CN111150559B

CN111150559B - Absorbent article

Info

Publication number: CN111150559B
Application number: CN201811324453.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 蒋维; 穆沁一
Original assignee: Unicharm Corp
Current assignee: Unicharm Corp
Priority date: 2018-11-08
Filing date: 2018-11-08
Publication date: 2022-08-19
Anticipated expiration: 2038-11-08
Also published as: JP3224854U; CN111150559A

Abstract

The present invention relates to an absorbent article. An absorbent article having a convex portion protruding toward the skin is improved in stuffiness when worn. An absorbent article (1) having an absorbent body (10) and skin side sheets (2, 3) disposed on the skin side of the absorbent body (10), wherein the absorbent article has a plurality of linear compressed sections (Es) formed so as to compress the skin side sheets (2, 3) in the thickness direction, wherein a convex section (20) formed by protruding the skin side sheets (2, 3) toward the skin side in the thickness direction is formed in an inner region (U) surrounded by the plurality of linear compressed sections (Es), wherein a gap section (21) is formed between the non-skin side surfaces of the skin side sheets (2, 3) and the absorbent body (10) at the convex section (20), and wherein the maximum length of the gap section (21) in the thickness direction is equal to or less than the maximum thickness of the skin side sheets (2, 3) in the inner region (U).

Description

Absorbent article

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an absorbent article.

Background

The absorbent article disclosed in patent document 1 includes a front sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent body interposed between the front sheet and the back sheet. The surface sheet is formed of a nonwoven fabric having a concavo-convex structure in which stripe-shaped ridges and grooves extending in the longitudinal direction are alternately arranged in the width direction, and the surface sheet is joined to the adjacent lower sheet at the grooves. Therefore, air flows in the longitudinal direction along the concave portions, and stuffiness is less likely to occur. The raised strip portion of the top sheet has a hollow structure between the raised strip portion and the bottom sheet, and the fiber density in the side region is lower than that in the top portion. Therefore, air flows in the width direction through the side regions of the raised strips, and stuffiness is less likely to occur.

Documents of the prior art

Patent literature

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2016-77888

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, in the absorbent article of patent document 1, the lower sheet is disposed between the top sheet and the absorbent body. Thus, there is the possibility that: the excrement is left in the hollow portion between the convex portion of the top sheet and the bottom sheet, and is difficult to be guided to the absorbent body, and stuffiness is not improved. In addition, in patent document 1, the height of the convex portion is high, and the inclination of the side region is steep, so the restoring force of the convex portion is weak. Thus, there is the possibility that: the convex part cannot recover after the convex part is deformed by applying the body pressure of the wearer, and the stuffiness is not improved.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to improve stuffiness in a wearing state of an absorbent article having a convex portion protruding toward the skin.

Means for solving the problems

A main aspect for achieving the above object is an absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that are orthogonal to each other, the absorbent article including: an absorbent body; and a skin side sheet disposed on the skin side of the absorbent body in the thickness direction, wherein the absorbent article has a plurality of linear compressed portions formed so as to compress the skin side sheet in the thickness direction, wherein a convex portion formed by protruding the skin side sheet toward the skin side in the thickness direction is formed in an inner region surrounded by the plurality of linear compressed portions, and wherein a gap portion is formed between a non-skin side surface of the skin side sheet and the absorbent body in the convex portion, and wherein a maximum length of the gap portion in the thickness direction is smaller than a maximum thickness of the skin side sheet in the inner region.

Other features of the present invention will be apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

According to the present invention, the stuffiness of the absorbent article in the wearing state can be improved in the absorbent article having the convex portion protruding toward the skin.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a sanitary napkin 1 viewed from the skin side.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the sanitary napkin 1 viewed from the non-skin side.

Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the sanitary napkin 1.

Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of the front sheet 2 and the intermediate sheet 3.

Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the topsheet 2, the intermediate sheet 3, and the absorbent body 10.

Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a method of forming the linear compressed portions Es and the convex portions 20.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the distribution of the fiber density of the front sheet 2 and the intermediate sheet 3.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a modification of the linear compression section Es.

Fig. 9A and 9B are views for explaining modifications of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3.

Fig. 10A and 10B are views for explaining modifications of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3.

Description of the reference numerals

1: a sanitary napkin (an absorbent article),

2: surface sheet (skin side sheet), 3: an intermediate sheet (skin side sheet),

4: backsheet, 5: the wing piece is provided with a plurality of wing pieces,

6: a side panel which is provided with a plurality of side plates,

8: central bonding portion, 9: a wing-bonding portion, wherein the wing-bonding portion,

10: absorbent body, 11: absorbent core, 12: the core is a cladding layer of a material,

20: projection, 201: top, 202: the adjacent part is provided with a plurality of adjacent parts,

21: void portion, 22: the small convex part is a small convex part,

41: roller, 42: roller, 43: the roll(s) are (are) rolled,

51: roller, 52: the roll(s) are (are) rolled,

es: linear constriction, Et: a point-shaped compression part, wherein,

eb: body compression portion, H: a hole portion formed in the upper surface of the body,

h: high density portion, M: middle density section, L: a low density portion.

Detailed Description

At least the following matters will be apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

An absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that are orthogonal to each other, the absorbent article comprising: an absorbent body; and a skin side sheet disposed on a skin side of the absorbent body in the thickness direction, wherein the absorbent article includes a plurality of linear compressed portions formed to compress the skin side sheet in the thickness direction, wherein a convex portion formed by protruding the skin side sheet to a skin side in the thickness direction is formed in an inner region surrounded by the plurality of linear compressed portions, and wherein a gap portion is formed between a non-skin side surface of the skin side sheet and the absorbent body in the convex portion, and wherein a maximum length of the gap portion in the thickness direction is equal to or less than a maximum thickness of the skin side sheet in the inner region.

According to such an absorbent article, the stuffiness in the wearing state is improved so that the concave portions between the convex portions serve as ventilation paths for moist air. When the convex portions are deformed by the body pressure of the wearer, the linear compressed portions resist the movement of the fibers, and the shape of the convex portions is easily maintained (the restoring force is high). In addition, since the convex portion is relatively low and the inclination is gentle, the shape of the convex portion is easily maintained (the restoring force is high). Therefore, the air permeability is maintained and the stuffiness is improved.

In the absorbent article, a plurality of the inner regions and the plurality of the protrusions are provided.

According to such an absorbent article, stuffiness is improved over a wide range of absorbent articles.

In the absorbent article, the top of the convex portion has a high-density portion, and the fiber density of the skin-side sheet is higher in the high-density portion than in an adjacent portion adjacent to the top.

According to such an absorbent article, the shape of the convex portion is easily maintained by the high-density portion, breathability is maintained, and stuffiness is improved.

In the absorbent article, the high-density portion is characterized in that the skin side sheet has a higher fiber density at a portion on the non-skin side surface side of the skin side sheet than at a portion on the skin side surface side of the skin side sheet.

According to such an absorbent article, the shape of the convex portions (void portions) can be easily maintained by the high-density portions on the non-skin side surface side. On the other hand, the skin-side surface can be made soft, and the feel to the skin of the wearer can be improved.

In the absorbent article, the skin-side sheet includes a top sheet and an intermediate sheet disposed on the non-skin side of the top sheet in the thickness direction, the top sheet includes non-heat-fusible fibers at 50 mass% or more with respect to the entire mass of the top sheet, and the intermediate sheet includes heat-fusible fibers at 50 mass% or more with respect to the entire mass of the intermediate sheet.

According to such an absorbent article, the fiber density of the portion (intermediate sheet) other than the skin side surface side can be made higher than the portion (topsheet) on the skin side surface side.

In the absorbent article, the top portion has low-density portions on both sides in one of the longitudinal direction and the width direction, the low-density portions having a lower fiber density of the skin side sheet than the high-density portions of the top portion, and the top portion has medium-density portions on both sides in the other of the longitudinal direction and the width direction, the medium-density portions having a lower fiber density of the skin side sheet than the high-density portions of the top portion and a higher fiber density of the skin side sheet than the low-density portions.

According to such an absorbent article, by disposing the portions having different fiber densities in the inner region, it is possible to draw in excrement to the inside in the thickness direction at the portion having a high fiber density, and to suppress the excrement from spreading on the surface at the portion having a low fiber density.

In the absorbent article, a plurality of rows of the convex portions arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction are arranged in the width direction, and the rows of the convex portions adjacent in the width direction are arranged with a gap in the longitudinal direction.

According to such an absorbent article, since the portions having different fiber densities are arranged in a dispersed manner in the longitudinal direction and the width direction, it is possible to draw in excrement to the inside in the thickness direction and suppress the diffusion of excrement on the surface, regardless of the positions in the longitudinal direction and the width direction.

In the absorbent article, the fiber density of the skin side sheet is lower in the center portion of the top portion than in the high-density portion of the top portion.

According to such an absorbent article, the portion that is most closely contacted with the wearer can be made soft, and the feel to the skin of the wearer can be improved.

In the absorbent article, the linear compressed portions are arranged so as to be separated from each other.

According to such an absorbent article, when the convex portion deforms under the body pressure of the wearer, moist air in the void portion easily moves to the adjacent inner region through between the linear compressed portions, so that the air permeability is improved, and the stuffiness in the worn state is improved.

In the absorbent article, the skin-side surface of the skin-side sheet in the inner region has a plurality of small protrusions smaller than the protrusions.

According to such an absorbent article, the concave portions between the small convex portions serve as ventilation paths for moist air, and stuffiness in a wearing state is improved.

In the absorbent article, the skin-side sheet has a topsheet and an intermediate sheet disposed at a position closer to the non-skin side than the topsheet in the thickness direction, the absorbent body has an absorbent core and a core wrap wrapping the absorbent core, and the intermediate sheet has a water retention property lower than that of the topsheet and that of the core wrap.

According to such an absorbent article, the excrement is easily moved from the intermediate sheet to the core layer (absorbent body), the intermediate sheet is less likely to be softened by the excrement, and the shape of the convex portion (void portion) is easily maintained.

In the absorbent article, the linear compressed portions intersect the longitudinal direction and the width direction, respectively.

According to such an absorbent article, the distance over which the excrement flows along the linear compressed portion can be made relatively long, and leakage in the width direction and the longitudinal direction can be suppressed.

In the absorbent article, the linear compressed portion is curved.

According to such an absorbent article, when the convex portions are deformed and the fibers of the skin side sheet are blocked by the linear compressed portions, the force of compressing the fibers is dispersed, and the shape of the convex portions is easily maintained.

In the absorbent article, a plurality of dot compressed parts formed by compressing the skin side sheet in dots in the thickness direction are linearly arranged in the linear compressed part.

According to such an absorbent article, the point-like compressed parts serve as ventilation paths for moist air, and stuffiness in the worn state is improved.

Embodiments and embodiments are described in detail below

Hereinafter, as an absorbent article of the present invention, an embodiment will be described by taking a sanitary napkin as an example. The absorbent article is not limited to sanitary napkins, but may be absorbent articles such as pantiliners, incontinence pads, sanitary pants, disposable diapers, and absorbent pads.

< basic Structure of sanitary napkin 1 >)

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a sanitary napkin 1 (hereinafter referred to as "sanitary napkin") viewed from the skin side. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the sanitary napkin 1 viewed from the non-skin side. Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the sanitary napkin 1.

The sanitary napkin 1 has a longitudinal direction, a width direction and a thickness direction which are orthogonal to each other. In the longitudinal direction of the sanitary napkin 1, the side that contacts the lower abdomen of the user is referred to as the "front side", and the side that contacts the buttocks of the user is referred to as the "rear side". In the thickness direction of the sanitary napkin 1, the side in contact with the skin of the wearer is referred to as the "skin side", and the opposite side is referred to as the "non-skin side". The sanitary napkin 1 has a pair of wing portions 1W extending from the central portion in the longitudinal direction to both outer sides in the width direction.

The sanitary napkin 1 has a front sheet 2, an intermediate sheet 3, an absorbent body 10, a back sheet 4, flaps 5, and side sheets 6 in the center in the width direction. The topsheet 2, the intermediate sheet 3, the absorbent body 10, and the backsheet 4 are stacked in this order from the skin side in the thickness direction, and the side sheet 6 is disposed from the end in the width direction of the skin side surface of the topsheet 2 to the end in the width direction of the non-skin side surface of the absorbent body 10. That is, the side sheets 6 are arranged to sandwich the

respective members

2, 3, 10 in the thickness direction. The topsheet 2, the intermediate sheet 3, the absorbent body 10, the backsheet 4, the flaps 5, and the side sheet 6 are bonded and fixed to each other by an adhesive (not shown) such as a hot melt adhesive.

The front sheet 2 is a liquid-permeable sheet member, and a cotton sheet can be exemplified. The sheet member is not limited to one formed of 100% cotton, and may be a mixed sheet of cotton and a hot-air non-woven fabric. By using cotton as the natural fiber for the top sheet 2, irritation to the skin of the wearer can be reduced, and the fear of causing itching, redness, etc. of the skin of the wearer can be reduced. Visually, the surface sheet 2 is also soft and has an impression that it looks soft due to the cotton sheet, and the feeling of high quality is improved.

The intermediate sheet 3 is a liquid-permeable sheet member, and examples thereof include a hot-air nonwoven fabric and a spunbond nonwoven fabric. The flap 5 and the side sheet 6 are each a hydrophobic sheet member, and examples thereof include a hot air nonwoven fabric and a spunbond nonwoven fabric. The back sheet 4 is a liquid-impermeable sheet member, and a Polyethylene (PE) resin film or the like can be exemplified. The backsheet 4 has a planar dimension larger than that of the absorbent body 10 and covers the entire planar dimension of the absorbent body 10.

The wing sections 1W are formed by portions of both the flaps 5 and the back sheet 4 protruding outward from both side sections in the width direction of the topsheet 2 and the like, at positions on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 10.

The absorbent body 10 is a member for absorbing excrement and holding it therein. As shown in fig. 3, the absorbent body 10 has an absorbent core 11 and a core wrap 12 wrapping the absorbent core 11. The absorbent core 11 is formed by adding a super absorbent polymer (so-called SAP) or the like as liquid absorbent particulate matter to pulp fibers, cellulose absorbent fibers or the like as liquid absorbent fibers and molding the mixture into a predetermined shape. The core wrap layer 12 is a liquid-permeable sheet, and can be exemplified by tissue paper or the like.

A center adhesive portion 8 formed by applying an adhesive or the like is provided on the non-skin side surface of the sanitary napkin 1 (that is, the non-skin side surface of the backsheet 4). In fig. 2, 11 rectangular central bonded portions 8 having long sides in the longitudinal direction are arranged at intervals in the width direction in the central bonded portion 8, but the shape, number, and arrangement of the central bonded portions 8 are not limited thereto. The sanitary napkin 1 is fixed to underwear or the like by attaching the central adhesive portion 8 to the skin-side surface of the underwear or the like when the sanitary napkin 1 is used.

Similarly, a flap adhesive portion 9 is provided on the non-skin side surface (non-skin side surface of the base sheet 4) in the thickness direction of each flap portion 1W. In fig. 2, 4 rectangular flap adhesive portions 9 having long sides in the longitudinal direction are arranged at intervals in the width direction, but the shape, number, and arrangement of the flap adhesive portions 9 are not limited thereto. When the sanitary napkin 1 is used, the flap portions 1W are folded toward the non-skin side, and the flap adhesive portions 9 are adhered to the non-skin side surface of underwear or the like. Thereby, the wing section 1W is fixed to underwear or the like.

The sanitary napkin 1 further includes a plurality of linear compressed portions Es, a plurality of main-body compressed portions Eb, and a plurality of holes H. The linear compressed parts Es are arranged substantially over the entire region where the front sheet 2 and the intermediate sheet 3 overlap. As shown in fig. 3, the linear compressed portion Es is a single linear compressed portion formed by subjecting the surface sheet 2 and the intermediate sheet 3 to compression processing from the thickness direction. Specifically, the compression portion has two ends, one end and the other end, and has a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction and the width direction. With the compression, the fiber density of the surface sheet 2 and the fiber density of the intermediate sheet 3 are respectively higher than those of the portions not subjected to the compression.

The body compression portion Eb has a shape surrounding a region that is considered to be in contact with the vaginal opening of the wearer in the worn state. The main body compressed part Eb is a compressed part formed into a desired shape by applying compression processing (partially or entirely) to the top sheet 2, the middle sheet 3, and the absorbent body 10 from the thickness direction. By the compression, the fiber density of the surface sheet 2, the fiber density of the intermediate sheet 3, and the fiber density of the absorbent body 10 are respectively greater than the fiber density of the uncompressed portion.

The plurality of holes H are arranged substantially in a staggered manner in the center portion in the longitudinal direction and the center portion in the width direction of the sanitary napkin 1. The hole H is formed by piercing a pin or the like into the absorbent body 10 from the skin side. The depth of the hole H may be set to extend from the skin side through the topsheet 2 and the intermediate sheet 3 to the absorbent body 10.

When a sheet made of cotton having high liquid absorbency and high moisture retention is used as the topsheet 2, the excrement may diffuse in the layer of the topsheet 2, and the excrement may hardly reach the intermediate sheet 3 or the absorbent body 10. Therefore, by providing the linear compressed parts Es in the sanitary napkin 1, the fiber density of the topsheet 2 and the intermediate sheet 3 becomes higher, and the excrement is easily absorbed in the linear compressed parts Es by the capillary phenomenon. That is, since the linear compressed parts Es easily retain the excrement received in the topsheet 2, the linear compressed parts Es can suppress the excrement from continuously spreading along the surface of the layer of the topsheet 2. This can prevent leakage of excrement from the sanitary napkin 1 or continuous contact of excrement with the skin of the wearer.

When the linear compression sections Es suppress the diffusion of the excrement, the amount of excrement per unit area increases in the vicinity of the portions where the linear compression sections Es are provided. Therefore, by providing the holes H in the sanitary napkin 1, the excrement that increases near the linear compressed portions Es can be caused to fall into the holes H. This allows the absorbent body 10 to absorb the excrement entering the holes H before the excrement spreads over a wide range over the top sheet 2 and the middle sheet 3.

In the body compressed part Eb as well, similarly to the linear compressed part Es, it is easy to retain the excrement received by the surface sheet 2 by the body compressed part Eb and to guide it to the absorbent body 10. Therefore, the continuous diffusion of excrement in the layer of the topsheet 2 can be suppressed. The sanitary napkin 1 shown in fig. 1 is an example, and the sanitary napkin 1 may not have the hole portions 10 and the main body compressed portions Eb.

< regarding skin side sheet >

Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of the front sheet 2 and the intermediate sheet 3. Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the topsheet 2, the intermediate sheet 3, and the absorbent body 10. Fig. 6 is an explanatory view of a method of forming the linear compressed parts Es and the convex parts 20. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the distribution of the fiber density of the surface sheet 2 and the intermediate sheet 3. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a modification of the linear compression section Es. In the following description, the topsheet 2 and the intermediate sheet 3 arranged closer to the skin side than the absorbent body 10 in the thickness direction will also be referred to as "skin side sheets".

The sanitary napkin 1 has a plurality of linear compressed sections Es formed so as to compress the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 in the thickness direction. As shown in fig. 4 and 5, in the inner region U surrounded by the plurality of linear compressed portions Es, a convex portion 20 is formed by projecting the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 toward the skin side in the thickness direction. The convex portion 20 protrudes toward the skin side from both the skin-side surface 20a and the non-skin-side surface 20b of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3, and a gap 21 is formed between the non-skin-side surface 20b of the skin side sheets 2 and 3 (i.e., the non-skin-side surface of the intermediate sheet 3) and the absorbent body 10.

As described above, by providing the protrusions 20 on the sanitary napkin 1 and forming the skin-side surface of the sanitary napkin 1 into the uneven shape, the protrusions 20 on the skin-side surface of the sanitary napkin 1 come into contact with the wearer, and a space is formed between the wearer and the recesses between the protrusions 20. This space serves as a ventilation path for moist air, and the ventilation is improved, thereby improving the stuffiness of the sanitary napkin 1 when worn.

In the sanitary napkin 1 of the present embodiment, the linear compressed portions Es are disposed over substantially the entire region of the region where the front sheet 2 and the intermediate sheet 3 overlap, and the sanitary napkin 1 is provided with a plurality of inner regions U and protrusions 20. Therefore, the stuffiness can be improved over a wide range of the sanitary napkin 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one or more inner regions U and protrusions 20 may be provided in part of the sanitary napkin 1.

Further, by forming the skin-side surface of the sanitary napkin 1 into a concave-convex shape, the sanitary napkin 1 also visually gives an impression that it looks soft, and the user can be given an impression that the sanitary napkin 1 is a good product with a high-quality feeling. In particular, in the sanitary napkin 1 of the present embodiment, since each of the central portions of the plurality of inner regions U has a convex shape protruding toward the skin side, the skin side surface of the sanitary napkin 1 looks like a convex pattern. This makes it easier for the user to feel the soft sanitary napkin 1. Further, since the skin side surface of the sanitary napkin 1 is formed into the uneven shape, the contact area between the sanitary napkin 1 and the wearer is reduced, and thus irritation to the skin of the wearer can be reduced.

In the sanitary napkin 1, the intermediate sheet 3 also has a concave-convex shape together with the topsheet 2, and a gap 21 is formed between the non-skin side surface 20b of the

skin side sheet

2 or 3 and the absorbent body 10. Therefore, compared to the case where a void portion is formed between the topsheet 2 and the intermediate sheet 3, for example, it is difficult for excrement to remain between the topsheet 2 and the intermediate sheet 3, and the excrement is easily absorbed into the absorbent body 10. Therefore, moisture in the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 can be reduced, and stuffiness in the worn state of the sanitary napkin 1 can be improved.

Further, the void 21 is formed inside the convex portion 20, so that when the convex portion 20 is deformed by the body pressure of the wearer, the moist air in the void 21 is easily released to the outside. From this point of view, it can be said that the stuffiness in the worn state of the sanitary napkin 1 can be improved.

The convex portion 20 is surrounded by the plurality of linear compressed portions Es. Therefore, when the convex portions 20 are deformed by the body pressure of the wearer, the linear compressed portions Es can inhibit the movement of the fibers, and the convex portions 20 can be prevented from being crushed and difficult to recover (flattening of the convex portions 20). That is, after the convex portion 20 is deformed by the body pressure of the wearer, the convex portion 20 is also easily restored. This allows the projections 20 to follow the movement of the wearer, and the shape of the projections 20 is maintained in the worn state of the sanitary napkin 1, thereby maintaining breathability.

In the sanitary napkin 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 5, the maximum length h2 of the void 21 in the thickness direction of the sanitary napkin 1 (i.e., the maximum height h2 from the non-skin side surface 20b of the

skin side sheet

2, 3 to the skin side surface 10a of the absorbent body 10) is equal to or less than the maximum thickness h1 of the

skin side sheet

2, 3 in the inner region U (h2 ≦ h 1).

That is, the height of the convex portion 20 and the gap portion 21 is relatively low, and the inclination of the convex portion 20 becomes gentle. Therefore, the restoring force of the convex portion 20 is high, and the convex portion 20 is easily restored after the convex portion 20 is deformed by the body pressure of the wearer. This allows the projections 20 to follow the movement of the wearer, and the shape of the projections 20 can be maintained in the worn state of the sanitary napkin 1, thereby maintaining breathability. Therefore, the stuffiness of the sanitary napkin 1 when worn can be improved.

In other words, by not making the convex portions 20 excessively high, the restoring force of the convex portions 20 can be increased even when the elastic force (rigidity) of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 is weak. Therefore, the shape of the convex portion 20 can be maintained while the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 are soft to the touch.

In the present embodiment, the intermediate sheet 3 is disposed between the topsheet 2 and the absorbent body 10, but the sanitary napkin 1 may be provided without the intermediate sheet 3. In this case, a void 21 is formed between the non-skin side of the topsheet 2 and the absorbent member 10. The absorber 10 may not have the core/clad layer 12. In this case, a gap 21 is formed between the non-skin side surfaces of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 and the absorbent core 11.

The linear compressed portions Es of the present embodiment are configured to compress only the

skin side sheets

2 and 3, but are not limited thereto, and may compress (partially or entirely) the absorbent body 10. In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 4, the convex portion 20 is surrounded by four linear compressed portions Es, and the inner region U has a square shape, but the number of linear compressed portions Es surrounding the convex portion 20 and the shape of the inner region U are not limited thereto.

The maximum length h2 of the gap 21 in the thickness direction may be compared with the maximum thickness h1 of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 by a known method. For example, the following methods can be exemplified: the comparison is performed visually or the like based on an image obtained by enlarging a cross section obtained by cutting the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 and the absorbent body 10 in the thickness direction as shown in fig. 5 with an electron microscope or the like.

Further, a device for measuring the length (thickness) (laser displacement meter, dial thickness meter, etc.) may be used, for example, at 3.0gf/cm with respect to the subject portion ² Pressurization was performed, actually measured and compared. For example, when a null is to be acquiredIn the case of the maximum length h2 of the slit 21, the length from the skin-side surface 20a of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 to the non-skin-side surface of the absorbent body 10 at the apex of the convex portion 20, the thickness of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3, and the thickness of the absorbent body 10 may be measured, and the thickness of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 and the thickness of the absorbent body 10 may be subtracted from the length from the skin-side surface 20a of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 to the non-skin-side surface of the absorbent body 10.

In fig. 5, the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 are separated from the absorbent body 10 in a part of the center of the inner region U, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 may be separated from the absorbent body 10 in the entire inner region U. In this case, the maximum thickness h1 of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 may be the thickness of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 in the thickness direction of the sanitary napkin 1, or the thickness of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3, and at least one of the thicknesses h1 may be equal to or greater than the maximum length h2 of the void portion 21.

As shown in fig. 4, it is preferable that the plurality of linear compressed portions Es surrounding the convex portion 20 (inner region U) are arranged at a distance from each other. That is, it is preferable that the linear compressed portions Es surrounding the convex portion 20 do not have an intersection therebetween, and the linear compressed portions Es and the non-compressed portions N not having the compressed portions are provided around the convex portion 20.

By doing so, when the convex portion 20 is deformed by the body pressure of the wearer, the moist air in the void portion 21 easily moves to the adjacent inner region U through the non-compressed portion N between the linear compressed portions Es. As a result, the moist air in the gap 21 moves sequentially to the inner regions U aligned in the width direction and the longitudinal direction, and is discharged to the outside of the sanitary napkin 1. This can further improve the stuffiness of the sanitary napkin 1 when worn.

However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and a plurality of linear compressed portions Es surrounding the convex portion 20 may be continuous as shown in fig. 8. In fig. 4, the plurality of (four) linear compressed portions Es surrounding the convex portion 20 are all separated, but some of the linear compressed portions Es may be separated and the other linear compressed portions Es may be continuous.

The

skin side sheets

2 and 3 as described above can be manufactured using a pair of rollers 41 and 42, a part of which is shown in fig. 6, for example. The pair of rollers 41 and 42 rotate in the CD direction orthogonal to the material conveyance direction (MD direction) as the axial direction. Of the pair of rollers 41 and 42, the roller 41 on the front sheet 2 side (skin side) has a projection 41A for forming the linear compressed portion Es, and the roller 42 on the middle sheet 3 side (non-skin side) has a projection 42A for forming the convex portion 20. The surface sheet 2 and the intermediate sheet 3 joined by the adhesive are continuously conveyed in the MD direction while passing between the pair of rollers 41 and 42. By doing so, the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 in which the linear compressed parts Es and the convex parts 20 are formed are manufactured. Incidentally, the sanitary napkin 1 is manufactured by joining the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 to overlap the skin side surface 10a of the absorbent body 10.

In this manner, the protruding portions 42A of the roller 42 compress the fibers of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 to produce the protruding portions 20. Therefore, as shown in fig. 5, the top portion 201 of the convex portion 20 has a high-density portion H (fiber compressed portion), and the fiber density of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 is higher in the high-density portion H (fiber compressed portion) than in the adjacent portion 202 adjacent to the top portion 201. The top 201 of the convex portion 20 has the high density portion H, so that the shape of the convex portion 20 is easily maintained. This can maintain the air permeability even when the sanitary napkin 1 is worn, and improve the stuffiness.

The fiber density of the top portion 201 (high-density portion H) and the fiber density of the adjacent portion 202 may be compared by a known method. For example, the cross-section obtained by cutting the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 in the thickness direction is observed under magnification with the midpoint of each

portion

201 and 202 in the thickness direction as the center of observation using a scanning electron microscope (for example, "Real Surface View microscope VE-7800" manufactured by KEYENCE corporation) (that is, the cross-section of the fiber can be observed at a magnification of about 20 to 70, usually 20 to 100, in the present example 100). Next, the number of cut sections per a predetermined area of the fiber was counted. Converting the counted number of cut sections into a number per 1mm ² The number of cut sections of the fiber (2) is set to a fiber density (root/mm) ² ). The fiber density was measured at three points, and the average value was defined as the fiber density of each portion. Description of the related ArtThe same applies to the comparison of the fiber densities of the respective portions of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3.

As shown in fig. 5, in the high-density portions H of the projections 20, the fiber density of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 is preferably higher in the non-skin side surface 20b side portions of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 than in the skin side surface 20a side portions of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3. As in the present embodiment, when the skin-side sheet includes the front sheet 2 and the intermediate sheet 3, the fiber density of the intermediate sheet 3 is preferably higher than the fiber density of the front sheet 2 in the high-density portions H of the projections 20.

The portion on the non-skin-side surface 20b side has a high fiber density and a high stiffness, and the shape of the void portion 21 (convex portion 20) is easily maintained. This can maintain the air permeability even when the sanitary napkin 1 is worn, and improve the stuffiness. On the other hand, since the portion on the skin side surface 20a side contacts the wearer, the sanitary napkin 1 can be made soft by suppressing the fiber density, and can provide a good feel to the skin of the wearer.

In order to produce the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 having such a relationship of fiber density, it is preferable that the convex portions 20 are formed by pressing the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 from the non-skin side of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 by the protruding portions 42A as shown in fig. 6.

In the case where the skin-side sheet includes the top sheet 2 and the intermediate sheet 3, the following is preferable. That is, it is preferable that the surface sheet 2 contains the non-heat-fusible fiber in an amount of 50 mass% or more with respect to the entire mass of the surface sheet 2, and the intermediate sheet 3 contains the heat-fusible fiber in an amount of 50 mass% or more with respect to the entire mass of the intermediate sheet 3.

By doing so, when the convex portions 20 are formed while heating the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 by heating the protruding portions 42A or the like, the non-heat-fusible fibers mainly forming the top sheet 2 are less likely to melt and less likely to be dense. Therefore, the fiber density of the surface sheet 2 can be suppressed at the convex portions 20, and the surface sheet can be made soft. On the other hand, the heat-fusible fibers mainly forming the intermediate sheet 3 are easily melted and easily densified. Therefore, the fiber density of the intermediate sheet 3 can be increased at the convex portions 20, and the shape of the void portions 21 (convex portions 20) can be easily maintained.

Examples of the non-heat-fusible fibers include natural fibers such as cotton fibers, silk fibers, and pulp fibers. Examples of the heat-fusible fiber include synthetic fibers such as polyester fibers and polypropylene fibers.

The proportion of the fibers in each sheet may be determined by a known method. For example, the measurement can be performed by applying the fiber mixing ratio test of JIS L1032-2. For example, in the case of a sheet formed of cotton fibers (non-heat-fusible fibers) and synthetic fibers (heat-fusible fibers), the proportion of the cotton fibers can be confirmed by a dissolution method in which the cotton fibers are dissolved using sulfuric acid at a concentration of 70%. In addition, the confirmation can be performed by microscopy.

As shown in fig. 7, it is preferable that low-density portions L are provided on both sides of the top portion 201 in the width direction of the sanitary napkin 1, the low-density portions L have a lower fiber density of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 than the high-density portions H of the top portion 201, and that medium-density portions M are provided on both sides of the top portion 201 in the longitudinal direction of the sanitary napkin 1, the medium-density portions M having a lower fiber density of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 than the high-density portions H of the top portion 201 and a higher fiber density of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 than the low-density portions L.

At the portions where the fiber density is high, the excrement is absorbed into the inside (the absorbent body 10) in the thickness direction by the capillary phenomenon, and the excrement is easily spread on the surfaces of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3. On the other hand, in the portions having a low fiber density, the diffusion rate on the surface of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 can be suppressed. Therefore, by disposing the sites H, M, L having different fiber densities in the inner region U, excrement can be drawn into the inside in the thickness direction, and spreading on the surface can be suppressed. This can prevent leakage of excrement from the sanitary napkin 1.

As shown in fig. 7, it is preferable that the convex portions 20 (high-density portions H) are arranged in a staggered manner. The staggered arrangement of the projections 20 means that a plurality of rows of projections 20 (for example, L1 to L3) arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction are arranged in the width direction, and rows of projections adjacent in the width direction (for example, L1 and L2, L2 and L3) are arranged at a gap in the longitudinal direction.

In contrast, for example, as shown in fig. 8, when the positions of the projections 20 in the longitudinal direction and the width direction are aligned, the medium-density portions M of the adjacent inner regions U are aligned, or the low-density portions L of the adjacent inner regions U are aligned.

In contrast, as shown in fig. 7, when the convex portions 20 are arranged in a staggered manner, the low-density portions L of the adjacent inner region U are provided in the vicinity of the middle-density portion M of one inner region U, and the like, and the density portions H, M, L are dispersed in the longitudinal direction and the width direction. Therefore, regardless of the positions in the longitudinal direction and the width direction, the excrement can be taken into the inside in the thickness direction at the portion where the fiber density is high, and the diffusion on the surface of the excrement can be suppressed at the portion where the fiber density is low.

In the case of producing the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 by the pair of rollers 41 and 42 shown in fig. 6, the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 are stretched in the CD direction when the convex portions 20 are formed. Therefore, the low-density portions L are formed on both sides of the high-density portion H of the convex portion 20 in the CD direction, and the medium-density portions M are formed on both sides of the high-density portion H of the convex portion 20 in the MD direction (conveying direction). Thus, when the CD direction in the manufacture of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 coincides with the width direction of the sanitary napkin 1, as shown in fig. 7, the low-density portions L are provided on both sides of the high-density portion H in the width direction of the sanitary napkin 1. However, conversely, the MD direction in the production of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 may be aligned with the longitudinal direction of the sanitary napkin 1. In this case, the low-density portions L are provided on both sides of the high-density portion H in the longitudinal direction of the sanitary napkin 1, and the medium-density portions M are provided on both sides of the high-density portion H in the width direction of the sanitary napkin 1.

In addition, when the skin side sheet has the front sheet 2 and the intermediate sheet 3, the water retentivity (liquid retentivity) of the intermediate sheet 3 is preferably lower than the water retentivity of the front sheet 2 and the water retentivity of the core wrap 12.

By doing so, after the excrement moves to the intermediate sheet 3, the excrement easily moves to the core wrap 12 (absorbent body 10), and the excrement is hard to remain in the intermediate sheet 3. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the void 21 (the convex portion 20) from being easily deformed by the intermediate sheet 3 becoming soft by the excrement. This makes it easy to maintain the shape of the convex portion 20, and also to maintain breathability and improve stuffiness in the worn state of the sanitary napkin 1.

The water retentivity of each

sheet

2, 3, 12 may be compared by a known method. For example, samples obtained by cutting out the

respective sheets

2, 3, and 12 in a predetermined size are prepared, and the weight of each sample is measured. Then, each sample is placed on a wire mesh, and soaked in a tray in which a liquid (e.g., artificial menstrual blood) is placed for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 minutes). Thereafter, the samples are lifted up together with the wire mesh, and the liquid of each sample is gently removed and left to stand for a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes). The weight of each sample at this time was measured, and the weight of each sample measured initially was subtracted therefrom to calculate the water retention of each sample. Thereafter, a weight (e.g., 840 grams) is placed on top of each sample and left for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 minutes). The weight of each sample at this time was measured, and the water retention of each sample was calculated by subtracting the weight of each sample measured initially. The difference between the water retentions of the samples before and after the weight was placed was calculated, and the larger the difference, the lower the water retentivity can be said to be.

As shown in fig. 4, the linear compression sections Es are preferably arranged in an inclined shape intersecting the longitudinal direction and the width direction, respectively. In the linear compressed parts Es, the fiber density is high, and thus the excrement is easily diffused along the linear compressed parts Es by the capillary phenomenon. Therefore, compared to the case where the linear compressed parts Es extend in the longitudinal direction and the width direction and the excrement is diffused linearly as shown in fig. 8, when the linear compressed parts Es have an inclined shape and the excrement is diffused obliquely, the diffusion distance of the excrement is longer. This makes it difficult for excrement to reach the edge of the sanitary napkin 1, and leakage of excrement from the sanitary napkin 1 can be suppressed.

As shown in fig. 4, the linear compression part Es is preferably a curved line. As described above, when the convex portion 20 is deformed by the body pressure of the wearer, the linear compressed portions Es block the movement of the fibers. Therefore, in the case of a curve, the force of compressing the fibers is easily dispersed when the convex portions 20 are deformed, and the convex portions 20 are suppressed from being crushed and hardly restored (flattening of the convex portions 20) as compared with the case where the linear compressed portions Es are straight. This makes it easy to maintain the shape of the convex portion 20, and also to maintain breathability and improve stuffiness in the worn state of the sanitary napkin 1.

In addition, when the linear compressed portions Es are curved, the linear compressed portions Es are less likely to become starting points of bending of the sanitary napkin 1, as compared with the case where the linear compressed portions Es are straight. This can prevent a gap from being generated between the sanitary napkin 1 and the wearer due to the bending of the sanitary napkin 1.

The linear compression part Es may extend in the longitudinal direction and the width direction, or may be a straight line. The linear compression part Es illustrated in fig. 4 has a curved portion protruding toward one side and a curved portion protruding toward the other side in the direction perpendicular to the linear compression part Es, and has a meandering shape.

As shown in fig. 4, it is preferable that a plurality of dot-shaped compressed parts Et formed so as to compress the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 in a dot shape in the thickness direction are linearly arranged in the linear compressed parts Es. By doing so, the dot-shaped compressed parts Et become paths for allowing moist air to pass through the linear compressed parts Es, the air permeability is improved, and the stuffiness of the sanitary napkin 1 when worn can be improved. Further, since the portions of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 which become hard by compression can be made small, the sanitary napkin 1 can be made to have a good feel to the skin of the wearer. However, the linear compression part Es is not limited to the above, and may be a groove-shaped compression part that is linearly continuous.

< modification of skin side sheet >)

Fig. 9A and 9B are views for explaining modifications of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3. Fig. 9A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the convex portion 20, and fig. 9B shows a part of the pair of rollers 41 and 43 for forming the

skin side sheets

2 and 3.

As shown in fig. 9A, the fiber density of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 may be lower in the central portion 201A of the top portion 201 than in the high-density portion H of the top portion 201 (specifically, the periphery of the central portion 201A) of the convex portion 20 of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3.

By doing so, the central portion 201A of the top portion 201 that is closest to the wearer can be made soft, and the sanitary napkin 1 can be made to feel good to the skin of the wearer.

Such

skin side sheets

2 and 3 can be manufactured by using, for example, a pair of rollers 41 and 43 shown in fig. 9B. Of the pair of rollers 41, 43, one roller 41 has a projection 41A for forming the linear compressed portion Es, and the other roller 43 has a projection 43A for forming the convex portion 20. Further, the center portion of the projection 43A of the other roller 43 has a recess 43B. Therefore, when the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 are pressed from the non-skin side to form the convex portions 20, the portions of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 that abut the concave portions 43B are less likely to be compressed, and the fiber density is lower than that in the surroundings.

Fig. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a modification of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3. Fig. 10A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the skin-

side sheets

2 and 3, and fig. 10B shows a part of the pair of rollers 51 and 52 for forming the topsheet 2.

As shown in fig. 10A, in the inner region U surrounded by the fiber compressed parts Es, the skin-side surfaces of the skin-

side sheets

2 and 3 may have a plurality of small convex parts 22 having smaller irregularities than the convex parts 20. As described above, the skin side surfaces of the

skin side sheets

2 and 3 are formed into the fine concave-convex shapes, so that the concave portions between the small convex portions 22 serve as ventilation paths for moist air, thereby improving ventilation and improving stuffiness of the sanitary napkin 1 when worn. In addition, since the contact area between the sanitary napkin 1 and the wearer is reduced, irritation to the skin of the wearer can be reduced.

The

skin side sheets

2 and 3 as described above can be manufactured using, for example, a pair of rollers 51 and 52 shown in fig. 10B. The pair of rollers 51 and 52 have

protrusions

51A and 52A for forming the small convex portion 22, respectively. First, the top sheet 2 is passed between the pair of rollers 51 and 52. By doing so, small protrusions 22 are formed on the skin-side surface of the topsheet 2. The

skin side sheets

2 and 3 having the linear compressed parts Es and the convex parts 20 formed thereon are manufactured by passing the sheet obtained by joining the top sheet 2 to the intermediate sheet 3 between the pair of rollers 41 to 43 shown in fig. 6 and 9B.

In fig. 10A, the skin-side surface and the non-skin-side surface of the top sheet 2 are shaped into an uneven shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, only the skin-side surface of the front sheet 2 may be shaped into an uneven shape, or the intermediate sheet 3 may be shaped into an uneven shape together with the front sheet 2. The method of forming the irregularities is not limited to the method shown in fig. 10B, and for example, the irregularities may be formed by blowing a fluid to the fiber web when the surface sheet 2 is produced.

The shape, number, and arrangement of the small protrusions 22 can be variously changed. For example, a plurality of small protrusions 22 extending in the longitudinal direction may be arranged in the width direction, or a plurality of small protrusions 22 extending in the width direction may be arranged in the longitudinal direction. The small protrusions 22 having the same length in the longitudinal direction and the width direction (for example, the small protrusions 22 having a flat circular shape) may be arranged so as to be dispersed in the longitudinal direction and the width direction.

While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not to be interpreted in a limiting manner. It goes without saying that the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a width direction and a thickness direction which are orthogonal to each other,

the absorbent article has:

an absorbent body; and

a skin side sheet disposed on the skin side of the absorber in the thickness direction, the absorbent article being characterized in that,

has a plurality of linear compressed parts formed in a manner of compressing the skin side sheet along the thickness direction,

a convex portion formed by projecting the skin-side sheet toward the skin side in the thickness direction is formed in an inner region surrounded by the plurality of linear compressed portions,

a gap is formed between the non-skin-side surface of the skin side sheet and the absorbent body in the convex portion,

a maximum length of the void in the thickness direction is equal to or less than a maximum thickness of the skin side sheet in the inner region,

the inner area and the convex part are respectively provided with a plurality of,

the top of the convex portion has a high-density portion where the fiber density of the skin side sheet is higher than that of an adjacent portion adjacent to the top,

in the high-density portion, the fiber density of the skin side sheet is higher in a portion of the skin side sheet other than the skin side surface side than in a portion of the skin side sheet on the skin side surface side.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1,

the skin-side sheet has a front sheet and an intermediate sheet disposed on the non-skin side of the front sheet in the thickness direction,

the surface sheet contains 50 mass% or more of non-heat-fusible fibers with respect to the entire mass of the surface sheet,

the intermediate sheet contains heat-fusible fibers in an amount of 50 mass% or more based on the entire mass of the intermediate sheet.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2,

the linear compression portions are arranged in a spaced-apart manner.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2,

in the inner region, the skin-side surface of the skin-side sheet has a plurality of small protrusions smaller than the protrusions.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2,

the skin-side sheet has a front sheet and an intermediate sheet disposed on a non-skin side of the front sheet in the thickness direction,

the absorbent body has an absorbent core and a core wrap enclosing the absorbent core,

the water retention of the intermediate sheet is lower than the water retention of the surface sheet and the water retention of the core cladding.

6. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2,

the linear compressed parts intersect the longitudinal direction and the width direction, respectively.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2,

the linear compression section is a curve.

8. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2,

a plurality of dot-shaped compressed parts formed in the linear compressed part so as to compress the skin side sheet in dots in the thickness direction are arranged in a linear manner.