JP2022067401A - Absorbent article - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article capable of continuously exerting an antibacterial action.SOLUTION: The absorbent article of the present invention comprises: a liquid-permeable front side sheet; a rear side sheet; and an absorber disposed between the front side sheet and the rear side sheet. The absorbent article has a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front/rear direction of a wearer, a crosswise direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and a thickness direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and the crosswise direction. The absorbent article has a functional area containing an antibacterial agent and located between the front side sheet and the rear side sheet. The functional area has a first area further containing a cool feeling agent disposed on an identical surface with the antibacterial agent. In the first area, the antibacterial agent is at least partially coated with the cool feeling agent.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as menstrual napkins.

Absorbent articles such as menstrual napkins containing functional materials such as antibacterial agents are known. For example, Patent Document 1 includes a liquid-permeable top sheet and a liquid-permeable sheet arranged on the non-skin surface side in the thickness direction of the top sheet, and is antibacterial to the top sheet and the liquid-permeable sheet. Absorbent articles are described that are characterized by the inclusion of an agent.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-6505

In the absorbent article of Patent Document 1, the antibacterial agent contained in the top sheet and the liquid permeable sheet can move from these members by repeatedly contacting the excreted liquid. As a result, the antibacterial agent may be reduced from these members during wearing of the absorbent article, and may not be able to sustainably exert a sufficient antibacterial action.

An object of the present invention relates to the provision of an absorbent article capable of sustainably exerting an antibacterial action.

The absorbent article according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a liquid-permeable front surface sheet, a back surface sheet, and an absorber arranged between the front surface sheet and the back surface sheet, and is provided in the front-rear direction of the wearer. It has a vertical direction corresponding to, a horizontal direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, and a thickness direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.
The absorbent article comprises an antibacterial agent and comprises a functional area located between the front surface sheet and the back surface sheet.
The functional region has a first region further containing a cooling sensation agent arranged on the same surface as the antibacterial agent.
In the first region, at least a part of the antibacterial agent is covered with the cooling sensation agent.

According to the absorbent article of the present invention, it is possible to continuously exert an antibacterial action.

It is a top view schematically showing the absorbent article which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and is the figure which looked at the absorbent article stretched on the XY plane from the skin facing surface side. It is a figure which shows typically the cross section of the said absorbent article cut by the line II-II of FIG. It is a figure which shows the functional area of the absorbent article schematically, (A) is a plan view, (B) is a sectional view, (C) is an enlarged view of the area P1 and P2 of (A). It is a figure explaining the action and effect of the said functional area, (A) is a schematic plan view of the said functional area immediately after wearing the said absorbent article, (B) time has passed from the start of wearing the said absorbent article. A schematic plan view of the above-mentioned functional region at the time of the above, (C) is an enlarged view of the region P3 of (A) and the region P4 of (B). (A) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the functional region, and (B) is an enlarged view of regions P5 and P6 of (A). It is sectional drawing which shows typically the absorbent article which concerns on the modification of the said Embodiment, and is the figure which shows the same sectional view as FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Overall configuration of napkin 1]
As shown in FIG. 1, the absorbent article 1 of the present embodiment includes a main body M and a pair of wing portions W. The absorbent article 1 is configured as a menstrual napkin, and is hereinafter referred to as a napkin 1.
The napkin 1 has a vertical direction X corresponding to the front-back direction of the wearer and a horizontal direction Y corresponding to the left-right direction of the wearer and orthogonal to the vertical direction X. Further, the napkin 1 has a thickness direction Z orthogonal to both the vertical direction X and the horizontal direction Y. In the present specification, with respect to the thickness direction Z, the side close to the wearer's skin may be referred to as the upper or skin side, and the side close to the clothing may be referred to as the lower or non-skin side.
Further, in the present specification, the "planar view" means a plan view seen from the thickness direction Z.

As shown in FIG. 1, the napkin 1 is divided into a front region F, an intermediate region C, and a rear region R along the vertical direction X.
The intermediate region C includes a region facing the wearer's excretory portion when worn. The excretory part is the vaginal opening when the absorbent article is napkin 1. In FIG. 1, the intermediate region C is a region where the wing portion W is provided.
The anterior region F is a region arranged in front of the intermediate region C (ventral side of the wearer) and faces the front of the excretory portion of the wearer when worn.
The posterior region R is a region arranged behind the intermediate region C (the dorsal side of the wearer) and faces the rear of the wearer's excretory portion when worn.
The term “when worn” as used herein means a state in which the normal proper wearing position (the assumed wearing position of the napkin 1) is maintained, and does not include the case where the napkin 1 is in a state deviated from the wearing position.
When the napkin 1 does not have the wing portion W, the napkin 1 is divided into three equal parts along the vertical direction X, the central region is set as the intermediate region C, and the region arranged in front of the intermediate region C is the front region. F, the region arranged behind is referred to as a rear region R.

The main body M extends along the vertical direction X and is fixed to the inner surface of the wearer's clothing when worn by the adhesive portion 9 described later. The main body M has an absorber 4 described later, and has a function of absorbing excrement liquid (hereinafter, also referred to as “liquid”) such as menstrual blood of the wearer.

The wing portion W is configured to greatly project outward in the lateral direction Y in the intermediate region C. The napkin 1 does not have to have the wing portion W.

As shown in FIG. 2, the napkin 1 includes an absorber 4, a front surface sheet 2, a back surface sheet 3, and a pair of side sheets 5. In the main body M, the napkin 1 has a structure in which the back surface sheet 3, the absorber 4, and the front surface sheet 2 are laminated in the thickness direction Z. These configurations are appropriately joined and integrated by, for example, joining with an adhesive or a heat seal described later, embossing with a pressing groove 6 (see FIG. 1), or the like. It should be noted that the illustration of the squeezing groove 6 is omitted in FIG.

The absorber 4 extends along the vertical direction X and is arranged between the front surface sheet 2 and the back surface sheet 3. The skin-facing surface of the absorber 4 is the upper surface 4a, and the non-skin-facing surface is the lower surface 4b. The absorber 4 absorbs the liquid from the upper surface 4a and diffuses it inside to hold the liquid.
The absorber 4 has, for example, an absorbent core 7 and a core wrap sheet 8.
The absorbent core 7 may be formed of, for example, a fiber aggregate composed of hydrophilic fibers such as pulp fibers, or may have a structure in which the fiber aggregate retains a water-absorbing polymer. ..
The core wrap sheet 8 has a function of covering the absorbent core 7 and, for example, maintaining the shape of the absorbent core 7. The core wrap sheet 8 is formed of, for example, a thin and soft paper such as tissue paper, a liquid-permeable non-woven fabric, or the like.

The surface sheet 2 is configured as a liquid-permeable sheet material, and is arranged above the thickness direction Z of the absorber 4. The surface sheet 2 forms a skin facing surface 2a facing the wearer's skin during wearing. The surface sheet 2 may have a plurality of convex portions 2c formed on the skin facing surface 2a side from the viewpoint of reducing the contact area with the skin of the wearer and improving the wearing feeling (FIG. 2). reference).
The surface sheet 2 is bonded to the upper surface 4a of the absorber 4 by, for example, an adhesive S1 such as a hot melt adhesive.
Between the surface sheet 2 and the absorber 4, the permeability of the liquid from the surface sheet 2 to the absorber 4 is improved, the liquid absorbed by the absorber 4 is prevented from returning to the surface sheet 2, and the like. From the viewpoint of, a sub-layer sheet (second sheet) may be arranged.

The back surface sheet 3 is arranged below the thickness direction Z of the absorber 4. The back surface sheet 3 forms a non-skin facing surface 3a, which is a surface opposite to the skin facing surface 2a in the thickness direction Z. The back surface sheet 3 is bonded to the lower surface 4b of the absorber 4 by, for example, an adhesive S2 such as a hot melt adhesive. In the schematic view of FIG. 2, a part of the lower surface 4b is separated from the adhesive S2, but in reality, the entire lower surface 4b is joined to the back surface sheet 3 by the adhesive S2.
The back surface sheet 3 is formed of, for example, a sheet material having functions such as poor liquid permeability, water vapor permeability, and water repellency. As the sheet material, for example, a thermoplastic resin film, a laminate of the film and a non-woven fabric, or the like can be used.
A leak-proof sheet having a function of impervious liquid permeability or the like may be arranged between the absorber 4 and the back surface sheet 3.
Further, the non-skin facing surface 3a of the back surface sheet 3 is provided with an adhesive portion 9 for fixing the main body M and the wing portion W to the clothes.

The pair of side sheets 5 are arranged on the lateral Y outer side of the surface sheet 2. As the material of the side sheet 5, a sheet material having a lower hydrophilicity than the surface sheet 2 is preferable, and specifically, a nonwoven fabric having a lower hydrophilicity than the surface sheet 2, a film material, and a laminated structure of the nonwoven fabric and the film material. Sheets and the like can be mentioned. The side sheet 5 is joined to the surface sheet 2 by, for example, the adhesive S3.

[Basic configuration of functional area 10]
The napkin 1 of the present embodiment includes a functional region 10 located between the front surface sheet 2 and the back surface sheet 3 as a region that exerts an antibacterial effect and a cooling sensation effect.
The functional area 10 may be configured as a sheet material or a part thereof arranged between the front surface sheet 2 and the back surface sheet 3. Examples of such a sheet material include a core wrap sheet 8, a sub-layer sheet, a leak-proof sheet and the like.
Alternatively, the functional region 10 may be a region included in the absorbent core 7. In this case, the functional region 10 can be, for example, a region including the upper surface or the lower surface of the absorbent core 7.
In the example shown in FIG. 2, the functional region 10 is included in the core wrap sheet 8 and is arranged on the entire core wrap sheet 8.

As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 3, the functional region 10 contains the antibacterial agent 11. In FIGS. 3 to 5, the molecule of the antibacterial agent 11 or an aggregate thereof is schematically represented by a circle.
The antibacterial agent 11 means a substance having antibacterial activity. The antibacterial agent 11 is a component having antibacterial properties, and can contain components that can be used in an absorbent article without particular limitation, and may contain one kind of component alone, or two or more kinds of components. It may be included. Preferred specific examples of the antibacterial agent 11 will be described later.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the functional region 10 has a first region 10a further containing a cooling sensation agent 12. That is, the first region 10a is a region in the functional region 10 containing both the cooling sensation agent 12 and the antibacterial agent 11. The first region 10a may be arranged in a part of the functional area 10 or may be arranged in the whole. In FIGS. 2, 3 (A) and 3 (B), the first region 10a is represented by a pattern of diagonal lines extending in two directions intersecting, and the second region 10b, which will be described later, is represented by a pattern of diagonal lines extending in one direction.
The cooling sensation agent 12 means a substance capable of volatilizing and stimulating a temperature receptor (for example, TRPM8 receptor) on the surface of the wearer's skin or mucous membrane to convey a feeling of coolness and exhilaration to the wearer. In the present embodiment, as the cooling sensation agent 12, a cooling sensation agent that can be used for an absorbent article can be used without particular limitation, and specific examples will be described later.
The napkin 1 is typically in the state of a package that is folded and sealed with the surface sheet 2 inside before the wearer starts wearing it. When the package is opened and the napkin 1 is started to be worn, the cooling sensation agent 12 volatilizes from the skin facing surface 2a of the surface sheet 2 to give a cool feeling to the wearer.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the antibacterial agent 11 and the cooling sensation agent 12 are arranged on the same surface. The term "face" as used herein means a face that can be formed on each member of the napkin 1. For example, when the functional region 10 is configured as the above-mentioned sheet material or a part thereof, the antibacterial agent 11 and the cooling sensation agent 12 are arranged on the surface of the sheet material. Alternatively, when the functional region 10 is included in the absorbent core 7, the antibacterial agent 11 and the cooling sensation agent 12 are arranged, for example, on the upper surface or the lower surface of the absorbent core 7. In this embodiment, the antibacterial agent 11 and the cooling sensation agent 12 are arranged on the surface of the core wrap sheet 8.

The antibacterial agent 11 and the cooling sensation agent 12 are arranged on the above-mentioned surface by various methods. For example, the antibacterial agent 11 and the cooling sensation agent 12 may be arranged on the above surface in the form of a suspension or a solution. Examples of the method for arranging the antibacterial agent 11 and the cooling sensitizer 12 include spraying, coating, dipping, and transfer.

Specifically, the functional region 10 is created, for example, as follows. First, the antibacterial agent 11 is first arranged on a predetermined surface of a sheet material, a core material, or the like. Preferably, a liquid containing the antibacterial agent 11 such as a suspension or a solution is applied to the predetermined surface. In this case, after applying the antibacterial agent-containing liquid, the contained liquid may be dried. When the antibacterial agent 11 is applied as a contained liquid, for example, the antibacterial agent 11 permeates from the predetermined surface in the thickness direction Z. This forms the base of the functional region 10 containing the antibacterial agent 11.
Subsequently, the cooling sensation agent 12 is arranged on the surface on which the antibacterial agent 11 is arranged. Specifically, a liquid containing a cooling sensation agent 12, such as a suspension or a solution, is applied to the surface. The coated region of the cooling sensation agent 12 can form the first region 10a, and the non-coated region of the cooling sensation agent 12 can form the second region 10b described later.
By applying the cooling sensation agent 12 on the surface on which the antibacterial agent 11 is arranged, the cooling sensation agent 12 is arranged so as to cover the periphery of the antibacterial agent 11.

By devising the following when the functional region 10 is produced, a part of the antibacterial agent 11 can be covered with the cooling agent 12 and a part of the antibacterial agent 11 can be exposed.
(1) As described above, after the member coated with the antibacterial agent-containing liquid is dried, the cooling agent-containing liquid is applied in a state where tension is applied to the member in a desired direction, and the tension is applied. Dry with or without removing. Wrinkles are formed on the surface of the member dried after applying the antibacterial agent by appropriately selecting the drying conditions. Since it dries, the cooling sensation agent 12 tends to remain in the concave portions of the wrinkles, the cooling sensation agent 12 tends to volatilize in the convex portions, and only a part of the antibacterial agent 11 can be covered with the cooling sensitizer 12. ..
(2) As described above, when the member coated with the antibacterial agent-containing liquid is dried, it is not completely dried and a part of the solvent remains. In that state, the cooling agent-containing liquid is applied and dried so that the solvent completely evaporates. At this time, a part of the cooling sensation agent 12 is volatilized together with the solvent coated with the antibacterial agent 11, and only a part of the antibacterial agent 11 can be covered with the cooling sensation agent 12.
It is more effective to use the method (1) and the method (2) in combination.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the first region 10a, at least a part of the antibacterial agent 11 is covered with the cooling sensation agent 12.
As shown in schematic enlarged views P1 and P2 of FIG. 3C, the antibacterial agent 11 at least a part of the first region 10a is covered with the cooling sensation agent 12 around the molecule or the aggregate of the molecules. It will be in a state of being. In the enlarged views P1 to P6 of FIGS. 3 to 5, the cooling sensitizer 12 that covers the periphery of the molecule or the aggregate of the molecules of the antibacterial agent 11 is represented as a film for easy understanding. The cooling sensation agent 12 does not have to cover the entire periphery of the molecule of the antibacterial agent 11 or an aggregate thereof, and may cover at least a part thereof. It can be confirmed as follows that at least a part of the antibacterial agent 11 is covered with the cooling sensation agent 12.

(Method of confirming that at least a part of the antibacterial agent 11 is covered with the cooling sensitizer 12)
An energy dispersive X-ray analyzer (EDX) (hereinafter referred to as SEM-EDX) attached to a scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to map the elements contained in the antibacterial agent.
First, a sample piece on which an antibacterial agent is arranged (coated) is prepared, and it is desired to determine whether or not at least a part of the antibacterial agent is covered with a cooling sensation agent. This sample piece is attached to an aluminum sample table using a carbon double-sided tape. If necessary, this sample piece is coated with platinum / vanadium. While magnifying and observing this sample piece by SEM, the elements contained in the antibacterial agent are displayed by mapping using EDX. The measurement is performed at an acceleration voltage of 15 kV to 40 kV.
In the sample piece, the region to which the element contained in the antibacterial agent is mapped is determined to be a region in which the antibacterial agent is not covered with the cooling sensation agent. In the sample piece, the region where the element contained in the antibacterial agent is not mapped is determined to be the region where the antibacterial agent is covered with the cooling sensation agent.
Actually, the following sample pieces were prepared, and it was confirmed that at least a part of the antibacterial agent 11 was covered with the cooling sensation agent 12. The two core wrap sheets were each sprayed with an antibacterial agent (Sanisol C (registered trademark, alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride, manufactured by Kao Corporation)), and then these core wrap sheets were dried. A cooling sensation agent (menthol) was applied to one core wrap sheet by spraying to prepare a sample piece. The other core wrap sheet was used as a sample piece without applying a cooling sensation agent. These sample pieces were observed at a magnification of 150 times using SEM-EDX (manufactured by JEOL Ltd., product name "JSM-6510"), and the chloride ion ( ^Cl- ) contained in the antibacterial agent was green. Mapped with. As a result, the sample pieces not coated with the cooling agent were mapped in green indicating chloride ions as a whole, but the sample pieces coated with the cooling agent were mapped in green. was there. As a result, it was confirmed that the sample piece coated with the cooling sensitizer on the antibacterial agent contained the antibacterial agent coated with the cooling sensitizer.
In the above specific example, chlorine (chloride ion) is mapped, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the characteristic element of the antibacterial agent to be used may be mapped.

In the above configuration, at least a part of the antibacterial agent 11 coated with the cooling sensation agent 12 becomes difficult to mix with the excreted liquid due to the presence of the cooling sensation agent 12. As a result, when the liquid is excreted after the start of wearing the absorbent article (napkin 1), the antibacterial agent 11 coated with the cooling sensitizer 12 is prevented from mixing with the liquid and moving from the functional region 10. .. Therefore, even after contact with the liquid, at least a part of the antibacterial agent 11 remains in the functional region 10.
When time has passed from the start of wearing, the cooling sensation agent 12 gradually volatilizes, so that the antibacterial agent 11 is exposed from the cooling sensation agent 12. As a result, the antibacterial agent 11 gradually becomes easier to mix with the liquid. Therefore, when a new liquid is excreted after a lapse of time from the start of wearing, the antibacterial agent 11 exposed from the cooling sensation agent 12 mixes with the liquid, and the antibacterial action is easily exerted against the liquid.
As described above, in the above configuration, when the liquid is excreted a plurality of times from the start of wearing, the antibacterial agent 11 is gradually mixed with the liquid, and the antibacterial action can be continuously exerted in the functional region 10. .. Therefore, even when a lapse of time has passed from the start of wearing, the antibacterial agent 11 effectively suppresses the growth of bacteria and effectively prevents the generation of offensive odors.
In addition, in the above configuration, since the functional region 10 containing the cooling sensation agent 12 is located below the thickness direction Z of the surface sheet 2, the coating region of the cooling sensation agent 12 does not directly touch the skin, and the cooling sensation agent 12 causes the cooling sensation agent 12. A moderate feeling of coolness is given. The entire antibacterial agent 11 may be coated with the cooling sensitizer 12.

With the passage of time, the above-mentioned action and effect will be described more specifically with reference to the schematic diagram showing the functional region 10 of FIG.
Immediately after the start of wearing the napkin 1 shown in FIG. 4A, the cooling agent 12 covers most of the periphery of the antibacterial agent 11 as shown in the enlarged view P3 of FIG. 4C. In this state, the functional area 10 may come into contact with the excreted liquid. Since the antibacterial agent 11 covered with such a cooling sensation agent 12 is in a state of being difficult to mix with the liquid, it is difficult to move from the functional region 10.
As shown in FIG. 4B, when time has passed from the start of wearing the napkin 1, the cooling sensation agent 12 covering the antibacterial agent 11 volatilizes. As the cooling sensation agent 12 volatilizes, as shown in the enlarged view P4 of FIG. 4C, the portion of the antibacterial agent 11 that is not covered with the cooling sensation agent 12 increases. As a result, the antibacterial agent 11 is less likely to be affected by the cooling sensation agent 12, and is easily mixed with the newly excreted liquid, so that the antibacterial effect is exhibited.
By coating the antibacterial agent 11 with the cooling agent 12 in this way, it becomes possible to gradually increase the ease of mixing the antibacterial agent 11 with the liquid with the passage of time from the start of wearing. Therefore, the antibacterial action is likely to be continuously exerted in the functional region 10.

A part of the antibacterial agent 11 may be covered with the cooling agent 12 on the skin-facing surface of the absorber 4, and the remaining part may be exposed. By doing so, the antibacterial performance can be exhibited from the initial stage of use, and the covered portion is hindered from coming into contact with the excrement fluid. Therefore, although the antibacterial performance is not exhibited at the initial stage of use, the functional area 10 Since it easily remains, it has an excellent effect that it can exhibit antibacterial performance in the area when it is used for a long time. The "part of the antibacterial agent 11" may be a part of the antibacterial agent molecule or a part of a plurality of antibacterial agent molecules, but the effect of the cooling sensation agent 12 may be obtained. From the viewpoint of long-lasting, it is preferably a part of the antibacterial agent molecule.

[Specific configuration example of the functional area 10]
As shown in FIG. 3, it is preferable that the functional region 10 further includes a second region 10b that does not contain the cooling sensitizer 12 in addition to the first region 10a.
The second region 10b contains the antibacterial agent 11 but does not contain the cooling sensation agent 12. Therefore, the antibacterial agent 11 in the second region 10b is not covered with the cooling sensation agent 12.
The second region 10b is formed, for example, by a non-coated region of the cooling sensation agent 12.

In the above configuration, the antibacterial agent 11 in the second region 10b, which is not covered with the cooling sensitizer 12, is easily mixed with the liquid excreted immediately after the start of wearing, and the antibacterial property is exhibited against the liquid. On the other hand, the antibacterial agent 11 coated with the cooling sensation agent 12 in the first region 10a is difficult to mix with the liquid and is suppressed from moving from the functional region 10.
Further, when time has passed from the start of wearing, the cooling sensation agent 12 in the first region 10a gradually volatilizes, and the antibacterial agent 11 is gradually exposed. As a result, the antibacterial agent 11 in the first region 10a is easily mixed with the liquid newly excreted after a lapse of time from the start of wearing, and a sufficient antibacterial effect is exhibited against the liquid. To.
As described above, with the above configuration, the antibacterial action against the excreted liquid is likely to be continuously exerted immediately after the start of wearing the napkin 1.

Regarding the arrangement of the first region 10a and the second region 10b, from the viewpoint of exerting a sufficient antibacterial action against the excreted liquid, the first region 10a is arranged so as to face the excretion portion or its vicinity, and the first region 10a is arranged. It is preferable that the two regions 10b are arranged around the first region 10a in the vertical direction X and / or the horizontal direction Y. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the first region 10a is preferably arranged at least in the intermediate region C in the vertical direction X, and is arranged on the center side of the functional region 10 in the horizontal direction Y. Is preferable. For example, in the functional regions 10 shown in FIGS. ..
Although the first region 10a is shown by a dot-shaped pattern in FIG. 1, such a pattern is not actually visible.

The arrangement of the cooling sensation agent 12 in the functional region 10 will be described in more detail.
As shown in FIG. 2, the functional region 10 is divided into a central portion 10c in the lateral direction Y, a central portion 10c, and a side portion 10d adjacent to the lateral direction Y. The central portion 10c means a central region when the functional region 10 is divided into three equal parts in the lateral direction Y. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the central portion 10c is located between the two side portions 10d. When the functional region 10 has two or more layers in the thickness direction Z like the core wrap sheet 8, the portion of each layer included in the central region when divided into three equal parts in a plan view is defined as the central portion 10c. The portion adjacent to the central portion 10c of each layer is defined as the side portion 10d.
In this case, the content (basis weight) of the cooling sensation agent 12 per unit area in the central portion 10c is preferably larger than the content (basis weight) per unit area of the cooling sensation agent 12 in the side portion 10d.
Such a configuration can be realized by arranging the first region 10a in at least a part of the central portion 10c and arranging the second regions 10b on both sides in the lateral direction Y thereof.

In the above configuration, since the central portion 10c can face the excretory portion of the wearer when worn, it is a portion having more chances of contact with the liquid than the side portion 10d. In the above configuration, since the content of the cooling sensation agent 12 per unit area is large in the central portion 10c, the antibacterial agent 11 in the central portion 10c can be sufficiently covered with the cooling sensation agent 12. This prevents most of the antibacterial agent 11 in the central portion 10c from moving from the functional region 10 due to the liquid excreted immediately after the start of wearing. Further, with the passage of time from the start of wearing, the cooling sensation agent 12 in the central portion 10c gradually volatilizes, and the antibacterial agent 11 in the central portion 10c gradually becomes easily mixed with the liquid. As a result, the antibacterial agent 11 tends to stay in the central portion 10c of the functional region 10 which is likely to come into contact with a large amount of liquid a plurality of times, and gradually mixes with the excreted liquid, so that the antibacterial action is sustained and effective. Can be demonstrated.

From the viewpoint of effectively obtaining the above-mentioned effects, the ratio of the basis weight of the cooling sensation agent 12 in the central portion 10c to the basis weight of the cooling sensation agent 12 in the side portion 10d is preferably 1.2 or more, more preferably 1. It is 5 or more, preferably 5 or less, and more preferably 3 or less.
The basis weight of the cooling sensation agent 12 in the central portion 10c is preferably 1.5 g / m ² or more, more preferably 2.5 g / m, from the viewpoint of suppressing an excessive cooling sensation while sufficiently covering the antibacterial agent 11. It is m ² or more, preferably 10.0 g / m ² or less, and more preferably 8.0 g / m ² or less.
The method for measuring the basis weight of the cooling agent 12 will be described later.

Further, from the viewpoint of more reliably covering the antibacterial agent 11 with the cooling agent 12 in the first region 10a, the content (basis weight) per unit area of the cooling agent 12 is per unit area of the antibacterial agent 11. It is preferably higher than the content (basis weight).
In the above configuration, the cooling sensation agent 12 easily covers the antibacterial agent 11 in the first region 10a. As a result, most of the antibacterial agent 11 in the first region 10a is more effectively suppressed from being moved by the liquid excreted immediately after the start of wearing. Therefore, even when a lapse of time has passed from the start of wearing, a larger amount of the antibacterial agent 11 stays in the first region 10a, and can effectively exert an antibacterial action against the newly excreted liquid.

From the viewpoint of effectively obtaining the above-mentioned effects, the ratio of the basis weight of the cooling sensation agent 12 to the basis weight of the antibacterial agent 11 is preferably 30 or more, more preferably 40 or more, and preferably 40 or more in the first region 10a. It is 100 or less, more preferably 80 or less.
The basis weight of the antibacterial agent 11 in the first region 10a is preferably 0.005 g / m ² or more, more preferably 0.02 g / m, from the viewpoint of suppressing the production cost while exerting a sufficient antibacterial action. It is ² or more, preferably 0.5 g / m ² or less, and more preferably 0.3 g / m ² or less.
The basis weight of the cooling sensation agent 12 in the first region 10a is preferably 1.5 g / m ² or more, more preferably 2.5 g, from the viewpoint of suppressing an excessive cooling sensation while sufficiently covering the antibacterial agent 11. It is / m ² or more, preferably 7.0 g / m ² or less, and more preferably 5.0 g / m ² or less.
The method for measuring the basis weight of the antibacterial agent 11 and the cooling sensation agent 12 will be described later.

[Structure example when the functional region 10 is included in the absorber 4]
As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, for example, the absorber 4 includes the functional region 10.
As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 5A, the first region 10a includes the upper surface (skin facing surface) 4a of the absorber 4 and has a thickness in the thickness direction Z. That is, the first region 10a is arranged from the upper surface 4a of the absorber 4 to the inside Z in the thickness direction. The cross-sectional view of FIG. 5A exaggerates the thickness as compared with FIG. 3B.
The thickness of the first region 10a in the thickness direction Z is preferably 2 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more, and preferably 3 mm or more, from the viewpoint of suppressing the production cost while sufficiently exerting the antibacterial effect and the cooling sensation effect. It is 10 mm or less, more preferably 8 mm or less.
In such a first region 10a, for example, the upper surface 4a is coated with the liquid containing the antibacterial agent 11, and the upper surface 4a is further coated with the liquid containing the cooling sensitizer 12, and these coated liquids are applied. Is formed by permeating in the thickness direction Z.

In the first region 10a, the degree of coverage of the antibacterial agent 11 by the cooling sensation agent 12 is preferably higher on the inner side of the absorber 4 in the thickness direction Z than on the upper surface 4a side of the absorber 4.
For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the inner antibacterial agent 11 (enlarged view P6) in the thickness direction Z of the absorber 4 is more than the antibacterial agent 11 (enlarged view P5) on the upper surface 4a side of the absorber 4. Is more fully covered with the cooling agent 12.

The coverage of the cooling sensation agent 12 with respect to the antibacterial agent 11 is an image using SEM-EDX in the first region 10a, and the element in the image displayed by mapping the element contained in the antibacterial agent 11 is the element. It means the size of the undetected part. In the first region 10a, the portion where the element is detected is the portion where the antibacterial agent 11 which is not sufficiently coated with the cooling sensitizer 12 is detected. On the other hand, in the first region 10a, the portion where the element is not detected is a portion where the antibacterial agent 11 is sufficiently covered with the cooling sensitizer 12. That is, in the image using the SEM-EDX of the first region 10a, the wider the region where the element is not detected, the more the antibacterial agent 11 is sufficiently covered with the cooling sensitizer 12, and the portion corresponding to the image is covered. It is judged that the degree is high.
The coverage may be determined, for example, by observing an SEM image to which the elements contained in the antibacterial agent 11 are mapped, or by performing image processing on the image.

The upper surface 4a of the absorber 4 is the upper surface of the core wrap sheet 8 when the absorber 4 includes the core wrap sheet 8, and the absorbent core 7 when the absorber 4 is composed of only the absorbent core 7. It is the upper surface of. The “upper surface 4a side of the absorber 4” means, for example, a region within 100 μm in the thickness direction Z from the upper surface 4a.
On the other hand, the inside of the absorber 4 is a region located on the Z lower side (non-skin side) in the thickness direction than the upper surface 4a side. When the core wrap sheet 8 is included, the inside of the absorber 4 may be on the side of the core wrap sheet 8 facing the absorbent core 7, or may be the absorbent core 7.

In the above configuration, since the degree of coverage of the cooling sensation agent 12 on the upper surface 4a side of the absorber 4 is low, the cooling sensation agent 12 is suppressed from being excessively volatilized from the upper surface 4a. As a result, an appropriate cooling sensation can be obtained by the cooling sensation agent 12.
Further, since the antibacterial agent 11 on the upper surface 4a side of the absorber 4 is in a state of being easily mixed with the liquid at the start of wearing the napkin 1, in the initial stage of wearing, the antibacterial agent 11 on the upper surface 4a side is antibacterial against the liquid. It becomes easier to exert the action. Further, when time has passed from the start of wearing, the cooling sensation agent 12 covering the antibacterial agent 11 inside the absorber 4 gradually volatilizes, so that the antibacterial agent 11 inside the inside also mixes with the liquid. It will be easier. As a result, the inner antibacterial agent 11 exerts an antibacterial effect on the newly excreted liquid. Therefore, with the above configuration, the antibacterial action is likely to be continuously exerted immediately after the start of wearing the napkin 1.

A specific configuration example of the core wrap sheet 8 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, the absorber 4 includes an absorbent core 7 and a core wrap sheet 8 covering the absorbent core 7, and it is more preferable that the core wrap sheet 8 includes the functional region 10.
The functional area 10 may be arranged on the entire core wrap sheet 8 or may be partially arranged on the core wrap sheet 8. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the functional area 10 is arranged on the entire core wrap sheet 8. That is, in this configuration, the antibacterial agent 11 is contained in the entire core wrap sheet 8.

In the above configuration, the antibacterial agent 11 is gradually mixed with the liquid in contact with the core wrap sheet 8. As a result, not only the liquid absorbed by the absorbent core 7 but also the liquid that has passed through the core wrap sheet 8 but is not absorbed by the absorbent core 7 and the liquid that has returned from the absorbent core 7 can be treated. , Antibacterial action is exhibited. Therefore, the antibacterial action is exhibited against many liquids in contact with the core wrap sheet 8, and the generation of offensive odors is effectively prevented.

A more specific configuration example regarding the core wrap sheet 8 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, the core wrap sheet 8 has, for example, a front surface region 8a located on the front surface sheet 2 side and a back surface region 8b located on the back surface sheet 3 side. The surface region 8a covers the upper surface of the absorbent core 7 and forms the upper surface 4a of the absorber 4. The back surface region 8b covers the lower surface of the absorbent core 7 and forms the lower surface 4b of the absorber 4. The core wrap sheet 8 is wound around the absorbent core 7 in the lateral direction Y. The side end portions 8e of the core wrap sheet 8 in the lateral direction Y are arranged so as to overlap each other, for example, in the back surface region 8b. This overlapping portion is joined by an adhesive S4 such as a hot melt adhesive.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the functional region 10 is arranged in both the front surface region 8a and the back surface region 8b.
As shown in FIG. 2, the first region 10a is arranged at least in the surface region 8a from the viewpoint that the volatilized cooling sensation agent 12 stimulates the temperature receptors on the surface of the wearer's skin or mucous membrane to easily give a cooling sensation. It is preferable to be done. In particular, the first region 10a is preferably arranged in the central portion 10c of the surface region 8a, which has many opportunities for contact with the liquid.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second region 10b is preferably arranged at least in the back surface region 8b. As a result, when the liquid absorbed by the absorbent core 7 reaches the back surface region 8b, the antibacterial agent 11 not coated with the cooling sensitizer 12 is quickly mixed with the liquid. When this liquid returns to the surface region 8a side due to an external force or the like when worn, an antibacterial effect can be exhibited also on the surface region 8a side.

Further, as shown in the modified example of FIG. 6, the first region 10a may be arranged in both the front surface region 8a and the back surface region 8b, and is arranged so as to extend from the front surface region 8a to the back surface region 8b, for example. It may have been done.

[More detailed description of cooling sensation agent 12 and antibacterial agent 11]
The cooling sensation agent 12 is preferably less soluble in water than the antibacterial agent 11.
The solubility of the cooling agent 12 and the antibacterial agent 11 in water is the amount of purified water (for example, ion-exchanged water) for dissolving 1 g of the cooling agent 12 and the amount of purified water for dissolving 1 g of the antibacterial agent 11. Is determined by comparing under the same temperature (for example, 25 ° C.). That is, when the amount of purified water that dissolves 1 g of the cooling agent 12 is larger than the amount of purified water that dissolves 1 g of the antibacterial agent 11, the solubility of the cooling agent 12 in water is higher than that of the antibacterial agent 11. It is judged to be low.

In the above configuration, the cooling sensation agent 12 is difficult to dissolve in the excreted liquid. As a result, the dissolution of the antibacterial agent 11 coated on the cooling sensitizer 12 in the liquid is suppressed, and the movement of such the antibacterial agent 11 from the functional region 10 is more reliably suppressed. On the other hand, the antibacterial agent 11 which is not coated with the cooling sensitizer 12 has high solubility in water, easily dissolves in a liquid, and can exhibit antibacterial properties. Therefore, the volatilization of the cooling sensation agent 12 satisfactorily controls the solubility of the antibacterial agent 11 in the liquid, and the antibacterial action of the antibacterial agent 11 is more effectively maintained.

More preferably, the cooling sensation agent 12 is poorly water-soluble, is an agonist for the TRPM8 receptor, and the antibacterial agent 11 is water-soluble.
The term "slightly water-soluble" as used herein means that the solubility is 1 g or less in 1 L of water (purified water) at 25 ° C. It is more preferable that the cooling sensation agent 12 has a solubility of 0.5 g or less in 1 L of water (purified water) at 25 ° C.
The "agonist for the TRPM8 receptor" means a substance that acts on the TRPM8 receptor, which is a kind of temperature receptor on the surface of the wearer's skin or mucous membrane, to give a feeling of coolness.
Further, "water-soluble" means that more than 1 g is dissolved in 1 L of water (purified water) at 25 ° C. It is more preferable that the antibacterial agent 11 has a solubility of 2 g or more in 1 L of water (purified water) at 25 ° C.

With the above configuration, the above-mentioned sustained antibacterial action can be obtained even more reliably. Further, since the cooling sensation agent 12 is poorly water-soluble, the cooling sensation agent 12 does not dissolve even after coming into contact with the liquid and easily volatilizes, so that a cooling sensation due to the cooling sensation agent 12 can be obtained more reliably. Therefore, with the above configuration, both the cooling sensation of the cooling sensation agent 12 and the sustained antibacterial action of the antibacterial agent 11 can be effectively obtained.

Specifically, the cooling sensitizer 12 contains one or a plurality of components selected from cyclohexyl derivatives, cyclohexanol derivatives, carboxamides, ketones and the like. Examples of the cyclohexyl derivative, cyclohexanol derivative, and carboxamide include the components described in paragraphs [0006] to [0086] of JP-A-2015-12918. Examples of ketones include camphor. In particular, the cooling sensation agent 12 is sparingly water-soluble and preferably contains at least one of menthol, camphor or menthol lactate from the viewpoint of obtaining a good cooling sensation, and more preferably contains menthol and camphor.

Specifically, the antibacterial agent 11 contains one or a plurality of components selected from a metal, a metal oxide, an antibacterial metal carrier, an organic antibacterial agent, and the like.
Examples of the metal include copper, silver, gold, lead, nickel, tin, zinc, iron, zirconium and the like.
Examples of the metal oxide include zinc oxide and silica.
Examples of the antibacterial metal carrier include silver zeolite, divinylbenzene-2-vinylpyridine-2-vinylpyridine silver copolymer, and aluminum / silver / sodium silicate nitrite (for example, those described in JP-A-2005-232654). ), A composite of silicon diate, zinc oxide and aluminum oxide, a mixture of silver zirconium phosphate and silver and zinc zeolite.
The "organic antibacterial agent" means an antibacterial agent containing a component mainly composed of an organic compound. The antibacterial agent 11 of the present embodiment preferably contains a cationic antibacterial agent as an organic antibacterial agent from the viewpoint of having high water solubility. Examples of the cationic antibacterial agent include those described in paragraphs [0015] to [0018] of the specification of JP-A-8-99841. Among them, it is preferable to use a quaternary ammonium salt as a cationic antibacterial agent from the viewpoint of water solubility, antibacterial property and safety (hypoallergenic to the skin).
Examples of the quaternary ammonium salt include an alkylpyridinium salt, a benzethonium salt, a benzalkonium salt, a monoalkyltrimethylammonium salt, a dialkyldimethylammonium salt and the like.
The antibacterial agent 11 of the present embodiment preferably contains a benzalkonium salt as the quaternary ammonium salt, and more preferably contains benzalkonium chloride from the viewpoint of having high water solubility.

[Supplementary explanation of this embodiment]
(Example of arrangement of functional area 10 in plan view)
As shown in FIG. 1, the functional region 10 preferably extends in the vertical direction X in the intermediate region C, and further preferably extends from the front region F through the intermediate region C to the rear region R. Further, the functional region 10 preferably extends over the vertical X total length of the absorber 4.
The first region 10a may be arranged only in a part of the functional area 10 in the vertical direction X, or may be arranged over the entire length of the functional area 10. Like the functional region 10, the first region 10a preferably extends in the vertical direction X in the intermediate region C, and further preferably extends from the front region F through the intermediate region C to the rear region R. For example, it is preferable that the absorber 4 extends over the entire length of the longitudinal direction X.
In addition, in this specification, "extending in the vertical direction X" is not limited to the aspect extending linearly parallel to the vertical direction X, and includes the aspect extending from the front to the rear as a whole.

(Method of detecting cooling sensation agent 12 and measuring basis weight)
First, the target member or target part of the absorbent article is collected. At this time, from the viewpoint of suppressing the volatilization of the cooling sensation agent, it is preferable to decompose the absorbent article in a chamber at, for example, 5 ° C. and take out a member or a portion to be measured.
The collected cooling sensitizer of the target member or the target site is extracted with a solvent, and the extracted solution is analyzed by gas chromatography (GC). The measurement can be performed by, for example, a hydrogen flame ionization detector attached to a gas chromatograph (for example, "7890A" manufactured by Agilent Technologies, Inc.). Specifically, the relationship between the concentration of the compound constituting the cooling sensation agent and the peak area is calibrated in advance, and the quantification work is performed based on the calibration curve. Thereby, the cooling sensation agent in the target member or the target site can be detected and the content can be measured.
The case where the cooling sensitizer contains at least one of menthol, menthol lactate or camphor will be described as an example. The cooling sensitizer is extracted from the target member or the target site using methanol as a solvent. Using methanol as a solvent, 3 to 5 levels of cooling sensitizer solutions with different concentrations are prepared in advance, and the peak area of each concentration is calculated from the GC chromatogram. Using n-pentyl alcohol as a standard sample, a calibration curve is created by plotting the peak area with respect to the concentration of the standard sample. By analyzing the extract under the same conditions as the analysis for which the calibration curve was prepared, the obtained peak area is applied to the calibration curve to calculate the cooling sensation agent content.
The basis weight of the cooling sensation agent can be calculated as the content per unit area by dividing the obtained content by the area of the target member or the target portion measured in advance.

(Measuring method of basis weight of antibacterial agent 11)
First, the target member or target part of the absorbent article is collected. The content of the antibacterial agent of the target member or the target site can be measured by a liquid chromatograph / mass spectrometer (trade name: 6140 LC / MS, manufactured by Agilent Technologies, Inc., ionization method: ESI). Alternatively, a calibration curve can be created and the content of the antibacterial agent can be measured based on the calibration curve.
The basis weight of the antibacterial agent can be calculated as the content per unit area by dividing the obtained content by the area of the target member or the target site measured in advance.

(Material of core wrap sheet 8)
The core wrap sheet 8 is typically a sheet-like material such as a non-woven fabric or paper mainly composed of hydrophilic fibers. The hydrophilic fibers contained in the core wrap sheet 8 include wood pulp such as coniferous tree pulp and broadleaf tree pulp, natural fiber such as non-wood pulp such as cotton pulp and hemp pulp; and modified pulp such as cationized pulp and marcelled pulp; Regenerated fibers such as cupra and rayon; Semi-synthetic fibers such as atate; Hydrophilic synthetic fibers such as polyvinyl alcohol fiber and polyacrylonitrile fiber; Hydrophilic treatment of synthetic fibers such as polyethylene terephthalate fiber, polyethylene fiber, polypropylene fiber and polyester fiber Examples thereof include applied fibers, and one of these can be used alone or in combination of two or more. Typical of the hydrophilic fibers in the core wrap sheet 8 are natural fibers, cellulosic regenerated fibers or semi-synthetic fibers.
The core wrap sheet 8 may further contain synthetic fibers (hydrophobic fibers), for example, thermoplastic fibers in addition to the hydrophilic fibers. The thermoplastic fiber was formed by using a single fiber formed by using a single synthetic resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester or polyurethane, or by using a synthetic resin such as a composite of two or more of these. Composite fibers such as core-sheath type and side-by-side type formed by using two or more kinds of synthetic resins can also be used.

(Other components contained in the core wrap sheet 8)
The core wrap sheet 8 may contain a compound having pores or cavities from the viewpoint of controlling the volatility of the cooling sensation agent 12. Examples of the compound having pores and cavities include aluminosilicates such as zeolite, mullite and kaolin, cyclodextrin and the like. As a result, the rapid volatilization of the cooling sensation agent 12 is suppressed, and the antibacterial property is continuously exhibited even after a lapse of time from the start of wearing.

[Other embodiments]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

For example, the functional region 10 does not include the second region 10b, and may be entirely composed of the first region 10a. In this case, for example, the entire core wrap sheet 8 may be composed of the first region 10a.
For example, the absorber 4 may not include the core wrap sheet 8. In this case, the absorber 4 is formed by, for example, the absorbent core 7, and the antibacterial agent 11 and the cooling sensitizer 12 are arranged on the upper surface or the lower surface of the absorbent core 7 (absorbent body 4). The functional region 10 is a region containing the antibacterial agent 11 in the absorbent core 7.
For example, when the absorbent core 7 is composed of a layered structure of an absorbent sheet, the functional region 10 may be included in at least a part of the layer.
For example, the functional region 10 may be a region included in a member other than the absorber 4, such as a sub-layer sheet and a leak-proof sheet, arranged between the front surface sheet 2 and the back surface sheet 3.

In the above embodiments, examples of menstrual napkins are shown as absorbable articles, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The absorbent article of the present invention may be, for example, a urine absorbing pad, a vaginal discharge sheet, a disposable diaper, or the like.

1 ... Absorbent articles (physiological napkins, napkins)
2 ... Front surface sheet 3 ... Back surface sheet 4 ... Absorber 10 ... Functional area 10a ... First area 10b ... Second area 11 ... Antibacterial agent 12 ... Cooling sensitizer

Claims (8)

It is provided with a liquid-permeable front surface sheet, a back surface sheet, and an absorber arranged between the front surface sheet and the back surface sheet, and is orthogonal to the vertical direction corresponding to the front-back direction of the wearer and the vertical direction. An absorbent article having a horizontal direction and a thickness direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.
It contains an antibacterial agent and has a functional area located between the front and back sheets.
The functional region has a first region further containing a cooling sensation agent arranged on the same surface as the antibacterial agent.
In the first region, at least a part of the antibacterial agent is an absorbent article coated with the cooling sensation agent. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the functional region further includes a second region that does not contain the cooling sensation agent. In a plan view, the functional area is divided into a central portion in the lateral direction, a central portion, and a side portion adjacent to the central portion in the lateral direction.
The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the content of the cooling sensation agent in the central portion per unit area is larger than the content of the cooling sensation agent in the side portion per unit area. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the first region, the content of the cooling sensitizer per unit area is larger than the content of the antibacterial agent per unit area. The absorber comprises said functional region.
The first region includes the skin-facing surface of the absorber and has a thickness in the thickness direction.
Any of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the first region, the degree of coverage of the cooling sensation agent on the antibacterial agent is higher on the inner side of the absorber in the thickness direction than on the skin-facing surface side of the absorber. The absorbent article according to one item. The absorber is
Absorbent core and
With a core wrap sheet covering the absorbent core,
The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the core wrap sheet includes the functional area. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cooling sensation agent has a lower solubility in water than the antibacterial agent. The cooling sensation agent is poorly water-soluble, is an agonist for the TRPM8 receptor, and is
The absorbent article according to claim 7, wherein the antibacterial agent is water-soluble.

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