JP3172565U - Absorption structure - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent structure comprising a highly concentrated absorbent polymer material that is thin, lightweight, flexible and has excellent liquid management.
In addition to being used in the personal hygiene industry as an absorbent product, it is preferably used in the food, consumer, home, architecture, beauty and medical industries. This absorbent structure has a carrier layer, an auxiliary layer and an absorbent material sandwiched between them, the first joint and the second joint are joined together with the carrier layer and the auxiliary layer, the first joint is substantially intact, The second joint loosens due to liquid absorption of the absorbent structure. In addition, the absorbent structure expands non-uniformly when the absorbent structure is exposed to liquid to form a liquid management surface structure. Predicting the need for a thin and lightweight absorbent structure, it overcomes the challenge of absorbing, arranging and storing liquids with an optimal fit.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an absorbent structure comprising a polymeric absorbent polymer material used in an integrated liquid management system.

A structure including a polymer-absorbing polymer material is known as follows. WO95 / 26209, which is a concrete reference, is an absorption structure useful for containing physiological waste and urine, in which an absorbent polymer material is contained in about 60% to 100% of the weight. Liquid management is hindered if the polymeric absorbent polymer material is substantially absent as a uniform and connected fibrous support material in an amount of about 50-100 gsm. Impairing liquid management means that the absorbent polymer material is inconsistent in the dry part or in the wet state. As a result, the presence (in the ability to take in and carry the liquid through the interstitial space and the capillary tissue) is substantially decomposed and changed by the presence of the liquid, and the hydrogel is continuously formed and expanded. Under normal usage conditions, applying tension and torsional force to the absorbent structure can interfere with liquid management, causing the hydrogel layer to be randomly separated, creating gaps, and remarkably thin or divided into multiple parts. This impedes performance, minimizing the permeability and flow conductivity characteristics of the absorbent structure and / or completely inconsistent, creating performance problems. Adding volume to the absorbent structure to increase liquid management properties and increasing thickness and weight reduces flexibility, increases costs, and increases the highly undesirable and harmful environmental range of the absorbent product.

WO95 / 26209

  Therefore, it is a highly concentrated absorbent polymer material that is thin, lightweight, flexible, and has excellent liquid management, and it is also manufactured, marketed, designed, fitted, comfortable, distributed, packaged, discarded, material, energy It is expected to provide products that take transportation costs into consideration.

  The product of the present invention has small pockets and large compartments, and the absorbent polymer material is continuously fixed, so that the absorbent structure is solved and the semi-permanent first grid and temporary second joint pattern can be used to dry. Such pocket and compartment features allow proper management of the absorbent polymer material, even in the presence of liquids partially or wholly. Even when such joints are inflated or expanded during liquid absorption, they can be properly secured without overly restricting the absorbent material, resulting in reduced utilization, performance loss and performance. To prevent adverse effects.

  It is desirable to suppress absorbent polymers and to completely remove or reduce the weight of synthetic fixing admixtures used for covering or bonding (eg webs, binders and thermoplastic adhesives). And very economical.

  The present invention is not limited to absorbent products, feminine hygiene products, baby diapers and training pants, adult excrement products, various absorbent holders, liners, towels and inserts, etc. Provides an absorption structure with significantly improved

  Taking a preferred embodiment of the present invention as an example, an absorbent polymer material, in particular, an absorbent fine particle polymer material such as high permeability SAP is desirable. The pre-absorbent material expands sufficiently until the absorbent material reaches the liquid absorption capacity in an even manner, or until free space is occupied by the absorbent material with expanded and expanded volume in the areas of the various absorbent structures. Since there is no macroscopic liquid management structure and side leakage occurs at high risk, there is a need to provide complex surface and / or side barrier structures for absorbent products.

It has been discovered that when the absorbent polymer material absorbs liquid and swells, it is actually processed in a specific pattern and arrangement and is being performed quickly, effectively and efficiently. Placement of the absorbent polymer material in a predefined location and administration of a very precise amount helps to obtain optimal absorbency, fit and / or comfort.
Therefore, the absorbent polymer material is placed where it is intended to avoid unwanted movement and uncontrolled movement within the absorbent structure, and the absorbent particulate polymer material is fully liquid loaded and / or partially Even in a liquid load state, it is desirable to be fixed or suppressed via the absorption structure.

  The absorbent structure according to the present invention is formed by overlapping a carrier layer, an auxiliary layer, and an absorbent polymer agent, and includes a grid, a first joint pattern, and a second joint that are pre-installed in the carrier layer and the auxiliary layer. It is joined. Wrap together the aforementioned layers. The second joint relaxes, melts, weakens or separates when the aforementioned structure is exposed to liquid, vapor and / or moisture. The first joint remains substantially intact in normal use.

“Connected”, “Joint” or “Connected” means that the element is fixed directly attached to another element, or the element is fixed indirectly attached to the intermediate, or intermediate Even when the body is fixed in association with another element, “connection”, “accompanying”, “stable“ fixed ”,“ coupled ”,“ coupled ”, and the like are associated and set as equivalent.

  This absorbent structure is distinguished by its ability to capture and fix and / or suppress the absorbent material in a dry state. Except for the large unrestrained compartment, even when the absorbent structure absorbs liquid and is wet, the primary joint fundamentally helps protect the structural integrity of the absorbent structure with inherent moisture resistance The second joint, with its unprecedented improvement in function, tightly encloses the absorbent while gradually expanding and expanding.

  It is desirable that the joint grid and pattern of the absorbent structure in a dry, partially wet, or fully wet state is in harmony with the functions performed by existing available and usable absorbent materials. When the first joint and the second joint are in the same or similar situation and the consistency after absorption is observed, the consistency of the first joint is better maintained.

  The removal of the initial restraint of the first and second joints and the deferred liquid management system in use leads to superior performance and significant raw material savings, so that absorbent materials can be placed and assembled more accurately and efficiently. Freeing up extra volume and space only occasionally leads to manufacturing, storage and transportation benefits. Improved and controlled liquid wicking and dispersion results in improved liquid communication in unabsorbed (eg, saturated) or absorbable (eg, unsaturated) areas.

  For further improvements in absorption, liquid distribution, transport, storage, leak rate, and repeated wet values, the liquid can be guided in the desired direction to act like a waterway, canal and / or embankment in height, bulk, depression It is preferably realized in a valley and has a direct, macroscopic surface structure. This absorbent structure is formed by overlapping a carrier layer, an auxiliary layer, and an absorbent material, in which a first joint and a second joint are coupled. The absorbent structure is characterized by a liquid management surface structure in which the aforementioned carrier layer and the aforementioned auxiliary layer come together to expand non-uniformly by exposing the absorbent material to the liquid.

  Three-dimensional, macroscopic surface structures that only appear and function when needed are the reasons for optimal flexibility, fit, comfort, transport and storage efficiency. For example, it does not exist prior to use of the absorbent product and appears when the product is partially and / or wholly wet with liquid. The present invention has an indirect function, that is, in a dry state, a “three-dimensional absorption structure that is functional and three-dimensional with a height and bulk and / or a depression” The three-dimensional expansion of the absorbent structure is caused by the differential expansion of the absorbent polymer material, the differential pattern due to joint disengagement, or a combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent material of the absorbent structure has a different absorption capacity, and a minimum of 25% and 50% are desirable, but 100% is most desirable. As an example, an originally flat cuff is connected between two superabsorbent areas, which are expanded and released by liquid absorption and get up.

  Innovators can minimize leaks and malfunctions and limit repeated wetting and gel closure with the ability to construct the macroscopic surface structure of the underlying, merged and superficial liquid management system. Effectively and efficiently ensure the use of raw materials against significant increases, place, move, and fix additional liquids and guide liquids to their intended location for unprecedented liquid management I found it possible.

  Ideally, the expansion and volume increase of the liquid absorbed by the absorbent structure will result in the creation of respective spaces and volumes as a result of the separation resulting in a loss of the joint pattern process or incremental increments. The low volume absorbent material that is dry-fixed is formed by synthesizing the first and second joints and secured in a small (smaller) pocket. Wet and high volume absorbent material is characterized by an untreated joint pattern that has been partially or wholly released under the influence of liquid, vapor and / or moisture, and into an expanding (larger) compartment Secured continuously. When the absorbent material reaches a significant volume, it is important to continuously suppress the absorbent material. A well-designed absorbent structure will gradually wet, expand without undue or over-constraining and allow the secondary material to be separated without being too fast or too slow, allowing the absorbent material to expand gradually. It is. The required strength of the bond is sufficient depending on the absorbent structure and product size, shape, time of use and function.

  The definition that the first joint can remain significantly unaffected under the influence of liquid is exaggerated, excluding conditions under severe and / or harsh conditions, such as unusual liter quantities of liquid or days Use, use, condition, timing of use, fluid volume, interval, room temperature, and / or body temperature, except where there is extreme contact, characterized by relatively normal desirable conditions Define. Such a case is not preferred, but the first joint that is initially liquid resistant may loosen, leave, and eventually be damaged. As mentioned above, it is assumed in the present invention that it is obvious that such a first joint will eventually become a second joint after a longer period of use than usual or after harsh usage conditions. ing.

  It is desirable in an embodiment that the absorbent material is in direct contact with the lower surface of the auxiliary layer and the upper surface of the carrier layer. However, it is also possible to provide absorption management consistency correspondingly with additional fabric, nonwoven, woven, tissue and / or paper layers.

The absorbent material is an aggregated cluster, preferably formed by a first joint and a second joint, and encapsulated by a pocket or compartment. Absorbent particulate polymer material is preferably at least about 50gm ² standard weight, 100-200gm ² or 300 gm ^2, 500 gm ² is also preferred, 700gm ² being most preferred. Highly penetrating SAP is particularly preferred.

  This absorbent structure will be further described with reference to an exemplary embodiment. Refer to the figure indicated by the number.

Drawings 1A-D provide schematic cross-sections of absorbent structures according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2 provides a schematic top view of an absorbent structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 provides a schematic top view with the absorbent structure wet according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the approximate semi-permanent first joint and temporary second joint. Drawings 4A-B provide schematic top views of an absorbent structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, displaying different aggregate cluster shapes. Same as above Drawings 5A-C provide a schematic top view of an absorbent structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, showing dry and wet areas. FIG. 6 provides a schematic top view of an absorbent structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating stepwise expansion by a first joint grid and a second joint pattern. FIG. 7 provides a schematic cross-sectional view of the staged expansion of the absorbent structure in a dry state according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 provides a schematic cross-sectional view of the stepwise expansion of the absorbent structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in a wet state.

  See Figures 1A-D, 2,3. The absorbent structure 14 includes at least one carrier layer 101, at least one auxiliary layer 102, and an absorbent material 110. The carrier layer 101 and the auxiliary layer 102 are connected together via a first joint 111. For example, optionally via a first joint medium such as a waterproof adhesive or binder, via a second joint 115, for example, optionally via a second joint medium such as a water-soluble adhesive or waterproof hot melt To do.

  Typical methods used to connect materials and layers include, but are not limited to, pressure sensitive adhesives, curing agents, hydrogen covalent bonds such as scientific bonds, ultrasound, heat and / or Some examples include thermal engineering, such as heat sealing, needles, air, entanglement, resistance, water jet pressure, and the like.

  A preferred embodiment of the first joint 114 and the second joint 115 is ultrasonic heat sealing. Generally, the surface, adhesion and / or consistency of the heat sealing area of the first joint 111 is relatively large (compared to the heat sealing area of the second joint 112), resulting in an absolute or relatively high separation force. . Generally, joints have different sizes and shapes such as circles, ellipses, rectangles, squares, etc., but use rounded edges to prevent the carrier layer 101 and auxiliary layer 102 from tearing during use. Is desirable. About 50% of the first joint 111 is arranged along the X axis and the rest is arranged along the Y axis, and the configuration of the rounded elements is arranged in one pattern. A combination of shapes such as an ellipse, such as one-dimensional and two-dimensional shapes, functions as an excellent first joint 114.

The joint design, at about 0.5 mm ² even has a minimum surface size of the joint, the minimum of about 1.0 mm ^2, 2 mm ^{2 or} 3 mm ² Preferably, most preferably at a minimum of about 16 mm ^2. The joint density depends on the surface size of the individual joints or the desired separation force. It is recommended to use a density of at least about 100.per.m ² for joints with surface areas smaller than 1 cm ² . As another embodiment of the present invention, the first joint 114 has a strong resistance and separation force against cracks and crack propagation that may eventually occur in the pocket 130 for the distribution and transport of additional liquids. Consists of continuous lines and arranged in a first joint grid. The first joint is meticulously designed so that the material is fixed in a dry state or in a wet state and the material is expanded and fixed in a stable and restrained place. Failure to do so will result in breakage or wet absorbent material repositioning, resulting in fluid management defects, impaired functionality, reduced fit and comfort, and completeness. It ends in a failure.

Except for the first joint 111 and the second joint 115, there is also a region 119 that is not attached, connected and / or bonded anywhere between the carrier layer 101 and the auxiliary layer 102, and the absorbent material 110 is located and appropriate. A cluster cluster designed to form a pocket 130 is provided. The first joint 111 corresponds to the first joint grid, and the second joint 112 corresponds to the second joint pattern. The second joint pattern is released under the influence of the expansion of the absorbent material and water, and the second joint 112 uses a relatively low separation force. The separation force required to break the joint is at least about 5.0 N / cm, preferably about 1.0, 2.0 or 2,5 N / cm or about 0.75, 0.5 or 0.25 N / cm, and 0.20 or 0.10 N / cm The lowest use value is most preferable.

As an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a water-soluble or water-sensitive adhesive is used as the second bonding medium. The two layers are preferably joined by heat sealing, but most preferably are joined ultrasonically without synthetic bonding or mixing. The heat sealing area with relatively small consistency and adhesion and surface of the second joint 115 (compared to the first joint 112) provides a relatively weak separation force. Although the heat sealing area has various sizes and shapes, it is preferable to provide at least one sharp edge to facilitate separation of the carrier layer 101 and the auxiliary layer 102. A combination of circular shapes such as a circle or a dot shape is preferable as the second joint 115. The elimination of joining media has an impact on the shortage of raw materials in the absorbent structure, manufacturing costs, environment and sustainability.

The typical weight range of the carrier layer 101 and / or the auxiliary layer 102 is 3-400 gsm and is hard, stretchable, non-woven fabric, woven fabric, wet material, among which cellulose tissue, paper, film, tissue, perforated Any material suitable for the structure 14 absorbent material such as film, foam, thermoplastic, adhesive layer, etc. can be selected. Overlapping layers are created from the same or different materials with different assembly weights and / or structures. In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the surface is liquid penetrating in a zigzag direction and at least one layer is liquid permeable. In another embodiment, both carrier layer 101 and auxiliary layer 102 are liquid permeable. Another preferred embodiment is that one layer is a permeable nonwoven and the other layer is substantially liquid impermeable, preferably a breathable polyethylene film (PE). As a result, the absorbent structure 14 is placed on the side facing the wearer, such as an absorbent product such as a diaper, where the liquid will flow with a non-woven fabric, and the absorbent structure contacts the clothes as a baby diaper. The face is placed with the PE film facing out and away from where the liquid will flow. In this case, you can choose Albis 22gsm non-woven polypropylene material and Nuova.Pansa 20? M breathable polyethylene film.

The pocket 130 may have a normal shape, an irregular shape, or a combination thereof. The pocket 130 is a circle, ellipse, or square, and preferably has a diameter, radius, or surface greater than about 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, or 0.5 mm, and is about 0.75 mm to about 60 mm or about 1.0 mm to about 40 mm. However, it is most desirable to be about 2 mm or more and about 10 mm or less. The absorbent material 110 does not necessarily completely fill the pocket 130,

The first joint 111 substantially resists friction and distortion during normal use of the absorbent structure 14, and must also resist the expansion and expansion forces associated with liquid absorption of the absorbent material 110. The separation force required to release the first joint grid between carrier layer 101 and auxiliary layer 102 is preferably about 0.05 N / cm or more than about 0.75 N / cm, about 0.1, N / cm, 0.2 N / cm or 0.3 N / cm or more, or about 1.0 N / cm, 1.5 N / cm, or 2.5 N / cm is desirable, but about 3-5 N / cm or more is most desirable. The joint grid and pattern are organized into various sub-regions that respond to different separation forces.

As seen in Figures 4A-B and 5A-C, the pattern formed between the joints of the absorbent material is random, regular, continuous, separated, fully covered, or partially covered and / or other suitable Various combinations are possible. The area of the absorbent material is composed of several collective clusters of absorbent material 110, surrounded by an area where no absorbent material is present, the liquid flow deviates from the damaged point, and is further distributed through the groove, It is preferable to facilitate the movement and make the cluster of absorbent material 110 available. The weight distribution of the absorbent material 110 of the absorbent structure 14 across the surface or using the sides is regular, but for example, the basic weight of the absorbent material 110 varies depending on the position of the absorbent structure 14 and further near the point of liquid breakage Or, depending on the core of the diaper or pants using the absorbent material 110 in a relatively concentrated manner. Examples of suitable materials such as high-permeability SAP are provided by Evonik, BASF or Nippon Shokubai. The absorbent polymer material preferably forms up to 100% of the absorbent material 110, but as an example instant cellulose It can also be used by mixing with other materials such as fiber and fluff pulp.

The carrier layer 101 and / or the auxiliary layer 102 are deformed and expanded due to the damage of the second joint 115, and the shape is changed. As a result, the small volume pocket expands into a medium volume and finally into a large compartment, and the extra volume is accommodated in the highly expandable absorbent material 110. Therefore, an absorbent structure 14 with an expandable pocket that is added, freely expandable and activated is created, the absorbent material 110 is used effectively and efficiently, and there is a risk that multiple layers of layers will be damaged. It is avoiding. The surplus volume created by the expansion pocket will be 1% to 5% of the original volume. About 5% to 25% or more of the original volume is preferred, more preferably about 25% to 50% or more, most preferably about 50% to 100% or more. An alternative embodiment of the absorbent structure 14 formed of multiple layers is that the first layer of the multiple structure is the carrier layer 101-absorbent material 110-auxiliary layer 102, over which a number of absorbent materials and / or supplemental layers are added. It is what has been. Such a structure facilitates the performance of liquid absorption and maintains product integrity in both dry and wet conditions.

In the embodiment of the present invention seen in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, the second joint 115 is formed by a weak second joint 115 and a strong second joint 115, and the weak second joint 115 is stronger than the strong second joint 115. Easy to separate. As an absorbent structure for ultimate liquid management, pre-installed, constrained and / or incremental absorption expansion, with two different forces of weak joint 115 and strong joint 115, the joint 111 and the second joint 115 Absorbing structures 14 with different functions and different binding forces were designed.

As a more preferred embodiment, the absorbent structure 14 is formed with a weak second joint 115 on its periphery, and the expansion of the absorbent material 110 at the longitudinal direction and / or the end adjacent to the absorbent structure 14 is rudimentary and easy. It is to prevent and contain leaks and to create a barrier in the absorbent structure 14. Such specially incorporated barrier structures have great pre-use, during-use and post-use advantages for the construction of disposable absorbent hygiene products such as clothing, diapers and pants. As can be seen in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, the weak second joint 115 'relaxes to form the barrier or embankment 150 first, and the strong second joint 115 forms the secondary barrier or embankment 151 that appears later. To do. A permanent primary grid that is substantially liquid resistant forms a groove 152 between the primary dike 150 and / or the secondary dike 151. The first dike 150 and each secondary dike 151 are formed with a time difference, so that the first dike 150 contains liquid inside the product, is transported via the groove 152, and is also contained in the secondary dike 151. Stored. Obviously other combinations and variations are possible.

As an example of a preferred embodiment, an embankment is created by elongating a pocket or creating a round recess so as to be substantially surrounded by the embankment. Such a dike can be reduced in height or one or more outlets can be created. The extra space in the pocket can store particularly solids, liquids and / or highly viscous liquids. In baby diapers and adult hygiene products, the added embankment acts as a cushion to increase comfort, keep the stool away from the skin, and even when the user applies pressure, the stool is pushed out of the absorbent product Prevent, for example, when sitting on the product. Various shapes, sizes, arrangements and combinations can be envisaged.
The present invention provides the use of an absorbent structure according to an embodiment. Listed above are coffee filters, disposable warmers, sheet detergent products, filter materials, insulation, makeup pads, antibacterial agents, feminine hygiene products, baby diapers, baby pants, adult hygiene products, etc. For products, it refers to feminine hygiene products, baby diapers, baby pants, or adult hygiene products. The construction of such commercial products is well known in the art.

A typical absorbent product is a baby disposable diaper.

The outer cover of the chassis is liquid-permeable, and the elastic topsheet partially covered with a rash-proof coating (eg, aloe) with a hydrophilic soft non-woven looks great, and again from the liquid absorbent material An absorbent structure that reduces wetting and is wrapped between a nonwoven and a thin plastic film is formed of a liquid impervious, breathable thin lamellar backsheet. This absorbent structure has a carrier layer and an auxiliary layer, and is a non-woven fabric with expandability in multiple directions of 20% or more. The absorbent particulate polymer material is a highly permeable, crossed polyacrylate material.
The circular ultrasonic first joint has a surface of about 2 mm ² and the ellipsoidal second joint has a surface of 1 mm ² and is located approximately 10 mm away from each other. The chassis features an improved fit and fixation on the wearer's waist, with a resilient edge, elastic foot cuffs, and elastic waist features. The chassis also consists of a hook and adhesive mounting system consisting of a rear outer end and a front outer landing ring. The absorbent structure consists of cellulose fibers, fluff pulp and scientifically reinforced, modified or cross-linked cellulose fibers and is mainly formed with a limited amount of permeable SAP. The absorbent structure is formed from a small amount of non-liquid absorbent material such as adhesives, binders, waxes and oils. The diaper uses two containment walls or cuffs. The cuff is a supplementary layer or surge layer located between an absorbent structure made of a resilient member or a high loft layer and the topsheet. The side panel is located at the rear waist, and at least it is flexible and flexible in the lateral direction. (Example: Resilient side panel) This absorbent product was fitted with a front edge panel to provide a feeling of fit, secureness and even aesthetic properties.

14: Absorbing structure 101: Carrier layer 102: Auxiliary layer 110: Absorbing material 111: First joint 115: Second joint 112: Second joint 114: First joint 130: Pocket 119: Accompanying, connecting and / or bonding No area 151: Secondary barrier or dike 152: Groove 150: First dike

Claims (8)

The absorbent structure (14) is formed by overlapping the carrier layer (101), the auxiliary layer, and the absorbent material (110), and the first joint (111, 114) and the second joint (112, 115) are formed in the carrier layer and the auxiliary layer. And the carrier layer and the auxiliary layer together form a multi-layer and are exposed to the liquid so that the first joint is substantially intact, but the coupling of the second joint in the absorbent structure is Absorption structure with the feature of loosening. The absorbent structure of claim 1, wherein the absorbent structure is characterized by non-uniform expansion. The absorbent structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the joint of the absorbent structure is formed at least partially via a thermal, mechanical, physical, chemical, thermomechanical and / or ultrasonic process. The absorbent structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least 60% of the absorbent structure is an absorbent fine particle polymer material. The absorbent structure according to claim 1, wherein at least the carrier layer and / or the auxiliary layer is a tissue, a nonwoven fabric or a thermoplastic layer. The absorbent structure contains an absorbent polymer material as an absorbent material in at least one pocket, and in the dry state, the absorbent structure provides a substantially uniform thickness, but when wet, the liquid conditioning compartment is not present. The absorption structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a uniform thickness is supplied. Absorbent structure, the absorption capacity was 100 gm ² at a minimum, or a minimum of 200 gm ^2, or minimum 500 gm ² absorption structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is. The absorbent structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the surplus volume created by the expandable pocket surrounded by a barrier or embankment is at least 5%, or 15%, or 25% of the original volume. Absorption structure.

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