JP2006346143A5 - - Google Patents

Description

Absorbent articles

  The present invention relates to an absorbent article using an absorbent element having a filament aggregate obtained by opening a tow and superabsorbent polymer particles.

  Absorbent articles such as infant and adult tape-type and pants-type disposable diapers and sanitary napkins are used between the top sheet on the use side, the back sheet that prevents permeation of body fluids on the back side, and between these sheets. And an absorption element that receives and holds the excreted body fluid that has permeated through the top sheet.

  For this basic element, an exterior sheet made of, for example, non-woven fabric is provided on the back side of the back sheet, and a form that improves the touch when a plastic sheet is used as the back sheet, so-called barrier cuffs are formed on both sides of the product. In order to improve the fit around the waist and the abdomen, such as the form, a form that imparts elastic stretchability is appropriately added.

  As an absorbent element that receives and holds the body fluid that has passed through the top sheet on the use surface side, conventionally, a fiber stack of pulp staple fibers is generally used. It is also known to use superabsorbent polymer particles (hereinafter also referred to as “SAP”) to increase the amount of absorption in body fluids.

In addition to the case where the SAP is spread on the piled fiber of the short pulp fibers, there is a case where the SAP of the short pulp fibers is dispersed and held (Patent Document 1).

  On the other hand, in recent years, as shown in JP-T-2002-524399 (WO99 / 27879: Patent Document 2) and JP-T-2004-500165 (US Patent No. 6,646,180: Patent Document 3), It has been proposed to use an opened filament (continuous fiber) aggregate as an absorbent element.

  The absorbent element of JP-T-2004-500165 comprises about 50 to 95% by weight of SAP provided between the upper layer and the lower layer, and about 5 to 50% by weight of water-insoluble hydrophilic polymer such as starch and fibers. It is of a laminated structure comprising an absorbent layer, which is folded into a C-shaped cross section and a channel is formed in the center. And it discloses using a filament as a fiber of an absorption element.

  However, since the filament aggregate obtained by opening the conventional tow is poor in the ability to hold the superabsorbent polymer particles, the superabsorbent polymer particles tend to be unevenly distributed in the lower part of the absorbent element. Further, the unevenness of the SAP particle group that is unevenly distributed in the lower part of the absorbent element has a problem that it gives a crisp discomfort and lowers the value of the product.

For this reason, it has been very difficult to increase the amount of absorption by using a large amount of superabsorbent polymer particles.
JP 2004-65300 A Special Table 2002-524399 (WO99 / 27879) JP-T 2004-500165 (US Pat. No. 6,646,180)

  Therefore, the main problem of the present invention is to suppress the sly discomfort caused by the high-absorbent polymer particles on the back surface of the absorbent article that requires a high absorption amount, and to have a thickness without any discomfort.

The present invention that has solved the above problems is as follows.
<Invention of Claim 1>
Comprising an absorbent element having a filament aggregate in which the tow has been opened, superabsorbent polymer particles held in the filament aggregate, and a holding sheet provided on the back side of the filament aggregate, wherein the holding sheet is a staple And an absorbent article characterized by being a sheet formed by mixing and collecting superabsorbent polymer particles.

(Function and effect)
The superabsorbent polymer particles that cannot be held in the filament aggregate can be received by providing a retention sheet on the back side of the filament aggregate, thereby suppressing a sense of incongruity to a certain extent. However, if the amount of the superabsorbent polymer particles increases, it may be insufficient to simply provide the holding sheet.

  Therefore, in the present invention, a certain amount of superabsorbent polymer particles (for example, the amount that cannot be held in the filament aggregate) is held in advance in a holding sheet provided on the back side of the filament aggregate. Even when the amount of the superabsorbent polymer particles as a whole is increased, it is possible to suppress a crisp and uncomfortable feeling.

<Invention of Claim 2>
The staple weight obtained by dividing the total weight of staples in the holding sheet by the total area of the holding sheet is 30 to 100 g / m ² ;
The basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles obtained by dividing the total weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles in the retaining sheet by the total area of the retaining sheet is 0 to 70 g / m ² .
The absorbent article according to claim 1.

(Function and effect)
Although the holding sheet of the present invention has an absorption holding function, it is auxiliary only, and the main function is to conceal the back side of the filament assembly, so that both functions are described in a balanced manner. It is preferable to have such a material weight and use amount.

<Invention of Claim 3>
The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holding sheet has a thickness of 0.1 mm or more.

(Function and effect)
Since the thickness of the holding sheet affects the thickness of the absorbent element, and hence the thickness of the article, it is preferable that the thickness is as thin as possible.However, if the thickness is too thin, the function of the holding sheet is difficult to be exhibited. Within the stated range is preferred.

<Invention of Claim 4>
The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the holding sheet is an airlaid absorbent sheet obtained by mixing and accumulating the staples and superabsorbent polymer particles by an airlaid method.

(Function and effect)
The air array method is particularly preferable because it is dry and accumulates using air, so that a uniformly and sufficiently mixed holding sheet can be efficiently produced.

<Invention of Claim 5>
An absorbent element having a filament aggregate obtained by opening a tow and a superabsorbent polymer particle held in the filament aggregate, the filament aggregate having a network structure in which filaments are joined in a scattered manner. An absorbent article characterized by having.

(Function and effect)
On the other hand, the invention described in this section increases the particle holding power of the filament aggregate itself without depending on the holding sheet. The filament aggregate that has opened the tow has individual filaments, and the gap between the filaments is widened, or the gap is easily expanded by external force. Poor retention of particles. In view of this, the present invention is based on this finding, by joining the filaments in the form of dots to form a network structure, thereby reducing or regulating the gaps and enhancing the retention ability of the superabsorbent polymer particles. According to the present invention, since the filament aggregate itself can hold more and more strongly superabsorbent polymer particles, it is possible to suppress a jarring discomfort caused by the superabsorbent polymer particles.

<Invention of Claim 6>
The absorbent article according to claim 5, wherein the joining is performed by welding with a solvent or adhesion with an adhesive.

(Function and effect)
When a solvent or an adhesive is applied to the aggregate of filaments by spraying or the like, contact portions between the fibers are bonded or welded to each other, so that a network structure can be easily formed by a chemical method.

<Invention of Claim 7>
The absorbent article according to claim 5, wherein the joining is performed by heat fusion.

(Function and effect)
The filaments can be joined to each other by a physical heat fusion method such as heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing. Such a method can also be processed with very high efficiency.

<Invention of Claim 8>
The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a ratio of a total weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles to a filament weight in the absorbent element is 1 to 14 times.

(Function and effect)
If it is within the range described in this section, it is possible to cope with rapid and large-scale urination such as nocturnal urine. And even if it is a case where a large amount of superabsorbent polymer particles is used in this way, it is possible to suppress a sense of incongruity in the present invention.

<Invention of Claim 9>
The basis weight of the filament assembly obtained by dividing the total area of the total weight of the filament assembly of the filament assemblies in the absorption element is a 30~300g / m ^2, the total weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles in the absorbent element basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles obtained by dividing the total area of the filament assembly is 50 to 350 g / m ^2, the absorbent article according to claim 8.

(Function and effect)
If it is within the range described in this section, it is possible to cope with rapid and large-scale urination such as nocturnal urine. And even if it is a case where a large amount of superabsorbent polymer particles is used in this way, it is possible to suppress a sense of incongruity in the present invention.

<Invention of Claim 10>
When the area of the absorbent element in plan view is equally divided into three regions in the front-rear direction, the amount of the superabsorbent polymer in at least one of the front region and the rear region is larger than the amount of the superabsorbent polymer in the intermediate region. The absorbent article according to claim 8 or 9, wherein there are many absorbent articles.

(Function and effect)
Assuming use at bedtime such as nocturnal enuresis, the wearer is in a sideways state such as lying down or lying on his back, and a large amount of excreted urine is supplied to the front region or the rear region of the absorption element It becomes like this. Therefore, when increasing the use ratio of superabsorbent polymer particles in measures against nocturnal enuresis etc., as described in this section, relatively increasing the amount of superabsorbent polymer in the front region or rear region of the absorbent element This is a very preferred form. And even if it is a case where a large amount of superabsorbent polymer particles is used in this way, it is possible to suppress a sense of incongruity in the present invention.

<Invention of Claim 11>
The amount of the superabsorbent polymer in the lower layer region is larger than the amount of the superabsorbent polymer in the upper layer region when the absorbent element is equally divided into two regions in the thickness direction. Absorbent article according to item.

(Function and effect)
When a large number of superabsorbent polymer particles are arranged in the upper layer region of the absorbent element, the superabsorbent polymer particles in the upper layer region swell at an early stage to prevent passage of body fluid (also referred to as gel blocking). Therefore, when increasing the use ratio of the superabsorbent polymer particles in measures against nocturnal enuresis and the like, it is very preferable to relatively increase the amount of the superabsorbent polymer in the lower layer region as described in this section.

  As described above, according to the present invention, even if a large amount of superabsorbent polymer particles is used, there are advantages such as being able to suppress a jarring discomfort caused by the superabsorbent polymer particles generated on the back surface of the absorbent article. .

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
<Examples of pants-type disposable diapers>
FIG. 1 shows an example of a pants-type disposable diaper. The pants-type disposable diaper 10 includes an exterior sheet 12 on the outer surface (back surface) side and an absorbent main body 20 on the inner surface (front surface) side, and the absorbent main body 20 is fixed to the exterior sheet 12. The absorptive main body 20 is a portion that receives and absorbs and retains body fluids such as urine and loose stool (menstrual blood in a sanitary napkin described later). The exterior sheet 12 is a part for mounting on the wearer.

  The exterior sheet 12 has, for example, an hourglass shape as shown in the figure, and both sides are constricted, and this is a part into which a wearer's leg is put. The absorptive main body 20 can take any shape, but is rectangular in the illustrated form.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the exterior sheet 12 is folded back and forth after the absorbent main body 20 is installed and fixed at a predetermined position, and joined regions 12A on both sides of the front body 12F and the back body 12B of the exterior sheet 12. Are joined by heat fusion or the like. Thereby, a pants-type disposable diaper having a structure shown in FIG. 1 and having a waist opening WO and a pair of leg openings LO is obtained.

  An intermediate width in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body 20 shown in the drawing (that is, the vertical direction in FIG. 2, which is also the front-rear direction of the product) is shorter than the width connecting the constricted portions of the exterior sheet 12. This width relationship may be reversed or the same width.

  The exterior sheet 12 is preferably composed of two sheets of water-repellent nonwoven fabric, for example, and an elastic elastic member is interposed between these sheets, and a form that fits the wearer by the contraction force is desirable. As the elastic elastic member, thread rubber or elastic foam band can be used, but it is desirable to use a large number of thread rubbers. In the illustrated embodiment, the rubber threads 12C, 12C,... Are provided continuously in the width direction in the waist region W, provided only on both sides in the lower waist region U, and not provided in the crotch region L. Since the rubber threads 12C, 12C,... Are provided in both the waist region W and the lower waist region U, even if the shrinkage force of the rubber thread 12C itself is weak, the rubber waist 12C hits the wearer in the lower waist region U as a whole. The product fits well to the wearer.

(Absorbent body)
As shown in FIG. 3, the absorbent main body 20 of the embodiment includes a top sheet 30 made of, for example, a nonwoven fabric that allows body fluid to permeate, an intermediate sheet (second sheet) 40, and an absorbent element 50. A body fluid impermeable sheet (also called a back sheet) 70 made of a plastic sheet or the like is provided on the back side of the absorbent body 56. The exterior sheet 12 is provided on the back side of the body fluid impermeable sheet 70. Further, barrier cuffs 60, 60 are provided on both sides.

(Top sheet)
The top sheet 30 has a property of transmitting body fluid. Accordingly, the material of the top sheet 30 is sufficient if it exhibits this body fluid permeability, and examples thereof include a porous or non-porous nonwoven fabric and a porous plastic sheet. Of these, the nonwoven fabric is not particularly limited as to what the raw fiber is. Examples include synthetic fibers such as polyethylene and polypropylene such as olefins, polyesters and polyamides, recycled fibers such as rayon and cupra, natural fibers such as cotton, and mixed fibers in which two or more of these are used. can do. Furthermore, the nonwoven fabric may be manufactured by any processing. Examples of the processing method include known methods such as a spunlace method, a spunbond method, a thermal bond method, a melt blown method, and a needle punch method. For example, the spun lace method is a preferable processing method for obtaining flexibility and drapeability, and the thermal bond method is for obtaining bulkiness and softness.

  The top sheet 30 may be composed of a single sheet or a laminated sheet obtained by bonding two or more sheets. Similarly, the top sheet 30 may be composed of one sheet or two or more sheets in the planar direction.

(Intermediate sheet)
In order to quickly transfer the body fluid that has permeated through the top sheet 30 to the absorbent body, an intermediate sheet 40 that is generally referred to as a “second sheet” that has a higher body fluid permeation rate than the top sheet 30 can be provided. This intermediate sheet not only improves the absorption performance by the absorbent body by quickly transferring the body fluid to the absorbent body, but also prevents the “reversal” phenomenon of the absorbed body fluid from the absorbent body, and the top sheet 30 is always dried. State.

  Examples of the intermediate sheet 40 include the same materials as the top sheet 30, spunlace, pulp nonwoven fabric, a mixed sheet of pulp and rayon, point bond, or crepe paper. In particular, an air-through nonwoven fabric and a spunbond nonwoven fabric are preferable.

  The intermediate sheet (second sheet) 40 is interposed between the top sheet 30 and the covering sheet 58. As shown in FIG. 5, a configuration in which the intermediate sheet (second sheet) 40 is not provided can also be used.

  The intermediate sheet 40 in the illustrated form is disposed in the center shorter than the width of the absorber 56, but may be provided over the entire width. The length of the intermediate sheet 40 in the longitudinal direction may be the same as the length of the absorbent body 56 or may be within a short length range centered on the region that receives the body fluid. A typical material for the intermediate sheet 40 is a nonwoven fabric having excellent body fluid permeability.

(Absorption element)
The absorbent element 50 includes an absorbent body 56 having an aggregate of filaments 52, 52... And a superabsorbent polymer particles 54, 54... And a covering sheet 58 that wraps at least the back and side surfaces of the absorbent body 56. And have. Further, a holding sheet 80 is provided between the absorbent body 56 and the rear surface side portion (lower portion) of the covering sheet 58.

  The ratio of the superabsorbent polymer particles 54, 54... To the aggregates of the filaments 52, 52. For this reason, the ratio of the superabsorbent polymer particle weight / filament weight in the absorbent element 50 is preferably 1 to 14, and particularly preferably 3 to 9. Even if the amount of filament and the amount of superabsorbent polymer are adjusted according to the conventional sensation, the overall absorption performance is not unexpectedly improved. And it becomes possible to cope with a large amount of urination.

(Filament assembly)
The aggregate of filaments 52, 52... Can be obtained by opening a tow (fiber bundle). As the filament constituting the tow, for example, polysaccharides or derivatives thereof (cellulose, cellulose ester, chitin, chitosan, etc.), synthetic polymers (polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyester, polylactamamide, polyvinyl acetate, etc.) are used. In particular, cellulose esters and cellulose are preferred.

  As cellulose, cellulose derived from plants such as cotton, linter, and wood pulp, bacterial cellulose, and the like can be used. Regenerated cellulose such as rayon may be used, and the regenerated cellulose may be a spun fiber.

  Examples of the cellulose ester that can be suitably used include organic acid esters such as cellulose acetate, cellulose butyrate, and cellulose propionate; mixed acid esters such as cellulose acetate propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate phthalate, and cellulose nitrate acetate. And cellulose ester derivatives such as polycaprolactone-grafted cellulose ester can be used. These cellulose esters can be used alone or in admixture of two or more. The viscosity average degree of polymerization of the cellulose ester is, for example, about 50 to 900, preferably about 200 to 800. The average substitution degree of the cellulose ester is, for example, about 1.5 to 3.0 (for example, 2 to 3).

  The average degree of polymerization of the cellulose ester can be, for example, 10 to 1000, preferably 50 to 900, more preferably about 200 to 800, and the average degree of substitution of the cellulose ester is, for example, about 1 to 3, preferably 1 to 1. 2.15, more preferably about 1.1 to 2.0. The average degree of substitution of the cellulose ester can be selected from the viewpoint of enhancing biodegradability.

  As the cellulose ester, an organic acid ester (for example, an ester with an organic acid having about 2 to 4 carbon atoms), particularly cellulose acetate is suitable. The degree of acetylation of cellulose acetate is often about 43 to 62%, but about 30 to 50% is particularly preferable because it is excellent in biodegradability. A particularly preferred cellulose ester is cellulose diacetate.

  The filament 52 may contain various additives such as a heat stabilizer, a colorant, an oil agent, a yield improver, a whiteness improver, and the like.

  The fineness of the filament 52 is, for example, 1 to 16 dtex, preferably 1 to 10 dtex, and more preferably 1 to 5 dtex. The filament 52 may be a non-crimped fiber, but is preferably a crimped fiber. The crimped degree of the crimped fiber can be, for example, 5 to 75, preferably 10 to 50, and more preferably about 15 to 50 per inch. Further, a crimped fiber that is uniformly crimped is often used. When crimped fibers are used, a bulky and light absorbent body can be produced, and a tow with high unity can be easily produced by entanglement between the fibers. The cross-sectional shape of the filament 52 is not particularly limited, and may be any of, for example, a circular shape, an oval shape, an irregular shape (for example, a Y shape, an X shape, an I shape, an R shape) or a hollow shape. Good. For example, the filament 52 is used in the form of a tow (fiber bundle) formed by bundling about 3,000 to 1,000,000, preferably about 5,000 to 1,000,000 single fibers. be able to. The fiber bundle is preferably formed by concentrating about 3,000 to 1,000,000 filaments 52.

  The tow is weakly entangled between the filaments 52, and the aggregate of the filaments 52, 25... Opened from the filament 52 is independent of each other, and the gap between the filaments is widened or an external force is applied. As a result, the gap easily expands, so the retention ability of the superabsorbent polymer particles is poor. As a result, the superabsorbent polymer particles 54 are separated from the filaments 52, 52..., And tend to be unevenly distributed in the lower part of the absorbent element 50. The unevenness of the group can give a crisp and uncomfortable feeling.

  Therefore, as one form for suppressing such a sense of incongruity, it is proposed in the present invention that the filaments are joined in a dotted pattern to form a network structure. As a result, the gaps between the filaments are reduced or regulated, and the aggregates of the filaments 52, 25... Are more and more strongly held by the superabsorbent polymer particles 54, 54.

  This joining is preferably performed after the opening of the tow, but can also be performed during or before the opening. When filament bonding is performed after opening, the number of bonding points is relatively small and a loose network structure is obtained, and the improvement in particle retention is moderate. As a result, a large network structure is formed, and the particle holding force tends to be excessively increased.

  As a method for joining filaments, for example, a chemical heating method such as heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing, or a chemical method such as welding with a solvent or adhesion with an adhesive can be employed. In the latter case, a method in which a contact portion between fibers is bonded or welded by applying a solvent or an adhesive to the aggregate of filaments by spraying or the like is preferable.

  Such solvents or adhesives include ester plasticizers such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethylene glycol dipropionate, dibutyl phthalate, dimethoxyethyl phthalate, triethyl citrate, and various resin adhesives. In particular, a thermoplastic resin can be used. Thermoplastic resins include water-insoluble or poorly water-soluble resins and water-soluble resins. If necessary, a water-insoluble or poorly water-soluble resin and a water-soluble resin can be used in combination.

  Examples of water-insoluble or poorly water-soluble resins include polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene copolymers, olefinic homo- or copolymers such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl acetate, polymethyl methacrylate, methacryl Acid methyl-acrylic acid ester copolymer, acrylic resin such as copolymer of (meth) acrylic monomer and styrene monomer, polyvinyl chloride, vinyl acetate-vinyl chloride copolymer, polystyrene, styrene monomer ( Styrenic polymers such as copolymers with (meth) acrylic monomers, optionally modified polyesters, nylon 11, nylon 12, nylon 610, nylon 612 and other polyamides, rosin derivatives (eg, rosin esters), Hydrocarbon resin (eg terpene tree , Dicyclopentadiene resins, and petroleum resins), and hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins. One or two or more of these thermoplastic resins can be used.

  Examples of water-soluble resins include various water-soluble polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl ether, vinyl monomers, and copolymerizable monomers having a carboxyl group, a sulfonic acid group, or a salt thereof. Vinyl water-soluble resins such as copolymers, acrylic water-soluble resins, polyalkylene oxides, water-soluble polyesters, water-soluble polyamides, and the like can be used. These water-soluble resins can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  Various additives such as stabilizers such as antioxidants and ultraviolet absorbers, fillers, plasticizers, preservatives, and antifungal agents may be added to the thermoplastic resin.

Since the tow can be produced by a known method, details are omitted. Cellulose diacetate tow bales that can be suitably used in the absorbent element 50 are commercially available from Celanese, Daicel Chemical Industries, and the like. Cellulose diacetate tow bale has a density of about 0.5 g / cm ³ and a total weight of 400-600 kg. From this bale, the tow is peeled off and spread into a wide band so as to have a desired size and bulk. The opening width of the tow is arbitrary, and can be, for example, a width of 100 to 2000 mm, preferably about 100 to 300 mm of the width of the product absorber.

By adjusting the degree of opening of the tow, the basis weight, the amount of use, etc. of the filaments 52, 52... Can be adjusted. The basis weight and use weight of the filaments 52, 52... Can be determined as appropriate. Therefore, although it cannot be generally stated, the basis weight of the filaments 52, 52... In the absorbent element 50 obtained by dividing the total weight of the filament aggregate in the absorbent element 50 by the total area of the filament aggregate is 30 to 300 g / m ² is preferable, and 50 to 300 g / m ² is particularly preferable. If the basis weight of the filaments 52, 52,... Is too small, the liquid diffusion or absorption amount in the absorbent article may be insufficient, and if it is too large, the thickness may be uncomfortable.

  Tow opening methods include, for example, a method in which the tow is spread over a plurality of opening rolls and the tow width is gradually expanded as the tow progresses, and the tow tension (extension) and relaxation (contraction) And the like, and a method of widening and opening using compressed air can be used.

(Superabsorbent polymer particles)
The superabsorbent polymer particles 54 include “powder” in addition to “particles”. As the particle diameter of the superabsorbent polymer particles, those used for this type of absorbent article can be used as they are, and those having a particle size of 100 to 1000 μm, particularly 150 to 400 μm are desirable. The material of the superabsorbent polymer particles 54 can be used without any particular limitation, but those having a water absorption of 60 g / g or more are suitable. High-absorbent polymer particles include starch-based, cellulose-based, and synthetic polymer-based starch-acrylic acid (salt) graft copolymers, saponified starch-acrylonitrile copolymers, and sodium carboxymethylcellulose crosslinks. Or an acrylic acid (salt) polymer can be used. As the shape of the superabsorbent polymer particles, a commonly used granular material is suitable, but other shapes can also be used.

  As the superabsorbent polymer particles 54, those having a water absorption speed of 40 seconds or less are preferably used. When the water absorption speed exceeds 40 seconds, so-called reversion in which the body fluid supplied into the absorbent body returns to the outside of the absorbent body tends to occur.

  Moreover, as the superabsorbent polymer particles 54, those having a gel strength of 1000 Pa or more are preferably used. Thereby, even if it is a case where it is set as a bulky absorber by using tow | toe, the sticky feeling after bodily fluid absorption can be suppressed effectively.

  Furthermore, as the superabsorbent polymer particles 54, the absorption rate is 45 to 20 seconds, more preferably 42 to 25 seconds, and particularly preferably 38 to 25 seconds, in order to cope with a rapid and large amount of urination such as nocturnal urine. Is used. If the absorption rate is slow, leakage may occur, and if it is too fast, the diffusibility may be deteriorated and the absorption may be deteriorated repeatedly. In addition, when the superabsorbent polymer used suitably is shown, it is as Table 1 and Table 2. Each value in the table is measured by the following test method.

(Measurement of water absorption of superabsorbent polymer particles)
In a 1 liter beaker containing a rotor, 500.00 ± 0.10 g of 0.9% aqueous sodium chloride solution (prepared by dissolving 9.00 g of reagent-grade sodium chloride in 991.0 g of ion-exchanged water) was added, and magnetic While stirring the liquid with a stirrer, add 2.000 ± 0.0002 g of sample, cover with Saran wrap and stir for 1 hour.
The beaker contents are filtered using a standard sieve (38 μm, 200 mmφ × 45 mm), and the gel remaining on the sieve is drained with a Teflon (registered trademark) plate and left for 15 minutes. The weight A of the gel remaining on the sieve is measured, and the amount of water absorption is calculated by the following formula.
C = A / S (1)
Here, C is the amount of raw water absorbed (g / g), A is the weight of the gel remaining on the sieve (g), and S is the sample weight (g).

(Measurement of water content of superabsorbent polymer particles)
Put 80% of 0.9% sodium chloride aqueous solution into a stainless steel container.
A sample 2.0000 ± 0.0002 g is precisely weighed and placed in a cotton bag (Membrode # 60 100 mm × 200 mm), and then about 100 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride aqueous solution is poured into the cotton bag. Is immersed in an aqueous solution in a stainless steel container.
The upper part of the cotton bag is tied with a rubber band and immersed for 15 minutes, then dehydrated with a dehydrator (167G) for 1 minute, and the weight of the cotton bag and gel is measured.
The same operation is performed without putting a sample, and the wet weight of an empty cotton bag is measured.
The water retention amount is calculated by the following formula.
C = (A−B) / S (2)
Here, C: water retention amount (g / g), A: weight of cotton bag and gel (g), B: weight of wet cotton bag when wet (g), and S: sample weight (g).

(Measurement of bulk density)
Prepare a receiver for the polymer, and determine its mass and volume. About 120 g of well-mixed polymer is placed in a receiver. The polymer rising from the vessel is rubbed off with a glass rod, and the mass of the receiver containing the polymer is weighed. The bulk density is calculated by the following formula.
Bulk density = ((mass of receiver containing polymer) − (mass of receiver)) / (volume of receiver)

(Measurement of absorption rate of superabsorbent polymer particles)
Add 50.00 ± 0.01 g of 0.9% aqueous sodium chloride solution to a 100 ml beaker containing a rotor, and keep the temperature constant at 25 ± 0.2 ° C. in a constant temperature water bath.
Stir at a rotational speed of 600 ± 10 rpm using a magnetic stirrer and rotator.
2.000 ± 0.0002 g of sample is weighed and put into a vortex in a beaker, and measurement with a stopwatch is started at the same time. Record the time (seconds) from when the vortex disappears until the liquid level becomes horizontal, and use it as the absorption speed.

(Measurement of absorption amount of superabsorbent polymer particles under pressure)
As shown in FIG. 11, an acrylic resin cylinder 203 (with an inner diameter of 2 cm, a height of 5 cm, and a 75 μm nylon net 201N attached to the bottom surface) is set up with the center of the upper and lower through holes in the center of the support base 201, A sample 200 of 0.100 ± 0.0002 g is placed in the cylinder 203, and a cylindrical weight 202 having a size and weight corresponding to the test pressure is placed on the sample 200.
The outlet of the burette 204 is connected to the lower opening of the through hole of the support base 201 by a conduit 206, and the scale value before opening the valves V1 and V2 and the scale value after 30 minutes are read.
The absorption under pressure is calculated by the following formula.
C = (A−B) / S (3)
Here, C: absorption amount under pressure (ml / g), A: scale value (ml) 30 minutes after the start of water absorption, B: scale value (ml) before water absorption, S: sample weight (g).

(Measurement of gel strength of superabsorbent polymer particles)
20.0 g of urea, 8.0 g of sodium chloride, 0.3 g of calcium chloride, 0.8 g of magnesium sulfate, 970.9 g of ion-exchanged water, and 0.25 g of ferrous sulfate were mixed to make a total of 1 liter of human urine ( Iron ions 50 ppm).
Add 49 ± 0.1 g of artificial urine containing 50 ppm of iron ions to a 100 ml beaker containing a rotor, and stir using a magnetic stirrer. A sample 1.0000 ± 0.0002 g is weighed and put into a vortex in a beaker, and then stirred until the vortex disappears and the liquid level becomes horizontal.
The produced gel is left in a constant temperature and humidity machine of 40 ° C. × 60% RH for 3 hours.
After immersing in a constant temperature water bath at 25 ° C. for 5 minutes, the gel strength is measured with a neo-card meter. The measured value is converted into a unit by the following formula, and the gel strength (Pa) is calculated.
C = A × 0.1 (4)
Here, C: gel strength (Pa), A: gel strength (dyne / cm ² ) obtained from a neocardometer, and 0.1: constant.

The basis weight and use weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles 54 in the absorbent element 50 can be determined as appropriate. Therefore, although it cannot be generally stated, the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles 54 obtained by dividing the total weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles in the absorbent element 50 by the total area of the filament assembly is 50 to 350 g / m ² . It is preferable to be 200 to 350 g / m ² . If the amount of the superabsorbent polymer particles 54 is excessively small, leakage may occur, and if it is excessively large, the diffusibility may be deteriorated and the absorption may be deteriorated repeatedly.

(Distribution of superabsorbent polymer particles, etc.)
If necessary, the amount of at least one of the superabsorbent polymer particles 54 and the filament aggregate (hereinafter also referred to as an absorbent material) can be increased or decreased in the planar direction of the absorber 56. For example, the amount of the body fluid excretion site can be increased more than other sites. When considering gender differences, men can increase the amount on the front side and women can increase the amount in the center. In addition, a portion where the absorbent material does not exist locally (for example, in a spot shape) in the planar direction of the absorber 56 can also be provided.

  In particular, as an aspect suitable for use at bedtime, when the area of the absorbent element 50 in plan view is equally divided into three regions in the front-rear direction as shown in FIG. 10, at least the front region A2 and the rear region A3 A mode is proposed in which the amount of the absorbent material in one (preferably both regions, but preferably both regions) is larger than the amount of the absorbent material in the intermediate region A1. Assuming use at bedtime such as nocturnal enuresis, the wearer is in a sideways state such as lying down or lying on his back, and a large amount of excreted urine is supplied to the front region A2 or the rear region A3 of the absorption element Is done. Therefore, such a form is preferable especially for bedtime use.

  As a specific amount of the absorbent material in each of the regions A1 to A3 in the front-rear direction, when the weight of the absorbent material in each region in the state where the absorbent material exists with a uniform basis weight in all regions is 1, the central region The basis weight of A1 is preferably 1.2 to 1.5 times, and the basis weight of the front region A2 and the rear region A3 is preferably 0.5 to 0.8 times. If the amount of the absorbent material in the central region A1 is too small, leakage may occur, and if it is too large, the diffusibility may be deteriorated and the absorption may be deteriorated repeatedly. On the other hand, if the amount of the absorbent material in at least one of the front region A2 and the rear region A3 is too small, leakage may occur, and if it is too large, the diffusibility may be deteriorated and the absorption may be deteriorated repeatedly.

  In addition, the amount of the absorbent material can be increased or decreased in the thickness direction of the absorbent element 50. When emphasizing versatility, it is desirable that the superabsorbent polymer particles (SAP particles) be dispersed substantially throughout the thickness direction of the absorbent element 50 at least in the body fluid receiving region. When there is no SAP particle in the upper part, the lower part, and the middle part of the absorbent element 50, or there is very little, it cannot be said that it is "dispersed in the whole thickness direction". Therefore, “distributed in the entire thickness direction” means “distributed unevenly in the upper, lower, and / or intermediate portions of the aggregate of filaments 52 in addition to the form“ uniformly ”distributed in the entire thickness direction. However, it is still included in the form of being dispersed in the upper, lower and middle portions. Further, a form in which some SAP particles do not enter the aggregate of the filaments 52, 52... Remain on the surface, and some SAP particles pass through the aggregate of the filament filaments 52, 52. The form on the sheet 58 and the form on the holding sheet 80 as shown in FIG. 6 are not excluded.

  On the other hand, when specializing in sudden and massive urination such as nocturnal enuresis, when the absorbent element 50 is equally divided into two regions in the thickness direction, the amount of the absorbent material in the lower layer region t2 is the upper layer region t1. A form larger than the amount of absorbent material in is recommended. If a large amount of absorbent material is arranged in the upper layer region t1 of the absorbent element 50, the absorbent material in the upper layer region t1 swells early and obstructs the passage of bodily fluids. Form is preferred.

  The specific amount of the absorbent material in each of the portions t1 and t2 in the thickness direction is such that when the absorbent material weight in each region is 1 in a state where the absorbent material is present in the entire region in a uniform basis weight, the upper layer The basis weight of the region t1 is preferably 0.5 to 0.8 times, and the basis weight of the lower layer region t2 is preferably 1.2 to 1.5 times. If the amount of the absorbent material in the upper layer region t1 is too small, leakage may occur, and if it is too large, the diffusibility may be deteriorated and the absorption may be deteriorated repeatedly. On the other hand, if the amount of the absorbent material in the lower layer region t2 is too small, leakage may occur, and if it is too large, the diffusibility may be deteriorated and the absorption may be deteriorated repeatedly.

  Furthermore, if necessary, a plurality of superabsorbent polymer particles 54 having different particle size distributions can be prepared, and can be sequentially dispersed and projected in the thickness direction. For example, by disposing the superabsorbent polymer particle spraying means at intervals in the direction of multiple lines, after spraying and projecting the one with the small particle size distribution first, by spraying and projecting the one with the large particle size distribution, A thing with a small particle size distribution can be distributed to the lower side in the absorption element 50, and a thing with a large particle size distribution can be distributed to the upper side. This form is effective for allowing a particle having a small particle size distribution to penetrate deeply into the assembly of filaments 52.

(Absorber size / weight)
On the other hand, the size of the absorber 56 is preferably such that the planar projection area is 400 cm ² or more and the thickness is 1 to 10 mm, particularly 1 to 5 mm. When the size of the absorber is within this range, it is extremely advantageous to improve the resilience without increasing the weight, thickness and cost. The weight of the absorber is preferably 25 g or less, particularly 10 to 20 g. When the weight of the absorber is within this range, the advantage of not using a dedicated member becomes particularly remarkable.

(Compressive properties of absorber)
The compression resilience RC of the absorbent body 56 is preferably 40 to 60%, particularly 50 to 60%. Thereby, sufficient restoring property can be exhibited with the absorber itself.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the compression energy WC of the absorbent body 56 is 4.0 to 10.0 gf · cm / cm ² , since it can be compressed compactly to the same level as before or during packaging.

  These compression characteristics can be adjusted by adjusting the fiber density of the filament aggregate by opening or the like, selecting the fiber material, adjusting the degree of joining of the filaments, or a combination thereof.

  Here, the compression energy (WC) is energy consumption when pressing the central part of the test piece (holding sheet) cut to a length of 200 mm and a width of 50 mm up to 50 g.

This compression energy can be measured with a handy compression tester (KES-G5, manufactured by Kato Tech). The measurement conditions for this tester are: SENS: 2, force meter type: 1 kg, SPEED RANGE: STD, DEF sensitivity: 20, pressurization area: 2 cm ² , capture interval: 0.1 (standard), STROKE SET: 5.0, upper limit load: 50 gf / cm ² .

  On the other hand, the compression resilience (RC) is a parameter representing the recoverability when the fiber is compressed. Therefore, if the recoverability is good, the compression resilience increases. This compression resilience can be measured with a handy compression tester (KES-G5, manufactured by Kato Tech). The measurement conditions for this tester are the same as for the compression energy.

(Enveloping sheet)
As the covering sheet 58, tissue paper, particularly crepe paper, non-woven fabric, polylaminated non-woven fabric, a sheet with small holes, and the like can be used. However, it is desirable that the superabsorbent polymer particles be a sheet that does not escape. When a nonwoven fabric is used in place of the crepe paper, a hydrophilic SMMS (spunbond / meltblown / meltblown / spunbond) nonwoven fabric is particularly suitable, and polypropylene, polyethylene / polypropylene, etc. can be used as the material. The basis weight is preferably 8 to ²⁰ g / m ² , particularly 10 to 15 g / m ² .

  As shown in FIG. 3, the covering sheet 58 has a form of covering the entire layer of the aggregates of the filaments 52, 52... And the superabsorbent polymer particles 54, 54. It is also possible to cover only the back and side surfaces. Although not shown, only the upper and side surfaces of the absorbent body 56 are covered with crepe paper or nonwoven fabric, and the lower surface is covered with a body fluid-impermeable sheet such as polyethylene, and the upper surface of the absorbent body 56 is covered with crepe paper or nonwoven fabric. For example, the lower surface may be covered with a body fluid impermeable sheet such as polyethylene (each of these materials becomes a component of the covering sheet). If necessary, the aggregate of the filaments 52, 52, and the superabsorbent polymer particles 54, 54 ... may be sandwiched between two upper and lower sheets or arranged only on the lower surface. This is not a desirable form because it is difficult to prevent movement.

(Holding sheet)
The superabsorbent polymer particles 54 are interposed between the holding sheet 80 and the absorbent body 56 by spraying or the like. The superabsorbent polymer particles 54 may pass through the aggregate of filaments 52 at the time of dispersion / projection onto the aggregate of filaments 52 or in the subsequent process or until the consumer uses it. The unevenness of the superabsorbent polymer particles that have passed through the aggregate of filaments gives a sense of incongruity when touched by the hand when the consumer uses it. Therefore, a holding sheet 80 having a holding performance of the absorbent polymer is interposed between the absorbent body 56 and the covering sheet 58. The holding sheet 80 reinforces the stiffness that is not sufficient only by the covering sheet 58 such as tissue paper (crepe paper), and reduces or prevents a sense of incongruity when touched by the hand when the consumer uses it.

  In FIG. 6, when the superabsorbent polymer particles are provided below the absorber 56, or when the superabsorbent polymer particles contained in the absorber 56 are used from the manufacture to the consumer. The case where the filament 52 comes out of the aggregate and gathers on the holding sheet 80 is conceptually shown.

  The material of the holding sheet 80 is not particularly limited as long as it has a holding performance of the absorbent polymer. Specifically, for example, non-woven fabric, crimped pulp, low-absorbency cotton fiber (for example, non-degreased cotton fiber, degreased cotton fiber, rayon fiber treated with a water repellent or a hydrophobizing agent, etc.). ), Polyethylene fiber, polyester fiber, acrylic fiber, polypropylene fiber, silk, cotton, hemp, nylon, polyurethane, acetate fiber and the like.

If the holding sheet 80 and the nonwoven fabric, its holding sheet 80, the compression energy 0.01~10.00gfcm / cm ² based on KES test, preferably, at 0.01~1.00gfcm / cm ^2, and compressed The non-woven fabric has a resilience of 10 to 100%, preferably 70 to 100%.

  The reason for providing the holding sheet 80 is to hold, for example, the absorbent polymer that has fallen down (dropped out) from the absorbent body 56 as described above. Therefore, since the superabsorbent polymer particles that have slipped out come into contact with the user via the covering sheet 58 and the holding sheet 80, there is no possibility of being transmitted to the user as a sense of incongruity. In particular, when the nonwoven fabric has the above-described compression energy and compression resilience, the function as a holding sheet is sufficiently exhibited.

  Further, since the absorbent polymer that has slipped out is held by the holding sheet 60 and does not move on the covering sheet 58, there is no possibility of uneven absorption capacity. In particular, in order to prevent the superabsorbent polymer particles from moving on the holding sheet 80, a hot-melt adhesive having adhesiveness can be applied on the holding sheet 80 in advance. Moreover, you may make it a superabsorbent polymer particle prevent a movement on the holding sheet 80 by making the upper surface (surface which goes to a use surface side) of the holding sheet 80 into a rough surface. Examples of the roughening or fluffing means for this purpose include a non-net surface that is not a net surface during the production of the nonwoven fabric, a marble process, a needle punch process, and a brushing process.

  Even if the holding sheet 80 is provided only below the absorber 56 as shown in FIG. 3 or the like, the holding sheet 80 passes through the side surface of the absorber 56 and extends up to the upper surface of the absorber 56 as shown in FIG. May be. It is also possible to use a plurality of holding sheets 80 in a stacked manner.

  The above example is an example in which a holding sheet is provided between the absorbent body and the back side portion of the covering sheet, but the holding sheet may be on the back side of the covering sheet (the form is not shown). In short, if a holding sheet is provided on the back side with respect to the absorbent body, it is possible to reduce or not cause a crisp discomfort when touching from the back side of the product.

  In the present invention, as one form for more effectively suppressing this crisp discomfort, a certain amount of superabsorbent polymer particles (for example, the amount that cannot be held in the assembly of filaments 52) is contained in the holding sheet 80. It is also proposed to keep it in advance. As a result, even if the amount of the polymer required for the aggregate of the filaments 52 is reduced or the amount of the superabsorbent polymer particles as a whole can be increased by the amount that can be held by the holding sheet 80, the sensation of strangeness is felt. It becomes possible to suppress. In particular, this is a suitable form when a large amount of superabsorbent polymer is used.

  Examples of the staple used for the holding sheet 80 include cellulose fibers such as chemical pulp and dissolved pulp obtained from wood, and artificial cellulose fibers such as rayon and acetate. On the other hand, the superabsorbent polymer particles are as described above. In addition, as a method of manufacturing the holding sheet 80, a drum stacking method or an airlaid method can be employed.

The basis weight of staples obtained by dividing the total weight of staples in the holding sheet 80 by the total area of the holding sheet is preferably 30 to 100 g / m ² . If the basis weight of the staple is excessively small, leakage may occur, and if it is excessively large, the thickness may be uncomfortable. Further, the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles obtained by dividing the total weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles in the retaining sheet 80 by the total area of the retaining sheet is preferably 0 to 70 g / m ² . If the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles in the holding sheet 80 is excessively small, leakage may occur, and if it is excessively large, the thickness may be uncomfortable.

  The thickness of the holding sheet 80 can be arbitrarily determined. However, since the thickness affects the thickness of the absorbent element, and thus the thickness of the article, it is preferable that the thickness is as thin as possible. It becomes difficult to exert the function of shielding. Therefore, it is preferable to set it to 0.1 mm or more normally.

  Table 3 shows an example of a five-layer airlaid nonwoven fabric suitable as the holding sheet 80. The fiber A in the table is a polyester (PE) fiber, a polypropylene (PP) fiber, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber, or a bicomponent fiber obtained by combining these. Moreover, the fiber B in a table | surface is a fiber which has an adhesive function, for example, can use the sheath core type fiber which makes PE which has a carboxylic acid group a sheath, and is adhere | attached by a hydrogen bond. The third layer is made of polypropylene (PP) and polyester (PE) bicomponent fibers (3.3 dtex) and pulp fibers (bicomponent fiber weight: pulp fiber weight = 3: 7).

(Body fluid impermeable sheet)
The body fluid impermeable sheet 70 simply means a sheet disposed on the back surface side of the absorber 56, and in the present embodiment, is a sheet in which the absorber 56 is interposed between the top sheet 30. Therefore, the material of the main body liquid impermeable sheet is not particularly limited. Specifically, for example, an olefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene, a laminated nonwoven fabric obtained by laminating a nonwoven fabric on a polyethylene sheet or the like, a nonwoven fabric that substantially ensures liquid impermeability by interposing a waterproof film (in this case, A body fluid impermeable sheet is comprised with a waterproof film and a nonwoven fabric.) Etc. can be illustrated. Of course, in addition to this, materials having liquid impermeability and moisture permeability, which have been used and used in recent years from the viewpoint of preventing stuffiness, can also be exemplified. As the sheet of the material having liquid impermeability and moisture permeability, for example, an inorganic filler is kneaded in an olefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene, and the sheet is formed, and then stretched in a uniaxial or biaxial direction. Examples of the microporous sheet obtained in this way can be given.

  The body fluid impervious sheet 70 can be prevented from side leakage of body fluid by extending it to the use surface in a so-called forehead form (not shown). This is prevented by interposing a second body fluid impermeable sheet 72 between the double barrier sheets 64 forming 60. According to this embodiment, since the second body fluid impermeable sheet 72 extends until the barrier cuff 60 stands up, the body fluid diffused laterally through the top sheet 30 and the side of the soft stool between the barrier cuffs 60, 60 There is also an advantage that leakage can be prevented.

(Barrier cuffs)
Barrier cuffs 60, 60 provided on both sides of the product are provided to prevent urine and soft stool that travel laterally along the top sheet 30 and prevent side leakage. It is.

  The illustrated barrier cuff 60 is a doubled water-repellent non-woven sheet, and is formed so as to protrude from the back side of the absorbent body 56 to the lower side of the top sheet 30 and to protrude to the front side. Yes. In order to prevent urine moving in the lateral direction along the top sheet 30, in particular, the side part of the body fluid impermeable sheet 70 is inserted between the double nonwoven fabric sheets, and the barrier cuff 60 protruding from the surface side is provided. It extends halfway.

  The shape of the barrier cuff 60 itself can be designed as appropriate. However, in the example shown in the drawing, an elastic elastic member, for example, a rubber thread 62 is fixed to the tip and middle of the protruding portion of the barrier cuff 60 under stretch, The barrier cuff 60 stands up due to the contraction force in use. As shown in FIG. 3, the base side of the barrier cuff 60 is positioned so that the middle rubber thread 62 is positioned at the center side of the front rubber thread 62, 62 and fixed to the front and rear end portions of the top sheet 30. It rises diagonally toward the center side, and the tip part stands up diagonally outward from the intermediate part.

(Embossing)
You may form the recessed part E by embossing from the surface side of the top sheet 30 to the thickness direction. In this case, the embossed recess E is formed only on the top sheet 30, and the embossed recess E is formed on both the top sheet 30 and the intermediate sheet 40 as shown in FIG. A concave portion by embossing can be formed (not shown) so as to reach a part or substantially the entire thickness direction of the absorber 56 from the side. In order to form the recess E by embossing in both the top sheet 30 and the intermediate sheet 40, the intermediate sheet 40 has a basis weight of 8 to 40 g / m ² , a thickness of 0.2 to 1.5 mm, and a top sheet. As for 30, it is desirable that the basis weight is in the range of 15 to 80 g / m ² and the thickness is in the range of 0.2 to 3.5 mm in that embossing can be sufficiently performed under the condition that liquid permeability is not impaired.

  Moreover, you may form the recessed part by embossing only in the intermediate sheet 40, without forming a recessed part in the top sheet 30, and also emboss only in the absorption element 56, without forming a recessed part in the top sheet 30 and the intermediate sheet 40. In addition, the embossed recess may be formed only in the absorbent body 58 without forming the recess in the top sheet 30, the intermediate sheet 40, and the covering sheet 58.

  The recess E has an effect of inducing and diffusing body fluid in the direction in which the recess E extends. Therefore, when the recesses E are substantially continuous in a groove shape (including the case where a plurality of recesses are arranged at intervals and form a single groove), the body fluid reaches the absorber before reaching the absorber. It becomes diffused along the recess E, so that a wider part of the absorber can be used for absorption. Therefore, the absorbent capacity of the entire product is increased, and the absorbent article is less likely to cause side leakage or reversal due to insufficient absorbent capacity.

  On the other hand, the absorber 56 made of tow is liable to be less rigid than a conventional pulp product, but it is preferable to form a recess by embossing in the absorber 56 because the rigidity can be increased. Although not shown, in order to increase the rigidity of the absorbent element 50, it is also a preferred form to form a concave portion by embossing in the thickness direction from the back surface side (the side opposite to the top sheet 30 side) of the absorbent body 56. In order to form the recess on the back surface side, embossing is integrally performed so as to reach the absorber 56 from the back surface side of the holding sheet 80, the covering sheet 58, the body fluid impermeable sheet 70 or the exterior sheet 12. Can do. Moreover, it is preferable to form such a concave portion on the back surface side together with the concave portion E on the front surface side, but it is also possible to form only the concave portion on the back surface side without forming the concave portion E on the front surface side. When the concave portions are provided on both the front and back sides, the shape of the concave portions may be common to the front and back sides, or may be different from each other.

  The embossed recess has the effect of inducing and diffusing body fluid in the extending direction. It also has the effect of increasing rigidity. Therefore, it is desirable to determine the shape of the embossed recess in consideration of these effects. For example, the recesses are substantially continuous in the shape of a groove (including the case where a plurality of recesses are arranged in a row and form a single groove), and the plurality of recesses are arranged in a dotted pattern at intervals. It may be. In addition, as the planar pattern, groove-shaped or dot-shaped concave portions are arranged in the longitudinal direction, the width direction, a lattice shape combining these, a zigzag shape (zigzag shape) reciprocating in the width direction, or irregularly arranged. Forms can be taken. Furthermore, appropriate forms such as a pin shape, a Mt. Fuji shape, and a bellows shape can be adopted.

(Other)
In addition, although not shown in figure, each structural member of the absorptive main body 20 is mutually fixed by solid, beads, spiral application | coating, etc., such as a hot-melt-adhesive agent.

(Example of tape-type disposable diapers)
8 and 9 show examples of tape-type disposable diapers. FIG. 9 is a view taken along the line IX-IX in FIG. 8, but the absorbent main body 20 is slightly exaggerated.

  The tape-type disposable diaper 10A has fastening pieces attached to both end portions on the back side of the diaper, has a hook element on a fastening surface of the fastening piece, and a back sheet constituting the back side of the diaper is laminated with a nonwoven fabric. The diaper is configured to be able to engage with a hook element of the fastening piece at an arbitrary position on the surface of the back sheet when the diaper is used as a body.

  The absorbent main body 20 has an absorbent body 56 interposed between the top sheet 30 and the body fluid impermeable sheet 70. The absorbent body 56 is entirely wrapped by a covering sheet 58 made of tissue paper, and has a rectangular shape in plan view. A holding sheet 80 is provided between the absorber 56 and the covering sheet 58.

  Further, an intermediate sheet 40 is interposed between the top sheet 30 and the absorber 56. The body fluid impermeable sheet 70 has a rectangular shape wider than the absorbent body 56, and a back sheet 12A made of an hourglass-shaped non-woven fabric is provided on the outer side thereof.

  The top sheet 30 has a rectangular shape wider than the absorbent body 56, extends slightly outward from the side edge of the absorbent body 56, and is fixed to the body fluid impermeable sheet 70 with a hot melt adhesive or the like.

  Barrier cuffs 60A projecting to the use surface side are formed on both sides of the diaper. The barrier cuffs 60A are formed of a barrier sheet 64 made of a nonwoven fabric substantially continuous in the width direction, and an elastic elastic member such as a thread rubber. And one or a plurality of leg rubber elastic members 62 as elastic elastic members for the leg periphery. 130 is a fastening piece by a hook-and-loop fastener.

  The inner surface of the barrier sheet 64 has a fixing start edge at a position separated from the side edge of the top sheet 30, and the outer portion in the width direction extends from the fixing start edge to the extending edge of the body fluid impermeable sheet 70. It is fixed by. The outer surface of the barrier sheet 64 is fixed to the back sheet 12A with a hot melt adhesive or the like on the lower surface thereof. Further, an elastic expansion / contraction member for gasket cuff, for example, thread rubber 66 is provided.

  The starting end of the inner surface of the barrier sheet 64 fixed to the body fluid impermeable sheet 70 forms an upstanding end of the barrier cuff 60A. Around the leg, the inside of the standing end is a free part that is not fixed to the product body, and this free part comes to stand by the contraction force of the rubber thread 62.

  In this example, by using a hook-and-loop fastener as the fastening piece 130, it can be mechanically fastened to the backsheet 12A. Therefore, a so-called target tape can be omitted, and a fastening position by the fastening piece 130 can be freely selected.

  The fastening piece 130 has a base portion of a fastening base material made of plastic, polylaminated nonwoven fabric, paper, or the like joined to the back sheet 12A, for example, with an adhesive, and has a hook element 130A on the tip side. The hook element 130A is bonded to the fastening substrate with an adhesive. The hook element 130A has a large number of engaging pieces on the outer surface side thereof. A temporary fixing adhesive portion 130B is provided on the tip side from the hook element 130A. At the end of the assembly of the product, the temporary fixing adhesive portion 130B is bonded to the barrier sheet 64 to prevent peeling of the fastening piece 130 on the front end side. At the time of use, it peels off against the adhesive force and brings the front end of the fastening piece 130 to the front body. The fastening base material is exposed at the tip side of the temporary fixing adhesive portion 130B, and is a tab portion.

  A target printing sheet 74 as a design sheet is provided on the inner surface side of the back sheet 12A on the opening side of the front body, and a design that serves as a guide for the position at which the hook element 130A of the fastening piece 130 is fastened is applied. Target printing is performed so that the target can be visually recognized through the back sheet 12A.

  When the diaper is mounted, the diaper is mounted on the body in the shape of a boat, and the contraction force of the rubber thread 62 acts. Therefore, the barrier cuff 60A stands up around the leg by the contraction force of the rubber thread 62.

  The space surrounded by the standing part forms a confined space for urine or soft stool. When urinating into this space, the urine is absorbed into the absorbent body 56 through the top sheet 30, and the rising part of the barrier cuff 60A becomes a barrier for the solid matter of soft stool, and the overpass is prevented. The In the unlikely event that urine leaks laterally over the standing distal side edge of the standing part, side leakage is prevented by the stop function by the flat contact part.

In this embodiment, it is desirable that the barrier sheet 64 forming each standing cuff is not liquid-permeable but substantially liquid-impervious (may be semi-liquid-permeable). Further, the surface sheet (nonwoven fabric laminate) may be repelled by silicon treatment or the like. In any case, it is preferable that the barrier sheet 64 and the back sheet 12A are air permeable, and the barrier sheet 64 and the back sheet 12A are sheets having a water pressure resistance of 100 mmH ₂ O or more. Thereby, it becomes air permeable in the width direction side part of a product, and a wearer's stuffiness can be prevented.

  The other points, for example, the material used for each part, etc. are the same as in the case of the above-described pants-type paper diaper, and therefore the description is omitted.

  The present invention is suitable for manufacturing absorbent bodies in absorbent articles such as paper diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence pads, and absorbent pads used in combination with diaper covers.

It is a perspective view of a pants-type disposable diaper. It is an expanded state top view of a pants type disposable diaper. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2. It is sectional drawing equivalent to the 3-3 line of another example. It is sectional drawing equivalent to the 3-3 line of another example. It is sectional drawing equivalent to the 3-3 line of a modification. It is sectional drawing equivalent to the 3-3 line of another example. It is an expanded state top view of a tape type disposable diaper. It is IX-IX sectional drawing of FIG. It is explanatory drawing of each area | region of an absorption element. It is explanatory drawing of a test apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pants type disposable diaper, 10A ... Tape type disposable diaper, 12 ... Exterior sheet, 12A ... Back sheet, 20 ... Absorbent main body, 30 ... Top sheet, 40 ... Intermediate sheet, 50 ... Absorbing element, 52 ... Filament, 54 ... Superabsorbent polymer particles, 56 ... Absorber, 58 ... Cover sheet, 60, 60A ... Barrier cuff, 64 ... Barrier sheet, 70 ... Body fluid impermeable sheet, 72 ... Second body fluid impermeable sheet, 80 ... Holding sheet.