JP7261213B2 - Absorbent manufacturing method and fiber stacking device - Google Patents

Absorbent manufacturing method and fiber stacking device Download PDF

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JP7261213B2
JP7261213B2 JP2020198767A JP2020198767A JP7261213B2 JP 7261213 B2 JP7261213 B2 JP 7261213B2 JP 2020198767 A JP2020198767 A JP 2020198767A JP 2020198767 A JP2020198767 A JP 2020198767A JP 7261213 B2 JP7261213 B2 JP 7261213B2
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健佑 岡田
優喜 加藤
仁 鈴木
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Kao Corp
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本発明は、異種の繊維材料どうしの積層構造を有するとともに、坪量が部分的に異なる吸収体の製造技術に関する。 TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a technology for manufacturing an absorbent body having a layered structure of different types of fiber materials and having partially different basis weights.

使い捨ておむつ、生理用ナプキン、失禁パッド等の吸収性物品に用いられる吸収体として、木材パルプなどの繊維材料の坪量が部分的に異なり、該坪量が相対的に多い高坪量部と該坪量が相対的に少ない低坪量部とを有する偏在吸収体が知られている。偏在吸収体の典型例として、吸収性物品の着用者の前後方向に対応する方向（縦方向）の中央部に、周辺部に比べて繊維材料の坪量が大きい部分（いわゆる中高部）を有するものが知られている。このような偏在吸収体は、高い液吸収性が要求される部分に体液吸収性（親水性）の繊維材料が偏在し、それ以外の他の部分は繊維材料の坪量が抑制されて厚みが薄いため、液吸収性及び着用感の双方が良好である。 As an absorber used for absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, and incontinence pads, the basis weight of a fibrous material such as wood pulp is partially different, and a high basis weight portion having a relatively large basis weight and a high basis weight portion having a relatively large basis weight. An unevenly distributed absorbent body having a low basis weight portion with a relatively small basis weight is known. As a typical example of the unevenly distributed absorbent body, in the central portion of the absorbent article in the direction (longitudinal direction) corresponding to the front-rear direction of the wearer, there is a portion (so-called mid-high portion) in which the basis weight of the fiber material is larger than that of the peripheral portion. things are known. In such an unevenly-distributed absorbent body, a body fluid-absorbing (hydrophilic) fiber material is unevenly distributed in a portion where high liquid absorption is required, and the thickness is reduced in other portions by suppressing the basis weight of the fiber material. Since it is thin, both liquid absorbency and wearing comfort are good.

また、吸収体の製造装置として、固定ドラムと、外周部に集積用凹部を有する回転ドラムと、該集積用凹部に向けて繊維材料を飛散状態にて供給する供給路とを備え、該固定ドラム側からの吸引によって該供給路内に生じた空気流（バキュームエア）に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、該集積用凹部内に積繊させるように構成された積繊装置が知られている。例えば特許文献１には、回転ドラムにおける多孔性部材の内面側に、バキュームエアの風量及び流れを調整する調整体の配置領域と非配置領域とが、回転ドラムの回転方向に配され、また、固定ドラムの外周部に、吸引が部分的に可能になされた選択的吸引領域と、吸引が全面的に可能になされた全面的吸引領域とが、該回転方向にこの順で配された積繊装置が記載されている。特許文献１に記載の積繊装置によれば、比較的簡単な構造で、偏在吸収体を安定的に製造できるとされている。 Further, the absorbent body manufacturing apparatus includes a fixed drum, a rotating drum having an accumulating recess on its outer periphery, and a supply path for supplying the fiber material in a scattered state toward the accumulating recess, and the fixed drum A fiber stacking device is known which stacks a fiber material transported on an air flow (vacuum air) generated in the supply path by suction from the side into the stacking recess. . For example, in Patent Document 1, on the inner surface side of a porous member in a rotating drum, an adjustment body arrangement area and a non-arrangement area for adjusting the air volume and flow of vacuum air are arranged in the rotation direction of the rotation drum, and A selective suction area in which suction is partially enabled and a full suction area in which suction is fully enabled are arranged in this order in the rotational direction on the outer circumference of the fixed drum. A device is described. According to the fiber stacking device described in Patent Document 1, the unevenly distributed absorbent body can be stably manufactured with a relatively simple structure.

また、吸水特性が互いに異なる複数種の繊維材料を含有する吸収体が知られている。例えば、親水性のパルプ繊維と疎水性の合成繊維とを含む吸収体は、前者のみを含む吸収体に比べて、柔軟性、クッション性等に優れるという特徴を備えたものとなり得る。特許文献２及び３には、異種の繊維材料どうしの積層構造を含む吸収体の製造に使用可能な積繊装置として、回転ドラムに繊維材料を供給する供給路が、該回転ドラムの回転方向に２つ設けられたものが記載されている。 Also known is an absorbent body containing a plurality of types of fibrous materials having different water absorption properties. For example, an absorbent body containing hydrophilic pulp fibers and hydrophobic synthetic fibers can be characterized by superior softness, cushioning properties, etc., compared to absorbent bodies containing only the former. In Patent Documents 2 and 3, as a fiber stacking device that can be used for manufacturing an absorbent body including a layered structure of different types of fiber materials, a supply path for supplying fiber materials to a rotating drum is arranged in the rotating direction of the rotating drum. The one provided with two is described.

特開２０１５－５９２８７号公報JP 2015-59287 A 特開２００７－８９８２６号公報JP 2007-89826 A 特開２０２０－７８４９０号公報JP 2020-78490 A

前述した構成の積繊装置において、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部の底部を形成する部材は通常、バキュームエアが通過可能な多数の吸引孔を有する多孔性部材からなるところ、該積繊装置を用いて坪量が部分的に異なる偏在吸収体を製造する場合には従来、該多孔性部材の開口率（該多孔性部材の表面積に対する該吸引孔の総面積の比率）を部分的に異ならせることで、集積用凹部を通過するバキュームエアの流量（吸引風量）に部分的な差を生じさせ、それによって繊維材料の積繊量を部分的に異ならせる方法が採用されている。図１０には、そのような開口率差を有する多孔性部材の一例である多孔性部材９０が示されている。多孔性部材９０は、吸収体製造時の搬送方向ＭＤの中央域が、相対的に開口率が高く吸引風量が大きい高吸引部９１、高吸引部９１の搬送方向ＭＤの端部域が、相対的に開口率が低く吸引風量が小さい低吸引部９２となっており、多孔性部材９０を集積用凹部の底部に用いた積繊装置によって製造される吸収体（積繊体）は、高吸引部９１に対応する中央域に、繊維材料の坪量が相対的に多い高坪量部を有し、低吸引部９２に対応する端部域に、繊維材料の坪量が相対的に少ない低坪量部を有する。 In the fiber stacking device having the structure described above, the member forming the bottom of the stacking recess in which the fiber material is stacked is usually made of a porous member having a large number of suction holes through which vacuum air can pass. Conventionally, when manufacturing an unevenly distributed absorbent body with partially different basis weights using an apparatus, the open area ratio of the porous member (the ratio of the total area of the suction holes to the surface area of the porous member) is partially A method is adopted in which the volume of vacuum air passing through the accumulating concave portion (amount of sucked air) is partially different by making it different, thereby partially varying the amount of fiber material piled up. FIG. 10 shows a porous member 90, which is an example of a porous member having such a difference in aperture ratio. The porous member 90 has a high suction portion 91 with a relatively high opening ratio and a large suction air volume in the central region in the transport direction MD at the time of manufacturing the absorbent body, and an end region in the transport direction MD of the high suction portion 91. The absorbent body (stacked body) manufactured by the fiber stacking device using the porous member 90 at the bottom of the stacking recess has a high suction volume. A central region corresponding to the portion 91 has a high basis weight portion in which the basis weight of the fibrous material is relatively large, and an end region corresponding to the low suction portion 92 has a low basis weight portion in which the basis weight of the fibrous material is relatively small. It has a basis weight.

図１１のグラフは、多孔性部材９０の如き開口率差を有する多孔性部材を集積用凹部の底部に用いた積繊装置を用いて実際に繊維材料の積繊を行った場合の、該集積用凹部の各部の吸引風量と時間との関係を示したものである。図１１のグラフの横軸の時間は、集積用凹部が所定の吸引領域を搬送されている時間を示す。集積用凹部を外周部に有する回転ドラムが固定ドラムの外周部周りを回転し、その回転によってドラム周方向に搬送される集積用凹部が、所定の吸引領域（固定ドラム側からの吸引により回転ドラムの内外を通過するバキュームエアが生じる領域）に搬送された直後、すなわち図１１のグラフの横軸の時間がゼロのときは、集積用凹部に繊維材料が積繊していないので、高吸引部と低吸引部との吸引風量の差はそれらの開口率の差を反映したものとなり、この状態では繊維材料は高吸引部に優先的に積繊され、低吸引部にはほとんど積繊されない。その後、高吸引部における繊維材料の積繊量の経時的な増加に伴い、高吸引部の吸引風量が減少していき、高吸引部の吸引風量と低吸引部の吸引風量とが同程度になる、すなわち吸引平衡点に達するまで、繊維材料は高吸引部に優先的に積繊され、吸引平衡点に達した後に、低吸引部にも繊維材料が積繊されるようになる。したがって、所定の吸引領域を通過した集積用凹部内に形成された積繊体は、該集積用凹部の高吸引部に対応する位置に高坪量部を有し、該集積用凹部の低吸引部に対応する位置に低坪量部を有する。 The graph of FIG. 11 shows the results of actually stacking fiber materials using a fiber stacking device that uses porous members having different opening ratios, such as the porous member 90, at the bottom of the stacking concave portion. 10 shows the relationship between the amount of air sucked in each part of the recess and the time. The time on the horizontal axis of the graph in FIG. 11 indicates the time during which the stacking concave portion is conveyed through the predetermined suction area. A rotating drum having an accumulating recess on its outer periphery rotates around the outer periphery of the fixed drum, and the accumulating recess transported in the drum circumferential direction by the rotation moves to a predetermined suction area (rotating drum by suction from the fixed drum side). 11, i.e., when the time on the horizontal axis of the graph in FIG. The difference in suction air volume between the low suction part and the low suction part reflects the difference in opening ratio between them. In this state, the fiber material is preferentially stacked in the high suction part and hardly stacked in the low suction part. After that, as the amount of fiber material accumulated in the high suction part increases over time, the suction air volume of the high suction part decreases, and the suction air volume of the high suction part and the suction air volume of the low suction part become almost the same. That is, until the suction equilibrium point is reached, the fiber material is preferentially piled up in the high suction portion, and after reaching the suction equilibrium point, the fiber material is also piled up in the low suction portion. Therefore, the piled body formed in the accumulating recess that has passed through the predetermined suction area has the high basis weight portion at the position corresponding to the high suction portion of the accumulating recess, and the low suction of the accumulating recess. It has a low basis weight part at a position corresponding to the part.

しかし、このような集積用凹部の底部に開口率差を設けただけの、いわば成り行き任せの積繊方法では、積繊体の各部の坪量の制御が不十分なため、例えば、低吸引部の開口率を低下させた場合には、該低吸引部に形成された積繊体の低坪量部の一部に、繊維材料が存在しないか又は繊維材料の坪量が設計値よりも少ない部分が生じるおそれがあり、また、低吸引部の開口率を増加させた場合には、該低応力部に隣接する高吸引部の積繊状態が悪化するおそれがある。特に、互いに異種の繊維材料を含む吸収体において坪量を部分的に異ならせるべく、前述した成り行き任せの積繊方法を採用すると、このような不都合を招く可能性が高まる。 However, in a so-called random stacking method in which a difference in opening ratio is provided at the bottom of the stacking concave portion, the basis weight of each part of the stack is insufficiently controlled. When the opening ratio of is reduced, the fiber material does not exist in part of the low basis weight portion of the pile formed in the low suction portion, or the basis weight of the fiber material is less than the design value. In addition, when the opening ratio of the low-stress portion is increased, the stacking state of the high-suction portion adjacent to the low-stress portion may deteriorate. In particular, if the above-described random fiber stacking method is adopted in order to partially differ the basis weights of absorbent bodies containing different types of fiber materials, the possibility of causing such inconvenience increases.

本発明の課題は、繊維材料の坪量を設計どおりに制御することができ、互いに異種の繊維材料を含む吸収体において坪量を部分的に異ならせる場合に有用な技術を提供することに関する。 An object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can control the basis weight of a fibrous material as designed, and is useful when the basis weight is partially different in absorbent bodies containing different types of fibrous materials.

本発明は、積繊装置を用い、繊維材料として互いに異種の第１繊維材料及び第２繊維材料を含み、且つ繊維材料の坪量が相対的に多い高坪量部と相対的に少ない低坪量部とを一方向に有する吸収体を製造する、吸収体の製造方法である。
本発明の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、前記積繊装置は、固定ドラムと、該固定ドラムの外周部周りを回転可能に設けられ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部を外周部に有する回転ドラムと、該集積用凹部に向けて繊維材料を飛散状態にて供給する供給路とを備え、該回転ドラムを回転させて該集積用凹部をドラム周方向に沿う搬送方向に搬送させつつ、該固定ドラム側からの吸引によって該供給路に生じた空気流に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、該集積用凹部の底面上に積繊させるようになされている。
本発明の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、前記集積用凹部は、前記高坪量部を形成する第１積繊領域と、前記低坪量部を形成する第２積繊領域とを、ドラム周方向に有している。
本発明の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、前記供給路は、前記第１繊維材料を供給する第１供給路と、前記第２繊維材料を供給する第２供給路とを、ドラム周方向に有している。
本発明の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、前記集積用凹部に対して前記第１供給路から前記第１繊維材料を供給する第１供給工程と、該第１供給工程の後に、該第１繊維材料が積繊された該集積用凹部に対して、前記第２供給路から前記第２繊維材料を供給する第２供給工程とを有している。
本発明の吸収体の製造方法の一実施形態では、前記第１供給工程では、前記第１繊維材料が前記第１積繊領域に優先的に積繊されるように、前記空気流を制御する。 The present invention uses a fiber stacking device, includes a first fiber material and a second fiber material that are different from each other as fiber materials, and has a high basis weight portion in which the basis weight of the fiber material is relatively large and a low basis weight portion in which the basis weight of the fiber material is relatively small. A method for manufacturing an absorbent body, which manufactures an absorbent body having a bulk part in one direction.
In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing an absorbent body of the present invention, the fiber stacking device includes a fixed drum, and a stacking recess provided rotatably around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum. and a supply path for supplying the fiber material in a scattering state toward the accumulating recess, and the rotating drum is rotated to convey the accumulating recess in the conveying direction along the drum circumferential direction. At the same time, the fiber material transported by the air flow generated in the supply path by the suction from the fixed drum side is piled up on the bottom surface of the accumulating concave portion.
In one embodiment of the absorbent body manufacturing method of the present invention, the accumulating recess comprises a first fiber stacking region forming the high basis weight portion and a second fiber stacking region forming the low basis weight portion. , in the circumferential direction of the drum.
In one embodiment of the absorbent core manufacturing method of the present invention, the supply path includes a first supply path for supplying the first fibrous material and a second supply path for supplying the second fibrous material. Have a direction.
In one embodiment of the absorbent core manufacturing method of the present invention, a first supply step of supplying the first fiber material from the first supply path to the accumulation recess, and after the first supply step, the and a second supply step of supplying the second fiber material from the second supply path to the stacking recess in which the first fiber material is stacked.
In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing an absorbent body of the present invention, in the first supply step, the air flow is controlled so that the first fiber material is preferentially stacked in the first fiber stacking region. .

本発明は、固定ドラムと、該固定ドラムの外周部周りを回転可能に設けられ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部を外周部に有する回転ドラムと、該集積用凹部に向けて繊維材料を飛散状態にて供給する供給路とを備え、該回転ドラムを回転させて該集積用凹部をドラム周方向に沿う搬送方向に搬送させつつ、該固定ドラム側からの吸引によって該供給路に生じた空気流に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、ドラム周方向の所定の吸引領域にて該集積用凹部の底面上に積繊させるようになされており、
繊維材料として互いに異種の第１繊維材料及び第２繊維材料を含み、且つ繊維材料の坪量が相対的に多い高坪量部と相対的に少ない低坪量部とを一方向に有する積繊体を製造する、積繊装置である。
本発明の積繊装置の一実施形態では、前記集積用凹部は、前記高坪量部を形成する第１積繊領域と、前記低坪量部を形成する第２積繊領域とを、ドラム周方向に有している。
本発明の積繊装置の一実施形態では、前記供給路は、前記第１繊維材料を供給する第１供給路と、前記第２繊維材料を供給する第２供給路とを、ドラム周方向に有している。
本発明の積繊装置の一実施形態では、前記吸引領域は、前記固定ドラム側からの吸引が部分的に可能になされている選択的吸引領域を有し、該選択的吸引領域は、前記第１供給路に対応する第１の選択的吸引領域と、前記第２供給路に対応する第２の選択的吸引領域とを有している。
本発明の積繊装置の一実施形態では、前記固定ドラムの外周部に、前記選択的吸引領域に対応する選択的吸引領域対応部が配されている。
本発明の積繊装置の一実施形態では、前記選択的吸引領域対応部は、前記第１の選択的吸引領域に対応し、第１開口部がドラム軸方向に部分的に設けられた非通気性の第１の対応部と、前記第２の選択的吸引領域に対応し、第２開口部がドラム軸方向に部分的に設けられた非通気性の第２の対応部とを、ドラム周方向に有し、前記空気流は、該第１開口部及び該第２開口部を通じてのみ該選択的吸引領域対応部を厚み方向に通過可能になされており、該第１開口部と該第２開口部とは、ドラム軸方向の位置が互いに異なっている。
本発明の積繊装置の一実施形態では、前記回転ドラムの前記固定ドラムの外周部との対向部分に、前記第１積繊領域に対応する非通気性の第１開口部閉鎖部材と、前記第２積繊領域に対応する非通気性の第２開口部閉鎖部材とが配されており、該第１開口部閉鎖部材は、前記第２開口部とドラム軸方向において同位置にあり、該第２開口部閉鎖部材は、前記第１開口部とドラム軸方向において同位置にある。
本発明の積繊装置の一実施形態では、前記集積用凹部の前記第１の選択的吸引領域での搬送中では、前記第１開口部に対し、前記第１開口部閉鎖部材は重ならずに、前記第２開口部閉鎖部材が重なることで、前記第２積繊領域の前記空気流の流量を低減するようになされている。
本発明の積繊装置の一実施形態では、前記集積用凹部の前記第２の選択的吸引領域での搬送中では、前記第２開口部に対し、前記第２開口部閉鎖部材は重ならずに、前記第１開口部閉鎖部材が重なることで、前記第１積繊領域の前記空気流の流量を低減するようになされている。
本発明の他の特徴、効果及び実施形態は、以下に説明される。 The present invention comprises a fixed drum, a rotating drum provided rotatably around the outer periphery of the fixed drum and having a stacking recess in the outer periphery in which a fiber material is piled, and a fiber material facing the stacking recess. and a supply path for supplying the particles in a scattered state, and the rotating drum is rotated to convey the accumulating concave portion in the conveying direction along the circumferential direction of the drum. The fiber material conveyed by the air flow is piled up on the bottom surface of the accumulating recess in a predetermined suction area in the circumferential direction of the drum,
A stacked fiber including a first fiber material and a second fiber material different from each other as fiber materials, and having a high basis weight portion in which the basis weight of the fiber material is relatively large and a low basis weight portion in which the basis weight of the fiber material is relatively small in one direction. It is a stacking device that manufactures the body.
In one embodiment of the fiber stacking device of the present invention, the accumulating concave portion includes a first fiber stacking region forming the high basis weight portion and a second fiber stacking region forming the low basis weight portion on a drum. It has in the circumferential direction.
In one embodiment of the fiber stacking device of the present invention, the supply path includes a first supply path for supplying the first fiber material and a second supply path for supplying the second fiber material in the circumferential direction of the drum. have.
In one embodiment of the fiber stacking device of the present invention, the suction area has a selective suction area that partially allows suction from the fixed drum side, and the selective suction area is the second It has a first selective suction area corresponding to one supply path and a second selective suction area corresponding to the second supply path.
In one embodiment of the fiber stacking device of the present invention, a selective suction area corresponding portion corresponding to the selective suction area is arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum.
In one embodiment of the fiber stacking device of the present invention, the selective suction region corresponding portion corresponds to the first selective suction region, and has a first opening partially provided in the axial direction of the drum. and a non-breathable second corresponding portion corresponding to the second selective suction area and partially provided with a second opening in the axial direction of the drum. and the airflow can pass through the selective suction area corresponding portion in the thickness direction only through the first opening and the second opening. The positions of the openings in the axial direction of the drum are different from each other.
In one embodiment of the fiber stacking device of the present invention, a non-air-permeable first opening closing member corresponding to the first fiber stacking region and the and a non-air-permeable second opening closing member corresponding to the second fiber stacking region, the first opening closing member being at the same position as the second opening in the axial direction of the drum, The second opening closing member is at the same position as the first opening in the axial direction of the drum.
In one embodiment of the fiber stacking device of the present invention, the first opening closing member does not overlap the first opening during conveyance in the first selective suction area of the accumulating recess. In addition, the overlap of the second opening closing member reduces the flow rate of the air flow in the second fiber stacking region.
In one embodiment of the fiber stacking device of the present invention, the second opening closing member does not overlap the second opening during conveyance in the second selective suction area of the accumulating recess. In addition, the overlap of the first opening closing member reduces the flow rate of the air flow in the first fiber stacking area.
Other features, advantages and embodiments of the invention are described below.

本発明によれば、繊維材料の坪量を設計どおりに制御することができ、互いに異種の繊維材料を含む吸収体において坪量を部分的に異ならせる場合に有用な技術が提供される。 ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the basis weight of a fibrous material can be controlled as designed, and the technique useful when the basis weight is partially different in the absorber containing a mutually different fiber material is provided.

図１（ａ）及び図１（ｂ）は、それぞれ、本発明によって提供される吸収体の一実施形態の模式的な斜視図である。1(a) and 1(b) are schematic perspective views of one embodiment of an absorbent body provided by the present invention, respectively. 図２は、本発明の積繊装置の一実施形態を一部透視して模式的に示す斜視図である。FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an embodiment of the fiber stacking device of the present invention, partially see-through. 図３は、図２に示す積繊装置をドラム軸方向から見た場合の模式的な側面図である。FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the fiber stacking device shown in FIG. 2 when viewed from the axial direction of the drum. 図４は、図２に示す積繊装置の集積部の模式的な分解斜視図である。4 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the stacking unit of the fiber stacking device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 図５は、図２に示す積繊装置の集積用凹部の一部のドラム周方向に沿う断面を模式的に示す断面図である。FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section along the drum circumferential direction of a part of the stacking concave portion of the fiber stacking device shown in FIG. 図６は、図２に示す積繊装置における吸引領域の配置の一例を示す模式的な側面図である。6 is a schematic side view showing an example of the arrangement of suction areas in the fiber stacking device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 図７（ａ）は、図２に示す積繊装置における固定ドラムの外周部の選択的吸引領域対応部の第１の対応部の模式的な平面図、図７（ｂ）は、該選択的吸引領域対応部の第２の対応部の模式的な平面図、図７（ｃ）は、回転ドラムの外周部の該固定ドラムの外周部との対向部分の模式的な平面図、図７（ｄ）は、集積用凹部の該選択的吸引領域での搬送中における図７（ａ）～図７（ｃ）に示す各部の対応関係の説明図である。FIG. 7(a) is a schematic plan view of a first corresponding portion of the selective suction region corresponding portion on the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum in the fiber stacking device shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. FIG. 7(c) is a schematic plan view of the second corresponding portion of the suction area corresponding portion, FIG. d) is an explanatory diagram of the correspondence between the parts shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C during transport in the selective suction area of the stacking concave portion; FIG. 図８は、図２に示す積繊装置の集積用凹部における第１積繊領域及び第２積繊領域の吸引領域での吸引状態をまとめた表であり、該表中の図は、当該積繊領域のドラム軸方向に沿う模式的な断面図である。FIG. 8 is a table summarizing the suction states in the suction regions of the first fiber stacking region and the second fiber stacking region in the stacking concave portion of the fiber stacking device shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the drum axial direction of the fiber region; 図９は、図２に示す積繊装置における吸引領域の配置の他の一例を示す模式的な側面図である。9 is a schematic side view showing another example of the arrangement of the suction areas in the fiber stacking device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 図１０は、積繊装置の集積用凹部の底面に従来使用されている多孔性部材の一例の模式的な斜視図である。FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a porous member conventionally used on the bottom surface of a stacking concave portion of a fiber stacking device. 図１１は、集積用凹部の高吸引部及び低吸引部における吸引風量と時間との関係を示すグラフである。FIG. 11 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of air sucked in the high suction portion and the low suction portion of the collecting recessed portion and time.

以下、本発明をその好ましい実施形態に基づき図面を参照しながら説明する。なお、以下の図面の記載において、同一又は類似の部分には、同一又は類似の符号を付している。図面は基本的に模式的なものであり、各寸法の比率などは現実のものとは異なる場合がある。 BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on its preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. In addition, in the following description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals are given to the same or similar parts. The drawings are basically schematic, and the ratio of each dimension may differ from the actual one.

本発明（積繊装置、製造方法）によって提供される吸収体は、体液をはじめとする水性液を吸収し得るものである。吸収体の用途は特に限定されないが、吸収性物品の吸収体として特に好適である。ここでいう「吸収性物品」には、人体から排出される体液（尿、軟便、経血、汗等）の吸収に用いられる物品が広く包含され、例えば、使い捨ておむつ、生理用ナプキン、生理用ショーツ、失禁パッド等が包含される。
吸収性物品は、典型的には、吸収体と、該吸収体よりも着用者の肌から近い側に配される液透過性の表面シートと、該吸収体よりも着用者の肌から遠い側に配される液難透過性ないし不透過性の裏面シートとを含んで構成されている。 The absorbent body provided by the present invention (fiber stacking device, manufacturing method) is capable of absorbing aqueous fluids including body fluids. The use of the absorbent is not particularly limited, but it is particularly suitable as an absorbent for absorbent articles. The term "absorbent article" as used herein broadly includes articles used to absorb bodily fluids (urine, loose stool, menstrual blood, sweat, etc.) discharged from the human body. Shorts, incontinence pads, etc. are included.
Absorbent articles typically include an absorbent body, a liquid-permeable surface sheet arranged closer to the wearer's skin than the absorbent body, and a side farther from the wearer's skin than the absorbent body. and a liquid-impermeable or impermeable backsheet disposed on the substrate.

図１には、本発明によって提供される吸収体の一実施形態である吸収体１０Ａ，１０Ｂが示されている。以下、両吸収体１０Ａ，１０Ｂを総称して「吸収体１０」とも言う。吸収体１０についての説明は特に断らない限り、両吸収体１０Ａ，１０Ｂに適用される。吸収体１０は、吸収性物品用のものであり、吸収性物品の着用者の前後方向に対応する縦方向Ｘとこれに直交する横方向Ｙとを有する。
縦方向Ｘは、後述する吸収体１０の製造時における流れ方向ＭＤ（Machine Direction）に一致し、横方向Ｙは、流れ方向ＭＤと直交する方向である搬送直交方向ＣＤ（Cross machine Direction）に一致する。なお流れ方向ＭＤは、後述するドラム周方向Ｘ１に沿う回転ドラム３の回転方向Ｒ１（すなわち集積用凹部４０の搬送方向）に一致し、搬送直交方向ＣＤは、後述するドラム軸方向Ｙ１に一致する。 FIG. 1 shows absorbent bodies 10A and 10B, which are one embodiment of the absorbent body provided by the present invention. Hereinafter, both absorbers 10A and 10B will be collectively referred to as "absorber 10". The description of the absorbent body 10 applies to both the absorbent bodies 10A and 10B unless otherwise specified. The absorbent body 10 is for an absorbent article, and has a longitudinal direction X corresponding to the front-rear direction of the wearer of the absorbent article and a lateral direction Y orthogonal thereto.
The longitudinal direction X coincides with a flow direction MD (Machine Direction) at the time of manufacturing the absorber 10, which will be described later, and the lateral direction Y coincides with a transport orthogonal direction CD (Cross Machine Direction) which is a direction orthogonal to the flow direction MD. do. The flow direction MD coincides with the rotation direction R1 of the rotating drum 3 along the drum circumferential direction X1 (that is, the conveying direction of the stacking recess 40), and the conveying orthogonal direction CD coincides with the drum axial direction Y1 described later. .

吸収体１０は、繊維材料を主体とする。吸収体１０における繊維材料の含有量は、少なくとも５０質量％以上であり、１００質量％すなわち繊維材料のみから形成されていてもよい。吸収体１０は、繊維材料に加えて更に、吸水性ポリマーを含有してもよい。吸水性ポリマーとしては、一般に粒子状のものが用いられるが、繊維状のものでもよい。粒子状の吸水性ポリマーの形状は特に限定されず、例えば、球状、塊状、俵状、不定形状であり得る。吸水性ポリマーは、典型的には、アクリル酸又はアクリル酸アルカリ金属塩の重合物又は共重合物を主体とする。 The absorbent body 10 is mainly made of a fiber material. The content of the fiber material in the absorbent body 10 is at least 50% by mass or more, and may be 100% by mass, ie, the fiber material alone. The absorbent body 10 may further contain a water absorbent polymer in addition to the fibrous material. As the water-absorbing polymer, a particulate one is generally used, but a fibrous one may also be used. The shape of the particulate water-absorbing polymer is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, spherical, blocky, bale-shaped, or irregular. The water-absorbing polymer is typically based on a polymer or copolymer of acrylic acid or an alkali metal salt of acrylic acid.

吸収体１０は、繊維材料として互いに異種の第１繊維材料及び第２繊維材料を含む。ここでいう「異種」とは、対比する繊維材料どうしで、組成、平均繊維径（太さ）、平均繊維長、製造方法の１つでも異なる場合を意味する。対比する繊維材料どうしでこれらの全て同じ場合、それらの繊維材料は互いに「同種」である。吸収体１０に含まれる２種類の繊維材料（第１繊維材料、第２繊維材料）の組み合わせは特に制限されず、吸収体として使用可能な繊維材料の中から選択することができる。
互いに異種の繊維材料の組み合わせの一例として、吸水特性が互いに異なる繊維材料の組み合わせ、具体的には例えば、親水度（疎水度）が互いに異なる繊維材料の組み合わせが挙げられ、その具体例として、セルロース系繊維（親水性繊維）と、疎水性合成樹脂からなる合成繊維（疎水性繊維）との組み合わせを例示できる。セルロース系繊維としては、例えば、木材パルプ；綿パルプ、麻パルプ等の非木材パルプ等の天然繊維；カチオン化パルプ、マーセル化パルプ等の変性パルプが挙げられる。疎水性の合成樹脂として、ポリエチレン、ポリプロピレン、ポリエチレンテレフタレート等の熱可塑性樹脂が挙げられる。第１繊維材料及び第２繊維材料のどちらが親水性繊維でもよく、第１繊維材料及び第２繊維材料のどちらが疎水性繊維でもよい。 The absorbent body 10 includes a first fiber material and a second fiber material that are different from each other as fiber materials. The term "heterogeneous" as used herein means that even one of the composition, average fiber diameter (thickness), average fiber length, and manufacturing method differs between the fiber materials to be compared. When contrasting fibrous materials are all the same, the fibrous materials are "homologous" to each other. The combination of the two types of fiber materials (the first fiber material and the second fiber material) contained in the absorbent body 10 is not particularly limited, and can be selected from fiber materials that can be used as the absorbent body.
An example of a combination of different types of fiber materials is a combination of fiber materials with different water absorption properties, specifically a combination of fiber materials with different hydrophilicity (hydrophobicity). A combination of a synthetic fiber (hydrophilic fiber) and a synthetic fiber (hydrophobic fiber) made of a hydrophobic synthetic resin can be exemplified. Examples of cellulosic fibers include wood pulp; natural fibers such as non-wood pulp such as cotton pulp and hemp pulp; and modified pulp such as cationized pulp and mercerized pulp. Hydrophobic synthetic resins include thermoplastic resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate. Either the first fibrous material or the second fibrous material may be hydrophilic fibres, and either the first fibrous material or the second fibrous material may be hydrophobic fibres.

吸収体１０は、図１に示すように、繊維材料の坪量が相対的に多い高坪量部１１と、相対的に少ない低坪量部１２とを一方向に有する。本実施形態では、吸収体１０は、平面視で縦方向Ｘに長い形状（略長方形形状）を有し、その長手方向すなわち縦方向Ｘの中央部に高坪量部１１、縦方向Ｘの両端部に低坪量部１２が配されており、低坪量部１２、高坪量部１１、低坪量部１２の順に縦方向Ｘに配置されている。 As shown in FIG. 1, the absorbent body 10 has, in one direction, a high basis weight portion 11 in which the basis weight of the fibrous material is relatively large and a low basis weight portion 12 in which the basis weight of the fiber material is relatively small. In the present embodiment, the absorbent body 10 has a shape (substantially rectangular shape) elongated in the vertical direction X when viewed from above, and has a high basis weight portion 11 in the center in the longitudinal direction, that is, in the vertical direction X, and both ends in the vertical direction X. The low basis weight part 12 is arranged in the part, and the low basis weight part 12, the high basis weight part 11, and the low basis weight part 12 are arranged in the vertical direction X in this order.

また吸収体１０は、繊維材料として第１繊維材料のみを含む第１繊維層１３と、繊維材料として第２繊維材料のみを含む第２繊維層１４とを含んで構成されている。
吸収体１０Ａでは、図１（ａ）に示すように、高坪量部１１が第１繊維層１３からなり、低坪量部１２が第２繊維層１４からなる。
吸収体１０Ｂでは、図１（ｂ）に示すように、第２繊維層１４の一方の面における縦方向Ｘの中央部のみに第１繊維層１３が積層されており、吸収体１０Ｂの縦方向Ｘの中央部が高坪量部１１、それ以外の第１繊維層１３の非配置部が低坪量部１２となっている。
吸収体１０Ａ，１０Ｂの何れも、縦方向Ｘの中央部が高坪量部１１、該中央部を挟んで前後端部が低坪量部１２であり、且つ高坪量部１１に第１繊維材料が含まれている。
高坪量部１１は低坪量部１２周辺部に比べて厚みが大きく、この厚み差に起因して、吸収体１０の一方の面（図１では上面）には、高坪量部１１が周辺部よりも厚み方向の外方に突出した突出部１１Ａが形成されている。高坪量部１１はいわゆる中高部である。 Moreover, the absorbent body 10 includes a first fiber layer 13 containing only the first fiber material as the fiber material and a second fiber layer 14 containing only the second fiber material as the fiber material.
In the absorbent body 10A, as shown in FIG. 1(a), the high basis weight portion 11 is composed of the first fiber layer 13, and the low basis weight portion 12 is composed of the second fiber layer .
In the absorbent body 10B, as shown in FIG. 1(b), the first fiber layer 13 is laminated only in the central portion of the longitudinal direction X on one surface of the second fiber layer 14, and the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 10B is The central portion of X is the high basis weight portion 11, and the other portion where the first fiber layer 13 is not arranged is the low basis weight portion 12. As shown in FIG.
Both of the absorbers 10A and 10B have a high basis weight portion 11 in the central portion in the longitudinal direction X, and a low basis weight portion 12 at the front and rear end portions across the central portion. material is included.
The high basis weight portion 11 is thicker than the peripheral portion of the low basis weight portion 12, and due to this thickness difference, the high basis weight portion 11 is formed on one surface (upper surface in FIG. 1) of the absorbent body 10. A projecting portion 11A projecting outward in the thickness direction from the peripheral portion is formed. The high basis weight portion 11 is a so-called mid-high portion.

吸収体１０は、突出部１１Ａの形成面（図１では上面）を、該吸収体１０が用いられる吸収性物品の着用者の肌側に向けて使用されてもよく、あるいは突出部１１Ａの形成面とは反対側の面を該着用者の肌側に向けて使用されてもよい。
高坪量部１１は、主に吸収体１０の液吸収性の向上に寄与し、低坪量部１２は、主に吸収体１０を備える吸収性物品の着用感の向上に寄与する。吸収体１０では、吸収体１０が使い捨ておむつや生理用ナプキンなどの吸収性物品の吸収体として使用された場合に、その吸収性物品の着用者の股間部（陰茎、膣口などの***部）に配される部分である、縦方向Ｘの中央部を高坪量部１１とし、それ以外の部分を低坪量部１２としている。吸収体１０の縦方向Ｘの中央部は、着用者の***物が集中する部位であるので、該中央部を高坪量部１１とすることで十分な液吸収性を確保し、また、吸収体１０における該中央部以外の部分は、液吸収に使用される機会が該中央部に比べて少ないので、繊維材料の坪量を極力低減して厚みを薄くすることで着用感の向上を図っている。 The absorbent body 10 may be used with the surface on which the protrusions 11A are formed (upper surface in FIG. 1) facing the wearer's skin side of the absorbent article in which the absorbent body 10 is used, or the formation of the protrusions 11A. It may be used with the opposite side facing the wearer's skin.
The high basis weight portion 11 mainly contributes to improving the liquid absorbency of the absorbent body 10 , and the low basis weight portion 12 mainly contributes to improving the wearing feeling of the absorbent article including the absorbent body 10 . When the absorbent body 10 is used as an absorbent body of an absorbent article such as a disposable diaper or a sanitary napkin, the wearer's crotch area (excretion area such as penis and vaginal opening) of the absorbent article is The central portion in the longitudinal direction X, which is the portion arranged in the vertical direction, is a high basis weight portion 11, and the other portion is a low basis weight portion 12. As shown in FIG. Since the central portion of the absorber 10 in the longitudinal direction X is a portion where the wearer's excrement concentrates, by making the central portion a high basis weight portion 11, sufficient liquid absorbency can be ensured and the absorption of liquids can be improved. Since parts of the body 10 other than the central part are less likely to be used for liquid absorption than the central part, the basic weight of the fiber material is reduced as much as possible and the thickness is reduced to improve the wearing comfort. ing.

また例えば、高坪量部１１を構成する第１繊維層１３の構成繊維である第１繊維材料が、熱可塑性樹脂等の合成樹脂を素材とする合成繊維であると、高坪量部１１の柔軟性、クッション性の物理的特性の一層の向上が期待できる。すなわち、互いに異種の第１繊維材料及び第２繊維材料の組み合わせ好ましい一例として、第１繊維材料が合成繊維、第２繊維材料がセルロース系繊維という組み合わせが挙げられる。 Further, for example, when the first fiber material, which is the constituent fiber of the first fiber layer 13 that constitutes the high basis weight portion 11, is a synthetic fiber made of a synthetic resin such as a thermoplastic resin, the high basis weight portion 11 A further improvement in the physical properties of flexibility and cushioning can be expected. That is, a preferred example of a combination of the first fiber material and the second fiber material, which are different from each other, is a combination in which the first fiber material is a synthetic fiber and the second fiber material is a cellulosic fiber.

以下、本発明の積繊装置及び吸収体の製造方法について、前述した吸収体１０の製造方法を例にとり図面を参照しながら説明する。図２及び図３には、本発明の吸収体の積繊装置の一実施形態である積繊装置１の全体構成が示されている。
積繊装置１は、固定ドラム２と、固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓの周りを回転可能に設けられ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部４０を外周部３Ｓに有する回転ドラム３と、集積用凹部４０に向けて繊維材料を飛散状態にて供給する供給路５０とを備え、回転ドラム３を図中符号Ｒ１で示す回転方向に回転させて集積用凹部４０をドラム周方向Ｘ１に沿う搬送方向（流れ方向ＭＤ）に搬送させつつ、固定ドラム２側からの吸引によって供給路５０に生じた空気流（以下、「バキュームエア」とも言う。）に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、ドラム周方向Ｘ１の所定の吸引領域Ｓにて集積用凹部４０の底面上に積繊させ、集積用凹部４０に積繊体を製造する。こうして製造された積繊体は、繊維材料として互いに異種の第１繊維材料及び第２繊維材料を含み、且つ繊維材料の坪量が相対的に多い高坪量部１１と相対的に少ない低坪量部１２とを一方向（流れ方向ＭＤ、回転方向Ｒ１）に有する吸収体１０である。 Hereinafter, the fiber stacking device and the manufacturing method of the absorbent body of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking the above-described manufacturing method of the absorbent body 10 as an example. 2 and 3 show the overall configuration of a fiber stacking device 1, which is an embodiment of the fiber stacking device of the absorbent body of the present invention.
The fiber stacking device 1 includes a fixed drum 2, a rotating drum 3 which is rotatably provided around an outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 and has a stacking concave portion 40 in which a fiber material is stacked in the outer peripheral portion 3S; The rotary drum 3 is rotated in the direction of rotation indicated by reference symbol R1 in the drawing to convey the accumulating recess 40 along the drum circumferential direction X1. While being conveyed in the direction (flow direction MD), the fiber material conveyed on the air flow (hereinafter also referred to as “vacuum air”) generated in the supply path 50 by suction from the fixed drum 2 side is moved around the drum. The fibers are piled on the bottom surface of the accumulating concave portion 40 in a predetermined suction area S in the direction X1 to manufacture a stacked fiber body in the accumulating concave portion 40 . The piling body manufactured in this way contains a first fiber material and a second fiber material which are different from each other as fiber materials, and has a high basis weight portion 11 in which the basis weight of the fiber material is relatively large and a low basis weight portion 11 in which the basis weight of the fiber material is relatively small. The absorber 10 has a mass portion 12 in one direction (flow direction MD, rotation direction R1).

本実施形態では、積繊装置１は、固定ドラム２及び回転ドラム３を含む集積部４と、集積部４（回転ドラム３）に繊維材料をはじめとする各種原材料を供給する原材料供給機構５と、回転ドラム３の集積用凹部４０から排出された吸収体１０を搬送する搬送機構６とを備えている。 In this embodiment, the fiber stacking device 1 includes a stacking unit 4 including a fixed drum 2 and a rotating drum 3, and a raw material supply mechanism 5 that supplies various raw materials including fiber materials to the stacking unit 4 (rotating drum 3). , and a conveying mechanism 6 for conveying the absorbent 10 discharged from the stacking concave portion 40 of the rotating drum 3 .

供給路５０は、第１繊維材料（例えば合成繊維）を供給する第１供給路５０Ａと、第２繊維材料（例えばセルロース系繊維）を供給する第２供給路５０Ｂとを、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に有している。
本実施形態では、原材料供給機構５は、第１供給路５０Ａを内部に有するダクト５１Ａを備える第１原材料供給機構５Ａと、第２供給路５０Ｂを内部に有するダクト５１Ｂを備える第２原材料供給機構５Ｂとを、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に有し、回転ドラム３の回転方向Ｒ１すなわち流れ方向ＭＤに対して、第１原材料供給機構５Ａが上流側、第２原材料供給機構５Ｂが下流側に位置している。したがって集積用凹部４０は、第１供給路５０Ａ、第２供給路５０Ｂの順で、繊維材料をはじめとする各種原材料の供給を受ける。
ダクト５１Ａ，５１Ｂは、それぞれ、原材料の供給方向の両端が開口し、その一端側の開口部が、回転ドラム３の一部を覆い、他端側の開口部から第１繊維材料又は第２繊維材料が投入される。
例えば、ダクト５１Ａ，５１Ｂの回転ドラム３側とは反対側の開口部に、第１繊維材料又は第２繊維材料からなるシートを粉砕、切断する等して繊維化する繊維化手段（図示せず）を配置し、該繊維化手段によって製造された繊維材料をダクト５１Ａ，５１Ｂ内に送り込むように構成されていてもよい。
また、ダクト５１Ａ，５１Ｂには、吸水性ポリマー粒子を供給路５０Ａ，５０Ｂ内に導入する吸水性ポリマー導入部（図示せず）が配されていてもよい。 The supply path 50 has a first supply path 50A for supplying a first fiber material (for example, synthetic fiber) and a second supply path 50B for supplying a second fiber material (for example, cellulosic fiber) in the drum circumferential direction X1. have.
In the present embodiment, the raw material supply mechanism 5 includes a first raw material supply mechanism 5A having a duct 51A having a first supply path 50A inside, and a second raw material supply mechanism having a duct 51B having a second supply path 50B inside. 5B in the drum circumferential direction X1, with the first raw material supply mechanism 5A positioned upstream and the second raw material supply mechanism 5B positioned downstream with respect to the rotation direction R1 of the rotary drum 3, that is, the flow direction MD. there is Therefore, the stacking concave portion 40 is supplied with various raw materials including fiber materials in the order of the first supply path 50A and the second supply path 50B.
Each of the ducts 51A and 51B is open at both ends in the raw material supply direction. material is put in.
For example, a fiberizing means (not shown) for fiberizing a sheet made of the first fiber material or the second fiber material by pulverizing, cutting, etc. ) and feed the fiber material produced by the fiberization means into the ducts 51A and 51B.
Further, the ducts 51A and 51B may be provided with a water-absorbing polymer introducing portion (not shown) for introducing the water-absorbing polymer particles into the supply passages 50A and 50B.

搬送機構６は、集積部４の下方に配され、集積部４から排出された吸収体１０を搬送面上に吸引しつつ搬送するバキュームコンベア（図示せず）を備えている。集積部４における固定ドラム２の内部には、ブロー発生機構（図示せず）が配されており、該ブロー発生機構による集積部４の内部側から回転ドラム３の外周部３Ｓ側へのエアーの吹きつけにより、外周部３Ｓの集積用凹部４０から吸収体１０が排出され、前記バキュームコンベアの搬送面上に転写されるようになされている。
本実施形態では、前記バキュームコンベアの搬送面上に、吸収体１０の外面を被覆するコアラップシートなどとも呼ばれるシート材１５が予め配されており、集積部４から排出された吸収体１０はシート材１５上に転写され、シート材１５ごと搬送される。シート材１５は、前記バキュームコンベアによる搬送途中で、吸収体１０の全体を被覆するように折り曲げられる。 The conveying mechanism 6 is arranged below the stacking section 4 and includes a vacuum conveyor (not shown) that sucks and conveys the absorbent body 10 discharged from the stacking section 4 onto the conveying surface. A blow generating mechanism (not shown) is disposed inside the fixed drum 2 in the stacking section 4, and air is blown from the inside of the stacking section 4 to the outer peripheral portion 3S side of the rotating drum 3 by the blow generating mechanism. By blowing, the absorbent body 10 is discharged from the stacking concave portion 40 of the outer peripheral portion 3S and transferred onto the conveying surface of the vacuum conveyor.
In this embodiment, a sheet material 15, also called a core wrap sheet for covering the outer surface of the absorbent body 10, is arranged in advance on the conveying surface of the vacuum conveyor. It is transferred onto the material 15 and conveyed together with the sheet material 15 . The sheet material 15 is folded so as to cover the entire absorber 10 while being conveyed by the vacuum conveyor.

積繊装置１の要部である集積部４について説明する。集積部４は、図２～図４に示すように、金属製の剛体からなる固定ドラム２と、固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓに重ねて配された回転ドラム３とを主体として構成され、円筒状を有している。集積部４は、両ドラム２，３の周方向に対応するドラム周方向Ｘ１と、回転ドラム３の回転軸が延びる方向に対応するドラム軸方向Ｙ１とを有している。 The stacking unit 4, which is a main part of the fiber stacking device 1, will be described. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the accumulating section 4 is mainly composed of a fixed drum 2 made of a rigid metal body and a rotating drum 3 superimposed on the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2. have a shape. The stacking section 4 has a drum circumferential direction X1 corresponding to the circumferential directions of both drums 2 and 3 and a drum axial direction Y1 corresponding to the direction in which the rotating shaft of the rotating drum 3 extends.

固定ドラム２は円筒状を有し、その円筒状の固定ドラム２の軸方向両端の開口部は、側壁２１及びフェルト等のシール材に（図示せず）よって気密に封鎖されている。固定ドラム２の内部は、隔壁２２によって周方向に複数（本実施形態では３つ）に区分され、各該区分に対応した複数の空間Ａ～Ｃが形成されている。
固定ドラム２には、その内部を減圧する減圧機構（図示せず）が接続されている。前記減圧機構は、側壁２１に接続された排気管（図示せず）と該排気管に接続された排気ファン（図示せず）とを含んで構成されている。前記減圧機構を作動させることで、固定ドラム２内の複数の空間Ａ～Ｃのうちの任意のものを負圧に維持される。固定ドラム２は、隔壁２２によって仕切られた複数の空間Ａ～Ｃの負圧（吸引力）をそれぞれ独立に調整可能になされている。
回転ドラム３は、モータ等の原動機からの動力を受けて、水平な回転軸を回転中心としてドラム周方向Ｘ１に沿って方向Ｒ１に回転するのに対し、固定ドラム２は回転しない。 The fixed drum 2 has a cylindrical shape, and openings at both ends in the axial direction of the cylindrical fixed drum 2 are airtightly sealed by side walls 21 and sealing materials such as felt (not shown). The interior of the fixed drum 2 is partitioned into a plurality (three in this embodiment) in the circumferential direction by partition walls 22, and a plurality of spaces A to C corresponding to each partition are formed.
A decompression mechanism (not shown) is connected to the fixed drum 2 for decompressing the inside thereof. The decompression mechanism includes an exhaust pipe (not shown) connected to the side wall 21 and an exhaust fan (not shown) connected to the exhaust pipe. By operating the decompression mechanism, any one of the plurality of spaces A to C inside the fixed drum 2 is maintained at a negative pressure. The fixed drum 2 can independently adjust the negative pressure (suction force) of a plurality of spaces A to C partitioned by partition walls 22 .
The rotating drum 3 receives power from a prime mover such as a motor and rotates about a horizontal rotating shaft along the drum circumferential direction X1 in the direction R1, whereas the fixed drum 2 does not rotate.

本実施形態では、回転ドラム３は、図４に示すように、金属製の円筒状のドラム本体３Ａと、ドラム本体３Ａの外周部３ＡＳに重ねて配され、集積用凹部４０を有する外層部３Ｂとを含む。
ドラム本体３Ａは、回転ドラム３において固定ドラム２に最も近接する部材であり、固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓに対向配置されている。ドラム本体３Ａは、ドラム周方向Ｘ１の全長にわたって連続する環状の部材であるのに対し、外層部３Ｂは、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に複数に分割されている。外層部３Ｂは、ボルト等の締結具、接着剤等の接合手段により、ドラム本体３Ａの外周部３ＡＳに接離自在に接合される。
外層部３Ｂは、典型的には、開口部を有する複数のプレート（板状部材）が厚み方向に重ね合わされて構成され、その複数のプレートの開口部が厚み方向の重なった部分が集積用凹部４０となる。図４に示す形態では、外層部３Ｂは、ドラム本体３Ａに近い順に、底面形成プレート３３、凹部区画プレート３４及びリングプレート３５を含む。底面形成プレート３３は、集積用凹部４０の底面を形成し、バキュームエアが通過可能な多数の吸引孔を有する通気性の多孔性部材である。凹部区画プレート３４は、集積用凹部４０に形成される積繊体に溝状凹部を形成するためのものである。リングプレート３５は、回転ドラム３の最も外側に位置し、集積用凹部４０を挟んでドラム軸方向Ｙ１の両側に一対配される。
なお本発明では、回転ドラム３の外層部３Ｂの構成は、図示の形態に制限されず、本発明の趣旨を逸脱しない範囲で適宜変更可能である。例えば外層部３Ｂは、凹部区画プレート３４を含まなくてもよい。図１に示す吸収体１０は、凹部区画プレート３４無しで製造されたものであり、凹部区画プレート３４を使用した場合に形成される溝状凹部を有していない。 In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the rotary drum 3 is arranged to overlap a cylindrical drum main body 3A made of metal and an outer peripheral portion 3AS of the drum main body 3A, and an outer layer portion 3B having an accumulation concave portion 40. including.
The drum main body 3A is the member closest to the fixed drum 2 in the rotary drum 3, and is arranged to face the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2. As shown in FIG. The drum main body 3A is an annular member continuous over the entire length in the drum circumferential direction X1, while the outer layer portion 3B is divided into a plurality of parts in the drum circumferential direction X1. The outer layer portion 3B is joined to the outer peripheral portion 3AS of the drum main body 3A so as to be freely contactable and detachable by a fastener such as a bolt and a joining means such as an adhesive.
The outer layer portion 3B is typically configured by stacking a plurality of plates (plate-shaped members) having openings in the thickness direction, and the portions where the openings of the plurality of plates overlap in the thickness direction are recesses for integration. 40. In the form shown in FIG. 4, the outer layer portion 3B includes a bottom surface forming plate 33, a recess partitioning plate 34, and a ring plate 35 in order of proximity to the drum main body 3A. The bottom forming plate 33 forms the bottom of the collecting recess 40 and is an air permeable porous member having a large number of suction holes through which vacuum air can pass. The recess partitioning plate 34 is for forming a groove-shaped recess in the stack formed in the stacking recess 40 . The ring plates 35 are positioned on the outermost side of the rotary drum 3 and are arranged on both sides in the axial direction Y1 of the drum with the recess 40 for accumulation interposed therebetween.
In the present invention, the structure of the outer layer portion 3B of the rotary drum 3 is not limited to the illustrated form, and can be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the outer layer portion 3B may not include the recessed portion partitioning plate 34 . The absorbent body 10 shown in FIG. 1 is manufactured without the recessed portion dividing plate 34 and does not have the grooved recesses formed when the recessed portion dividing plate 34 is used.

集積用凹部４０は、図４に示すように、製造目的物である吸収体１０（積繊体）の高坪量部１１を形成する第１積繊領域４１と、吸収体１０の低坪量部１２を形成する第２積繊領域４２とを、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に有している。 As shown in FIG. 4, the accumulating concave portion 40 is composed of a first fiber stacking region 41 forming a high basis weight portion 11 of an absorbent body 10 (fiber stacking body), which is a manufacturing object, and a low basis weight of the absorbent body 10 . A second fiber stacking region 42 forming the portion 12 is provided in the drum circumferential direction X1.

本実施形態では、集積用凹部４０は、回転ドラム３のドラム周方向Ｘ１の全長にわたって連続的に配されており、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に隣り合う第１積繊領域４１と第２積繊領域４２とが、ドラム周方向Ｘ１の全長にわたって交互に配されている。１つの第１積繊領域４１と、これを挟んでドラム周方向Ｘ１の前後に配された２つの第２積繊領域４２それぞれのドラム周方向Ｘ１の半分の領域とが、１個の吸収体１０に対応し、集積用凹部４０から搬送機構６の前記バキュームコンベアに排出される吸収体１０は、複数の吸収体１０が縦方向Ｘに連続した吸収体連続体である。 In this embodiment, the accumulating recesses 40 are arranged continuously over the entire length of the rotating drum 3 in the drum circumferential direction X1, and the first fiber stacking region 41 and the second fiber stacking region 42 adjacent to each other in the drum circumferential direction X1. are alternately arranged over the entire length in the drum circumferential direction X1. One first fiber stacking region 41 and half regions in the drum circumferential direction X1 of each of two second fiber stacking regions 42 arranged in front and behind in the drum circumferential direction X1 across the first fiber stacking region 41 constitute one absorber. 10, the absorbent body 10 discharged from the accumulating concave portion 40 to the vacuum conveyor of the transport mechanism 6 is a continuous absorbent body in which a plurality of absorbent bodies 10 are continuous in the longitudinal direction X. FIG.

本実施形態では、図５に示すように、第１積繊領域４１は、第２積繊領域４２に比べて凹部深さが深い。すなわち、第１積繊領域４１の底面４１Ｓは、第２積繊領域４２の底面４２Ｓに比べて、固定ドラム２に近い側に位置している。前述した吸収体１０の突出部１１Ａ（図１参照）は、第１積繊領域４１の底面４１Ｓと第２積繊領域４２の底面４２Ｓとの段差に対応する部分である。なお、前記の「凹部深さ」は、集積用凹部４０を挟んでドラム軸方向Ｙ１の両側に位置する部材の外面と集積用凹部４０（第１積繊領域４１、第２積繊領域４２）の底面との離間距離を指し、本実施形態では、該部材はリングプレート３５である。 In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 , the first fiber stacking region 41 has a deeper concave depth than the second fiber stacking region 42 . That is, the bottom surface 41S of the first fiber stacking region 41 is positioned closer to the fixed drum 2 than the bottom surface 42S of the second fiber stacking region 42 is. The projecting portion 11A (see FIG. 1) of the absorbent body 10 described above is a portion corresponding to the step between the bottom surface 41S of the first fiber stacking region 41 and the bottom surface 42S of the second fiber stacking region 42. As shown in FIG. It should be noted that the above-mentioned "recess depth" refers to the depth of the outer surfaces of the members positioned on both sides of the stacking recess 40 in the axial direction Y1 of the drum and the stacking recess 40 (the first fiber stacking region 41 and the second fiber stacking region 42). , which is the ring plate 35 in this embodiment.

回転ドラム３は固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓの周りを、回転方向Ｒ１の上流側から下流側に向かって、空間Ａに対応する領域、空間Ｂに対応する領域、空間Ｃに対応する領域の順に移動する。「空間Ａに対応する領域」とは、固定ドラム２の空間Ａを固定ドラム２の半径方向（ドラム軸方向と直交する方向）の外方に仮想的に延長した場合のその延長部分と重複する領域を指す。「空間Ｂに対応する領域」及び「空間Ｃに対応する領域」については、前記の「空間Ａに対応する領域」の説明において「空間Ａ」を「空間Ｂ」又は「空間Ｃ」に置換したものが適用される。 The rotary drum 3 rotates around the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 in the order of the area corresponding to the space A, the area corresponding to the space B, and the area corresponding to the space C from the upstream side to the downstream side in the rotational direction R1. Moving. The “area corresponding to the space A” overlaps the extended portion when the space A of the fixed drum 2 is virtually extended outward in the radial direction of the fixed drum 2 (direction orthogonal to the drum axial direction). point to the area. Regarding the "area corresponding to space B" and "area corresponding to space C", "space A" was replaced with "space B" or "space C" in the above description of "area corresponding to space A". things apply.

本実施形態では、空間Ａ，Ｂに対応する領域が、積繊材料が集積用凹部４０内に積繊される吸引領域Ｓであり、吸引領域Ｓは、第１供給路５０Ａを内部に有するダクト５１Ａ及び第２供給路５０Ｂを内部に有するダクト５１Ｂそれぞれの一端側の開口で覆われている。吸引領域Ｓのうち、空間Ａに対応する領域は、第１供給路５０Ａに対応し、繊維材料をはじめとする原材料の供給を第１供給路５０Ａから受ける。また吸引領域Ｓのうち、空間Ｂに対応する領域は、第２供給路５０Ｂに対応し、繊維材料をはじめとする原材料の供給を第２供給路５０Ｂから受ける。 In this embodiment, the area corresponding to the spaces A and B is the suction area S where the fiber stacking material is stacked in the stacking recess 40, and the suction area S is a duct having the first supply path 50A inside. It is covered with openings at one ends of ducts 51B having 51A and second supply paths 50B therein. The area corresponding to the space A in the suction area S corresponds to the first supply path 50A and receives the supply of the raw material including the fiber material from the first supply path 50A. Further, the area corresponding to the space B in the suction area S corresponds to the second supply path 50B, and receives the supply of the raw materials such as the fiber material from the second supply path 50B.

前記減圧機構を作動させ固定ドラム２の空間Ａ，Ｂを負圧に維持した状態で、回転ドラム３を回転方向Ｒ１に回転させると、回転ドラム３の集積用凹部４０が、空間Ａ，Ｂに対応する吸引領域Ｓを通過している間に、集積用凹部４０の底面を形成する通気性部材に空間Ａ，Ｂ内の負圧が作用し、該通気性部材が有する多数の吸引孔を通じた空気の吸引が行われる。この吸引孔を通じた吸引により、吸引領域Ｓを覆うダクト５１Ａ内の第１供給路５０Ａ及びダクト５１Ｂ内の第２供給路５０Ｂに、吸引領域Ｓに向かうバキュームエアが生じ、このバキュームエアに乗った繊維材料等の原材料が吸引領域Ｓに供給される。 When the rotary drum 3 is rotated in the rotational direction R1 while the pressure reduction mechanism is operated to maintain the negative pressure in the spaces A and B of the fixed drum 2, the stacking concave portions 40 of the rotary drum 3 move into the spaces A and B. While passing through the corresponding suction area S, the air-permeable member forming the bottom surface of the accumulating recess 40 is acted upon by the negative pressure in the spaces A and B, through the large number of suction holes of the air-permeable member. Air suction is performed. Due to the suction through the suction holes, vacuum air directed toward the suction area S is generated in the first supply path 50A in the duct 51A covering the suction area S and the second supply path 50B in the duct 51B. A raw material, such as a fibrous material, is supplied to the suction area S.

吸引領域Ｓは、図６に示すように、固定ドラム２側からの吸引が部分的に可能になされている選択的吸引領域Ｓ１を有している。選択的吸引領域Ｓ１は、第１繊維材料を供給する第１供給路５０Ａに対応する第１の選択的吸引領域Ｓ１ａと、第２繊維材料を供給する第２供給路５０Ｂに対応する第２の選択的吸引領域Ｓ１ｂとを、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に有している。また、図４に示すように、固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓには、選択的吸引領域Ｓ１に対応する選択的吸引領域対応部２３が配されている。 The suction area S has a selective suction area S1 in which the suction from the fixed drum 2 side is partially enabled, as shown in FIG. The selective suction area S1 consists of a first selective suction area S1a corresponding to the first supply path 50A for supplying the first fiber material and a second selective suction area S1a corresponding to the second supply path 50B for supplying the second fiber material. A selective suction area S1b is provided in the drum circumferential direction X1. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 is provided with a selective suction area corresponding portion 23 corresponding to the selective suction area S1.

本実施形態では、図６に示すように、吸引領域Ｓは、選択的吸引領域Ｓ１に加えて更に、固定ドラム２側からの吸引が全面的に可能になされている全面的吸引領域Ｓ２を有しており、選択的吸引領域Ｓ１と全面的吸引領域Ｓ２とがドラム周方向Ｘ１に並んでいる。全面的吸引領域Ｓ２は、第２供給路５０Ｂに対応して配されている。したがって本実施形態では、回転ドラム３の回転方向Ｒ１（流れ方向ＭＤ）の上流側から下流側に向かって、第１の選択的吸引領域Ｓ１ａ、第２の選択的吸引領域Ｓ１ｂ、全面的吸引領域Ｓ２がこの順で配されている。
また本実施形態では、図４に示すように、固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓに、選択的吸引領域対応部２３と、全面的吸引領域Ｓ２に対応する全面的吸引領域対応部２４とが配されている。 In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the suction area S has, in addition to the selective suction area S1, a full suction area S2 in which the suction from the fixed drum 2 side is entirely possible. The selective suction area S1 and the full suction area S2 are arranged in the drum circumferential direction X1. The full suction area S2 is arranged corresponding to the second supply path 50B. Therefore, in this embodiment, from the upstream side to the downstream side in the rotational direction R1 (flow direction MD) of the rotary drum 3, there are a first selective suction area S1a, a second selective suction area S1b, and a full suction area. S2 are arranged in this order.
Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a selective suction area corresponding portion 23 and a full suction area corresponding portion 24 corresponding to the full suction area S2 are arranged on the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2. ing.

選択的吸引領域対応部２３は、図４及び図７に示すように、第１の選択的吸引領域Ｓ１ａに対応し、第１開口部２６Ａがドラム軸方向Ｙ１に部分的に設けられた非通気性の第１の対応部２３Ａと、第２の選択的吸引領域Ｓ１ｂに対応し、第２開口部２６Ｂがドラム軸方向Ｙ１に部分的に設けられた非通気性の第２の対応部２３Ｂとを、ドラム周方向Ｘ１に有している。バキュームエアは、第１開口部２６Ａ及び第２開口部２６Ｂを通じてのみ選択的吸引領域対応部２３を厚み方向に通過可能になされている。
本実施形態では、固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓには、回転ドラム３の回転方向Ｒ１（流れ方向ＭＤ）の上流側から下流側に向かって、第１の対応部２３Ａ、第２の対応部２３Ｂ（以上、選択的吸引領域対応部２３）、全面的吸引領域対応部２４の順で配されている。 As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the selective suction region corresponding portion 23 corresponds to the first selective suction region S1a, and is a non-ventilating portion having a first opening 26A partially provided in the drum axial direction Y1. and a non-breathable second corresponding portion 23B corresponding to the second selective suction area S1b and partially provided with a second opening 26B in the axial direction Y1 of the drum. in the drum circumferential direction X1. Vacuum air can pass through the selective suction area corresponding portion 23 in the thickness direction only through the first opening 26A and the second opening 26B.
In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 has a first corresponding portion 23A and a second corresponding portion 23B from upstream to downstream in the rotational direction R1 (flow direction MD) of the rotating drum 3. (the above, the selective suction region corresponding portion 23) and the full suction region corresponding portion 24 are arranged in this order.

また、第１開口部２６Ａと第２開口部２６Ｂとは、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１の位置が互いに異なっている。すなわち、第１開口部２６Ａをドラム周方向Ｘ１に仮想的に延長した場合、その第１開口部２６Ａの仮想延長線と第２開口部２６Ｂとが重ならないように、第１開口部２６Ａと第２開口部２６Ｂとが配置されている。
選択的吸引領域対応部２３（第１の対応部２３Ａ、第２の対応部２３Ｂ）を形成する非通気性の素材としては、金属、樹脂等を用いることができる。 Further, the positions of the first opening 26A and the second opening 26B in the drum axial direction Y1 are different from each other. That is, when the first opening 26A is virtually extended in the drum circumferential direction X1, the first opening 26A and the second opening 26B are arranged so that the imaginary extension line of the first opening 26A does not overlap the second opening 26B. 2 openings 26B are arranged.
Metal, resin, or the like can be used as the non-breathable material forming the selective suction region corresponding portion 23 (first corresponding portion 23A, second corresponding portion 23B).

本実施形態では、第１開口部２６Ａ及び第２開口部２６Ｂは、それぞれ、平面視でドラム周方向Ｘ１に延在する連続直線状を有し、ドラム軸方向Ｙ１に所定間隔を置いて複数配されている。第１の対応部２３Ａには、平面視直線状の３個の第１開口部２６Ａがドラム軸方向Ｙ１に間欠配置され、その３個の第１開口部２６Ａどうしは、ドラム周方向Ｙ１において同位置にある（３個の第１開口部２６Ａのドラム軸方向Ｙ１への投影視においてそれらの投影像が完全に重なる）。第２の対応部２３Ｂには、平面視直線状の２個の第２開口部２６Ｂがドラム軸方向Ｙ１に間欠配置され、その２個の第２開口部２６Ｂどうしは、ドラム周方向Ｙ１において同位置にある（２個の第２開口部２６Ｂのドラム軸方向Ｙ１への投影視においてそれらの投影像が完全に重なる）。 In this embodiment, the first opening 26A and the second opening 26B each have a continuous linear shape extending in the drum circumferential direction X1 in a plan view, and are arranged in plurality at predetermined intervals in the drum axial direction Y1. It is In the first corresponding portion 23A, three first openings 26A linear in plan view are intermittently arranged in the drum axial direction Y1. position (the projected images of the three first openings 26A completely overlap in the projection view in the drum axial direction Y1). In the second corresponding portion 23B, two second openings 26B linear in plan view are intermittently arranged in the drum axial direction Y1. position (the projected images of the two second openings 26B completely overlap in the projection view in the drum axial direction Y1).

なお、本明細書において、集積部４（固定ドラム２、回転ドラム３）の外周部の如き、湾曲部についての「平面視」又は「平面図」とは、その湾曲部（例えば、選択的吸引領域対応部２３、集積用凹部４０など）を、該湾曲部の法線方向（ドラム軸方向と直交する方向）の外方から見た場合を意味する。 In this specification, the “plan view” or “plan view” of the curved portion such as the outer peripheral portion of the stacking portion 4 (fixed drum 2, rotating drum 3) refers to the curved portion (for example, selective suction The area corresponding portion 23, the stacking concave portion 40, etc.) are viewed from the outside in the direction normal to the curved portion (the direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the drum).

前述したとおり、選択的吸引領域対応部２３（第１の対応部２３Ａ、第２の対応部２３Ｂ）は、開口部２６Ａ，２６Ｂを除いて非通気性であるのに対し、全面的吸引領域対応部２４は、非通気性部材を含まず、集積用凹部４０に対応する部分の全域が開口している。そのためバキュームエアは、全面的吸引領域対応部２４の全域を厚み方向に通過可能である。 As described above, the selective suction region corresponding portion 23 (the first corresponding portion 23A, the second corresponding portion 23B) is non-breathable except for the openings 26A and 26B. The portion 24 does not include a non-breathable member, and the entire area of the portion corresponding to the stacking concave portion 40 is open. Therefore, the vacuum air can pass through the entire suction area corresponding portion 24 in the thickness direction.

また、図４及び図７（ｃ）に示すように、固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓの選択的吸引領域対応部２３に対応して、回転ドラム３における固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓとの対向部分である、ドラム本体３Ａの外周部３ＡＳには、集積用凹部４０の第１積繊領域４１に対応する（平面視で第１積繊領域４１と重なる）非通気性の第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａと、集積用凹部４０の第２積繊領域４２（平面視で第２積繊領域４２と重なる）に対応する非通気性の第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂとが配されている。
第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａは、選択的吸引領域対応部２３の第２の対応部２３Ｂが有する第２開口部２６Ｂとドラム軸方向Ｙ１において同位置にあり、第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂは、選択的吸引領域対応部２３の第１の対応部２３Ａが有する第１開口部２６Ａとドラム軸方向Ｙ１において同位置にある。
両開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａ，３０Ｂを形成する非通気性の素材としては、金属、樹脂等を用いることができる。 Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7(c), corresponding to the selective suction region corresponding portion 23 of the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2, the portion of the rotary drum 3 facing the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2 is , the outer peripheral portion 3AS of the drum body 3A is provided with a non-breathable first opening closing member corresponding to the first fiber stacking region 41 of the stacking recess 40 (overlapping the first fiber stacking region 41 in plan view). 30A and a second air-impermeable opening closing member 30B corresponding to the second fiber stacking region 42 of the accumulating recess 40 (overlapping the second fiber stacking region 42 in plan view).
The first opening closing member 30A is located at the same position in the drum axial direction Y1 as the second opening 26B of the second corresponding portion 23B of the selective suction area corresponding portion 23, and the second opening closing member 30B is It is located at the same position as the first opening 26A of the first corresponding portion 23A of the selective suction region corresponding portion 23 in the drum axial direction Y1.
Metal, resin, or the like can be used as a non-breathable material for forming both opening closing members 30A and 30B.

固定ドラム２及び回転ドラム３が前述の如く構成された積繊装置１においては、回転ドラム３が回転方向Ｒ１に回転すると、集積用凹部４０は吸引領域Ｓを図７（ｄ）に示すように、第１の選択的吸引領域Ｓ１ａ、第２の選択的吸引領域Ｓ１ｂ（以上、選択的吸引領域Ｓ１）、全面的吸引領域Ｓ２の順に移動する。
そして、集積用凹部４０の選択的吸引領域Ｓ１での搬送中に、固定ドラム２の外周部２Ｓに設けられた第１開口部２６Ａ及び第２開口部２６Ｂ、すなわち当該領域Ｓ１での固定ドラム２側からの吸引を可能にする吸引用開口部に対し、回転ドラム３の外周部３ＡＳに設けられた非通気性の第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａ及び第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂのうちの一方が重なることで、集積用凹部４０における該吸引用開口部と重なった開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａ又は３０Ｂに対応する部分（第１積繊領域４１又は第２積繊領域４２）のバキュームエアの流量（吸引風量）を低減するようになされている。 In the fiber stacking device 1 in which the fixed drum 2 and the rotating drum 3 are configured as described above, when the rotating drum 3 rotates in the rotation direction R1, the stacking concave portion 40 moves the suction area S as shown in FIG. 7(d). , the first selective suction region S1a, the second selective suction region S1b (these are the selective suction regions S1), and the full suction region S2.
Then, during the transport in the selective suction area S1 of the stacking recess 40, the first opening 26A and the second opening 26B provided in the outer peripheral portion 2S of the fixed drum 2, that is, the fixed drum 2 in the area S1 One of the air-impermeable first opening closing member 30A and the second opening closing member 30B provided on the outer peripheral portion 3AS of the rotating drum 3 is provided with respect to the opening for suction that allows suction from the side. By overlapping, the vacuum air flow rate (suction air volume) is reduced.

図８には、吸引領域Ｓの各部における第１積繊領域４１、第２積繊領域４２それぞれの吸引状態をまとめた表が示されている。以下、積繊装置１における吸引風量の制御機構について、図８を参照しながら説明する。
集積用凹部４０の第１の選択的吸引領域Ｓ１ａでの搬送中では、固定ドラム２の第１開口部２６Ａに対し、回転ドラム３の第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａは重ならずに、第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂが重なることで、集積用凹部４０の第２積繊領域４２の吸引風量を低減するようになされている。
第１開口部２６Ａに第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂが重なると、第１開口部２６Ａが実質的に閉鎖されるため、この閉鎖された状態の第１開口部２６Ａに対応する位置にある第２積繊領域４２の吸引が阻害される。一方、第１積繊領域４１は、これに対応する（第１積繊領域４１と平面視で重なる）第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａが第１開口部２６Ａと重ならず、該第１積繊領域４１と対応する位置にある第１開口部２６Ａが閉鎖されずに開口した状態を保っているため、固定ドラム２側からの吸引は制限されない。
したがって、第１繊維材料を供給する第１供給路５０Ａに対応する第１の選択的吸引領域Ｓ１ａでは、集積用凹部４０において、第２積繊領域４２に比べて吸引風量の大きい第１積繊領域４１に第１繊維材料が優先的に積繊される。 FIG. 8 shows a table summarizing the suction states of the first fiber stacking region 41 and the second fiber stacking region 42 in each part of the suction region S. As shown in FIG. A control mechanism for the suction air volume in the fiber stacking device 1 will be described below with reference to FIG.
During conveyance in the first selective suction area S1a of the stacking recess 40, the first opening closing member 30A of the rotating drum 3 does not overlap the first opening 26A of the fixed drum 2, and the second By overlapping the opening closing members 30B, the amount of suction air in the second fiber stacking region 42 of the stacking concave portion 40 is reduced.
When the second opening closing member 30B overlaps the first opening 26A, the first opening 26A is substantially closed. The suction of the fiber stacking area 42 is inhibited. On the other hand, in the first fiber stacking region 41, the corresponding first opening closing member 30A (which overlaps the first fiber stacking region 41 in a plan view) does not overlap the first opening 26A, and the first fiber stacking region 41 does not overlap the first opening 26A. Since the first opening 26A at the position corresponding to the region 41 is not closed but kept open, suction from the fixed drum 2 side is not restricted.
Therefore, in the first selective suction area S1a corresponding to the first supply path 50A for supplying the first fibrous material, in the stacking concave portion 40, the first fiber stacking air volume is larger than that in the second fiber stacking area 42. The first fibrous material is preferentially laid in the region 41 .

また、集積用凹部４０の第２の選択的吸引領域Ｓ１ｂでの搬送中では、固定ドラム２の第２開口部２６Ｂに対し、回転ドラム３の第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂは重ならずに、第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａが重なることで、集積用凹部４０の第１積繊領域４１の吸引風量を低減するようになされている。
第２開口部２６Ｂに第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａが重なると、第２開口部２６Ｂが実質的に閉鎖されるため、この閉鎖された状態の第２開口部２６Ｂに対応する位置にある第１積繊領域４１の吸引が阻害される。一方、第２積繊領域４２は、これに対応する（第２積繊領域４２と平面視で重なる）第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂが第２開口部２６Ｂと重ならず、該第２積繊領域４２と対応する位置にある第２開口部２６Ｂが閉鎖されずに開口した状態を保っているため、固定ドラム２側からの吸引は制限されない。
したがって、第２繊維材料を供給する第２供給路５０Ｂに対応する第２の選択的吸引領域Ｓ１ｂでは、集積用凹部４０において、第１積繊領域４１に比べて吸引風量の大きい第２積繊領域４２に第２繊維材料が優先的に積繊される。 Also, during the transport in the second selective suction area S1b of the stacking recess 40, the second opening closing member 30B of the rotating drum 3 does not overlap the second opening 26B of the fixed drum 2, By overlapping the first opening closing member 30A, the amount of suction air in the first fiber stacking region 41 of the stacking concave portion 40 is reduced.
When the first opening closing member 30A overlaps the second opening 26B, the second opening 26B is substantially closed. The suction of the fiber stacking area 41 is inhibited. On the other hand, in the second fiber stacking region 42, the corresponding second opening closing member 30B (which overlaps the second fiber stacking region 42 in a plan view) does not overlap the second opening 26B, and the second fiber stacking region 42 does not overlap the second opening 26B. Since the second opening 26B at the position corresponding to the area 42 is not closed but kept open, the suction from the fixed drum 2 side is not restricted.
Therefore, in the second selective suction area S1b corresponding to the second supply path 50B for supplying the second fibrous material, the second fiber stacking area S1b with a larger suction air volume than the first fiber stacking area 41 in the accumulating concave portion 40 The area 42 is preferentially loaded with the second fibrous material.

また、集積用凹部４０の全面的吸引領域Ｓ２での搬送中では、これに対応する固定ドラム２の全面的吸引領域対応部２４が、選択的吸引領域対応部２３（第１の対応部２３Ａ、第２の対応部２３Ｂ）の如き非通気性部材を含まず、全面的吸引領域対応部２４における集積用凹部４０に対応する部分の全域が開口しているため、集積用凹部４０の全域で固定ドラム２側からの吸引が阻害されず、吸引風量は実質的に低減されない。
したがって、第２繊維材料を供給する第２供給路５０Ｂに対応する全面的吸引領域Ｓでは、集積用凹部４０の全体に第２繊維材料が積繊される。 Further, during the transport in the full suction area S2 of the stacking recess 40, the full suction area corresponding portion 24 of the fixed drum 2 corresponding to this is moved to the selective suction area corresponding portion 23 (first corresponding portion 23A, Since the entire suction region corresponding portion 24 does not include an air-impermeable member such as the second corresponding portion 23B) and the entire area corresponding to the collecting recess portion 40 is open, the entire collecting recess portion 40 is fixed. The suction from the drum 2 side is not hindered, and the suction air volume is not substantially reduced.
Therefore, the second fiber material is stacked in the entire stacking recess 40 in the full suction area S corresponding to the second supply path 50B for supplying the second fiber material.

本発明の吸収体の製造方法は、前述した積繊装置１に代表される、本発明の積繊装置を用いて実施することができる。
本発明の吸収体の製造方法は、集積用凹部４０に対して第１供給路５０Ａから第１繊維材料を供給する第１供給工程と、該第１供給工程の後に、該第１繊維材料が積繊された集積用凹部４０に対して、第２供給路５０Ｂから第２繊維材料を供給する第２供給工程とを有している。
本発明の吸収体の製造方法は、前記第１供給工程において、第１繊維材料が第１積繊領域４１に優先的に積繊されるように、バキュームエアを制御する点で特徴付けられる。この特徴的な構成については、既に述べたとおりである（図８の表の「第１の選択的吸引領域（第１繊維材料）」の欄を参照）。 The manufacturing method of the absorbent body of the present invention can be carried out using the fiber stacking device of the present invention, which is represented by the fiber stacking device 1 described above.
The manufacturing method of the absorbent body of the present invention includes a first supply step of supplying the first fiber material from the first supply path 50A to the accumulation recess 40, and after the first supply step, the first fiber material is and a second supply step of supplying the second fiber material from the second supply path 50B to the stacked stacking recess 40 .
The manufacturing method of the absorbent body of the present invention is characterized in that the vacuum air is controlled so that the first fiber material is preferentially stacked in the first fiber stacking region 41 in the first supply step. This characteristic configuration has already been described (see column "First selective suction area (first fibrous material)" in the table of FIG. 8).

本発明の吸収体の製造方法では、前記第２供給工程におけるバキュームエアの制御方法は特に制限されない。
前述した実施形態では、前記第２供給工程において、第２繊維材料が第２積繊領域４２に優先的に積繊されるように、バキュームエアを制御した。すなわち、前記第２供給工程が実施される第２の選択的吸引領域Ｓ１ｂでは、前述したとおり、固定ドラム２の第２開口部２６Ｂに対し、回転ドラム３の第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂを重ねずに、第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａを重ねることで、第１積繊領域４１の吸引風量を低減させて、第２積繊領域４２の吸引風量が相対的に高め、そうすることで、第２積繊領域４２に第２繊維材料を優先的に積繊させるようにした（図８の表の「第２の選択的吸引領域（第２繊維材料）」の欄を参照）。 In the method for manufacturing an absorbent body of the present invention, the method for controlling the vacuum air in the second supply step is not particularly limited.
In the above-described embodiment, the vacuum air is controlled so that the second fiber material is preferentially stacked in the second fiber stacking region 42 in the second supply step. That is, in the second selective suction area S1b where the second supply step is performed, as described above, the second opening closing member 30B of the rotating drum 3 overlaps the second opening 26B of the fixed drum 2. Instead, by overlapping the first opening closing member 30A, the suction air volume of the first fiber stacking region 41 is reduced, and the suction air volume of the second fiber stacking region 42 is relatively increased. The second fiber material is preferentially stacked in the second fiber stacking region 42 (see the column "Second selective suction region (second fiber material)" in the table of FIG. 8).

より具体的には、前述した実施形態では、図６に示すように、前記第２供給工程（前記第１供給工程の後に実施され、第１繊維材料が積繊された集積用凹部４０に対して、第２供給路５０Ｂから第２繊維材料を供給する工程）は、第２の選択的吸引領域Ｓ１ｂで行われる工程（第１の工程）と、該第１の工程の後に全面的吸引領域Ｓ２で行われる工程（第２の工程）とに区分されていた。そして、前記第１の工程では、第２繊維材料が第２積繊領域４２に優先的に積繊されるように、バキュームエアを制御し、前記第２の工程では、第２繊維材料が第１積繊領域４１及び第２積繊領域４２の双方に積繊されるように、バキュームエアを制御した（図８の表の「第２の選択的吸引領域（第２繊維材料）」及び「全面的吸引領域（第２繊維材料）」の欄を参照）。
このように、前記第２供給工程を更に第１の工程と第２の工程とに区分し、該第１の工程で第２積繊領域４２に第２繊維材料を優先的に積繊させ、該第２の工程で集積用凹部４０の全体に第２繊維材料を積繊させることで製造される吸収体の一例が、吸収体１０Ａ（図１（ａ）参照）である。
本発明の吸収体１０Ａの製造方法の一実施形態では、先ず、前記第１供給工程において、第１繊維材料が集積用凹部４０の第１積繊領域４１に優先的に積繊される結果、第１積繊領域４１に第１繊維材料からなる第１繊維層１３が形成され、次に、前記第２供給工程の第１の工程において、第２繊維材料が第２積繊領域４２に優先的に積繊される結果、第２積繊領域４２に第２繊維材料からなる第２繊維層１４が形成され、最後に、前記第２供給工程の第２の工程において、第１積繊領域４１及び第２積繊領域４２の双方（集積用凹部４０の全体）に第２繊維材料が積繊されて、吸収体１０Ａが製造される。 More specifically, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the second supply step (which is performed after the first supply step, and The step of supplying the second fiber material from the second supply path 50B) includes a step (first step) performed in the second selective suction area S1b, and a full suction area after the first step. and the step (second step) performed in S2. In the first step, the vacuum air is controlled so that the second fiber material is preferentially stacked in the second fiber stacking region 42, and in the second step, the second fiber material is deposited in the second fiber material. The vacuum air was controlled so that the fibers were stacked in both the first fiber stacking region 41 and the second fiber stacking region 42 ("Second selective suction region (second fiber material)" and " Overall suction area (second textile material)” column).
Thus, the second supply step is further divided into the first step and the second step, and the second fiber material is preferentially stacked in the second fiber stacking region 42 in the first step, An absorbent body 10A (see FIG. 1(a)) is an example of an absorbent body manufactured by stacking the second fiber material in the entire stacking recess 40 in the second step.
In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing the absorbent body 10A of the present invention, first, in the first supply step, the first fiber material is preferentially stacked in the first fiber stacking region 41 of the stacking recessed portion 40. As a result, A first fiber layer 13 made of a first fibrous material is formed in the first fiber stacking region 41, and then, in the first step of the second supplying step, the second fiber material has priority over the second fiber stacking region 42. As a result, the second fiber layer 14 made of the second fiber material is formed in the second fiber stacking region 42, and finally, in the second step of the second supplying step, the first fiber layer 14 is formed. The absorbent body 10A is manufactured by stacking the second fiber material on both the fiber stacking region 41 and the second fiber stacking region 42 (the entire stacking concave portion 40).

前記第２供給工程は、前記第２の工程、すなわち「第２繊維材料が第１積繊領域４１及び第２積繊領域４２の双方に積繊されるようにバキュームエアを制御する工程」を有さず、前記第１の工程のみを有していてもよい。その場合、積繊装置１の吸引領域Ｓの構成としては、図９に示すように、選択的吸引領域Ｓ１（第１の選択的吸引領域Ｓ１ａ、第２の選択的吸引領域Ｓ１ｂ）のみからなり、全面的吸引領域Ｓ２を有さない形態を採用することができる。この図９に示す吸引領域Ｓを備えた積繊装置１を用いて製造される吸収体の一例が、吸収体１０Ｂ（図１（ｂ）参照）である。
本発明の吸収体１０Ｂの製造方法の一実施形態では、先ず、前記第１供給工程において、第１繊維材料が集積用凹部４０の第１積繊領域４１に優先的に積繊される結果、第１積繊領域４１に第１繊維材料からなる第１繊維層１３が形成され、次に、前記第２供給工程において、第２繊維材料が第２積繊領域４２に優先的に積繊される結果、第２積繊領域４２に第２繊維材料からなる第２繊維層１４が形成され、製造目的物である吸収体１０Ｂが製造される。 The second supply step replaces the second step, that is, "the step of controlling the vacuum air so that the second fiber material is stacked in both the first fiber stacking area 41 and the second fiber stacking area 42". It may have only the first step without having it. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, the structure of the suction area S of the fiber stacking device 1 consists of only the selective suction area S1 (first selective suction area S1a, second selective suction area S1b). , a configuration that does not have the full suction area S2 can be adopted. An example of an absorbent body manufactured using the fiber stacking device 1 having the suction area S shown in FIG. 9 is an absorbent body 10B (see FIG. 1(b)).
In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing the absorbent body 10B of the present invention, first, in the first supply step, the first fiber material is preferentially stacked in the first fiber stacking region 41 of the stacking recess 40, resulting in The first fiber layer 13 made of the first fiber material is formed in the first fiber stacking region 41, and then the second fiber material is preferentially stacked in the second fiber stacking region 42 in the second supplying step. As a result, the second fiber layer 14 made of the second fiber material is formed in the second fiber stacking region 42, and the absorbent body 10B, which is the object of manufacture, is manufactured.

本発明の積繊装置及び吸収体の製造方法によれば、前述したように、固定ドラム２の第１開口部２６Ａ及び第２開口部２６Ｂと回転ドラム３の開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａ，３０Ｂとの、回転ドラム３の回転に伴う周期的な重なりを利用して、吸引領域Ｓでの集積用凹部４０の吸引風量に変化を与えているため、従来行われている、集積用凹部４０の底部に開口率差を設けただけの成り行き任せの積繊方法に比べて、積繊体における各部の繊維材料の坪量を設計どおりに制御することができ、互いに異種の繊維材料を含み、坪量が部分的に異なる吸収体を効率良く製造することができる。 According to the fiber stacking device and the manufacturing method of the absorbent body of the present invention, as described above, the first and second openings 26A and 26B of the fixed drum 2 and the opening closing members 30A and 30B of the rotating drum 3 , the periodical overlap accompanying the rotation of the rotary drum 3 is used to vary the amount of air sucked by the collecting recess 40 in the suction area S. Compared to the random stacking method in which a difference in opening ratio is provided, the basis weight of the fiber material in each part of the pile can be controlled as designed, and the fiber materials of different types are included, and the basis weight is Partially different absorbent bodies can be efficiently manufactured.

特に本発明の積繊装置では、前述したとおり、第１開口部２６Ａと第２開口部２６Ｂとでドラム軸方向Ｙ１の位置が互いに異なっており（図７参照）、また、第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａは第２開口部２６Ｂと、第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂは第１開口部２６Ａと、それぞれドラム軸方向Ｙ１において同位置にあるので、回転ドラム３を通常どおり回転させるだけで、特定の開口部と特定の開口部閉鎖部材とが自動的に重なり、集積用凹部４０の吸引風量の制御が適切になされる。 In particular, in the fiber stacking device of the present invention, as described above, the positions of the first opening 26A and the second opening 26B in the drum axial direction Y1 are different from each other (see FIG. 7). The member 30A and the second opening closing member 30B are located at the same positions as the second opening 26B and the first opening 26A in the drum axial direction Y1. The opening and the specific opening closing member are automatically overlapped, and the suction air volume of the accumulation concave portion 40 is properly controlled.

前述した、選択的吸引領域Ｓ１における吸引風量の制御による作用効果をより一層確実に奏させるようにする観点から、図７を参照して、第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂのドラム軸方向Ｙ１の長さ（幅）Ｗ２は、これと重なる第１開口部２６Ａのドラム軸方向Ｙ１の長さ（幅）Ｖ１に比べて長く、第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａのドラム軸方向Ｙ１の長さ（幅）Ｗ１は、これと重なる第２開口部２６Ｂのドラム軸方向Ｙ１の長さ（幅）Ｖ２に比べて短いことが好ましい。すなわち、選択的吸引領域Ｓ１において互いに重なり合う関係にある固定ドラム２の吸引用開口部と回転ドラム３の開口部閉鎖部材とについて、第１の選択的吸引領域Ｓ１ａでは「第１開口部２６Ａの幅Ｖ１＜第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂの幅Ｗ２」の大小関係が成立し、第２の選択的吸引領域Ｓ１ｂでは「第２開口部２６Ｂの幅Ｖ２＞第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａの幅Ｗ１」の大小関係が成立することが好ましい。
第１の選択的吸引領域Ｓ１ａで「第１開口部２６Ａの幅Ｖ１＜第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂの幅Ｗ２」の大小関係が成立することで、第１開口部２６Ａが第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂによって一層確実に閉鎖されるため、第１開口部２６Ａでの吸引が阻害されない第１積繊領域４１と該吸引が阻害される第２積繊領域４２との吸引風量差が一層大きくなり、その結果、第１積繊領域４１への第１繊維材料の積繊がより優先的に行われるようになる。
また、第２の選択的吸引領域Ｓ１ｂで「第２開口部２６Ｂの幅Ｖ２＞第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａの幅Ｗ１」の大小関係が成立することで、第２開口部２６Ｂに第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａが重なったときに、該第２開口部２６Ｂの一部（典型的にはドラム軸方向Ｙ１の端部）に、第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａと重ならない部分が存在し得るようになるため、第１積繊領域４１では、第２積繊領域４２に比べて少ないながらも、第２開口部２６Ｂでの吸引が行われるようになる。また、第２の選択的吸引領域Ｓ１ｂを搬送中の第１積繊領域４１には、第１の選択的吸引領域Ｓ１ａで積繊された第１繊維材料が積繊されている。したがって、第２の選択的吸引領域Ｓ１ｂにおいて第１積繊領域４１での吸引が可能であることで、第１積繊領域４１に既に積繊されている繊維材料を一層確実に吸引保持することが可能となる。 From the viewpoint of more reliably achieving the effect of controlling the amount of suction air in the selective suction region S1, referring to FIG. The length (width) W2 is longer than the length (width) V1 in the drum axial direction Y1 of the first opening 26A overlapping with it, and the length (width) of the first opening closing member 30A in the drum axial direction Y1. W1 is preferably shorter than the length (width) V2 in the drum axial direction Y1 of the second opening 26B overlapping therewith. That is, regarding the suction opening of the fixed drum 2 and the opening closing member of the rotating drum 3 that overlap each other in the selective suction area S1, the width of the first opening 26A V1<width W2 of the second opening closing member 30B" is established, and in the second selective suction area S1b, "width V2 of the second opening 26B>width W1 of the first opening closing member 30A" is established. It is preferable that the magnitude relationship of is established.
In the first selective suction region S1a, the first opening 26A closes the second opening by establishing the magnitude relationship of "the width V1 of the first opening 26A<the width W2 of the second opening closing member 30B". Since it is more reliably closed by the member 30B, the suction air volume difference between the first fiber stacking region 41 where the suction at the first opening 26A is not hindered and the second fiber stacking region 42 where the suction is hindered is further increased. As a result, the stacking of the first fibrous material to the first fiber stacking region 41 is performed more preferentially.
In addition, the size relationship of "width V2 of the second opening 26B>width W1 of the first opening closing member 30A" is established in the second selective suction region S1b, so that the first opening is formed in the second opening 26B. When the opening closing member 30A overlaps, a part of the second opening 26B (typically, the end in the axial direction Y1 of the drum) does not overlap with the first opening closing member 30A. Therefore, in the first fiber stacking region 41, suction is performed at the second opening 26B, albeit less than in the second fiber stacking region 42. In addition, the first fiber material stacked in the first selective suction area S1a is stacked in the first fiber material stacking area 41 that is being conveyed through the second selective suction area S1b. Therefore, since the first fiber stacking region 41 can be sucked in the second selective suction region S1b, the fiber material already stacked in the first fiber stacking region 41 can be more reliably sucked and held. becomes possible.

前記の大小関係の成立による作用効果をより一層確実に奏させるようにする観点から、第１開口部２６Ａの幅Ｖ１（図７（ａ）参照）と第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂの幅Ｗ２（図７（ｃ）参照）との比率は、前者＜後者を前提として、前者／後者として、好ましくは０．８以上、より好ましくは０．９以上、そして、好ましくは０．２以下、より好ましくは０．１以下である。
同様の観点から、第２開口部２６Ｂの幅Ｖ２（図７（ｂ）参照）と第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａの幅Ｗ１（図７（ｃ）参照）との比率は、前者＞後者を前提として、前者／後者として、好ましくは１．０以上１．６未満、より好ましくは１．０以上２．０未満である。 From the standpoint of ensuring that the effects of the establishment of the magnitude relationship are more reliably exhibited, the width V1 (see FIG. 7A) of the first opening 26A and the width W2 (see FIG. 7A) of the second opening closing member 30B (see FIG. 7(c))), on the premise that the former < the latter, the former/latter is preferably 0.8 or more, more preferably 0.9 or more, and preferably 0.2 or less, more preferably is 0.1 or less.
From a similar point of view, the ratio between the width V2 of the second opening 26B (see FIG. 7B) and the width W1 of the first opening closing member 30A (see FIG. 7C) is based on the assumption that the former > the latter. , the former/latter is preferably 1.0 or more and less than 1.6, more preferably 1.0 or more and less than 2.0.

前述した、選択的吸引領域Ｓ１における吸引風量の制御による作用効果をより一層確実に奏させるようにする観点から、第１の対応部２３Ａ（第１開口部２６Ａ）に第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂが重なった状態で、第１の対応部２３Ａ（第１開口部２６Ａ）と第２開口部閉鎖部材３０Ｂとの離間距離は、好ましくは０ｍｍを超えて３ｍｍ以下、より好ましくは０ｍｍを超えて２ｍｍ以下である。
同様の観点から、第２の対応部２３Ｂ（第２開口部２６Ｂ）に第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａが重なった状態で、第２の対応部２３Ｂ（第２開口部２６Ｂ）と第１開口部閉鎖部材３０Ａとの離間距離は、好ましくは０ｍｍを超えて３ｍｍ以下、より好ましくは０ｍｍを超えて２ｍｍ以下である。 From the viewpoint of further ensuring the effect of controlling the suction air volume in the selective suction region S1, the first corresponding portion 23A (first opening 26A) is provided with the second opening closing member 30B. are overlapped, the distance between the first corresponding portion 23A (first opening 26A) and the second opening closing member 30B is preferably more than 0 mm and 3 mm or less, more preferably more than 0 mm and 2 mm. It is below.
From the same point of view, the second corresponding portion 23B (second opening 26B) and the first opening are placed in a state in which the first opening closing member 30A overlaps the second corresponding portion 23B (second opening 26B). The separation distance from the closing member 30A is preferably more than 0 mm and 3 mm or less, more preferably more than 0 mm and 2 mm or less.

以上、本発明をその好ましい実施形態に基づき説明したが、本発明は前記実施形態に何ら制限されるものではなく、本発明の趣旨を逸脱しない範囲で適宜変更可能である。
前述した本発明の実施形態に関し、更に以下の付記を開示する。 Although the present invention has been described above based on its preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The following notes are further disclosed with respect to the above-described embodiments of the present invention.

＜１＞
積繊装置を用い、繊維材料として互いに異種の第１繊維材料及び第２繊維材料を含み、且つ繊維材料の坪量が相対的に多い高坪量部と相対的に少ない低坪量部とを一方向に有する吸収体を製造する、吸収体の製造方法であって、
前記積繊装置は、固定ドラムと、該固定ドラムの外周部周りを回転可能に設けられ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部を外周部に有する回転ドラムと、該集積用凹部に向けて繊維材料を飛散状態にて供給する供給路とを備え、該回転ドラムを回転させて該集積用凹部をドラム周方向に沿う搬送方向に搬送させつつ、該固定ドラム側からの吸引によって該供給路に生じた空気流に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、該集積用凹部の底面上に積繊させるようになされており、
前記集積用凹部は、前記高坪量部を形成する第１積繊領域と、前記低坪量部を形成する第２積繊領域とを、ドラム周方向に有し、
前記供給路は、前記第１繊維材料を供給する第１供給路と、前記第２繊維材料を供給する第２供給路とを、ドラム周方向に有し、
前記集積用凹部に対して前記第１供給路から前記第１繊維材料を供給する第１供給工程と、該第１供給工程の後に、該第１繊維材料が積繊された該集積用凹部に対して、前記第２供給路から前記第２繊維材料を供給する第２供給工程とを有し、
前記第１供給工程では、前記第１繊維材料が前記第１積繊領域に優先的に積繊されるように、前記空気流を制御する、吸収体の製造方法。
＜２＞
前記第２供給工程では、前記第２繊維材料が前記第２積繊領域に優先的に積繊されるように、前記空気流を制御する、前記＜１＞に記載の吸収体の製造方法。
＜３＞
前記第２供給工程は、第１の工程と、該第１の工程の後に行われる第２の工程とに区分され、
前記第１の工程では、前記第２繊維材料が前記第２積繊領域に優先的に積繊されるように、前記空気流を制御し、
前記第２の工程では、前記第２繊維材料が前記第１積繊領域及び前記第２積繊領域の双方に積繊されるように、該空気流を制御する、前記＜１＞に記載の吸収体の製造方法。
＜４＞
前記積繊装置は、前記空気流に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、ドラム周方向の所定の吸引領域にて前記集積用凹部の底面上に積繊させるようになされており、
前記吸引領域は、前記固定ドラム側からの吸引が部分的に可能になされている選択的吸引領域を有し、該選択的吸引領域は、前記第１供給路に対応する第１の選択的吸引領域と、前記第２供給路に対応する第２の選択的吸引領域とをドラム周方向に有し、
前記集積用凹部は、前記吸引領域を、前記第１の選択的吸引領域、前記第２の選択的吸引領域の順に移動する、前記＜１＞～＜３＞の何れか１項に記載の吸収体の製造方法。
＜５＞
前記吸引領域は、前記固定ドラム側からの吸引が全面的に可能になされている全面的吸引領域を有し、
前記集積用凹部は、前記吸引領域を、前記第１の選択的吸引領域、前記第２の選択的吸引領域、前記全面的吸引領域の順に移動する、前記＜４＞に記載の吸収体の製造方法。
＜６＞
前記固定ドラムの外周部に、前記第１の選択的吸引領域に対応する第１開口部と、前記第２の選択的吸引領域に対応する第２開口部とが配されているとともに、前記回転ドラムの該固定ドラムの外周部との対向部分に、前記第１積繊領域に対応する非通気性の第１開口部閉鎖部材と、前記第２積繊領域に対応する非通気性の第２開口部閉鎖部材とが配されており、
前記第１開口部及び前記第２開口部と前記第１開口部閉鎖部材及び前記第２開口部閉鎖部材との、前記回転ドラムの回転に伴う周期的な重なりを利用して、前記吸引領域での前記集積用凹部の吸引風量に変化を与える、前記＜４＞又は＜５＞に記載の吸収体の製造方法。 <1>
Using a fiber stacking device, a high basis weight portion and a relatively low basis weight portion containing a first fiber material and a second fiber material that are different from each other as fiber materials and having a relatively large basis weight of the fiber material and a low basis weight portion are formed. A method for manufacturing an absorbent body for manufacturing an absorbent body having one direction,
The fiber stacking device includes a fixed drum, a rotary drum which is rotatably provided around the outer periphery of the fixed drum and has a stacking recess in the outer periphery in which the fiber material is stacked, and a a supply path for supplying the fiber material in a scattered state, and while rotating the rotating drum to convey the accumulating concave portion in the conveying direction along the circumferential direction of the drum, the supply path is caused by suction from the side of the fixed drum. The fiber material conveyed by the air flow generated in the is stacked on the bottom surface of the accumulating recess,
The accumulating recess has a first fiber stacking region forming the high basis weight portion and a second fiber stacking region forming the low basis weight portion in the circumferential direction of the drum,
The supply path has a first supply path for supplying the first fiber material and a second supply path for supplying the second fiber material in the circumferential direction of the drum,
a first supply step of supplying the first fiber material from the first supply path to the accumulation recess, and after the first supply step, the accumulation recess in which the first fiber material is stacked On the other hand, a second supply step of supplying the second fiber material from the second supply path,
The method for manufacturing an absorbent body, wherein in the first supplying step, the air flow is controlled so that the first fiber material is preferentially stacked in the first fiber stacking region.
<2>
The method for manufacturing an absorbent body according to <1>, wherein in the second supplying step, the airflow is controlled so that the second fiber material is preferentially stacked in the second fiber stacking region.
<3>
The second supply step is divided into a first step and a second step performed after the first step,
In the first step, the airflow is controlled so that the second fiber material is preferentially stacked in the second stacking region;
The above-described <1>, wherein in the second step, the air flow is controlled so that the second fiber material is stacked in both the first fiber stacking region and the second fiber stacking region. A method for manufacturing an absorbent body.
<4>
The fiber stacking device stacks the fiber material transported by the air flow on the bottom surface of the stacking concave portion in a predetermined suction area in the circumferential direction of the drum,
The suction area has a selective suction area that partially allows suction from the fixed drum side, and the selective suction area is a first selective suction area corresponding to the first supply path. and a second selective suction area corresponding to the second supply path in the circumferential direction of the drum,
The absorption according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the accumulation recess moves the suction area in the order of the first selective suction area and the second selective suction area. body manufacturing method.
<5>
The suction area has a full-surface suction area in which suction from the fixed drum side is fully possible,
Manufacture of the absorbent body according to <4>, wherein the accumulating recess moves the suction region in the order of the first selective suction region, the second selective suction region, and the full suction region. Method.
<6>
A first opening corresponding to the first selective suction area and a second opening corresponding to the second selective suction area are arranged in an outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum. A first air-impermeable opening closing member corresponding to the first fiber stacking region and a second air-impermeable opening closing member corresponding to the second fiber stacking region are provided in a portion of the drum facing the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum. an opening closing member is arranged,
In the suction area, by utilizing the periodic overlap of the first opening and the second opening and the first opening closing member and the second opening closing member as the rotating drum rotates, The method for manufacturing an absorbent body according to <4> or <5> above, wherein the suction air volume of the accumulation concave portion is varied.

＜７＞
固定ドラムと、該固定ドラムの外周部周りを回転可能に設けられ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部を外周部に有する回転ドラムと、該集積用凹部に向けて繊維材料を飛散状態にて供給する供給路とを備え、該回転ドラムを回転させて該集積用凹部をドラム周方向に沿う搬送方向に搬送させつつ、該固定ドラム側からの吸引によって該供給路に生じた空気流に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、ドラム周方向の所定の吸引領域にて該集積用凹部の底面上に積繊させるようになされており、
繊維材料として互いに異種の第１繊維材料及び第２繊維材料を含み、且つ繊維材料の坪量が相対的に多い高坪量部と相対的に少ない低坪量部とを一方向に有する積繊体を製造する、積繊装置であって、
前記集積用凹部は、前記高坪量部を形成する第１積繊領域と、前記低坪量部を形成する第２積繊領域とを、ドラム周方向に有し、
前記供給路は、前記第１繊維材料を供給する第１供給路と、前記第２繊維材料を供給する第２供給路とを、ドラム周方向に有し、
前記吸引領域は、前記固定ドラム側からの吸引が部分的に可能になされている選択的吸引領域を有し、該選択的吸引領域は、前記第１供給路に対応する第１の選択的吸引領域と、前記第２供給路に対応する第２の選択的吸引領域とを有し、
前記固定ドラムの外周部に、前記選択的吸引領域に対応する選択的吸引領域対応部が配されており、
前記選択的吸引領域対応部は、前記第１の選択的吸引領域に対応し、第１開口部がドラム軸方向に部分的に設けられた非通気性の第１の対応部と、前記第２の選択的吸引領域に対応し、第２開口部がドラム軸方向に部分的に設けられた非通気性の第２の対応部とを、ドラム周方向に有し、前記空気流は、該第１開口部及び該第２開口部を通じてのみ該選択的吸引領域対応部を厚み方向に通過可能になされており、該第１開口部と該第２開口部とは、ドラム軸方向の位置が互いに異なっており、
前記回転ドラムの前記固定ドラムの外周部との対向部分に、前記第１積繊領域に対応する非通気性の第１開口部閉鎖部材と、前記第２積繊領域に対応する非通気性の第２開口部閉鎖部材とが配されており、該第１開口部閉鎖部材は、前記第２開口部とドラム軸方向において同位置にあり、該第２開口部閉鎖部材は、前記第１開口部とドラム軸方向において同位置にあり、
前記集積用凹部の前記第１の選択的吸引領域での搬送中では、前記第１開口部に対し、前記第１開口部閉鎖部材は重ならずに、前記第２開口部閉鎖部材が重なることで、前記第２積繊領域の前記空気流の流量を低減するようになされており、
前記集積用凹部の前記第２の選択的吸引領域での搬送中では、前記第２開口部に対し、前記第２開口部閉鎖部材は重ならずに、前記第１開口部閉鎖部材が重なることで、前記第１積繊領域の前記空気流の流量を低減するようになされている、積繊装置。
＜８＞
前記第２開口部閉鎖部材のドラム軸方向の長さは、前記第１開口部のドラム軸方向の長さに比べて長く、前記第１開口部閉鎖部材のドラム軸方向の長さは、前記第２開口部のドラム軸方向の長さに比べて短い、前記＜７＞に記載の積繊装置。
＜９＞
前記吸引領域は、前記選択的吸引領域と、前記固定ドラム側からの吸引が全面的に可能になされている全面的吸引領域とを、ドラム周方向に有し、該全面的吸引領域は、前記第２供給路に対応して配されており、
前記固定ドラムの外周部に、前記選択的吸引領域対応部と、前記全面的吸引領域に対応する全面的吸引領域対応部が配されており、
前記全面的吸引領域対応部は、非通気性部材を含まず、前記空気流は、該全面的吸引領域対応部の全域を厚み方向に通過可能になされている、前記＜７＞又は＜８＞に記載の積繊装置。 <7>
a fixed drum; a rotary drum rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum; and an air flow generated in the supply path by suction from the fixed drum side while rotating the rotating drum to transport the accumulating concave portion in the transport direction along the circumferential direction of the drum. The fiber material conveyed on the drum is stacked on the bottom surface of the accumulating recess in a predetermined suction area in the circumferential direction of the drum,
A stacked fiber including a first fiber material and a second fiber material different from each other as fiber materials, and having a high basis weight portion in which the basis weight of the fiber material is relatively large and a low basis weight portion in which the basis weight of the fiber material is relatively small in one direction. A stacking device for manufacturing a body,
The accumulating recess has a first fiber stacking region forming the high basis weight portion and a second fiber stacking region forming the low basis weight portion in the circumferential direction of the drum,
The supply path has a first supply path for supplying the first fiber material and a second supply path for supplying the second fiber material in the circumferential direction of the drum,
The suction area has a selective suction area that partially allows suction from the fixed drum side, and the selective suction area is a first selective suction area corresponding to the first supply path. and a second selective suction region corresponding to the second supply channel;
A selective suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the selective suction region is arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum,
The selective suction region corresponding portion corresponds to the first selective suction region, and includes a non-breathable first corresponding portion in which a first opening is partially provided in the axial direction of the drum; and a non-air-permeable second corresponding portion in which the second opening is partially provided in the axial direction of the drum corresponding to the selective suction area of the drum, wherein the air flow is The selective suction region corresponding portion can be passed through in the thickness direction only through the first opening and the second opening, and the first opening and the second opening are located at mutually different positions in the drum axial direction. are different and
A non-air-permeable first opening closing member corresponding to the first fiber stacking region and a non-air-permeable opening corresponding to the second fiber stacking region A second opening closing member is arranged, the first opening closing member being at the same position as the second opening in the axial direction of the drum, the second opening closing member being located at the first opening. at the same position in the axial direction of the drum as the
During conveyance in the first selective suction area of the accumulating concave portion, the first opening closing member does not overlap the first opening, but the second opening closing member overlaps the first opening. and is adapted to reduce the flow rate of the air flow in the second fiber stacking region,
During conveyance in the second selective suction area of the accumulating recess, the first opening closing member overlaps the second opening without the second opening closing member overlapping. and a fiber stacking device adapted to reduce the flow rate of said air flow in said first fiber stacking area.
<8>
The length of the second opening closing member in the axial direction of the drum is longer than the length of the first opening in the axial direction of the drum, and the length of the first opening closing member in the axial direction of the drum is equal to the length of the first opening closing member. The fiber stacking device according to <7> above, which is shorter than the length of the second opening in the axial direction of the drum.
<9>
The suction area has, in the circumferential direction of the drum, the selective suction area and a full suction area in which suction from the fixed drum side is fully possible, and the full suction area includes the arranged corresponding to the second supply path,
The selective suction region corresponding portion and the full suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the full suction region are arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum,
<7> or <8>, wherein the entire suction area corresponding portion does not include an air-impermeable member, and the air flow is allowed to pass through the entire suction area corresponding portion in the thickness direction. The fiber stacking device described in .

＜１０＞
繊維材料からなるシートを繊維化する繊維化手段を備え、該繊維化手段によって製造された繊維材料が前記供給路に供給される、前記＜７＞～＜９＞の何れか１項に記載の積繊装置。
＜１１＞
前記回転ドラムは、金属製の円筒状のドラム本体と、該ドラム本体の外周部に重ねて配され、前記集積用凹部を有する外層部とを含む、前記＜７＞～＜１０＞の何れか１項に記載の積繊装置。
＜１２＞
前記ドラム本体は、ドラム周方向の全長にわたって連続する環状をなし、前記外層部は、ドラム周方向に複数に分割されている、前記＜１１＞に記載の積繊装置。
＜１３＞
前記外層部は、開口部を有する複数のプレートが厚み方向に重ね合わされて構成され、前記集積用凹部は、該複数のプレートの該開口部が厚み方向の重なった部分からなる、前記＜１１＞又は＜１２＞に記載の積繊装置。
＜１４＞
前記外層部は、前記ドラム本体に近い順に、前記集積用凹部の底面を形成する底面形成プレートと、該集積用凹部内の繊維材料の積繊体に溝状凹部を形成する凹部区画プレートと、前記回転ドラムの最外層に位置するリングプレートとを含む、前記＜１１＞～＜１３＞の何れか１項に記載の積繊装置。
＜１５＞
前記第１積繊領域は、前記第２積繊領域に比べて凹部深さが深い、前記＜７＞～＜１４＞の何れか１項に記載の積繊装置。
＜１６＞
前記第１開口部の幅（ドラム軸方向の長さ）と前記第２開口部閉鎖部材の幅（ドラム軸方向の長さ）との比率は、前者＜後者を前提として、前者／後者として、好ましくは０．８以上、より好ましくは０．９以上、そして、好ましくは０．２以下、より好ましくは０．１以下である、前記＜７＞～＜１５＞の何れか１項に記載の積繊装置。
＜１７＞
前記第２開口部の幅（ドラム軸方向の長さ）と前記第１開口部閉鎖部材の幅（ドラム軸方向の長さ）との比率は、前者＞後者を前提として、前者／後者として、好ましくは１．０以上１．６未満、より好ましくは１．０以上２．０未満である、前記＜７＞～＜１６＞の何れか１項に記載の積繊装置。
＜１８＞
前記第１の対応部（前記第１開口部）に前記第２開口部閉鎖部材が重なった状態で、該第１の対応部（該第１開口部）と該第２開口部閉鎖部材との離間距離は、好ましくは０ｍｍを超えて３ｍｍ以下、より好ましくは０ｍｍを超えて２ｍｍ以下であり、
前記第２の対応部（前記第２開口部）に前記第１開口部閉鎖部材が重なった状態で、該第２の対応部（該第２開口部）と該第１開口部閉鎖部材との離間距離は、好ましくは０ｍｍを超えて３ｍｍ以下、より好ましくは０ｍｍを超えて２ｍｍ以下である、前記＜７＞～＜１７＞の何れか１項に記載の積繊装置。 <10>
<9> according to any one of <7> to <9>, further comprising a fiberization means for fiberizing a sheet made of a fiber material, and the fiber material produced by the fiberization means is supplied to the supply path. Stacking device.
<11>
Any one of <7> to <10>, wherein the rotating drum includes a cylindrical drum body made of metal and an outer layer portion disposed over the outer peripheral portion of the drum body and having the accumulation recessed portion. The fiber stacking device according to item 1.
<12>
The fiber stacking device according to <11>, wherein the drum body has a ring shape that is continuous over the entire length in the drum circumferential direction, and the outer layer portion is divided into a plurality of parts in the drum circumferential direction.
<13>
<11>, wherein the outer layer portion is configured by stacking a plurality of plates having openings in the thickness direction, and the accumulating recess is composed of a portion where the openings of the plurality of plates overlap in the thickness direction. Or the fiber stacking device according to <12>.
<14>
The outer layer includes, in order from the drum main body, a bottom surface forming plate that forms the bottom surface of the accumulating recess, a recess partitioning plate that forms a groove-shaped recess in the stack of fiber materials in the accumulating recess, The fiber stacking device according to any one of <11> to <13>, further comprising a ring plate located in the outermost layer of the rotating drum.
<15>
The fiber stacking device according to any one of <7> to <14>, wherein the first fiber stacking region has a deeper concave portion than the second fiber stacking region.
<16>
The ratio between the width of the first opening (the length in the axial direction of the drum) and the width of the second opening closing member (the length in the axial direction of the drum) is based on the premise that the former < the latter, and the former/latter is Preferably 0.8 or more, more preferably 0.9 or more, and preferably 0.2 or less, more preferably 0.1 or less, according to any one of <7> to <15> Stacking device.
<17>
The ratio of the width of the second opening (the length in the axial direction of the drum) to the width of the first opening closing member (the length in the axial direction of the drum) is based on the premise that the former > the latter, and the former/latter is: The fiber stacking device according to any one of <7> to <16> above, which is preferably 1.0 or more and less than 1.6, more preferably 1.0 or more and less than 2.0.
<18>
In a state in which the second opening closing member overlaps the first corresponding portion (the first opening), the first corresponding portion (the first opening) and the second opening closing member The separation distance is preferably more than 0 mm and 3 mm or less, more preferably more than 0 mm and 2 mm or less,
In a state in which the first opening closing member overlaps the second corresponding portion (the second opening), the second corresponding portion (the second opening) and the first opening closing member The fiber stacking device according to any one of <7> to <17>, wherein the separation distance is preferably more than 0 mm and 3 mm or less, more preferably more than 0 mm and 2 mm or less.

１０，１０Ａ，１０Ｂ 吸収体
１１ 高坪量部
１１Ａ 突出部
１２ 低坪量部
Ｘ 縦方向
Ｙ 横方向
１ 積繊装置
２ 固定ドラム
２Ｓ 固定ドラムの外周部
２３ 選択的吸引領域対応部
２３Ａ 第１の対応部
２３Ｂ 第２の対応部
２４ 全面的吸引領域対応部
２６Ａ 第１開口部
２６Ｂ 第２開口部
３ 回転ドラム
３Ａ ドラム本体
３０Ａ 第１開口部閉鎖部材
３０Ｂ，第２開口部閉鎖部材
３Ｂ 外層部
４ 集積部
４０ 集積用凹部
４１ 第１積繊領域
４２ 第２積繊領域
５Ａ，５Ｂ 原材料供給機構
５０Ａ，５０Ｂ 供給路
５１Ａ，５１Ｂ ダクト
６ 搬送機構
Ｓ 吸引領域
Ｓ１ 選択的吸引領域
Ｓ１ａ 第１の選択的吸引領域
Ｓ１ｂ 第２の選択的吸引領域
Ｓ２ 全面的吸引領域
Ｘ１ ドラム周方向
Ｒ１ 回転ドラムの回転方向（ＭＤ）
Ｙ１ ドラム軸方向（ＣＤ） 10, 10A, 10B Absorber 11 High basis weight portion 11A Protruding portion 12 Low basis weight portion X Vertical direction Y Horizontal direction 1 Fiber stacking device 2 Fixed drum 2S Outer peripheral portion 23 of fixed drum Selective suction area corresponding portion 23A First Counterpart 23B Second counterpart 24 Overall suction area counterpart 26A First opening 26B Second opening 3 Rotating drum 3A Drum body 30A First opening closing member 30B, second opening closing member 3B Outer layer 4 Stacking unit 40 Stacking concave portion 41 First fiber stacking region 42 Second fiber stacking regions 5A, 5B Raw material supply mechanisms 50A, 50B Supply paths 51A, 51B Duct 6 Transport mechanism S Suction region S1 Selective suction region S1a First selective Suction area S1b Second selective suction area S2 Overall suction area X1 Drum circumferential direction R1 Rotational direction of rotating drum (MD)
Y1 Drum axial direction (CD)

Claims (4)

積繊装置を用い、繊維材料として互いに異種の第１繊維材料及び第２繊維材料を含み、且つ繊維材料の坪量が相対的に多い高坪量部と相対的に少ない低坪量部とを一方向に有する吸収体を製造する、吸収体の製造方法であって、
前記積繊装置は、固定ドラムと、該固定ドラムの外周部周りを回転可能に設けられ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部を外周部に有する回転ドラムと、該集積用凹部に向けて繊維材料を飛散状態にて供給する供給路とを備え、該回転ドラムを回転させて該集積用凹部をドラム周方向に沿う搬送方向に搬送させつつ、該固定ドラム側からの吸引によって該供給路に生じた空気流に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、該集積用凹部の底面上に積繊させるようになされており、
前記集積用凹部は、前記高坪量部を形成する第１積繊領域と、前記低坪量部を形成する第２積繊領域とを、ドラム周方向に有し、
前記供給路は、前記第１繊維材料を供給する第１供給路と、前記第２繊維材料を供給する第２供給路とを、ドラム周方向に有し、
前記集積用凹部に対して前記第１供給路から前記第１繊維材料を供給する第１供給工程と、該第１供給工程の後に、該第１繊維材料が積繊された該集積用凹部に対して、前記第２供給路から前記第２繊維材料を供給する第２供給工程とを有し、
前記第１供給工程では、前記第１繊維材料が前記第１積繊領域に優先的に積繊されるように、前記空気流を制御し、
前記第２供給工程は、第１の工程と、該第１の工程の後に行われる第２の工程とに区分され、
前記第１の工程では、前記第２繊維材料が前記第２積繊領域に優先的に積繊されるように、前記空気流を制御し、
前記第２の工程では、前記第２繊維材料が前記第１積繊領域及び前記第２積繊領域の双方に積繊されるように、該空気流を制御する、吸収体の製造方法。 Using a fiber stacking device, a high basis weight portion and a relatively low basis weight portion containing a first fiber material and a second fiber material that are different from each other as fiber materials and having a relatively large basis weight of the fiber material and a low basis weight portion are formed. A method for manufacturing an absorbent body for manufacturing an absorbent body having one direction,
The fiber stacking device includes a fixed drum, a rotary drum which is rotatably provided around the outer periphery of the fixed drum and has a stacking recess in the outer periphery in which the fiber material is stacked, and a a supply path for supplying the fiber material in a scattered state, and while rotating the rotating drum to convey the accumulating concave portion in the conveying direction along the circumferential direction of the drum, the supply path is caused by suction from the side of the fixed drum. The fiber material conveyed by the air flow generated in the is stacked on the bottom surface of the accumulating recess,
The accumulating recess has a first fiber stacking region forming the high basis weight portion and a second fiber stacking region forming the low basis weight portion in the circumferential direction of the drum,
The supply path has a first supply path for supplying the first fiber material and a second supply path for supplying the second fiber material in the circumferential direction of the drum,
a first supply step of supplying the first fiber material from the first supply path to the accumulation recess, and after the first supply step, the accumulation recess in which the first fiber material is stacked On the other hand, a second supply step of supplying the second fiber material from the second supply path,
In the first supply step, the air flow is controlled so that the first fiber material is preferentially stacked in the first stacking region ;
The second supply step is divided into a first step and a second step performed after the first step,
In the first step, the airflow is controlled so that the second fiber material is preferentially stacked in the second stacking region;
In the second step, the method of manufacturing an absorbent body, wherein the air flow is controlled so that the second fiber material is stacked in both the first fiber stacking region and the second fiber stacking region. 固定ドラムと、該固定ドラムの外周部周りを回転可能に設けられ、繊維材料が積繊される集積用凹部を外周部に有する回転ドラムと、該集積用凹部に向けて繊維材料を飛散状態にて供給する供給路とを備え、該回転ドラムを回転させて該集積用凹部をドラム周方向に沿う搬送方向に搬送させつつ、該固定ドラム側からの吸引によって該供給路に生じた空気流に乗って搬送された繊維材料を、ドラム周方向の所定の吸引領域にて該集積用凹部の底面上に積繊させるようになされており、
繊維材料として互いに異種の第１繊維材料及び第２繊維材料を含み、且つ繊維材料の坪量が相対的に多い高坪量部と相対的に少ない低坪量部とを一方向に有する積繊体を製造する、積繊装置であって、
前記集積用凹部は、前記高坪量部を形成する第１積繊領域と、前記低坪量部を形成する第２積繊領域とを、ドラム周方向に有し、
前記供給路は、前記第１繊維材料を供給する第１供給路と、前記第２繊維材料を供給する第２供給路とを、ドラム周方向に有し、
前記吸引領域は、前記固定ドラム側からの吸引が部分的に可能になされている選択的吸引領域を有し、該選択的吸引領域は、前記第１供給路に対応する第１の選択的吸引領域と、前記第２供給路に対応する第２の選択的吸引領域とを有し、
前記固定ドラムの外周部に、前記選択的吸引領域に対応する選択的吸引領域対応部が配されており、
前記選択的吸引領域対応部は、前記第１の選択的吸引領域に対応し、第１開口部がドラム軸方向に部分的に設けられた非通気性の第１の対応部と、前記第２の選択的吸引領域に対応し、第２開口部がドラム軸方向に部分的に設けられた非通気性の第２の対応部とを、ドラム周方向に有し、前記空気流は、該第１開口部及び該第２開口部を通じてのみ該選択的吸引領域対応部を厚み方向に通過可能になされており、該第１開口部と該第２開口部とは、ドラム軸方向の位置が互いに異なっており、
前記回転ドラムの前記固定ドラムの外周部との対向部分に、前記第１積繊領域に対応する非通気性の第１開口部閉鎖部材と、前記第２積繊領域に対応する非通気性の第２開口部閉鎖部材とが配されており、該第１開口部閉鎖部材は、前記第２開口部とドラム軸方向において同位置にあり、該第２開口部閉鎖部材は、前記第１開口部とドラム軸方向において同位置にあり、
前記集積用凹部の前記第１の選択的吸引領域での搬送中では、前記第１開口部に対し、前記第１開口部閉鎖部材は重ならずに、前記第２開口部閉鎖部材が重なることで、前記第２積繊領域の前記空気流の流量を低減するようになされており、
前記集積用凹部の前記第２の選択的吸引領域での搬送中では、前記第２開口部に対し、前記第２開口部閉鎖部材は重ならずに、前記第１開口部閉鎖部材が重なることで、前記第１積繊領域の前記空気流の流量を低減するようになされている、積繊装置。 a fixed drum; a rotary drum rotatably provided around the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum; and an air flow generated in the supply path by suction from the fixed drum side while rotating the rotating drum to transport the accumulating concave portion in the transport direction along the circumferential direction of the drum. The fiber material conveyed on the drum is stacked on the bottom surface of the accumulating recess in a predetermined suction area in the circumferential direction of the drum,
A stacked fiber including a first fiber material and a second fiber material different from each other as fiber materials, and having a high basis weight portion in which the basis weight of the fiber material is relatively large and a low basis weight portion in which the basis weight of the fiber material is relatively small in one direction. A stacking device for manufacturing a body,
The accumulating recess has a first fiber stacking region forming the high basis weight portion and a second fiber stacking region forming the low basis weight portion in the circumferential direction of the drum,
The supply path has a first supply path for supplying the first fiber material and a second supply path for supplying the second fiber material in the circumferential direction of the drum,
The suction area has a selective suction area that partially allows suction from the fixed drum side, and the selective suction area is a first selective suction area corresponding to the first supply path. and a second selective suction region corresponding to the second supply channel;
A selective suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the selective suction region is arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum,
The selective suction region corresponding portion corresponds to the first selective suction region, and includes a non-breathable first corresponding portion in which a first opening is partially provided in the axial direction of the drum; and a non-air-permeable second corresponding portion in which the second opening is partially provided in the axial direction of the drum corresponding to the selective suction area of the drum, wherein the air flow is The selective suction region corresponding portion can be passed through in the thickness direction only through the first opening and the second opening, and the first opening and the second opening are located at mutually different positions in the drum axial direction. are different and
A non-air-permeable first opening closing member corresponding to the first fiber stacking region and a non-air-permeable opening corresponding to the second fiber stacking region A second opening closing member is arranged, the first opening closing member being at the same position as the second opening in the axial direction of the drum, the second opening closing member being located at the first opening. at the same position in the axial direction of the drum as the
During conveyance in the first selective suction area of the accumulating concave portion, the first opening closing member does not overlap the first opening, but the second opening closing member overlaps the first opening. and is adapted to reduce the flow rate of the air flow in the second fiber stacking region,
During conveyance in the second selective suction area of the accumulating recess, the first opening closing member overlaps the second opening without the second opening closing member overlapping. and a fiber stacking device adapted to reduce the flow rate of said air flow in said first fiber stacking area. 前記第２開口部閉鎖部材のドラム軸方向の長さは、前記第１開口部のドラム軸方向の長さに比べて長く、前記第１開口部閉鎖部材のドラム軸方向の長さは、前記第２開口部のドラム軸方向の長さに比べて短い、請求項２に記載の積繊装置。 The length of the second opening closing member in the axial direction of the drum is longer than the length of the first opening in the axial direction of the drum, and the length of the first opening closing member in the axial direction of the drum is equal to the length of the first opening closing member. 3. The fiber stacking device according to claim 2 , wherein the second opening is shorter than the axial length of the drum. 前記吸引領域は、前記選択的吸引領域と、前記固定ドラム側からの吸引が全面的に可能になされている全面的吸引領域とを、ドラム周方向に有し、該全面的吸引領域は、前記第２供給路に対応して配されており、
前記固定ドラムの外周部に、前記選択的吸引領域対応部と、前記全面的吸引領域に対応する全面的吸引領域対応部が配されており、
前記全面的吸引領域対応部は、非通気性部材を含まず、前記空気流は、該全面的吸引領域対応部の全域を厚み方向に通過可能になされている、請求項２又は３に記載の積繊装置。 The suction area has, in the circumferential direction of the drum, the selective suction area and a full suction area in which suction from the fixed drum side is fully possible, and the full suction area includes the arranged corresponding to the second supply path,
The selective suction region corresponding portion and the full suction region corresponding portion corresponding to the full suction region are arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the fixed drum,
4. The entire suction area corresponding portion according to claim 2 or 3 , wherein the entire suction area corresponding portion does not include a non-air-permeable member, and the air flow is allowed to pass through the entire area corresponding to the suction area in the thickness direction. Stacking device.
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JP2007089826A (en) 2005-09-29 2007-04-12 Daio Paper Corp Manufacturing apparatus of absorbent body
JP2015059287A (en) 2013-09-20 2015-03-30 花王株式会社 Fiber-laminating device
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JP2020078490A (en) 2018-11-14 2020-05-28 花王株式会社 Method of manufacturing absorber and manufacturing apparatus

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2005288960A (en) 2004-04-02 2005-10-20 Kao Corp Fiber-laminating device and fiber-laminating method for laminate
JP2007089826A (en) 2005-09-29 2007-04-12 Daio Paper Corp Manufacturing apparatus of absorbent body
JP2015059287A (en) 2013-09-20 2015-03-30 花王株式会社 Fiber-laminating device
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