet step; however, the method is not limited to this and may include the steps in order from the top sheet step to the gather step, as a matter of course.
Further, it is needless to say that, in the manufacturing method for an absorptive article, the folding step may be followed by any one of a bonding step of bonding partially the waistband regions 1A and 1B and a product cutting step of manufacturing a final product of the absorptive article by cutting the continuum into individual sizes.
For example when the continuum transported after the bonding step or the absorptive article transported after the product cutting step is asymmetric with respect to the moving-direction center line CL, the belt conveyor 100 (the first belt conveyor 110 and the second belt conveyor 120) mentioned above may be used.
Further, the absorptive article shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 includes the waistband regions 1A and 1B and the crotch region 1C that are integral with each other. However, the absorptive article is not limited to this and may include the waistband regions 1A and 1B and the crotch region 1C formed separate from each other.
1. A method of manufacturing an absorptive article having a waistband member, comprising:
transporting a continuum including waistband regions corresponding to the waistband member,
in the transporting, the continuum has a shape asymmetric with respect to a center line that bisects a dimension of the continuum in cross direction that is perpendicular to a moving direction of the continuum,
the continuum is transported while being held on at least a first belt conveyor and a second belt conveyor,
the first belt conveyor includes a first belt including a plurality of first suction holes for sucking the continuum,
the second belt conveyor includes a second belt including a plurality of second suction holes for sucking the continuum,
in the transporting, the continuum is transported while being held by a suction force through the first suction holes and the second suction holes, and
a suction force for sucking the continuum through the plurality of first suction holes is different from a suction force for sucking the continuum through the plurality of second suction holes.
said waistband regions have first and second regions, and
in the transporting, the first waistband regions disposed on one side of the center line is transported by the first belt conveyor, while the second of the waistband regions disposed on the other side of the center line is transported by the second belt conveyor.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein a distance between the first suction hole closest to the center line and the second suction hole closest to the center line is changed in accordance with the dimension of the absorptive article in the cross direction.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, in the transporting, the continuum is transported while being nipped between a pair of first belts of the first belt conveyor, and between a pair of second belts of the second belt conveyor.
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein a distance between an overlapping portion of the pair of first belts at one side of the center line and an overlapping portion of the pair of second belts at the other side of the center line is changed in accordance with the dimension of the absorptive article in the cross direction.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein a distance between the first belt of the first belt conveyor and the second belt of the second belt conveyor is changed in accordance with the dimension of the absorptive article in the cross direction.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first belt of the first belt conveyor and the second belt of the second belt conveyor are inclined with respect to the cross direction.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein a moving direction of the first belt conveyor is different from a moving direction of the second belt conveyor.
the waistband regions have first and second waistband regions,
the absorptive article is a disposable diaper provided with a crotch region located between the first waistband region and the second waistband region,
the waistband regions is stretchable in the moving direction, and the crotch region is stretchable in the cross direction.
10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the continuum includes an absorber configured to absorb liquid, and the absorber is disposed asymmetrically with respect to the center line.
the absorptive article is a disposable diaper provided with a crotch region located between the first waistband region and the second waistband region, and leg opening regions located on both sides of the crotch region, and
the leg opening regions are formed asymmetrically with respect to the center line.
12. A method of manufacturing an absorptive article having a waistband member, comprising:
wherein a traveling velocity of the first belt conveyor is different from a traveling velocity of the second belt conveyor.
US12/390,124 2008-08-07 2009-02-20 Manufacturing method for absorptive article Active 2030-03-04 US8074790B2 (en)
JPP2008-204645 2008-08-07
JP2008204645A JP5328257B2 (en) 2008-08-07 2008-08-07 Manufacturing method of the absorbent article
US20100032263A1 US20100032263A1 (en) 2010-02-11
US8074790B2 true US8074790B2 (en) 2011-12-13
ID=41651880
US12/390,124 Active 2030-03-04 US8074790B2 (en) 2008-08-07 2009-02-20 Manufacturing method for absorptive article
US (1) US8074790B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2311417B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5328257B2 (en)
KR (1) KR20110055600A (en)
CN (1) CN102112088B (en)
AR (1) AR072643A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2009280356B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2733225A1 (en)
CO (1) CO6351703A2 (en)
EA (1) EA022270B1 (en)
MX (1) MX2009007092A (en)
NZ (1) NZ591161A (en)
RU (1) RU2412677C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2010016576A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA201101314B (en)
CN102442549A (en) * 2011-09-06 2012-05-09 安徽科宏玻璃机械有限公司 Multi-size glass conveyer belt
DE102012207320B4 (en) * 2012-05-03 2013-11-21 Maschinenbau Oppenweiler Binder Gmbh & Co. Kg Saugtransportvorrichtung and procedure for taking a sheet from a sheet stack
US9375354B2 (en) * 2012-09-14 2016-06-28 The Procter & Gamble Company Methods and apparatuses for conveying absorbent articles in a converting line
CN103086150B (en) * 2013-01-24 2015-09-16 圣象实业（江苏）有限公司 Quick floor to the mobile machine control device
WO2015173952A1 (en) * 2014-05-16 2015-11-19 オリオン機械工業株式会社 Product conveying device
CN105480684A (en) * 2014-09-18 2016-04-13 安徽鸿凌机电仪表(集团)有限公司 Moving plate positioning device
WO2016076223A1 (en) * 2014-11-14 2016-05-19 株式会社瑞光 Device and method for conveying sheet material of wearable article
JP5923160B1 (en) * 2014-12-26 2016-05-24 ユニ・チャーム株式会社 Folding device and the folding method
JP2007117646A (en) 2005-10-31 2007-05-17 Daio Paper Corp Conveying equipment of absorptive article
JP2008012005A (en) * 2006-07-05 2008-01-24 Kao Corp Conveyance method of elastic sheet
US7638014B2 (en) * 2004-05-21 2009-12-29 Curt G. Joa, Inc. Method of producing a pants-type diaper
JP4083027B2 (en) 2003-01-31 2008-04-30 株式会社瑞光 Method of manufacturing a disposable wearing article
JP2008204645A (en) 2007-02-16 2008-09-04 Tyco Electronics Amp Kk Harness waterproofing material, and manufacturing method of waterproof harness
2008-08-07 JP JP2008204645A patent/JP5328257B2/en active Active
2008-08-22 RU RU2008134334/21A patent/RU2412677C2/en active
2009-02-20 US US12/390,124 patent/US8074790B2/en active Active
2009-06-29 MX MX2009007092A patent/MX2009007092A/en active IP Right Grant
2009-07-31 AR ARP090102939 patent/AR072643A1/en active IP Right Grant
2009-08-07 NZ NZ59116109A patent/NZ591161A/en unknown
2009-08-07 CN CN 200980130413 patent/CN102112088B/en active IP Right Grant
2009-08-07 EA EA201100290A patent/EA022270B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
2009-08-07 AU AU2009280356A patent/AU2009280356B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
2009-08-07 EP EP09805058.6A patent/EP2311417B1/en active Active
2009-08-07 CA CA 2733225 patent/CA2733225A1/en not_active Abandoned
2009-08-07 WO PCT/JP2009/064034 patent/WO2010016576A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
2009-08-07 KR KR1020117005247A patent/KR20110055600A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
2011-02-18 ZA ZA2011/01314A patent/ZA201101314B/en unknown
2011-03-04 CO CO11026926A patent/CO6351703A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
RU2008134334A (en) 2010-02-27
WO2010016576A1 (en) 2010-02-11
AU2009280356B2 (en) 2013-07-11
EA201100290A1 (en) 2011-10-31
CA2733225A1 (en) 2010-02-11
CN102112088B (en) 2014-01-29
CN102112088A (en) 2011-06-29
EP2311417B1 (en) 2017-07-12
NZ591161A (en) 2012-08-31
JP5328257B2 (en) 2013-10-30
EP2311417A4 (en) 2014-12-03
AU2009280356A1 (en) 2010-02-11
US20100032263A1 (en) 2010-02-11
EP2311417A1 (en) 2011-04-20
JP2010035932A (en) 2010-02-18
EA022270B1 (en) 2015-12-30
RU2412677C2 (en) 2011-02-27
ZA201101314B (en) 2012-01-25
MX2009007092A (en) 2010-03-01
KR20110055600A (en) 2011-05-25
CO6351703A2 (en) 2011-12-20
AR072643A1 (en) 2010-09-08
EP1602348A1 (en) 2005-12-07 Method for producing disposable wearing article
EP2356960A1 (en) 2011-08-17 Device for manufacturing absorptive article and method of manufacturing absorptive article
WO2010113562A1 (en) 2010-10-07 Absorbent article
JP2010500121A (en) 2010-01-07 Molding the elastic tab laminate
CN102088943B (en) 2015-04-15 An elastic composite having cross-directional elasticity and a system and method for making the elastic composite
TW200302711A (en) 2003-08-16 Pants-type disposable wearing article
TW201000084A (en) 2010-01-01 Wearing article
CN101060823A (en) 2007-10-24 Method of manufacturing disposable wearing article
JP3886446B2 (en) 2007-02-28 Method of producing a three-dimensional gather forming member
US9549859B2 (en) 2017-01-24 Method of incorporating leg elastics in a pant-like disposable absorbent garment, and garment made thereby
EP2301876A1 (en) 2011-03-30 Intermittent cutting and transfer device
CN101678987B (en) 2011-09-14 Web folding device, method of folding web, and method of manufacturing wearing article
EP2054334B1 (en) 2011-01-05 Method and apparatus for folding a web
EP1048231A1 (en) 2000-11-02 Disposable trunks type shorts and production method therefor
EP2490891B1 (en) 2017-03-22 Method of making disposable absorbent garments employing elastomeric film laminate body panels
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:YAMAMOTO, HIROKI;REEL/FRAME:022662/0184