JP3871563B2

JP3871563B2 - Absorbent articles

Info

Publication number: JP3871563B2
Application number: JP2001383723A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 哲哉草川; 淳村井; 幸近藤
Original assignee: Kao Corp
Current assignee: Kao Corp
Priority date: 2001-12-17
Filing date: 2001-12-17
Publication date: 2007-01-24
Anticipated expiration: 2021-12-17
Also published as: JP2003180736A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、生理用ナプキンや失禁パッド等の吸収性物品に関し、更に詳しくは、防漏壁に、肌に当接する湾曲した弾性伸縮部を備えた吸収性物品であって、簡易な構造を有し、製造容易な吸収性物品に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術及び発明が解決しようとする課題】
従来、生理用ナプキンや失禁パッド等の吸収性物品として、防漏壁に、長手方向に弾性伸縮し且つ着用者の肌に面状に当接する弾性伸縮部を備えた吸収性物品が知られている。斯かる防漏壁は、着用者の肌に柔軟にフィットし、排泄物の幅方向への移行を阻止する。
しかし、防漏壁が着用中に装着者の体圧によって内側に倒れたり潰れたりして、防漏壁同士間の吸収領域の幅を狭めてしまう場合があり、そのような場合には、吸収性物品が有する本来の吸収性能を充分に発揮させることができなくなったり、弾性伸縮部に経血が付着して非衛生的な印象を与えてしまうという不都合があった。
また、防漏壁が着用中に装着者の体圧によって外側に倒れたり潰れたりして、防漏効果が低下したり、体への密着性が悪化したりすることがあった。
尚、防漏壁が内側に倒れたり潰れたりして生じる不都合を回避するには、倒れたり潰れたりしても充分な吸収領域が維持されるように、防漏壁を平面視において湾曲させて防漏壁同士間の幅を拡大しておくことも考えられるが、防漏壁を湾曲させる場合には、吸収性物品の構造が複雑化したり、製造工程が複雑化して製造コストが増大する等の問題がある。
【０００３】
従って、本発明の第１の目的は、防漏壁に、着用者の肌に当接する湾曲した弾性伸縮部を有する吸収性物品であって、本来の吸収性能を確実に発現させることができ、また、前記弾性伸縮部に経血や尿等の排泄液が付着しにくく、しかも簡易な構造を有しており、製造容易な吸収性物品を提供することにある。
また、本発明の第２の目的は、防漏壁に、着用者の肌に当接する湾曲した弾性伸縮部を有する吸収性物品であって、体へのフィット性に優れており、湾曲した防漏壁により長手方向の排泄液の流れ性（方向や速度等）を変化させることによって優れた吸収性能や防漏性能を発現させることができ、しかも簡易な構造を有しており、製造容易な吸収性物品を提供することにある。
【０００４】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は、液透過性の表面層と、液不透過性の裏面層と、両層間に介在された液保持性の吸収層と、該吸収層の左右両側縁それぞれの近傍から起立した防漏壁とを具備し、実質的に縦長に形成された吸収性物品において、前記吸収性物品は、着用時に着用者の排泄部に対向する排泄部対向部並びにその前後に位置する前方部及び後方部を有する、生理用ナプキン又は失禁パッドであり、前記防漏壁それぞれは、複数本の弾性部材が長手方向に沿って配された面状の弾性伸縮部を有しており、前記弾性伸縮部それぞれは、幅方向内側の収縮力を幅方向外側の収縮力より大きくなして、外方に凸となるように湾曲させてあり、前記防漏壁それぞれは、前記排泄部対向部において起立しており、前記前方部及び後方部それぞれにおける該排泄部対向部寄りの部位においては、少なくとも前記幅方向内側が前記表面層に固定されて、起立していない、吸収性物品を提供することにより前記第１の目的を達成したものである（以下、第１発明というときは、この発明をいう）。
【０００５】
また、本発明は、液透過性の表面層と、液不透過性の裏面層と、両層間に介在する液保持性の吸収層と、該吸収層の左右両側縁それぞれの近傍から起立した防漏壁とを具備し、実質的に縦長に形成された吸収性物品において、前記吸収性物品は、着用時に着用者の排泄部に対向する排泄部対向部並びにその前後に位置する前方部及び後方部を有する、生理用ナプキン又は失禁パッドであり、前記防漏壁それぞれは、複数本の弾性部材が長手方向に沿って配された面状の弾性伸縮部を有しており、前記弾性伸縮部それぞれは、幅方向外側の収縮力を幅方向内側の収縮力より大きくなして、内方に凸となるように湾曲させてあり、前記防漏壁それぞれは、前記排泄部対向部において起立しており、前記前方部及び後方部それぞれにおける該排泄部対向部寄りの部位においては、少なくとも前記幅方向内側が前記表面層に固定されて、起立していない、吸収性物品を提供することにより前記第２の目的を達成したものである（以下、第２発明というときは、この発明をいう）。
【０００６】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明を、その好ましい実施形態に基づき説明する。
図１には、第１発明の一実施形態としての生理用ナプキンをその表面シート側からみた平面図が示されており、図２には、図１のＸ−Ｘ線断面図が示されており、図３には、図１のＹ−Ｙ線断面図が示されている。
【０００７】
図１〜図３に示すように、本実施形態の生理用ナプキン１は、縦長の形状をしており、液透過性の表面層としての表面シート２、液不透過性の裏面層としての裏面シート３、及び表面シート２と裏面シート３との間に介在された液保持性の吸収層としての吸収体４を具備する。ナプキン１の左右両側部には、その長さ方向に沿って一対の防漏壁５，５が配されている。防漏壁５は、吸収体４の左右両側縁それぞれの近傍から起立している。
【０００８】
生理用ナプキン１は、その着用時に着用者の排泄部に対向する部位である排泄部対向部Ａと、該排泄部対向部Ａに隣接し且つナプキン１の前方及び後方にそれぞれ位置する前方部Ｂ及び後方部Ｃとに区分される。
【０００９】
表面シート２は、吸収体４の上面の全域を被覆し且つ吸収体４の側縁から延出して裏面シート側へ巻き込まれている。裏面シート３は、吸収体４の下面を被覆している。裏面シート３は、吸収体４の側縁から外方に延出してサイドフラップ６を形成している。サイドフラップ６は、ナプキン１の排泄部対向部Ａの位置において更に外方へ延出しており一対のウイング７を形成している。表面シート２及び裏面シート３はそれぞれ吸収体４の前後端から延出し、その延出部分において互いに接合されている。吸収体４の表面シート２側には閉じた形状の防漏溝８が形成されている。防漏溝８は、吸収体４と表面シート２とが一体的に圧密化されて形成されている。
【００１０】
防漏壁５それぞれは、図２に示すように、一枚の帯状シート５０を、弾性部材９を内包するように、幅方向に且つＴ字型に折り畳んで形成されている。
防漏壁５は、複数本の弾性部材９が長手方向に沿って配された面状の弾性伸縮部５２を有している。弾性伸縮部５２は、着用者の肌に面状に当接し、各弾性伸縮部５２には弾性部材９の収縮によりギャザーが生じている。
各弾性伸縮部５２は、吸収体４の左右両側縁それぞれの近傍から起立した基壁部５１の上端部に連設されており、該基壁部５１の上端部からナプキン１の内方及び外方それぞれへ張り出す内方張出部５２ａ及び外方張出部５２ｂから構成されている。
内方張出部５２ａ及び外方張出部５２ｂはそれぞれ上面が同一平面上に位置するようにほぼ水平方向に張り出している。また、両張出部５２ａ，５２ｂの張り出し幅はほぼ同一である。基壁部５１は、上端部が弾性伸縮部５２の非肌当接面側に一体的に連設されており、下端部は、吸収体４の下面側に巻き込まれた部位において、吸収体４と裏面シート３との間に固定されている。
【００１１】
両張出部５２ａ，５２ｂそれぞれには、その長さ方向に沿って糸状の弾性部材９が間隔を設けて３本づつ配設されている。弾性部材９は、少なくともナプキン１の排泄部対向部Ａに配されており、各弾性部材９は、防漏壁形成用シート５０に伸張状態で固定されている。この固定手段としては、ヒートシールやホットメルト接着剤などが用いられる。
【００１２】
本実施形態における両弾性伸縮部５２は、それぞれ、幅方向内側（ナプキン１の幅方向中央側）の収縮力を幅方向外側の収縮力より大きくなして、外方に凸となるように湾曲させてある。
幅方向内側及び外側の収縮力は、以下のようにして測定される。
吸収性物品（製品）が平面状となるように弾性伸縮部を自然に伸張させ、その状態において、排泄部対向部Ａから弾性伸縮部５２を所定の長さに切り出す。
そして、その弾性伸縮部を幅方向に２等分する中央線を想定し、その中央線よりもナプキンの幅方向外側に位置する部分の長手方向の両端部をそれぞれ、引張試験機〔オリエンテック社製，「ＲＴＭ−１００」〕のチャックに挟んだ。その時のチャック間の距離は前記所定の長さとした。引張試験機には、積分計〔トーヨーボールドウィン社（Toyo Baldwin Co.,LTD）製「MODEL U-3120 INTEGRATOR〕を連結した。
そして、１０ｍｍ／ｍｉｎの速度で、それぞれのチャックを圧縮方向に移動させ、その時の収縮力の減少曲線の積分値を、弾性伸縮部の幅方向外側の収縮力とした。
また、切り出した弾性伸縮部の前記中央線よりもナプキンの幅方向内側に位置する部分の長手方向の両端部をそれぞれ、引張試験機のチャックに挟む以外は、上記と同様にして、弾性伸縮部の幅方向内側の収縮力を求めた。
【００１３】
弾性伸縮部５２の幅方向内側の収縮力Ａと幅方向外側の収縮力Ｂとの比（Ａ／Ｂ）は、弾性伸縮部を円弧状に湾曲させ得る限り特に制限されないが、例えば１．２〜３．０であることが、弾性伸縮部の凸型湾曲形状の安定性の観点から好ましい。
【００１４】
弾性伸縮部５２の幅方向内側の収縮力と幅方向外側の収縮力とを異ならせる方法としては、弾性伸縮部の幅方向内側に配設する弾性部材と幅方向外側に配設する弾性部材とで弾性部材の伸長率を異ならせる方法、弾性伸縮部の幅方向内側と外側とで弾性部材の本数を異ならせる方法、弾性伸縮部の幅方向内側と外側とで弾性部材の配設間隔を異ならせる方法、弾性伸縮部の幅方向内側と外側とで配設する弾性部材の太さ（断面積）を異ならせる方法及びこれらを組み合わせた方法等を挙げることができる。
【００１５】
本実施形態においては、弾性伸縮部５２の幅方向内側（内方張出部）５２ａに配設された弾性部材９の伸長率を、幅方向外側（外方張出部）５２ｂに配設された弾性部材９の伸長率より高くして、弾性伸縮部５２の幅方向内側の収縮力を幅方向外側の収縮力より大きくしてある。具体的には、内方張出部５２ａに配設された３本の弾性部材はそれぞれ１６０％に伸張させた状態（伸長率１６０％）において固定してあり、外方張出部５２ｂに配設された３本の弾性部材はそれぞれ１３０％に伸張させた状態（伸長率１３０％）において固定してある。
【００１６】
弾性伸縮部５２の幅方向内側と外側とで弾性部材の伸長率を異ならせる場合には、弾性伸縮部５２の幅方向両端に配設された弾性部材の伸長率を少なくとも異ならせることが製造コスト、凸型湾曲形状へのフレキシブルな対応とその対応範囲の観点から好ましい。
【００１７】
本実施形態の生理用ナプキン１によれば、弾性伸縮部５２の幅方向内側の収縮力を幅方向外側の収縮力より大きくなして、該弾性伸縮部５２の平面視形状を、図１に示すように湾曲させてあるため、ナプキンの構造を複雑化させたり、製造工程を複雑化させたりすことなく弾性伸縮部を湾曲させることができる。そのため、例えば既存の製造設備を活用することができ、また、製造コストの抑制が可能である。
また、生理用ナプキン等の吸収性物品は、その複数を包装袋に圧縮状態に充填して市販等されるが、上述のようにして弾性伸縮部５２を湾曲させてあるため、そのような圧縮状態下に放置された後においても、弾性伸縮部５２が確実に湾曲する。
【００１８】
また、弾性伸縮部５２の収縮により、ナプキン１が長手方向において裏面シート３側に凸（吸収面は凹）となるように湾曲して着用者の体型に沿った形状となるため、フィット性及び防漏防止効果に優れている。
尚、本実施形態の生理用ナプキン１においては、弾性伸縮部５２を平面視において外方に凸となるように湾曲させてあるので、着用中に防漏壁５が同士間の幅が狭まっても極端に吸収領域の幅が狭められることがなく充分な吸収性能が維持される。また、弾性伸縮部５２に経血が付着し非衛生的な印象を与えてしまうという不都合を防止できる。
【００１９】
本実施形態における防漏壁５は、排泄部対向部Ａの位置においてのみ起立しており、且つ前方部Ｂ及び後方部Ｃの位置においては少なくとも弾性伸縮部５２の幅方向内側（内方張出部５２ａ）が表面シート２に固定されることで起立が阻害されている（起立していない，図３参照）。これによって、排泄部対向部Ａの位置において、弾性伸縮部５２の平面視形状が確実に湾曲し、また、ナプキン１が長手方向において一層確実に裏面シート３側に凸（吸収面は凹）となるように湾曲して着用者の体型に沿った形状となるため、フィット性及び防漏防止効果に一層優れている。
【００２０】
本発明においては、防漏壁形成用シート５０が繊維集合体から形成されており、各弾性伸縮部５２に、エンボス加工により、幅方向に延びる圧縮部と、圧縮されていない非圧縮部又は該圧縮部より弱く圧縮された弱圧縮部とが長手方向に交互に形成されていることが好ましい（図示せず）。斯かる構成により、弾性部材９とシート５０とが圧縮部において強固に固定されるので、弾性伸縮部５２を一層確実に湾曲させることができる。また、圧縮部の剛性が高まることにより、弾性伸縮部５２の面形状の安定性が向上する。
【００２１】
本実施形態の生理用ナプキンの形成材料について説明すると、表面シート２、吸収体、裏面シート３、防漏壁形成用シート５０及び弾性部材９としては、それぞれ、生理用ナプキン、失禁パッド等の吸収性物品に従来用いられている各種の材料を特に制限なく用いることができる。
【００２２】
防漏壁形成用シート（繊維集合体）の形成材料としては、不織布、特に疎水性繊維からなるか又は疎水化処理されたエアスルー不織布、スパンボンド不織布又はスパンボンド／メルトブロー複合不織布を用いることが好ましい。また、フィルムや、不織布とフィルムの複合材料を用いることもできる。
弾性部材の構成材料としては、ポリオレフィン類及びポリウレタン類の発泡体並びに天然ゴムが好ましく用いられる。弾性部材は、線径が０．２〜０．５ｍｍ、特に０．２５〜０．３ｍｍの糸状のものが好ましいが、帯状、フィルム状等の形態のものを用いることもできる。
【００２３】
尚、防漏壁５の高さＨ（図２参照，基壁部５１を伸ばして測定）は５〜５０ｍｍ、特に１０〜４０ｍｍであることが横漏れ防止効果の観点から好ましく、弾性伸縮部５２の幅〔内方張出部５２ａの先端と、外方張出部５２ｂの先端との間の距離〕Ｗ（図２参照）は６〜４０ｍｍ、特に１０〜３０ｍｍであることが身体とのフィット性と横漏れ防止効果の観点から好ましい。
【００２４】
次に、第２発明の一実施形態としての男性用失禁パッドについて説明する。
本実施形態の男性用失禁パッド１’は、上述した生理用ナプキン１と同様の基本構成を有するため、特に異なる点について説明し、同様の点については説明を省略する。特に説明しない点については、上述した生理用ナプキン１についての説明が適宜適用される。
【００２５】
本実施形態の男性用失禁パッド１’においては、弾性伸縮部５２の幅方向外側（外方張出部）５２ｂに配設された弾性部材９の伸長率を、幅方向内側（内方張出部）５２ａに配設された弾性部材９の伸長率より高くして、弾性伸縮部５２の幅方向外側の収縮力を幅方向内側の収縮力より大きくしてある。具体的には、内方張出部５２ａに配設された３本の弾性部材はそれぞれ１３０％に伸張させた状態において固定してあり、外方張出部５２ｂに配設された３本の弾性部材はそれぞれ１６０％に伸張させた状態において固定してある。
【００２６】
本実施形態の男性用失禁パッド１’によれば、弾性伸縮部５２の幅方向外側の収縮力を幅方向内側の収縮力より大きくなして、該弾性伸縮部の平面視形状を、図４に示すように内方に凸となるように湾曲させてあるため、男性の排泄部との密着性に優れている。また、湾曲した弾性伸縮部（防漏壁）により後方部への液の流れ性（方向や速度等）が変化しているため、防漏壁を湾曲させていないものと比較して吸収性能及び防漏性能に優れている。
【００２８】
図５には、第１発明の他の実施形態としての生理用ナプキンが示されている。本実施形態について、特に説明しない点については、上述した生理用ナプキン１についての説明が適宜適用される。
図５に示す生理用ナプキンにおいては、排泄部対向部Ａ及び後方部Ｃにおいて、防漏壁５が起立しており、排泄部対向部Ａにおける防漏壁５Ａの弾性伸縮部は、上述した生理用ナプキン１の弾性伸縮部と同様に、幅方向内側の収縮力を幅方向外側の収縮力より大きくなして、外方に凸となるように湾曲させてあり、後方部Ｃにおける防漏壁５Ｃの弾性伸縮部は、幅方向外側の収縮力を幅方向内側の収縮力より大きくなして、内方に凸となるように湾曲させてある。尚、図中の符号１２は、防漏壁が起立しないように弾性伸縮部を表面シート等の他の部材上に固定した箇所を示している。
【００２９】
本実施形態の生理用ナプキンによれば、排泄部対向部Ａにおける防漏壁５Ａにより、上述した生理用ナプキン１と同様の作用効果が奏されるのに加えて、後方部Ｃにおける防漏壁５Ｃにより、長手方向への排泄液の流れを抑制ないし低減させることができる。
【００３０】
本発明（第１，第２発明）の吸収性物品は、前記各実施形態に制限されるものではなく、本発明の趣旨を逸脱しに範囲において種々変形可能である。
【００３１】
例えば、前記各実施形態においては、防漏壁５における基壁部５１の基端（固定端）は、吸収体の側縁の位置よりもやや内方に位置していたが、これに代えて吸収体の側縁の位置又は該側縁よりもやや外方に位置させてもよい。例えば、防漏壁５を構成するシート材５０の下端部を外側に向けて折り曲げ、その折り曲げた部分をサイドフラップ上に接合して良い。
【００３２】
また、前記各実施形態においては両張出部５２ａ，５２ｂに同数の弾性部材９を同様に配したが、これに代えて、内方張出部５２ａと外方張出部５２ｂとで、弾性部材を配する位置、伸張率及び／又は本数が異なるようにしてもよい。
【００３３】
また、Ｔ字型の防漏壁を採用する場合、内方張出部５２ａ及び外方張出部５２ｂそれぞれの張り出し幅は同一でも異なっていても良い。また、面状の弾性伸縮部は、平面状のものに限られず、例えば幅方向の断面が円弧状のものであっても良い。更に防漏壁は、図６に示すような断面形状であっても良い。図６中、符号１１はシート同士の接合部である。
本発明に係る吸収性物品は、生理用ナプキン又は失禁パッドである。
【００３４】
【発明の効果】
第１発明によれば、防漏壁に、着用者の肌に当接する湾曲した弾性伸縮部を有する吸収性物品であって、本来の吸収性能を確実に発現させることができ、また、前記弾性伸縮部に経血や尿等の排泄液が付着しにくく、しかも簡易な構造を有しており、製造容易な吸収性物品を提供することができる。
第２発明によれば、防漏壁に、着用者の肌に当接する湾曲した弾性伸縮部を有する吸収性物品であって、体へのフィット性に優れており、湾曲した防漏壁により長手方向の排泄液の流れ性（方向や速度等）を変化させることによって優れた吸収性能や防漏性能を発現させることができ、しかも簡易な構造を有しており、製造容易な吸収性物品を提供することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】第１発明の一実施形態としての生理用ナプキンを自然状態においてその表面シート側からみた平面図である。
【図２】図１におけるＸ−Ｘ線断面図である。
【図３】図１におけるＹ−Ｙ線断面図である。
【図４】第２発明の一実施形態としての男性用失禁パッドを自然状態においてその表面シート側からみた平面図である。
【図５】第１及び第２発明の他の実施形態としての生理用ナプキンを自然状態においてその表面シート側からみた平面図である。
【図６】防漏壁の他の形態を示す模式図である。
【符号の説明】
１生理用ナプキン（吸収性物品）
１’男性用失禁パッド（吸収性物品）
２表面シート
３裏面シート
４吸収体
５防漏壁
５１基壁部
５２弾性伸縮部
５２ａ内方張出部
５２ｂ外方張出部
９弾性部材[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin or an incontinence pad, and more specifically, an absorbent article having a leak-proof wall provided with a curved elastic stretchable part that comes into contact with the skin, and has a simple structure. And an absorbent article that is easy to manufacture.
[0002]
[Prior art and problems to be solved by the invention]
Conventionally, as an absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin or an incontinence pad, an absorbent article having an elastic stretchable part that elastically stretches in the longitudinal direction and abuts on the skin of the wearer in a longitudinal direction is known. Yes. Such a leak-proof wall fits the wearer's skin flexibly and prevents the excrement from shifting in the width direction.
However, the leakage barrier may fall inward or collapse due to the body pressure of the wearer while wearing, narrowing the width of the absorption area between the leakage prevention walls. There are inconveniences that the original absorbent performance of the absorbent article cannot be fully exhibited, or menstrual blood adheres to the elastic stretchable part and gives an unhygienic impression.
In addition, the leak-proof wall may fall outside or be crushed by the wearer's body pressure while wearing, and the leak-proof effect may be reduced or the adhesion to the body may be deteriorated.
In order to avoid inconveniences caused by the leakproof wall falling or collapsing inward, the leakproof wall is curved in plan view so that a sufficient absorption area is maintained even if the leakproof wall is collapsed or collapsed. Although it is conceivable to increase the width between the leak-proof walls, when the leak-proof wall is curved, the structure of the absorbent article is complicated, the manufacturing process is complicated, and the manufacturing cost is increased. There is a problem.
[0003]
Therefore, the first object of the present invention is an absorbent article having a curved elastic stretchable part that comes into contact with the wearer's skin on the leak-proof wall, and can surely express the original absorption performance. Another object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that is difficult to adhere to excretory fluids such as menstrual blood and urine, and has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture.
In addition, a second object of the present invention is an absorbent article having a curved elastic stretchable part that abuts against the wearer's skin on the leak-proof wall, and is excellent in fit to the body, and has a curved anti-proofing property. By changing the flowability (direction, speed, etc.) of the excretory fluid in the longitudinal direction due to the leakage wall, it is possible to express excellent absorption performance and leakage prevention performance, and it has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture It is to provide an absorbent article.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides a liquid-permeable surface layer, a liquid-impermeable back layer, a liquid-retaining absorbent layer interposed between the two layers, and a leak-proof standing up from the vicinity of the left and right side edges of the absorbent layer. An absorbent article having a wall and formed substantially vertically, wherein the absorbent article includes an excretory part-facing part that faces the excretion part of the wearer when worn, and a front part and a rear part located before and after the excretion part. A sanitary napkin or an incontinence pad, and each of the leak-proof walls has a planar elastic stretchable portion in which a plurality of elastic members are arranged along the longitudinal direction, and each of the elastic stretchable portions. Is curved to be outwardly convex with the contraction force on the inner side in the width direction larger than the contraction force on the outer side in the width direction, and each of the leakage prevention walls stands up at the excretory part facing part. , Opposite the excretory part in each of the front part and the rear part In the site of the deviation, at least the inner side in the width direction is fixed to the surface layer, not upright, is obtained by achieving the first object by providing an absorbent article (hereinafter, a first invention This refers to this invention . )
[0005]
Further, the present invention provides a liquid-permeable surface layer, a liquid-impermeable back layer, a liquid-retaining absorbent layer interposed between both layers, and a stand-up prevention from the vicinity of the left and right side edges of the absorbent layer. An absorbent article comprising a leakage wall and formed substantially vertically long, wherein the absorbent article is an excretory part facing part that faces the excretion part of the wearer when worn, and a front part and a rear part located in front and back of the excretion part. A sanitary napkin or an incontinence pad, wherein each of the leak-proof walls has a planar elastic stretchable portion in which a plurality of elastic members are arranged along the longitudinal direction, and the elastic stretchable portion Each has a contraction force on the outer side in the width direction larger than a contraction force on the inner side in the width direction, and is curved so as to protrude inward, and each of the leakage prevention walls stands up at the excretory part facing part. And the excretory part in each of the front part and the rear part In the site of direction portions closer, at least the inner side in the width direction is fixed to the surface layer, not upright, is obtained by achieving the second object by providing an absorbent article (hereinafter, the (The term “2 invention” refers to this invention . )
[0006]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on preferred embodiments thereof.
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a sanitary napkin according to an embodiment of the first invention as viewed from the top sheet side, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY of FIG.
[0007]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the sanitary napkin 1 of the present embodiment has a vertically long shape, a top sheet 2 as a liquid-permeable surface layer, and a back surface as a liquid-impermeable back layer. The sheet 3 and the absorbent body 4 as a liquid retaining absorbent layer interposed between the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 3 are provided. A pair of leak-proof walls 5 and 5 are arranged on the left and right sides of the napkin 1 along the length direction thereof. The leak-proof wall 5 stands from the vicinity of the left and right side edges of the absorber 4.
[0008]
The sanitary napkin 1 includes an excretion part facing part A that is a part facing the excretion part of the wearer when worn, and a front part B adjacent to the excretion part facing part A and positioned in front and rear of the napkin 1, respectively. And the rear part C.
[0009]
The top sheet 2 covers the entire upper surface of the absorbent body 4 and extends from the side edge of the absorbent body 4 and is wound on the back sheet side. The back sheet 3 covers the lower surface of the absorber 4. The back sheet 3 extends outward from the side edge of the absorber 4 to form side flaps 6. The side flaps 6 further extend outward at the position of the excretory part facing part A of the napkin 1 to form a pair of wings 7. Each of the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 3 extends from the front and rear ends of the absorbent body 4, and is joined to each other at the extended portion. A leak-proof groove 8 having a closed shape is formed on the top sheet 2 side of the absorber 4. The leak-proof groove 8 is formed by integrally compacting the absorber 4 and the surface sheet 2.
[0010]
As shown in FIG. 2, each leak-proof wall 5 is formed by folding a single belt-like sheet 50 in the width direction and in a T shape so as to enclose the elastic member 9.
The leak-proof wall 5 has a planar elastic stretchable part 52 in which a plurality of elastic members 9 are arranged along the longitudinal direction. The elastic stretchable parts 52 abut on the wearer's skin in a planar shape, and the elastic stretchable parts 52 are gathered by the contraction of the elastic members 9.
Each elastic expansion / contraction part 52 is connected to the upper end part of the base wall part 51 erected from the vicinity of the left and right side edges of the absorber 4, and the inner side and the outer side of the napkin 1 from the upper end part of the base wall part 51. It is composed of an inwardly extending part 52a and an outwardly extending part 52b.
The inwardly projecting portion 52a and the outwardly projecting portion 52b project substantially horizontally so that their upper surfaces are located on the same plane. Further, the projecting widths of both projecting portions 52a and 52b are substantially the same. The base wall portion 51 is integrally connected to the non-skin contact surface side of the elastic stretchable portion 52 at the upper end portion, and the lower end portion of the base wall portion 51 is a portion wound around the lower surface side of the absorber 4. And the back sheet 3.
[0011]
In each of the overhang portions 52a and 52b, three thread-like elastic members 9 are arranged along the length direction at intervals. The elastic member 9 is disposed at least in the excretion part facing part A of the napkin 1, and each elastic member 9 is fixed to the leak-proof wall forming sheet 50 in an extended state. As this fixing means, a heat seal or a hot melt adhesive is used.
[0012]
Both elastic expansion and contraction parts 52 in this embodiment are curved so that the contraction force on the inner side in the width direction (the center side in the width direction of the napkin 1) is larger than the contraction force on the outer side in the width direction so as to be convex outward. It is.
The contraction force on the inner and outer sides in the width direction is measured as follows.
The elastic stretchable part is naturally stretched so that the absorbent article (product) is flat, and in this state, the elastic stretchable part 52 is cut out from the excretory part facing part A to a predetermined length.
Assuming a center line that bisects the elastic stretchable part in the width direction, both ends in the longitudinal direction of the portion located on the outer side in the width direction of the napkin from the center line are respectively connected to a tensile testing machine [Orientec Co., Ltd. Made by "RTM-100"]. The distance between the chucks at that time was the predetermined length. An integrator [“MODEL U-3120 INTEGRATOR” manufactured by Toyo Baldwin Co., Ltd.] was connected to the tensile tester.
Each chuck was moved in the compression direction at a speed of 10 mm / min, and the integrated value of the contraction force decrease curve at that time was defined as the contraction force on the outer side in the width direction of the elastic expansion / contraction part.
In addition, the elastic stretchable part is the same as described above except that both ends in the longitudinal direction of the portion located on the inner side in the width direction of the napkin with respect to the center line of the cut out elastic stretchable part are respectively sandwiched between chucks of a tensile tester. The shrinkage force on the inner side in the width direction was determined.
[0013]
The ratio (A / B) between the contraction force A on the inner side in the width direction and the contraction force B on the outer side in the width direction of the elastic expansion / contraction part 52 is not particularly limited as long as the elastic expansion / contraction part can be curved in an arc shape. It is preferable that it is -3.0 from a viewpoint of stability of the convex curve shape of an elastic expansion-contraction part.
[0014]
As a method of making the contraction force on the inner side in the width direction and the contraction force on the outer side in the width direction different from each other, the elastic member disposed on the inner side in the width direction and the elastic member disposed on the outer side in the width direction. The method of varying the elastic member expansion rate, the method of varying the number of elastic members on the inner side and the outer side of the elastic expansion / contraction part, and the arrangement interval of the elastic members on the inner side and the outer side of the elastic expansion / contraction part are different. For example, a method for differentiating the thickness (cross-sectional area) of the elastic member disposed between the inner side and the outer side in the width direction of the elastic expansion and contraction portion, and a method combining these.
[0015]
In the present embodiment, the expansion rate of the elastic member 9 disposed on the inner side (inwardly projecting part) 52a in the width direction of the elastic stretchable part 52 is disposed on the outer side (outwardly projecting part) 52b in the width direction. The contraction force on the inner side in the width direction of the elastic expansion / contraction part 52 is made larger than the contraction force on the outer side in the width direction. Specifically, the three elastic members arranged in the inwardly extending portion 52a are fixed in a state where each of the three elastic members is extended to 160% (elongation rate: 160%), and are arranged in the outwardly extending portion 52b. The three elastic members provided are fixed in a state where they are each expanded to 130% (elongation rate 130%).
[0016]
In the case where the expansion rate of the elastic member is made different between the inner side and the outer side of the elastic expansion / contraction part 52, it is the manufacturing cost that at least the extension rates of the elastic members arranged at both ends in the width direction of the elastic expansion / contraction part 52 are different. From the viewpoint of flexible correspondence to the convex curved shape and its corresponding range.
[0017]
According to the sanitary napkin 1 of the present embodiment, the contraction force on the inner side in the width direction of the elastic stretchable part 52 is made larger than the shrinkage force on the outer side in the width direction, and the plan view shape of the elastic stretchable part 52 is shown in FIG. Thus, the elastic stretchable part can be curved without complicating the structure of the napkin or complicating the manufacturing process. Therefore, for example, existing manufacturing equipment can be used, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.
In addition, a plurality of absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins are commercially available by packing a plurality of absorbent articles in a compressed state, but since the elastic stretchable portion 52 is curved as described above, such compression is performed. Even after being left in the state, the elastic stretchable part 52 is reliably curved.
[0018]
Further, due to the contraction of the elastic stretchable portion 52, the napkin 1 is curved so as to be convex toward the back sheet 3 in the longitudinal direction (the absorption surface is concave), and thus has a shape that conforms to the wearer's body shape. Excellent leakage prevention effect.
In the sanitary napkin 1 according to the present embodiment, the elastic stretchable portion 52 is curved so as to protrude outward in a plan view, so that the width of the leak-proof wall 5 is reduced during wearing. However, the width of the absorption region is not extremely narrowed and sufficient absorption performance is maintained. Further, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that menstrual blood adheres to the elastic stretchable part 52 and gives an unhygienic impression.
[0019]
The leak-proof wall 5 in the present embodiment stands only at the position of the excretory part facing part A, and at least the inner side in the width direction of the elastic expansion / contraction part 52 (inwardly protruding) at the positions of the front part B and the rear part C. The part 52a) is fixed to the top sheet 2 to inhibit the standing (not standing, see FIG. 3). Thereby, in the position of the excretion part opposing part A, the planar view shape of the elastic expansion-contraction part 52 is curving reliably, and the napkin 1 is more reliably convex to the back sheet 3 side in the longitudinal direction (the absorption surface is concave). Since it curves to become a shape along the wearer's body shape, it is further excellent in fit and leakage prevention effect.
[0020]
In the present invention, the leak-proof wall-forming sheet 50 is formed from a fiber assembly, and each elastic stretchable part 52 is formed by embossing a compressed part extending in the width direction and an uncompressed uncompressed part or the compressed part. It is preferable that weakly compressed portions compressed weaker than the compressed portion are alternately formed in the longitudinal direction (not shown). With such a configuration, since the elastic member 9 and the sheet 50 are firmly fixed in the compression portion, the elastic expansion / contraction portion 52 can be bent more reliably. Moreover, stability of the surface shape of the elastic expansion-contraction part 52 improves because the rigidity of a compression part increases.
[0021]
The material for forming the sanitary napkin of the present embodiment will be described. As the top sheet 2, the absorbent body, the back sheet 3, the leak-proof wall forming sheet 50, and the elastic member 9, the sanitary napkin, the incontinence pad and the like are respectively absorbed. Various materials that have been conventionally used for adhesive articles can be used without particular limitation.
[0022]
As a material for forming the leak-proof wall-forming sheet (fiber assembly), it is preferable to use a nonwoven fabric, in particular, an air-through nonwoven fabric, a spunbond nonwoven fabric or a spunbond / meltblown composite nonwoven fabric made of hydrophobic fibers or hydrophobized. . A film or a composite material of a nonwoven fabric and a film can also be used.
As the constituent material of the elastic member, polyolefin and polyurethane foams and natural rubber are preferably used. The elastic member is preferably in the form of a thread having a wire diameter of 0.2 to 0.5 mm, particularly 0.25 to 0.3 mm, but may be in the form of a strip or film.
[0023]
The height H of the leak-proof wall 5 (see FIG. 2, measured by extending the base wall portion 51) is preferably 5 to 50 mm, and particularly preferably 10 to 40 mm, from the viewpoint of the effect of preventing side leakage. The width [the distance between the tip of the inwardly extending portion 52a and the tip of the outwardly extending portion 52b] W (see FIG. 2) is 6 to 40 mm, particularly 10 to 30 mm. From the viewpoints of performance and side leakage prevention effect.
[0024]
Next, a male incontinence pad as one embodiment of the second invention will be described.
The male incontinence pad 1 ′ of the present embodiment has the same basic configuration as the sanitary napkin 1 described above, and therefore, particularly different points will be described, and description of similar points will be omitted. For the points that are not particularly described, the above description of the sanitary napkin 1 is appropriately applied.
[0025]
In the male incontinence pad 1 ′ of the present embodiment, the expansion rate of the elastic member 9 disposed on the outer side in the width direction (outwardly protruding portion) 52 b of the elastic stretchable portion 52 is set to the inner side in the width direction (inwardly protruding inward). The elastic member 9 disposed in the portion 52a has a higher expansion rate than the elastic member 9, and the elastic contraction force on the outer side in the width direction of the elastic expansion / contraction part 52 is greater than the contraction force on the inner side in the width direction. Specifically, the three elastic members disposed on the inwardly extending portion 52a are fixed in a state of being stretched to 130%, and the three elastic members disposed on the outwardly extending portion 52b are fixed. The elastic members are fixed in a state where they are stretched to 160%.
[0026]
According to the male incontinence pad 1 ′ of the present embodiment, the contraction force on the outer side in the width direction of the elastic expansion / contraction part 52 is made larger than the contraction force on the inner side in the width direction, and the shape of the elastic expansion / contraction part in plan view is shown in FIG. As shown, since it is curved so as to be convex inward, it has excellent adhesion to a male excretory part. In addition, since the fluidity (direction, speed, etc.) of the liquid to the rear part is changed by the curved elastic expansion / contraction part (leakage prevention wall), the absorption performance and the anti-leakage wall are not curved. Excellent leak-proof performance.
[0028]
5 shows, a sanitary napkin is shown as another embodiment of the light first shot. About the point which is not demonstrated especially about this embodiment, the description about the sanitary napkin 1 mentioned above is applied suitably.
In the sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 5, the leak-proof wall 5 stands up in the excretion part facing part A and the rear part C, and the elastic expansion and contraction part of the leak-proof wall 5A in the excretion part facing part A Like the elastic expansion and contraction part of the napkin 1 for use, the shrinkage force on the inner side in the width direction is made larger than the shrinkage force on the outer side in the width direction and is curved so as to protrude outwardly. The elastic stretchable portion is curved so as to be convex inward by making the contraction force on the outer side in the width direction larger than the contraction force on the inner side in the width direction. In addition, the code | symbol 12 in a figure has shown the location which fixed the elastic expansion-contraction part on other members, such as a surface sheet, so that a leak-proof wall may not stand.
[0029]
According to the sanitary napkin of this embodiment, in addition to the same effect as the sanitary napkin 1 described above due to the leakage preventing wall 5A in the excretory part facing part A, the leakage preventing wall in the rear part C is provided. by 5C, Ru can be suppressed or reduced flow of liquid waste in the longitudinal direction.
[0030]
The absorbent article of the present invention (first and second inventions) is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0031]
For example, in each said embodiment, although the base end (fixed end) of the base wall part 51 in the leak-proof wall 5 was located inward rather than the position of the side edge of an absorber, it replaced with this You may make it a little outward from the position of the side edge of an absorber, or this side edge. For example, the lower end portion of the sheet material 50 constituting the leak-proof wall 5 may be bent outward and the bent portion may be joined on the side flap.
[0032]
In each of the above embodiments, the same number of elastic members 9 are arranged in the two overhanging portions 52a and 52b. However, instead of this, the inner overhanging portion 52a and the outer overhanging portion 52b are elastic. You may make it differ in the position which arrange | positions a member, the expansion | extension rate, and / or the number.
[0033]
When a T-shaped leak-proof wall is employed, the overhang widths of the inwardly projecting portion 52a and the outwardly projecting portion 52b may be the same or different. The planar elastic stretchable part is not limited to a planar one, and for example, the cross section in the width direction may be an arc. Further, the leak-proof wall may have a cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, the code | symbol 11 is a junction part of sheets.
The absorbent article according to the present invention is a sanitary napkin or an incontinence pad .
[0034]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the absorbent article has a curved elastic stretchable part that comes into contact with the wearer's skin on the leak-proof wall, and can surely exhibit the original absorption performance. An excretory liquid such as menstrual blood and urine is less likely to adhere to the stretchable part, and has a simple structure, so that an easily manufactured absorbent article can be provided.
According to the second invention, the leak-proof wall is an absorbent article having a curved elastic stretchable portion that comes into contact with the skin of the wearer, and has excellent fit to the body, and is long by the curved leak-proof wall. By changing the flowability (direction, speed, etc.) of the excretory fluid in the direction, it is possible to express excellent absorption performance and leakage prevention performance, and it has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture an absorbent article. Can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a sanitary napkin according to an embodiment of the first invention as seen from the surface sheet side in a natural state.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a male incontinence pad as one embodiment of the second invention as seen from the top sheet side in a natural state.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a sanitary napkin according to another embodiment of the first and second inventions as seen from the top sheet side in a natural state.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing another form of the leak-proof wall.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Sanitary napkin (absorbent article)
1 'male incontinence pad (absorbent article)
2 Surface sheet 3 Back sheet 4 Absorber 5 Leak-proof wall 51 Base wall part 52 Elastic stretchable part 52a Inwardly projecting part 52b Outwardly projecting part 9 Elastic member

Claims

A liquid-permeable surface layer, a liquid-impermeable back layer, a liquid-retaining absorbent layer interposed between the two layers, and a leak-proof wall that stands up from the vicinity of the left and right side edges of the absorbent layer In the absorbent article formed substantially vertically,
The absorbent article is a sanitary napkin or an incontinence pad having an excretion part facing part that faces the excretion part of the wearer when worn, and a front part and a rear part located in front and back thereof,
Each of the leak-proof walls has a planar elastic expansion / contraction portion in which a plurality of elastic members are arranged along the longitudinal direction, and each of the elastic expansion / contraction portions applies a contraction force on the inner side in the width direction to the outer side in the width direction. It is made larger than the contraction force of, and is curved so as to be convex outward ,
Each of the leakage barriers stands at the excretory part-facing part, and at least the inner side in the width direction is fixed to the surface layer in the front part and the rear part near the excretion part-facing part. Absorbent article , not standing .

A liquid-permeable surface layer, a liquid-impermeable back layer, a liquid-retaining absorbent layer interposed between the two layers, and a leak-proof wall standing from the vicinity of the left and right side edges of the absorbent layer. In an absorbent article formed substantially vertically,
The absorbent article is a sanitary napkin or an incontinence pad having an excretion part facing part that faces the excretion part of the wearer when worn, and a front part and a rear part located in front and back thereof,
Each of the leak-proof walls has a planar elastic expansion / contraction portion in which a plurality of elastic members are arranged along the longitudinal direction, and each of the elastic expansion / contraction portions applies a contraction force on the outer side in the width direction to the inner side in the width direction. It is larger than the contraction force of, and is curved to be convex inward ,
Each of the leakage barriers stands at the excretory part-facing part, and at least the inner side in the width direction is fixed to the surface layer in the front part and the rear part near the excretion part-facing part. Absorbent article , not standing .

The elastic expansion and contraction portion is connected to the upper end portion of the base wall portion standing from the vicinity of the left and right side edges of the absorbent layer, and the inner and outer sides of the absorbent article from the upper end portion of the base wall portion. The absorptive article according to claim 1 or 2 constituted from an inward projecting part and an outward projecting part which project to each.

The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of the elastic members are arranged at intervals in each of the inwardly extending part and the outwardly extending part.